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EVENT REPORT

HEATING UP IN CALGARY

The ninth edition of the Modern Hydronics Summit delivered education and excitement in the West.

By HPAC Staff

20 COVER STORY SWEET HEAT

BRINGING THE HEAT

Three winning projects in the fifth annual Sweet Heat Awards combine craft with style.

By Doug Picklyk

HYDRONICS

TAKING A CLOSER LOOK

Reviewing a partial electrification solution for an institutional building and rethinking the design to enhance performance. By John Siegenthaler

INTEGRATED DESIGN

EFFICIENCY IN EVERY DROP – PART 2

Low temperature heating and high temperature cooling is key to overall comfort and energy efficiency, and it’s best achieved with hydronics and heat pumps.

By Zachary Londo, Jean-Claude Rémy & Chris DesRoches

36 CONTROLS TWO TANK OR NOT TWO TANK

Our latest reader question considers an upcoming complex installation that could benefit from some interconnected streamlined controls.

By Curtis Bennett

HVAC

DUAL FUEL CONTROLS, YESTERDAY AND TODAY

Oh, how far we’ve come from the earliest days of managing heat pump integration into existing heating systems.

By Ian McTeer

DUCT FREE ZONE TO DRY FLARE OR NOT TO DRY FLARE

As HVAC technicians know, there is art and science to the skill and any help along the way can only be a benefit.

By Gerry Wagner

CIPHEX WEST PREVIEW

• Show dates and times

• Location

• Product Showcase

• Exhibitor Listing

68 REFRIGERATION TO PRESS, OR NOT TO PRESS

Taking a quick look at the introduction of press fittings into HVAC/R.

By Dave Demma

BUSINESS AI IN ACTION

Taking your service company operations to the next level with the integration of automated intelligence to help in the office and in the field.

By Adam Oldfield

BUSINESS IS YOUR BUSINESS PREPARED FOR GROWTH?

From busy to built, steps to take to move your service business to the next level.

By Matthew Birch

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UPFRONT

HELP ME, HELP YOU

IN THE 1996 MOVIE JERRY MAGUIRE THE TOM CRUISE CHARACTER, JERRY, IS A SPORTS AGENT, AND IN ONE MEMORABLE SCENE he pleads to his client, “Help me, help you.” He wants his client to work with him so they can both achieve their goals—success on the field and the financial rewards that will follow.

It has dawned on me over the past month that the heat pump could use an agent like Jerry Maguire. Let me explain.

In September I attended three industry events: the Modern Hydronics Summit in Calgary, the Heat Pump Symposium in Halifax, and the Canadian Hydronics Conference in Montreal. All three hosted contractors, and at each event the heat pump played a central role in the discussions.

Of course, the Heat Pump Symposium was all about heat pumps, but both hydronics events also placed emphasis on the benefits of electrification and using heat pumps as a heat source (and cooling opportunity) for hydronics.

All the “experts” agree, heat pumps can work across Canada (and keeping gas as a back-up for resiliency makes sense too). Still, there is reluctance among the contracting community to relearn how to adapt systems to heat pumps, or there is pushback on the upfront expense of the systems.

In the meantime, out in the market, heat pumps are selling, but there’s a problem. In the August 2025 issue of HPAC, an article by Gerry Wagner, ‘Does the Trade Support DIYers? ” seemed to hit a nerve with readers. Gerry received some feedback, and here are a few comments (edited for brevity).

Kevin from Newfoundland: “I just read your article on the DIY mini split revolution, as I call it … What I see today is crazy, there are people in this province who are installing these every day. A lot of these guys are plumbers, electricians and burner guys … A friend of mine had a meeting with the provincial government regarding these non-certified guys working the trade. The answer he was given is there is not enough certified guys around, so we have to let these guys do the work … My son works the trade, and I told him this is the beginning of a problem. The trade will become less valued, and wages will come down.”

And from Mike in Nova Scotia: “… the residential market is just a sh*t-show around here ... Anyone can buy various models for sale on-line … Handyman (with no license) advertising on Kijiji they sell and install all types of HPs. Even licensed electricians advertising they install HP’s and have no license in the HVAC/R trade … There are good companies with licensed techs doing good work around here, but the demand allows all these bad actors to get their piece of the pie.”

Is the concern that there are not enough licensed HVAC contractors to install the systems, or not enough existing contractors up to speed and willing to take on the projects?

Heat pumps need an agent like Jerry Maguire who can show the industry their value and ultimately, “Show them the money!”

– Doug Picklyk, Editor

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INDUSTRY NEWS

HALIFAX EMBRACES HEAT PUMP SYMPOSIUM

The fourth edition of the Heat Pump Symposium, an all-day conference and trade show produced by the Heating Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI), filled a large conference room at the Westin Nova Scotian Hotel in the Halifax Seaport District on Tuesday, September 23rd, marking the first show of its kind in Atlantic Canada.

The crowd was welcomed by the Heat Pump Symposium Committee Chair, Jamie Hutt-Semple of Kerr Controls and Annamarie Bermundo of EfficiencyOne, the presenting sponsor of the event.

To set the table, the opening keynote was entitled “The Decarbonization Challenge and the Role of Heat Pumps” delivered by Bryan Flannigan, P.Eng., executive director of the Building Decarbonization Alliance.

On the main stage, the keynote was followed by a panel discussing the state of technology, and over the course of the day there were other main stage discussions touching on workforce development and another on the state of policies and programs in support of heat pumps. Educational break-out sessions covered topics like air-to-water heat pump

technology and installations, thermal energy networks, and demand response programs for energy management.

The final session was a panel sharing contractor success stories featuring Kent Steeves of Greenfoot Energy Solutions; Dale Comeau, Comeau Comfort Systems; Joe Fiander of Conroy HVAC; Nathan Horton, 1Click Heating & Cooling; along with Jamie Hutt-Semple of Kerr Controls, and moderated by Drew Tozer of Foundry Heat Pumps and author of Feel Good Homes

The recurring message from this panel of contractors, who have all been successful with heat pump installations, is the need to become consultants to your clients, take a whole home approach to improving a homeowner’s comfort, and perform the necessary calculations for properly sizing the equipment. Contractors need to commit to forging relationships with your customers, says Comeau. “Build the trust and do what you say you’re going to do.”

In summary, Tozer pointed out that heat pumps present an opportunity for contractors to answer questions and solve problems for homeowners, whether the homeowner’s motivations are environmental, taking advantage of incentives or simply wanting to learn more

about the technology.

It’s up to contractors to embrace building science knowledge and build a modern business that involves electrification and the proper installation of heat pump technology.

The trade show that accompanied the conference was buzzing between educational sessions and during the networking breaks. Atlantic Canada truly embraced this event.

The next Heat Pump Symposium will be held in Vancouver, May 20th, 2026 at the Vancouver Convention Centre. heatpumpsymposium.ca

Continued on p12

Heat Pump Symposium Committee Chair, Jamie Hutt-Semple of Kerr Controls.

Contractor panel: (l-r) Drew Tozer, Kent Steeves, Dale Comeau, Joe Fiander, Nathan Horton and Jamie Hutt-Semple.

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CANADA LAUNCHES REBRANDED GREENER HOMES RETROFIT PROGRAM

Canada’s federal government has relaunched its Greener Homes Grant under the new name of the Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program (CHGAP), aimed at assisting low- to median-income households with the retrofits needed to reduce both energy bills and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Features of the new program include renter accommodations, a lack of upfront costs, and a direct-install approach that will see select organizations handle the logistics and costs associated with planning and delivering home retrofits.

Under this new model, provinces and territories will be responsible for delivering the program to residents instead of Natural Resources Canada. Manitoba’s provincial government, alongside

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Efficiency Manitoba, was announced as the first province to deliver this program with $29.8 million in federal funding until 2030, with the province is also matching that amount.

“Manitoba is proud to lead as the first province to launch the Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program,” said Manitoba’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change Mike Moyes. “This initiative builds on our strong foundation of energy efficiency excellence through Efficiency Manitoba and provides even more support to Manitobans as they work with trusted delivery partners — making home retrofits more accessible, equitable and impactful.”

As part of the income-based process, applicants must qualify by meeting a required income maximum based on number of people living in the residence. In Manitoba, once qualified, the residence

will receive a free home energy assessment, and then if the home qualifies for a heating system upgrade or an insulation upgrade the homeowner can select from a list of registered contractors who will lead the project through the next steps.

Through the Efficiency Manitoba programs, on offer are free insulation retrofits and installation, as well as discounted upgrades to existing gas furnaces when moving to high efficiency units from low or mid-efficiency, and there is a $5,000 rebate to upgrade to a high-efficiency boiler from a standard efficiency boiler, or a free air source heat pump or ground source heat pump when retrofitting a qualifying home with an electric furnace, baseboard heaters or electric boiler.

Only registered contractors can complete the retrofits through these programs. As of press time, Efficiency Manitoba had 48 contractors on its list of registered furnace contractors, 28 on its list of cold climate air source heat pump contractors, and two contractor companies on its ground source heat pump list. Efficiency Manitoba registers contractors through a tendered pre-qualification process.

The new CGHAP is replacing the Greener Homes Grant launched by the federal government in 2021, which reimbursed homeowners with up to $5,000 for green retrofits and up to $600 for energy evaluations. Intended to last until 2027, the program closed in early 2024 due to funding depletion. efficiencymb.ca natural-resources.canada.ca

CITY OF TORONTO LAUNCHES PROGRAM FOR HEAT PUMP ADOPTION

The City of Toronto is introducing a program through its BetterHomesTO program to provide both financing and coaching to homeowners looking to make the switch to electric heat pumps.

As part of the program, Toronto resi -

dents can access free energy coaching services regarding the various grant or incentive programs offered to support heat pump adoption, along with guidance on the heating and cooling technology, contractors, and service providers that are suited to their needs.

The City also announced further financial support for its Home Energy Loan Program through an additional $20 million for low-interest loans on heat pumps, along with plans to expand its BetterHomesTO Furnace Upgrade program in 2026 with targeted incentives for low and moderateincome households.

These program expansions were announced to the public by Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow and Toronto Hydro’s president/CEO Jana Mosley on September 26.

“We’re making it easier for residents to heat and cool their homes with heat pumps, which means smart upgrades that can lower energy bills each month

Energy Futures Institute. “Requiring electrification of heating in British Columbia intensifies winter peak electricity demand – exactly when the grid is most stressed. That’s good for U.S. electricity exporters and bad for British Columbians.” energyfuturesinstitute.ca

ONTARIO JOINS OIL TO HEAT PUMP AFFORDABILITY PROGRAM

The Federal Government has announced a new partnership with the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) that will see the entity now co-deliver the Oil to Heat Pump Affordability (OHPA) program in Ontario through IESO’s ‘Save on Energy’ program.

The program helps income-qualified households switch from oil heating to electric heat pumps by supplying up to $25,000 in funding ($15,000 in federal funding and $10,000 in provincial funding), plus an upfront payment of $250.

gram in November 2022 as part of the Canada Greener Homes Initiative with pre-registration opening in February 2023 and grants flowing by spring 2023. The first provincial buy-in was in the Atlantic provinces.

Ontario becomes the eighth jurisdiction to join the OHPA co-delivery model, following agreements with all four Atlantic provinces, Manitoba, B.C. and Yukon. In jurisdictions without co-delivery arrangements, oil-heated households can apply to the national program to receive up to $10,000 in federal OHPA funding for switching to electric heat pumps.

The total funding envelope for the OHPA Ontario agreement is up to $59.4 million (Government of Canada: $37.5 million; IESO: $21.4 million; plus $500,000 dedicated to the Cornwall, Ont. area that falls outside the IESO grid – that funding comes from EnviroCentre).

HEATING UP IN CALGARY

The ninth edition of the Modern Hydronics Summit brought together the local hydronics community for learning, networking and the chance to walk away with prizes.

BY HPAC STAFF

The hydronics community in Calgary and from further afield gathered at the Glenmore Inn and Convention Centre on Tuesday, September 16th for the ninth edition of the one-day Modern Hydronics Summit, produced by HPAC Magazine

Started in 2013, the Modern Hydronics Summit brings together expert speakers and product manufacturers and distributors to share the latest in technology and know-how with the mechanical contractors and engineering professionals who design, install and service hydronic systems in Canada.

The conference and tabletop trade show began as a biennial event in the Toronto area, and has since expanded to an annual gathering, and Calgary marks the second edition of the Summit in Western Canada, following its first trek west with a stop in Coquitlam, B.C. in 2023.

This year in Calgary attendees explored the 39 exhibitor booths in the sold-out show hall, and the educational sessions

Continued on p16

Hydronics expert John Siegenthaler spoke about integrating an air-towater heat pump into an existing boiler system.

The presentation theatre in Calgary was always filled with attendees eager to learn.

The Exhibitor Hall was buzzing with attendees.

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were divided into three categories: the Master Sessions (sponsored by Master Hydronics), the Hydronics 101 sessions (sponsored by Grundfos), and Engineering Comfort sessions tailored specifically for mechanical engineers from the area.

SESSIONS

All of the Hydronics 101 and Master Class sessions were delivered in the main presentation area, with the sessions alternating throughout the day. The Hydronics 101 classes covered boiler technology basics (Travis Loewen, NTI) and an introduction to proper boiler maintenance (Chris Cameron, ProWest), the ABC’s of pumps (Bruce Layte, Grundfos), and the fundamentals of piping design (Gilles Legault, CB Supplies). The final hydronics 101 panel session, called ‘Putting It All Together,’ included all of session presenters, plus industry expert John Siegenthaler and controls expert Curtis Bennett (HBX).

The first Master session covered the critical nature of boiler fluid quality featuring a panel discussion moderated by HPAC editor, Doug Picklyk, and featuring Grant Erickson (Aqua-Tech/Lochinvar), Chris Cameron and Azlan Danish (Axiom).

The next Master session was presented by Calgary-resident Curtis Bennett of HBX Controls, talking about smart zoning using apps and connected controls.

And the final Master Series presentation was the keynote delivered by John Siegenthaleron on the topic of adding an air-to-water heat pump to a boiler heating system. Siegenthaler addressed the different types of heat pumps on the market, their performance characteristics and how to integrate the system with boiler set ups.

The main stage presentations concluded with all groups gathering for the closing Q&A Corral, a panel featuring

Travis Loewen of NTI spoke to the Hydronics 101 audience about boilers and boiler maintenance.

A panel discussion on boiler fluid quality with (l-r) Grant Erickson (Lochinvar), Chris Cameron (ProWest) and Azlan Danish (Axiom).

The final presentation of the day was the Q&A Corral featuring John Siegenthaler, Todd Wiggins (Armstrong) and Mike Miller (Taco).

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Siegenthaler, Todd Wiggins (Armstrong) and Mike Miller (Taco).

The questions for the panel were selected from a list of questions submitted by attendees when they registered for the event. The llist of questions covered topics including the performance characteristics of cold climate hydronic heat pumps, piping design characteristics, pumping efficiency, best practices with low loss headers and more.

The day wrapped up with the an -

nouncement of the 2025 Sweet Heat hydronics installation contest winners and the draw for the first-ever Modern Hydronics Haul-Away.

HYDRONICS HAUL AWAY

At previous editions of the Summit attendees were able to walk away with prizes, and this year the prize opportunities were bigger than ever before. During each of the three Masters Sessions there was a tool give-away,

sponsored by Kane. And over the course of the day two attendees were selected and won tickets to a Calgary Flames game courtesy of Aqua-Tech/Lochinvar. A new addition to the show was the Hydronics Haul-Away, a collection of seven door-prize packages consisting of products generously donated by many of the show exhibitors. Attendees were required to visit all of the participating vendors and get their entry form validated. Once complete they were entered into

The Hydronics 101 Sessions, sponsored by Grundfos, closed with the ‘Putting It All Together’ panel featuring (l-r) John Siegenthaler, Bruce Layte (Grundfos), Travis Loewen, Chris Cameron, Curtis Bennett (HBX) and Gilles Legault (CB Supplies), moderated by Doug Picklyk.

Mark Ingalls, Associated Engineering (left) won a Kane thermal imaging tool presented by Doug Picklyk (HPAC).

Kane HVAC/R clamp meter winner Maksym Varvarvoskyi, Comfort Solutions Mechanical (Linden, Alberta) with Doug Picklyk.

A Kane digital temperature logger was won by Ron Boese, Partners Radiant in Calgary (right) presented by Mukhtar Malawiya of Kane Canada.

the draw. The total retail value of the prizes (which ranged from thermostats, circulators, ventilation accessories and boiler controls to coolers, Bluetooth speakers and a golf bag) exceeded $30,000. The draw for the prize pack-

ages was held at the end of the day’s event. Congratulations to the seven HaulAway winners: Jeff Stewart of Wiehler Mechanical; Denis Lefebvre of Denrite Mechanical; Brent Cavanagh from Analog Mechanical; Frank Beard Barrett of the Gentlemen Pros; Dustin Gramlich of

Canmore Plumbing and Heating; Richard Kirkham from Fountainhead Mechanical; and Donavin Nauss of Remi’s Mechanical.

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Winner of Calgary Flames tickets courtesy of Aqua-Tech/Lochinvar: Liam Schuler of Maintain Mechanical in Calgary (left) with Grant Erickson from Aqua-Tech/Lochinvar.

Another winner of Calgary Flames tickets: Grant Erickson with Jay D’Amour of Precision Plumbing in Calgary.

The commercial category winner was an aquatic centre project in Yellowknife that connected to a district heating system using a biomass boiler system.

BRINGING THE HEAT

Three winning projects in the fifth annual Sweet Heat Awards combine craft with style.

BY DOUG PICKLYK

Celebrating the fifth annual edition Sweet Heat Installation contest, this year’s competition received 26 entries and the projects were divided into three categories: commercial, residential new build and residential retrofit.

This year the competition was generously sponsored by CB Supplies, with the winning entry in each category receiving $2,000 in product.

The final evaluations were performed by three judges with years of experience reviewing hydronics installations: Brian Morgan, owner of The Morgan Group; Steve Goldie, hydronics specialist with Next Supply, and Michael Breault a hydronics advocate and consultant working with Hydronic Systems.

“It is amazing to see such great representation from across the country and that hydronics continues to provide customers with the comfort they deserve,” said returning judge, Morgan. “While judging everything, I am always looking for implementation of emerging technologies and products that enhance the performance of hydronic systems. With the continued drive for more efficient systems and lower emissions, the use of alternate heat sources and lower temperature of hydronics will continue to be the leaders of tomorrow in hydronic installations. A win for the industry, the contractor and the customer.”

Following are this year’s winning entries in each category.

J&R MECHANICAL

The winner in the commercial category is J&R Mechanical of Yellowknife, NWT, for its work on the new Yellowknife Aquatic Centre. Completed in 2025, the

project included connecting the new centre to a district energy system that’s heated with a biomass boiler.

Locally owned and operated, J&R Mechanical has been servicing the area since 1976, and the company has been installing biomass boiler systems for the past 10 years.

In August of 2023 the Aquatic Centre project was put on hold for more than a month as the whole city was evacuated because of forest fire activity. The J&R team stayed behind to help with sprinkler setup to protect the city from the encroaching flames.

Once the project was back online, and winter was closing in, bringing the heating system online for use of temporary heat was a priority for the mechanical team, notes Mike Smith of J&R. The crew ran 400 meters of pre-insulated 4-in. PEX underground in a day. The district energy plant is 200 meters from

Continued on p22

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the facility, so the piping runs underground to the building, another 80 meters in the building to the boiler room, and then back to the plant.

As Smith explains, there is no natural gas in the area, propane heat at lower temperatures requires vapourizers and heating blankets on the tanks, and oil (though the most reliable method of heat for the north) isn’t the greenest way. “Wood pellet boilers in a district energy type system with individual Btu meters is the best way to go, especially when you’re able to utilize it for multiple institutional buildings.”

The insulated PEX line delivers 185F water to the heat exchanger in the aquatics building. “With one pump down at the biomass boiler, one pump on the heat exchanger loop, and one primary pump, we were able to heat this project without the need of frost fighters,” notes Smith, adding that the biomass system doesn’t only provide space heating to the building—it’s heating the three pools, the domestic hot

water, and two other buildings.

Supplemental heat is provided by two oil-fired cast iron 2.8 million Btu boilers, but they only fire periodically depending on the outside temperature.

“Even in the dead of winter, the system had no problem keeping up with building heating needs,” says Smith. “During normal operation in summer the fuel boilers are basically on warm weather shut down while the biomass does most of the heavy lifting.”

Now that the project is complete Smith takes pride in the seeing the community enjoying the finished product and in the teamwork that was involved in getting the job done. “When you’re roughing in a job, everything we do is theory. In theory the pipe won’t leak because we tested it. In theory the drains will drain because they have proper grade. When you turn on the water for the first time to a system, or when you fire the boilers for the first time, theory becomes reality. When you can walk to the far end of the building and the pipe is hot, that’s the best moment—especially when the young guys are there and they realize that the cold dead pipe is now alive and all that hard work and theory paid off.”

The judges also appreciated the final result: “In a place where losing heat is never an option, they’ve put together a rock-solid system with straightforward piping and plenty of backup to boot. Simple. Reliable. Brilliant.”

CANUCK MECHANICAL

Canuck Mechanical of Prince George, BC, arrived at this local retrofit project aware of the challenges required. The three-level house, roughly 4,000 sq. ft., was built around 15 years ago but had gone through several renovations.

“I’d worked on it before, and it was a mess because they kept on adding stuff,” says James Blanchett, owner of Canuck Mechanical. Blanchett was called to replace a failed Baxi combi boiler.

The customer requested separate systems instead of a combi this time, and for Blanchett this meant a clean slate and rethinking of the entire system. “I went above and beyond, cleaned their piping, cleaned up a lot of the loops (it was kind of a big old spaghetti mess), and we even upgraded and did the home run system down there as well.”

The new install involved a Navien NPE240-A tankless for domestic and a Navien NFB-200H condensing boiler for heating. The system has one high temp zone 180F going to an air handler providing heat for the main floor and upstairs. Another zone of high temp heat for a pool heat exchanger, and a 3rd zone provides heat to a high temp garage unit heater.

Then there are three low temp zones at 110F for in floor heat in the basement and one upstairs in the bathroom. Blanchett even added an extra loop, a third low temp zone, for potential future

Continued on p24

Four-inch pre-insulated PEX line delivers 185F water to the heat exchanger over 700-feet away.

The residential retrofit winner was Canuck Mechanical of Prince George, B.C. for rescuing this mechanical room.

Clean, serviceable and good looking.

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expansion. The low temp in the basement is run off six Taco Sentry zone valves for all six rooms in the basement.

“Whenever I do a system there are some key things, and one is obviously serviceability. I want to be able to get to that pump and not be fumbling in a stupid position, but I also want to have isolation,” says Blanchett, who takes great pride in doing a job right the first time. “If adding a valve breaks the budget, well I’m not going be the contractor for you.

“But also, by the same token, I like to add a bit of art into something, because why not, right?”

The judges agree. “Hydronic heaven in a tight space!” said one judge. “Only the latest and greatest specialty products were used to guarantee system longevity and make service a breeze. Yes, there are a lot of pumps, but every one is perfectly zoned. Wiring and piping? Neat, tidy, and pro-level. A masterclass in making the most of a small space. Hats off to Canuck Mechanical for fantastic workmanship.”

For Blanchett, there is an obvious passion in doing the job right and leaving behind a functional system that looks great. “I’ve never understood why people don’t just take a bit of time and do systems that are better thought out. If there’s a negative space in the room I’ll try to fill it with something and make it work. I like to plan it all out, and when I’m doing it step by step by step sometimes I’ll even make a few changes along the way. That’s one of the reasons why I actually like using soldered fittings, because if I make a mistake it can be sweated, whereas with press systems it’s one and done.”

It was that attention to detail that placed this project on top in the retrofit category this year. As another judge commented: “You can see the pride of craftsmanship, eye catching without complication, and given the space incredibly accessible.”

FARR MECHANICAL

The winning entry in the residential new build category was part of unique compound in Aurora, Ont. worked on by Farr Mechanical of Stouffville, Ont.

The biggest challenge on this project, according to project lead Tyler Dynes, was fitting the amount of mechanical components needed for such a large build in the allotted space. “The customer set a high standard requesting all piping and electrical to be hidden as much as possible,” notes Dynes. “It required a lot of planning and thought to map out the mechanical spaces.”

A single storey build above grade, tototalling just under 5,000 sq. ft., the mechanical system includes a 10-ton geothermal ground loop for primary heating and cooling with two WaterFurnace water-to-air heat pumps and one water-to-water heat pump managing all low-temp radiant loads. A 1,200 sq. ft. snowmelt slab is powered by an IBC 400,000 Btu/h propane boiler which also doubles as domestic through an 80-gallon indirect tank and as an emergency back-up heat source to the goethermal 80-gallon buffer tank, connected via closely spaced tees.

“To ensure long-term reliability, the

ground loop and interior piping are separated by coaxial heat exchangers, with both sides filled with a propylene glycol/ purified water blend,” notes company owner Brendan Farr.

“With it being a new build, the wiring and piping was all hidden within the walls and spaces before the walls were fully completed,” adds Dynes. “This required careful planning to ensure everything was installed in the correct location before rooms were fully built.”

Despite the technical challenges, he found that installing everything before the walls were fully constructed is what made this project stand out.

“As with all of our projects, we focus on designing systems around low supply temperatures to future-proof the infrastructure,” says Farr.

“With technology evolving rapidly, our goal is to install systems that can adapt to the innovations of tomorrow and serve for generations to come.”

The Sweet Heat judges also appreciated the level of detail in the mechanical room. “The homeowner probably has no clue just how lucky they are to have a system this advanced yet designed to feel so simple. Every single detail was thought through...even down to commercial-grade

The client requested a clean looking finished product.

The system includes geothermal water-to-air and water-to-water as well as a 400 Btu/h boiler.

PHOTOS: FARR

insulation with direction arrows. Call it precision. Call it craftsmanship. Or maybe… just a little bit of mechanical magic,” says one judge.

With another adding, “The system is a work of art that doubles as a heating system. I am sure that having remote sensing for all the zones makes the living spaces less cluttered. This is listening to a customer and delivering the goods in spades.”

RUNNERS UP

The competition was tight this year, and the runner-up in each category was a very close second. In the commercial category South Island Mechanical of Victoria, B.C. reworked an apartment building project in Esquimalt replacing 25-year-old Raypaks with two Lochinvar water heating boilers, new storage tanks, and two IBC commercial boilers for heating.

In the residential retrofit category,

2025 Sweet Heat Entries

Thank you to all the contractors who entered the fifth annual Sweet Heat hydronics installation contest: Boss Plumbing, Saskatoon, Sask.•Bruins Plumbing and Heating, Red Deer, Alta.•Canuck Mechanical, Prince George, BC• Denrite Mechanical, Edmonton, Alta.• Donaldson Plumbing & Heating, Inverary, Ont.• Einwechter Plumbing and Heating, New Dundee, Ont.• Family Tradition Propane Services, Oakhill, Nova Scotia• Farr Mechanical, Stouffville, Ont.• Friesian Mechanical, Delta, BC• Goldbar Contractors, Edmonton, Alta.• Groundswell Mechanical, Vernon, BC• GTAHeat.ca, Concord, Ont.• J&R Mechanical, Yellowknife, NWT• John Sadler Plumbing & Heating, Surrey, BC•Pacific Peak to Peak Plumbing, Vancouver• POC Plumbing & Heating, Coldwater, Ont.• Prestige Mechanical, Barrie, Ont.• Princeton Plumbing & Heating, Princeton, BC• Quality Air Care, Kelowna, BC• RNJ Mechanical, Delburne, Alta• South Island Mechanical, Victoria• TJL Mechanical, Fergus, Ont.• and Twin Rivers, Manning, Alta.

Einwechter Plumbing & Heating of New Dundee, Ont. went above and beyond to meet a homeowner’s request for a red and black theme, including wrapping two Navien units in red vinyl.

And in the residential new build category, Denrite Mechanical of Edmonton reimagined a 1,500 sq. ft. bungalow with a 3,000 sq. ft. addition. Tearing out existing furnaces and replacing with radiant and hi

velocity, but there was so much more. “This isn’t just a system—it’s a masterpiece,” said the judges, adding, “It’s clean, well laid out, and the remote sensing for the stats and redundancy all make for a beautiful installation.”

All entries can be seen on our YouTube channel: youtube.com/@hpacmag. And we’re already looking forward to next year’s edtion of Sweet Heat. <>

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TAKING A CLOSER LOOK

Reviewing a partial electrification solution for an institutional building and rethinking the design to enhance performance. BY

JOHN SIEGENTHALER

Acouple of years ago I was asked for input on a proposed heating system in which two electric boilers were being added to a school’s heating system to supplement the output of the existing gas-fired cast-iron boiler and take advantage of low “offpeak” electrical rates.

The load was four zones of low water temperature floor heating. Great! Lower temperatures allow most heat sources to operate at higher efficiency. However, this is not the case for electric boilers.

For electric boilers, 1 kWh of input yields 1 kWh of thermal output regardless of water temperature.

The designer planned to operate the gas-fired boiler at temperatures high enough to avoid sustained flue gas condensation, and to install a “bypass circulator” as another means of boosting boiler inlet temperature.

A three-way motorized mixing valve would be used to reduce the supply water temperature in each of the four zones. The proposed conceptual schematic for the modified system is shown in Figure 1 (next page).

THE BASICS

I’ve had many opportunities to review proposed system schematics, and each one is a “Where’s Waldo?” challenge. I don’t begin with the assumption that every schematic is totally messed up. Just because a designer might choose to use different hardware than I would, or they may put that hardware together using a different - but valid - piping topology, doesn’t mean there’s something wrong. Instead, I look to see if the fun -

“With very few exceptions it’s best to connect multiple heat sources in parallel.”

damental (“Hydronics 101”) details are present. Those details include:

• Providing necessary operating conditions for the proposed heat sources.

• If multiple heat sources are present, how are they connected.

• Provision(s) for hydraulic separation.

• Means of controlling differential pressure when using valve-based zoning.

• Means for balancing flow through branch circuits.

• Are the headers sized for relatively low flow velocity (2 ft/sec max).

• The ability to isolate major components for service or replacement.

• Expansion tank location relative to circulators.

• Purging provisions for all portions of the system.

• Provisions for air and dirt separation.

• Appropriate pipe and circulator sizes.

• Location of temperature sensors.

• How the control system will operate.

• Preventing thermal migration.

• Provisions to prevent inadvertent flow (forward or backward) in circuits that are supposed to be off while other circuits are operating.

• Counterflow thru heat exchangers.

• Provisions to limit or prevent forward or reverse thermosiphoning from thermal storage tanks.

With all these in mind, let’s look at the issues I found present in Figure 1.

SERIOUSLY FLAWED

One detail that immediately jumped off the page was the series piping of the electric boilers. Here’s another note that should be added to the list above:

Continued on p28

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Never pipe boilers, or other hydronic heat sources, in series.

There is no upside to series piping boilers, only downsides, such as not being able to remove one boiler for service without temporarily changing the piping to keep the system operating.

Or, in the case of mod/con boilers or heat pumps, lowering the efficiency of the downstream heat sources due to higher inlet water temperature. The flow of heated water through inactive boilers also needlessly increases jacket and stack heat loss.

With very few exceptions it’s best to connect multiple heat sources in parallel. This method allows for independent operation, accommodates differences in required flow rates, and provides the ability to isolate or remove any of the heat sources without shutting down the remainder of the system.

DON’T OVERCOOK IT

Although it’s possible to operate the system shown in Figure 1 at higher water temperatures and mix down to achieve the necessary supply temperatures for the floor heating circuits, it

isn’t necessary. This is especially true for electric boilers that obviously don’t create flue gases that could condense.

The gas-fired boiler can be protected against sustained flue gas condensation by installing a three-way mixing valve that senses and reacts to boiler inlet temperature. This valve attempts to keep the boiler inlet temperature at or above 130F whenever possible. The bypass circulator shown in Figure 1 cannot react to boiler inlet temperature, and as such it cannot provide consistent anti-condensation protection.

And there are no check valves shown within the individual zone circuits in Figure 1. This omission would allow some amount of flow reversal through inactive zones when other zones are operating.

Plus, there are no purging valves or central air separators shown in Figure 1. It would take hours to fill and purge this system as shown and flush the air out of the system properly.

And finally, supply water temperature sensors for mixing devices should be installed downstream of the associated circulator whenever possible. This set

up helps ensure complete mixing of the hot and cold streams prior to passing by the sensor that is controlling the mixing device.

THE MAKEOVER

To remedy issues found in the initial design, Figure 2 (next page) shows one approach that will eliminate the concerns noted above. Keep in mind that this is not the only possible way to eliminate the problems present in Figure 1, but it does organize the hardware into a consistent and repeatable arrangement, one that’s likely to reduce or simplify the amount of hardware and piping needed.

All three heat sources are piped in parallel and trimmed so that any one of them could potentially be isolated and removed for service without affecting the remaining heat sources.

Each boiler has its own circulator that runs only when that boiler is active. Each boiler also has a check valve and purging valves. These allow each boiler to be isolated, purged, and protected against reverse flow.

The gas-fired boiler is now protected

Figure 1. Proposed conceptual schematic for adding two electric boilers to a cast iron gas boiler system with four zones.

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for low inlet water temperatures by a three-way mixing valve that responds to boiler inlet temperature. When that temperature is less than 130F the cold port of the mixing valve is fully closed. This routes the water leaving the boiler directly back into the boiler. Very little heat is released to the headers. This allows the boiler to quickly warm above conditions that cause sustained flue gas condensation.

As the boiler inlet temperature rises above 130F the cold port begins to open, allowing some of the hot water to leave the recirculating loop and proceed to the “hot” header piping the boiler header.

All three heat sources connect through generously sized headers to a hydraulic separator. In addition to isolating the pressure dynamics of the heat source circulators from those of the

load circulators, the hydraulic separator provides air and dirt separation.

The water temperature on the load side of the hydraulic separator is monitored by a three-stage heat source controller, which operates all three heat sources based on its settings.

Those settings would be based on the delivered price of heat from gas as well as electricity, especially when the latter is available on low “off-peak” rates.

Regardless of the fuel mix, the heat source controller’s responsibility is to ensure that an adequate supply water temperature is available whenever one or more of the loads is active. That supply water temperature would be based on outdoor reset control.

The three-way mixing valves can be eliminated. All mixing occurs within the hydraulic separator. This significantly reduces cost and complexity.

Finally, each of the four zone circuits is equipped with a check valve and purging valves.

A FINAL OBSERVATION

Although the makeover shown in Figure 2 is viable, the use of electric boilers to supply a low temperature load leaves a very relevant potential improvement on the table (e.g., using air-to-water heat pumps rather than electric boilers).

As my friend and colleague Robert Bean would point out, the use of electric resistance heating in situations where heat pumps can do the job well is a huge waste of EXERGY. <>

John Siegenthaler, P.E., is the author of Modern Hydronic Heating & Cooling (4th Edition). Visit hydronicpros.com.

Figure 2. One potential solution that would improve this design, including piping the three heat sources in parallel instead of in series.

EFFICIENCY IN EVERY DROP – PART 2

Low temperature heating and high temperature cooling is key to overall comfort and energy efficiency, and it’s best achieved with hydronics and heat pumps.

BY ZACHARY LONDO, JEAN-CLAUDE RÉMY & CHRIS DESROCHES

It’s clear from the discussion in part one of this series (HPAC August 2025 ) that hydronics will be key to the future of modern building design. Hydronic systems are an efficient way to transport heating and cooling energy to and from zones and are key to energy efficient decarbonization. So, how does one holistically design these systems? Of course, by keeping the four pillars in mind: building envelope, indoor air quality, heating/cooling source and emitters, and control strategies.

BUILDING ENVELOPE AND VENTILATION STRATEGIES

The natural place to start for any HVAC system is the building envelope. In building science, there are two primary heat gains to contend with: sensible heat, which is the heat that you can

“sense” or feel, and latent heat which is the “hidden” heat from evaporated moisture. Controlling both is required to make people comfortable, and they are addressed in different ways.

Trying to design a mechanical system without addressing the envelope is like trying to sail a boat with holes in the hull. It’s a futile task that, at best, will result in constant monitoring and intervention and, at worst, results in a sunken ship.

So, the first thing practitioners should consider is reinforcing the building’s exposed exterior with more insulation, better glazing and proper air sealing. The less leakage between inside and outside means less mechanical work required and the ability to enable low temperature heating and high temperature cooling to boost efficiency and comfort.

Airtightness meeting Passive House requirements can reduce heating demand by up to 30%, and when coupled with better insulation the heating demand can be reduced even further. A study on building airtightness published by BC Housing helps to visualize the relationship between airtightness and heating demand (Figure 1)

Reducing heating demand is directly proportional to the cost of the heating/ cooling devices and energy use. When the envelope is improved, the heating/cooling system can use smaller equipment that costs less and takes up less space.

Ventilation is a critical component when discussing a building’s envelope, and it directly ties to the second pillar, indoor air quality. A common misconception is that buildings need to breathe so they shouldn’t be completely sealed.

However, as mentioned, a leaky building is unpredictable and results in unnecessary mechanical work.

Ventilation is important for occupants, and it is something that should be controlled rather than allowed to occur naturally. Practitioners can employ energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) or heat recovery ventilators (HRVs) to satisfy air change and ventilation requirements. HRVs recapture the building’s sensible heat whereas ERVs recapture both sensible and latent (moisture) heat. When ERV’s are properly designed and controlled they can reduce the mechanical work required to dehumidify the fresh air supply.

HEAT PUMPS AND LOW TEMPERATURE HEAT EMITTERS

Better envelope and ventilation strategy combined with high-temperature cooling and low temperature heating water greatly improves heat pump efficiency in hydronics applications. Heat pumps move heat from a cold source to a hot source, and the greater the temperature difference the more mechanical work (or energy use) required. Typically, at nominal conditions an airto-water heat pump will have an efficiency, or coefficient of performance (COP), of around 3 Watts/Watt, or 300%

efficiency (10.24 Btu/Wh). A COP of 10.24 BTU/Wh means for each watt of electricity that is input to the machine, 10.24 Btu/h of heat is produced.

The chart above (Figure 2) shows the COP curves according to ambient temperatures for different design water temperatures. Of course, as the ambient temperature decreases and we maintain the same water temperature, efficiency decreases because the heat pump is working harder. By reducing the design water temperature, the chart illustrates the direct impact on the overall efficiency.

At an ambient temperature of 14F, the heat pump has a 30% better COP when producing 113F water compared to 140F. Heat pumps and their COP are a critical piece of the 3rd pillar to reduce energy consumption.

To properly implement the air-to-water heat pump into the design, there are some important considerations. Heat pumps are more sensitive and less forgiving to changes in flow. Much like a slow-cooker, heat pumps work best when they work “low and slow”. Proper piping design will keep the heat pump chugging along at higher efficiencies and work well when paired with high-mass systems and low temperature emitters for heating.

Heat pumps and the piping system also require generous thermal inertia, meaning these systems will have much larger buffer tanks compared to a chilled water system. The rule of thumb for water volume can be anywhere in the range of 7 to 12 gallons per ton of heating because the unit will need to defrost about once an hour. When the machine uses a reverse cycle defrost the machine is actually removing heat from the system. To prevent extreme drops of water temperature in the system adequate water volume is required to “buffer” the effects of the defrost cycle.

On the other hand, there is also a difference in flow rates and delta T for the heat pump compared to traditional boiler systems. Heat pumps typically will only offer about a 10F temperature rise (compared to 20F with boilers), meaning they will operate at much higher flow rates (if we halve the delta T, flow must double).

There are ways around this beyond the scope of this article, but generally a heat exchanger or primary-secondary pumping does the trick if the terminal units cannot be designed with a smaller deltaT, which is often the case with retrofits.

The heat pump is situated outside, so in cold climates the piping needs to be protected usually with glycol mixtures. Glycol solutions reduce heat transfer in hydronic coils/zone heat emitters and result in more pumping energy and costs a lot to fill a large system. So, in cold climates the heat from the heat pump is often injected into the distribution system via a heat exchanger so the glycol loop can be isolated only to the parts of the system that require freeze protection. This means an additional pump is required for the heat pump loop on the source side of the heat exchanger, and a distribution pump for the building on the load side. This way the indoor portion of the building uses 100% water, meaning less pumping energy required and more thermal output.

Continued on p34

Figure 2. Heat pump efficiency improves with lower supply temperatures.

< INTEGRATED DESIGN

Continued from p33

DECOUPLING VENTILATION

While air distribution systems also need ventilation to bring in fresh air, decoupling the ventilation air from the sensible loads enables the integration of hydronics. This reduces the duct sizes and fan energy significantly.

The choice of terminal units in the HVAC zone will impact the overall system efficiency. Excluding high mass radiant systems that use low water temperature, high temperature emitters are being replaced by low temperature ones, bringing us closer to where we need to be.

High mass hydronic radiant systems are the most efficient for a few reasons. Besides a lower indoor setpoint and a reduced uncontrolled air exchange, they use the lowest fluid temperature of any terminal unit, typically around 90F to 110F. This is due to the large heat exchange surface area (an entire floor for example).

This not only helps bring the heat source efficiency to its highest level but also improves occupant comfort. That, among other reasons, is because the surface temperature of the terminal unit is closest to the surface temperature of the human body.

When cooling, it’s a bit like a mirror image of heating. Typically, low mass cooling systems require very low fluid temperatures, around 45F. Traditional design has been to use this water temperature to also provide dehumidification locally. As previously mentioned, decoupling ventilation and humidity control centrally via ERV’s allows for the integration with high mass radiant systems.

The water temperature can be elevated to around 55-58F since it must only meet the sensible load. This has a huge impact on cooling plant efficiency. All this is why we repeat the expression “low temperature heating, high temperature cooling.” This is where we need to be in order to reach 2030-2050 efficiency targets.

The challenge with radiant heating and cooling is maneuvering around the thermal mass. Given the inherent inertia of this system, it’s often best left to maintain a constant base load throughout the year with other fast acting units available for peak loads when required. It’s also incapable of handling latent loads and needs to be paired with a dehumidification and ventilation strategy during the cooling season. Finally, a radiant system is unique because it’s built into the building and must be coordinated with architectural. Floor finishes, furniture, and shading can all impact the efficiency of a radiant system.

“With radiant systems we can reduce the required air temperature without sacrificing occupant comfort.”

A prime example of a decoupled ventilation system enabling high-temperature cooling is chilled beams. There are two types, passive and active, but in either case, the ventilation air must be pretreated centrally and well controlled to manage the latent load, and the chilled beam will perform sensible heating and cooling only.

A decoupled ventilation system allows the beams to operate at much lower heating temperatures and higher water temperatures. To perform sensible cooling, the supply water temperature to the beam is usually set a few degrees above the dewpoint to ensure there is no condensation on the coil, which greatly improves the plant cooling efficiency since it is supplying water at 58F instead of traditional 44F (which is the universal chilled water temperature to have both dehumidification and sensible cooling on

a hydronic coil).

The same occurs on the heating side, since the ventilation air is pretreated centrally in winter, by reducing the heating load at the ventilation system, we can manage local setpoints in the zones at much lower heating supply temperatures and increase the heating efficiency of the central plant.

Radiant systems have an additional benefits as we can reduce the required air temperature without sacrificing occupant comfort. This is accomplished because comfort is driven by the operative temperature in a space, which is the average of the air temperature and the average temperature of all the surfaces around, called mean radiant temperature (MRT).

Since radiant systems affect the MRT, the air temperature can be adjusted proportionately. Lower indoor air temperatures for heating (i.e. lower thermostat setting) and higher indoor air temperatures for cooling (i.e. higher thermostat setting) reduces a building’s sensible heat loss/gain. In both cases we gain system efficiency at water fluid temperatures that are well within the limits of heat pump units.

Holistic design incorporates all the items discussed here, from the envelope to the zone terminal units and central plant.

The subject of the next article will be controls: how to tie these components together and not only have them work together – but to have their operation as a system optimized. <>

Zachary Londo, PE, is a senior design engineer with GF Building Flow Solutions (Uponor); Jean-Claude Rémy is a business development manager with GF Building Flow Solutions (Uponor); and Chris DesRoches, P.Eng., is the business development manager, heating and cooling, with Swegon North America.

TWO TANK OR NOT TWO TANK

Our latest reader question considers an upcoming complex installation that could benefit from some interconnected streamlined controls. BY CURTIS BENNETT

We have received another reader question, but before I get into the meat and potatoes of it, this reader mentioned something that captured my attention. He mentioned that troubleshooting in our industry is the greatest area for improvement, and I could not agree more.

One of my favourite courses at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) was analytical troubleshooting. It’s a big topic for me, and something I am passionate about.

One of my favourite expressions is:

“It’s not rocket science.” Now when I say that it’s not intended to put people down — it’s usually because checking to see if a wire is connected at both ends is not rocket science. My kids hate the saying (and I do use it too much), but the very basics of troubleshooting will get you out of 80% of the predicaments you find yourself in. It’s not rocket …, you get the point.

Ok, back to our latest reader question from Paul in Ontario:

“I have been asked to install a geothermal system in the Spring of 2026. The customer is building a house almost 10,000 sq. ft., with in-floor heating on all three floors, the garage, a bit of snowmelt (walkways, a bit of backyard, and a bit of the driveway … the rest of the driveway is way too long) and the pool heater. Hot and chilled water will have to run to three or four air handlers. And hot water will have to run to supply and return manifolds for all the in-floor zones throughout the house. That’s a lot of zones, but I’m sure a Tekmar or Taco pump zoning control board will work for the in-floor heat zones and titanium pool heater. A Tekmar snowmelt control will work for the snowmelt. Do the water-towater heat pumps control the air handlers for A/C and supplemental heat? Or does it need some fancy wiring.

The problem is, I get paid to do it the first time. But not the second or third times, which is the case when I try to think outside the box. Does this job need a gas boiler incorporated into it to achieve higher supply temperatures when only the pool heater and snowmelt are summoned? Can geothermal achieve this high temperature? With my experience, I usually need a minimum of 145F to snowmelt and heat a pool. Maybe 120F will melt snow and heat a pool, but I’m not sure? This might add a degree of difficulty. I guess when either the snowmelt or pool heater turn on, the geothermal must digress to the boiler. Therefore, these two zones might need their own control board to heat the boiler supply to 145F. Then I guess the in-floor zones will need three-way mixing valves to counteract any shock to the in-floor in case the 145F supply is commanded while the in-floor heating zones are running.”

Wow! Thank you for the question. For me it’s a little loaded. There are way too many pieces to this puzzle to answer in Continued on p38

one article, and to be fair some of it is not my strong suit. But I will try to guide you through a few portions of this that I can address, so hopefully you will have at least a little better understanding of how to start.

Let’s start with the heat pumps. There are two types of heat pumps out there that we use in our industry, at least on the wet side of our industry: water-towater and air-to-water. Now I’m not going to get into how heat pumps work, there are many well informed people out there to help you on this part.

Personally, I like to have some redundancies in a heat pump system, but I do come from Alberta where we get cold. I get upset when using heat pumps as a primary source and the indoor temperature of 20C is used in all the heat loss calcs. Educate the homeowner on this one. I don’t keep my house at 20C, we run at 23C in the winter. Our industry sells comfort, telling someone to put on a sweater to warm up, is not selling comfort. The higher supply temperatures from heat pumps are coming, but it’s not totally in full swing yet, so adding a boiler for the higher temps in my mind is advisable. Separating the systems, that is a whole other topic that I am sure Siggy (John Siegenthaler) has written on before, so I won’t touch that one.

Where I do want to start is the point that you made about the tanks. This is where I get passionate. Your client is paying you to make them comfortable, and they are also paying you to save energy (at least I think so, or why else would you be using heat pumps?). Anyways, heat pump systems are usually more money (I am being kind there), so the client needs to know this. Another reason to use heat pumps is to have heating and cooling from one unit. This is a big benefit. So, use that benefit to your advantage. Use two tanks—one for heating, one for cooling.

This is a big point of contention for

“It’s 2025, so hook up the control to the internet so you can look at what’s happening.”

me, especially when we get calls asking us why an end user’s house can’t achieve both heating and cooling at the same time.

If you don’t have separate tanks, you can’t do it, and if you try heating and cooling with one tank the energy wasted is astronomical. You heat up the single tank only to reverse that and cool it down, only to reverse that to heat it back up. Does that sound like energy efficiency to you? Not to me.

Ok, mechanical side settled. Not really, but I’ll move on from my main pain point. Let’s get into the controls. Here is where it gets even more complicated.

You mentioned some control manufacturers by name in your question, and

I respect that. I’m not one for recommending my own company’s controls in my articles, but it is hard for me to ignore our options for this type of system. Wiring all aspects of your proposed system to one control will save you money. Using “relay” boxes to do smart zoning is not the best approach. Use smart zone controls to do smart zoning.

You mentioned radiant zones, DHW, fan coils, cooling, heating, snowmelt and a pool. This is a big job. It’s a really big job.

You need controls that will communicate with each other not only for good control, but in a job this size you don’t want four different apps to see what the heck is going on.

Yes, you want to see the system on an app on your phone. It’s 2025, so hook up the control to the internet so you can look at what’s happening as well as change settings from the comfort of your own home. Shameless plug coming up —HBX controls can do all of that.

These controls will allow you to con -

Consolidate controls to fewer apps where possible.

trol all your radiant zones, all your air zones as well as DHW and pool from one control. Yes, you will need a couple depending on how many zones there are, but the idea is that everything is wired together.

“Relay box” zone controls don’t do cooling. So, you would need two sets of them. They also won’t handle your fan coils. Look out below ….. you will need more controls, and they won’t communicate with each other. I try very hard to be control agnostic in my articles, but when it comes to a system like this you need the right controls for the job.

You mentioned a concern over the temperatures as well. You can put a mixing system in, or you can use the priorities of the zone control. No, I’m not just talking about DHW priority but actual zoning priorities. Setting the high temp zones, fan coils, DHW, pool and possibly the snowmelt as higher priorities, this will shut off the low tempera -

ture zones until those are satisfied. I would also tell you to add the pool as a setpoint on zone control as well.

I am assuming here that you will need more than four zones, so you will have a setpoint available on each of the zone controls. If you are using any dampers, which you did not mention, these same zone controls can handle that as well.

I know this seems like an ad for our capabilities, but it’s not. It is just a good fit for these types of multiple emitter applications. Keeping everything in one control family will help you not only spend less time wiring but also allow you to see the whole system in one shot.

You will see all the thermostat heating and cooling information, each zone information, DHW and pool. To take it one step further, using the dedicated wi-fi heat pump control to control the heat pumps and the wi-fi snowmelt control, then you can have 100% of the system all on one app.

Wow, that is probably too much info for one article. The main point is that you will add multiple kinds of complexity by not using connected controls that are designed for the whole system. It’s a philosophy that I design controls by and the reason we do it. I hope that you got the answers you were looking for. LOL. Thank you again for the great question. To all of you readers that made it this far … please keep the questions coming. (send your questions to editor@hpacmag.com) <>

Curtis Bennett C.E.T is product development manager with HBX Control Systems in Calgary. He formed HBX Control Systems with Tom Hermann in 2002. The company’s control systems are designed, engineered and manufactured in Canada to accommodate a range of hydronic heating and cooling needs.

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HRAI HONOURS PAST AND PRESENT IN HALIFAX

This year members of the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI) traveled to Halifax for the association’s annual conference and AGMs. The two days included a series of topical and informative panel discussions combined with educational sessions, inspirational talks and award presentations, followed by some laughter to close out the event.

The HRAI membership consists of manufacturers, wholesalers and contractor divisions coming together to represent all aspects of the HVAC/R industry. The theme of this year’s conference was “The Insiders” with each presentation designed to give the 300-plus attendees behind-the-scenes knowledge from people on the front lines. The topics covered included Canadian and American politics, policies and agendas, with a focus on how the industry can cope.

The assembled speakers did their best to share inside knowledge, but the general theme from panels consisting of association lobbyists and manufacturer representatives was that although the business community needs certainty to plan future actions, currently that option is not available.

John Hurst, vice president of government affairs with Lennox in the U.S. did note that the HVAC/R industry has always been cyclical in nature, and if you see dark clouds ahead, there is always sunshine behind them.

Beyond the big picture geopolitical landscape, there were practical sessions delivered on AI in the supply chain, social media marketing, the refrigerant transition, HVAC/R design, e-mail writing, the skills gap and more.

A moving keynote was delivered by Tareq Hadhad, a Syrian refugee who relocated with his family to Antigonish, Nova

Scotia, and opened a family chocolate shop called Peace By Chocolate.

A movie has been made based on his family’s story, providing inspiration for entrepreneurs and shining a positive light on multiculturalism in Canada.

As part of the annual conference, the new slate of directors for the national Board was announced and a series of awards were handed out.

The new national Chair of the HRAI for 2025-26 is Joe Muchynski, vice president with Arvin Air Systems in Stoney Creek, Ont., taking the gavel from Chris Hann, director of dealer develment with Wolseley Canada. Muchynski becomes the 57th Chair in the history of the association.

In addition, a series of awards were presented, including a new Staff Award going to Angela (Angie) Mantei, a longtime staffer who will be retiring in January after 25-plus years with the association.

President’s Recognition Awards were presented to: Andre Pirnat, of Ottawa; Jamie Hutt-Semple of Kerr Controls in Truro, NS; 30-year member Dick Foster of ZoneFirst; Tom Vasilak of Hamco Heating & Cooling in Hamilton; and Mike Miller, vice president sales Taco Canada (and current vice chair of the HRAI national board).

The Warren Healy Environmental Award went to Tim McRae of Chemours Canada, an advocate on the board of Refrigerant Management Canada.

The Merit Award, recognizing outstanding contributions to the industry, went to Tara Smith of Mr. Furnace in Winnipeg, who served as national Chair of HRAI 2023-24.

The Craig McCarty Memorial Award went to past Board member, John O’Keefe of Moncton.

In closing, the Life Member Award was given to Jim Thomas, founder of Refrigerant Services Inc. in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia (recently acquired by A-Gas). Thomas was a pioneer in refrigerant reclamation and has patents for refrigeration technologies. He is recognized globally for his expertise and was instrumental in the development of Refrigerant Management Canada.

The two-day event closed with the comedy of Newfoundland-native Shaun Majumder, who shared hilarious personal anecdotes and is actively looking for HVAC assistance for his old Newfoundland home.

Next year’s HRAI Conference will be held in Gatineau, Quebec (across the river from Ottawa). hrai.ca

Joe Muchynski of Arvin Air takes the gavel as Chair of the HRAI national board for 2025-26.

Jim Thomas, founder of Refrigerant Services and winner of the HRAI Life Member Award.

CARRIER’S ROOFTOP HEAT PUMP RECEIVES VALIDATION IN DOE’S HVAC TECHNOLOGY CHALLENGE

Carrier Global has become the first HVAC equipment manufacturer to complete a validation within the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)’s Commercial Building HVAC Technology Challenge in the 10- to 14-ton rooftop heat pump category.

Carrier’s system delivered 100% heating capacity at 5 degrees Fahrenheit and exceeded 70% heating capacity at -10F; meeting or exceeded the challenge’s requirements for commercial heat pump HVAC efficiency.

The DOE’s Commercial Building HVAC Technology Challenge is designed to accelerate adoption of high-performance equipment that reduces energy use and operating costs while supporting overall

grid reliability through lower demand. carrier.com

OCTO AND BLUE HAWK PARTNER TO STRENGTHEN DISTRIBUTION CHANNELS

Blue Hawk and Octo Purchasing Group have partnered to strengthen independent distribution channels between the Canadian and U.S. HVAC/R markets.

Octo Purchasing Group represents 79 members with more than 2,500 operating outlets across Canada’s HVAC/R, plumbing, electrical and waterworks markets, among many others. Blue Hawk is a member-owned cooperative of HVAC/R distributors with 188 memberowners and 1,648 locations across 49 states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The combined Blue Hawk-Octo network will present a larger and more integrated channel for independent HVAC/R distributors by expanding network size

and sharing innovative strategies and technologies through improved supply chain visibility and member support. Through this alliance, both groups will actively share operational, marketing, and supplier relationship best practices. This partnership will also present members of both Blue Hawk and Octo with the opportunity to expand their businesses into new markets across the United States and Canada.

“This strategic alliance with Octo Purchasing Group is about more than scale; it’s about partnership,” said Lauren Roberts, chair of the Blue Hawk’s Board of Directors and CEO/President of cfm Distributors, Inc. “Our collective strength will allow us to deepen relationships with our valued suppliers, working together to innovate and better serve the evolving needs of the HVAC/R market.” octo.ca bluehawk.coop

Continued on p44

Continued from p43

TALKING HYDRONICS IN MONTREAL

The Canadian Hydronics Conference, a two-day tradeshow and educational event organized by the Canadian Hydronics Council (a division of the Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating – CIPH), made its first appearance in the province of Quebec running September 30 to October 1 at the Palais des Congrés in downtown Montreal.

This year’s conference featured sessions in both English and French, and with the help of an online app attendees were able to experience real time translation as the speakers were talking.

With some 200 people registered and 30-plus exhibitors, the full agenda included presentations on radiant heating and cooling, reducing supply water temperatures, proper piping designs, snowmelt systems, district heating and more, including a strong mix of residential and commercial building applications.

The opening session featured global hydronics industry experts, John Siegenthaler (a regular HPAC contributor) and Robert Bean, who laid a foundation for the event presenting the ‘Whys and Hows of Electrifying Hydronic Systems.’ In a province dominated by electrical heating systems, the packed audience embraced that session.

The first day closed with a well-attended panel discussion focused on the future of hydronics. Moderated by CHC Chair, Alan Zanidean of Axiom, panelists included David Hughes (CIPH), Gilles Legault (CB Supplies), John Siegenthaler, Jean-Claude Remy (Uponor), and Robert Bean.

The panelists discussed the role of government regulations and how that is driving efficiency, but the move to electrification is taking time and most on the panel were proponents of adopting hybrid, dual-fuel (gas and electric), solutions for now, as this approach allows for redundancy and back up for the coldest days of the year.

The panel also reinforced the need for greater hydronics industry training. They

DISTRIBUTION

>> Samsung HVAC has entered into a distribution deal with Powrmatic of Canada (a subsidiary for the Quebecbased Dechênes Group), Powrmatic will distribute Samsung’s HVAC products across its six branches in Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec City and Halifax. samsunghvac.com powrmatic.ca

John Siegenthaler and Robert Bean opened the conference with a session on electrifying hydronics.

have all recognized the need for an improved focus on the fundamentals of good hydronics design as the industry moves towards integrating new heat sources.

The final day closed with a panel on incorporating hydronic heat pumps into hybrid designs.

The next CHC Conference is scheduled for 2026 in Vancouver. ciph.com

Continued on p46

>> Equipco has expanded its portfolio of OmegaFlex piping products across the Western Canadian market and will now represent OmegaFlex’s DoubleTrac double-walled metallic piping system and the MediTrac line of corrugated medical tubing for medical gas distribution. equipcoltd.com omegaflex.com

>> Mueller Steam Specialty, supplier of valves, strainers and specialty products for data centre, megaproject and industrial applications (part of Watts), is now represented by several agencies across Canada: Palser Enterprises in southwestern and northern Ontario; Walmar Mechanical Sales in eastern Ontario; and Watts Reps across the Greater Toronto Area; Hydro-Mechanical Sales represent Newfoundland & Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and PEI; Lajoie in Quebec; Hy-Line sales in B.C.; Marwin in Sask. and Manitoba; and DC Sales Company in Alberta, the Yukon, NWT and Nunavut. watts.com

>> Kasa Supply, based in Surrey, B.C., announced a 15,000 sq. ft. expansion to its Edmonton facility, located on the five-acre home to its current 25,000 sq. ft. site. Kasa has six locations across Alberta, B.C. and Ontario. kasasupply.com

>> Moncton’s Greystone Energy Systems has joined the peripheral partner program of building automation provider Reliable Controls. greystoneenergy.com

Canadian Hydronics Conference in Montreal: Alan Zanidean, CHC Chair (centre), with CHC conference co-chairs Jean-Claude Remy (left) and Jean-Francois Charest.

Panel discusses the future of hydronics in Canada: (l-r) David Hughes (CIPH); Gilles Legault (CB Supplies), John Siegenthaler; JeanClaude Remy (Uponor); and Robert Bean. (not in photo: moderator, Alan Zanidean (Axiom)).

HeatLink Group has hired Geoffrey Holloway as vice president and general manager. Bringing more than 25 years of leadership experience in engineering, operations, and sales, most recently Holloway was vice president of Canadian sales at A.O. Smith where he led sales, service, and operational teams through growth initiatives.

Cheryl Merchant, CEO of Taco Family of Companies, was named as one of 12 outstanding leaders who made up the 2025 class of Women in Manufacturing (WiM) Hall of Fame inductees. The honour recognizes women who have made significant contributions to the manufacturing industry while supporting, promoting, and inspiring other women in the field.

Wolseley Canada has promoted Chris Hann to director of dealer development. Hann will oversee the national dealer program rollout and support for field teams. Over the past 31 years, he has held various roles across our organization, most recently, director of HVAC for Ontario.

The Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating has announced that Kevin Ernst, recently retired as COO of +osb after more than 30 years in the plumbing and heating industry, is joining CIPH as technical advisor. Following a successful career, Ernst has launched his own consultancy, SKE Partners and will assist in an advisory role.

Barclay Sales has added Rawabi Alhyari to its sales team in Manitoba. In the industry since 2017, Rawabi began her career in counter sales and advanced through various roles specializing in HVAC controls and technical support.

The Morgan Group has named Adam Hedden as senior sales executive – growth and training. Most recently Hedden spent nine years with Equipco, and he will now lead sales initiatives across Ontario and develop training programs to support engineers, contractors and wholesale partners. With his background in sales leadership and market development, he will help strengthen Morgan Group’s hydronics business.

25_008960_HPAC_OCT_CN Mod: September 5, 2025 2:18 PM Print: 09/05/25 page 1 v2.5 ORDER BY 6 PM FOR

Merchant

Ernst

Hedden

Holloway

Hann

Alhyari

QUEBEC’S THERMO 2000 TO JOIN INNOVAIR SOLUTIONS

Quebec-based hydronic heating and domestic hot water equipment provider Thermo 2000 has revealed plans to merge with Innovair Solutions.

Thermo 2000 is based in Richmond, Que. and has operated in the hydronic and domestic hot water space for more than 45 years. This merger will allow Thermo 2000 to leverage Innovair’s network, including access to U.S.-based clients, while still operating independently and retain current management teams.

“Thermo 2000 is in great financial health and is ready for the next step. We share the same people-first, family and entrepreneurial values and the same vision with Innovair Solutions, which will allow us to grow while remaining true to our identity,” said Jocelyne Cloutier, president of Thermo 2000.

Innovair solutions is a designer and manufacturer of residential, commercial and industrial HVAC products comprised of over 1,200 employees. Its brands include Dettson, Ouellet and Stelpro. innovairsolutions.com thermo2000.com

HEAT-LINE SUCCESSION PLAN

Heat-Line, manufacturer of self-regulating freeze protection systems for pipes and roofs, including job-ready in-pipe and on-pipe solutions for water lines and drains, has announced a leadership transition formalizing a multi-year succession plan.

The company has appointed Matthew Roberts as president, Brent Heise as vice president of sales and technology, and Laura Roberts as vice president of quality management.

Company co-founders Lorne and Robin Heise will continue in strategic roles as vice president of product development and innovation and vice president of finance.

The transition marks a shift to the next generation of the founding family: Brent and Laura are the children of the cofounders, and Matthew is their son-in-law.

Matthew previously served as operations manager, where he led ERP implementation and production improvements, and Brent has served as sales manager, technical support, and in research and development. Laura has served as office manager, overseeing customer service, administration, communications, and business and financial governance.

“I could not be more pleased to see our dream moving forward with our family and the next generation,” noted co-founder Lorne Heise.

LENNOX TO PURCHASE NSI INDUSTRIES’ HVAC DIVISION

Lennox has signed a definitive agreement to purchase the HVAC division of NSI Industries, which includes the Duro Dyne and Supco brands among others, from Sentinel Capital Partners for approximately $550 million.

Duro Dyne and Supco are both manufacturers of components, parts and accessories for HVAC/R professionals. This acquisition will expand Lennox’s portfolio of HVAC parts, supplies, and manufacturing and distribution centres across North America. lennox.com

New leadership for Heat-Line: (back row) Lorne and Robin Heise, (front row l-r) Matthew Roberts, Laura Roberts and Brent Heise.

DUAL FUEL. DONE RIGHT.

The Moovair Central-Moov Add-On heat pump system provides an easy retrofit coil-and-condenser solution to most existing indoor furnaces. Or now also available with an AHRI-rated matched furnace systems to optimize performance and utility costs.

Compact, quiet, and cold-climate ready, Central-Moov provides:

• ENERGY STAR® Cold Climate certification

• Heat pump heating down to -30 °C

• Efficiencies up to 16.1 SEER2 / 8.0 HSPF2 region V

• Inverter-driven variable capacity compressor

• Whisper-quiet operation ranging from 57-64 dB(A)

• Environmentally friendly R-454B with built-in LDS

• Heat pump and coil models available from 18 to 60 MBH

• 60 & 80 MBH furnace AHRI matched with 18-36 MBH Central-Moov

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DUAL FUEL CONTROLS, YESTERDAY AND TODAY

Oh, how far we’ve come from the earliest days of managing heat pump integration into existing heating systems.

BY IAN MCTEER

Once fire became a reliable tool for cooking and warmth, our ancestors quickly faced a new challenge: how to control the heat it unleashed. The most basic control mechanism was therefore invented: move away from the fire when you get too hot.

Once large stone castles, huge fireplaces and chimneys came along, sitting in front of a roaring fire stimulated furniture manufacturers to provide a potential solution for out-of-control indoor climate conditions.

Large quantities of fuel were burned in huge fireplaces, requiring an excessive amount of air for combustion. This air entering the room unchallenged by insulation or tight-fitting windows and through

every possible masonry crack and mouse hole created, metaphorically speaking, hurricane force drafts of chilly air whipping across the floor and through the room enroute to the fireplace, effectively chilling the backs of those seated in front of the fire while the heat from the fire baked the front of them.

To help overcome this discomfort, an English settee took its place in front of the fireplace. This piece of furniture was merely a wooden bench with high sidearms, a solid back and the space between the seat and the floor completely enclosed. This stopped the discomfort of the chilling air from the back but did not reduce the scorching and baking from the front. So part of the heating/ cooling issue was solved. Oh, how far we’ve come.

HEATING AND COOLING TODAY

Jumping ahead, at least a millennia or so, and skipping over HVAC innovations too numerous to mention here, residen -

tial cooling combined with heating became ubiquitous in many neighborhoods throughout Canada. Not every climate demands cooling in the summer, but these days with both heating and cooling being delivered from one installed unit, the heat pump, the solution is being embraced.

I became involved with the very first conventional heat pumps moving into our Canadian marketplace because promises of year-round comfort combined with energy savings attracted many homeowners.

Several generations of heat pumps followed along from the 80’s, each iteration delivering better efficiency with tighter system controls. However, early heat pumps rated for AHRI Region IV had limited ability to provide the advertised energy savings in Canada and only provided noticeable savings in areas like the banana belt of southwest Ontario and the lower mainland of B.C.

Continued on p50

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With its dual-hole design for air intake and air exhaust, this Monobloc Heat Pump is a great solution that is easy to install and ideal for the user’s comfort in situations where placing a condensing unit outside the building is not possible or desirable.

CONTROL STRATEGY

Early heat pump systems, especially those installed as an add-on to a gas, oil or electric furnace, required a specialized room thermostat, outdoor thermostat(s), a relay kit to ensure the components operated in proper sequence and extra power (all explained below):

• Thermostats: typically, two mercury switches mounted on separate bi-metallic springs including a heat anticipator set to match the heating circuit amp draw. Thermostat location (then, as now) was important for proper cycling as was thermostat level … out of level meant imprecise control. The homeowner could adjust temperature settings using levers attached to the mercury switch mechanism.

• Fossil Fuel Kit: required to prevent a fossil fueled furnace and heat pump from operating in heating mode at the same time (except when defrosting).

• Outdoor thermostat: required to set balance point switchover temperature.

• Extra Power: fossil fuel kit and extra components such as time delay re -

lays along with power needed to run the outdoor unit and furnace controls; typically, more than 70 va was necessary. Manufacturers recommended using one transformer rated higher than necessary (100 va in this case) because wiring in parallel a 40 va transformer fan relay along with the existing 20 va furnace transformer did not always provide enough power to ensure proper operation. For these early generation heat pump systems, the typical heating strategy for units designed for the colder AHRI Region IV included a non-restricted mode and a restricted mode.

Non-Restricted Heat Pump Mode: in this strategy, the heat pump operates freely whenever the thermostat calls for heat:

• First stage call: the outdoor unit starts on the “Y” cooling circuit. Since the reversing valve defaults to heating mode, they system initiates a heating cycle.

• Second stage call: the fossil fuel kit (FF Kit) interrupts the “Y” circuit and activates the furnace which runs until the second stage demand is satisfied.

• Time delay relay: Installed in the FF kit, this relay prevents first stage from restarting immediately, thus allowing the furnace to cool down somewhat before the heat pump resumes operation should first stage still be calling.

However, the non-restricted mode often failed in add-on systems installed in cold climates for a number of reasons:

• Below balance point, the system would cycle endlessly between first and second stages.

• The cool down delay combined with the inability of first stage to provide adequate heating below balance point caused noticeable fluctuations in room temperature.

• Sometimes, the furnace alone satisfied both stages causing the heat pump to start the next cycle on first stage creating a staging delay that allowed room temperature to drop excessively before the furnace started again on second stage.

• These issues created homeowner complaints and service calls.

Non-restricted mode performed effectively when utilized with a matching electric air handler. Electric heat strips installed downstream of the indoor coil could operate along with the outdoor unit thus no fossil fuel kit was required. Optional extra heat strips could be controlled using an outdoor thermostat, however, in a cold climate, the heat strips would become the primary source of heating below balance point.

Non-restricted mode worked well in combination with a matched indoor air handler thus allowing the heat pump and electric heat strips (installed inside the air handler downstream of the indoor coil) to work together. No FF kit required, and extra heat strips could be cycled using an outdoor thermostat. Another control option available at the time was known as Restricted Mode. The restricted mode uses the FF Kit in combination with an outdoor ther-

Figure 1. Balance point graph

mostat designed to limit heat pump operation based on outdoor temperature.

The heat pump runs only when the outdoor temperature is above a preset threshold. Below the balance point, the fossil fuel furnace takes over 100% of the heating load. In Figure 1 you’ll see the balance point is 25F (-3.9C) based on a building heat loss of 55K Btu/h at -5F (-20.5C) and a heat pump that provides a maximum of 38K Btu/h at 47F.

The equipment slope demonstrates loss of heating capacity as the outdoor temperature drops. The building slope shows the increasing heating requirement at lower temperatures. Where the two lines cross is the balance point. In this restricted mode, the heat pump remains locked out until the outdoor temperature rises above the balance point plus a delta (typically 5F). For example, if the balance point is 25F, the outdoor unit remains off until the outdoor temperature reaches 30F.

Restricted mode only worked properly when the building’s heating load along with the heat pump’s performance curve were known and plotted as per Figure 1.

If the outdoor thermostat (ODT) was set too low (by guesswork), then the heat pump would run below balance point but fail to satisfy the thermostat. Homeowners would notice the drop in room temperature, switch to the “emergency heat” setting that only allowed fossil fuel operation and call for service. If the ODT was set too high, then the furnace would take over prematurely even though the heat pump could still contribute. This setting wasted energy and increased operating costs; it’s like leaving money on the table.

Older control strategies relied heavily on mechanical logic and manual thermostat settings. Perhaps this strategy worked well under ideal conditions, but I would argue such controls struggled to

provide both efficiency and comfort, especially in cold climates.

MODERN HEAT PUMP CONTROL STRATEGIES

Today’s dual fuel control systems have evolved beyond the binary logic of fossil fuel kits and outdoor thermostats.

Dynamic feedback loops, real-time data and sensor networks help to optimize performance, efficiency and comfort. Control strategies typically rely on proprietary algorithms differing from manufacturer to manufacturer. One strategy I am familiar with uses Proportional and Integral error calculations to make decisions about how much capacity is needed at any given time.

• Proportional Error (P) is the distance away from the room set point temperature as determined by the end-user.

• Integral Error (I) looks at the time

Continued on p54

Microcredential Program in Heat Pump Design

TECA and BCIT have partnered to launch a new microcredential program designed to meet the growing demand for skilled residential heat pump professionals.

Industry-recognized certiﬁcation through TECA

Hands-on learning in BCIT’s post-secondary environment

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This program combines TECA’s industry expertise with BCIT’s proven training approach, giving professionals the skills and certiﬁcation needed to succeed in Canada's growing clean energy sector.

COMPACT. QUIET. BUILT FOR PERFORMANCE.

NAPOLEON ® ECOSMART HYDRONIC AIR HANDLER

SOLUTIONS

Napoleon Ecosmart hydronic air handlers use hot water from a boiler, tankless water heater, or heat pump to deliver consistent, energy saving heat.

By transferring heat through water instead of air alone, they offer a quieter, cleaner, and more efficient alternative to traditional forced air systems.

Designed for multi-position installations, each unit fits into tight spaces while delivering the performance to heat full sized homes with ease.

THE FUTURE OF HEATING AND COOLING.

NAPOLEON ® EQ ® FUSION HYBRID SOLUTION

The Napoleon EQ®Fusion Hybrid Solution combines a high efficiency heat pump with a hydronic air handler, all intelligently managed by the EQ®Hub Smart Thermostat for unmatched comfort and energy efficiency.

• Smart electric/gas switching

• Simultaneous operation for max savings

• Backup heat & compressor protection

• Auto fuel selection by utility rates

• Zone control: up to 5 zones, 10 sensors/zone

• Humidifier & dehumidifier integration

• Compact, flexible installation

• Rebate & grant eligible

away from the set point in real time.

• Thus, the algorithm uses P + I to decide how much capacity is required.

• P + I is displayed in the data as a load value, for example, a load value between 0 and 200 may be applied to a single stage conventional heat pump with one stage of electric heat back up. As the load value builds, the control will decide which unit to cycle and for how long. Once the load value of 200 has been reached in this example, the system will operate at full capacity.

• Additional algorithmic refinements such as duty cycle control, overshoot clamps, stage thresholds and stage inhibits all act together ensuring the system calls for heat or cooling only when necessary and that the outdoor unit compressor and indoor fan runs at the correct speed to match the calculated load value command.

• System sensors monitor indoor temperature, outdoor temperature, coil temperature, humidity level, system refrigerant pressure, even occupancy sensors. The sensors feed data into the control algorithm so the control can determine the most efficient way to meet the heating or cooling load at any given time.

Modern cold climate air source heat pumps often provide enough heat to satisfy demand all by themselves in Canada’s banana belts. Whenever a cold climate heat pump cannot provide enough heat to satisfy the demand, then an add-on to fossil fuel or a hybrid system is specified.

Also known as Adaptive Intelligence, modern dual fuel controls have the advantage of providing precision load matching that reduces energy waste and prevents annoying room temperature swings.

Hybrid controls provide smart fuel switching that saves energy costs by choosing the most cost-effective heat

“No control strategy can compensate for a poorly applied or improperly installed system.”

source. Adaptive intelligence avoids unnecessary cycling and staging.

For example, if the outdoor temperature is 20F (-6.7C) and the heat pump is keeping up with the load, the hybrid control will continue to use the heat pump, even though the legacy controller would have already switched to fossil fuel.

As systems continue to evolve, intelligent hybrid control will become more refined. I recently spoke with Tim Short of Lazlo Energy Services about the company’s innovative hybrid controller (soon to be in commercial production) that can be easily connected and configured to 24-volt hybrid systems.

Tim said, “The Canadiandeveloped GreenBox (Figure 2) is a smart controller that optimizes heating in dual-heated (hybrid) homes. It works with most existing thermostats, furnaces, and heat pumps, allowing homeowners to manage their systems to prioritize lower utility costs, reduced emissions or a combination of both.

Installation is simple for contractors, who can also use the device’s performance monitoring and diagnostic data to better serve their customers.” For more information on this developement, visit getthegreenbox.ca.

While today’s cold climate heat pump systems boast impressive performance gains and sophisticated control technologies, the long-established principles of HVAC design and installation remain unchanged.

No control strategy can compensate for a poorly applied or improperly installed system. Thus, to ensure optimal performance:

• Specify the system correctly: choose equipment that matches the demands of the building and climate zone.

• Follow manufacturer guidelines and industry best practices during installation. Advanced features like variable-speed fans and capacity modulation cannot rescue a fundamentally flawed setup.

• Commission every new installation to verify proper operation. Ideally, dispatch a qualified technician 24-hours post-installation to assess performance after the system has settled.

• Be sure to educate the end-user on proper operation and routine maintenance, as outlined in the owner’s manual.

Only by respecting these core principles can a hybrid heat pump system deliver the efficiency, comfort and reliability that today’s consumers expect. <>

Ian McTeer is an HVAC consultant with over 35 years of experience in the industry. He was most recently a field rep for Trane Canada DSO. McTeer is a refrigeration mechanic and Class 1 Gas technician. For comments or questions Ian can be reached at imcteer@outlook.com.

Figure 2. Canadian-based GreenBox Energy Technology is developing a hybrid heating smart controller.

Discover 100% capacity and 100% performance down to -30°C.

The new Orion XLTH+…a star performer in extreme weather.

Like the Orion Constellation brightening the winter night sky, the Fujitsu AIRSTAGE Orion XLTH+ Series stands out as a brilliant star for heating performance...even in the harshest climates. While others fade in extreme cold, Orion shines brighter, delivering more than 100% capacity even at -30°C.

• Beyond 100% Performance at -30°C – No derating, just powerful, consistent heating.

• No Lockout Temperature – Unlike other systems, Orion keeps running in relentless cold.

• ProCore™ Corrosion-Resistant Technology – Built to endure and perform.

• Advanced Defrost Cycle – Reduces downtime, maximizing comfort and efficiency.

• Flexible Installation – Designed for seamless integration into a variety of applications.

Orion XLTH+...the stellar performer in low-temperature heating.

TO DRY FLARE OR NOT TO DRY FLARE

For HVAC technicians, there is art and science to the skill and any help along the way can only be a benefit.

BY GERRY WAGNER

Why are there so many Nylog haters?

Just in case there are some readers who are not familiar with Nylog, here is some information directly from the manufacturer’s technical data sheet:

Overview: Nylog Blue is viscoelastic liquid derived from synthetic refrigeration oil. Nonhardening, non-drying fluid which bonds tenaciously onto many different substrates. Nylog Blue is completely miscible and compatible with virtually all refrigerants and base compressor oils. The product will not cause any system restrictions, fouling or failure. NYLOG is used by OEM’s and industry professionals worldwide.

Applications: Flare Fittings: Both faces of the flare as well as the threaded connectors are coated. Primary attention is given to the flare face. The majority of Nylog is pushed out of the flare boundary but not completely expelled. Helium leak testing of flares treated in this manner were tighter than flares coated with pipe dopes, resin adhesive, anaerobes, silicone or a dry connection.

OK, with that out of the way, I recently had an interesting encounter with a high-level engineer for a prominent HVAC equipment provider. He brought up the subject of Nylog, and when he did I immediately began advocating for its use, as I always do. “I love the stuff!”

He then asked me, “To what measurement do you torque?”

I answered, “To the manufacturer’s specified torque measurement.”

He immediately, and rather smugly, replied, “That’s wrong. Those torque measurements are based on a dry flare.”

A ‘dry flare’? I never even heard that

term before. I answered (equally smugly) with the following, “I have been using Nylog for years now, torqueing to the manufacturer’s specified torque requirement and have NEVER had a leak. Not once!”

I have to admit, his comment did get me thinking. So I wondered, what does my buddy Gary McCreadie, the creator of HVAC Know It All and owner/operator of McCreadie HVAC & Refrigeration Services in Ontario—who I know loves Nylog like I do—think of this ‘dry-flare’ question?

Gary’s reply was, “Most manuals have a range of torque required. I always go to the middle of the range and then pressure test.”

I do the same thing as Gary. For example, for one company I do a lot of training for, their centrally ducted system air handler has a 3⁄8 -in. liquid and ¾-in. gas flare connection with the following torque spec: 3⁄8 -in. 26 to 30 ft. lbs. and ¾-in. 52 to 56 ft. lbs.

So, Gary and I would torque the 3⁄8 -in.

flare to 28 ft. lbs. and then torque the ¾-in. flare to 54 ft. lbs.

The use of a torque wrench is NOT an option. It’s essential.

If you got a guy on your crew who has the Popeye arms and he simply cranks down on the flare nut until he can’t go any further, well, that is going to be a problem, Nylog or not!

I wanted to go right to the horse’s mouth, as they say, and I asked my friends at Refrigeration Technologies (the people who make Nylog) for their take on the question.

Their reply was, “Nylog will have little to no effect on torque, so you can use the manufacturer’s recommended specs.”

Now, going back to the engineer who started all this with his question about Nylog and torque, he ended his anti-Nylog diatribe with, “If you know how to make a flare, why do you need Nylog?”

Well, my answer to that is always the same. “Not everyone has the same skill

level, and if Nylog prevents a leak with no adverse consequences, then why not?

“If you can make the perfect flare that doesn’t leak without Nylog, good for you, but for those who wish to use it as an assist, again, why not?”

“Most manuals have a range of torque required. I always go to the middle of the range and then pressure test.”

If I were to guess why some people may be put-off by Nylog, it may be the instructions on how to use it: “… both faces of the flare as well as the threaded connectors are coated.”

This runs counter to everything we have ever been told about a flare.

We were told to never put anything on the face of the flare.

BRING ON WINTER WITH CONFIDENCE

Frankly, I think this issue of ‘dry flare’ versus ‘lubricated flare fits into the category of “Much ado about nothing.”

Nylog haters will try to find any reason to justify their position.

In my humble opinion, if you are using a quality flaring tool with a tubing stop; you have prepared the tubing correctly to be flared; you torque within the specified range stated by the equipment manufacturer; and you use Nylog; chances are excellent that you will never have a call back for a leaking flare, and there will be no adverse effect on any component of the system because you used Nylog. <>

Gerry Wagner is the president of Education, Services & Products Company LLC (ESPCO LLC). He has spent 45 years in the HVAC/R industry working in manufacturing, distribution, contracting and training. gerry@ ESPCOtraining.com.

CIPHEX + Electrical Learning Expo West 2025

Pacific Coliseum Pacific National Exhibition, 100 North Renfrew St., Vancouver, BC

Wednesday, November 5 – 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Thursday, November 6 – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

ciphexwest.ca

CIPHEX West Goes Electric

A partnership with electrical associations brings new spark to Western Canadian plumbing and mechanical show.

By HPAC Staff

Western Canada’s largest plumbing, hydronics, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration and water treatment trade show returns to Vancouver, and for the first time the event will also include electrical, lighting and renewable energy exhibits.

In February 2024 the Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating (CIPH), producers of CIHPEX West, announced that it would be joining forces with the British Columbia Electrical Association (BCEA) and the Alberta Electrical Alliance (AEA) to produce joint CIPHEX West and Electrical Learning Expo trade shows in Vancouver in 2025 to be followed by Calgary in 2027.

The new CIPHEX + Electrical Learning Expo West trade shows now feature products and services from the plumbing and HVAC/R industries along with electrical and lighting industries, supporting contrators in both trades that are serving residential, commercial and industrial sectors.

“CIPH is proud to partner with the British Columbia Electrical Association and the Alberta Electrical Alliance to put a spotlight on the electrical and building mechanics industry,” said Satinder Chera, CEO of CIPH, when the announcement was made. “We are excited to see our industry leaders, membercompanies, and their customers coming together to celebrate and grow the built environment in the West.”

As always, visitors to the show will discover new products and manufacturers along with an opportunity to network with existing colleagues and suppliers to the industry. This biennial Western Canadian event, alternating between Vancouver and Calgary, creates a four-year gap between shows in each city – so the opportunity to gather as an industry under one roof for two days makes CIPHEX West as much about community building as it is about learning new ideas and finding interesting solutions.

The show promises to have a line-up of valuable educational sessions – keep an eye out for more details on the event website.

To help our plumbing, mechanical and HVAC/R readers prepare for this year’s event, we reached out to exhibitors in advance to find out what products will be featured at their booths.

You will find the product showcase beginning on page 60, and you will also find a complete listing of the exhibitors and their booth numbers. This listing includes all of the companies who were registered to attend as of press time in mid-September.

HPAC magazine will be there, so please drop by booth 1018 to say hello and share your ideas on how we can make the magazine even better. <>

CIPHEX WEST PRODUCTS

Rinnai ’s RCB 399AN wall-hung boiler delivers thermal efficiency with userfriendly controls. A 10:1 turndown ratio ensures performance for varying demand, while the 316L stainless steel heat exchanger provides durability. It’s backed by Rinnai’s 10-year heat exchanger warranty, plus one-year parts and labour coverage. rinnai.ca

Delta’s Touch2O with touchless faucets help keep germs off kitchen faucets. The design allows users to control water three ways: place a hand near the faucet, tap the faucet surface, or use standard handle activation. The touchless faucets recognize human presence within four inches and have a four-minute automatic shut-off.

deltafaucet.ca

Hi-Comfort airsource heat pumps from Hisense provide space heating and cooling and in combination with the Hisense water tank can provide domestic hot water. A range of indoor units including cassette, ducted, wall-mounted and a multi-position air handling unit meet diverse applications. When in cooling mode the system initiates heat recovery for domestic hot water.

Designed for domestic hot water recirc, the ALPHA HWR circulator from Grundfos delivers hot water while eliminating waste, saving time, water and energy. It features FLOWSENSE technology to eliminate pipe corrosion, AUTOADAPT, which adapts to usage patterns, an integrated timer and temperature sensor, along with guided commissioning and troubleshooting with the Grundfos GO app. grundfos.com

Liberty ’s LNV Battery Backup/Inverters power pumps up to 1HP, 120V, 15A during outages. Automatically switches to a 12V deep-cycle battery for uninterrupted operation. Delivers a clean sine wave, powerful enough for tough grinder applications. Get reliable backup without the need for a full generator or 12V DC pumps. libertypumps.com

Aqua-Tech Sales & Marketing will show the Lochinvar LECTRUS commercial electric boiler. Featuring the company’s Smart System control platform and SCR for 100% modulation, standard, the units have 10 input options from 15kW to 150 kW. Designed for commercial hydronic

heating with zero on-site emissions, the electric boiler helps building owners achieve their sustainability goals. aquatech-canada.com

Fantech will showcase the HERO 100E, a new compact 100 cfm ERV with up to 82% sensible recovery. Designed for apartments and homes with a small footprint, the appliance provides energy-efficient ventilation year-round in a space-saving design. fantech.net

The Wi-Fi enabled GE Profile GEOSPRING heat pump water heater uses advanced technology to amplify ambient air into water heating energy, achieving up to 4.2x more efficiency than standard electric models. With FlexCAPACITY, it delivers up to 60% more usable hot water compared with water heaters without mixing valves at 120F set and 58F water temperature. geappliancesairandwater.com

The A. O. Smith Cyclone Flex commercial gas water heater offers high efficiency across models from 100,000 to 500,000 Btu/h, its helical coil heat exchanger maximizes hot water output while cutting operating costs. hotwatercanada.ca

CB Supplies will be showing its Press-Fit technology where strength meets reliability, including MECHPRESS carbon steel fittings (½-in. to 2-in.) for mechanical and fire protection MECHPRESS-G for gas and fuel oil. The company’s copper Press-Fit fittings and valves (½-in. to 4-in.) also ensure quality and easy installation. cbsupplies.ca

Granby will be showing its Conforto ducted and ductless heat pumps—built for extreme Canadian climates. Efficient, quiet and easy to install, the heat pumps deliver powerful heating in winter and cooling in summer. Rebate-eligible and compatible with third-party thermostats, the heat pumps combine innovation,

performance and energy savings in a sleek, reliable design. confortohvac.com

Bradford White Bradford White will be showing the Laars FT series boiler and combi units that can modulate from 100% to 10% of input during heat demand with full input during domestic demand. Environmentally friendly with a 95%

Better Air is Part of the Plan.

Learn more about our HEPA Systems and ERVs at booth 418 at CIPHEX West in Vancouver, BC

AFUE efficiency, the floor unit is designed with 100% of connections on the top of the unit. bradfordwhite.com

Engineered for power and performance, the Sanipit 24 GR from SFA Saniflo Canada is a 1 HP grinder pump system pre-assembled to retrofit most 24-inch basins. Featuring stainless steel grinders, triple-pressure switches, and a service-friendly dry cavity design, the Sanipit 24 GR is ideal for retrofits and reliable long-term operation. Upgrade failing sewage ejectors without the mess or complexity. sfasaniflo.ca

CIPHEX WEST PRODUCTS

Amtrol commercial tanks feature deep drawn domes, enabling a construction that has half the welds and doubles the strength vs. head and shell style tanks. Amtrol deep drawn tanks are lighter and feature the industry’s smallest footprint that fits into tight mechanical spaces. amtrol.com

The RIDGID RP 251 press tool has a forward-positioned trigger and SlimGrip handle for one-handed operation, a 360-degree head swivel, bright LEDs and a brushless motor. Compatible with RIDGID compact series jaws, rings and actuators, it can press up to 1-¼-in. copper and stainless; up to 1-½-in. PEX tubing; up to 1-in. carbon steel and up to 1-3/8-in. refrigeration. ridged.com

Designed with the professional in mind, the HVAC Pro smart thermostat line from Sinopé delivers advanced control, seamless integration, and energy savings. Made in Canada, these Wi-Fi thermostats offer reliable performance, easy installation, and compatibility with major platforms — built to meet the highest standards of HVAC experts. sinopetech.com

The new Fluidmaster Universal 2-in. and 3-in. Super Flapper is easy to install and replaces both 2-in. and 3-in. flappers for most flapper style toilets. The system adjusts to set water use per flush, saving water. It comes with a 10-year warranty. And the products come four to a case for professionals. fluidmaster.com

BMI offers a wide range of press products including press valves. Ranging in sizes from ½-inch to 2-in., and up to 4-in. coming soon. The products have distinct yellow markings and are equipped with HNBR sealing elements and stainless steel rings. They feature a zinc-nickel coating and are 100% factory pressure tested. bmicanada.com

Weil-McLain’s Simplicity high-efficiency condensing boiler for heat only or combi residential applications delivers up to 95% AFUE with a 10 to 1 turndown and an insulated stainless-steel firetube heat exchanger. The Simplicity is available in 110, 150 and 199 MBH for space heating and combi applications and can produce 5.3 gpm at a 70F rise. weil-mclain.ca

The Vitocrossal 200 CI2 from Viessmann is the company’s most advanced, compact floor standing gas condensing boiler designed for large residential and commercial applications. With 6 sizes ranging from 399 MBH to 2,000 MBH, this series of boilers boasts 97.5% thermal efficiency, up to a 30:1 turndown ratio and self-calibrating O2 Trim Technology. viessmann.ca

The Banff Acrylic Shower from Produits Neptune offers safety, comfort, and long-term reliability. Available in one or three pieces, it includes an anti-slip pattern and preassembled code compliance bundles. Designed to meet professional standards while supporting everyday accessibility, Banff is a solution that enhances projects and provides lasting peace of mind. produitsneptune.ca

CONDENSATE PUMPS

Thermo Manufacturing will be showing its plastic return air frames, a cost-saving pairing for a Thermopan install, the alternative to using sheetmetal for return air ducts. The plastic return air frames that are now available through distributors with different models available. thermopan.com

Sluyter ’s ABS 55Y is a medium-bodied, fast-setting solvent cement for plumbers. CSA certified for DWV systems and meeting ASTM D-2235 standards, it works well for ABS pipe up to 6-inch. It can be paired with CLEANER 33 for improved results. Proudly Canadian, Sluyter products have been trusted for 60 years. sluyter.com

From waste and overflows to floor and shower drains, the codeapproved FRZERO50 noncombustible plumbing solutions from +osb are QAI certified to CAN/ULC S102.2 (FSI 0 / SDI 40) and cCSAus listed to ASME A112.18.2/CSA B125.2. Engineered for multi-res and high-rise use— the products meets spec and install easily. osb.ca/products/frzero

Milwaukee Tool will introduce the new M18 FUEL RINGER Roll Groover, the world’s first cordless, powered roll groover. Uniquely designed for grooving pipes in new construction and service, the M18 FUEL RINGER delivers the easiest and most productive way to groove 1 ¼-in. to 6-in. pipes. milwaukeetool.ca

Aquatherm blue pipe is a high-performance PP-RCT piping system for hydronic, chilled and industrial applications. With heat-fused connections, low thermal conductivity and an expected 50+ year service life, Aquatherm blue suits both retrofit and new construction. aquatherm.com

Sanicondens® Best Flat

Sanicondens®

Residential and commercial condensate pumps with multiple inlets will discharge up to 15 Ft vertically.

Comes with ready to install connections to an alarm system or shut-off switch

Equipped with 20 feet of vinyl tubing, PVC discharge adapter and neutralizing granules *. Low profile commercial model with built-in neutralizer can handle up to 500,000 BTU/hour *. * Based

CIPHEX WEST PRODUCTS

The Anesi HP80 gas absorption heat pump by Stone Mountain Technologies is a high-efficiency, thermally driven heating system designed for cold climates. Operating in ambient temperatures as low as -40F/-40C, the unit uses natural gas or propane and employs ammoniawater absorption cycle technology (R717), offering zero GWP, zero ODP, and no PFAS. stonemountaintechnologies.com

The >B< MaxiPro from Conex Bänniger is a press fitting which is quick and simple to use, providing a secure and permanent joint. Compared with traditional techniques it improves productivity through reduced installation time and enhanced working flexibility. >B< MaxiPro is for pipe joining in air-conditioning and refrigeration applications. conexbanninger.com

King Heating Products introduces the Eco King Supreme Boiler, a 95% AFUE efficient condensing wall hung boiler with a new matte black cover. Made in Canada and easy to install, the boiler comes in three sizes from 100,000 to 200,000 Bht/h, and is available in heating and combi models.

The boilers come with an integrated expansion tank and Grundfos pump, are CSA and Energy Star certified, have outdoor reset capability and have multiple venting options. ecokingheating.com

Schwank will feature its phantomSchwank STP series marine grade black gas patio heaters. Engineered with wireless controls, an ultra-low profile, versatile mounting options and wind resistance, the units are available in twostage, and models range from 50,000 to 115,000 Btu/h and come in 12-ft. and 17-ft. lengths. schwankgroup.com

Schmid North America will feature the UTSR Visio biomass boiler. With output ranges from 1 to 27 MMBtu/hr, the boiler supports a diverse range of applications with advanced automation and optimized combustion for sustainable heat and power generation. schmid-energy.com

Kane will show its Hi-res differential manometer static pressure kit for measuring differential pressure with both negative pressure and positive pressure input ports. The backlight display will record and show minimum, maximum pressure and average pressure. kanetest.ca

Bélanger ’s exclusive faucet and fixture design enable early installation and testing of the twopiece rough-in base, with trim added later to prevent damage. It features an integrated anchoring system for easy tightening, supports IPS, PEX and WIR connections, and is compatible with the company’s Solara, Kara, and Volta two-piece roman tub trims. belangerfaucets.com

Combining compactness, performance and ease of installation, the bth Ultra XL electric boilers from Thermo 2000 is a solution for commercial heating needs. The boiler is equipped with a T2 UltraSmart controller for temperature and power (40 kW to 72 kW ) management, optimizing performance and comfort. They can be paired with existing boilers for dual-energy installations. thermo2000.com

The new SRV45 from ClairiTech Innovations offers energy efficiency, quiet operation, and easy installation, controlling continuous intake air to maintain comfort and indoor air quality. The SRV45 system is a wall-mounted ventilation unit providing clean air with four fan speeds. It offers air quality monitoring, Wi-Fi app control, and smart home integration. clairitech.com

Atmosphere, represented by infraAIR HVAC, will show the Vortex DBF-DEDPV, a hardwired all-in-one dryer booster fan with an integrated lint trap and pressure sensor that activates automatically. atmosphere.com

The CircuitSolver from ThermOmega Tech is a fixed thermostatic balancing valve designed for domestic hot water recirculation systems. Balancing solely on temperature, CircuitSolver delivers consistent performance and is backed by a 10-year warranty. thermomegatech.com

CONFORTO HEATING

AND COOLING

PRODUCTS

All-Season Comfort, Made in Canada

Conforto provides efficient, high-performing heating and cooling solutions tailored to your energy preferences and seasonal needs. With Conforto, you can expect personalized attention and support across Canada.

REHAU will feature its EVERLOC+ compressionsleeve fitting system, designed for RAUPEX UV shield PEXa pipe in potable water applications and featuring polymer and leadfree brass fittings, PEXa sleeves and batterypowered tools. Its two-step expansion and compression system includes couplings, tees, elbows, transitions, multi-port tees from 3/8-in. to 2-in. sizes. everlocplus.com

Navien’s NPF Hydro-furnace is available in 60,000, 80,000, and 100,000 Btu/h and features variable capacity that modulates down to 15%. The fully enclosed Ultra-Low NOx premix burner provides quiet operation and EZNav allows for easy installation and troubleshooting. navieninc.ca

Exhibitor List

List

A-B-C

A.O. Smith ...................................... 105

A.M.T.S. Ltd. 407

Aalberts IPS 403

Acuity Brands Lighting ................. 114

AdvancedBC Fire Systems 128

AIC Heat Exchangers .................... 609

Aimco International 211

Airtek Canda 1411

Ambient Dynamics ....................... 607

Amtrol 809

Anesi ............................................... 726

Aprilaire 1020

Aqua-Tech/Lochinvar ................... 614

Aquatherm Corp. 906

Armstrong Fluid Technology 219

ASPE B.C. Chapter ...................... 1410

Atmosphere 724

Axiom Industries ........................... 522

Barclay Sales 412

Bay Industrial ................................. 813

Beaver Electrical Machinery 229

Belanger 708

Better Air Manufacturing ............. 611

Bibby-Ste-Croix 912

BMI Canada .................................... 922

Boshart Industries Inc. 920

Bradford White .............................. 718

BWS Solutions Ltd. 1304

Calcana Industries 620

Calefactio ....................................... 301

Caleffi Hydronic Solutions 900

Canadian Aqualine Sales.............. 811

CIPH 1305

Canadian Water Quality Assoc. . 1314

Canature Watergroup 1032

Canplas Industries 1008

CB Supplies ................................... 508

Clairitech Innovations 928

Concorde Distributing ................ 1028

Conex Bänninger Canada 1425

CSA Group ..................................... 227

D-E-F

DAB Pumps .................................... 918

Daikin Comfort Technologies 1417

DCS Agency 722

E.P. Engineered Pump Systems 622

ECS Electrical Cable 215

Electrical Business Magazine....... 121

Enercall/TPI/RLS/NAVAC/Black Mamba 621

Energy Wise Distributors ............. 710

Equipco 205

ESAB Group ................................... 529 Express Radiant 1040

Fairview 513

Fantech........................................... 418 Fernox 204

Fieldpiece Instruments ............... 1310

Flexmaster Canada 302

Fluidmaster .................................... 506

FortisBC Energy 1025

Franklin Electric ............................. 938

Franklin Water Treatment 512

Fresh Aire UV................................. 725

G-H-I

GE Appliances 1402

Gerber Canada 312

Giacomini Canada 519

Goldstone HVACR

J-K-L

M-N-O

P-Q-R

Pacaire HVAC Supplies 507

Parlay HVAC Solutions 1044

Parts Town Canada 1036

PataBid 129

Pentair Canada .............................. 626

Perfect Aire .................................... 727

Plumbing & HVAC 1312

Poco Pump & Blower 613

Podium 1308

Produits Neptune .......................... 330

Prolon Controls ........................... 1423

RectorSeal of Canada 914

Reed Manufacturing 705

REHAU 904

RENO Lighting 119

Riada Sales 808

Ridgid ............................................. 305

Rinnai Canada ............................. 1045

Robinson Supply 304

Ruck Air Movement ...................... 604

S-T-U

Schmid North America ............... 1004

Schwank 1301

Senville 1410

SFA Saniflo .................................... 200

Simpro Software 1315

Sinclair Supply ............................ 1316

Sinopé Technologies 932

SJE - Rhombus 1024

Sluyter Company ........................ 1042

Stanley Black & Decker 908

CIPH GALA

Canada 916

for a formal evening of celebration in honour of our charitable partnership with Habitat for Humanity Canada. Featuring JUNO Award & Canadian Screen Awardnominated singer-songwriter, Peter Katz. Join

TO PRESS, OR NOT TO PRESS

Taking a quick look at the introduction of press fittings into HVAC/R. BY

DAVE DEMMA

Irecall a supermarket remodel job that required relocating some of the underground piping. Cutting the concrete floor and digging out the fill dirt was necessary to get to the piping requiring relocation.

Once the piping was exposed, one of the pipe joints had an odd look to it. This was an older store, and upon closer inspection it was discovered that this particular pipe joint was fluxed and heated, but it never received any brazing rod. How this joint remained leak free was absolutely baffling.

Of course, expecting any pipe joint to remain leak free without the addition of brazing rod would be ludicrous. But, what if there was a way to eliminate the need for brazing?

PRESS TIME

It has been over 20 years since Viega introduced their “Pro Press” press fittings in America for use in the plumbing industry. Using press fittings can be best described as the method of joining pipe using a metal fitting which is crimped onto the tube or pipe with a special crimping tool.

The tool requires a specific jaw for a given pipe size. The metal-to-metal joint creates a mechanical connection with the sealing element creating the water and airtight seal.

Today there are press fittings/tools from a larger number of manufacturers that can be used for a variety of pipe, including copper, stainless steel (304 and

316), carbon steel, and black iron. Fittings for copper nickel for marine environments are also available.

Regarding the fluid flowing through the piping, various fittings/sealing elements and pipe combinations can be used to flow water, compressed air, natural gas, hydronic heating, fire protection, fuel oil, diesel, hydraulic fluid, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and many other applications.

Why use press fittings? There are numerous reasons and advantages: 1. Compared to brazing, press fittings are very quick to install, so there is a

labour reduction.

2. With correct preparation, it’s a very repeatable and reliable process.

3. Pressing does not require an open flame to make the joint, so there are inherent safety benefits.

4. For those pipe joints that are hard to get to, it’s an easier process than brazing.

Proper preparation is absolutely essential to having a leak free high integrity joint. The O-rings inside a press fitting (see Figure 1) must not be damaged, so prep starts with de-burring the inside and outside of the pipe. The nice clean smooth surface of new pipe is ideal for a leak free seal.

However, if there is any debris, corrosion, oxide, etc. on the exterior of the pipe, a very fine Scotchbrite pad can be used to remove it. Wipe the pipe to remove any material, then insert the pipe fully into the fitting.

Mark the pipe at the insertion level to ensure that when the tool is applied to the fitting, the proper pipe depth in the fitting can be visually verified.

Now it’s time to use the tool. Fully open the tool’s jaws and properly position them around the fitting’s raised grip ring. Then squeeze the tool’s handles until the cycle completes and the handles lock. Then release the trigger, open the tool’s jaws, and remove it from the securely pressed fitting. Now, you have a leak free fitting!

WHAT ABOUT AC/R?

The early press tools were great for the mechanical contractors, but what about the reefer guys?

Well, Parker Hannifin’s Sporlan division released its Zoom Lock refrigeration press fittings in 2015, the result of an exclusive partnership between them and Rapid Locking System (RLS) who manufactured the fittings. This partnership ended in 2019, with RLS marketing

Continued on p69

Figure 2. Press fitting for ACR with double O-rings on each end.

Figure 1. Press fitting with O-ring seal.

the fittings under their own name. Parker Hannifin later released their Zoom Lock Max in 2020.

More fitting companies have entered the air conditioning/refrigeration (ACR) press fittings market, all capable of handling pressures up to 700 psi. In 2022, Mueller Streamline released its refrigeration rated press fittings. Their design was unique compared to other releases, as it incorporated dual O-rings on each end, a primary seal and secondary seal. The space between the two O-rings acts as a vacuum barrier and provides an additional level of leak protection (Figure 2)

As with the non-refrigerant rated press fittings described above, preparation is the key to having a successful joint.

Cutting the tube, using a tube cutter, deburr the inside and outside of the tube. Using a very fine Scotchbrite pad, clean the exterior of the pipe, and remove any scratches and deformations. Use a tape measure (or the press

gauge) to mark the insertion depth. This will provide a reference when getting ready to crimp the fitting, to ensure that the tube is fully inserted.

Slide fitting on the tube, rotating slightly until the fitting reaches the insertion depth and contacts the fitting stop. Place the appropriate size (and manufacturer approved) jaw over the fitting beads, positioning it at a right angle to the tube.

Fully depress the tool’s trigger, holding it until the tool completes the pressing cycle.

It’s a good idea to mark the joint, indicating that it has been pressed.

Again, the list of benefits and advantages of press fittings includes:

• Labour savings.

• Material savings (acetylene, oxygen, brazing rod).

• No need to flow nitrogen. Not only is this another reduction in material cost, but there is the added benefit of

zero copper oxide on the interior walls of the pipe.

• In areas where a fire permit would normally be needed, it is now not necessary. Another reduction in cost, as there is frequently a charge for someone to stand guard while the torch is being used.

• Hard to get to fittings are now easier to navigate.

While press fittings may not be a perfect fit every application, they certainly provide another option for all piping jobs. <>

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.

REFRIGERATION PRODUCTS

The NAVAC NP8DSV smart vacuum pump features a one-click oil health test function allowing users to quickly assess oil condition, providing a measurable solution that ensures oil is only changed when necessary. With 8 CFM dual-stage performance and a 15-micron ultimate vacuum, the unit integrates with the NMV1S Bluetooth vacuum gauge, displaying real-time system vacuum readings both on the pump and within the myNAVAC App. navacglobal.com

DEWALT 20V MAX pipe deburring tool is battery-operated and designed solely for deburring inner and outer edges of pipe and circular tubing for multiple types of tubing ranging from 3/8-in. to 2-in. in diameter. Replacing traditional pipe deburring methods, the tool features a variable speed switch and paddle trigger for control when working on a wide range of materials from hard plastics to tubing and pipes, including copper (hard and soft). dewalt.ca

The Danfoss Universal TR6 thermostatic expansion valve is engineered for legacy R-410A systems, as well as low-GWP refrigerants like R454B and R-32. Its design allows for compatibility with multiple refrigerants, enabling contractors and service technicians to streamline inventory and simplify installations. The Universal TR6 comes in a kit consisting of a valve, bulb strap, insulation tape, installation guide and three connectors: chatleff, aeroquip and flare. danfoss.com

Launching in early 2026, the Milwaukee M18 brushless refrigerant recovery machine is designed with a battery door interlock and it’s A2L compatible. Its adjustable low-pressure shut off is triggered at 0 PSIG, -10 inHg, or -20 inHg. The LCD digital screen gives clear visibility in daylight conditions. The unit comes with an M18 REDlithium Forge HD12 battery pack and is capable of pulling down a 5-ton 16 SEER system. milwaukeetool.ca

NIBCO introduced its PressACR 1-3/8-in. OD jaw that compatible with the RIDGID and Milwaukee Tool 32kN press tools as well as NIBCO’s PC-280 tool. Joining the range of its PressACR jaws available, NIBCO’s PressACR fitting press end connections feature a patented interior groove design and gray HNBR seal making them suitable for high-pressure HVAC/R applications rated up to 700 psi. nibco.com/pressacr

The DRX3 refrigerant and combustible gas leak detector from Fieldpiece Instruments detects a wide range of refrigerants and heating gases, including A1, A2L and A3 refrigerants and blends, tracer gas, natural gas and propane all with one tool and one sensor. The DRX3 features multiple feedback indicators that change with leak intensity including flashing LED at probe tip, audible beeps and graphic and numeric on-screen display. fieldpiece.com

AI IN ACTION

Taking operations to the next level. BY

ADAM OLDFIELD

We are a family-run duct cleaning company with fewer than 10 people on our team operating out of Hamilton, Ontario. One of the biggest challenges we face is administrative cost. We simply can’t afford to waste time and energy on inefficiencies. For us, using artificial intelligence (AI) has led to empowering our team with the tools they need to be productive and efficient.

Recently, we faced a challenging situation when one of our key administrative staff members had to take a leave of absence, going from full-time to an uncertain schedule right at the start of our busy season. We had to bring someone new on board to help answering phones and handling customer service. This person had the right skill set but needed to quickly learn the trade, our processes, and the family dynamic that makes our company unique.

AI became a crucial part of our training and support, helping our new employee get up to speed quickly while maintaining the quality and care our customers expect. We’ve been able to integrate AI to not just keep our operations running, but to make them stronger than ever. The process hasn’t been seamless, but the results have been transformative.

IDENTIFYING PAIN POINTS

Before bringing AI into the operation, we took a hard look at our business. Where were we losing time? Where were we losing money? What were the frustrations for our team and our customers that kept cropping up?

We zeroed in on three big areas: 1)

admin inefficiencies like missed calls, duplicated tasks, and manual data entry; 2) communication gaps, especially in a multilingual community where language barriers often caused delays; and training challenges, where onboarding new staff took weeks and slowed down our ability to grow. These became our AI targets.

SMARTER PHONE SUPPORT

Our first step was the phone system. Previously, after-hours calls went to a third-party service that provided basic pricing and collected contact details. It worked, but it still meant we had to follow up manually, basically repeating the same conversation.

With AI, our virtual assistant answers calls, provides accurate pricing, confirms service areas, and collects structured information that flows directly into our system. By the time a team member calls back, we already have a complete customer profile and can move straight to booking or quoting.

BREAKING THE LANGUAGE BARRIER

In our diverse community, language challenges were a daily obstacle. A misspelled email or misunderstood street name could lead to wasted trips and frustrated customers.

We integrated AI translation tools directly into our website and CRM. Now, when a customer submits a request in their preferred language, our system translates it instantly and replies in kind. No extra steps, no miscommunications, just clear, accurate communication that makes everyone’s life easier.

AI-TRAINING: FROM WEEKS TO DAYS

Training a new hire used to take four to six weeks of shadowing, role-playing and gradual responsibility building. With AI simulations that process has been cut to under two weeks.

We built a database of real customer emails, calls and scenarios, and trained our AI to act as a practice customer. New hires can now interact with the system as if it were a real client, getting immediate feedback and corrections. Managers can review transcripts, identify weak spots, and coach more effectively. It’s faster, cheaper, and produces confident team members ready to serve.

But the benefits of AI training don’t stop at speed. Working in a diverse environment means that English isn’t always everyone’s first language, whether that’s our customers or our team members.

Our training materials are now fully integrated with AI translation. This means employees can learn processes, procedures, and safety guidelines in their native language. If they hit a roadblock or need clarification, the AI instantly trans -

“It was like having a senior consultant on-site, providing insights in real time.”

lates instructions and answers questions, allowing them to fully understand without confusion. This has been invaluable for creating a more inclusive and supportive work environment.

The result? No restrictions on who we can hire or how they communicate. Staff feel more confident, morale is higher, and productivity increases because everyone has the tools they need to succeed. In short, language is no longer a limitation. AI has given us a truly connected and capable team.

INTEGRATING INTO ESTIMATES

Beyond admin and training, AI is now a hands-on tool for our field techs. We upgraded to a premium AI platform and created a dedicated workspace we call Commercial Estimates. Here’s how it works:

• A tech logs into the system and enters the job address.

• They upload site photos and explain in plain language how they plan to tackle the job.

• The AI reviews the input and asks smart follow-up questions like: “Where will you park?” or “Is this duct run too long for effective suction?”

• It then builds a detailed estimate, including equipment needs, time requirements, and cost calculations. During one job, a tech uploaded photos of a rooftop duct tie-in. The AI flagged a hidden smoke damper the tech hadn’t noticed and suggested additional checks to ensure compliance. It also identified that the duct drop was likely insulated, advising us to adjust equipment to avoid damage.

It was like having a senior consultant on-site, providing insights in real time. Within 10 minutes I can sit down with the tech, review the AI’s findings, and send a polished, professional quote to the customer. This has slashed our turnaround time and boosted our win rate.

IMPROVING OUR EQUIPMENT

AI isn’t just helping us run our business better, it’s also guiding how we think about our equipment and environmental impact. As a company focused on air quality, we take seriously the fact that our vehicles run diesel-powered compressors and vacuum systems. While these are essential for our work today, they don’t align with our long-term vision of cleaner, more sustainable practices. Recently, I took photos of our trucks and equipment and shared them with our AI system to get suggestions for improving efficiency and planning future upgrades.

The AI provided insights into potential design changes and even offered ideas for alternative power sources. This led us to start researching the feasibility of migrating from diesel to hydrogen-powered systems.

We’re now in early discussions with

McMaster University and the City of Hamilton to explore how we might develop and prototype a hydrogen-powered solution. The goal is to create equipment that delivers the same power and reliability without the environmental cost of diesel fuel.

Until that day comes, we’ll continue using our current fleet, but AI is already helping us plan smarter. It’s streamlining our innovation process, offering guidance on cost savings, and pointing us toward a cleaner, more efficient future for our industry.

Thanks to these tools, our small family-run company operates with the speed and precision of a much larger business. Tasks that once took hours now take minutes. Leads don’t get cold. Quotes don’t pile up. Staff can focus on delivering exceptional service instead of wrestling with admin work.

LOOKING AHEAD

AI has become part of our team, helping us grow smarter. For a small company, these tools have made a huge impact. Margins are tight and competition is fierce. To be profitable and compete with larger operations, we have to think smarter and run leaner.

That said, these strategies aren’t just for small companies. Large corporations and even individual departments can benefit from these same systems.

Our message to other contractors and business owners is simple: start small, target your pain points, and let AI do the heavy lifting so you can focus on building a sustainable, competitive operation. <>

Adam Oldfield, President of Vacu-Man Furnace and Duct Cleaning, is a second-generation leader in HVAC hygiene based in Hamilton, Ont. With roots in the trades and a brain wired for innovation, he has led Vacu-Man through a full digital transformation while keeping its familyfirst values intact. vacuman.com

IS YOUR BUSINESS PREPARED FOR GROWTH?

From busy to built, steps to take to move your service business to the next level. BY MATTHEW BIRCH

Jason runs a three truck plumbing company that did about $850,000 last year. This spring the phones lit up—multi-unit roughins, water heater swaps, a couple of light commercial service contracts. Revenue climbed, but stress did too.

Copper and fixture prices crept up without warning. Increased callbacks created stress. He paid overtime to keep up and techs were purchasing parts at retail because truck stock was thin. Invoices piled up till Friday nights. The team was hustling, but profit felt like it was leaking out of every joint.

If you’re between $500,000 and $1.5 million in annual sales, this probably sounds familiar. We often believe more sales will solve thin margins and cash crunches, so we trim expenses and tell ourselves we’ll invest “once we grow.”

Then growth hits—marketing lands, or the busy season arrives—and the lack of preparation caps how much work we can actually do. We work longer hours, make simple mistakes, drive more than we wrench, rush orders at higher prices, and burn culture with overtime. The ceiling isn’t demand—it’s readiness.

Here’s the truth: investing in systems when things are steadier creates the capacity to grow when things get busy. You can’t rebuild the airplane midflight. The time to invest is when you’ve decided to grow and you’re willing to fund that growth intentionally.

KNOW WHERE YOU’RE STARTING

Before you set targets, get clear on today’s picture. How many active clients do

you serve? What’s your average monthly revenue by work type (service vs. install; residential vs. commercial)? How many service calls can you complete in a week at your current staffing?

A small but powerful measure here is utilization rate—the share of a technician’s paid hours spent on billable work (not drive time, shop, meetings, or training). If a tech works 40 hours and 28 are billable, utilization is 70%. For most plumbing firms, target 70–75% in a typical month, with short term peaks up to 85% when demand surges.

“Investing in systems when things are steadier creates the capacity to grow when things get busy.”

Even in busy seasons, pushing beyond 85% for long stretches strains quality, safety, and morale.

Track the realities that quietly steal capacity: the second visit rate (how often a job needs a return trip) and warranty callbacks. Every extra visit reduces available hours for new work, compresses gross margins, and clogs dispatch. The flip side is powerful: firstcall completion accelerates invoicing and speeds cash collection because the paperwork is clean and the customer is satisfied.

Also map your cash conversion: how long it takes to turn a finished job into cash in the bank. If accounts receivable

(AR) regularly runs past 30–45 days—or if you only invoice at week’s end—you’re funding growth out of pocket.

HOW MUCH GROWTH ARE YOU PREPARED FOR?

Have you considered how much you’d like to grow the business? “As much as we can get” isn’t a plan—it’s how good companies get overwhelmed. Pick a target your people, systems and cash can support.

Let’s anchor on $90,000 in a typical month. That’s the target. Now design enough capacity to handle reasonable peaks in busy season without pushing utilization past 85%. Usually that means adding crew capacity before the wave hits, standardizing van stock so techs finish more jobs on the first call, and shaping the schedule so the workday isn’t a game of Tetris.

If you’re currently around $60,000/ month with three techs at 70% utilization, reaching $90,000 will require adding another tech and tightening workflow. Give new hires a structured 30- to 45day ramp (pair-up on complex calls; limit daily job count at first) and tune schedule blocks (AM service, PM installs, a project day) to protect quality while you grow.

PREPARE THE OFFICE FOR MORE VOLUME

Growth adds admin work as fast as field work. Simplify the office before the surge paying attention to key systems: Dispatch and calls: quick triage processes, tight time windows, and “no or-

Continued on p77

phan estimate” follow ups. Watch second visit rates weekly, these are early warnings that capacity is leaking.

Parts & purchasing: have a short list of preferred SKUs with preapproved alternates; have at least two qualified suppliers to avoid rush buys.

Money operations: maintain sameday service invoicing; monitor deposits and progressive billing on materialheavy jobs; and take a daily look at AR less than 45 days.

Smart leverage: Outsource the bookkeeping bank/creditcard reconciliations, payroll, and month end close—to a professional team. Your inhouse admin can stay customerfacing.

If you’re not using a field-to-office platform like Jobber, ServiceTitan, or Housecall Pro, implement it now so scheduling, job costing and accounting talk to each other.

THE SOURCE

ADVERTISERS IN THIS ISSUE

UPDATE PRICING TO WITHSTAND SUPPLY SHOCKS

Material costs move—sometimes fast. If your quotes don’t account for volatility, you’re donating margin. Protect yourself with clear validity windows on proposals and escalation language on larger jobs.

Align your labour rate with fully loaded burden (wages, payroll costs, vehicle, small tools), and revisit it quarterly.

BUILD A SIMPLE, LIVING FORECAST

Two instruments help you steer growth in real time: a 13-week cash forecast and a rolling 90-day crew plan. The cash view tells you when deposits, payroll taxes, and supplier payments will collide; the crew plan shows where you’ll need apprentices, subcontractors or an extra truck.

Meet weekly to compare what you planned with what actually happened.

Adrian Steel adriansteel.com p.13

AERCO aerco.com/benchmark-e p.11

AHR Expo ahrexpo.com p.71

AquaTech aquatech-canada.com p.19

Bardon Supplies bardonsupplies.com p.43

Bonomi North America bonominorthamerica.com p.35, 75

CB Supplies cbsupplies.ca p.21

Chemfax .............................. chemfax.com ........................................ p.2

CIPHEX West ..................... ciphexwest-bceaexpo.ca .................... p.37

Conforto .............................. confortohvac.com ............................... p.65

Fantech fantech.net p.61

Fujitsu fujitsugeneral.com p.55

ForestAir forestair.ca p.49

Habitat for Humanity ciph.com/page/CIPHCharity p.67

Hisense hisensecomfort.com p.5

Intertek intertek.com/HVACR p.12

Keeprite gokeeprite.com p.57

LAARS laars.com p.40, 41

Liberty Pumps libertypumps.com p.59

FINAL THOUGHTS

Growth isn’t “more of the same.” It’s a different business with new demands on people, cash and process.

Invest in systems while you still have white space in the calendar, set a realistic target and build enough capacity to handle seasonal peaks without pushing utilization past 85%.

Do that, and the next surge of calls won’t cap your capacity—it will showcase it. <>

Matthew Birch is the founder of Legacy Profit Solutions, a firm that helps tradesbased business owners build stronger financial foundations through strategic bookkeeping partnerships and accounting advisory services. Matthew@LegacyProfit.ca

LYNC lyncbywatts.com/aegis p.7

Master Group master.ca p.15, 47 Napoleon napoleon.com p.52, 53

National Energy Equipment........................... nee.ca.................................................. p.39

Navien navieninc.com p.23

NTI ntiboilers.com p.31

OSO Hot Water................... osohotwater.ca ................................... p.80

PVI Industries pvi.com p.9

Refrigerative Supply Ltd rsl.ca p.69

Rinnai .................................. rinnai.ca ........................................ p.17, 79

SFA Saniflo sfasaniflo.ca p.63

TECA teca.ca/nhp p.51

Triangle Tube ...................... triangletube.com ................................ p.25

TRP hrai.ca/trp p.46

Uline uline.ca p.45

Viega ................................... viega.ca ............................................... p.29

Viessmann viessmann.ca p.27

CALENDAR

Kitchen & Bath Canada (KBC) Expo

November 5-6

Making a return the Toronto Congress Centre, the KBC Expo is now being produced by the owners of the KBIS show in the U.S., and the organizers are looking to deliver a high level trade show and conference for everyone involved in the residential kitchen and bath business. kbcexpo.com

MCAC Annual Conference

November 26-29

The Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada is heading to Barbados for this year’s annual gathering with educational and informative conference sessions focused on future trends and developments combined with networking opportunities for colleagues from across Canada. mcac.ca

AHR Expo

February 2-4, 2026

The Air conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration (AHR) Expo returns to Las Vegas to showcase the latest in technology advancements for the industry. Co-sponsored by ASHRAE and AHRI, the expo and conference is the largest of its kind in North America. ahrexpo.com

CMPX

March 25-27

The Canadian mechanical and plumbing industry once again comes together at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, south building, in downtown Toronto for the nation’s largest trade show that takes place every two years. cmpxshow.com

Heat Pump Symposium

May 20

Returning to the Vancouver Convention Centre, this fifth edition of the Heat Pump Symposium delivered by the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI) will include a day filled with educational sessions and a trade show element featuring the latest in heat pump technologies. heatpumpsymposium.ca

CIPHEX West

November 5-6

Heading back to the PNE in Vancouver, this year the Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating (CIPH) has joined forces with the British Columbia Electrical Association (BCEA) to present CIPHEX + Electrical Learning Expo West. The event will showcase innovations in electrical, renewable energy, lighting, plumbing, hydronic, HVAC/R, and water quality. ciph.com

The Buildings Show

December 3-5

Taking place at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, South Bldg., this event includes Construct Canada, Homebuilder & Renovator Expo, PM Expo and World of Concrete under one roof. The event is part of Canadian Real Estate and Construction Week in Toronto. thebuildingsshow.com

KBIS

February 17-19

The Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) is North America’s largest trade show dedicated to kitchen and bath design. This event brings together 650 exhibitors showcasing the latest products, trends, and technologies in nearly 500,000 square feet of exhibit space. kbis.com

IGSHPA Annual Conference

April 13-15

The International Ground Source Heat Pump Association includes two full days of presentations, exhibitor displays and a lot of time to network with industry professionals. This year’s event is being held at the Ameristar Casino in St. Charles, Missouri (greater St. Louis area).

igshpa.org

CIPH Annual Conference

June 14-16

The Annual Business Conference (ABC) is the Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating’s premier networking event and Annual General Meeting. The gathering brings together over 150 senior industry leaders from across Canada offering a mix of business and social programming. The 2026 event will be held at the Algonquin Resort is St Andrews, New Brunswick. ciph.com

BuildGreen Saskatchewan Conference

November 12-13

Hosted collaboratively by the Regina and Saskatoon ASHRAE Chapters, this building decarbonization conference will take place at the University of Regina, main campus. The theme for this year’s conference is: Empowering the Prairies with Sustainable Building Solutions. buildgreenprairie.com

ASHRAE Winter Conference

January 31-February 4

The conference technical sessions follow nine technical tracks and include over 100 sessions. Key technical tracks include: energy storage and grid resiliency; pathways to building decarbonization; artificial intelligence, indoor environmental quality for healthy buildings; refrigeration and refrigerants; and more. ashrae.org/conferences

ACCA Conference

March 15-18

The Air Conditioning Contractors of America Association will gather at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas for a packed agenda of educational sessions focused on the leadership, finance, operations, and workforce development issues. In addition to the sessions and exhibits, there is also plenty of informal networking with peers. accaconference.com

MEET

May 6-7

The Mechanical Electrical Electronic Technology show is returning to the Moncton Coliseum in Moncton, New Brunswick. Featuring the latest equipment, products and technology on the horizon, this will be the 26th edition of this eastern Canadian trade event. meetshow.ca