HPAC April 2012

kitchen & Bath Trends

Split System Maintenance

Refrigerant conversions

R esidential IAQ I nvestigations

Should you get in the game?

new kid

on the block

Potable water line option ramps up competition

April 2012 | $5.00

Also inside

Solar:Collector Transplant Safety: Handling Ethanol Blends www.hpacmag.com

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April 2012

tents

Vol. 86 No. 3

34 Pull-out Faucets Stand Out Design trend survey results show significant increase in specification of product that integrates two functions.

14 New Kid On The Block

39 Maintenance Rules Address the two biggest problems with HVAC split system components.

Stainless potable water tubing system option enters Canadian marketplace.

BY STEVE GOLDIE

16 Lowering The Limit

43 MEET Preview 44 Overcoming Hurdles professionals discuss the potential in residential iAQ investigations. BY DON FUGLER

How to extract more heat from a storage tank.

BY JOHN SIEGENTHALER

22 Geothermal Safety: Ethanol Blends,

58 Time Well Served After 30 years it was time for a collector transplant.

BY JOHN SIEGENTHALER

the owners’ perspective

BY MARISSA CUTTS

PRODUCTS

24 Greenhouse Company

Embraces Biomass BY LUC BOILY

28 Show Recap: CMX-CIPHEX 2012 20 Basic Conversion Considerations

BY DAVE DEMMA

26 CooliNG proDUCT SHoWCASE 30 HYDroNiC 36 GiZMoS & GADGETS

Departments 4 6 52 56

Upfront industry News Mechanical Supply News

41 HVAC/r 46 plUMBiNG

61 61 62

Training The Source Calendar

people

Cover image: istock photo

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apRIL 2012 | HPAC

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< UPFRONT tapping into resources HPAC LAUNCHED ITS NEW WEBSITE SEVERAL WEEKS AGO. If yOU HAVE NOT VISITED www.hpacmag.com recently now is the time. The user-friendly site offers a host of new features, including a digital magazine. If the clicking and flipping is not your cup of tea, we continue to offer a PDf alternative, as well as text versions of the feature content. for our francophone readers we offer Plomberie, Chauffage & Climatisation (PCC) archives, advertising and subscription information. The map below highlights the offerings – if you have suggestions for further improvements we would like to hear from you – simply click on the Contact link from HPAC's pages or the Communiquez avec nous link from PCC's pages. Check it out and enjoy this rich source of industry information.

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Improved functionality – search site by keyword or topic News – A compilation of briefs from the most recent online news, includes archives

PCC-link to the home page of HPAC’s French language publication

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Event calendar: plan ahead with our comprehensive list of industry happenings

Products – details on products and suppliers featured in HPAC

Contact – find the entire HPAC team linked here Sign up for ActionLink – product newsletter featuring suppliers from the most recent issue of HPAC

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HPAC | apRIL 2012

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Industry news

SEE THE LATEST HPAC E-nEwSLETTEr @ hpacmag.com

NRCaN has New web poRtal Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) recently created a web portal designed to highlight the essential contributions of government researchers. It features articles and videos on a variety of topics, including Diagnostic Agent for Building Operation (DABO) software, which is designed to improve a building’s heating, ventilation and air-conditioning equipment performance. www.nrcan.gc.ca/science/story/3465

UNified bRaNdiNg foR Csa iNteRNatioNal aNd Csa staNdaRds CSA International and CSA Standards have combined their identities and logos under the unified name CSA Group, with the tagline “Advancing Today, Anticipating Tomorrow.” The decision was made to unify the names in an effort to strengthen the company’s global position in the marketplace. The internationally-recognized CSA Certification Mark will continue to be used. www.csagroup.org

aCCa RhC spoNsoRs hydRoNiCs CoNfeReNCe iN oCtobeR The Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) Radiant and Hydronics Council is sponsoring the Hydronics Roundtable, a two-day conference that will take place from October 9-10 in Austin, TX. The conference offers industry professionals learning labs run by leading hydronics contractors. www.acca.org/hydronics

leaky seals pRompt gas CyliNdeRs ReCall Health Canada, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Worthington Cylinders Wisconsin have announced a voluntary recall of Map Pro, Propylene and MAPP gas cylinders used for soldering, brazing, cutting and welding. The cylinders’ seals can leak after being disconnected from torches, or other fuel-consuming equipment, posing a fire hazard. Since 2004, more than 1.3 million of the recalled cylinders have been sold in Canada. http://cpsr-rspc.hc-sc.gc.ca

plUmbiNg aNd hVaC iNdUstRy Ready to Ride The plumbing and HVAC industries will be participating in the third annual Ride for Habitat on Saturday, July 21, 2012. The ride raises funds for Habitat for Humanity Canada. To register, visit: www.rideforhabitat.com.

Nkba RepoRt shows optimism foR Q1 2012 The National Kitchen & Bath Association’s (NKBA) 2011 fourth quarter market report shows industry optimism for the first quarter of 2012, despite a slight decrease in the number of remodels and budgets and showroom visits in the third quarter of 2011. The data reflects the responses of approximately 150 kitchen and bath dealers across Canada and the U.S. NKBA president Alan W. Zielinski stated that dealers are extremely optimistic since the NKBA Kitchen & Bath Market Index (KBMI) surged from +9 to +32 in the fourth quarter, showing kitchen and bath dealers forecasting healthy expansion in the market over the first quarter of 2012.

An overview of the KBMI report for Q4 2011 stated showroom visits were down three per cent from the previous quarter, with 70 per cent of dealers anticipating an increase in Q1 2012 (three per cent anticipating decrease); kitchen remodels down 20 per cent from Q3 2011, with 73 per cent expecting an increase in Q1 2012 (three per cent expecting decline); kitchen remodel prices down 11 per cent from the previous quarter, with 35 per cent expecting an increase in Q1 2012 (four per cent anticipating decline); bathroom remodels sales volume down two per cent from the previous quarter, with 62 per cent expecting an increase in Q1 2012 (three per cent expecting decline); bathroom remodeling prices down one per cent from Q3 2011, with 34 per cent anticipating an increase (six per cent expecting decline) and kitchen and bath revenues down 22 per cent from the previous quarter with 68 per cent expecting an increase (three per cent anticipating decline). www.nkba.org

ResideNtial CoNstRUCtioN iNdUstRy to stop thRee-yeaR slide iN 2012 The Conference Board of Canada concluded that Canada’s residential construction industry should expect modest growth in 2012 and 2013 in its report titled, Canada’s Residential Construction Industry: Industrial Outlook Winter continued on page 8

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HPAC | APRIL 2012

hPAcmAg.com

continued from page 6

2012. The report, which is authored by Maxim Armstrong, looks at the short- and medium-term economic outlook and profitability for the residential construction industry. The report states there will be approximately 190 000 housing starts in both 2012 and 2013, with the number growing to about 200 000 in 2014. Demand for single-family homes is expected to surpass multi-unit dwellings in the short-term, with multi-family units (condos, rowhouses, semi-detached) assuming a larger share of overall construction in the medium-term.

Residential construction profitability is expected to end its three-year slide in 2012, with industry profits expected to increase by more than 21 per cent to $3.4 billion, mainly due to slower growth in industry costs; however, cost increases – led by labour costs – are expected to pressure and restrain profit growth in 2013. www.conferenceboard.ca/e-library/abstract.aspx?did=4723 Upcoming events Sign up for the Canadian Oil Heat Association’s (COHA) Cleaner Heat conference taking place June 12-13, 2012 in Mont Tremblant, QC. This year’s theme is Taking Charge of Change. Industry professionals will have a chance to hear keynote speaker Dave Neely, drop in on several educational sessions, and attend the annual general meeting and the Delivering the Good Awards luncheon over the twoday conference. Golfers of all skill levels can also enjoy a round at the second annual COHA Cup at the scenic Le Géant Golf Course. www.symposium.coha.ca The Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating’s (CIPH) Annual Business Conference (ABC) takes place June 24-26 at the Fairmont Chateau Montebello in Montebello, QC. This year’s conference will feature CIPH’s 80th annual general meeting, an optional white water rafting tour, the inaugural Ed Hardison Memorial Tournament, the Geo Cache Scavenger Hunt, a hands-on culinary experience, and more. Hydronics professionals will get a chance to meet and share ideas at the Hydronics Luncheon on Wednesday, June 26. Attendees will also have a chance to run/walk with John Stanton, founder of The Running Room and author of Running: The Complete Guide to Building Your Running Program. www.ciph.com/Your_Industry_Trade_ Section/Events/Annual_Business_Conference.php.

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HPAC | APRIL 2012

cLips >> The Alberta Private Sewage Systems Standard of Practice 2009 has issued an update of two variances regarding gravel (drain media) under chambers in treatment mounds (VAR-PS03.12) and fixture unit loading (VAR-12).

http://municipalaffairs.alberta.ca >> The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s (CMHC) Canadian Housing Observer 2011 is now available as a free download. The annual report examines the state of Canada's housing from a variety of perspectives, combining national coverage with provincial/territorial and metropolitan detail.

The report discusses influences on housing demand, current market developments, housing finance, housing affordability, and other topics. www.cmhc.ca/observer >> The Safety Services Branch of Alberta Municipal Affairs is now posting safety codes, product recalls, and other safety system information on Twitter. http://twitter.com/ABSafetyServ >> The Heating Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI) sent a letter to Prime Minister Stephen Harper, all Premiers and other party leaders, MPs and MPPs in February 2012, regarding extension of the ecoENERGY Retrofit-Homes program. The letter received support from several political leaders, including B.C. Premier Christy Clark, Green Party of Canada leader Elizabeth May and several others. To view the full letter, visit:

http://saveecoenergy.ca/prime-minister-harper.

SAfE DrInkIng WATEr for fIrST nATIonS ACT InTroDuCED To PArlIAmEnT New legislation for safe drinking water for First Nations was introduced to Parliament on February 29, 2012.

Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada stated that the Safe Drinking Water for First Nations Act is designed in the spirit of Bill S-11, with considerable changes incorporated into the new act, based on feedback from First Nations, Senators and Members of Parliament. The bill is designed to allow the Government of Canada to create enforceable federal regulations – in partnership with First Nations – for ensuring safe, clean and reliable drinking water, effective treatment of wastewater; and the protection of sources of water on First Nation lands. www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca continued on page 10 hPAcmAg.com

© 2011 Masco Canada Limited.

< Industry news

© 2011 Masco Canada Limited.

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< Industry news

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ashRae sigNs moU with iapmo

kUdos to Committee membeRs HRAI Toronto chapter chair Dick Thomas (l) with former chair David Weishuhn and executive committee member Nancy McKeraghan. Thomas thanked both of them for their time on the HRAI executive committee at the HRAI Toronto Chapter’s first meeting of 2012, held in February in Vaughan, ON. Weishuhn spent the past six years as chair of the executive committee and McKeraghan has served as a member for approximately 18 years. Guest presentations included Nathan Janzen – an economist with RBC Royal Bank, who spoke about today’s economy and Canada’s economic future – and the Canada Revenue Agency's electronic services. 1/14/11 4:56 PM Page 1 24612_GRA_AD_HalfPage.qxd

ASHRAE and the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in an effort to advance and promote mutual interests in built environment codes and standards.

The MOU outlines various areas ASHRAE and IAPMO will work together, including: public affairs goals, such as joint promotion of codes and standards at the local, state and federal levels; promotion of mutually benefi cial positions during the development and passage of state and federal legislation; exploring the development of new courses and training programs where overlapping and complementary expertise exists; promoting technical cooperation by offering opportunities for each organization to participate in, and comment on, proposed standards, guidelines, policies and position statements developed on technical subjects as they relate to buildings and community developments; and exploring ways to use ASHRAE standards in IAPMO codes, promoting research that will increase knowledge in codes, standards and more. www.ashrae.org www.iapmo.org continued on page 12

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HPAC | APRIL 2012

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< Industry news

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AttendAnce tops 200 For MechAnicAl conFerence The Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute (HRAI) and seventeen other organizations co-sponsored the HVACR & Mechanical Conference, formerly the Instructors’ Workshop, March 12-14, in Colorado Springs, CO. More than 200 education professionals attended the event, which is subsidized by the sponsoring organizations.

The Conference included sessions on radiant heating, variable frequency drives, and green buildings. The next conference is scheduled for March 11-13, 2013, at the Cheyenne Mountain Lodge in Colorado Springs, CO. www.instructorworkshop.org/default.aspx

WAter closet opens in Kitchener American Standard sales and marketing analyst Antonella Di Gianni tests out one of the working showers at the opening of The new Water Closet in Kitchener, ON that took place on March 15, 2012. The Water Closet is located at 241 Shoemaker St., Kitchener, ON, N2E 3B3.

Tel: 519-743-6827, Fax: 519-743-9531. www.watercloset.ca

innoFlue Approved by A.o. sMith And brAdFord-White InnoFlue can be used on all A.O. Smith residential power direct vented (PDV) tank water heaters that accept PVC or CPVC, including units under the A.O. Smith, GSW, State and John Wood brands. Bradford-White also approved Innoflue for its high efficiency condensing commercial, power direct vent commercial, residential power direct vent, and residen16 FLIR Back in Black HPAC Feb12:3.375x4.875 2/14/12 tial power vent model series. www.centrotherm.us.com

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< plumbing

New Kid

On The BlOck

Stainless potable water tubing system enters canadian marketplace. BY steve goldie

T

here is a great scene from the movie Moonstruck where Cosmo Castorini, a New York City plumbing contractor, is giving a young professional couple an estimate to repipe their aging bathroom. They initially balk at the seemingly exorbitant quote, but Cosmo is unfazed, he expects this kind of response. He looks at them with a grave seriousness and says: "There are three kinds of pipe.

There's the kind of pipe you have (galvanized) and that’s garbage, and you can see where that’s gotten you. Then there's bronze, which is pretty good, unless something goes wrong, and something always goes wrong. Then, there's copper, which is the only pipe I use. It costs money. It costs money because it saves money."

Cosmo, played brilliantly by Vincent Gardenia, delivers his pitch not just with his words but also with hand motions as skilled and precise as a symphony conductors’. He is well practiced and very effective and the husband quickly agrees to go along with Castorini’s recommendation.

Moonstruck came out the same year I got married, and I remember going to see it with my wife. That scene really had little or nothing to do with the main plot of the movie, but it has always stuck with me, partly I am sure because I was a young plumber at the time. I remember laughing back then and somewhat scoffing at the notion that any real life plumber would ever be 14

HPAC | APRIL 2012

faced with a choice of what material to use for water pipe. At that time, in my mind at least, the only real choice we had to make was type “L” or type “M”?

However, a lot of things can change in 25 years and if Castorini were to deliver his pitch today he would have to add a few more options to his list and come up with some additional hand flourishes. Today copper and PEX (crosslinked polyethylene) battle it out for water pipe supremacy, with CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride) also vying for a slice of the pie. There is quite a debate raging on which is material is best. Do a Google search and you might be surprised to learn just how deep the passions run on all sides. I am not about to enter into that debate, rather I would like to take a look at yet another option that has recently arrived on the scene: flexible corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST) for potable water lines.

CSST is probably familiar to most readers as it is the same tubing that has been used for quite a few years as an option for natural gas pipe. The gas pipe version is typically wrapped in a yellow polyethylene jacket. Over the past few years I have seen CSST being marketed for use in quite a variety of applications, such as insulated line sets for solar collectors, flexible connectors for hot water tanks, and as an option for piping closed loop heating systems. Even more recently, at least one manufacturer I am aware of is of-

fering CSST for potable use. The tubing, which is manufactured with grade 304 stainless steel is available in pipe sizes from ½-in. through to 1-¼-in. internal diameter and is available plain or with red or blue polyethylene jacketing. A full range of fittings seem to be available for sizes from ½-in. to 1 in., but for the 1-¼-in. pipe size straight adapters are available but no elbow or tees. All tubing and fittings are certified by IAPMO to be NSF/ANSI 61 compliant for use in drinking water systems and are CSA approved.

Does the plumbing world need another tubing option for potable water lines? Let’s have a closer look and see what advantages are offered by CSST. To me, the most obvious advantage CSST has over a rigid piping system, such as copper or CPVC, would be ease and speed of installation. The tubing is available in coils up to 150 ft. long, and a full coil of one-inch tubing weighs just 29 lbs. In this way, CSST would be very similar to PEX; and like PEX, the flexibility would eliminate the need for most elbows, substantially reducing the total number of connections required.

Unlike PEX, there are no specialty tools required to install or connect CSST. The tubing is cut with a standard tube cutter and the fittings use hPAcmAg.com

Image: NV Eco Vision Sales Inc.

Water line system with flexible corrugated stainless steel piping

a hex nut over a nylon isolation ring and a silicone sealing ring. CSST is also suitable in applications where higher temperatures may be an issue, which is why it is a popular choice for solar supply lines.

One question that is raised deals with pressure drop. The corrugated construction could lead many to believe that the CSST would have a much greater pressure drop than smooth walled copper or PEX tubing; however, independent testing indicates that this is not a concern. The Canadian sales representative commissioned this test and the results show that 他-in. CSST performed very well and had a pressure drop very similar to copper at various flow rates, and outperformed crimp style PEX which had a higher pressure drop at the same flow rates. The testing apparatus which was on display at the recent CMX show had identical length runs of 他-in. copper, CSST and crimped PEX each with four 90-degree bends hooked up to multi speed pumps to achieve the various flow rates. I emphasize that the PEX in the test model was crimp style since the PEX that utilizes an expander tool and larger fittings would also have lower pressure drops.

Ultimately, it will be up to the marketplace, and of course, the Cosmo Castorinis of the world to determine if there is a place for yet another potable water tubing system. In my mind, the more choices that are available the better. As I said earlier, the debate about what is best will go on and on. CSST perhaps offers a faster, easier option for the copper purists out there who just do not want to accept any plastic options. <> Steve Goldie worked as a plumbing and heating contractor for almost 20 years before joining Noble as manager of its heating department. In his current position, Goldie focuses on product specification and system design solutions. He can be reached at sgoldie@noble.ca. hPAcmAg.com

APRIL 2012 | HPAC

15

< Boilers

Lowering the Limit How to extract more heat from a storage tank.

T

he article titled Big Buffers in HPAC's January 2012 issue (available at www.hpacmag.com) reviewed the options for large thermal storage tanks used in combination with wood gasification boilers.

The piping between the boiler and storage tank is shown in Figure 1.

In this article we will add some hardware to configure the load side of the thermal storage tank and discuss a way to “squeeze” the maximum amount of heat out of that tank before resorting to heat generation by the auxiliary boiler.

Figure 2 shows one way to set up the load side of the system for zoned heat delivery as well as incorporation of a modulating/condensing boiler for auxiliary heating. The distribution system uses a variable speed pressure-regulated circulator to supply three zoned manifold stations for radiant panel heating. The tank circulator (P2), and the auxiliary boiler circulator (P1) are hydraulically separated from the variable speed distribution circulator by a set of closely-spaced tees. A three-way motorized mixing valve operates based on outdoor reset control to deliver the proper supply water temperature to the manifolds under all conditions.

Upon a demand for space heating from any heating zone, an outdoor reset controller is powered on to measure the temperature at the top of the storage tank, and compare it to the “target” supply water temperature. If this controller determines that the tank is sufficiently warm, the storage tank circulator (P2) operates to deliver heated water to the closely-spaced tees and then on to the space heating 16

HPAC | APRIL 2012

BY John SiegenthaLer

load. If the storage temperature is too low to supply the load, the auxiliary boiler is turned on along with the circulator (P1) to deliver heat to the closelyspaced tees. In this mode, circulator (P2) is turned off to prevent heat generated by the auxiliary boiler from going into the storage tank.

The graph in Figure 3 shows the logic used by the outdoor reset controller. In this case, that controller has been configured to deliver a “target” supply water temperature of 109F when the corresponding outdoor temperature is zero Fahrenheit. The “on/off” control output of the reset controller requires

a differential to prevent short cycling.

This differential is represented by the two dashed lines shown in Figure 3.

The lower dashed line shows the temperature at which the auxiliary boiler is turned on, assuming there is a heating demand. The upper dashed line shows where the auxiliary boiler is turned off, and thus all heat is delivered from the storage tank. What happens when the tank sensor temperature is between the dashed lines depends on the “direction” of temperature change. If there is a demand for heat and the tank is supplying the load, it will continue to do so until the tank tempera-

Figure 1 Boiler and storage tank piping

Figure 2 Load side system configuration outdoor reset controller

P1

3-way motorized mixing valve variable speed pressure regulated circulator

wood-fired boiler

boiler protection mixing block

large thermal storage tank

P2

expansion tank

hPAcmAg.com

ture drops to the lower dashed line. If there is a demand for heat and the boiler is supplying the load, it will continue to do so until the tank temperature rises above the upper dashed line.

graBBing More heat One limitation of this basic control concept is that there is no operating mode where both the storage tank and auxiliary boiler can supply heat to the load.

Consider the situation where the temperature at the top of the storage tank is slightly lower than the lower

limit established by the outdoor reset controller, but is still warmer than the return temperature of the distribution system. Under these conditions the tank can still contribute some heat to the space heating load. The balance of the heat input is supplied by the auxiliary boiler.

The addition of a differential temperature controller, like those used to control solar thermal systems, allows the storage tank to continue supplying heat to a lower temperature. Figure 4 shows where the sensors for the differ-

ential temperature controller would be located. Figure 5 shows a ladder diagram containing the hard-wired logic for the control system.

If the outdoor reset controller determines that the tank is too cool to supply the load, its normally open contacts close to power up the differential temperature (∆T) controller as well as a relay that enables the boiler to operate, and places control of the circulator (P2) solely at the discretion of the differential temperature controller.

The differential temperature controlcontinued on page 18

Figure 3 Outdoor reset controller logic

Figure 5 Control system logic

Figure 4 Sensor location outdoor reset controller higher temp. sensor for ∆T controller P1

3-way motorized mixing valve operated by outdoor reset

∆T controller variable speed pressure regulated circulator lower temp. sensor for ∆T controller wood-fired boiler

boiler protection mixing block

hPAcmAg.com

large thermal storage tank

P2

expansion tank

APRIL 2012 | HPAC

17

< Boilers

continued from page 17

ler measures the temperature difference between water at the top of the buffer tank and that returning from the distribution system. If the top of tank is at least 2F above the return temperature, the normally open contacts in the differential temperature controller close to keep the circulator (P2) operating.

The boiler and circulator (P1) are also operating at this time. The boiler is monitoring the temperature downstream of the closely-spaced tees. Ideally, it modulates to add just enough heat to maintain this temperature close to the target temperature required by the distribution system based on the settings of its internal reset controller.

The mixing valve, operating under its own outdoor reset controller, and with the same settings as the boiler reset controller, should be at or very close to its fully open position.

If the temperature difference between the top of the buffer tank and the return side of the distribution system drops 1F or less, there is very little heat being extracted from the tank. Under this condition the differential temperature controller turns off circulator (P2) to prevent heat supplied by the auxiliary boiler from being added to the buffer tank. The auxiliary boiler and circulator (P1) remain on to supply the space heating load as required.

When the buffer tank temperature again rises to where the temperature differential between the top of the tank and the return side of the distribution system reaches 2F or more, and there is still a demand for heat, the circulator (P2) is turned back on to again extract available heat from the tank.

This strategy makes sense when a large storage tank is used in the system. I suggest it only be used when the storage tank contains at least 500 gallons. The ability to lower 500 gallons of water by an additional 10F implies a release of almost 42 000 additional Btus from the tank. Smaller tanks

would contribute proportionally smaller amounts of heat, and thus provide less justification for the additional controls.

CaUtionarY note If you implement this strategy, be sure of two things: 1. That the accuracy of the differential temperature controller and its sensors is capable of consistently reacting to a temperature difference as low as 1F. 2. That the temperature sensors for the differential temperature controller are mounted in identical, or nearly identical manners.

Ideally, both sensors would be mounted in identical sensor wells, immersed in the system water, and with ample coatings of thermal grease. If mounted to the surface of copper tubing, be sure the sensor surface makes good contact, is well secured, and is fully wrapped with insulation. Remember, you are asking the differential temperature controller to detect differences in temperature as low as 1F. That is about one third of the temperature difference you can detect with your own fingers.

If you cannot ensure the accuracy of the controller or the identical sensor mounting, it is better to use a wider differential temperature setting on the differential temperature controller. For example, it could be set to close its contacts at 4F and open them at 2F. Finally, keep in mind that this technique can also be used with storage tanks heated by other sources, such as solar collectors or heat pumps. <> 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.

Radiant Heating and Potable Systems HeatWeaveÂŽ Electric Floor Warming

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HPAC | APRIL 2012

hPAcmAg.com

A new level of efficiency and flexibility

HIGH EFFICIENCY

Our new Viridian commercial circulator pumps are significantly advanced in several important ways. First, they feature a high-efficiency ECM motor that consumes up to 80% less power.

And our VR15 and VR20 models are available in 115 volts. Plus, full variable speed control delivers optimum performance and dramatic cost savings over the life of the system.

Next, the Taco Viridian is web-enabled.

All settings and pump access can be done over an internet connection, making installation, set-up and service easy.

Looking for a high efficiency, wet rotor commercial circulator pump for chilled and hot water applications? Look to the future. Taco Viridian.

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

< RefRigeRation

Basic Conversion Considerations What are the important issues after the decision has been made to move forward with a refrigerant conversion? BY DAVE DEMMA

T

here is no question that the life of a refrigeration technician was simpler when it was viewed in three colours: white, green and purple. White and purple are long gone.

Green…watch out...your days are numbered. As allocation regulations continue to shrink, there has been increased interest in planning for the future – converting from R-22 to an alternative that will provide similar performance while allowing the equipment owner the assurance of using a relatively inexpensive and ample supply of refrigerant for the remaining life of their equipment.

WHERE TO START There are so many current refrigerant choices available to replace what were once viewed as great refrigerants that it is truly mind numbing. Not only are there too many choices, but it is sometimes difficult to discern between the marketing campaign designed to sway one to use a particular replacement refrigerant and the technical merits of each refrigerant.

A refrigerant conversion is not a job to be undertaken without first putting a good deal of thought into the merits of it. While the allocations for the manufacturing of new R-22 are continuing to drop, and 2020 will see the end of any new R-22 manufacturing, the estimates are that there will be a decent supply of reclaimed R-22 around for some time. So, does a small package air-conditioning unit whose total refrigerant charge is less than 10 lbs. warrant consideration for a refrigerant conversion at this time? Probably not.

The cost of converting the system will 20

HPAC | APRIL 2012

the R-22 that has been removed from the stores that were converted can then provide an ample supply of refrigerant to cover losses in any remaining R-22 stores. It is recommended that the used R-22 be brought to a certified reclamation facility and be brought back to AHRI 700 specification before being added to another system.

far outweigh the increased cost of refrigerant should the equipment experience a leak.

Larger equipment packages such as chillers, multi-compressor supermarket racks, large industrial plants, etc. are good candidates for refrigerant conversions, particularly if they are applications where there have been repetitive refrigerant leak issues.

I spoke with a contractor earlier this week who maintains an ice skating rink. The system’s refrigerant charge is approximately 5000 lbs. of R-22, and as they stated, “you can count on at least one large leak per year.” This is an ideal candidate for a refrigerant conversion. With the price of R-22 nearly double that of some of the more common alternatives to R-22, it is easy to justify recommending a conversion to the customer.

Supermarket chains which have a number of R-22 stores in their organization are another ideal candidate. The average leak rate in a supermarket is in the 15 to 20 per cent range of the total charge per year. Again, it does not take too many leaks to justify converting to an R-22 alternative. In addition,

PLANNING IS PARAMOUNT Once the decision has been made to proceed with the conversion there is quite a bit of planning required to insure the job goes smoothly. I recall an experience many years ago at a wholesaler's where a technician was gathering up a few parts and pieces, notably a few R-22 TEV power assemblies and a crankcase pressure regulator. I asked the technician what kind of problem he had encountered which required him to purchase those parts, and he told me “I’m getting ready to convert a system from R-502 to R-22.” I was dumfounded that those few parts were the extent of his conversion. As an industry, we have learned a lot since those days.

The first decision involved in a conversion is to select one of the refrig-

Table 1 Refrigerant Options Refrigerant

Components

Glide

Pressure Match

GWP

-20

10

40

110

130

R-22

22

0

10

33

68

226

297

1810

R-404A (R507)

125/143a/134a

1.5

16

44

86

271

356

3920

R-407A

32/125/134a

11

12

37

78

259

345

2110

R-407C

32/125/134a

10

10

34

71

245

324

1770

R-407F

32/125/134a

10

13

40

82

272

313

1850

R-422B

125/134a/600a

6

8

30

65

221

292

2500

R-422D

125/134a/600a

6

10

34

71

238

313

2730

R-427A

32/125/143a/134a

13

9

32

69

235

311

2140

R-438A

32/125/134a/600/601a

11

9

31

67

230

305

2265

hPAcmAg.com

Photo: Istockphoto.com

Large industrial plants are good candidates for refrigerant conversions.

eran options in Table 1. There are several criteria that ought to be used to make this choice: • Is the refrigerant approved by the compressor manufacturer?

• Capacity of new refrigerant versus R-22.

• Will refrigerant flow controls need replacing?

• Will liquid or suction lines need upsizing?

• Price and availability of new refrigerant.

• Will low temperature applications with new refrigerant require demand cooling?

• Oil requirements.

After the refrigerant is selected, but prior to the actual conversion, it is important to check TEV and distributor nozzle capacities with the new refrigerant. Depending on the thermodynamic properties of the new refrigerant, these components may need to be replaced with a larger tonnage model.

Again, depending on the thermodynamic properties of the new refrigerant, some pipe sizes may also need to be upsized.

Elastomer seals (solenoid valves, Schrader valves, seal caps, etc.) will hPAcmAg.com

swell in the presence of R-22 and mineral oil. This swelling will aid in the elastomer providing a leak-free seal.

Over the course of time these seals will take a set against the surface they

“THE LURE Of SOME R-22 ALTERNATIVE REfRIGERANTS IS THAT THEY ARE TOUTED AS BEING COMPATIBLE WITH MINERAL OIL.”

are in contact with due to this swell and the refrigerant pressure that is exerted on the seal. When the elastomer comes into contact with the new refrigerant/oil the amount of swelling will generally be reduced. This results in a new shrinkage of the seal.

Additionally, elastomer seals that have likely hardened over time would now be subject to a different pressure

than with R-22. All of these factors will combine to make the seal a high-potential leak. As such, they should all be replaced.

After replacing the R-22 with the new refrigerant, TEVs should be checked and reset if necessary. All pressure controls will need to be reset to the appropriate pressures for the new refrigerant. If any pressure regulating valves are utilized, these will also need to be reset.

The lure of some R-22 alternative refrigerants is that they are touted as being compatible with mineral oil. A conversion that does not require an oil change might be attractive, however caution must be exercised. The fine print will normally advise that “if” there are oil return problems after the conversion, some percentage of the total system oil charge should consist of POE oil. <> 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. He can be reached at ddemma@uri.com.

APRIL 2012 | HPAC

21

< GEOTHERMAL

Ethanol Handling: A Health & Safety Perspective Clear best practices and improved training crucial for owners.

I

n the past few years, there has been an increased focus on health and safety directly related to the use of ethanol blends in the geothermal industry. Unfortunately, this came about due to an incident in Ontario. Following this incident there was a strong response by producers, distributors and industry associations to establish clear best practices and to improve training in the industry.

Although this article will not cover all of those obligations, it will be a guide to setting you on the right track.

One of the frequent comments we have heard recently is, “What’s the big deal, this product has been used safely for years?” Although there is some truth to the fact that the safety record for ethanol blends

BY MARISSA CUTTS

in the geothermal industry has been excellent, one incident is too many and a reoccurrence will hurt us.

There is also one big misconception in the industry that needs to be cleared up. Many believe that since ethanol blends are diluted with water that they are no longer flammable. Ethanol blends are still flammable at 20 per cent dilution.

I have never been to a training session where this statement was not immediately followed by the question “So what percentage will it no longer be fl ammable at?” Though this a good question, it is not a relevant one. According to CSA Standard CAN/CSA 448-02, ethanol mixtures should be used at a concentration between 20 and 27 per cent in a geothermal system. This range is not only for burst and freeze protection, but it is also where the ethanol is stable and will not ferment and corrode the metal components in the system.

about working with hazardous products. It can be done in any number of ways, including in class and online.

WHMIS training is a legal requirement in any workplace where hazardous products are present.

In addition to general WHMIS training, it is critical that product specific training is also done for ethanol blends.

This training will cover product hazards and specific handling requirements.

Training is available through distributors, industry associations and manufacturers.

In January of 2011, the Canadian GeoExchange Coalition (CGC) and the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI), in conjunction with manufacturers and geothermal contractors put together an Industry Information Note (CGC-IN-2011-01) and a Technical Information Note (CGC-TN- 2011-01) that cover the safe handling of ethanol blends.

TRANSPORTING BLENDS YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES As business owners in the geothermal industry, we have some very specific responsibilities in regards to the use of ethanol blends.

1. Provide staff training 2. Provide safety equipment 3. Have an emergency plan Employee training must include Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS). This training will cover basic information 22

HPAC | APRIL 2012

If your employees will be transporting ethanol blends you will also need to have Transportation of Dangerous Goods training. Although there are small quantities of flammable products that can be transported without TDG training being required, it is important that you are clearly aware of your legal requirements.

The last two types of required training directly tie into two of your other responsibilities; emergency planning and providing safety equipment.

Owners are responsible for having hPAcmAg.com

an Emergency Plan that covers what to do in the event of a spill, fire, accidental contact or any other reasonable foreseeable incident. Once this plan has been created, employees need to be trained on how to respond to any incident. It is important to note that emergency plans apply to job sites as well as your shop.

Employees will need to know where there is fresh water available in the event of eye contact, the location of fire extinguishers, and the physical address of where they are working in the event that emergency services need to be contacted. This is especially important on new construction sites.

Specific training also needs to be provided to employees on how to properly use safety equipment relating to product handling. This can include the proper use of grounding and bonding equipment, safety goggles and fire extinguishers. This training can be on the job training, or can be provided by equipment manufacturers and distributors.

RECORD KEEPING As you provide training it is important that records are kept of how and when employees were trained. This will protect you and your business in the event of an incident.

I am often told that employees have been given equipment and training but still do not use it or follow the rules.

Through product specific training employees will come to properly understand the hazards associated with handling ethanol blends and take a more active role in protecting themselves.

It is also important to remember that you have a legal obligation to provide competent supervision. One of the responsibilities of this competent supervisor will be to ensure that safety equipment is being properly used. hPAcmAg.com

Share this article with your employees. Watch for a follow up article in HPAC focussed on employee obligations. <> 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.”

When it comes to refrigerants, Arkema has everything you need.

• Need R-22? In an uncertain market, we’re positioned to meet our customers’ needs.

• Need R-22 retrofits? We have great retrofits for AC and refrigeration.

• Need to source product globally? We produce on a global scale.

• Have a complicated technical challenge or a question from the field? Our Technical Services staff is ready to help.

So make Arkema’s Forane® “shop” a must stop the next time you need refrigerant. It’s the only stop you’ll need to make!

For more information call 416-614-3610 or 1-800-567-5726 or visit us on the web at www.forane-us.com

Explore the possibilities.

Arkema Canada Inc. 1100 Burloak Drive, Suite 107 Burlington, ON L7L 6B2 www.arkema.ca

The world is our inspiration

APRIL 2012 | HPAC

23

< renewables

Greenhouse Company Embraces Biomass

BY LuC BoiLY

L

es Serres Lefort Inc., a Sainte-Clotilde-de-Châteauguay, QC-based specialty greenhouse company dedicated to the production of seedlings, recently unveiled its new biomass heating system. The leading edge system consists of two 6000 kW boilers, an open buffer tank of 1.3 million litres and a hot water distribution network supplying 6.5 greenhouse hectares.

The mammoth size of this renewable energy conversion makes it unique in the province of Quebec. The $7.8-million project, which is now a showcase to demonstrate the bene-

fits of biomass, received a financial contribution of $5 million from the Bureau de l’efficacité et de l’innovation énergétiques du Québec. According to Sylvain Lefort, owner of Les Serres Lefort, the former system burned about eight million litres of propane each year to heat the company’s 140 greenhouses.

"Our new system will not only cut our energy bills in half, I am proud that it will reduce our greenhouse gases emissions (GHG) by nearly 13 000 tons per year, which would be like removing 4000 motor vehicles off the road," said Lefort.

When the 16 400 sq ft warehouse is full of chips, the boilers can run for 10 days.

An open buffer tank of 1.3 million litres supplies the company’s 140 greenhouses.

24

HPAC | APRIL 2012

Photos: Luc Boily

Photos: Gobeil & Associés inc.

Compte-Fournier boilers can reach 86 per cent efficiency.

Jean Gobeil estimates that the buildings will require about 13 000 metric tons of wood chips annually to meet their heating needs. hPAcmAg.com

Photo: Gobeil & Associés inc.

Serrres LeFort facility.

The forestry engineer who led the implementation of the biomass heating system for Les Serres Lefort, Jean Gobeil, estimates that the buildings will require about 13 000 metric tons of wood chips annually to meet their heating needs.

He figures this number is low in comparison to the huge amount of available resources.

"The province of Quebec can provide annually about 6.4 million metric tons of anhydrous [dry] chips to produce biomass for heating buildings. To give you an idea of the capability it represents, we haven’t yet exceeded 10 per cent of

available resources in the past two or three years,” added Gobeil. A raw material supply agreement has been made with Valbio Canada Inc. "Quebec is just entering the early stage of the biomass industry. Our experience, the performance of our boilers – which can reach 86 per cent efficiency, and our service offerings, represent significant advantages for building owners willing to take the green turn and to save a lot of money at the same time," stated Harold Roy, president of Compte-Fournier Inc. <>

Coil replacements Ships in

5 days

1-866-855-5355 hPAcmAg.com

APRIL 2012 | HPAC

25

Cooling PRODUCts

Samsung’s Vivace series air conditioners feature Smart Invertor Technology, includes an MPI Generator and is available in 12 000 Btuh, 18 000 Btuh and 24 000 Btuh sizes. Its Good Sleep mode is designed to offer increased comfort during the night by adjusting the temperature automatically. www.samsung.com

The 5 Series 500A11 from WaterFurnace is available in nine single-speed and six dualRosenberg USA’s electronically commutated

capacity sizes from one- to six- tons. The

(EC) fans with Modbus controls are available

geothermal heat pump system uses environ-

in axial and backward curved radial configura-

mentally-friendly R-410A refrigerant. Other fea-

tions and are designed for use in forced air

tures include: a variable speed electronically

heaters, heat pumps, condensers, cooling

controlled motor (ECM), a standard permanent

units, evaporators, chillers, electronics cool-

The EZ Series GS unit from Islandaire is

capacitor (PSC) or high efficiency X13 blower

ing and air handling systems. The backward

designed for individually zoned, comfort con-

motor, Copeland Scroll compressors mounted

curved EC fans come in 10 sizes, ranging from

trolled heating and cooling. It is made from

on double isolation plates for improved quiet

250 mm to 710 mm (approx. 10 to 28 inches)

heavy gauge galvanized steel and is avail-

operation (dual capacity units come with

and produce airflow up to 9300 CFM or static

able in 7500 Btuh, 9500 Btuh, 12 000 Btuh

scroll UltraTech compressors), WaterFurnace’s

pressure up to 6.75 in. The EC axial fans come

and 15 000 Btuh cooling sizes; and in

FormiShield Plus coating on the air coil, stan-

in seven sizes ranging from 500 to 1000 mm

10 200 Btuh, 12 150 Btuh, 14 711 Btuh and

dard pleated Merv 11 filter with an optional

(20 to 40 inches) with a maximum airflow of

17 325 Btuh output heating sizes.

pleated Merv 13 available, IntelliStart optional

20 000 CFM. www.rosenbergusa.com

www.islandaire.com

soft starter and more. www.waterfurnace.com

The SS700E Safe-T-Switch electronic condensate overflow control switch from The Rectorseal Corporation is designed to fit in the auxiliary drain pan without requiring mounting to the pan. Its logic circuit continuously samples the probes for water and will shutdown the system if water is detected. The switch is made of rust proof stainless steel and it features a bracket designed for use with plastic overflow pans with round edges. www.rectorseal.com

26

HPAC | APRIL 2012

Fujitsu’s Halcyon wall-mounted systems are de-

Standex Electronics’ flood prevention switches

signed to be slim and compact and are available in

are designed to safeguard from condensate

9000 Btuh, 12 000 Btuh and 15 000 Btuh sizes.

overflow buildup, are UL508 compliant and are

Standard features include: a wireless remote con-

built from non-stick, non-rust materials. An in-

trol, sleep and weekly timers, auto restart/reset, low

tegral magnetic reed switch operates on low

ambient heating, apple catechin filter, ion deodoriz-

voltage. Multiple fittings accommodate a va-

ing filter and more. Optional accessories include:

riety of installation requirements and simplify

a wired remote controller, simple remote controller

installation on the main or auxiliary drain pipe.

and a communication kit. www.fujitsugeneral.com

www.standexelectronics.com hPAcmAg.com

The YORK YVWA water-cooled screw chiller from Johnson Controls features a variable-speed drive and a falling-film evaporator. It uses HFC-134a refrigerant. The screw chiller is designed for use in thermal-storage and heat-pump applications. www.johnsoncontrols.com/yvwa

Honeywell has created two mobile applications for

Frigidaire’s B6 air handlers include 13- and 14-

HVAC contractors and refrigeration system engi-

SEER Anteater MC Micro-Channel models with

The DuTreat Roof Top (DTRT 5000/30) unit

neers. The apps allow users to conduct side-by-

evaporator coils made from aluminum-extrud-

from Advantix Systems uses liquid desic-

side comparisons on properties such as capacity,

ed tubes that are brazed to enhanced alumi-

cant technology and features a galvanized

efficiency, and global warming potential (GWP).

num fins. They are designed to offer increased

steel envelop design. The unit operates

They have a built-in refrigerant calculator, a distrib-

formicary corrosion and galvanic corrosion

using electricity alone, requiring no other

utor locator to find Honeywell Genetron wholesal-

resistance and have approximately half the

hookups, and is designed for quick and

ers, and more. The apps can be downloaded from

weight of a traditional coil. www.frigidaire.net

easy installation.

iTunes onto an iPad. The iPhone and Android ver-

www.advantixsystems.com

sions are not available yet. www.honeywell.com The Tecumseh Products Company’s AE2 compressor is designed to support traditional HFC refrigerants such as R134a and R404A, in addition to hydrocarbon refrigerants such as R290 (propane) and R600a (isobutene). Its evaporating ranges are -10F to 50F for High Back and -40F to 10F for Low Back. It has a capacity of 1/6 hp through ½ hp. It features a capacitor start run (CSR) motor, capacitor start induction run (CSIR), a smaller envelop size and assists heat transfer by using up to 25 per cent less oil than the first generation AE. www.tecumseh.com

Lennox’s Energence rooftop units feature an Environ coil, an all-aluminum condenser coil

The PerfectSpeed EC Motor from Nidec fea-

designed to reduce refrigerant charge require-

tures an electronically protected motor and

ments and unit weights. The coil is available

control, robust fully potted electronics, and

on Energence 7.5- to 12.5-ton and 20- to 30-

6KV lightning surge protection. Its communi-

ton units. It also has a mounting configura-

cating software allows for integration to other

tion that uses rubber inserts to offer vibration

systems and components, and the self-pow-

dampening to prevent damage during shipping

ered interface box has a lighted, seven-seg-

and isolation to protect against corrosion.

ment display for torque, speed, and CFM.

www.lennox.com

www.nidec-motor.com

hPAcmAg.com

APRIL 2012 | HPAC

27

T

< events

Show Recap: CMX-CIPHEX 2012

M

ore than 14 000 attendees came out for the 2012 CMX-CIPHEX National Trade Show and Learning Forum that took place March 22-24 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in Toronto, ON. In addition to having the opportunity to visit over 900 booths, attendees took advantage of the roundtable discussions and educational seminars available at the show, with the majority of the seminars being well attended. Copies of the presentations from the Learning Forum sessions at CMX-CIPHEX 2012 can be downloaded from www.cmxciphexshow.com. <>

Show committee chairman, David Morden welcomes guests to the opening luncheon.

Dave Tayler (top, l) presented HVACR Heritage Centre Hall of Fame awards to Garth Denison (now retired) and Dan Sorochan (bottom) of Sinclair Supply Ltd.

HPAC hydronic and solar columnist, John Siegenthaler speaks at the Canadian Hydronics Council breakfast.

Siegenthaler emphasized that there are opportunities for hydronic systems in applications with lower design loads and went on to outline solutions for those projects. He also presented a learning forum session titled, â&#x20AC;&#x153;A Practical Approach To Solar Thermal Combi-systems.â&#x20AC;?

In his session, Running A Profitable Solar Photovoltaic Contracting Business, Per Drewes noted that there is business potential in photovoltaic but did suggest that maybe you do not jump in with both feet. The opportunity, contended Drewes is that "You know people and you have your skills. Photovoltaic project development requires a work force with a wide range of skills", he noted.

HPAC contributor Mike Miller participated in a symposium on smart controls. This standing room only event featured case studies, funding and initiatives, a controls technology update, and a look at the future of controls.

Ron Whaling, owner of Ron Whaling Plumbing in St. Pauls, ON, is all smiles after picking up his brand new 2012 Nissan NV on April 17, 2012, at the 401-Dixie Nissan in Mississauga, ON. The van, which is fully-outfitted and equipped with a GPS Fleet Tracking system, was the grand prize from the draw at CMX-CIPHEX. From left: HRAI president Warren Heeley; Sebastian Defilippi, commercial operations manager for Nissan; Ron Whaling; Dave Morden, CMX-CIPHEX show chair; CIPH president Ralph Suppa; Vince Arone, general manager of Pinpoint GPS Solutions Inc., and Terry Sugar, vice-president of business development and finance at Farmbro Inc.

CMX-CIPHEX 2014 wIll bE HEld MaRCH 20-22 In ToRonTo, on.

28

HPAC | APRIL 2012

hPAcmAg.com

ThermPa

THERMO MANUFACTURING EXCLUSIVE

THERMO EQUIPMENT PAD THE LIGHTEST AND MOST DURABLE EQUIPMENT PAD ON THE MARKET

PAT. PENDING

NEW

PR ODUCT

THERMO EQUIPMENT PAD is a

plastic pad designed as a mounting base for HVAC and pool equipment.

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11/9/11 9:21:02 AM

HYDRONIC PRODUCts Keystone Volume

Condensing water

heaters

from Triangle Tube are available in four models from 199 MBH to 500 MBH and feature a stainless steel heat exchanger and large Hurst Boiler & Welding Co.’s line of inte-

diameter, stainless steel piping designed to minimize pres-

grated boiler control systems features

sure drop. They come equipped with an advanced control

graphical visualization and information

with a large user interface that modulates the firing rate for

collection designed to facilitate easier

Fulton Companies’ Caliber condensing,

a 5 to 1 turndown. The control is compatible with various

and better operational management of

lightweight commercial hydronic boiler

building automation systems and can be combined with up

boilers and supporting peripherals. The

features a fully stainless steel heat

to eight boilers or water heaters in a cascade arrangement.

integrated control system offers PLC con-

exchanger, a Honeywell SOLA control

www.triangletube.com

trol, variable frequency drives and HMI

and a variable speed premix combustion

interface devices. www.hurstboiler.com

system capable of a 5 to 1 turndown. It

McDonnell & Miller PSE-

has a line range from 300 000 Btuh to

800-M manual reset low

850 000 Btuh. www.fulton.com

water cut-off (LWCO) for residential

hot

steam

boilers from Xylem feature advanced lockout delay,

power

interrup-

tion reset, CSD-1 Memory and a self-cleaning The DeltaSol MX system controller from

probe.

RESOL is designed to be simple to oper-

in 120 VAC and 24 VAC versions and meets UL and CSA

It

is

available

ate while offering a variety of functions.

requirements for boiler safety controls.

It features a backlit full graphic display

www.bit.ly/PSE-800-m

and a range of balance and diagnostics functions. The controller can connect to upwards of five extension modules via

The Strada radiator from Jaga is de-

the RESOL VBus to control a total of 45

signed for low-temperature hydronic

sensors and 39 relays. The system con-

systems and is compatible with renew-

troller also comes with an integrated SD

able energy sources. The unit features

memory card slot for logging and transfer-

Jaga’s Low-H20 technology, is dirt re-

ring data, saving and restoring controller

pellent and has a dust-proof lacquer.

adjustments, and updating firmware.

It is available in more than 25 colour

www.resol.com

choices. www.jaga-canada.com

The Bell & Gossett Circuit Sentry Flo-Setter features a locking handle with GPM dial designed to easily set the desired flow rate through the user’s

The Creek condensing boiler ranges from 4 000 000 to

branch. The valve requires no minimum straight

12 100 000 Btuh and is constructed of 316L stainless steel.

pipe lengths before or after the valve and has large

Standard models are available with an integrated gas burner.

open flow paths.

It is also available with an integrated oil and gas burner, or <9

www.balancevalves.com

ppm low emissions technology. www.superiorboilers.com

30

HPAC | APRIL 2012

hPAcmAg.com

Pull-out faucets stand out Design trend survey results show significant increase in specification of product integrating two functions.

T

he National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) ran its 2012 NKBA Design Trends Survey over the last three months of 2011 and received responses from more than 350 NKBA member designers.

The survey identified overall trends in kitchens and baths throughout Canada and the U.S., including trends in kitchen faucets.

Pull-out kitchen faucets were named the dominant type of faucet, with designers moving away from standard faucets with a detached side spray and instead going with pull-out models that integrate the two functions.

Slightly more than one-third of designers specified standard kitchen faucets in the survey, while pull-out faucets increased to 93 per cent. This means 14 of out every 15 designers who designed a kitchen over the last three months of 2011 incorporated a pull-out faucet. Pot-filler faucets were specified by 28 per cent of designers, down from 41 per cent in 2010.

OTHER TRENDS FOR 2012 INCLUDE: • Polished chrome was specified by 52 per cent (up from 34 per cent last year) of NKBA member designers in kitchens and 65 per cent in bathrooms (up from 46 per cent last year).

• Polished nickel was specified by 25 per cent of designers in kitchens (up from 17 per cent last year) and up from 28 per cent to 32 per cent in bathrooms.

• Stainless steel was specified in 50 per cent of the kitchen designs (up from 46 per cent last year) and in 28 per cent of the bathrooms (up from 16 per cent).

• Medicine cabinets were specified by 66 per cent of designers for bathroom remodels, up from 36 per cent in 2011.

• In newly remodelled bathrooms, 26 per cent of designers specified solid surfaces, up from 26 per cent to 34 per cent for 2012. Granite has dropped from 84 per cent to 71 per cent, while quartz dropped in popularity from 56 per cent to 53 per cent. Marble increased three per cent to 41 per cent and the use of glass vanity tops has jumped in recent years, from five per cent in 2010 to 11 per cent for 2012.

• The number of NKBA member kitchen designers specifying cherry wood fell from 72 per cent in 2011 to 69 per cent in 2012, while maple fell seven per cent from 77 per cent in 2011 to 70 per cent for 2012.

Designers specified lesser-used woods more often for 2012, including oak (22 per cent), walnut (13 per cent), birch (15 per cent) and bamboo (10 per cent).

• Dark natural finishes for kitchen cabinetry leads the pack in 2012, with 58 per cent of kitchen designers specifying the finish, up 15 per cent over the last two years. Medium natural finishes were specified by 55 per cent, while light natural finishes were specified by 30 per cent.

• In painted cabinetry, white continued to be the most popular choice among designers, being specified by 59 per cent, compared to other colours being specifi ed by only 38 per cent of designers.

• Kitchen designers using glass backsplashes jumped from 41 per cent in 2011 to 52 per cent in 2012, trailing natural stone tile at 60 per cent and ceramic tile (including porcelain) at 74 per cent.

To view the entire survey, NKBA Reveals Top Kitchen & Bath Trends for 2012, visit www.nkba.org.

34

HPAC | APRIL 2012

HPACMAG.COM

Image: Istockphoto

< PLUMBING

MEET (Mechanical Electrical Electronic Technology) has become Atlantic Canada’s most inclusive event, giving visitors a unique opportunity to network and compare the latest products and services available to the industry.

ATTENTION VISITORS!!!

• Solutions for Industry • Cutting Edge Seminar Program • Exciting Skills Canada NB Competition

and SAVE 50% off your admission price!

Go online, register, save on admission and avoid the lineups!!! Register at:

www.MEETSHOW.ca (Registration at the door will be $10.00)

SHOW HOURS Wednesday, May 2 Thursday, May 3

9:00am – 5:00pm 9:00am – 5:00pm

ONE LUCKY Visitor Will WIN!!!

Image: Istockphoto

One lucky visitor to the 2012 MEET Show will win a $2,500.00 Commercial Accessory Package from Action Car and Truck Accessories TM.

GIZMOS & GADGETS

Ceridian Canada Ltd.’s online service Ceridian for Small Business is designed to offer small business owners a single-source provi-

Pack Rat drawer units for trucks and vans from

sion of employee-related services, including

Knaack LLC and Weather Guard are made from

on-demand services such as employment law

durable 14-ga. steel and come in one, two,

advice, recruiting, background checking and

three and four-drawer units with wide and nar-

training. The featured services also include:

row drawers with size options of 9" or 12½" heights, 24" or 48" lengths and widths ranging

Ceridian Pay, Ceridian Track Time, Ceridian Assist, Ceridian Recruit, Ceridian HR Advisory

Bosch’s JSH180 18VLi-Ion Jig Saw is an 18V

from 10¼" to 39¾" The drawers are smooth

and Ceridian KnowHow.

Lithium-ion cordless unit. It weighs 5.3 lbs. and

rolling and hold up to 425 lbs. of equipment.

www.ceridiansmallbusiness.ca

is 10" x 3" x 7" and is equipped with electron-

Other features include: anti-skid strips on the

ic motor protection (EMP) and electronic cell

top of the drawer assembly, full weather strip-

protection (ECP). The jig saw also features a

ping, removable drawers for easy cleaning and

variable speed trigger, adjustable footplate for

a one-touch push button latch assembly for

bevel cuts up to 45 degrees, a powerful dust

one-handed operation. The Pack Rat can be

blower, LED light, four-stage orbital action and

combined with the Bed Rat sliding platform

onboard tool storage.

for extended workspace, which features 750

www.boschtools.com

lbs. total capacity, 10½" high side panels, and

Munters’

psychrometric

calculation

70 per cent extension. Bed Rat is installable in

tool,

side and rear door openings.

PsychroApp, calculates the thermodynamic

www.knaack.com

www.weatherguard.com

properties of air from an iPhone or iPod Touch.

Fluke Corporation’s hand-held 430 Series II

It calculates total, sensible, latent and mois-

three-phase power quality analyzers use a pat-

ture loads of any process. Enter the tempera-

ented algorithm to measure energy waste and

ture and relative humidity into Munters Psy-

quantify its cost. Its Unified Power function as-

TVM Building Products Twisted Top is a

chroApp and it outputs the corresponding dew

sesses how much power is being wasted in a

360-degree

point or gr/lb. www.munters.com/psychroapp

facility, and calculates the extra consumption

turnable sili-

costs – including determining the impact of

cone

nozzle

new energy-efficient, electronically-driven sys-

designed for ar-

tems from lighting to motor controls to HVAC.

eas that are hard to reach.

It features three new measurement functions,

It can replace removable

hardware, software and firmware improve-

sealant nozzles for caulks,

ments, up to 32 GB of memory (8 GB stan-

silicones, and adhesives.

dard), a swappable SD memory card and USB

It is designed for use in

connectivity. The 430 Series II models come

and around small corners,

with a soft carrying case, Li-ion battery pack,

behind toilets, underneath

current probes, test leads with clips, battery

sinks, around piping and

charger, USB cable, colour localization set and

plumbing and more.

PowerLog software. www.fluke.com

www.tvmi.com

Polygon’s Psychrometric iPhone app. ‘PsycIt’ calculates the properties of the air on-site without the need for a psychrometric chart in the field. It is currently available for the iPhone, in Full or Lite versions. The Full version can calculate process loads as well as allowing mixing of multiple air streams. Both versions of the ‘PsycIt’ app allow for input and output of ambient conditions, blended air calculations, system work, and provide accurate readings in both imperial and metric. www.polygongroup.us 36

HPAC | APRIL 2012

continued on page 38 HPACMAG.COM

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To learn how to obtain a non-purchase PIN code, please visit www.dewalt2012.com for full details.

GIZMOS & GADGETS

The

TTi

Flat

Jack

Comp Shingle Mount

Manual hydraulic benders from Ridgid are

for photovoltaic panel installation on compo-

designed for precise cold bending of standard

sition shingle roofs is designed to eliminate

gas pipe (DIN 2440), black steel schedule 40

shingle trimming and is designed to be water-

(ASTM A53) pipe and stainless steel schedule

tight. It is made of galvanized steel and an-

The Hold-E pipe clamp from Summer Manufac-

40 pipe. They are available in two models: 3/8"

chors to the roof’s rafters. The mount is com-

turing secures pipe from ¾" to 6" in diameter,

to 2" capacity (Model HB382) and 3/8" to 3"

patible with standard PV rail systems and has

to standard vee head pipe stands. The steel

capacity (Model HB383). They feature a single-

the ability to support other roof installations,

frame clamp features a quick release button

circuit hydraulic system with a return spring for

including HVAC equipment. www.ttisolar.com

for opening and closing the gripping arms in

improved ram control, bending angle indica-

seconds. It measures 10.31" W x 2.12" D

tors for real-time measurements and durable

x 15.75" H when in the stored position, and

piston seals to prevent premature leaks and

weighs 8.7 lbs. www.sumner.com

maximize uptime. www.ridgid.com

The 2260-20 M12 160x120 thermal imager kit from MilInternal

waukee creates 160x120 pixel, high resolution thermal

Ground Clamp for welders are equipped with

images. It has a visual camera for standard pictures,

three mandrels that provide contact to the in-

and a temperature range of -10C to 350C (14F to 662F).

ternal dimensions of a pipe and come in two

Other features include: capturing thermal and visual im-

sizes: 4" to 8" and 8" to 16". The clamps are

ages on every trigger pull and PC software designed to

designed to attach and detach in seconds us-

quickly analyze images and rapidly create reports. The

ing an adjustable tension spring and mandrel

kit comes equipped with a 2260-20 160x120 thermal

adjustment handle. The clamps use the "C"

imager, thermal imager report software and manuals on

rotary ground that has a stationary and mov-

CD-ROM, 2GB memory card, USB Cable, one M12 Red

able contact plate that rotates 360 degrees.

Lithium battery pack, a 30-minute charger, an SD card

The positive anti-arc bearings take loads up to

reader and a carrying case. www.milwaukeetool.com

Sumner

Manufacturing’s

Rotary

500 amps. www.sumner.com

This could be your last issue of Visit www.hpacmag.com to renew your free subscription to HPAC Magazine.

38

HPAC | APRIL 2012

HPACMAG.COM

< COOLING

Maintenance Rules

Address the two biggest problems with HVAC split system components.

C

ontaminant build-up and neglected maintenance are the two top causes of HVAC inefficiency and failure.

Letting dust collect on coils and filters and delaying regular maintenance can lead to higher energy bills and service costs while compromising the quality of the building’s indoor air. To protect performance during the cooling and heating seasons, split system components should be serviced twice a year.

MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST Clean: • Remove dust and grime from evaporator and condenser coils. Dirty coils reduce the equipment’s ability to cool the building and cause the system to run longer, increasing energy costs. Outdoor coils: turn off power to the unit. Remove any loose debris from the area and flush the coil with a water hose. If the coil has a screen, wire cage or louvres and water alone won’t remove the debris, you must remove the top of the unit or open or remove louvre panels.

• Blower components should be cleaned regularly and adjusted to maintain proper airflow for comfort and energy efficiency. Airflow problems can reduce system efficiency by up to 15 per cent, according to ENERGY STAR. • Air filters should be inspected once a month during the operating season, and cleaned or replaced as needed.

Dirty filters can damage equipment and cause it to run longer and draw more energy, which may reduce equipment life.

• Inspect the condensate drain lines and drain pan and clear if necessary. A plugged drain can cause high humidity and may lead to leaks and water damage.

• Heat exchanger, furnace burner assembly and ignition system should all be inspected, and cleaned if needed.

Check: • Test thermostat settings to make sure heating and cooling turn on and off at the programmed temperatures.

Check equipment starting cycle to be sure the system start will operate and shut off properly.

• Adjust refrigerant charge if necessary. An improper charge will cause the system to work harder and use more energy, as well as reduce the life of the equipment.

• Tighten electrical connections and measure all motors’ current draws.

• Inspect the entire control box, including contactors, relays, circuit boards, capacitors and other accessories for damage or wear.

• Ductwork should be checked for leaks.

• Inspect fan motor and blades for damage, rubbing noise or vibration.

• Visually inspect connecting lines and coils for oil or refrigerant leaks.

• Be sure the flue system is properly attached to the furnace and repair any damaged parts.

• Check heat exchanger for any signs of corrosion. Replace if necessary.

Image: Istockphoto

Address: • Adjust blower speed for cooling. Measure the pressure drop over the coil to determine the correct blower CFM stated in the unit’s service manual. On belt drive blowers, check for any belt wear and replace annually or as necessary and adjust tension.

• If the unit is an older model that is not pre-lubricated and sealed, make sure all moving parts are fully lubricated. Otherwise, friction can increase energy usage.

• While the system is operating, monitor its startup and listen for any unusual noises or odours. Measure outdoor dry bulb temperature and indoor dry and wet bulb temperature across the coil. <> For more information on equipment maintenance, visit www.lennoxcommercial.com HPACMAG.COM

APRIL 2012 | HPAC

39

OTHERMAL HRVS

SOL

BURNERS

CONTROLS

AIR HANDLERS

TUBING Unveiling the new hpacmag.com

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This new dynamic site is the go-to destination for Canada’s mechanical trades.

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Check out the latest Technology in the Products section.

HOT

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BOILERS

FAUCETS

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Flip through past and current issues of HPAC with our new digital magazine format.

FREEZERS

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CASES

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Hvac/r PRODUCts Honeywell’s VFD CORE variable frequency drives feature a quick startup guide and “Startup Wizard” for simple installation and programming, increased memory that allows for four parameter sets to be stored in one keypad – for quick upload and downloading, and Integrated Modbus communica-

The

tion protocol for compatibility with most building management

Scroll K5 com-

Copeland

systems. www.beyondinnovation.honeywell.com

pressor is designed for large refrigeration needs (7.5 to 15

Secure Stack CAX venting systems from Security Chimneys International are certified for commer-

hp) and for use

cial chimney and diesel exhaust applications,

with low to medium temperature applications

and are designed to offer convenient installation

in stand-alone and parallel systems. It features

and versatility for a variety of applications. They

variable volume ratio technology for optimizing

are made with a corrosion-resistant stainless

low-condensing performance, enhanced va-

steel inner flue and a stainless steel Galvalume

pour injection capability for maximum capacity

(aluminium-zinc coated) outer casing and feature

at low set points without requiring additional or

reinforced welded couplings in the inner flue pipe

larger compressors and CoreSense technology

to help prevent leakage and need only one locking

designed for easier diagnosing of compressor

band. They are available in sizes ranging from 5-in.

issues, on-site or remotely.

to 36-in. diameters and have been tested and listed to UL 103, ULC/ORD C959 and ULC S604 safety standards. www.securitychimneys.com

www.emersonclimate.com/CopelandScrollK5 continued on page 42

The XCHANGER fan from Tjernlund

Products,

Inc.

features two reversible 90 CFM fans that can be set up to move air in either direction, uses 35 watts of electricity and its control senses the amount of humidity

and

automatically

turns the XCHANGER on or off. Optional accessories include a timer control, fan speed control and a duct takeoff for when the XCHANGER is not located in the room being ventilated. www.tjernlund.com

Extech’s BRD10 Wireless USB Video Receiver allows Extech borescope video content to stream wirelessly to a PC or laptop and can be used as an Internet camera, or webcam, to offer customers real-time inspection video. It is also designed for live web-based training, product or service webinars, and more. It is compatible with a variety of video calling and videostreaming services. The USB receiver weighs less than an ounce (21 grams or 0.7 oz.) and is approximately the same size as a USB memory stick. www.extech.com/instruments hPAcmAg.com

APRIL 2012 | HPAC

41

Hvac/r PRODUCts Panasonic Home & Environment Company’s WhisperSupply-Wall fans are designed to meet ASHRAE 62.2 requirements for make-up/supply air, assist with combustion appliance zone depressurization, easy installation in retrofit and new construction and comply with LEED requirements. The FV-04WS1 model is made for 6-in. duct works, can be set to 20 or 40 CFM and is designed for weatherization efforts, addressing Combustion Appliance Zone (CAZ) depressurization. www.panasonic.com/ventfans

Our new condensing units featuring the Observer™ communicating system deliver up to 19 SEER efficiency

Serta Systems Inc.’s CE-compliant model SRCM room pressure & condition monitor is designed to measure and evaluate positive, negative or neutral air pressures per CDC guidelines within a variety of environments. Its monitoring and display capabilities include true differential pressure, temperature, humidity, and other user defined (e.g., C02, LUX) parameters. The SRCM also has a one-third screen message banner for notification of room condition that can be expanded into a full screen, a high-resolution TFT colour touch screen display, a standard on-board sensor and remote sensor monitoring, as well as output and display averaging. www.setrasystems.com Flir Sytems’ i-Series point-and-shoot infrared cameras (FLIR i3, i5, and i7) offer an optimized display, a combination of thermal sensitivity and measurement accuracy and feature a variety of upgrades. All i-Series cameras are designed to withstand a two-metre drop and be durable enough to store alongside other tools. The cameras capture thousands of calibrated temperature measurements

Timely registration required.

See warranty certificate for details.

See warranty certificate for details.

• Self-configuring installation capabilities with Observer™ communicating wall control

in each image, to assist the user in finding and diagnosing problems with greater speed and accuracy.

• Observer wall control is easy to install and offers text-based diagnostic capabilities

www.flir.com/breakthrough PROOF APPROVAL REQUIRED

• Add an Arcoaire® communicating gas furnace for up to 98% AFUE

Version

____

MECH __RB___ AD ____________

GoArcoaire.com

CertainTeed's

WideWrap

Duct Wrap Insulation is five feet wide and is a foil scrim kraft (FSK)-faced fiberglass

CD ____________

blanket insulation designed

PROOF _________

to insulate the exterior of

AE_____________

rectangular and round heat-

CLIENT ________

ing, ventilating and air conditioning ductwork. WideWrap

© 2012 Inte rnational Comfort Produc ts, LLC

is GREENGUARD certified. www.certainteed.com 42

hPAcmAg.com

HPAC | APRIL 2012

12arcoai8036 M1rb HPAC trade Ad.indd 1

3/29/12 1:34 PM

Moncton MEET and greet draws industry professionals

NEw BruNswick showcasEs iTs skills The MEET show will also play host to the post secondary Plumbing, Electrical Installations, and Refrigeration and Air Conditioning contest areas of the Skills Canada NB Competition.

T

he 20th Mechanical Electrical Electronic Technology (MEET) Show will take place May 2-3 at the Moncton Coliseum Complex in Moncton, NB. This biennial event offers an opportunity to check out the latest technologies and equipment in the mechanical and electrical industries. Exhibitors come from across Canada and the U.S. to have a presence at the largest tradeshow in eastern Canada.

More than 5000 industry professionals attended MEET 2010, and that number is expected to increase for this year’s show, which will feature the second edition of the MEET Innovation Awards.

MEET’s popular industry dinner will take place on Wednesday, May 2 at the Delta Beauséjour, and will feature comedian John Sheehan.

Seminars include: Green Practices and ASHRAE Standards 90.1 and 62.1 – How to have a healthier, more profitable building with better mechanical/electrical design; Fundamental energy issues/challenges; Status on the Maritime electricity industry and provincial policies; Regional wind installations and the Lower Churchill interconnection; Tidal energy progress; and more.

An added bonus of this year’s show is a $2500 commercial accessory package door prize, courtesy of Action Car and Truck Accessories. For more information on seminars, exhibitors and other show information, visit: www.meetshow.ca. <> hPAcmAg.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.

For more information or to become a Geothermal Specialist:

866.310.6690 GEOSMART ENERGY.COM APRIL 2012 | HPAC

43

< iaq

Overcoming Hurdles Professionals discuss the potential in residential investigations.

D

espite over 15 years of promotion, you would be hardpressed today to make a living doing residential indoor air quality (IAQ) investigations. This seems illogical considering that many houses have legitimate problems that cause respiratory illnesses and other issues.

Additionally, knowledge of air quality problems and solutions is relatively well developed with IAQ investigation training readily available.

The big hurdle seems to be having the homeowner (the potential client) make the connection between recognizing the problem, calling in an appropriate professional, and paying to have the problem diagnosed and fixed.

Apparently, the problem resolution that we take for granted in personal health, appliance repair, or fixing our cars, has not been popularly accepted in the field of residential indoor air quality.

Problems that evoke possible liability in a commercial or rental situation are dismissed in a residential environment. After all, who is going to sue the homeowner? Their kids?

Many professions have to deal with residential IAQ. These include the first responders: HVAC designers and installers, building inspectors, energy auditors and utility technicians. The next level would be environmental consulting firms and occupational hygienists, whose expertise in fields such as asbestos and industrial chemicals lead to the odd residential contract.

For each of these professionals it is important to recognize IAQ problems. It is also important to know when you are capable of performing the proper diagnosis.

44

HPAC | APRIL 2012

I recently taught part of an indoor air quality investigation course put on by the Healthy Indoors Partnership (HIP).

During the course, we discussed IAQ problems and how they could be treated. I followed up by interviewing three professionals who have spent several years doing IAQ investigations that include residential cases, in conjunction with the better paid commercial/institutional jobs.

Angela Pike has worked for Pinchin Environmental for four years (seven in the industry) and is one of two residential specialists within that firm. About half her work is residential. A colleague takes care of asbestos in houses.

While Pinchin does advertise in various publications and through social marketing, many of the houses that she visits belong to people who had previously seen the company at work in their place of employment. This may be attributed to homeowners being reluctant to spend hundreds of dollars for professional advice for their houses.

Having seen the firm at their workplace gives them some confidence that the service will be valuable to them and will be performed competently.

Mould continues to be one of the major complaints that prompts a call to Pike, even mould in attics. One could argue that surface mould under residential roofing is not often a health threat, and Pike does, but many people want it cleaned up nonetheless. One advantage of this cleaning is that the process usually covers removal of the attic floor insulation and air sealing.

This is a useful, and often neglected step, in stopping house moisture from migrating to the roof deck, which also

has the advantage of energy and cost savings.

Jon Lee of Safetech Environmental says that about 30 per cent of his business is residential and almost all of that is with property managers in high rises. Quite often the tenant complaints are non-specific â&#x20AC;&#x201C; headaches, coughs, respiratory irritation â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and there are rarely clear and obvious pollution sources in the dwellings. Mould is often a factor although sometimes it is not recognized specifically as an IAQ problem. Marijuana grow operations require inspection and clearance, and there is no shortage of houses affected, noted Lee. Jim White, now retired, worked 12 years as an independent IAQ investigator after he left Canada Mortgage and Housing (CMHC). CMHC had a listing of professionals who had passed the IAQ training and when consumers telephoned CMHC with IAQ problems, they were directed to that list.

Most of Whiteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s clients for a decade came from those references, until CMHC distanced itself from giving IAQ advice. He also had a large number of people who were hypersensitive to a variety of chemicals and irritants.

White states that most of the houses he inspected had some degree of mould problems, and most of those were derived from leaky basements hPAcmAg.com

Photo: Istockphoto.com

BY DOn Fugler

“PrOBlems tHat evOke POssiBle liaBilitY in a cOmmercial Or rental situatiOn are DismisseD in a resiDential envirOnment. aFter all, wHO is gOing tO sue tHe HOmeOwners? tHeir kiDs? ”

Mould is one of the major complaints that will prompt a call to a residential IAQ specialist.

combined with items stored against the walls. In situations where one person worked at home (most often women) and suffered from poor IAQ, the person working away from home would frequently dismiss complaints believing, “It’s all in their head.”

With the advent of more men working in home offices, it is somewhat reassuring to recognize that the symptoms experienced are not gender traits but the body’s legitimate reaction to a poor environment.

One of the real problems with residential inspections is the degree of cleanliness and its relation to dust, allergen, and mould exposure. A house has to be cleanable – free of major debris – and cleaning has to be regular and thorough. This is not a message that many homeowners want to hear, particularly if they have just paid you for the advice. It requires a certain amount of discretion to do this well and have them respond positively.

Conversely, clients are often looking for a silver bullet or magic appliance to resolve their problems. Being told that they should emulate their mothers’ housekeeping (without the chemical cleansers) can cause a certain amount of inertia in resolving the problems.

Another interesting variety of IAQ investigations is odour cases. Lee commented that the building science hPAcmAg.com

training he has taken allows him to better visualize and predict the source of bad smells. Odour cases tend to be very challenging.

Ken Ruest of CMHC related that he once did an expensive odour examination of a house and was preparing to complete the demolition of the garage ceiling, in search of a dead raccoon.

Luckily, the owner gave him one more clue about the timing of the odours and the offending smell was traced to two plastic light sockets in fixtures bought on a Mexican holiday. It would be nice if all odour cases could be resolved so definitively.

The professionals above discussed where they obtained their information on IAQ topics. Many were trained to some degree through the college and university courses they took, or through occupational health training.

Professional organizations provide specific training at seminars and conferences, which can keep you current with the latest research findings.

Environmental firms have their experts provide short courses to the professions and the public.

Finally, the IAQ investigators’ course mentioned above provides a comprehensive IAQ background and an introduction to building science which explains concepts such as condensation issues and air movement within buildings.

IAQ course material, along with the format, was developed in 1996 by CMHC for residential investigators and the current courses owe much to that initial initiative. The CMHC course emphasized an integration of IAQ under-

standing and building science, so that air quality problems could be properly recognized and logical solutions proposed. CMHC no longer runs the course for investigators and has allowed other organizations to take over training and course development.

The HIP course is followed by testing on the knowledge gained, resulting in a designation as a certified IAQ investigator. With the growth and maturity of training programs, third party certification is a possibility.

Despite the limitations described here, there is a place for residential IAQ investigation professionals, even if it is only a portion of the work that they do.

There is almost always money to be made in the asbestos identification and removal business, which is an IAQ problem by any definition. There is growing recognition by homeowners that mould and radon problems need to be rectified by competent professionals.

There should be recognition, at some time in the future, that homes need to have the best air quality that the homeowner can afford, because it is where we spend the biggest part of our life. Physical health is very dependent upon the air we breathe. If the air in your client's house is not great, find a way to suggest they have you work on improving it. <> Don Fugler is an independent researcher located in Ottawa. He was with the policy and research division, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. as a senior researcher.

READER RESOURCES www.hip-iaq.com www.hrai.ca www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca APRIL 2012 | HPAC

45

Plumbing PRODUCTs

MTI’s Addison 2 freestanding tub is 65½" x 32" x 22¼" It comes in Brizo’s beverage faucets can be used for filtered water or as a cold water

matte finishes of white or biscuit, and gloss finishes of white, biscuit, os-

tap and are compatible with reverse osmosis filtration systems. They

prey or raven. The tubs can be purchased as soaking tubs, or custom fit-

come in Traditional or Euro styles and coordinate with existing Brizo kitch-

ted with a pedestal base and therapeutic air bath. http://mtibaths.com

en collections. The European model is available in chrome and stainless finishes, and the Traditional model is available in chrome, Brilliance brushed bronze, Brilliance polished nickel, Venetian bronze and stainless. www.brizo.com

Elkay’s EZH2O outdoor tubular bottle filling stations are made from durable tubular steel and have a weather-resistant finish with corrosion protection for internal and

Rinnai Corporation’s condensate neutralizer accessory is designed to

external protection. They have a fill rate of one gallon per

eliminate acidity from the condensation drained from a condensing boiler

minute, laminar flow to minimize splash, recessed orifice

or condensing tankless unit by running it through a container filled with

to prevent contamination, vandal resistant one-piece bub-

limestone media. It is designed for vertical and horizontal mounting and

bler and easy to operate pushbutton activation. The filling

features a user-friendly clear capsule design to let homeowners know

stations come in 16 different colours.

when the limestone media needs to be replaced.

www.elkayusa.com

www.rinnai.us/tankless-water-heater continued on page 48

46

HPAC | APRIL 2012

hPAcmAg.com

Plumbing PRODUCTs continued from page 46 Sure Dry Shower Dryer Systems from Tjernlund Products, Inc. are designed to accommodate various shower locations and configurations and minimize mold and mildew damage. Model SD140 features a dual intake fan that mounts onto the opposite side of the shower wall to bring in air from an adjoining room, while Model SD200 is equipped with a high performance inline fan that mounts into the attic or a cabinet next to the shower. Both models come with a 10- to 60-minute digital wall mount timer. www.tjernlund.com

The TSC-450 Digital Control from Steamlist features touchscreen operation with a high-contrast display of adjustable settings for the Total Sense functions, temperature and duration. It also allows for two user profiles so

The Aqua Plus Series indirect-fired water heat-

two people can customize the steam settings

ers from Weil-McLain Canada feature a high-

to their preferences. Steamlist‘s AudioSense

output, stainless steel heat exchanger, large-

now features Bluetooth technology to wire-

diameter coil, 316L and 304L stainless steel

lessly connect to smartphones, iPads, iPod

tanks welded with TIG and Plasma technology

touch or any other Bluetooth-enabled music

and a bottom port for ease of cleaning and in-

player up to 30 feet away. www.steamlist.com CHC_3.375 x 4.875_ad_Layout 1 2/23/12 12:31 PM Page 1

spection. www.weil-mclain.ca continued on AM pagePage 50 1 ZIL Sustainable-QtrHPACMAR12_Layout 1 2/24/12 11:20

Sustainable Operations Products

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48

HPAC | APRIL 2012

ZURN INDUSTRIES LIMITED 3544 NASHUA DRIVE MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO L4V 1L2 PHONE: 905/405-8272 FAX: 905/405-1292

Committed to you. Committed to the environment. hPAcmAg.com

Plumbing PRODUCTs continued from page 48 Therm gas tankless water heaters from Bosch Thermotech-

The GeoSpring from

nology Corp. are available as condensing and non-condens-

GE is a 50-gallon

ing units, including compact units for increased versatility

capacity,

for a range of residential and commercial installations.

STAR-qualified

hy-

They feature a minimum activation flow rate of 0.5 gpm.

brid

wa-

Most models have the ability to cascade up to 24 units to

ter heater that is

handle larger commercial applications and are built with

designed to com-

larger cabinets for simpler upgrading to higher temperature

bine energy-saving

output. www.bosch-climate.us/

heat-pump technol-

ENERGY

electric

ogy with traditional The Numi integrated toilet from Kohler features motion sen-

electric

sors for hands-free opening and closing of the cover and seat,

systems. It features

a self-cleaning wand with multiple options for water spray

the identical footprint and electrical connec-

patterns, adjustable temperature and water pressure, an in-

tions as a standard electric water heater for

tegrated air dryer, a deodorizing charcoal filter, seat and feet

easy installation. The control panel offers

warmers, illuminated panels and built-in speakers for Numi Toi-

multiple settings, including temperatures

let’s pre-programmed audio, FM radio or an MP3 player. It has

ranging from 100F to 140F and a vacation

an automatic flush system, a touch screen remote, magnetic

mode that lowers the water temperature for

docking station and auxiliary controls for basic functionality. It

the trip’s duration and then automatically re-

is a WaterSense labelled toilet and has a water usage of 1.28

sets to heat the water one day before the

GPF (4.8 LPF) for dual flush or 0.6 GPF (2.5 LPF). Its dimen-

homeowner’s return. Its dimensions are ap-

sions are: a height of

177/8"

(closed) or 36¼" (open), a depth of 25¾", a width of 14½" and a

rough-in of 12". www.kohler.com/numi

heating

proximatly 60½" x 21¾" x 22¼". www.geappliances.com

MEET Show 2012

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50GI-AD100En-0312.indd HPAC | APRIL 2012 1

A family business

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hPAcmAg.com 12-03-29 8:55 AM

MECHANICAL SUPPLY NEWS MANUFACTURERS • diSTRibUToRS • wholESAlERS • ASSoCiATioNS

Noritz celebrates 10th anniversary Noritz America Corp. is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its entry into the U.S. market with a 10-month contractor appreciation promotion, created to recognize and attract additional members of its PROCard Program.

Contractors who submit warranty registrations on Noritz products installed between March 1 and December 31, 2012, will have a chance to win prizes in monthly and quarterly drawings, including the grand prize of a Yamaha Rhino 700cc fuel-injected, side-byside utility vehicle. www.noritz.com/10-year-promo

Report shows jump in sales GE Appliances opens hybrid water heater plant GE Appliances recently opened its GeoSpring hybrid water heater manufacturing facility in Louisville, KY. The $38-million investment is part of GE’s $1-billion commitment to its GE Appliances business and to a commitment of 1400 new jobs in the U.S. by 2014. The opening of the facility, the first new manufacturing facility in 50 years at Appliance Park, created 100 hourly jobs and 10 salaried positions. www.genewscenter.com

According to the CIPH Market Data Report, produced by the Profit Planning Group, total plumbing, PVF/industrial, waterworks, hydronics and HVAC/R estimated sales showed an increase of 2.8 per cent in January 2012 ($360 million total), when compared to January 2011 ($350 million total). The Atlantic region experienced the biggest gains, increasing by 14.9 per cent, with the West (Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Thunder Bay) up 14.4 per cent, Alberta up 9.7 per cent and Ontario up 3.0 per cent.

Quebec and BC both suffered declines. www.ciph.com

Roth extends product warranty

Mifab and Smillie McAdams & Summerlin Ltd. (SMS) recently formed an agreement where SMS will manage Mifab products in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and southwestern Ontario territories. Mifab national sales manager Andrew Haines, SMS president Randy Chew, SMS general manager Dennis Noakes and SMS national sales manager Jason Pitman outside SMS’ 22 000-sq. ft. facility in Whitby, ON.

www.smillieltd.ca 52

HPAC | APRIL 2012

Roth Industries Inc. has extended the warranty on its double-wall oil storage tanks to a 30-year limited warranty. The warranty change covers failure of the tank due to workmanship or material defects, as well as failure of the internal tank due to internal corrosion. The warranty includes $2-million insurance against property damage caused by a spill.

Over the last 40 years, Roth has sold more than 5.4 million tanks nationwide. www.roth-america.com hPAcmAg.com

Cronkhite celebrates a milestone Cronkhite Supply hit a major milestone this month with its 100th anniversary. The plumbing and heating wholesale distributor was founded in 1912 by Norman Cronkhite in Winnipeg, MB. The company was a family-run business until 1950, when it was purchased by Muttart Lumber.

In 1996, it was acquired by Wolseley Canada (previously Westburne Inc.) and currently operates branches in Langley and Surrey, BC, and Calgary and Edmonton, AB. www.wolseleyinc.ca continued on page 54

CIPH ONtARIO REGION CONfERENCE GOEs “tRuE BluE” IN COllINGwOOd The Canadian Institution of Plumbing and Heating (CIPH) Ontario Region’s annual conference will be taking place at the Blue Mountain Resort in Collingwood, ON from May 25-27, 2012. The theme for this year’s conference is True Blue Sustainability.

In addition to the annual general meeting, the program will include business sessions featuring Dr. Samantha Nutt, who is an award-winning humanitarian and a leading authority on the impact of war on civilians.

The director of sustainability services at MHPM Project Managers Inc., Ralf Nielsen, will discuss the economics of sustainability.

Additional activities include: golf at Monterra Golf Club (optional), a food and wine pairing workshop (optional).

For more information, or to register, e-mail barden@sympatico.ca or call Nancy Barden: 519-855-6474. www.ciph.com hPAcmAg.com

Napoleon’s owner Wolfgang Schroeter poses next to one of the company’s award-winning gas-wood combo furnaces at the HPBExpo in Atlanta, GA.

Napoleon on fire at HPBExpo Vesta Awards Napoleon’s HMF200 and 9600 Wood/Gas Furnace combination furnace picked up two Vesta Awards for the Central Heating Systems category and the Daniel J. Melcon Award for Best-in-Show – Hearth Products, at the HPBExpo Vesta Awards in Atlanta, GA on March 2, 2012. The award was for the furnace’s green technology and fuel saving capabilities. The furnace is designed so a second thermostat starts up the gas furnace when the fire from the wood furnace dies down. www.napoleonheatingandcooling.com

APRIL 2012 | HPAC

53

< MSN

continued from page 53

the Numi toilet doubles up on design awards Kohler hit a royal flush with the creation of its Numi Toilet.

The toilet won the 2011 Good Design Award, organized by the Japan Institute of Design Promotion, and the 2012 iF Product Design Award in the bathroom/wellness category.

Some of the Numi’s features include: motion sensors for hands-free opening and closing of the cover and seat, a self-cleaning wand and an integrated air dryer, a deodorizing charcoal filter, seat and feet warmers and more. To check out all of the Numi’s features, see HPAC magazine’s Plumbing Products section. www.kohler.com/numi

taco’s Innovation and development Center ahead of schedule The Taco Innovation & Development Center is moving along ahead of schedule. When complete, it will feature a high-tech, hands-on learning environment including advanced HVAC equipment, classroom spaces, conference rooms, a business centre, and functional labs for testing and teaching and more.

In other Taco news, Taco’s FloPro Factory Training has been expanded to offer additional courses to plumbing and heating contractors, including free monthly webinars, the NATE-recognized and NORA-approved John Barba-driven course: the ‘Compleat’ Boiler Room, Taco’s FloPro University, and more. www.taco-hvac.com/innovation_center.html www.floproteam.com

>> HTS and McDougall Energy Inc. both made Canada’s Top 50 Managed Companies list for 2011. McDougall Energy is a marketer and distributor of heating oil, propane, diesel fuel, commercial lubricants and gasoline, in addition to being an ESSO retailer. HTS is an independent commercial HVAC manufacturing company.

Representatives of each company accepted their awards at the annual Best Managed gala held on March 27, 2012 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in Toronto, ON. http://htseng.com

www.mcdougallcorp.com

MERGERs & ACQuIsItIONs >> SEA-Tech Mechanical Inc. recently acquired the Rescom Rads product line from Ecotech Hydronics and Heating Inc., located at 977 Brock Rd. in Pickering, ON. The manufacturing of the baseboard radiator line has been relocated to 1035 Toy Avenue, Unit 17, Pickering ON, tel.

905-428-0146. www.baseboardrads.com

dIstRIButION NEws >> UTC Climate, Controls & Security, a unit of United Technologies Corp., and Watsco Inc. have agreed to a joint venture named Carrier Enterprise Canada for the distribution of Carrier, Bryant and Payne HVAC products and WWG/ Totaline parts and supplies in Canada. The transaction is expected to be complete by the end of April 2012. www.utcclimatecontrolssecurity.com www.watsco.com

>> Viega has appointed Agences JP Sylvain (AJPS) Inc. as its representative for the Viega Pro Press product line in Quebec. www.ajpsylvain.com

>> BMI Canada Inc. recently opened a distribution centre in Langley, B.C. The 20 000-sq.-ft. facility was built to improve logistics and service growing demands for faster deliveries throughout western North America. The facility is located at 26918, 56th Avenue, Langley, BC V4W 1N9. www.bmicanada.com 54

HPAC | APRIL 2012

>> Novo Water Conditioning has appointed Barrett Sales (1998) Ltd. as its sales agent for the Novo Water conditioning product line for Atlantic Canada. Barrett Sales can be contacted by calling 506-693-8630, fax 506-642-6499 or by e-mail at: barrett2@nb.aibn.com. www.novowater.com hPAcmAg.com

CLIPS >> Behaviorally Realistic Solutions to Environmental Problems, by university professor Baruch Fischhoff, discusses how sustainability requires people to make sound decisions and explains how decision science uses the same basic steps to approach every decision. www.centerforabetterlife.com/eng/magazine/article_ detail.lasso?id=270&source=1

From left to right: Kenneth Webster, director of sales and marketing (Viessmann); Hans-Joachim Pez, executive vice president sales, Western Hemisphere (Viessmann); Sean Dempsey and Tom O'Grady (DisTech Inc.); Harald Prell, president, Viessmann North America; Armin Fleck, director of international sales, Western Hemisphere (Viessmann).

From left to right: Kenneth Webster, director of sales and marketing (Viessmann); Hans-Joachim Pez, Executive vice president sales, Western Hemisphere (Viessmann); Nahanni Dearing (Dynamic Agencies (2000) Ltd.); Harald Prell, president, Viessmann North America; Armin Fleck, director of international sales, Western Hemisphere (Viessmann); not pictured – Doug Freeman and Dave Allison (Dynamic Agencies (2000) Ltd.).

>> Viessmann Manufacturing Company Inc. recently awarded DisTech Inc. (first place) and Dynamic Agencies (2000) Ltd. (second place) as the winners of the “MAX” Sales Awards for 2011, presented to the top two Viessmann sales representatives in Canada. The ceremony took place at the 2012 Viessmann North American sales meeting in Waterloo, ON. www.viessmann.ca

KEEP US POSTED

on happenings in your company-change of address, expansion, opening/closing and staff changes are all of interest to your colleagues. Forward press releases and high resolution graphics to: asnook@hpacmag.com.

For more information, contact Andrew Snook, HPAC Assistant Editor, can be reached at 416-442-5600, ext. 3524. hPAcmAg.com

>> Field Controls has released an updated Contractor Reference Guide, featuring up-to-date information on the Healthy Home System, new products, wiring diagrams, and more. www.fieldcontrols.com/crg >> Honeywell has created two mobile applications for HVAC contractors and refrigeration system engineers. The apps allow users to conduct side-by-side comparisons on properties such as capacity, efficiency, and global warming potential (GWP). They have a built-in refrigerant calculator, a distributor locator to find Honeywell Genetron wholesalers and more. The apps can be downloaded from iTunes onto the iPad. In other Honeywell news, the company recently introduced its Attune Advisory Services, a suite of professional services that combines cloud-based tools and analytics with a global network of operations centres, and energy and facility experts. It is designed to provide enhancements for reducing utility bills and operating expenses up to 20 per cent. Attune’s services include: Attune Energy Awareness, Attune Energy Improvement and Attune Energy Optimization and Attune Operations Services. www.honeywell.com

>> Royal Building Products in Woodbridge, ON is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its Take-Back program, which recycles PVC and vinyl building materials. www.royalbuildingproducts.com

>> Specialty air conditioning and heating manufacturer Islandaire, Inc. is celebrating its 20th anniversary in the Canadian market. www.islandaire.com

ON THE MOVE >> Powrmatic has relocated its Halifax, NS, branch to Dartmouth, NS, 100 Wright Ave., B3B 1L2. Tel 902-454-8684, Fax 902-453-5875. www.powrmatic.ca

Check out what your industry colleagues are doing…

See People on p. 56 APRIL 2012 | HPAC

55

< PEOPLE GeoSmart Energy recently appointed Robert J. Longphee director of communications and public relations. Longphee will oversee national business development and is responsible for expanding GeoSmart’s longphee Canadian dealer network and for strengthening the GeoSmart Energy brand through marketing and sales initiatives. GeoSmart has also named Serge Daoust its territory manager for southwestern Ontario. Daoust has more than 20 years of progressive sales, daoust marketing and training experience with a background in residential and commercial HVAC sales.

Craig McNab has joined Watts Water Technologies (Canada) Inc. as manager of commercial products. McNab will oversee the sales of drainage, BRAE, Orion, BLÜCHER, Powers and water quality products across McNab Canada. His previous position was national account manager for a tankless water heater manufacturer. McNab has also spent 14 years at the agency level.

Steve Thompson brings over 35 years of pump and HVAC experience to Taco, Inc. where he has been retained as a management consultant.

Dahl has named Thomas Husebye its new vice president of sales, replacing Gaylen Anderson trenbeth Husebye Anderson who has launched TriSon Sales. Anderson has been appointed independent sales rep for Dahl. Husebye was previously working as Dahl’s vice president of new business and product development. Dahl recently hired Mark Trenbeth as OEM sales manager. Trenbeth’s last position was Ontario regional sales manager for Bow Plastics.

Mike Smith has joined E.S. Gallagher Sales Ltd. as a technical sales specialist.

Baskins 56

Viking Pump has appointed Kerry Baskins vice president of sales. Baskins worked in sales and marketing roles for Viking Pump from 1990-97. His most recent position was vice president at Grundfos Pumps.

HPAC | APRIL 2012

Michel Somogyi has joined BMI as a sales representative. He is responsible for the company’s eastern Canadian territory.

somogyi Paul McDonald has been promoted to general manager of Bradford White Canada Inc. He was most recently sales director. Dan Milroy, who was Mcdonald Milroy regional sales manager, has been promoted to Canadian sales manager with Bradford White Water Heaters.

The Master Group recently hired David Bergeron as its operations director. Bergeron has experience in supply chain management, customer serMadnani Bergeron vice and general management and finance. Ajay Madnani has been named sales director with Master Group. Madnani has almost 15 years of experience in the HVAC/R industry. He has a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.

Caleffi North America has promoted Roger Corrente to its director of sales. Corrente joined Caleffi in 2007 serving as its national sales manager.

Watts Water Technologies Inc. recently promoted Malcolm Kinnaird to vice president of sales, marketing and business development for the Americas. Kinniard’s role will include market development and new business and Kinniard channel partnerships in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Latin America. His previous position was vice president of channel management and marketing for North America. Kinniard started with Watts in September 2010 as leader of channel sales, pricing and marketing communications for the U.S. and Canada.

thivierge

Viega recently appointed Louis Thivierge as its district sales manager for the Province of Quebec. Thiverge has more than 25 years of experience in the mechanical and industrial sectors.

hPAcmAg.com

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< solar

Time Well Served

After 30 years it was time for a collector transplant.

M

BY JohN SiegeNThAler

y wife Joyce and I have lived with an array of solar thermal collectors on our house for the last 30 years. Those collectors came from Revere Solar & Architectural Products, a division of the now defunct Revere Copper and Brass, where I worked as an engineer from 1978 to 1981.

Figure 1 shows the collector array. Each of the six collectors measured 35 inches wide by 77 inches long. Those dimensions are one inch longer and wider than the glass used in standard sliding patio doors. Because it was mass produced, 34 in. by 76 in. tempered glass was available at lower cost, and thus became the benchmark around which the remainder of the Revere collectors were designed.

Other than size and insulation material, the Revere collectors are similar to current flat plate collectors. They had all copper absorber plates with a black chrome “selective surface” on the upper side. The absorber plates were mounted in an extruded aluminum housing, covered with low-iron tempered glass, and insulated with low-binder, high temperature fiberglass insulation.

Initially, these collectors had thermal performance indices similar to a modern flat plate collector (F R ta = 0.72, and FRUL = 0.83). However, I am convinced some of this initial performance was lost due to aging effects of the selective surface, insulation R-value, and perhaps even some changes in the transmissivity of the glazing.

Back in the 1970s, the engineering team at Revere esti-

mated their collectors would have an average design life of 20 years. Apparently I got collectors destined for the right side of the statistical bell curve. They were still going at 30 years of age, albeit with some loss of performance and a few repairs of minor pin-hole leaks. The home’s shingle roof actually wore out before the collectors. We had to temporarily remove them to install the new shingles. I was concerned that “disturbing” them for this work might create more problems. That turned out not to be true. the collectors were reinstalled and continued to operate for several more years.

Still, at the 30 year mark I felt it was time for a solar “refresh” on our roof and a graceful retirement of the Revere collectors. At the risk of sounding sentimental, those aging collectors had done their job exceptionally well and removing them from the roof was bittersweet. Still, what lay ahead was very exciting.

Figure 1

Figure 2

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HPAC | APRIL 2012

The NexT AcT It just so happened that a manufacturer was finished testing its new patent pending five-port flat plate collector at the same time I decided on the solar refresh at our house. This collector could be configured for either closed loop/antifreeze systems, or drainback systems. I have long been a fan of the latter and wanted to keep the system operating in its original drainback configuration.

This five-port drainback collector is designed with slightly sloping internal headers, that form a very shallow “V” shape.

hPAcmAg.com

Both ends of the upper and lower headers terminate just outside the anodized aluminum enclosure with union-type piping connections. These are the connections one would use if connecting the collectors for a standard antifreeze-type system. The unique feature is found at the bottom centre of the collector. The low point of the bottom header is configured as a tee to allow all fluid to drain out of the absorber plate.

Thus, when used in a drainback system, these collectors would have an external lower header in combination with an internal upper header. It is a simple idea that eliminates the need to side slope the collectors and is perfect for the retrofit situation I had.

Knowing my interest in these collectors, Bob Rohr, who is the inventor of this five-port collector, made me a great offer.

He would personally come out and help me install the new collectors.

The first task was getting the mounting brackets and rails in place. Based on the mounting flange that runs around the lower perimeter of the collectors, we decided to use an aluminum framing system to support the array. The framing was secured to 1.5" x 1.5" x 0.25" aluminum clips that I fabricated from angle stock. We decided to support these clips on top of small pieces of pressure treated lumber to help spread the load over the shingles. We snapped chalk lines to maintain alignment of the framing. One rail would be located about a foot below the upper edge of the collector and the other about one foot above the lower edge.

A doubled sided roof sealing tape was applied to the back side of each treated wood support. This tape has an amazing ability to stretch, as can be seen by how it coats the threads of the lag screws in Figure 2. It definitely beats dealing with asphalt roofing mastic on a warm sunny day.

The aluminum clips and their supporting blocks were lagged into pilot holes drilled directly into the upper chords of the roof trusses. These supports were spaced 48 inches apart. We used a small drill bit as a “probe” to find the centre of each truss and then sealed up the probe holes with a dab of silicone caulk. A cordless impact driver was ideal for driving the 3/8" lags home (see Figure 3).

The aluminum frame was supplied in nine-foot lengths.

Butt ends were joined using stainless steel splines supplied by the frame manufacturer and held in place with set screws.

The splines fit snugly and allowed for accurately aligned and very strong joints that we staggered so they did not fall directly over the mounting clips. Spring-loaded stainless steel “T-bolts” with ¼" x 20 TPI threaded studs, also supplied by the frame manufacturer, provided the hold down for the collector mounting clips. After the framing was in place, we drilled several ¼-in. holes near the lower edge to drain out rainwater.

Figure 3

Figure 4

hPAcmAg.com

goiNg Up With the rails in place it was time to hoist the collectors. The 4-ft. by 8-ft. panels weigh about 90 pounds each. We set up an extension ladder as a slide, and slid each collector as far up as possible while standing on the deck below the roof. My wife Joyce, along with some help from friction, held each collector in position on the ladder while Bob and I got back up on the roof for the final lift. We discovered that leaving the cardboard packing on the ends of the collector provided protection while sliding them up the ladder.

The first collector was carefully positioned, levelled, and secured at all four locations where its edges crossed the aluminum frame rails as shown in Figure 4. The mounting clips continued on page 60

APRIL 2012 | HPAC

59

< solar

continued from page 59

Figure 5

Figure 6

coordinate with the collector edge flange and tightly grip the frame as the nut is tightened on the T-bolts inside the frame.

With the first collector in place, the others quickly followed.

Each connected to its neighbour using the double nutted brass fittings. A watertight seal is created at each connection using a flat gasket that swells upon contact with water.

The space between adjacent collectors is only three inches.

Just enough for comfortable access to the mounting hardware.

The low point connection (e.g. the “5th port”) on each collector was adapted to ¾" copper tubing. We used a copper street elbow on the left collector and cut progressively longer tube stubs for the other four. This allowed the lower manifold to slope at ¼" per foot for proper drainage.

The lower header was insulated with ½" wall thickness foam rubber insulation. The end of the header passes directly through the siding at the right side of the recessed array. From this location we were able to maintain a minimum ¼" per foot slope back to the mechanical room.

The system is currently operating on the original differential temperature controller. The temperature sensor is inserted into the sensor well in one of the collectors.

With the piping and wiring completed, we flipped the system controller on, snugged up a couple of collector fittings, and cycled the array through a few fill/drain cycles. As has been true during the previous 30 years, gravity did not let us down. The system filled and drained as expected.

Perhaps in another 30 years, the next generation of solar professionals will be changing out these collectors with the latest technology. Perhaps those new collectors will be constructed of the latest composite materials and placed by a solar-powered construction robot. I will probably be directing work from the ground at that point. Whatever the case, the sun will still be ready to serve up more Btus. <> 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.

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HPAC | APRIL 2012

hPAcmAg.com

Training

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES ACROSS CANADA HRAI One-Day Workshops

Canadian Hydronics Council Certification

The Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI) is offering one-day workshops with John Harris called, “Complying with Part 12 of the Ontario Building Code” geared to designers, mechanical contractors and builders, which will take place in Barrie on May 4, in London on May 17 and in Toronto on April 30. www.hrai.ca

The Canadian Hydronics Council has issued the 2011/2012 schedule for the Two-Day Introduction to Hydronic Heating Installations Course and an Intermediate Course. http://ultimatecomfort.ca

COHA Seminars

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

The Canadian Oil Heat Association’s schedule for its latest seminars is now available online. Topics covered will include: annual maintenance requirements, recommended best practices for maintenance, annual inspection and AST form, venting equipment, adjusting the burner for clean and reliable operation and due diligence B-139 regulations for venting and maintenance. Seminars will take place in Kemptville, ON (May 23), Kingston, ON (May 24), Sault Ste. Marie, ON (May 29), Bracebridge, ON (May 31) and London, ON (June 5). For information on courses available, or to register, call 1-800-257-1593 or visit www.coha.ca/nationalstore.

The Essentials of Hydronic Design Sessions

GeoExchange Training Developed

Canadian Hydronics Council is now offering training sessions on “The Essentials of Hydronic Design” at five different locations across Ontario, including Vaughan, Kingston, Barrie, Toronto West and Hamilton.

The Canadian GeoExchange Coalition (CGC three-day training program is intended for those involved with the installation of residential geothermal systems. skilltech@hrai.ca www.hrai.ca

Dollars to $ense Energy Management Workshops 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.

http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca

TECA's Quality First Training

www.ciph.com

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

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

ADvERTISERS IN ThIS ISSUE

THE SOUrCE

Adrian Steel ......................... (800) 677-2726 ............. www.adriansteel.com ..................................................... page 53 Airtech Sales ....................... (866) 855-5355 ............. www.airtechsales.ca ...................................................... page 25 Apollo Valves ....................... (800) 443-1603 ............. www.apollovalves.com .................................................... page 49 Arkema ................................ (800) 567-5726 ............. www.forane-us.com ........................................................ page 23 Boshart ................................ (800) 561-3164 ............. www.boshart.com .......................................................... page 12 Bradford White ..................... (866) 690-0961 ............. www.bradfordwhite.com .................................................. page 10 Carrier ................................. (877) 515-0039 ............. www.commercial.carrier.com ............................................. page 2 Cash Acme........................... (888) 820-0120 ............. www.sharkbite.com ........................................................ page 51 CIPH .................................... (888) 275-2474 ............. www.canadianhydronics.ca ............................................. page 48 Delta Faucet ........................ (800) 567-3300 ............. www.deltafaucet.ca/touchbath .......................................... page 9 DeWalt ................................. (800) 433-9258 ............. www.dewalt2012.com .................................................... page 37 Don Park .............................. (800) 950-7533 ............. www.donpark.com .......................................................... page 63 Flir Systems ......................... (800) 613-0507 ............. www.flir.ca ..................................................................... page 12 Foremost International.......... (888) 256-7551 ............. www.contrac.ca.............................................................. page 46 GeoSmart Energy ................. (866) 310-6690 ............. www.geosmartenergy.com .........................................page 41, 43 Giant.................................... (800) 363-9354 ............. www.giantinc.com .......................................................... page 50 Hood Chemical ..................... (800) 567-9791 ............. www.hoodchemical.com ................................................. page 60 ICP/Arcoaire ........................ ..................................... www.goarcoaire.com ...................................................... page 42 Liberty Pumps ...................... (800) 543-2550 ............. www.libertypumps.com ..................................................... page 7 Mabe ................................... (855)742-6112 ............. www.geappliances.ca ..................................................... page 47 MEET ................................... ..................................... www.meetshow.ca.......................................................... page 35 Mitsubishi Electric................ (905) 475-7728 ............. www.mrslim.ca ................................................................ page 5 Navien.................................. (800) 519-8794 ............. www.navienamerica.com................................................. page 15 Noble ................................... (800) 529-9805 ............. www.noble.ca ................................................................ page 13 Switch the Stat .................... (416) 922-2448 ............. www.switchthestat.ca ....................................................... page 3 Taco..................................... (905) 564-9422 ............. www.taco-hvac.com ........................................................ page 19 Thermo 2000 ....................... (819) 826-5613 ............. www.thermo2000.com ................................................... page 31 Thermo Mfg.......................... (888)678-3709 .............. www.thermopan.com ...................................................... page 29 Uponor ................................. (888) 994-7726 ............. www.uponorpro.com/thefutureis ..................................... page 32 Viega ................................... (800) 976-9819 ............. www.viega.com .............................................................. page 11 Watts ................................... (888) 208-8927 ............. www.wattscanada.ca .................................................page 18, 64 Zurn..................................... (905) 405-8272 ............. www.zurn.com ............................................................... page 48 hPAcmAg.com

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CalEndar 2012

FOR ThE LATEST EvENT NEWS SEE hPAC'S NEWSLETTER @ hpacmag.com MEET May 2-3

CSolar Ontario 2012 May 14-15

ACEEE Hot Water Forum May 21-23

The Mechanical Electrical Electronic Technology Exhibition will be held at the Moncton Coliseum Complex in Moncton, NB.

The annual CanSIA Solar Ontario Conference and Tradeshow will take place at the London Convention Centre in London, Ont. www.cansia.ca

The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy will host its 2012 Hot Water Forum at the DoubleTree Hotel in Berkeley, CA.

www.masterpromotions.ca/meet-2012

www.aceee.org/conferences/2012/ hwf/registration

CSA Annual Conference and Committee Week June 10-12

CIPH Ontario Region Conference May 25-27

2012 CASA Annual Conference June 10-12

True Blue Sustainability is the theme of the Canadian Institute of Plumbing & Heating Ontario Region Conference at Blue Mountain Resort in Collingwood, ON. www.ciph.com

The 51st annual conference of the Canadian Automatic Sprinkler Assocation will take place at the Inn at the Forks Hotel in Winnipeg, MB.

www.casa-firesprinkler.org

CSA’s annual conference and committee week will take place at the Hilton Quebec Hotel in Quebec City, QC. www.csa.ca

Canada Green Building Council Summit June 11-13

Cleaner Heat June 12-13

CIPH AGM June 24-27

The Canadian Oil Heat Association will hold its conference at the Fairmont Tremblant Resort in Mont-Tremblant, QC.

www.coha.ca

The Canadian Institute of Plumbing & Heating will hold its annual general meeting at the Fairmont Chateau Montebello in Montebello, QC. www.ciph.com

Intersolar North America July 9-12

HRAI Annual Meeting & Conference August 23-25

COHA Ontario Chapter Education Day September 20-21

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

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

The Canadian Oil Heating Association will host its third annual Ontario Chapter Education Dayat 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

Chillventa October 9-11

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. www.iidexneocon.com

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

This International Trade Fair For Refrigeration, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Heat Pumps includes a congress program on October 8.

www.ches.org

www.chillventa.de/en/

SMACNA 69th Annual Convention October 14-17

ASPE Convention and CPE October 27-31

CIPHEX West November 7-8

The Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association will hold its convention and product show at the Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV.

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

www.smacna.org

https://aspe.org

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

HVAC Cold Climate Conference November 12-14

MCA Canada National Conference November 12-15

Greenbuild November 14-16

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

The Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada is heading to Maui, Hawaii for its 71st annual conference. www.mcac.ca

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

www.ashrae.org/ColdClimate

www.greenbuildexpo.org

RSES Conference and HVACR Technology Expo November 14-17

Construct Canada November 28-30

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

Construct Canada – Canada’s largest building and design construction show – will take place at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

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HPAC | APRIL 2012

www.constructcanada.com

2013

The Canada Green Building Council’s National Conference & Expo will take place at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Its focus is Beyond Buildings: The Green City. www.cagbc.org

AHR Expo January 28-30 www.ahrexpo.com

Buildex Vancouver February 13-14 www.buildexvancouver.com hPAcmAg.com

Sheet Metal Venting OEM & Custom Manufacturing Solutions

Celebrating 40 years

as a leading manufacturer of sheet metal and venting products.

This year marks a significant milestone for Don Park, celebrating 40 years of manufacturing sheet metal and venting products for the residential and commercial HVAC market. With a renewed focus in service and product development, we will continue to introduce specialized sheet metal solutions to meet our customersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; needs today and tomorrow.

www.donpark.com