HPAC May/June 2012

CHANGES TO TAXATION RULES

ETHANOL HANDLING

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SERVICE VEHICLE REPORT Technology boosts value

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Left to right: Nuno D. (Stantec), Jerry L. (Uponor), Erik W. (Klimar), Brian M. (The Morgan Group), Kaveesh P. (HTS)

The Future Is At Uponor “enabling the environments we will create” is one of our values and goals.

It means that all our solutions provide you the flexibility, comfort and efficiency your clients deserve. We are proud that many of our partners within the marketplace share this ideal.

Partners like Nuno Duarte Practice Leader, at Stantec, or Kaveesh Padiachy, Ottawa Controls Manager at HTS Engineering Ltd. Both organizations stand as examples of companies which create progressive approaches to today’s building challenges. We strive to provide solutions to allow them to meet their goals,

Enabling and combine this with local support through partners like Brian Morgan, The Morgan Group and Erik Walesiak, Klimar Agency together with members of our team like Jerry Leyte, Commercial Business Development Manager, we look to enabling everyone to create better human environments, because at Uponor we provide Simply More.

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TENTS

MAY/JUNE 2012

VOL. 86 NO. 4

41 I n Pursuit Of Service Excellence HRAI plans a full schedule for its AGM.

44 W orkwear

and Safety Equipment

52 H ealth Canada Addresses Radon In Homes Guide presents an opportunity to move the HVAC profession out of the construction realm. BY ROBERT BEAN

54 I s Your Head In The Cloud(s)?

We have reached a point of decision as Cloud-based services now offer real choices.

BY MARK EVANS

58 T he Penny Drops The Canada Revenue Agency targets

18

long-standing loopholes in the 2012 federal budget. BY HANK BULMASH

Future Truck Technologies Target Fuel Economy

The newest technologies aim to help work vehicles boost their usefulness and reduce operating costs.

BY BILL ROEBUCK

26 E thanol Handling:

A Health & Safety Perspective A follow up to Cutts' April 2012 article focuses

Departments

6 8 46 48

Upfront Industry News Mechanical Supply News

61 Training 61 The Source 62 Calendar

People

on operators. BY MARISSA CUTTS

28 S elective Coverage

Follow Us On

Radiant panels do not have to cover an entire floor, wall, or ceiling.

Cover photo: Chrysler Group LLC

BY JOHN SIEGENTHALER

38 T he Digital Fix Maintain a consistent chilled water temperature during varying load conditions. BY DAVE DEMMA

40 2 012 MEET Show Recap HPACMAG.COM

PRODUCTS 36 HYDRONIC 42 HVAC/R 50 PLUMBING 56 GIZMOS & GADGETS

MAY/JUNE 2012 | HPAC

5

< UPFRONT TAKING US DOWN A PEG OR TWO THOSE OF YOU WHO FOLLOW HPAC MAGAZINE ON TWITTER

(@HPACMAG) may have read the tweets regarding Bill C-38: Winnipeg MP notes "we keep unearthing all these little treasures hidden deep in the bowels of Bill C-38" and "I am loath to have to admit to my children that the irreversible degradation of their planet..." Bill C-38 is the legislation that will allow the federal government to carry out its 2012 budget. What is remarkable is its size. At more than 400 pages, as opposed to the more traditional 75 pages or so, the document (referred to as the Trojan horse by its critics) has generated rather muted opposition and limited media coverage. I reviewed the Bill after reading Pat Martin's (Winnipeg Centre MP and journeyman carpenter) objections to the repeal of the Fair Wages and Hours of Labour Act. It is onerous, which explains why response and analysis has been spotty.

The Act in question can be found in Division 23 in the part IV of Bill C-38 (enough said). Lenore Duff, senior director, strategic policy and legislative reform, department of human resources and skills development, explained that the Act, which was enacted in 1935, stipulates that all persons employed by a contractor doing work on a federal government contract for construction, remodelling, repair, or demolition of any work, must be paid at least “fair wages", defined in the act as “wages as are generally accepted as current for competent workmen in the district in which the work is being performed.”

"I think the primary rationale for eliminating this is that it's duplicative.

There is provincial and territorial labour standards legislation applied to these workers," said Duff.

Considering that the federal government is among the largest consumers of construction services in Canada, frequently interprovincial projects, the implications are significant. To quote Diane Finley, minister of human resources and skills development: "...what we want is to continue to create jobs. Our government's priority is economic growth and job creation. For that, employers need to have workers with the necessary skills or their businesses will collapse."

Cutting wages, encouraging the hiring of temporary foreign workers, and denigrating Canadian skilled tradesmen will hardly encourage young people to become workers with the necessary skills. And that does not bode well for an industry that is already gasping for younger workers.

By the time you read this the deed may be done with surprisingly little fanfare, if the Speaker did not intervene and efforts to stall the omnibus bill failed.

Editor Perspectives www.thestar.com/news/canada/politics article/1203951-federal-budget-2012-canadiangovernment-plans-to-scrap-fair-wages-law http://albertaconstruction.net/?cat=29 www.ottawacitizen.com/business/Coyne+Tories+wage+repeal+Devious+Surely+ Unfair+Hardly/6717211/story.html

HPAC MAGAZINE 80 Valleybrook Drive, Toronto, ON M3B 2S9 TEL: 416.442.5600 FAX: 416.510.5140 www.hpacmag.com

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BIG MAGAZINES LP Corinne Lynds, EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Tim Dimopoulos, EXECUTIVE PUBLISHER Alex Papanou, VICE-PRESIDENT OF CANADIAN PUBLISHING Bruce Creighton, PRESIDENT OF BUSINESS INFORMATION GROUP

PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40069240, REGISTRATION NO. 10815 Heating Plumbing Air Conditioning (established 1925) is published 7 times per year

by BIG Magazines LP, a division of Glacier BIG Holdings Company Ltd. HPAC Magazine is the leading Canadian business publication for the owner/manager of mechanical contracting businesses and their supply partners.

ISSN: 0017-9418 Contents Copyright © 2012 by BIG Magazines LP, a division of Glacier BIG Holdings Company Ltd., may not be reprinted without permission.

SUBSCRIBER SERVICES: To subscribe, renew your subscription or to change your address or information please visit us at www.hpacmag.com.

Subscription Price per year: $40.00 CDN; Outside Canada per year: $80.00 US; Single copy Canada: $5.00 CDN. Heating Plumbing Air Conditioning is published 7 times per year except for occasional combined, expanded or premium issues, which count as two subscription issues.

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HPAC Magazine receives unsolicited materials (including letters to the editor, press releases, promotional items and images) from time to time. HPAC Magazine, its affiliates and assignees may use, reproduce, publish, re-publish, distribute, store and archive such unsolicited submissions in whole or in part in any form or medium whatsoever, without compensation of any sort.

NOTICE: HPAC Magazine, BIG Magazines LP, a division of Glacier BIG Holdings Company Ltd., their staff, officers, directors and shareholders (hence known as the “Publisher”) assume no liability, obligations, or responsibility for claims arising from advertised products. The Publisher also reserves the right to limit liability for editorial errors, omissions and oversights to a printed correction in a subsequent issue. HPAC Magazine’s editorial is written for management level mechanical industry personnel who have documented training in the mechanical fields in which they work. Manufacturers’ printed instructions, datasheets and notices always take precedence to published editorial statements.

We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund (CPF) for our publishing activities.

Proud member of:

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HPAC | MAY/JUNE 2012

HPACMAG.COM

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INDUSTRY NEWS

SEE THE LATEST HPAC E-NEWSLETTER @ HPACMAG.COM

UPDATE ON ONTARIO GEOTHERMAL REGULATIONS Ontario has strengthened its regulation of vertical closed loop drilling for geothermal energy systems.

The province now requires geothermal installers to: obtain provincial approval for vertical closed loop geothermal systems; consult with a certified geoscientist or engineer before drilling; and develop an emergency plan before drilling. The Ministry of the Environment (MOE) plans to consult with industry stakeholders on the new regulations in the coming months. The MOE will also conduct inspections to ensure installers are meeting safety standards.

Shortly after Ontario moved on the regulations, the Canadian GeoExchange Coalition (CGC) announced that it will offer a new geothermal quality program designation for geothermal loop installers. The CGC Loop Installer accreditation is valid for both residential and commercial installations. According to CGC, the course is meant to protect the integrity of both residential and commercial installations over time and to promote best ground water protection techniques.

“CGC Loop Installer accreditation within the CGC Global Quality GeoExchange Program is long overdue.

We have tried hard to introduce both ground water protection training and ground loop protection techniques for geothermal loop installers over the past six years. We are now in a position to introduce such

training and consequent accreditation and we are delighted about this,” said Denis Tanguay, CGC president & CEO. Geothermal has been under fire recently in Ontario – read more at www.hpacmag.com (see News: Oakville issues advisory note regarding geothermal installations).

According to the Canadian GeoExchange Coalition (CGC), more than 8800 geothermal systems have been installed in Ontario in the last four years. Approximately 15 per cent of the earth energy systems in Ontario are closed loop vertical. http://news.ontario.ca/ene/en/2012/05/ontario-setsnew-rules-for-geothermal-drilling.html

QUEBEC GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES $7-MILLION SOLAR PROGRAM The Government of Quebec has announced a program designed to support the installation of solar thermal and solar PV systems in buildings in the municipal, institutional, commercial, industrial and agricultural sectors.

The budget for the program is $7 million and it runs from March 27, 2012 to March 31, 2013. The projects have to be completed within a two-year time period, starting from the date of the agreement between Quebec’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Wildlife and the applicant. www.cansia.ca continued on page 10

CSC REPORT SHOWS HEAVY DEMAND FOR SKILLED TRADESPEOPLE FROM 2012-2020

Construction Looking Forward NATIONAL SUMMARY An Assessment of Construction Labour Markets from 2012 to 2020 PRODUCED BY THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR COUNCIL

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HPAC | MAY/JUNE 2012

The Construction Sector Council’s (CSC) national summary report, Construction Looking Forward, 2012-2020 Key Highlights, states that Canada will require approximately 319 000 new construction workers from 2012-2020, due to increased construction demand and expected retirements.

The forecast looks at a new aspect of the national competition for skilled workers that focuses on specialized labour markets created by increased demand for workers for resource projects, such as mining, oil and gas, pipelines, electrical generation and transmission.

Saskatchewan and Newfoundland and Labrador report very strong employment growth and that major resource projects will exhaust their available workforces for some skilled trades and occupations during peak times. Prince Edward Island, Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta and British Columbia follow the overall national pattern of recovery and expansion across the outlook period, with employment increasing as much as 20 per cent from 2012 to 2020 in some regions, while Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia are expected to experience more modest year-to-year growth. www.csc-ca.org www.constructionforecasts.ca HPACMAG.COM

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continued from page 8

ASHRAE AND NIST TEAM UP FOR REFRIGERANTS CONFERENCE IN OCTOBER ASHRAE has teamed with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to host a joint conference on refrigerants called “Moving Toward Sustainability,” which will take place from October 29-30 at the NIST Green Auditorium in Gaithersburg, MD. The purpose of the conference is to address international concerns regarding the impact of refrigerants on climate change. It will offer information on alternative refrigerants, as well as papers from global experts. www.ashrae.org/refrigerants2012

BILL 160 ON THE RADAR AT PARTNERS IN PREVENTION CONFERENCE George Gritziotis (above), chief prevention officer (CPO) and associate deputy minister, Ontario Ministry of Labour, spoke to a packed room of approximately 200 people during Health and Safety Ontario’s Partners in Prevention 2012 Health and Safety Conference and Trade Show in May in Mississauga, ON. Gritziotis offered an update on the work of the Prevention Office, discussed the key features of Bill 160 – including his role as CPO, the transfer of the prevention mandate to the MOL from the Workplace Safety Insurance Board (WSIB), and the establishing of a prevention council. www.labour.gov.on.ca

HRAI’S ORVIL L. DAVIE BURSARIES AWARDED The Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI) recently announced the recipients of the Orvil L. Davie Memorial Fund bursary. Josh Brawn of New Brunswick Community College in Fredericton, NB, and Nick Kostaniuk of the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology in Edmonton, AB, were both awarded $1000 bursaries. Brawn is scheduled to complete his certificate as a refrigeration and air conditioning technician in June 2012, while Kostaniuk is scheduled to complete his HVAC Specialist certificate in May 2013. www.hrai.ca

continued on page 12

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Getting Better all the time

Taco electronic controls have raised the bar yet again.

Behind the sleek new composite cover you’ll find a whole new generation of advanced technology - now made even simpler.

Taco’s new contractor-friendly electronic controls feature reliable premium factory sealed relays, low voltage circuits, plus a host of other smart refinements to simply make them better.

We’ve designed the interior to speak your language with industry standard nomenclature clearly marked out. Plus we’ve placed the LED lights right out front for quicker, easier diagnostics.

Visit www.floproteam.com to discover all the unique products and contractor advantages we offer.

TACO CANADA LTD. 8450 Lawson Road, Milton, ON L9T 0J8 Tel. 905-564-9422 Fax. 905-564-9436 www.floproteam.com

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FURNACE JOINT RECALL IN EFFECT

The Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada will host its 71st annual national conference titled, “3P’s to Success: Productivity, Profitability, Paradise,” at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa in Maui, HI, from November 12-15, 2012. Educational sessions will include topics such as: reducing labour composite rates by segregation of work, innovative technological tools for improving construction productivity, new opportunities for contractors and more. www.mcac.ca

CANADIANS CLEAN UP IN THE KITCHEN AT DESIGN COMPETITION Canadian students took three of the top four spots at the NKBA/GE Charette design competition. Nearly 400 students from 31 colleges participated in the competition, created to offer students an opportunity to demonstrate continued on page 14

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Health Canada, Unitary Products Group (UPG) of York International Corp. and the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (US CPSC) recently issued a joint recall for Coleman, Coleman Evcon and Red T brand furnaces.

The furnaces are silver in colour with white access panels and can be identified by brand name or by the model numbers listed on the nameplate (numbers available on Health Canada's website – Consumer Product Recalls).

According to the recall issued by Health Canada, the furnaces can overheat causing the heat exchanger to crack, burn through, and in extreme cases, cause furnace wrapper burn-through. Approximately 2373 of the recalled furnaces were sold in Canada between 1995 and November 2000. http://cpsr-rspc.hc-sc.gc.ca

Give your customers a smarter way to control their comfort.

Mitsubishi Electric Mr. Slim – now with RedLINK Technology ™

At Mitsubishi Electric, we believe smarter is better. That’s why our advanced Mr. Slim ducted/ductless systems are the only split systems in Canada powered by RedLINKTM Wireless Technology. Now your customers can control their heating and cooling system from anywhere in the house – wirelessly.

They can also maximize their comfort and reduce energy costs thanks to advanced features like dual-set points, simple programmable scheduling and optimal start.

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< INDUSTRY NEWS

continued from page 12

advanced skill in kitchen design by planning a safe, functional kitchen within a three-hour period.

Alicia Meeker, who studies at Vancouver Community College in Vancouver, BC, took home first place and a $5000 scholarship for her clean and classic kitchen with contemporary accents. Julie Arthurs of Lakeland College, located in Vermilion, AB, earned third place and a $3000 scholarship, while Lakeland College’s Rebecca Johnston earned fourth place and a $2500 scholarship. In other NKBA news, Canadian student Courtney Federspiel was awarded for her innovative design at the 2011-12 National Kitchen and Bath Association’s (NKBA) student design competition. Federspiel, who studies at Lakeland College, took third place in the bathroom design category. www.nkba.org

CHANGES TO SOLAR REBATES IN NOVA SCOTIA In Nova Scotia, solar rebates under Performance Plus and ecoENERGY/EnerGuide for Houses became unavailable as of April 1, 2012. Currently, there is only one solar rebate program available via the Efficiency Nova Scotia solar rebate program. The following rebates are offered province-wide: $1250 rebate for residential solar domestic water heating, $500 rebate for solar air heating and a 15 per cent rebate for commercial solar water and solar air systems. Residents participating in the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) Solar City program will have their applications submitted by HRM to Efficiency Nova Scotia. Anyone not participating in HRM Solar City needs to submit their pre-approval and rebate application forms directly to Efficiency Nova Scotia. www.efficiencyns.ca

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HPAC | MAY/JUNE 2012

Construct Canada will be held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre from November 28 to 30, 2012.

Take the opportunity to network with more than 23 000 industry professionals and check out the latest technologies at Canada’s largest construction and building design show. People interested in offering a seminar are welcome to submit a proposal. Submission deadline is July 6, 2012. www.constructcanada.com

MOE CLARIFIES CFC-BASED CHILLERS REGS Representatives of the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI) met with members of the Ontario Ministry of the Environment (MOE) in April to clarify the regulatory situation relating to the use of CFC-based chillers in Ontario. The MOE confirmed that the operation of CFC-based chillers was made illegal on January 1, 2012; however, HRAI has since learned that

HPACMAG.COM

the Ministry has granted certain owners of CFC-based chillers exemptions.

Contractors who come across a CFC chiller should assume it is in non-compliance until receiving verification of the exemption from the MOE. The Ministry also informed HRAI that contractors could be fined for the startup or maintenance of a CFC-based chiller under the terms of the regulation and the Ontario Environmental Protection Act. www.hrai.ca

CANADIAN SCHOOLS PICK UP ASHRAE GRANTS

RPA HIRES NEW DIRECTOR OF TECHNICAL SERVICES The Radiant Professionals Alliance (RPA) recently hired Michael Geagan as its director of technical services.

Geagan has 36 years of experience in the plumbing and radiant/hydronic industries. The RPA board of directors had five new officers appointed by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO).

The officers are: Mark Chaffee of Taco, Inc. (chairman), Ingrid Mattsson of Uponor (vice-chairman), Carol Fey of Carol Fey & Associates (recording secretary), Mike Dietrich of REHAU (treasurer) and Dorothy Biggs of Viega (immediate past chairman). All officers will serve a two-year term. www.radiantprofessionalsalliance.org

ASHRAE recently announced the recipients of its Senior Undergraduate Project grants. The organization awarded 22 grants to colleges and universities around the world, totalling $100 000. Students use the grants to design and conBETTER PERFORMANCE WITH BOMA BEST struct various projects related to HVAC/R. Canadian The Building Owners and Managers Association of Canada projects include: the measurement of indoor air/environ(BOMA Canada) released its third annual BOMA BESt mental quality in arctic housing and university campus Energy and Environmental Report (BBEER). The report buildings by Carleton University in Ottawa, ON; an underreviewed energy and environmental performance data for graduate boiler performance laboratory in Edmonton, AB; 415 buildings, all of which were assessed and certified and an underwater compressed air energy storage system using the BOMA BESt framework between January 1, 2011 model at the University of Windsor in Windsor, ON. and December 31, 2011. The report states that energy conwww.ashrae.org for the buildings is 16 per cent less than the 24112_BWC_SolarAD_HALF_resize_Layout 1 5/19/11 10:22 AM Pagesumption 1 continued on page 17

Bradford White Solar Water Heating Solutions - the most comprehensive and innovative line-up you’ll find anywhere. Our 32 eco-friendly solar water heating models are available in seven different configurations including: ®

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Get more from your HVAC/R machines Specifically designed for HVAC/R applications, Modicon™ M168 logic controllers provide optimum control, improved performance, and increased energy efficiency. This simple-to-use offer is based on two types of logic controllers: parametric controllers, which are preprogrammed and ready to use, and programmable controllers for customised control solutions. Easily integrate HVAC/R machines into your building management systems with communication modules such as BACnet® IP/WEB, BACnet MB/TP, Modbus® TCP/WEB, LONWorks®, and KNX®.

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continued from page 15

national average, using 30.8 equivalent kilowatt-hours per square foot per year (ekWh/ft•/yr), versus the national average of 36.65 ekWh/ft•/yr, according to Natural Resources Canada’s Office of Energy Efficiency (OEE). www.bomabest.com/wp-content/uploads/BBEER-2011FINAL.pdf

CIPHEX WEST 2012 The CIPHEX West 2012 trade show will take place on November 7-8 at the Vancouver Convention Centre in Vancouver, B.C. The focus for this year’s show is sustainability, innovation and new technology.

This year’s event is expected to host more than 200 exhibitors with 30 000 sq. ft. of new products and technologies from manufacturers in Canada, the United States and overseas. Approximately 3000 industry members from across Western Canada are expected to attend.

CLIPS >> ASHRAE has launched ASHRAEwiki, a terminology site designed to offer common definitions for terms used in ASHRAE standards and other publications. The new site is free and has more than 6000 terms related to buildings, with its main focus on mechanical, envelope, electrical, lighting, load calculations, design, water design/conservation and energy use and measurement metrics. The website also has the ability to create custom reports of terms and primary definitions to assist in the development of standards, guidelines, handbooks and other ASHRAE publications. ASHRAEwiki replaces proposed ASHRAE Standard, Standard 166P, which was designed to offer uniform terminology for use in the HVAC/R industry. www.ashraewiki.org

< INDUSTRY NEWS

HPAC columnist and Radiant Professionals Alliance hall-of-famer John Siegenthaler will be presenting two three-hour workshops on hydronics for low energy and net zero houses, and hydronically-enhanced heat pump systems. Siegenthaler has more than 30 years of experience designing modern hydronic heating systems.

Trade show schedule Wednesday, November 7: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Thursday, November 8: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Advanced registration for the trade show and Siegenthaler’s workshops is now open. www.ciphexwest.ca.

Follow Us On

@hpacmag

before August 24, 2012 at noon. Contest is limited to one entry per person. In other RMC news, the organization has launched a Facebook page, which offers viewers updates about the industry and the environment.

www.refrigerantmanagement.ca/therightwholesaler.php >> The Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating (CIPH) recently launched its new website, Because Water Matters, designed to help educate Canadians about the vital role plumbing plays in water conservation. It will also highlight trends and technologies within the plumbing industry. http://ciph.com/becausewatermatters >> Interested in checking out a city or town’s solar capabili-

>> Hazel Farley was recently named executive director for the Canada Green Building Council’s Greater Toronto Chapter. Farley previously worked as a member of Green Roofs for Healthy Cities’ (GRHC) senior management team, based out of Toronto, ON, and led the development of GRHC’s accredited Green Roof Professional (GRP) designation. www.greenbuildingontario.ca

ties? Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) has set up interactive maps and a database of photovoltaic potential and solar resources for Canadian municipalities. The Canadian Forestry Service developed the maps in collaboration with the CanmetENERGY Photovoltaic systems group.

http://pv.nrcan.gc.ca >> The Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute

>> Refrigerant Management Canada (RMC) is looking for HVAC/R contractors to participate in its “The Right Wholesaler Survey and Contest” for a chance to win an iPad2 and other prizes. Entrants must fill out the survey HPACMAG.COM

(HRAI) has launched a consumer awareness campaign about the hazards of using hydrocarbon refrigerant “Do-It-Yourself” (DIY) kits for air conditioning systems.

www.hrai.ca MAY/JUNE 2012 | HPAC

17

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FUTURE TRUCK TECHNOLOGIES

Target Fuel Economy

THE NEWEST TECHNOLOGIES AIM TO HELP WORK VEHICLES BOOST THEIR USEFULNESS AND REDUCE OPERATING COSTS. BY BILL ROEBUCK

I

t looks like the battle of the future for work truck builders will focus less on brute strength and more on technological and fuel-saving innovations. The most significant of the new technologies won’t be introduced in earnest until the 2013 or 2014 models come out, although 2012 models are starting the trend.

Over the next two to three years, we will see more gasmileage-boosting direct fuel injection and improved diesel setups, smoother body designs for less wind resistance, efficient electric steering instead of hydraulic steering pumps, weight reduction using high-strength steels and unique alloys, and more efficient and powerful turbocharged V6 engines to replace fuel-hungry V8s.

It is significant that almost everybody these days wants better fuel economy from their work trucks – but not fewer capabilities.

The fuel economy of its service vehicles is one of the biggest concerns for J&A Heating and Plumbing in Saskatoon, SK. The residential and light commercial HVAC contractor is a member of the SaskEnergy network and is a Lennox Premier Dealer. The company has a dozen work trucks on the 18

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road, says Della Janzen, office manager. They are all Fords, ranging in age from 2002 to 2012 models. Most are E-Series cargo vans, with a couple of F-150 pickup trucks in the mix.

Janzen monitors all of the fleet’s expenses, saying the contractor uses a local garage for maintenance. “We get rid of them when they start costing more than they are worth, but all are working pretty well now,” she says. Janzen notes with some surprise that the fuel economy of the newest models does not seem to be any better than the older ones, so the promise of better fuel economy in upcoming models is of keen interest.

Fluid Management Technologies Inc. in Whitehorse, YK, supplies industrial and mining equipment, and specializes in septic and water purification systems. As a result, says manager Bernie Foster, “we’re packing fairly heavy loads.” The company uses a half dozen heavy-duty flatbed trucks – a mix of Chevrolet and Dodge in three-quarter and one-ton sizes.

They range from 2008 to 2011 models.

Generally, they are driven on paved roads around Whitehorse, but Foster says they occasionally have to go into mining camps. “That’s detrimental to the fleet; it’s really hard as far as maintenance is concerned.

“We’re looking for payload and cargo capacity, but there’s a plus-plus when it comes to fuel economy.” The Cummins diesels in the Dodge trucks give better fuel economy over time, he has noticed. But Foster has reservations about the future trend to using lighter metals. It is a concern that “they HPACMAG.COM

< 2012 SERVICE VEHICLE REPORT won’t support the weights we’re used to carrying,” he says.

“The manufacturers really need to understand how we use their vehicles.”

2012 Work Trucks Innovation Highlights FORD Ford says its 2013 Ford F-Series Super Duty will bring nocompromise truck luxury to the market with its first-ever Platinum heavy-duty pickup. Standard features will include a truck-specific version of Ford SYNC with MyFord Touch, navigation, a rear view camera, a remote start system, powertelescoping mirrors and power-adjustable pedals. The truck version of MyFord Touch provides tactile button controls and large rotating knobs to accommodate users wearing work gloves.

For 2012, the standard full-size Ford F-150 pickup has several new technologies and driveline upgrades. They include the addition of Hill Start Assist, a new automatic 4x4 system for the Lariat trim level and above, and expanded availability of electronic locking rear axles on 3.5-L and 5.0-L engines. It is now available in a range of axle ratios, and is offered on 4x4 and 4x2 models.

The previous model’s electronic shift-on-the-fly has been replaced with a two-speed automatic 4x4 system for Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum trim levels. If the truck senses a loss of traction, it immediately transfers torque from the rear to the front wheels.

Ford’s entire full-size pickup line now has six-speed automatic transmissions as standard. For the fuel-frugal driver, there is an impressive 3.5-L EcoBoost V6 producing 365 hp

and 420 lb.-ft. of torque, with 11 300 lb. of trailer towing capacity. As Ford boasts, you get V8-like power with a fuel-efficient, turbocharged V6. The 2012 F-Series Super Duty’s standard 6.2-L V8 gas engine has 15 per cent better fuel economy compared with the previous engine and produces 405 lb.-ft. of torque and 385 hp. It is capable of running on E85 ethanol. New for 2012 is a compressed natural gas/propane prep engine option.

To save weight, the hood is made from lightweight material. But by the 2014 model year, the F150 is expected to feature extensive use of aluminum body panels, doors and fenders. Other lighter components will be introduced as part of a long-term goal of cutting over 300 kg from the vehicle’s weight by 2019.

Ford claims the E-Series – 2012 marks its 50th anniversary – is the smartest full-size van on the market, offering the SYNC voice-activated communications and Crew Chief fleet management technology. For the 2014 model year, it is

The 2013 F-Series Super Duty with MyFord Touch. An eight-inch, high-resolution touch screen display gives drivers easy access to phone, climate control, entertainment and navigation features along with a dramatically expanded voice control vocabulary.

Photos: Ford Motor Company and Wieck Media Services Inc.

2012 marks the 50th anniversary of Ford's E-series.

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< 2012 SERVICE VEHICLE REPORT

The Nissan NV200 Compact Cargo Van, which made its North American debut at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show, is set to join the growing lineup of Nissan Commercial Vehicles in early 2013.

likely the E-Series will be replaced by a version of Ford Europe’s Transit van.

GENERAL MOTORS Two marques from General Motors, the Chevrolet Silverado and the GMC Sierra, make up its line of full-size pickups.

Both are nearly identical mechanically, with trim levels and options varying slightly between the two.

We won’t get to see the new iterations of them until the 2014 models are launched in mid-2013. They are expected to feature a new V8 engine boasting direct injection and cylinder deactivation to save fuel. GM is also said to be working on an eight-speed transmission.

For 2013, Chevrolet and GMC will offer bi-fuel Silverado and Sierra 2500 HD extended cab pickups, which will be available early next year. They will use a compressed natural gas (CNG) capable Vortec 6.0-L V8 engine that seamlessly The 2013 bi-fuel Chevrolet Silverado HD includes a compressed natural gas (CNG) capable engine that transitions between CNG and gas fuel systems. Combined, the truck offers a range of more than 650 miles.

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transitions between CNG and gasoline fuel systems. The trucks are expected to offer a range of more than 1000 km.

The current 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 lineup is wide-ranging, offering everything from job-ready Work Truck models to a luxurious Sierra Denali. The full line has six-speed automatic transmissions. GM also boasts the only hybrid pickup on the market, which is rated at 8.4 L/100 km on the highway, yet it still offers a 6100-lb. trailering capacity. New technologies for 2012 are electronic trailer sway control and hill start assist.

Also available is the Heavy Duty lineup. There are 10 Sierra 2500HD models, eight 3500HD models and six Sierra Denali HD models. In the HD lineup, hitch-trailering capacity ranges up to 18 000 lb., with towing capability up to 23 000 lb.

Maximum payload is up to 7215 lb.

GM’s cargo vans, the Chevrolet Express and the GMC Savana, are mostly carryovers for 2012. Minor improvements are expected for the 2013 models, with the addition of navigation, a rear vision camera and rear park assist.

MERCEDES-BENZ The 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has as much as 600 cu. ft. of cargo space and up to 84.3 in. of interior height in its largest configuration. Its cargo capacity ranges up to 5375 lb. and the towing capability runs up to 7500 lb. The Sprinter comes in two wheelbase versions and is available in three lengths. The van is also available with three different roof heights. In fact, there are around 1000 combinations of wheelbases, heights, weights and engine variants possible.

Power is from a 188-hp V6 turbodiesel mated to a five-speed automatic transmission.

The 2012 models get a bit more standard equipment, including heated and powered side mirrors and a trailer hitch prep package. A new, optional, long axle is available in the 2500 models, providing more torque, and a Crew Van packHPACMAG.COM

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2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter with heated, powered side mirrors as standard equipment.

age is now available on all cargo configurations. The next iteration of the Sprinter wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be until the 2014 model year, when the body will receive a facelift, and may include a four-cylinder twin-turbo diesel engine.

NISSAN The 2012 Nissan Titan is offered in King Cab and Crew Cab body styles with a choice of 4x4 and 4x2 drive configurations, along with two wheelbases and two bed lengths. The model is expected to be totally revamped for the 2014 model year â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a decade after the original was launched.

There are four trim levels in the Titan lineup. Both 2WD and 4WD drivetrains are available. On its 4WD models, Titan has an advanced shift-on-the-fly system. The maximum towing capacity is up to 9500 lb. for the King Cab version.

The engine is a 5.6-L V8 rated at 317 hp and 385 lb.-ft. of torque, mated to a standard five-speed automatic that has tow/haul modes.

Nissan Canada is now offering the Nissan Commercial Advantage Program on its 2012 Nissan NV commercial van.

The offers include two no-charge commercial upfit packages and installation from Adrian Steel.

Available on both the Standard and High Roof Van is a Cargo Management System, providing a steel cabin/cargo partition, HPACMAG.COM

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< 2012 SERVICE VEHICLE REPORT three shelving units, rail-mounted installation for easy reconfiguration and a four-hook bar for hanging storage. The second option is a Utility Package, providing the convenience of carrying cargo and ladders with a steel cabin/cargo partition and utility rack. The third option is a commercial rebate of $1000.

The 2013 Ram 1500 features standard low-rolling-resistance tires to minimize wasted energy and decrease required rolling effort, resulting in greater fuel efficiency.

The NV is available in three models, the NV1500, NV2500 and NV3500. All are available with the Standard Roof, while the High Roof body is offered in the NV2500 and NV3500 models. Two engines are offered – a 4.0-L V6 or a 5.6-L V8; both are matched to a five-speed automatic.

The High Roof version provides a maximum 76.5-in. of cargo room height – enough for most users to stand up straight. The standard height version has 234 cu. ft., while the high-roof model offers 323 cu. ft.

Nissan will also introduce its new NV200 Compact Cargo Van in early 2013, with a cargo capacity of 123 cu. ft.

It is powered by a 2.0-L, four-cylinder engine. Available technology includes a Nissan Navigation System, Bluetooth wireless communications, a rear view monitor and telematics pre-wiring.

RAM Chrysler’s Ram 1500 will be significantly refreshed for the 2013 model year and the truck’s engineers have truly embraced the latest available technology. It will include many technologies that have never been offered on pickup trucks before. Among them are an eight-speed automatic transmission and engine stop-start (the engine shuts down when you come to a stop and restarts when the brake is released). It will also have electric power steering.

The design has been smoothed out, resulting in a six per cent aerodynamic improvement. An auto-adjusting air sus­­ pension can lower the ride height automatically while travelling or can be manually set to one of five heights.

A newly redesigned frame benefits from a weight reduction of up to 30 lb. by using advanced high-strength steels.

Aluminum upper and lower control arms in the front suspension contribute to additional weight reduction. The Ram 1500 also features an aluminum hood, saving another 26 lb.

Also, a new 3.6-L V6 engine will boast more horsepower and torque than the existing 3.7-L model, while reducing fuel consumption by around 20 per cent. A similar improvement is also expected from Ram’s V8 engines thanks to the use of the eight-speed continued on page 24 22

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automatic, versus the current four-speed. Another new technology, available with the eight-speed transmission, is a thermal management system that is designed to quickly raise engine and transmission fluid temperatures.

With it, losses resulting from high-viscosity engine oil and transmission fluid can be reduced, improving fuel efficiency by 1.7 per cent.

The eight-speed transmission created the need for an innovative rotary e-shift dial in the cockpit to replace the centre console gate shifter – a first for pickups.

Pulse-width modulation (PWM) is another new fuel-saving technology that reduces parasitic electrical load. It not only eliminates unnecessary load on the alternator but also improves the durability of benefitting systems. Fuel delivery and the forward cooling fan are two systems that take advantage of PWM. Voice recognition and touch-screen technologies will also be available for the driver. A Uconnect Media Center will provide a built-in cellular connection with Internet and WiFi hotspot capability. Drivers can remotely lock or unlock truck doors, start the vehicle, and flash lights from any distance via the web or a smartphone application.

For 2012, there are 11 Ram 1500 models. A new Trades­man HD model has an 11 500-lb. maximum trailer rating, 3100-lb. payload and 17 500-lb. gross combined weight rating.

The 2012 Ram 1500 provides more than 30 safety features, including Hill Start Assist and Trailer Sway Control.

This year, the truck’s 5.7-L HEMI V8 gets more horsepower (390 hp) and torque (407 lb.-ft.). Also available is a flex-fuelcapable 4.7-L V8 and a 3.7-L V6.

The 2012 Ram 2500/3500 Heavy Duty lineup gets a new six-speed automatic transmission that can be mated to a choice of diesel- and gasoline-fuelled powerplants. The HD models are available in eight trim levels.

On the cargo van front, Chrysler no longer has a full-size version – only offering the Ram C/V, basically a Dodge Caravan minivan without rear seating and with the cargo area side and rear windows blocked out. However, Chrysler is expected to introduce a version of the Fiat Ducato – a large panel van similar to the Mercedes Sprinter – to the North American market for 2013, calling it the Ram Cargo Van.

TOYOTA Around the middle of 2013, Toyota is expected to release its 2014 Tundra, which likely will have a more aerodynamic design and a new interior, but probably no new engines. It is expected that Toyota will use direct injection technology with its 5.7-L V8, though.

For the current 2012 models, the Tundra full-size pickup 24

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The Tundra provides three engine choices, a 270-hp 4.0-L V6, a 310-hp 4.6-L V8 and a 5.7-L V8 with 381 hp.

offers simplified option package selections, as well as various appearance enhancements in its models. The Limited grade and TRD Rock Warrior package now include a standard back-up camera for 2012.

For 2012, all Tundras have as standard a heavy-duty battery; a heavy-duty starter; windshield wiper de-icer; and heated, power outside mirrors; along with newly styled steel wheels.

The 2012 Tundra is offered in two grades (Tundra and Limited), three cab styles, three wheelbase lengths and three bed lengths. A Tundra Work Truck Package is aimed at those who need a no-frills truck. At the opposite end of the spectrum, the Platinum Package, available for the Tundra CrewMax Limited model, offers numerous luxury features.

The V6 is paired with a five-speed automatic transmission with uphill/downhill shift logic. Both V8s are teamed with a six-speed automatic. A warming unit quickly brings the transmission fluid up to operating temperature to optimize coldweather performance.

Inside, large door handles and easy-to-turn control knobs can be operated even while wearing work gloves. The centre console in bucket-seat models can hold a laptop computer or hanging file folders.

As you can see, options abound when it comes to choosing the right pickup for your needs and the future is certainly looking brighter in regards to fuel economy and innovative technologies. <> Bill Roebuck is a voting member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC).

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< GEOTHERMAL

Ethanol Handling: A Health & Safety Perspective This follow up article to Part 1 in HPAC April 2012 discusses operator responsibility.

BY MARISSA CUTTS

When transferring ethanol from one container to another, no matter what the strength they are some basic rules: 1. Always work outside so there is not an accumulation of 26

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fumes (these can be flammable and ignite). Ethanol vapours are heavier than air and will accumulate in a basement or other area with inadequate ventilation.

2. Only use approved pumps for transferring product.

3. Use good bonding and grounding practices when transferring product.

4. Always have a fire extinguisher close at hand.

5. Do not smoke when working with, or around others working with ethanol blends.

To transfer product you need to first ground the container you are pouring from (clamp from container to ground rod) and then bond (attach the receiving container to the container you are pouring from). This will prevent the buildup of dangerous static electricity to transfer to the product. Always pour slowly and use approved hand pumps for flammable liquids. All containers should be securely closed when not in use (see Figure 1).

The container you are taking the product from and the container you are putting the product into both need to have proper WHMIS labels (easy to spot by the hash mark border). This way you know what is in the container you are

Figure 1

Transfer Pump Screw Clamp Ground To Pipe

Hose

Safety Can Bond Wire

Solvent Drums

Spring Clamp HPACMAG.COM

Figure: Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety www.ccohs.ca

A

s operators there are some very important things you should know about working with ethanol blends.

Some of you may have many years of experience with these products and do things because you were trained to, but do not understand why. Others may just be starting out. Whether you are new to handling Ethanol blends or an old hand at it, a review of practices can only serve to make you work safer.

What are Ethanol blends? Ethanol blends are the liquids used in geothermal systems (often called loop juice).

Although this liquid is safe in a closed loop, it can be dangerous to work with if best practices are not followed. Best practices have been established by the Canadian GeoExchange Coalition (CGC) and the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI) with the input of operators and manufacturers.

There are some easy steps you can follow to make sure you are safe: 1. K now the risk of the product you are working with.

2. Follow the safety procedures and rules.

3. K now what to do if things go wrong.

Ethanol blends are flammable and can ignite from either a direct spark or from static electricity (energy passed from one object to another).

Note: This product remains flammable even after diluted with water.

1. Do not smoke when working with, or around others working with ethanol blends.

2. Do not use ethanol blends around people who are welding or working with open flames.

3. Work lights need to be LED and not incandescent bulbs (most reported incidents of ethanol fires are from an incandescent bulb breaking in spilt ethanol).

4. Always have a fire extinguisher close at hand.

Cool Products for Hot Temperatures taking from, and the next person knows what is in the container you filled.

Skin and eye contact with ethanol, both over a long period of time or in a single large occurrence can cause irritation. Always protect yourself by wearing long sleeves and long pants (yes, even when it is hot outside). You also need to wear chemical resistant gloves and splash goggles that will protect your eyes. Do not forget your steel toed boots as dropping heavy equipment, including pails and drums can occur.

Although ethanol is alcohol based, this product is not consumable–do not drink it! Most reported cases of ingestion are not accidental. Ethanol blends contain additives that are included to make it unpleasant to consume.

Your company will have detailed emergency procedures, or the client may have rules for the site that you are working at. In addition to these, here are some things that will help you be prepared if something were to happen: 1. K now where you are working, so if you need to call emergency services you can give them the job site address.

2. K now where there is a supply of fresh water, that way if you get product on your skin or in your eyes, you can get to water quickly and wash it off.

3. Have a fire extinguisher close at hand when you are working with a blend (and know how to use it safely).

Without going into too much detail, here are some other areas you need to be aware of and can discuss with your employer: 1. Location of MSDS for the chemicals you work with.

2. How to report hazards and damaged equipment.

3. If you have to transport ethanol blends, do you need TDG training?

The most important thing you can do as an operator is to follow the procedures as you have been trained and observe all safety rules. Every company has rules. Most were put into place after an incident as a method of preventing it from happening again, some were put into place to meet legal requirements, but none are just arbitrary. By understanding this and knowing the whys behind the rules, you will be able to consciously choose to work safer. <> Marissa Cutts is the administrative manager at Anchem Sales and is responsible for Regulatory Compliance and Health & Safety. She has delivered ethanol handling training to over 200 operators from across Canada. She was a member of the CGC HRAI joint committee that developed the “Standard Operating Procedure for Handling Ethanol.”

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< HYDRONICS

Selective Coverage

Radiant panels do not have to cover an entire floor, wall, or ceiling.

R

adiant panel heating has matured from being the darling of the hydronics industry in the 1990s, into a respected technology that can provide excellent comfort in a wide range of applications.

Any of you reading this article have probably designed, and/or installed several radiant panel systems. In many cases, those systems involved covering an entire floor area with some type of radiant panel construction detail: slab-ongrade, thin-slab, tube and plate, etc. This has become standard practice in the industry and works well when radiant floor heating is installed in houses with average heating loads. However, as the design heating load per unit of floor area decreases, so does the average floor surface temperature. In very well insulated houses, the average floor surface temperature may only be a few degrees above the room air temperature. The reason is that the floor does not need to

BY JOHN SIEGENTHALER

get any warmer in order to satisfy the heating load as determined by the setting of the room’s thermostat. Forcing the floor to operate at higher temperatures would quickly overheat the space, and probably lead to energy waste in the form of open windows.

From the standpoint of thermal efficiency of the heat source, lower surface temperatures are not a problem. Heat sources such as condensing boilers, hydronic heat pumps and solar thermal subsystems will all operate at high efficiency in combination with low water temperatures.

Remember that the lower the water temperature is, the higher the heat source efficiency.

The “problem” is that the owner’s reasonable expectation of warm floors may not be realized. And as most of you can appreciate, unfulfilled customer expectations are a problem, even when the heating system is working at peak efficiency.

“FORCING THE FLOOR TO OPERATE AT HIGHER TEMPERATURES WOULD QUICKLY OVERHEAT THE SPACE, AND PROBABLY LEAD TO ENERGY WASTE IN THE FORM OF OPEN WINDOWS.”

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WHEN LESS IS MORE There are several alternatives that provide a reasonable balance between heat source efficiency and the owner’s desire for warm surfaces. One is to make the surface area of the radiant panel smaller by not covering the entire floor area with tubing.

For example: Imagine a room with a design heating load of 3000 Btuh, and a corresponding indoor temperature of 70F. The room measures 20 feet by 30 feet. If the entire floor area is covered with radiant panel, the upward heat flux requirement at design load would be: Formula 1

The average floor surface temperature can be estimated using Formula 2.

Formula 2

Where: Ts = average floor surface temperature (ºF) q = upward heat flux (Btuh/ft2) Tair = room air temperature (ºF) Thus, for the stated example:

A floor surface at 75F surface will feel slightly cool to the touch of this hand, even though that floor is releasing sufficient heat to maintain the room at 70F. Figure 2 shows an infrared thermograph of a radiantly heated floor – you can easily see the embedded tubing.

After the hand of Figure 1 was pressed against the floor for a few seconds, it clearly shows the residual heat absorbed from the hand into the floor.

Also keep in mind that the 75F average floor surface temperature only exists on a design day, when outside temperatures are at or close to their lowest values. This average floor surface temperature will be even lower under partial load conditions.

The issue now becomes one of customer expectation. If the customer was informed that the floors would not feel warm, even though interior setpoint temperature would still be maintained, and if they understood and agreed to this operating condition, there should not be any unfulfilled expectations. However, if the customer cannot get their brain past all those cozy barefoot advertisements for radiant floor heating and still expects warm floors regardless of load, the result is likely to be serious disappointment.

The retort “but I paid for warm floors…” will surely be heard and your prospects for a good customer relationship are headed south. The fact that the modulating/condensing boiler you just installed is operating at 97 per cent rather than 92 per cent thermal efficiency is probably not going to smooth things over.

RADIANT REMEDIES This temperature is a few degrees lower than the normal skin temperature for hands and feet. The infrared thermograph of a normal (thermally comfortable) hand in Figure 1 shows fingertip temperatures in the low to mid 80s.

If the size of the radiant panel in the previous example were cut in half, the necessary upward heat flux would change from 10 to 20 Btuh/ft2. This would bring the average floor

Figure 1

Figure 2

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surface temperature on a design day from 75F up to 80F. Although still a tad low, such a temperature may appease those looking for barefoot-friendly floors. Reducing the panel area to one third of the roomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s floor area would boost the average floor surface temperature to about 85F, a recommended maximum for floors in which there is prolonged foot contact.

The concept of not covering the entire floor area with tubing was common in the days when copper tubing was used for radiant floor heating installations. Each radiant panel was sized to the room load assuming a specific upward heat flux and specified supply water temperature.

A room with half the load of another would get half as many square feet of panel area. Assuming floor coverings of comparable R-value, this approach allows the system to work with a single supply water temperature and eliminates multiple mixing devices. continued on page 32

Figure 3

Figure 3a

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“SINCE OCCUPANTS DO NOT REST THEIR FEET ON THEM, RADIANT WALL AND CEILING PANELS ARE NOT CONSTRAINED TO A MAXIMUM AVERAGE SURFACE TEMPERATURE OF 85F.”

I used this approach when designing the floor heating system in my own house in 1979. Figure 3 and 3a show images of the floor heating panel in our dining area. The panel was constructed using 3/8 -inch copper tubing because PEX tubing was not available in North America at the time. We installed the radiant panel under the eventual location of the dining table, right where feet rest on the floor. It feels great on a cold winter morning.

OTHER OPTIONS Another approach is radiant wall or ceiling heating. Since occupants do not rest their feet on them, radiant wall and ceiling panels are not constrained to a maximum average surface temperature of 85F. Instead, a practical surface temperature limitation for a gypsum surface is about 120F. This temperature limit is based on avoidance of long-term degradation of drywall joint compound. The heat output of a radiant wall can be estimated using Formula 3.

Formula 3

Formula 4

The variables in both these formulas are as follows: q = outward heat flux (Btuh/ft2) Ts = average surface temperature (ºF) Tr = average room air temperature (ºF) Formula 3 implies that a radiant wall with an average surface temperature of 100F, releasing heat into a 70F room, would yield an output of: 1.8 x (100-70)=54 Btuh/ ft 2. A radiant ceiling operating under the same conditions would yield 1.6 x (100-70)=48 Btuh/ft 2. These are both significantly higher than what is possible with floor heating assuming the latter is constrained to an average surface temperature of no more than 85F based on physiological comfort. At 85F average surface temperature, a heated floor releases about 30 Btuh/ft 2 into a room with an air temperature of 70F. The higher outputs associated with radiant wall and ceiling surfaces imply that smaller panel areas are possible. Smaller panels mean less materials and lower installation cost.

The heat output of a radiant ceiling can be estimated using Formula 4.

continued on page 34

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< HYDRONICS

continued from page 32

WATCH THE WATER TEMPERATURES If you are designing radiant panels for very well insulated buildings there is a good chance that a high efficiency hydronic heat source will also be used. The thermal efficiency of condensing boilers, solar thermal collectors and hydronic heat pumps is dependent on the water temperature at which the heat distribution system operates. The lower the better.

My suggestion is to select and size the heat emitter so that Figure 4

the supply water temperature does not exceed 120F on a design day. This temperature is attainable by all of the aforementioned heat sources, and allows a reasonable compromise between surface area, surface temperature and heat source efficiency.

The radiant wall construction shown in Figure 4 has proven to be a good performer on the basis of heat output versus water temperature. Its output can be estimated using Formula 5.

Formula 5

wooden nailer (@ end of wall)

Figure 5

Where: q = heat output of wall (Btuh/ft2) Twater = average water temperature in wall panel (ºF) Troom = room air temperature (ºF) Figure 5 shows this type of radiant wall during operation.

The upper image is what your eyes see. The lower image is what a thermographic camera sees. Notice how well the aluminum heat transfer plates are dispersing heat away from the tubing. The greenish/yellow stripes are two-inch wide areas between these aluminum plates.

If you were to use the same construction shown in Figure 4 for a radiant ceiling, the panel’s heat output can be estimated using Formula 6: Formula 6:

Where: q = heat output of wall (Btuh/ft2) Twater = average water temperature in ceiling panel (ºF) Troom = room air temperature (ºF)

DISCUSS, DESIGN, DELIVER It is hard to overestimate the importance of warm surfaces in conveying physical, as well as psychological comfort. This basic human need can be balanced with the desire for low energy use and high equipment efficiency by using smaller radiant panels. As you plan future systems for very energy efficient homes, be sure to have a conversation on these tradeoffs so customer expectations will be met. <> John Siegenthaler, P.E. is the author of Modern Hydronic Heating (the third edition of this book is now available). For reference information and software to assist in hydronic system design visit www.hydronicpros.com.

34

HPAC | MAY/JUNE 2012

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It’s more than just our incredible selection of leading brands and over 1.5 million square feet of warehouse space. It’s more than just our growing branch network, 50+ so far, and our expanding delivery service. It’s even more than our 98% fill rate. Customers choose us because they know…

Noble will do what it takes – whatever it takes – to get our customers the parts, equipment and supplies they need. that’s the noble difference.

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MAY/JUNE 2012 | HPAC

35

HYDRONIC PRODUCTS RESOL’s DeltaSol BX Plus system controller for solar thermal and heating systems has five relay outputs and numerous sensor inputs. It can control systems with up to four solar tanks. It has connections for digital Grundfos Direct Sensors, PWM outputs, an input for a CS10 irradiation sensor and an integrated SD memory card slot. Additional accessories include up to two EM extension modules that can be connected via the RESOL VBus. www.resol.com

WaterFurnace International, Inc.’s 5 Series 502W12 high temperature hydronic heat pump

The Hydronics Design

is designed for 150F water output and can

Studio – Profes-

be installed between floor joists. It features

sional Version

two high-efficiency Copeland Scroll compres-

2.00 is Win-

sors and uses compressor blankets, double-

dows-based

isolation mounting plates and a discharge

software that

muffler for quieter operation. Two brazed plate

Hydronics Design Studio Professional Version 2.00 Design Software for Hydronic Heating Pros

For Microsoft Windows® , XP, Vista, 7! !

User manual requires!

Adobe® Acrobat® 3.0 ! or higher

For sales and support visit our website at www.hydronicpros.com

ppropriate

esign

© Copyright 2011!

by Mario Restive & John Siegenthaler ! all rights reserved!

helps

heat exchangers offer increased efficiency.

analyze Caleffi’s Dirtcal and Discal brass body sepa-

The heat pump comes equipped with FX10

hydraulic performance

rators for vertical piping are designed for

controls, IntelliStart optional soft starter, and a

of hydronic heating systems. The software

mod-con boilers replacing conventional boil-

field switchable control box. The cabinet, which

consists of 12 modules for a variety of tasks,

ers. Dirtcal dirt separators are designed to re-

has a professional grade finish for long-lasting

including: heating load analysis, series base-

move particles as small as five microns, while

protection, is fully insulated with cleanable,

board circuit analysis, piping heat loss esti-

the vertical Discal air separator continuously

foil-backed insulation. Waterlines can face

mating, expansion tank sizing, radiant circuit

removes the air contained in hydronic circuits.

front or back.

analysis, fuel cost comparisons, injection

They automatically remove air present in

www.waterfurnace.com

mixing calculations and buffer tank sizing.

the system down to micro-bubble level with

Several modules access extensive internal

low head loss. The Dirtcal and Discal sepa-

databases of current hydronic components,

rators are available in ¾-in. and 1-in. sizes

such as piping, circulators, baseboard, fluids

with sweat connections. They offer bidirec-

and valves. http://store.hydronicpros.com

tional flow. www.caleffi.us

the thermal and

Triangle Tube’s Prestige condensing boilers with TriMax control feature polypropylene venting connections to eliminate corrosion and offer quick access for combustion analyzers.

The boilers are available in Solo and Excellence models.

Taco’s Zone Sentry zone valve uses a microcir-

Solo models are designed to work with an external indirect

cuit-based logic to control a gear-driven, elec-

water heater for domestic hot water and are available with

tronically actuated ball valve to control fluid

five inputs from 60 MBH to 399 MBH. The Excellence mod-

flow. The valve is designed to handle chilled

el offers space heating and DHW from an internal 14-gal-

water applications and features a corrosion-

lon indirect water heater. www.triangletube.com

proof actuator, a forged-brass valve body that can be installed in any direction and a one handed lift-off actuator. It is available in twoway normally open or normally closed and

36

Bell & Gossett Ultra Setter’s pressure independent control valves feature

three way diverting in ½-in., ¾-in. and 1-in. ver-

a fully adjustable, lockable GPM dial, full stroke modulation and flow

sions. The zone valve also comes with snap-

rates from 0.13 to 37 GPM. They are available in sizes from ½-in. to 2-in.

in quick connects for simple and quick wiring

and are designed to eliminate valve hunting and maintain desired flow

hook-up and a green multi-function LED light

rate despite system pressure fluctuations. The valves are available with

that displays operation and thermostat status.

or without a ball valve. www.completewatersystems.com

www.taco-hvac.com

HPAC | MAY/JUNE 2012

HPACMAG.COM

Innoflue's Polypropylene dual pipe, exhaust flue venting from Centrotherm Eco Systems has a maximum temperature rating of 230F (110C) and is certified for use with condensing tankless water heaters. Its features include: a positive fit and lock for secure joints with no cement or curing necessary, and zero clearance to combustibles. It is recyclable and is designed to help prevent recirculation and freezing in cold climates. www.rinnai.us

Viessmannâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s CombiPLUS Kit gives domestic hot water (DHW) capability to the Vitodens 100 condensing space heating boiler. The kit can be mounted underneath or beside a wall-mounted boiler and creates up to 3.6 GPM of DHW. It features a stainless steel heat exchanger, pressure bypass valve, DHW temperature and Uponorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Radiant Ready 30E wall-mounted

flow sensors, a three-speed pump, and a three-

radiant mechanical room is compact and pre-

way diverting valve. www.viessmann.ca

assembled. Designed for easy installation, it comes with a 30 000 Btuh electronic boiler, a plastic heating manifold, a pump, expan-

The Slant Fin VSL-160 is available as a modu-

sion tank, pressure-relief valve and isolation

lating, condensing gas boiler or as a combi-

valves. It is suited to 2000 sq. ft. of radiant

nation boiler and water heater. The compact

floor heating (based on 15 Btuh/sq. ft.) and

and lightweight unit has a maximum input of

4000 sq. ft. of radiant floor warming (based on

160 MBH and an input modulation from

7.5 Btuh/sq. ft.). The package comes stan-

30 MBH. The low NOx, wall-mounted unit fea-

dard with a five-loop manifold, which can

tures a corrosion-resistant stainless steel heat

be customized for additional loops, and,

exchanger, concentric or separate vent and

includes a heat-only thermostat, an outdoor

air piping, microprocessor control with safety

temperature sensor, fastening hardware and

function and autodiagnostics and outdoor

additional accessories.

reset (sensor included). It can be used with

www.uponor-usa.com

natural or L.P. gas. www.slantfin.ca

HPACMAG.COM

The tekmarNet Thermostat 552 comes with an easy to use, extra

The PEX To Wire Tool from Malco Tools is de-

large touchscreen display and operates a single-stage heating zone

signed to secure PEX to wire with compatible

with air or floor temperature control. It features indoor tempera-

Malco galvanized steel clips. It features an

ture feedback and zone synchronization, seven-day programmable

auto-feed magazine with a 25-clip capacity,

schedules and comes equipped with two auxiliary sensor inputs for

RedLine Handles for increased leverage and a

measuring room, floor or outdoor temperature.

comfortable fit. It is compatible with Malco No.

www.tekmarcontrols.com

PC1EV clips. http://malcoproducts.com MAY/JUNE 2012 | HPAC

37

< REFRIGERATION

The Digital Fix

Maintain a consistent chilled water temperature during varying load conditions.

BY DAVE DEMMA

L

ike it or not, we live in a digital world. Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vehicles are controlled by computers, our children are constantly plugged into something electronic and at work we cannot function without computers. Even the HVAC/R industry is becoming digitized. Electric expansion valves with electronic controllers are becoming more prevalent. Nearly all supermarket refrigeration systems are controlled and monitored by a controller.

So, it should come as no surprise that a recent mechanical problem was resolved with a digital solution. The issue was with a chiller providing the comfort cooling for a facility that housed historic archives.

The chiller was equipped with two scroll compressors. They were not the digital scrolls, which have the ability to operate unloaded. These scrolls had no unloading capabilities. The compressor staging allowed for the chiller to operate at 50 per cent capacity (one compressor operating) or 100 per cent capacity (both compressors operating). Due to the nature of the archival material, the humidity parameters for the building were critical, and to maintain the desired humidity the chilled water temperature requirement was 42F. While there were two compressors on the chiller, the chiller barrel was configured as a single circuit with a single mechanical TEV providing the refrigerant mass flow.

To maintain a constant 42F chilled water temperature with the normal load variations between day and night conditions, and the extreme near 100F ambient temperature experienced in the summer contrasted with the more mild temperatures in the winter with one step of chiller capacity reduction was an impossible task.

The contractor maintaining the equipment decided to install a discharge bypass valve as a means to maintain a consistent saturated suction temperature. The discharge bypass valve was piped such that the gas would be introduced into the system in the suction line. This meant a de-superheating TEV was required to prevent the compressor from overheating. The reasoning was that if the saturated suction temperature could be kept from falling below a pre-determined pressure point, it would prevent the chilled water temperature from falling below the desired set-point of 42F. The logic was sound. This is a typical application for a discharge bypass valve; preventing the saturated suction pressure from falling below a predetermined level. However, the 38

HPAC | MAY/JUNE 2012

limitation in attempting to maintain a consistent chilled water temperature during varying load Figure 1 conditions, varying water flow rates and varying ambient temperatures, by simply keeping the saturated suction temperature from falling below 42F is one tall order. It did not produce the desired results.

After a bit of brainstorming, it was decided that an electronic discharge bypass valve (see Figure 1) would be used in place of the mechanical discharge bypass valve. However, this application had one very significant difference. The electronic discharge bypass valve, along with its controller, would not be set up to maintain the saturated suction pressure from falling below a pre-determined point. Rather, the controller would be set up to monitor and maintain the chilled water temperature at 42F. The controller sensor was secured to the chilled water outlet on the chiller barrel. The hot gas was injected into the chiller barrel inlet, through a nozzle adaptor (a modified brass tee), which allows for the gas to be injected such that it does not immediately interact with the liquid/vapour mixture leaving the TEV. With this configuration, the controller is able to sense the actual system condition that is desired to be controlled; not another system condition that has some influence on the condition that is desired to be controlled.

The result should not have been too surprising, since electric valves/electronic controllers are very precise and very repeatable, despite varying system conditions. After the installation was complete, and the controller set correctly, the chilled water temperature was held constant, with a +/0.3F variance.

Yes, we live in a world that is becoming more and more digital every day. And why not? The absolute precision, reliability, and repeatability provided with digital control cannot be approached with mechanical control. <> Dave Demma holds a degree in refrigeration engineering and worked as a journeyman refrigeration technician before moving into the manufacturing sector where he regularly trains contractor and engineering groups. Contact him at ddemma@uri.com.

HPACMAG.COM

MEET Show Recap

T

he Mechanical Electrical Electronic Technology (MEET) Show, which took place on May 2-3, 2012 at the Moncton Coliseum in Moncton, NB, saw increased traffic from the 2010 show, with 6023 visitors in attendance. The second MEET Innovation Awards were presented on the opening morning, with Wilo Canada Inc. receiving the CIPH Innovation Award for its Wilo Stratos Z high efficiency domestic hot water circulator, while Carlisle HVAC Products was awarded the NB/PEI ASHRAE Innovation Award winner for ISAAC, the Inspecting, Sealing and Advanced Cleaning Robot.

Brian Larocque (l), territory sales manager, Ontario, Dynair (Carlisle) and Francois Boudreau (r), territory sales manager, Quebec and Atlantic provinces, pose for a photo after being named the NB/PEI ASHRAE Innovation Award winner for ISAAC, the Inspecting, Sealing and Advanced Cleaning Robot (shown above).

Denis Levesque is all smiles as Grady Davidson (r), instructor at New Brunswick Community College, St. Andrews campus, congratulates him for winning the gold medal in the Skills New Brunswick refrigeration competition. Levesque moved on to the Skills Canada competition, held from May 13-16, 2012 at the Edmonton EXPO Centre, Northlands, in Edmonton, AB.

Sean Giberson, sales manager for residential products at Taco Canada Ltd. speaks to the crowd during the Canadian Hydronics Council’s breakfast and presentation called, “What have you done for me lately?” The event featured an information session on Beautiful Heat, a consumer awareness campaign for the hydronics industry.

40

HPAC | MAY/JUNE 2012

Malcolm Dennison gives a quick speech at the MEET industry dinner after receiving his 50-Year Service Award from CIPH president Ralph Suppa.

Sheldon Schiffner (l), vice-president of sales and marketing for Wilo Canada Inc., Mike Patterson, chair of MEET, and Farid Bahiou (r), national sales manager, Wilo Canada Inc., with the CIPH Innovation Award for the Wilo Stratos Z, a high efficiency domestic hot water circulator.

HPACMAG.COM

< CONFERENCE PREVIEW

In Pursuit Of Service Excellence HRAI PLANS A FULL SCHEDULE FOR ITS AGM.

Photo: Istockphoto

T

he Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute (HRAI) of Canada’s 44th annual general meeting and conference will take place August 22-25, 2012 at the Halifax Marriott Harbourfront in Halifax, NS. The theme of this year’s conference is “Pursuing Service Excellence.” Delegates will have the chance to network with industry professionals and check out a variety of business sessions designed to meet the needs of the manufacturers division, wholesalers division and the contractors division.

The AGM will feature keynote speaker and media personality Pete Luckett at its kickoff breakfast. Luckett is the host of the international television show, The Food Hunter, and owner of Pete’s Frootique, a multi-million dollar retail and wholesale operation that has won a variety of awards, including Best Independent Specialty Grocery Store in Canada. He also appeared regularly for 12 years on Midday, a national television program.

HPACMAG.COM

ON THE AGENDA Business sessions offered at the conference cover the following topics: plastic vent pipe installation, residential zoning, promoting and managing service contracts, changing codes and new opportunities, the future of smart controls, industrial heat pump opportunities, superior customer service, and radiant heating and cooling for commercial buildings.

FOR MANUFACTURES AND WHOLESALERS Product section meetings on refrigeration, heating and air conditioning, indoor air quality and controls will be offered to delegates within the manufacturing and wholesaler sectors.

These information sessions will look at regulatory, market and supply chain issues, while promoting dialogue between the two sectors.

To register for the event, or for more information, tel. 800-267-2231, or e-mail: hraimail@hrai.ca. www.hrai.ca <> MAY/JUNE 2012 | HPAC

41

HVAC/R PRODUCTS Geoinfinity’s ORB technology offers complete op-

The 12:1 Wide Range infra-

erating, monitoring, control and diagnostics capa-

red

bilities. The functionality of a total system manage-

from General Tools & Instru-

ment and reporting platform provides real-time data

ments offers a measurement

trending and analysis, on-site or remotely. The ORB

range of -40F to 1076F (-40C

features real-time calculation of KwH consumption,

to 580C). It features a precision point-and-

COP, EER, and CO2 emissions.

shoot, gun-style infrared thermometer, a rug-

www.geofinitymanufacturing.com

ged, ergonomic design with a 1.6-in. diagonal

thermometer

(IRT657)

backlit LCD and a front panel F/C selection The Meyer Zephyr has a 31 hp Briggs and Strat-

switch. Powered by one 9-Volt battery, the

ton engine for its custom-engineered fan and

thermometer comes with a carrying case and

KleanSweeper Compressor, which is designed to

a user’s manual. www.generaltools.com

eliminate maintenance on a second engine while saving space and reducing weight. It features a

The Performer PSH heat

multi-bag filtration system for removing heavy debris

pump scroll compressor

and fine particles from the air stream – before it

from

reaches the fan, and an easy access filter door.

liquid injection technol-

www.meyervacuums.com

ogy and comes in four

Danfoss

features

models, offering a heatDeltaTRAK’s ThermoTrace Combo Infrared/Thermocouple

ing capacity range of 38

(TCT) Thermometer Model 15038 is a dual function ther-

to 77 kW at 19.4F to 122F (-7C to 50C). The

mometer designed to offer non-contact surface temperature

compressor’s 149F (65C) saturated condens-

readings using infrared technology with internal temperature

ing temperature is designed for safe hot sani-

readings using a probe. It features a jumbo dual display,

tary water (HSW) production and comfortable

automatic power off, minimum/maximum temperature read-

space heating and is optimized for R410A

ings and is IP54 splashproof rated. The Combo Infrared/TCT

refrigerant. The system also stores operating

thermometer's measurement range is -27F to 428F (-33C to

data and events for improved serviceability

220C). www.deltatrak.com

while reducing downtime and warranty costs.

It comes with an insulated, integrated crank-

Field Controls’ Residential Steam Humidifier fea-

case heater for quieter operation.

tures an onboard system that automatically per-

www.danfoss.us

forms routine maintenance and monitors operations, is available in two models (120V and 220V) that have interlocking wiring for fan control, LEDs for system operation and analysis, and a copper heating element for added durability. www.fieldcontrols.com ecobee Inc.’s Contractor Web Portal features

42

HPAC | MAY/JUNE 2012

Pres-Ons AL100 HVAC foil tapes are made using a weather-

instantaneous outage alerts, remote diagnos-

resistant design of aluminum and polyethylene and the foil

tics, refined map views, client communication

conforms to irregular and curved surfaces. It is designed to

tools, service reminders, and more. The por-

perform at both low and elevated temperatures, including re-

tal also has an Alerts tool – designed to let

frigeration applications. It is offered in a variety of thicknesses

contractors know when an equipment outage

and roll lengths. They come with aggressive acrylic or rubber-

has occurred, comprehensive HVAC reports

based pressure-sensitive adhesives and can be ordered self-

that offer insights into customers’ HVAC equip-

wound without a liner or on a silicone-coated white paper liner.

ment performance, as well as equipment

A UL-723 certified version is available for use in duct work

details, service reminders and map view tools.

requiring a flame retardant tape. www.preson.com

www.ecobee.com HPACMAG.COM

HVAC/R PRODUCTS Granby Industries has released the Con-

Taco’s 1900 VFD is designed to offer a

forto CHE oil-fired condensing warm air

more efficient method of pump balanc-

furnace. The furnace offers an AFUE up

ing, soft start/stop and, reduced main-

to 95.7 per cent and fires from 76 000

tenance. Features include: premium

to 91 000 Btuh. It features a stainless

efficient motors, simple selection of

steel heat exchanger, an ECM

drives, factory preset motor rotation,

multi-speed blower motor, Riello BF series burner and is designed

possible serial communication with

to be direct-vented through the wall or up a chimney with PVC plastic

building automation systems and robust adjustable bracket design.

venting pipe. www.granbyindustries.com

www.taco-hvac.com Aquatherm’s poIypropyl-

Setra’s CTC series split core

ene-random (PP-R) pipe

current transducers combine

products, including the

accurate

large diameter pipe (up

sensing with signal condition-

to 24-in. diameter) are

ing electronics. They are avail-

now available in the v5.8

able in either 24 VDC loop

magnetic

current

HVAC Solution Pro Soft-

power or self-powered. The

ware program. The inter-

self-gripping, compact split core design simplifies retrofits. Each unit

active building software is designed to allow users to connect a boiler

has a three-position slide switch to select the most suitable range

to a coil in only a few steps. PP-R pipe systems are connected through

for the application. The 0 to 5V and 4 to 20 mA output units have

the use of heat fusion, eliminating toxic materials, glues and resins, and

30/60/120 Amp sensing ranges. The 0 to 10 V output units have a

open flames from piping installations. www.aquatherm.com

20/100/150 Amp sensing range. www.alphacontrols.com

International

Comfort

Products,

LLC’s KeepRite air conditioners have efficiencies up to 19 SEER and 14.2 EER when paired with select indoor equipment. Available in two model lines in two- through five-ton cooling capacities, the units feature a Copeland Scroll Ultratech compressor for quiet operation, a high-gloss, bakedon powder-coat nized steel, a coated inlet grille with

3/ in.

8

finish over galva-

wire spacing and corner posts

for added strength and style. www.keeprite.com Beckett Canada’s line

of

storage

tank

accessories

includes bushings and (tank

accessories bushings

available in tripletap and four-tap designs and tapped bushings can be used as reducing bushings for continuous piping), vent and fill caps (vent caps are rust-resistant zinc-plated cast iron gauges and alarms, fire safety valves (available as fusible inline valves) and fusible burner angle valves. www.beckettcorp.com HPACMAG.COM

MAY/JUNE 2012 | HPAC

43

WORKWEAR and safety

PRODUCTS The Yuley seamless one-piece shoe cover is made of flexible thermoplastic rubber. Available in mens’ sizes 8-12, the hands-free, slip-on/slip-off, footwear is designed to fit the majority of work shoes. www.yuleysfootwear.com Ansell’s HyFlex 11-644 gloves with Ansell Cut

L.P. Royer Inc.’s safety boot (Model no.10-8620)

Protection Technology are made from a

is built with a slip and oil resistant, lightweight

proprietary blend of High Performance

FLX rubber sole, 2-mm Crazy Horse leather and

Polyethylene (HPPE) engineered yarn

Armortex fabric – abrasion resistant, water

with a gray polyurethane palm coating to

and windproof – and a composite protective

provide ANSI Level 2 cut protection and

toe. It features a non-metallic puncture re-

Level 5 abrasion protection. The gloves

sistant plate, dielectric (ESR) protection, a

are designed for use in a range of indus-

wear-resistant TPU Pareshok bumper toe,

tries, are tear-resistant and can be laundered

airflow waterproof and breathable

and re-used without any loss in cut protection.

membrane, sealed seams,

www.ansellpro.com

a low-density soft foam footbed and Silvercleartreated Taibrelle lining.

www.lproyer.com

The Aristo Tech 5-13 Welding Helmet with Variable Shade ADF from ESAB Welding & Cutting Products has auto-darkening filter lens technology (ADF), and has a variable 5-13 digital control for adjustment of shade level, sensitivity, and delay. The helmet also features Quick Set for simple shade change and its grind mode is activated at the lowest sensitivity. It also comes with ESAB’s integrated Circuit LENS Technology, which uses an internal LCD display suitable for all manual welding processes and plasma cutting. The front cover lens is coated for increased scratch and heat resistance and is pre-molded into a convex curve with an optical

Buffalo Booties come in non-skid – to protect against dirt, dust and mois-

class 1, designed to eliminate the threat of duplicate ghost arcs visible

ture – and waterproof versions – to protect against slush, snow, dirt and

through the cartridge. The Aristo Tech 5-13 weighs 1 lb and is offered in

oil – are made with a super stretch design to make them easy to put on

three high-gloss colours – yellow, black, and white. www.esab.ca

and are 18.7 inches long. www.buffalobooties.com

44

HPAC | MAY/JUNE 2012

HPACMAG.COM

Terra’s

Baron

boot

is

made from full grain water repellent leather (upper) and direct injected lightweight

polyurethane

mid-sole

with an anti-FOD, high traction injected rubber outsole that is abrasion and slip resistant and designed for work in cold and warm temperatures on a wide variety of surfaces. The boots also feature moisture wicking Aerospace lining treated with CleanFeet odour management technology and 200 gm Thinsulate insulation. The boots come equipped with a lightweight composite toe and flexible composite plate and is electric shock resistant. The major seams are waterproofed with latex spray and the laces are built with an interlocking weave and have a breaking strength in excess of 66 kg. All components feature Terra Firma-Flex metal-free technology. www.terrafootwear.com

Carhartt’s Flame Resistant (FR) Jean is a Hazard Risk Category 2 garment made with 14.75-oz., 100 per cent flame-resistant cotton denim. The jean has a relaxed fit and leg openings that fit over work boots. www.cintas.com

State-of-the-Art Geothermal Training & Testing Facility

We offer a wide range of hands-on geothermal courses designed for homeowners, well drillers and HVAC contractors.

ErgoKNEEL’s Handy Mat is 1-in. thick and built from closed cell foam rubber and is designed to not absorb liquids. It is non-conductive and self-extinguishing. Slip-resistant on most surfaces, the mat comes with a built-in

For more information or to become a Geothermal Specialist:

handle. www.mul-t-mat.com/ergokneel.htm

866.310.6690 GEOSMART ENERGY.COM

HPACMAG.COM

MAY/JUNE 2012 | HPAC

45

MECHANICAL SUPPLY NEWS MANUFACTURERS • DISTRIBUTORS • WHOLESALERS • ASSOCIATIONS A golden year for Marks Supply Marks Supply is cel­ ebrating its 50th ann­ iversary by expanding into the Greater Toronto Area with the opening of a new branch in Mississauga, ON. The branch will offer plumbing, PVF, HVAC and hydronics prod­ ucts. www.markssupply.net

Fulton Companies receives grant Fulton Companies recently received an incentive grant for improvements to its Centerville Road manufacturing facil­ ity in Pulaski, NY. The funding will go towards supporting the 112 000 sq. ft. expansion and $13.9-million capital investment plan. www.fulton.com

American Standard awarded Gates grant American Standard Brands recently entered into a partnership with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to develop and test a low-cost, prefabricated toi­ let system. American Standard will work in collaboration with the Gates Foundation’s Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Strategy, and International Development Enterprises (iDE). www.americanstandard-us.com

Enhanced tech support for York Johnson Controls recently announced that it has enhanced its technical sup­ port services for York distributors and dealers. The company now offers appli­ cation, startup and commissioning (ASC) services to York distributors and dealers. The service is designed to offer its highest level of technical support services for complex commercial instal­ lations. www.yorkhvacdealer.com

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46

HPAC | MAY/JUNE 2012

Watsco acquires WWG Totaline Watsco, Inc. completed the acquisi­ tion of 60 per cent of WWG TotalineCarrier's HVAC distribution network in Canada at the end of April. The com­ pany will operate under the name Carrier Enterprise Canada as a joint venture, with Watsco owning 60 per cent of the business, and UTC Climate, Controls and Security – the current owner of Carrier – owning 40 per cent. In 2011, Carrier’s Canadian distribution network had revenues of $330 million. www.watsco.com

Panasonic introduces Eco Products Division Panasonic Eco Solutions North America recently introduced its Eco Products Division, formerly known as Panasonic Home & Environment Company. The new division includes Panasonic’s ven­ tilation fan business, which features 18 lines of high-performance, ENERGY STAR-rated whole home ventilation solu­ tions. www.panasonic.com/ventfans

CIPH president Ralph Suppa (l) and Jim Kendzel, ASPE executive director and CEO, following the signing of a MOU.

AGREEMENT TO ENHANCE FLOW OF INFORMATION The Canadian Institute of Plumbing & Heating (CIPH) and the American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE) have signed a memoran­ dum of understanding to enhance the exchange of information relat­ ing to American and Canadian plumbing products and systems industries. www.ciph.ca www.aspe.org

John Galyen (right), president of Danfoss North America, poses with Ken Koehler (left), vice-president, quality and customer satisfaction, Danfoss Turbocor, while presenting Richard Taft, general manager, North America at Smardt, Inc., with the 2012 EnVisioneer of the Year award.

Montreal chiller company wins EnVisioneer of Year Award Danfoss recently announced the Smardt Chiller Group Inc. as the winner of the third annual EnVisioneer of the Year award at the Alliance to Save Energy’s 2012 Energy Efficiency Global Forum (EE Global) in Orlando, FL. Smardt, based out of Montreal, QC, installed three 560-ton water-cooled chillers – integrated with Kiltech controls and Danfoss Turbocor variable-speed oil-free compres­ sors – at Sub-Zero’s 452 000-sq. ft. refrigeration equipment manufacturing facility in Goodyear, AZ. The chiller plant control package utilizes a custommade algorithm that models the energy consumption of the chillers and asso­ ciated devices, designed to optimize their sequence of operation and create a total plant performance equal to or greater than 0.5 kW per ton of cooling load. www.smardt.com www.danfoss.com HPACMAG.COM

CLIPS >> TruTech Tools celebrated its fiveyear anniversary on April 23, 2012. www.trutechtools.com

Rob Gutierrez, director of trade shows and events for the National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA), congratulates Jeff Kotz, Weather Guard senior product manager, Knaack LLC., for winning The Work Truck Show 2012 Editor’s Choice Award in March.

A Knaack for innovative products Knaack LLC was recently awarded The Work Truck Show 2012 Editors’ Choice Award for its Weather Guard van solutions line of accessories, bulkheads, shelving, and secure storage for commercial vans. The line was chosen as the most innovative product from a field of 90 products. www.weatherguard.com

Watts Water Technologies recently broke ground for its multimilliondollar, 30 000 sq. ft. expansion of its facility in Franklin, NH, which produces products for a variety of Watts’ brands. www.wattswater.com

HPACMAG.COM

>> Lindab recently appointed Peppertree Air Solutions as its exclusive distributor for Lindab in Ontario, Quebec and Eastern Canada, replacing Flexmaster as the exclusive Lindab representa­ tive. Peppertree is located at 9094 Leslie St., Unit 7, Richmond Hill, ON, L4B 3L9. Tel: 905-771-8898, fax: 905-764-8188, e-mail: info@pep­ pertreeairsolutions.com. www.peppertreeairsolutions.com >> Lochinvar, LLC recently created Facebook and Twitter accounts, designed to promote increased inter­ action with industry professionals and offer new platforms for dialogue. www.Lochinvar.com >> Swiss-based bathroom product design company Laufen is celebrat­ ing its 120th anniversary. The origi­ nator of ceramic bathroom products in Switzerland has grown to employ 2000 specialists and has global rep­ resentation through branches in 17 countries. Laufen manufactures more than four million ceramic pieces annually. www.ca.laufen.com

>> Mosaic Capital Corp. is acquir­ ing Ambassador Mechanical Ltd., a private mechanical contractor based in Winnipeg, MB, in partnership with Claude Cloutier, president. Mosaic will own 75 per cent of the business.

Ambassador has serviced Manitoba and southwest Ontario since 1991 and employs more than 130 tradespeople. www.ambassadormechanical.ca >> Kohler Co. has launched its rede­ signed Kitchen & Bath website, designed to engage customers and

simplify the search and selection pro­ cess. Features include: a comparison folder, improved product details, an ideas and planning section, the My Kohler Folder, and more. www.us.kohler.com

>> Zurn Industries recently launched a website with a dual-browsing design, a keyword/part number search func­ tion, product pages with BIM/3D mod­ els, related case studies, and more. www.zurn.com

>> Danfoss recently introduced Danfoss Learning, an online educa­ tion and training portal designed to offer online and on-site courses on a variety of subjects relevant to Danfoss products, solutions, services and technologies. www.danfoss.com >> Novo Water Conditioning has appointed JSA Sales Inc. its sales agent for British Columbia. JSA is located at 75A Clipper St., Coquitlam, BC, V3K 6X2. Tel: 604-525-4774, fax: 604-525-4355, e-mail: sales@jsasa­ les.com. www.jsasales.com >> Tyco recently acquired Shurjoint Piping Products, an OEM manu­ facturer of grooved and threaded piping components. Shurjoint will be integrated into Tyco’s Fire Protection Products business unit. www.tyco.com >> Grundfos Canada recently cel­ ebrated its 20th anniversary, giving its customers and industry partners a chance to meet with international Grundfos management while checking out presentations that showcased the company's last 20 years in Canada.

Grundfos Canada posted historic milestones on its website throughout the month of April. http://ca.grundfos.com

MAY/JUNE 2012 | HPAC

47

< PEOPLE Rod Andrew officially retired on June 1, 2012, after more than 40 years in the plumbing industry. Andrew started his career in 1969 with Alcock, Downing and Wright in Coquitlam, BC In 1980, he opened MPH Andrew Supply with his partner Geoff Austen. Andrew served as a board member for the Octo Purchasing Group for more than 10 years and was an advocate for the Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating (CIPH). Noble purchased MPH in 2010.

Lavoie

Mike Lavoie was recently appointed to the position of vice-president of business development at BMI Canada Inc. Lavoie originally joined BMI in 2005 as its Eastern Canada sales manager.

REHAU has appointed Christian Fabian as its incoming CEO of North American operations.

He assumes his new role on July 1, 2012.

Fabian has more than 20 years of experience working with REHAU operations. He will Fabian replace outgoing CEO Dr. Kathleen Saylor, who will step down on July 1, 2012, after working 18 years with the company.

Aves

Colin Aves has been named GeoSmart Energy’s western territory manager (British Columbia and Alberta). Aves, who is a former refrigeration technician and HVAC business owner, has worked in the commercial and residential markets.

Watts Water Technologies recently appointed Sas Sundaralingam to the position of product manager of its commercial products division.

Sundaralingam oversees sales and technical support for the commercial products group.

Sundaralingam Novo Water Conditioning recently hired Paul Felix for the position of commercial applications engineer at the company’s office in Regina, SK. John Gorman has been appointed president of CanSIA. Gorman previously held the position of vice-president of external affairs and Canadian director at Sunlogics, Inc. Regen Energy has named Robert Chiste as its new chairman of the board. Chiste was the CEO at Comverge, Inc. from 2001 to 2009. Since that time, Chiste has held posi48

HPAC | MAY/JUNE 2012

tions as executive in residence at El Dorado Ventures and as a private energy investor with Sorfina Capital.

Denso Sales California, Inc. recently named David Keller as manager of its heat management department. Keller will direct sales, service and product development strategies for the MovinCool line of spot cooling units.

Royal Building Products recently hired Allex Chin as its director of operations, pipe and fittings solutions. Chin has extensive experience in plastic extruding and injection moulding and previously worked for Par Pak, a plastic sheet extrusion manufacturing company.

Wolmarans

Anton Wolmarans has been hired as Mits Airconditioning Inc.’s product manager and application engineering. He was previously employed by Mitsubishi Electric Sales Canada Inc. where he held the positions of vice-president and general manager of the HVAC division.

Zurn Canada has named Jim Fessler as its director of sales and marketing. In other related news, Zurn announced a new area management structure. Bryon Keats is now Zurn area manager in the western region – British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan, Mark Barwood will service Ontario and Manitoba, and Rolf Fischer will manage Quebec and the Atlantic provinces.

Uponor has appointed Brent Noonan its vice-president of U.S. sales. Noonan had served as Uponor’s south regional sales director since 2010.

Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc. has named John Rhodes as president of its refrigeration business. Rhodes previously held the position of president of the Therm-ODisc business for Emerson Appliance Solutions.

The CSA Group recently appointed Nashir Jiwani to the position of vice-president, Canada. Jiwani’s roles and responsibilities include accelerating the growth of testing and certification services and offerings in Canada and the provision of global services to Canadian clients.

The Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) Canada Inc. recently appointed Benjamin Shinewald to the position of president and CEO. <>

HPACMAG.COM

PLUMBING PRODUCTS

MotionSense faucets from Moen can be controlled three ways. The Wave Sensor at the top of the faucet starts and stops the water flow with a hand movement above the faucet; the Ready Sensor near the base of the faucet identifies when an object is placed beneath the spout; and the handle

GE’s water softener delivers adjustable, salt-

on the side of the faucet lets users adjust temperature and flow of water. The Ready Sensor runs

saving control and features a Custom Select

water for as long as that item remains in range and automatically shuts the flow off as soon as

blending valve, which allows households to

the object is removed from the sensing zone. The Arbor pulldown kitchen faucet is the first Moen

adjust the softness of water by turning a knob

faucet to offer MotionSense. It is available in chrome, oil rubbed bronze, or a spot resist stainless

located near the bypass valve. SmartSoft tech-

finish. www.moen.ca

nology learns a family's water-use patterns in 30 days, to help ensure there is soft water available as needed. A "Days to Empty" indicator on the control panel lets consumers know when to refill the salt tank. A downward-angled salt refill opening makes lifting and pouring in bagged salt easier. www.geappliances.com

Dahl has re-launched the Skirted Toilet Kit, THG’s SO plate-mounted basin set can be

which is designed to work with the existing

specified in 35 hand-polished finishes. It has

stub-out rather than cutting open the wall to

an elongated flat spout with a beveled edge.

re-pipe and moving the stub-out. Using its ¼

Clear glass cubes built from high-performance

turn mini-ball technology, the kit is suited to

optical glass have the words “chaud” (hot) and

premium skirted toilet installations. The kit is

“froid" (cold) engraved via laser in French. SO

available with inlets for copper, PEX, iron, CPVC

is also available as a shower set and tub filler.

pipe and more. It also available in lead-free

www.thgstyle.com

ECO-BRASS. www.dahlvalve.com The split-finish, pull-down kitchen faucet from

50

HPAC | MAY/JUNE 2012

Marfab Metal’s universal flush access door comes in a

Delta’s Fuse Collection is available in a stain-

one-piece frame with rounded corners. Designed for instal-

less finish, paired with Cracked Pepper, Chili

lation in drywall, masonry and tiled surfaces, it is made

Pepper, or Snowflake White accent hues. The

from satin coat steel for increased strength, durabililty and

faucet features MagnaTite Docking technol-

corrosion resistance. It is offered in sizes ranging from

ogy, which uses a powerful magnet to keep the

6" x 6" to 24" x 24" with non-standard door sizes and

spray head locked in position.

colours also available. www.marfabmetal.com

www.deltafaucet.ca HPACMAG.COM

The Ascent II macerating toilet system from

AERCO

Liberty Pumps allows for installation of a bath-

national

Interhas

room in areas where no gravity sewer lines exist.

introduced

the

Featuring a 1.28 GPF (4.8 LPF) high efficiency

Innovation 1350

toilet, the system macerates sewage waste and

water heater for

other debris with RazorCut technology and then

commercial and

discharges it through a one-inch diameter line up

industrial

to 25-feet high and 150 feet horizontally. A remov-

cations

able service panel provides quick access to the

ing 1.35 million

cutter area without disconnecting the plumbing. A

Btuh. Suited to

safety switch designed into the access cover au-

new construction

tomatically disconnects power when the cover is

and retrofit, it fea-

removed. The ADA compliant toilets – available in

tures a tankless de-

round front and elongated styles, have improved

sign, advanced condensing/modulating tech-

flush performance and carry the WaterSense

nology, a scale-resistant thermal shockproof

mark. Both models feature insulated tanks to

firetube heat exchanger and 30:1 turndown. It

eliminate sweating. www.libertypumps.com

operates with set points of 120F or below. The

applirequir-

C-More controller, Dynamic Load Anticipator, and modulating air/fuel valve offer accurate temperature control. The unit has sidewall, through-the-roof and sealed combustion venting capabilities. www.aerco.com

Caleffi has introduced the StarMax V solar water heating collector for pumped glycol and drainback systems. The design is similar to a standard four-outlet collector, but features a fifth outlet located at the bottom centre. AdGoulds Water Technology has enhanced its

ditionally, the internal upper and lower headers

Bell & Gossett’s Lead-Free Circuit Setter Plus

line of submersible sump pumps with the ad-

are sloped. When used in a drainback installa-

balance valves are designed for pre-set pro-

dition of two energy-efficient residential STS

tion, this combination allows all fluid to drain

portional system balance and are available in

sump pumps. The stainless steel pumps

without the need to pitch the collectors. The

½-in. to 3-in. sizes. The valves feature inte-

are available in two models, the STS21 (1/4

temperature well is directly connected to the

grated pressure/temperature ports to verify

hp). Designed to pro-

absorber and copper absorbers are selective

the flow rates and temperatures, bi-directional

vide a superior pumping solution at 38 GPM

blue coated for optimum heat absorption.

design and 400 PSI working pressure.

for basement draining, dewatering and water

www.caleffi.us

www.balancevalves.com

hp) and the STS31

(1/3

transfer applications, the pumps use a unique discharge pipe connection to allow continuous

RectorSeal Corp. has reformulated its Nokorode Aqua Flux, a water-

operation at very low water levels while provid-

flushable, lead-free, paste flux for soldering with the silicon family of

ing full motor cooling. Features include: a SJE

low-lead brass alloys used in potable water plumbing applications. The

Rhombus float switch, a 20-ft. power cord with

cream-coloured flux is certified under NSF Standard 61-Annex G. Avail-

NEMA 5-12P plug, and ceramic/silicon carbide

able in two, four and 16-ounce sizes, it is water-flushable and does not

mechanical seal faces with BUNA elastomers

run or drip off acid brushes, pipes and fittings during application. It is

to protect the motor.

formulated for use with 95/5, 60/40, 50/50 and 40/60 solders.

www.bit.ly/STSSumpPumps

www.rectorseal.com

HPACMAG.COM

MAY/JUNE 2012 | HPAC

51

< IAQ

Health Canada Addresses Radon In Homes Release of radon guide reaffirms mechanical professionals' leading role in the health and well being of Canadians. BY ROBERT BEAN

I

t has been well over a decade since I first professed the potential benefits of repositioning the HVAC profession out from under the umbrella of the construction industry and placing it under the auspices of the healthcare industry. Regrettably, manufacturers, distributors, designers, and tradespeople remain more likely to identify with the hardware of HVAC, rather than the software of HVAC, that being its contributions to the ergonomics of the indoor environment. Then along comes Health Canada’s publication, Reducing Radon Levels in Existing Homes: A Canadian Guide for Professional Contractors.

Ok, so I am just an ordinary lad, but even I can raise the question: Why is Health Canada and not CMHC or NRCan providing guidance to professional contractors? Have you read what Health Canada is all about? It is the federal department responsible for helping Canadians maintain and improve their health – that is why it is called Health Canada.

So, in addition to being a resource for Canadians and their doctors, nurses, pharmacists, nutritionists and physiotherapists, it is now providing guidance to contractors. What is up with that? It is because the health professionals in the federal government and their provincial/territorial counterparts RESOURCES Reducing Radon Levels in Existing Homes: A Canadian Guide for Professional Contractors, Health Canada, 2010, www.radonleaders.org/sites/default/filesHC%20

Reducin in Exist g Radon Leve ls A Cana ing Homes: Profess dian Guide for ional Co ntractor s

Rn%20 Mitigation%20Guide%20English_0.pdf ASTM E 1465 – 2008A Standard Practice for Radon Control Options for the Design and Construction of New Low-Rise Residential Buildings, Jan 2009, www.astm.org/Standards/E1465.htm Canadian Lung Association, Pollution & air quality – Radon:

BY LUC BOILY

correctly understand that standing between the health of Canadians and the hazards of indoor environments is you, the professional contractor.

Imagine that you, who is all caught up in the day-to-day management of jobsites, vehicles, staff, insurance and negotiating of prices for furnaces, boilers, pumps and tools, being asked to mitigate the health of the indoor environment because it could affect the health of its occupants. There are potentially large benefits from repositioning the profession of HVAC out from under the umbrella of the construction industry. A Reader's Digest 2012 poll showed healthcare professionals among those that Canadians trust most. Healthcare matters to Canadians. Let that be a big hint to those professional contractors being asked by Health Canada to step up, at least when it comes to radon.

So let’s talk about radon as described in Health Canada’s Reducing Radon Levels in Existing Homes and the ASTM Standard E 1465-2008A Standard Practice for Radon Control Options for the Design and Construction of New Low-Rise Residential Buildings. Radon is a radioactive, colourless and odourless inert gas that causes lung cancer. Next to smoking, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in Canada. The only difference between carbon monoxide poisoning and radon is the former can do you in under a few minutes, whereas radon has the courtesy of taking a long time – and yet both can be prevented. The danger with radon is you never know if you are inhaling it.

In order to determine if inhaling radon has been a past and/or present activity of you and yours, you have to test the indoor environments you have lived in or currently live in. It is not a difficult thing to do, nor is it expensive. For the relatively small disruption, it is well worth making it an educational project for your family and clients. All the details for testing

www.lung.ca/protect-protegez/pollution-pollution/indoor-interieur/radonradon_e.php

“Beginning in 2005, Health Canada collaborated with the Federal Provincial Territorial Radiation Protection Committee (FPTRPC) to review the health

World Health Organization Handbook on Indoor Radon: A Public Health

risk from exposure to radon. The risk assessment was based on new scien-

Perspective, World Health Organization 2009 http://whqlibdoc.who.int/pub-

tific information and was the subject of a broad public consultation. Using

lications/2009/9789241547673_eng.pdf

the risk assessment and feedback obtained from the public consultation, the Government of Canada updated its guideline for exposure to radon in

Canadian National Radon Proficiency Program www.radongas.org/cnrpp.shtml 52

HPAC | MAY/JUNE 2012

indoor air in 2007.”

HPACMAG.COM

are in the recently published guide, as are the mitigation processes. I would be remiss if I did not emphasize the technical value of the ASTM Standard E 1465-2008A, which is referenced in the World Health Organization (WHO) radon document (Box 2, pg 44), but for some as yet unexplained reason is absent in the Health Canada document.

So why the focus on radon now? Where were the radon concerns decades ago when the United States and other countries embarked on radon control? Actually, it has always been a concern in Canada; if you had been paying attention to some of the earliest proponents of HRVs. Back in the late 70s and early 80s, at least two brands of heat recovery ventilators that I know of were using radon control to market their products. I am pretty hard on manufacturers using marketing techniques that masquerade as science - well mea culpa - here is a case where legitimate concerns were publicized by the manufacturing sector before it became fodder for a federal government health guide some 30 years later.

Let’s wrap this up by stating that the WHO long ago declared radon a health concern. It is supported by member countries, of which Canada is one. At least one large Canadian co-operative of professional contractors has stepped up and trained members of its team on the aspects of radon, including testing and mitigation of existing and new installations;

and there are a few others who have done the same. If you have any desire to step into this arena, see the references and spend some time studying the content at the Canadian National Radon Proficiency Program. Radon testing and mitigation is not difficult to execute but it is not a walk in the park either. You will have to learn the "alpha to omega" of radon.

Becoming listed as a C-NRPP measurement and mitigation certificate holder adds a new dimension to one's skill set, but the real benefit of the process may be in helping you better understand the role that you play in the health of the indoor environment and how that paradigm elevates you up and out from under the skeptical eyes consumers generally hold for the construction industry. <> Robert Bean, R.E.T., P.L.(Eng.), is a registered practitioner in building construction engineering technology (ASET) and a professional licensee in mechanical engineering (APEGGA).

He has over 30 years experience in the construction industry specializing in energy and indoor environmental quality and is the author and lecturer for professional development programs addressing building science, thermal comfort quality, indoor air quality and radiant16 FLIR Back in Black HPAC Feb12:3.375x4.875 2/14/12 based HVAC systems. www.healthyheating.com

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Quality – Innovation – Trust

MAY/JUNE 2012 | HPAC

53

1

< TECHNOLOGY

Is Your Head In The Cloud(s)?

We have reached a point of decision as Cloud-based services now offer real choices. BY MARK EVANS

works, now live entirely on the network.” So now there are many ways that we may have our head in the Cloud(s) and not have even known it. For small-tomedium businesses (SMBs) and even large companies, Cloudbased services offer real choices versus tethered (dependent on a licensed software installation) programs and apps.

WHAT IS THE CLOUD FOR BUSINESS?

T

he introduction of Windows 7 and the Apple iOS5 operating systems were two more developments that have helped change the way we can manage information, making for seamless back-up and file sharing, in some cases automatically posting it across multiple devices. For many people, this was their first introduction (albeit on a personal level) to the visible elements of the concept of Cloud computing.

In looking back however, what we now know as Cloud computing was foretold in 1995 by Marc Andreessen, the creator of the Mosaic web browser and co-founder of Netscape. In the May 2012 issue of Wired Magazine, he is credited with having “prophesied a future where computers would dispense with feature-heavy operating systems entirely.

Instead, we would use a browser to run programs over the network (sic Internet).” The article goes on to say that “Andreessen’s vision has come to pass. Google Chrome OS for example is a fully browser-based operating system, while most of our favorite applications from e-mail to social net-

54

HPAC | MAY/JUNE 2012

For a great explanation of what the Cloud represents for business, read Andrew McAfee's article in the Harvard Business Review November 2011 (see sidebar). However, in its simplest form the Cloud represents an opportunity to access bandwidth and infrastructure, an operating platform and software on a pay-per-use basis without substantial commitment of internal resources from a dedicated IT department or investments in software. The precedent is there in many other parts of our business in things as simple as equipment or vehicle leases – let someone else own and maintain it; only pay for the portion of its usable life that you consume. As an SMB, you get a scalable solution, the protection of built-in redundancy, 24/7 access from a wider array of devices that free you from a desktop computer. In addition, based on the fact that you are part of a much larger customer base, you have access to features and support that your business on a stand-alone basis could not afford.

WHY IS THE CLOUD IMPORTANT TO BUSINESS TODAY? In a recent conversation with Mitchell Rose, vice president of marketing for Billtrust, the developers of Invoice Central, a HPACMAG.COM

“CLOUD SERVICES ARE A GAME CHANGER FOR BOTH LARGE ENTERPRISES AND SMALL BUSINESSES ALIKE. NO MATTER THE SIZE OF THE ORGANIZATION,

”

THERE ARE OPPORTUNITIES TO IMPROVE CORE PROCESSES.

Cloud-based payables management system for contractors, Rose offered this insight, “Cloud services are a game changer for both large enterprises and small businesses alike. No matter the size of the organization, there are opportunities to improve core processes. Services like Invoice Central allow small business owners to bring a level of efficiency to their accounts payable process that did not exist a few short years ago. Without installing any software and at no cost, they can access invoices from the many vendors they buy from and pay these bills online.”

Building on this, it seems that many SMBs simply cannot afford to have dedicated internal IT departments; and those larger businesses that do have dedicated internal IT are looking for ways to economize. Whether it is a move to a functionspecific public Cloud solution, such as Invoice Central or a private Cloud solution where an organization builds a closed network with custom applications on the servers of an outside provider, the benefits of increased capacity and functional flexibility at a lower cost appeal to most businesses.

HOW WILL CLOUD COMPUTING IMPACT US? Think of your office phone system 10 years ago – an integrated PBX system that you purchased as hardware (at substantial cost), had installed by a service provider and which was linked to a landline (hardwired) based infrastructure. You had a cost to train your staff on how to use it, you had to pay to maintain or upgrade it, and if you moved premises, you got to pay to do it all over again. Think about today’s phone system. More than likely it is a virtualized network solution that is software based, connecting you via VoIP (not tied to a hardwired infrastructure), accessible from anywhere. This virtualization led to the demise of companies

such as Nortel Networks and has driven radical change at the other remaining legacy equipment and tel-co utilities.

When considering the impact of Cloud computing, moving from the obvious things like data storage into more nebulous areas such as hardware; the Cloud has had, and will continue to have, a huge impact on how we access, control and manipulate data. Look back over the last 20 years and you will see the progression we have made in transitioning from mainframe computing with terminal access, to networked desktops, to virtual networks and remote users on laptops. The next iteration is tablet computers or smart phones with browser-based operating systems, capable of accessing and processing data in ways that escape the limitations of hardware and memory imposed by the resident requirements of tethered software installed on a hard drive. It has been reported recently that laptop or notebook computers now account for 80 per cent of total PC sales, leaving the remaining 20 per cent as desktops. According to a January 2012 story on website theverge.com (see sidebar), writer Adi Robertson reported that Apple commanded a 25 per cent share of the global computing market in Q3 2011 and that Android devices command a 30 per cent share of the tablet market in Q3 2011. These statistics support the technology shift that cements the importance of Cloud computing and its potential impact on our future. <> During the course of his career in the mechanical industry, Mark Evans has worked in the wholesaler and manufacturer sectors in sales and marketing positions. Contact him at mark@markevans.net or visit www.markevans.net.

Cloud Computing: Where can you find out more?

I nvoice Central http://www.invoicecentral.com/about.html Microsoft Virtual Academy http://www.microsoftvirtualacademy.com/Studies/SearchResult.aspx Cloudline, an online community presented by IBM and Wired Magazine http://www.wired.com/cloudline/ HPACMAG.COM

Harvard Business Review http://hbr.org/2011/11/what-every-ceo-needs-to-knowabout-the-cloud/ar/1 The Verge http://www.theverge.com/2012/1/14/2706292/ apple-ipad-computer-market-share-chart

MAY/JUNE 2012 | HPAC

55

GIZMOS & GADGETS Johnson Controls’ Luxaire In-Home Selling Tool mobile apps are designed for all versions of the Apple iPad, as well as the Samsung Galaxy Tab 7”, Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1” and Motorola Xoom tablets. The mobile apps offer an interactive questionnaire with 14 short videos covering topics in the questionnaire, videos on the capabilities of the Luxaire Acclimate Residential Communicating Control and information about the brand’s relationship with Make-A-Wish. The apps are available for dealers participating in Johnson Controls’ Liberties Plus and Certified Comfort Expert pro-

The Truck Bed U-Lock from Master Lock is de-

grams and can be downloaded from the iTunes store or at www.upgnet.com for Android tablets.

signed to prevent grab-and-go theft and the

www.joinluxaire.com

constant shifting of objects being hauled. It is a semi-permanent device, swivels 190 deThe Bosch PS130 12V Max Hammer Drill/Driver features a two-

grees for convenient use and fits easily into

speed gearbox that allows users to choose between high-torque (0-

most pickup truck bed stake hole pockets

350 rpm) or high-speed (0-1300 rpm) operation for screw driving

without drilling. It is built as a hardened steel

and drilling applications in soft and hard wood, and metal materials.

shackle and lock body, and comes equipped

The drill/driver has 265-in/lb of max torque, and generates up to

with a keyhole cover for protection from the el-

19 500 beats per minute (bpm) for drilling in masonry. It is 7.3-in.

ements. www.masterlocktruck.com

long, 7.1-in. tall, weighs 2.3 lb., and comes with a soft grip, electronic cell protection for increased battery lifetime. www.boschtools.com

Reed Manufacturing Co.’s Solutions Kits

for

plastic

pipe work contain tools

for

installing

Knack LLC’s Weather Guard Van Solutions

joints, including: Quick

storage products include: Weather Guard

Release Tubing Cutters for

Rapid Mount Shelving – fully-hemmed, 16-in.

quick, square cuts on plastic pipe, DEB4 and

shelves to fit large tool cases and boxes, and

Porter Cable’s PC60TPAG 4 ½-in. small angle

DEB1IPS Deburring Tools for creating a proper

tool-less adjustable shelves and dividers, the

grinder/cut-off tool has a 7 amp motor that de-

chamfer to manufacturer’s specs for even dis-

heavy-duty tool drawer with power pass elec-

livers up to 11 000 rpm while its cast metal

tribution of solvent cement, and Internal Pipe

trical pass-thru grommet, and a range of Red

gear housing helps dissipate heat. It weighs

Cutters (in some kits) to yield a uniform inter-

Zone accessories that mount to shelf end

4.1 lb. and features a three-position handle,

nal cut in hard-to-reach places. All tools in the

panels, bulkheads or van doors and more. Pro-

a paddle switch, a grinding guard and cutting

kit are housed in a lightweight, hard plastic

packages are available for all full-size, high-roof

guard. www.portercable.com

case. www.reedmfgco.com

and compact vans. www.weatherguard.com

The

Stanley

Milwaukee Tool’s M18

FatMax 12Volt

and M12 Multi-Voltage

MAX

Lithium cordless 3/8in. drill/driver kit with spindle lock has a two-speed

for increased blade life.

STAR rated and

The technology main-

is

tains first-cut sharp-

designed

to

charge all M18 and M12

work light. The kit also in-

will charge M18 or M12 compact batteries in

cludes two lithium ion bat-

30 minutes and extended capacity (XC) batter-

teries, a fast charger, storage bag and bit and

ies in 60 minutes.

belt clip. www.stanleytools.com

www.milwaukeetool.com

HPAC | MAY/JUNE 2012

carbide blade technology,

Charger is ENERGY

gearbox and LED integral

56

DeWalt’s snap-off knives and blades feature

Lithium-Ion- batteries sequentially. It

ness and offers

snap

resistance. www.dewalt.com

HPACMAG.COM

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● More than 250 Exhibitors ● Free Seminars ● Technical Workshops ● New Products ● Emerging Technologies ● Solutions for a Sustainable Tomorrow

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Register online at: www.ciphexwest.ca

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< FINANCE

The Penny Drops The Canada Revenue Agency targets long-standing loopholes in the 2012 federal budget.

J

ust one provision of the 2012 Federal Budget made news around the world this spring. It was discussed in papers in New York, London, Berlin and Paris, and probably Tokyo and Beijing. While it is nice to know the world press thinks about us occasionally, the story they picked up was inconsequential. The Royal Canadian Mint made its last penny on May 3. This will save the government about $11 million a year (in terms of federal finances, that is not even a rounding error).

The lack of pennies will make our lives a little more complicated since prices will still be computed to the cent and then rounded to the nearest nickel. This is essentially what my local coffee shop does each time it sells a latte. We know the price will always be rounded up and so whatever savings the mint achieves will be lost to inflation and paid for by all of us.

But this is a change that was inevitable and it has been delivered.

Now for more important stuff: a series of proposals that affect the taxation of companies and individuals.

There will be a limitation put on Employee Profit Sharing Plans (EPSPs) for specified employees. Specified employees are related to the employer or own at least 10 per cent of a class of shares of the employer. Until now, an employer could make an unlimited contribution to an EPSP on behalf of a specified employee.

The new rules state that if the contribution exceeds 20 per cent of the employee’s salary, the contribution will be taxed at the max-

58

HPAC | MAY/JUNE 2012

imum tax rate. This discourages family-owned companies from making large EPSP contributions on behalf of family members in low tax brackets.

Tax rules for RCAs (Retirement Compensation Arrangements) have also been altered. An RCA is an unregistered compensation arrangement allowed by the Income Tax Act. The continued existence of this vehicle is difficult to explain since RCA rules are extremely complex, and when used properly, an RCA is generally of little benefit to either the corporation or the retiring employee. For some time, however, RCAs have been used (with great creativity but varying success) as a tool in tax reduction schemes. Not surprisingly, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) hates that. As a consequence, the new rules succeed in making RCAs even less attractive than they were.

In an attempt to promote entry-level employment, the budget extended the hiring credit for small business. The credit is the difference between 2012 EI premiums and 2011 EI premiums up to a maximum of $1000, as long as the company’s 2011 premiums were less than $10 000. Offsetting this small incentive for growth, the budget has reduced some of the rates for Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SRED) grants – especially affected are corporations that are not Canadian-Controlled Private Corporations.

There may be a suspicion in Ottawa that foreign-owned corporations have obtained SRED money for projects that will not ultimately aid Canadian innovation.

Rules for Registered Disability Savings Plans (RDSPs) have been simplified as part of an ongoing drive by the federal government to coordinate administration of these plans with the provinces. An RDSP is a savings vehicle aimed at helping people who have severe, prolonged mental or physical impairments. Individuals who are eligible for the disability amount under the Income Tax Act are also eligible to have an RDSP. Families can contribute to an RDSP on behalf of a family member.

Contributions to the plan are not tax deductible, but tax on income earned in the plan is deferred until the income is withdrawn. At that time, the disabled recipient is taxed (not the donor). Furthermore, there are government programs that provide additional funds for these plans. The plans may be eligible to receive Canada Disability Savings Grants up to a lifetime limit of $70 000 or payments from the Canada Disability Savings Bond program up to a lifetime maximum of HPACMAG.COM

Photo: Istockphoto

BY HANK BULMASH

$20 000. This vehicle is very much worth exploring for families of impaired persons.

There has been an interesting change in the taxation of the premiums of some insurance policies. First, some background. Many employers provide disability policies for employees. Those policies, sometimes called wage replacement plans, pay a monthly benefit to an employee who is unfit to return to work. These policies generally pay about two thirds of a person’s normal monthly salary, which is adequate since the payments are generally not taxable. The payments are not taxable as long as the employee has either paid the premiums out of his own funds or if the premiums the employer paid on his behalf are treated as a taxable benefit (the typical situation).

But there is a certain type of policy specifically designed to avoid taxable benefit treatment on premium payments – call it Plan B. A Plan B policy includes the payment of a lump sum (generally for a major medical condition), as well as the monthly benefit typical of wage replacement schemes. By combining a major illness policy with a disability benefit, the

policies circumvented the taxable benefit rules. Unlike a normal major illness policy, premiums on these plans were tax deductible to the employer because they comply with rules allowing the deductibility of premiums. All in all, it is a very clever strategy but not acceptable to CRA. The 2012 budget allows the tax deductibility of premiums for these policies, but requires that the premium payment be considered a taxable benefit to the employee. Another loophole closed.

The tax changes in this budget are relatively minor. These are little things, some beneficial, some not – depending on your perspective, of course. The government has large financial issues to deal with, and it has found ways (both large and small) to reduce expenditures. Based on the evidence of this budget, the government does not plan to deal with its financial issues through major changes to our tax system. This is probably a good thing. <> Hank Bulmash, MBA, CA, TEP, is senior partner with Bulmash Cullemore Chartered Accountants and is president of its consultant subsidiary BusinessLab Inc. E-mail Hank at hbulmash@bulmashcullemore.com.

Want more incentive to invest in energy saving technology?

For a limited time Enbridge Gas Distribution has doubled the incentive to get its customers started on long term energy efficiency gains. We’re offering $0.20/m3 (versus $0.10/m3) on the annual m3 of natural gas you save by implementing one or both of these proven energy-saving technologies. And you can substantially reduce electricity costs too:

How about double?

Variable Frequency Drives (VFD) vary the operating speeds of motor-driven equipment. During periods of reduced load, this can result in valuable energy savings.

Demand Control Ventilation (DCV) adjusts ventilation rates to serve the actual number of occupants in a given space (rather than the maximum number) creating significant energy savings.

If you install either or both of these technologies, your incentive could be worth up to $50,000.* Call 1-888-427-8888 or email your Enbridge Energy Solutions Consultant today.

Offer ends by September 28, 2012 and is only available to the first 200 applicants.

For complete terms and conditions, contact energyservices@enbridge.com

(Be sure to mention your reference code: 12 HPAC AD)

* Eligible technology must be installed and operating by December 12, 2012. Maximum available incentive is the lesser of $50,000 or 50% of the before tax project cost. Subject to terms and conditions.

HPACMAG.COM

MAY/JUNE 2012 | HPAC

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TRAINING

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES ACROSS CANADA COHA Venting and Annual Maintenance Requirements

Dollars to $ense Energy Management Workshops

Check out the Canadian Oil Heat Association's (COHA) website for its latest training sessions and educational opportunities.

Natural Resources Canada's Office of Energy Efficiency is once again offering workshops focusing on improving efficiency, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and lowering operation costs.

www.coha.ca

http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca

CSA Training The CSA education and training schedule is available online.

Canadian Hydronics Council

http://shop.csa.ca

Introduction to Hydronic Heating Installations is a starting point for anyone interested in the professional installation of hydronic heating systems. Participants will gain basic knowledge of hydronic terminology, how the design relates to the installation and how to avoid common pitfalls. New for 2012, the Essentials of Hydronic System Design intermediate level program is geared to helping practitioners understand key design principles and the different options and solutions required to meet client needs. Participants must have previously completed CHC’s Introduction to Hydronic Heating Installations.

TECA's Quality First Training To register for the Thermal Environmental Comfort Association's (TECA) Quality First training courses, call 604-594-5956.

www.teca.ca

Mechanical Service Contractors of Canada The MSCC has several new educational programs available for service contractors. www.servicecontractor.ca

www.ultimatecomfort.ca/chc_courses.php

MCEF National Seminar Program The Canadian Mechanical Contracting Education Foundation program includes: commissioning, inventory management, estimating and project management. www.cmcef.org

LEED Canada Training Sign up for one of the Canada Green Building Council's (CaGBC) LEED workshops at 613-241-1184. www.cagbc.org

GeoExchange Training The Canadian GeoExchange Coalition (CGC) has announced that it will offer a new geothermal quality program designation for geothermal loop installers. The CGC Loop Installer accreditation is valid for both residential and commercial installations.

www.geoexchange.ca

ADVERTISERS IN THIS ISSUE

THE SOURCE

Adrian Steel.......................... (800) 677-2726.............. www.adriansteel.com...................................................... page 22 Bosch................................... (800) 283-3787.............. www.bosch-climate.us..................................................... page 33 Bradford White...................... (866) 690-0961.............. www.bradfordwhite.com................................................... page 15 Carrier.................................. (877) 515-0039.............. www.commercial.carrier.com.............................................. page 9 CIPHEX West........................ (800) 639-2474.............. www.ciphexwest.ca......................................................... page 57 Delta Faucet......................... (800) 567-3300.............. www.deltafaucet.ca........................................................... page 7 Enbridge Gas......................... (877) 362-7434.............. www.enbridge.com.......................................................... page 59 Flir Systems.......................... (800) 613-0507.............. www.flir.ca...................................................................... page 53 Foremost International........... (888) 256-7551.............. www.contrac.ca............................................................... page 14 Franklin Electric.................... (260) 824-2900.............. www.franklin-electric.com/lg............................................ page 49 GeoSmart.............................. (866) 310-6690.............. www.geosmartenergy.com..........................................page 43, 45 Hood Chemical...................... (800) 567-9791.............. www.hoodchemical.com.................................................. page 53 Honeywell Genetron............... (416) 243-9615.............. www.genetron.com.......................................................... page 39 KeepRite............................... ..................................... www.gokeeprite.com....................................................... page 10 Jim Pattison Lease................ (800) 268-5660.............. www.jimpattisonlease.com.............................................. page 21 Lennox PartsPlus.................. (214) 576-3800.............. www.lennoxpartsplus.com............................................... page 27 Liberty Pumps....................... (800) 543-2550.............. www.libertypumps.com.................................................... page 63 Mercedes Benz...................... ..................................... www.mysprinter.ca.......................................................... page 23 Mitsubishi Electric................ (905) 475-7728.............. www.mrslim.ca............................................................... page 13 Navien................................... (800) 519-8794.............. www.navienamerica.com.................................................. page 30 Noble.................................... (800) 529-9805.............. www.noble.ca................................................................. page 35 Quietside.............................. (888) 699-6067.............. www.quietside.com........................................................... page 4 Saniflo.................................. (800) 363-5874.............. www.saniflo.ca................................................................ page 12 Schneider Electric................. (800) 565-6699.............. www.SEreply.com............................................................ page 16 Taco..................................... (905) 564-9422.............. www.floproteam.com....................................................... page 11 tekmar Control Systems........ (250) 545-7749.............. www.tekmarcontrols.com................................................. page 31 Thermo Mfg........................... (888) 678-3709.............. www.thermopan.com....................................................... page 25 Uponor.................................. (888) 994-7726.............. www.uponorpro.com.......................................................... page 2 Watts.................................... (888) 208-8927.............. www.wattscanada.ca..................................................page 32, 64 HPACMAG.COM

MAY/JUNE 2012 | HPAC

61

CALENDAR 2012

FOR THE LATEST EVENT NEWS SEE HPAC'S NEWSLETTER @ HPACMAG.COM Intersolar North America July 9-12

HRAI Annual Meeting & Conference August 23-25

More than 22 000 visitors are expected to attend this solar industry exhibition and conference at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, CA.

The Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI) will hold its 44th annual meeting at the Halifax Marriott Harbourfront in Halifax, NS. www.hrai.ca

www.intersolar.us

COHA Ontario Chapter Education Day September 20-21 The Canadian Oil Heating Association will host its third annual Ontario Chapter Education Day at the Blue Mountain Convention Centre in Collingwood, ON. www.coha.ca

IIDEX/NeoCon Canada 2012 September 20-21

2012 CHES National Conference September 23-25

AHR Expo – Mexico September 25-27

This national design exposition and conference will have more than 3000 conference attendees and 75 sessions and will take place at the Direct Energy Centre in Toronto, ON.

The Canadian Healthcare Engineering Society will hold its education forum at the Palais des Congres in Montreal, QC.

Mexico’s 2012 AHR Expo HVACR Trade Show’s 10th anniversary will take place at Cintermex in Monterrey, Mexico.

www.iidexneocon.com

www.ches.org

2012 HARDI Annual Conference October 6-9

Chillventa October 9-11

The Heating, Air-conditioning and Refrigeration Distributors International’s annual conference will host more than 200 HARDI supplier and service vendor firms and will take place at the J.W. Mariott Orlando Grande Lakes in Orlando, FL.

This international trade fair for refrigeration, air conditioning, ventilation and heat pumps includes a congress program on October 8.

www.chillventa.de/en/

www.ahrexpomexico.com

SMACNA 69th Annual Convention October 14-17 The Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association will hold its convention and product show at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas, NV.

www.smacna.org

www.hardinet.org

ASPE Convention and CPE October 27-31

CIPHEX West November 7-8

The 2012 American Society for Plumbing Engineers (ASPE) Convention and Exposition will take place at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, NC.

Western Canada's trade show for plumbing, hydronics, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration and water treatment products will be held at the Vancouver Convention Centre (West Building) in Vancouver, BC. www.ciphexwest.ca

https://aspe.org

MCA Canada National Conference November 12-15 The Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada is heading to Maui, Hawaii for its 71st annual conference.

The 7th International HVAC Cold Climate Conference will be held in Calgary, AB.

www.ashrae.org/ColdClimate

Greenbuild November 14-16

RSES Conference and HVACR Technology Expo November 14-17

Greenbuild International Conference & Expo will be held in San Francisco, CA.

The 75th annual RSES Conference and HVACR Technology Expo will be held in conjunction with the 23rd annual RSES Mid-Southeast Regional Association Conference at the Wild Dunes Resort in Isle of Palms, SC. The 2012 conference’s theme is “Your Bridge to Education and Training.” www.rses.org/conference.aspx

www.greenbuildexpo.org

Construct Canada November 28-30 Canada’s largest building and design construction show will take place at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in Toronto, ON.

2013

www.mcac.ca

www.constructcanada.com

HVAC Cold Climate Conference November 12-14

IDS13 Interior Design Show January 24-27

AHR Expo January 28-30

IDS13, Canada’s largest contemporary design fair, will take place at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in Toronto, ON.

The 2013 AHR Expo HVACR Trade Show will take place at the Dallas Convention Center in Dallas, TX.

www.interiordesignshow.com

www.ahrexpo.com

Buildex Vancouver February 13-14

National Home Show March 15-24

This tradeshow and conference hosts more than 13 000 design, construction and real estate management professionals. It will take place at the Vancouver Convention Centre West in Vancouver, BC.

The National Home Show, presented by RE/MAX, is Canada’s largest and longest running consumer show. It will take place at the Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place, in Toronto, ON.

www.buildexvancouver.com

Kitchen & Bath Industry Show April 19-21 KBIS 2013 will take place at the New Orleans Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, LA.

www.kbis.com 62

HPAC | MAY/JUNE 2012

www.nationalhomeshow.com

World Plumbing Conference November 14-15 The 10th annual World Plumbing Conference will take place at The Grand Hotel in New Delhi, India. The theme for this global conference will be “Environment, Health, Hygiene.” www.wpc2013.in HPACMAG.COM

Toilet meets EPA WaterSense Criteria IAPMO File 5960