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69MCEE 2025 SHOW GUIDE
Mecanex/Climatex/ Électricité/Éclairage (MCEE) returns to the Palais des congrès de Montréal.
36TRENDS
The idea of converting commercial to residential use is gaining momentum.
Jonathon Harp
Taio Waldhaus and Cassidy Taylor A new avenue for commercial real estate
World Women’s Curling champion Tracy Fleury, one of the most decorated curlers to come out of Northern Ontario, has been refining her skills since the age of five. Kerry Turner
28
Test your knowledge of heating terminology for a chance to win a
62ROAD WARRIOR
Jules Labrousse:
Embracing change
Carolyn Cooper
90PROJECT PROFILE
Sayers Foods, Apsley, ON Sustainable system positions store for the future.
Heather Wilkinson
MB SPECIALISTS
24BOILERS
A strong contender
Matthew Reid
Understanding the pros and cons of electric boilers.
30HIGH-PERFORMANCE HVAC
Measuring the results of energy retrofits
Tom Grochmal
Airtightness: the most important measure of envelope improvements.
40REFRIGERATION
Realize the benefits of incorporating electronic components
Mike Squires
Make your life easier, improve operation, and achieve what you would like to do.
Air
Ryan
44PLUMBING
Fast hot water
Fred Bretzke
Speedy delivery expectations extend to hot water.
56PIPING
Crosslinked polyethylene (PEX)
Guest Specialist: Lance MacNevin
From early skepticism to worldwide use.
92MARKETING
Turbocharge sales
Paul Bies
Unleash the power of incentive programs.
Bob “Hot Rod” Rohr
Returns next issue.
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Report highlights importance of affordable and sustainable housing
The Canada Green Building Council (CGBC) has released Two Million Green Homes: Ensuring Canada’s Needed New Housing is Affordable, Attainable, and Sustainable, a report detailing the importance of building new housing that balances cost with quality.
The paper underscores that sustainability and affordability are not competing priorities but complementary goals. Investing in sustainable technologies, adopting supportive policies, and expanding innovative financing mechanisms can spur needed new housing that is not only costeffective but also resilient to climate change.
The federal government has promised to increase the supply of housing to 3.87 million homes by 2031. Data from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation in 2021 also shows an average household spends almost 60 per cent of income on housing. However, the report explains that fast, cheap construction will not be an answer to meeting housing supply requirements.
According to CAGBC, “This pivotal moment presents an opportunity to create housing that balances cost with quality. Significant supplies of two types of housing are needed: affordable units, where costs are capped at 30 per cent of household income, and attainable market-rate units that remain within reach for working families. By prioritizing sustainable design from the outset, these developments can create lasting value through energy-efficient systems, weatherresilient features, and superior indoor air quality, creating cost-effective and healthy living spaces for Canadians.”
Submissions: Copyright in material submitted to the magazine and accepted for publication remains with the author, but Mechanical Business and its licensees may freely reproduce it in print, electronic or other forms. Mechanical Business also reserves the right to edit said submitted materials to suit the editorial needs and mandate of the publication.
Notice: Mechanical Business is published for owners, managers and decision makers with mechanical contracting firms and the sector’s supply chain partners in Canada. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information, Mechanical Business, Content Media Group Inc., its staff, directors, officers and shareholders (‘The Publisher’) assume no liability, obligation or responsibility for advertised claims, for errors and/or omissions, or for the results obtained from the use of this information. Manufacturers’ instructions take precedence over published editorial. The publisher reserves the right to publish a printed correction in a subsequent issue for editorial errors, omissions and oversights. Subscriptions are available for $90 plus taxes in Canada and the U.S. Single copies are $15.00. Outside Canada and the U.S., the rates are $150.00 (annual) and $25.00 (single copy).
Laurna Strikwerda, director of CAGBC’s research and projects team, notes that “Achieving more and better housing for Canadians requires collaboration from government, industry and the financial sector. Two Million Green Homes lays out a clear path forward for all relevant groups and commits CAGBC to supporting industry transformation through research, advocacy and industry training.”
CAGBC supports businesses involved in designing, constructing, and operating buildings, and offers practical solutions for green buildings.
cagbc.org
Daikin
New guidance on smoke and IAQ
ASHRAE has published new guidance on best practices in protecting indoor air quality during wildfires and prescribed burns. The guideline comes as the number and intensity of wildfires continues to increase significantly in Canada and the U.S. Guideline 44-2024, Protecting Building Occupants From Smoke During Wildfires and Prescribed Burn Events, includes best practices in building design, operation and maintenance to reduce the health risks associated with exposure to smoke from fires. It is designed for commercial and institutional buildings, multi-unit residential buildings, and designated safe spaces for temporary occupancy during smoke events. Guideline 44-2024 is available on the ASHRAE website. ashrae.org
Ontario introduces rebates for energy efficiency improvements
Ontario has announced a $10.9 billion, 12-year investment in new energy efficiency programs for businesses and homeowners, including the Home Renovation Savings Program. The program launched on January 28, 2025 and is delivered through government partners Enbridge Gas and Save on Energy. It offers rebates of up to 30 per cent for home energy efficiency renovations and improvements. Ontario will also expand its Peak Perks program with a new program for small businesses. ontario.ca
Online marketplace expected to reduce waste management costs
Vancouver, BC-based Light House has launched the BMEx Marketplace, an online B2B resale platform that allows industry to exchange, donate or purchase excess, used or salvaged building and design-related materials. Light House is also encouraging the industry to consider new markets for surplus material outside of construction. The free marketplace includes businesses on Vancouver Island, BC, and is supported by Capital Regional District, Regional District of Nanaimo, Cowichan Valley Regional District, and the City of Nanaimo. light-house.org/bmex
2024 officially declared warmest year on record
Global temperatures in 2024 reached 1.2°C (2.3°F) above the 20th century baseline, meaning it was the hottest year recorded since modern record keeping began in 1880. The previous record for hottest year was set in 2023. The temperature rise compares to the 20th century baseline set between 1951 and 1980. According to an analysis led by NASA scientists, the past 10 years have been the warmest 10 years on record. Last year also included the end of 15 consecutive months (from June 2023 to August 2024) of monthly high temperature records worldwide.
science.nasa.gov
Plain language toolkit focuses on safer workplaces
The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety has introduced a free employer toolkit called Spell it Out, created to help promote safer and more inclusive work environments. The toolkit emphasizes the need for plain language on the job to ensure communication is clear and simple. That means spelling out acronyms and avoiding unnecessary jargon, using familiar words, and avoiding complex language some workers may not understand. The kit offers videos, posters, infographics and other resources and tips on how to use plain language effectively.
ccohs.ca
Alberta issues Joint STANDATA bulletin on buildings under construction
Alberta has issued a Joint STANDATA bulletin on when occupancy of a building under construction may be allowed, for building and fire codes under the National Building Code – 2023 Alberta edition. STANDATA bulletin 23-BCB-004/23-FCB-005 allows for an authority having jurisdiction to issue an occupancy permit for a portion of a building before construction is finished. It also requires a fire safety plan to be developed for construction and demolition sites in consultation with local fire departments or fire prevention professionals. alberta.ca
Electrification pros encouraged to join Toronto Hydro network
Toronto Hydro has launched Cleantech Services Network, a members-only network for companies delivering clean technology services to homes, businesses and vehicles. Members will be included in an online directory to connect them to customers looking for electrification services and energy-efficiency equipment installations. Toronto-based contractors, consultants and other professionals can apply to join the network for free if they offer one or more of these services: electrifying heat, hot water and transportation; solar and energy storage systems; energy-efficiency upgrades; electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) installations; project funding and financing; and planning and reporting. torontohydro.com
E2E Energy Solutions and Novus Earth announce Alberta geothermal project
E2E Energy Solutions and geothermal energy provider Novus Earth have signed a Letter of Intent to develop the Latitude 53 Hinton Inc. geothermal energy project near Hinton, AB. The project is a two-phase initiative to drive sustainable energy solutions and agricultural growth in the region. Construction is expected to begin this year. The first phase will focus on using geothermal energy to support a 20-acre greenhouse facility producing strawberries year round. The second phase will use E2E’s Enhanced Geothermal Reservoir Recovery System to generate 10 MW of power to demonstrate the feasibility of geothermal technology as a reliable energy source. The Latitude 53 initiative will include a geothermal power plant providing direct-use heat for heating and cooling.
e2eenergysolutions.com novusearth.ca
Feds fund clean energy technology initiatives
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada has announced more than $116 million under the Agriculture Clean Technology (ACT) Program to support 119 clean energy projects across Canada. Farms and companies receiving funding include Atlantic Grown Organics in Spring Valley, PE, which will use up to $126,014 in funding to design and install a dual curtain energy retention system around heated areas of its greenhouse. Vanco Flowers, a tulip producer in Mount Albion, PE, will also receive up to $782,696 to install a biomass heating system. agriculture.canada.ca
Georgian College to grow its skilled trades training capacity
Georgian College has unveiled plans for a major expansion of its Centre for Skilled Trades at the Barrie, ON campus. The expansion, originally announced in 2024, is supported by $1.5 million in funding from the County of Simcoe, which has a regional economic development strategy to grow and support the skilled trades, and the labour needs of the county. The growth rate for skilled trades in Georgian College’s catchment area is 27 per cent, outpacing the provincial rate of 12 per cent. The initiative will modernize the existing building and add approximately 20,000 sq. ft. of space, and free up 7,000 sq. ft. of lab space for new initiatives and innovation. The completed state-of-the-art facility will include a lab for heating, refrigeration and air conditioning, renovations to the lab for carpentry and machining programs, and a second and third floor with collaborative spaces and energy-efficient designs. georgiancollege.ca
Marc Shulman of Atlantic Grown Organics will use the funding to design an energy retention system around its greenhouse.
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CHAR Technologies has received $2.5 million in funding from the Quebec government to support its planned biocarbon and green hydrogen initiative in Saint-Félicien, QC. The planned facility will convert wood wastes and residuals into biocarbon for metallurgical coal replacement, and green hydrogen for renewable natural gas. It is expected to be commissioned this year. The grant includes an additional $1 million to la Société de cogénération de Saint-Félicien (SCSF) for its new centre de valorisation de la biomasse (CVB), which will be co-located with the CHAR Tech facility. It will include a waste heat recovery dryer to pre-process the biomass used in the CHAR Tech project.
chartechnologies.com
PPI releases technical document on polypropylene pipe
CBHCC introduces website on adoption of plumbing codes
The Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Codes (CBHCC) has launched a website detailing the adoption status of National Model Codes across provincial and territorial jurisdictions. The website lists any amendments to National Model Codes (Building, Fire, Plumbing and Energy) by the different jurisdictions, as well as effective, enforcement and anticipated adoption dates. National Model Codes are developed and maintained by the CBHCC. Adoption and enforcement of the Codes are the responsibility of the territory or provincial authorities having jurisdiction. cbhcc-cchcc.ca
Adapter.
The Plastics Pipe Institute’s (PPI) Building & Construction Division has released PPI TN-71 “Flanges and Flange Adapters for Polypropylene (PP-R and PP-RCT) Piping Systems,” a technical document providing recommendations on transitioning from polypropylene pipe to other piping materials. The document includes step-by-step installation procedures for flanged connections, information about selecting proper gaskets and bolts, calculating bolt torque, and much more. plasticpipe.org/buildingconstruction
Vancouver introduces online reporting map for greenhouse gas
The City of Vancouver has launched a greenhouse gas limits by-law reporting map which shows how much energy buildings use and how much greenhouse gas they produce through space and water heating, as reported by large commercial and multifamily buildings under the Annual Greenhouse Gas and Energy Limits By-law. The first edition of the map shows energy use by commercial buildings over 100,000 sq. ft. Other buildings will be added this year and in 2026 as they start reporting. The by-law does not apply to residential buildings less than four storeys. vancouver.ca
Research project looks at the skills gap in HVAC workforce
Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) and Environment and Climate Change Canada have teamed up with the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI) to launch the Bridging the Skills Gap for Heat Pump Proficiency. The three-phase research project will help the industry to better understand the current skills and competencies of the residential HVAC labour force. It also explores how to enhance these skills to support the market transition to heat pumps and electrification. The project also considers how G2 gas technicians can be moved towards obtaining their 313D residential air conditioning systems mechanic licence. natural-resources.canada.ca hrai.ca
TSSA announces exemption for propane certificate holders
Propane certificate holders and Record-of-Training (ROT) holders in Ontario are no longer required to hold a liquid propane fitter certificate to purge propane tanks of 2,500 U.S. water gallons or less. This exemption from the Technical Standards and Safety Act, 2000 Fuel Industry Certificates Regulation is intended to increase the number of professionals who can purge propane tanks, and help propane distributors meet required changeout timelines for pressure-relief valves. tssa.org
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Movers & Shakers
OS&B marks its 50th anniversary with rebranding
Oakville, ON-based OS&B is celebrating 50 years of business by unveiling a refreshed brand identity. The brand refresh includes the new +osb logo, slogan “and done,” and website. According to the company, the evolved branding reflects its commitment of making jobs easier with innovative, high-quality plumbing solutions. The new branding will be rolled out in phases over the coming months. +osb manufactures waste and overflows, traps, lavatory drains, tubular brass fittings and other plumbing parts. osb.ca
Ontor now reps Conspec and PDM
Ontor Limited now represents Conspec Controls and is the official agent for PDM LineSets in Canada. Charleroi, PA-based Conspec provides fixed gas detection systems for HVAC and industrial applications as well as for the mining, oil and gas, and power generation markets. Modugno, Italybased PDM offers insulated copper tubing.
ontor.com conspec.ca pdmus.com
EMCO acquires MRC Global Canada, partners with Panasonic
Watts Water purchases I-CON Systems
Watts Water Technologies, Inc. has acquired Oviedo, FL-based I-CON Systems Inc., a manufacturer of plumbing control solutions mainly for the corrections market. According to Watts, the acquisition will allow the company to expand its digital offerings and grow in the correctional institutional market.
watts.ca i-con.com
Enviroair and E.H. Price announce partnership, new business unit
Montreal, QC-based, manufacturer agent Enviroair Industries has announced a strategic partnership agreement with E.H. Price to form E.H. Price Solutions, incorporating all national E.H. Price and Enviroair offices and employees. The collaboration will unite both company’s teams to provide complete air-side and mechanical solutions in Eastern Canada to engineers, contractors and manufacturing partners. The finalized agreement is expected by June 1, 2025. Winnipeg, MB-based E.H. Price has 19 locations across Canada. ehpricesales.com enviroair.ca
EMCO Corporation has acquired MRC Global (Canada) ULC, a subsidiary of Houston, TX-based MRC Global Inc. MRC Global Canada, which has nine locations in BC, Alberta and Ontario. It has been rebranded as Midfield Valve & Supply and will be run separately as a division of EMCO Corporation. In other news, EMCO and Panasonic Canada have announced a partnership to expand the distribution of Panasonic’s energy-efficient heat pump products in Canada. Under the agreement, EMCO HVAC will distribute ductless and ducted heat pump products to residential markets through its national distribution network.
emco.ca na.panasonic.ca
Paloma Rheem tenders offer to buy Fujitsu General
Paloma Rheem Holdings Co., Ltd. will make an offer to acquire Fujitsu General Ltd., with the intention to make it a wholly-owned subsidiary. Kawasaki, Japan-based Fujitsu General specializes in air conditioning solutions, and related IT systems and devices. The Paloma Rheem Group, headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, operates subsidiaries Paloma Co., Ltd., a manufacturer in Japan’s gas and water heater, and gas stove market, and Rheem Manufacturing Co. Fujitsu General and Rheem established a partnership in 2016 to develop and supply products for the North American air conditioning market. The tender offer is expected to commence in July 2025.
fujitsugeneral.com pr-holdings.co.jp/en
Master's inaugural National MPower Summit exceeds expectations
Chris Hadfield (L) and Keith Strachan, senior vice president, distribution, Master Group, following Hadfield’s address. Interesting fact, International Space Station (ISS) commander Chris Hadfield collaborated with Ed Robertson of the Barenaked Ladies and the Wexford Gleeks in the first space-to-Earth musical collaboration in 2013. The song, I.S.S. (Is Somebody Singing), was commissioned by CBCMusic.ca and The Coalition for Music Education with the Canadian Space Agency to celebrate music education in schools across Canada.
Master Group’s (Master) inaugural national event on January 28 to 30, 2025 at the Toronto Congress Centre, brought together the entire Master sales force, executive team, customers, vendors, partners, and industry experts under one roof. The three-day event included a tradeshow, educational sessions, and a gala evening celebration featuring the Barenaked Ladies. According to Master, the “first-of-its-kind national event … serves as a testament to our dedication to fostering collaboration, sharing insights, and building lasting partnerships that propel our industry forward.” The MPower Summit will rotate annually between different regions – West, Central, and East – to ensure all regions can participate, and to allow each area to showcase its unique contributions. master.ca
Blade Air expands into residential market through acquisitions
Toronto, ON-based Blade Air Inc. has acquired Scarborough, ON’s Cimatec/ InnerEco Environmental Inc., a manufacturer of electric air filters for residential applications. The purchase expands Blade Air’s offerings to the residential market, following its acquisition of Smart Filter Technology/CleanAir.ai, a startup specializing in smart electromagnetic HVAC filters. Blade Air also provides solutions for commercial and institutional markets
bladeair.com cimatec.com
Air Solutions to rep Calefactio in Eastern Ontario
Blainville, QC’s Calefactio has announced that Air Solutions will now distribute its full range of residential hydronic accessories and commercial products in Eastern Ontario. Guelph, ON-based Air Solutions is a manufacturers' representative distributing products to the residential and commercial building industry. Calefactio also announced a partnership with P-M & Associates, Inc. in the U.S. airsolutions.ca calefactio.com
Marcone rebrands as mSupply
St. Louis, MO-based distributor Marcone has changed its name to mSupply. The company distributes HVAC, plumbing, and pool and spa repair parts and equipment, as well as residential and commercial kitchen appliances. The latter two divisions will remain under the Marcone brand name, while mSupply’s regional companies and brands in the HVAC, plumbing, and pool and spa divisions will retain their original names. Canadian HVAC business units of mSupply include Marks Supply and TML Supply Company. msupply.com
SPX companies undergo rebranding
Marley Engineered Products, Weil-McLain and PattersonKelley have undergone a brand refresh and refocus on highefficiency, climate-conscious advancement to align with the goals of parent company SPX Technologies, Inc. The refreshed branding debuted at the 2025 AHR Expo. spx.com
Armstrong Fluid partners with Parts Town
Armstrong Fluid Technology has announced a partnership with Parts Town to distribute Armstrong’s portfolio of repair part kits and accessories across its distribution network. Addison, IL-based Parts Town is a distributor of OEM HVAC parts for a range of industries.
armstrongfluidtechnology.com partstown.ca
Movers & Shakers
Westermeyer Industries purchases Hantemp Controls
Bluffs, IL-based Westermeyer Industries has acquired the assets of Westmont, IL’s Hantemp Controls LLC. Westermeyer intends to manufacture and distribute Hantemp products, including stainless steel valves and controls in the ammonia and CO2 industrial refrigeration market, from its Bluffs, IL facility. hantempcontrols.com westermeyerind.com
Kerr Controls expands Moncton branch
Kerr Controls and Kerr Smart Energy’s Moncton, NB location is undergoing a major upgrade, including the construction of a new building. The building is expected to be ready to open later this year. Truro, NS-based Kerr Controls is a wholesale distributor of HVAC/R equipment for residential and commercial markets. The company has 12 locations in Atlantic Canada and three in Ontario.
kerrcontrols.ca
Trane Technologies acquires BrainBox AI
Trane Technologies has completed its acquisition of Montreal, QC-based BrainBox AI, a manufacturer of autonomous HVAC controls and generative AI building technology. The acquisition builds on the companies’ existing collaboration, while combining BrainBox AI’s technology with Trane’s building management and digital capabilities. BrainBox AI uses advanced deep learning algorithms to predict building energy needs and automate HVAC systems to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. brainboxai.com tranetechnologies.com
Commemorating Milestones
Rheem has launched “Engineered for Life,” a brand evolution that reflects its 100-year legacy. The brand evolution was introduced by Rheem CEO Chris Peel during AHR Expo 2025 at an event to celebrate the company’s 100th anniversary. Atlanta, GA-based Rheem Manufacturing produces heating, cooling, water heating, pool and spa heating, and commercial refrigeration products. Rheem Canada is headquartered in Brampton, ON. rheem.ca
Danfoss Turbocor is commemorating three decades of business this year. Danfoss Turbocor was established in 1995 in Melbourne, Australia, and became a joint venture of Danfoss in 2004, with Danfoss acquiring 100 per cent ownership in 2013. Danfoss Turbocor has a facility in Haiyan, China, a configuration centre in Nordborg, Denmark at Danfoss’ corporate headquarters, and Haiyan, China production facility in Tallahassee, FL.
danfoss.com
The Eddy Group Ltd. is celebrating 130 years of history in Atlantic Canada. The company was founded by George Eddy in 1895 in Bathurst, NB as a sawmill. During the 1960s it transitioned to distributing electrical, plumbing, HVAC, industrial controls, hardware and building materials. The Eddy Group is still family owned, and today has 11 locations in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.
eddygroup.com
Bardon Supplies purchases Dolan Enterprises
Belleville, ON-based Bardon Supplies Ltd. has purchased Dolan Enterprises Ltd., based in Welland, ON. The acquisition gives the customer base access to a more diverse lineup of HVAC products. Plumbing supplies will also be introduced at Dolan’s location in Welland. Dolan is operating under the Bardon Supplies banner. bardonsupplies.com dolanenterprises.ca
Hantemp Controls specializes in stainless steel valves and controls for industrial refrigeration.
Rheem CEO Chris Peel introduces the company’s brand evolution “Engineered for Life,” during AHR Expo 2025.
People in the news
Canarm Ltd. has promoted Rob McGonegal (1) to HVAC technical/ Eastern Canada sales representative, and hired Marc Lemieux (2) as an outside sales representative for Western Canada and Northwestern USA. Scott O’Brien (3) has been named HVAC Canadian sales manager. He has been with Canarm for almost 10 years, most recently in a business development role.
Daikin Comfort Technologies has hired Stephen Favretto as territory sales manager for the Southwestern Ontario region.
Marki Huston (1) has been named CEO of Viega North America. Huston has been with Viega since joining in October 2022 as COO, and has been interim CEO since October 2024. In her new role, Huston will also join the Viega Group Board. Viega has also named Patrick Sauermann (2) director, strategy for Viega LLC in North America. Sauermann has been with the company since December 2021 as director, corporate strategy at the Viega Group in Attendorn, Germany.
Sian Smith has joined London, ON-based Westlund as region manager, Canada East.
Mark Evans has joined Kingswinford, UK-based Conex Bänninger as vice president of business development for Canada and the U.S. Conex Bänninger is a manufacturer of fittings and valves for plumbing, heating, air conditioning and refrigeration.
A. O. Smith Corporation has announced that Keith Auville (1), vice president of North American manufacturing, has retired after 22 years with the company. Steve McBrayer (2), vice president of global supply chain, takes over as vice president of North American manufacturing. Eric Trott (3), senior director of global sourcing, will take over as vice president of global supply chain.
Isabelle Bailly has been named general manager of SaintLéonard-d’Aston, QC-based Aldes North America. Bailly most recently held the position of director, supply chain group, for Lyon, France-based Aldes Group, the parent company of Aldes North America.
Brian Williams has joined Delta Water Products as account manager, based in Calgary, AB.
Stephen White has joined Cambridge, ON-based Summit Water as inside sales representative for water treatment.
Bouctouche, NB-based Systemair North America has named Bertrand Poirier head of regulatory and technical affairs, North America. Poirier joined Systemair Inc. in 2010 as technical director –North America, and most recently held the position of innovation manager.
Shkya Ghanbarian has returned to Toronto, ON-based Eddy Solutions as chief strategy officer. Ghanbarian previously worked for Eddy Solutions as vice president of sales, business development and marketing.
Rachel Hickey has been named outside sales representative –GTA East, at Desco Plumbing and Heating Supply. Hickey joined Desco in April 2021 as a branch manager in Toronto, ON.
Tim Weaver has been named outside account manager at DCS Agency Ltd. DCS Agency has offices in Calgary and Edmonton, AB, and Pitt Meadows, BC.
2
Wolseley Canada has named Jacqueline Janes (1) director, Atlantic Canada. Janes joined Wolseley in 2020 as sales manager. She will be responsible for driving growth in the Atlantic region through the sales and branch teams. In addition, Jason Duplisea (2) has joined Wolseley Canada as outside sales representative for the Saint John, NB region.
Albert’s Controls Ltd. has hired Steve Buchanan as inside sales representative. Albert’s Controls has offices in Winnipeg, MB and Calgary, AB.
Nicho Jaedicke has been named sales manager –electrical at Bartle & Gibson. Jaedicke has been with the company for more than 12 years, most recently as branch manager for the Edmonton Southside, AB location.
Toronto, ON-based Enerva Energy Solutions Inc. has hired Olivier Cappon as executive director.
S&P Canada Ventilation Products, Inc. has announced that Dallas Attenborough is now Ontario and Atlantic regional sales manager.
Nordborg, Denmark-based Danfoss has announced that Kristian Strand (1) has been named president of Danfoss Climate Solutions. He replaces Jürgen Fischer, who is retiring. Strand was most recently divisional president of Danfoss Commercial Compressors. Fabio Klein (2) has been named divisional president of the Commercial Compressors division. In addition, Rick Sporrer (3) has been named director of indirect sales, North America, at Danfoss Climate Solutions. He will lead a team focused on implementing and enhancing Danfoss’ distribution sales strategy.
22_0470_Gloves_CutResistant_HalfHoriz_US_MXsp Mod: February 6, 2025 11:00 AM Print: 02/06/25 page 1 v2.5
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By Matthew Reid BOILERS
A STRONG CONTENDER
UNDERSTANDING THE PROS AND CONS OF ELECTRIC BOILERS
Electric resistance heating in boilers isn’t new but it may be new to you. Likely, your preferred boiler manufacturer has recently announced either a new style, make or model. What you will be looking at is likely a facelift of a model they have been making for years. You may not have given this model any attention because you may think “Who wants an electric boiler?” Well, I’ll tell you lots of people can benefit from this type of boiler but it’s important to know the pros and the cons.
HOW THEY WORK
Before diving into the pros and cons, let’s review how these boilers work. In the simplest of terms, heating elements are submerged in a reservoir of water and the elements are turned on. Think of it like an electric kettle. As water passes over the elements heat is transferred into the water. Remember the second law of thermodynamics? This is what is happening here. Heat always transfers from a hotter object to a colder object. The elements inside of the boiler get hot but there are a lot of factors that dictate how hot that element gets such as the voltage, amperage, resistance and how “clean” the elements are.
As for the basic operation of what is happening, we are basically shoving electrical energy directly
THE BACKSTORY
In 1905 Albert Marsh discovered chromel, an alloy created from nickel and chromium that was 300X stronger than other elements at the time. This allowed for durable high-resistance wires to be made that could be used as a safe heating element. This discovery is coined as the birth of electric resistance heating. The first electric boilers came about in 1920 by a company out of Sweden called ZETA, now known as Zander & Ingeström. The technology really didn’t catch on until 1932 when the forestry industry in Finland seemed to adopt it.
into water so why is the water not electrified? The heating element, which is typically made from a resistive conductor such as nickelchromium, is electrically insulated to prevent the element from energizing the liquid. Although the elements do get quite hot, the water acts as a heat sink removing the heat from the element. This is crucial to remember; if you have ever dry fired an electric element you have most certainly replaced an electric element as a result. They must be submerged for them to operate properly and any dry firing will cause near immediate failure.
HEAT TRANSFER
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NO DIRECT CARBON EMISSIONS
For the pros of electric resistance heating, specifically in boilers, the first one to take note of is the huge advantage of no combustion. Combustion requires gas lines and venting. Both of those must be properly balanced and tuned, as per my article in MB Jan/Feb 2025, for the combustion process to work efficiently and effectively. Electricity has no such requirements. Just bring power to the elements, submerge those elements and let thermodynamics take over from there.
Secondly, it is tremendously efficient, with 99.9 per cent of all of the energy sent to the boiler going into the water. The only losses you have are jacket losses through the boiler and some heat given off by the wires feeding the boiler.
Thirdly, there are no direct carbon emissions. I say no direct carbon emissions because it is still important to know how the electricity you are using is generated in the first place. It could come from coal, NG plants, hydroelectric, or perhaps nuclear. Each of these has its own carbon considerations.
Low maintenance is next on the list of pros with no burner to clean, no real wear parts, no removal of snow from vent stacks, and basically none of the considerations you have to deal with when using gas boilers.
Finally, my personal favourite in terms of pros is no carbon monoxide risk. This is an important consideration when it comes to safe and effective ways to heat.
THE FLIPSIDE
The cons are just as important to take note of, and in some cases are more important. First, there is of course the operational costs. Electricity prices vary wildly depending on where you are. Some areas have low cost per kWh and some
have higher costs. It really depends on where you are. Not to mention you must consider Global Adjustment Days and peak shaving power limits, which will differ depending on your location.
Second is the dependance on the electricity grid. There are a few moving parts here but the things to consider are two-fold. The first being how much power will the boiler consume, and second how much power will the building consume. As resistance heating eats up a substantial amount of electricity, so too does the building itself. It may be a factor where the combined electrical draw will result in an enormous amp draw to the point where the city may not be able to provide your building with enough power to do both. Depending on the heat load, the amp draw of the boilers can be quite substantial.
Quick example of large draw application
A project I worked on earlier this year had 1,000 kWh of electric boilers at 600V power. This was an over 1,700 amp draw just for the boilers (not to mention the amp draw of the two towers we were heating). The city had to be consulted in this case to see if this was even feasible.
Finally, the biggest con of electric boilers is dealing with power outages. For example, it would require a generator the size of a dump truck to provide enough power to the 1,000 kWh project to keep those boilers running. The cost of this would be in the hundreds of thousands so obviously a generator back up for an electric boiler is likely not ideal.
THE PRACTICAL APPROACH
What is the best way to work with an electric boiler? You have two real options. If this is a project where a loss of power would not be the worst thing in the world then an electric boiler does make sense. Even if the power does go out, a gas fired boiler still won’t run so making the case that the electric always needs a backup is relative to the project. If this is a case where the heat must stay on you will either need to look at the backup generator and size it for the load or consider a hybrid approach where the generator will only need to be
sized to power the backup gas appliance. Considering the amp draw for a 3.5 million BTU/hr gas fired boiler will be substantially less than for a 1,000 kWh electric boiler, as low as 20-amp draw, that will help reduce the size of generator required. Also, a hybrid approach would allow you to switch to gas during global adjustment days or when the peak shaving limit has been met.
Matthew Reid is technical director – heating at Enviroair’s Richmond Hill, ON office. He can be reached at mreid@enviroair.ca
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JOBSITE JARGON
WIN!
Match the terminology you hear in the field to the correct definition or function by May 16, 2025 and enter for your chance to win a $150 Visa gift card. This contest is open to Mechanical Business subscribers in Canada. Send your answers to kerry.turner@mechanicalbusiness.com or enter online at mechanicalbusiness.com
JOBSITE JARGON
Thank you for participating!
A) Defined as joule per second and can be used to express the rate of energy transformation with respect to time
B) A package unit
C) Family of man-made gases including hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons and sulphur hexafluoride
D) The measurement of efficiency of a residential heat pump system
E) Moisture removed from the air when it is cooled below its dew point
F) Process of reducing heat through a change in air pressure caused by volume expansion
G) Device through which heat is transferred to a cold or warm area or surface
H) Two or more refrigerant circuits working in series to provide the designated level of cooling
I) Designed to absorb heat in the air in order to change the liquid refrigerant that flows through it into a vapour initiating the cooling process
J) Pressurized housing containing a gas (typically air) at positive pressure (pressure higher than surroundings)
K) Heat added or subtracted that causes a change in temperature
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MEASURING THE RESULTS OF ENERGY RETROFITS
My series of columns is all about what I term “energy contracting.” Energy contracting means performing retrofits and renovations that have goals related to energy use. Specifically, goals for the home or building to use less energy and transition them to cleaner sources. Energy contracting is an important business model to support both the energy transition and affordable housing requirements. But it takes a broader skillset.
This article is the first of several on measuring results. The focus here is on one of the most important measures of envelope improvements –airtightness. I will show some actual results from some recent Trim Tab retrofit projects that make them stand apart.
Airtightness – your KPI for envelope improvements
In business, KPI stands for key performance indicator. It’s a critical, quantifiable indicator of progress toward your intended goal. When performing energy retrofits to a building envelope to reduce heating and cooling requirements – through air sealing, insulation, windows and doors – airtightness is a KPI involving all these aspects.
Airtightness is a measure of the air leakage of a building envelope, as determined by a blower door test. A blower door test must be conducted by someone who is trained in the test procedure. The procedure involves depressurizing the home or building in question and measuring the amount of air flow through the fan required to get to a certain pressure.
Toby Smith from Building Knowledge Canada is getting ready for a post-retrofit airtightness test. Smith is a registered energy advisor and is trained in the test procedure.
WHY MEASURE?
As a contractor or renovator who cares about home performance, the reason to measure is simple. You are in the business of making homes or buildings greener, healthier, and more energy efficient. These are measurable goals. The only way to know if you are achieving these goals is to take measurements. Measurement also provides useful feedback, especially when energy models are used to predict performance beforehand.
For homes, the most common measure of air leakage is “Air changes per hour at 50 Pascal” or ACH50 for short. An “air change” refers to the volume inside your building envelope (the heated space), and “air changes per hour” indicates how many times that volume of air gets replaced in a single hour.
For homes, these tests can be completed in about 20 minutes. Higher ACH50 leakage rates imply greater amounts of cold air infiltration during the winter and greater heat loss. This means larger equipment. What you want are low leakage rates. Low leakage rates are only possible with careful attention to detail when retrofitting a home, because air enters and exits in all sorts of ways. As a result, airtightness is an excellent indicator of renovation quality.
Tom Grochmal is founder and CEO of Trim Tab Energy Retrofits (trimtabretrofits.com), an energy contractor with a mission to renew housing and inspire better living.
WHAT IS A LOW LEAKAGE RATE?
When you take a measurement of airtightness, your goals can be translated into targets. What’s a good target in the world of airtightness testing? It depends on the type of building. In residential buildings, there are several established standards. Energy Star is 2.5 ACH50. CHBA Net Zero is 1.5 ACH50 for detached homes, and 2.0 ACH50 for attached homes. Commercial buildings consider other metrics, but you get the basic idea.
Tightening up 1980s rowhomes to Net Zero standards
Trim Tab is performing energy retrofits on a community of duplexes and row homes in Chatham, ON. These retrofits take place during unit turnover and have a goal of at least 25 per cent energy reduction. Part of the retrofit strategy is to drastically reduce the air leakage rates. This was achieved by a combination of measures, including spray foam, Aerobarrier, and eliminating atmospheric vents (see photos). The chart below shows the airtightness test results, before and after the energy retrofits. Five of the six units completed so far have achieved the CHBA standard for Net Zero. The remaining one achieved Energy Star performance. All these retrofits included the addition of an energy recovery ventilator.
The best part about airtightness improvements isn’t the energy savings, per se. The best part is the improvement to comfort, indoor air quality, cleanliness, and durability of the building envelope. A tighter envelope means major reductions in cold air seeping into and warm air seeping out of the house. It means no more holes for insects to make their way in. It means control over the air you breathe indoors. The economic benefits come from lower operating costs and smaller equipment.
Summar y
If you are part of a renovation team that has energy goals on a project, then you are in the business of energy contracting. Measuring results is important to knowing if you are achieving intended goals. When it comes to building envelope improvements, airtightness is one of the key performance indicators. In future articles, I will discuss measurement and home performance as it relates to indoor air quality, energy use, carbon, and utility costs.
Examples of air sealing: Aerobarrier (top), spray foam of basement headers (middle), replacing vents (bottom).
Airtightness improvements on six housing units in Chatham, ON. After retrofitting, all units met the Energy Star target and five of them met the Net Zero target. These numbers represent significant reductions in air leakage, which will result in substantial improvements to efficiency, comfort, indoor air quality, durability and cleanliness.
Airtightness Testing Results
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By Kerry Turner
Tracy Fleury:
Wizard on the ice
Canada’s Team Homan third Tracy Fleury had banner years in the curling world in 2024 and 2025 with two Hearts titles and two World championships — both firsts for her. Wins at the 2024 BKT World Women’s Curling Championship in Sydney, NS, and most recently in South Korea in 2025, together with the 2024 and 2025 Scotties Tournament of Hearts, have proven Team Homan to be a formidable competitor.
Fleury joined skip Rachel Homan’s team in 2022 after skipping her own successful team for several years. She loves the game and after the World’s win in Nova Scotia noted that “It’s just so fun wearing the Maple Leaf and representing your country in front of the home crowd.”
Her enthusiasm shines through when she describes the experience of competing in an international event on home soil. “To get to play the Worlds in Canada last year was pretty cool, being the home team too. I don’t know how big the venue was in Sydney, but it was jammed.”
Representing Canada at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics was something the team was striving for. “That’s our big goal. We’ll be working hard. We’re pretty excited to give it our best shot,” says Fleury. The 2024 record landed the team a spot in the final Olympic qualification tournament but with this latest win Canada is the top-ranked qualifier for next year’s women’s Olympic curling tournament.
Just hours before MB’s press deadline, Team Canada successfully defended the gold at the LGT World Women’s Curling Championship 2025 in Uijeongbu, South Korea.
*The first recorded curling match in Canada took place in Montreal in 1807 when 20 merchants
FAMILY TIES
Despite its long history,* curling doesn’t have the same high profile or deep pockets as other sports. “We’re really fortunate to have good corporate sponsors, which really helps. There’s also government funding, which is helpful as well. The criteria tend to be the top few teams will be called carded athletes and they get monthly payments to help with living and training,” notes Fleury.
Paying for university and holding down jobs while trying to train shows a certain level of commitment beyond the physical aspect. Fleury continues to work full time as an accountant at Laurentian University, her alma mater, because she likes it. “It’s not easy in those early years for sure, especially when you’re trying to start a career too, and some people might not have the job flexibility. I’m lucky that the university I work at has always been supportive,” says Fleury.
Several of Fleury’s family members are also accountants, just as several of her family members are proficient curlers. “It’s very much a family sport. My dad was the one who got us all started when we were five years old because he had such a passion for curling. I tried a lot of sport when I was growing up. I did gymnastics and baseball and tennis − our parents wanted us to try different sports to see what we liked but it seemed my siblings and I gravitated to curling and we just had to focus on it at that point.”
TECHNIQUE AND TECHNOLOGY
Fleury has seen some significant changes to the sport. “There is more emphasis now on fitness that we didn’t really see as much in the past. The athletes are working harder in the gym and realizing the benefits of strength training, which helps with sweeping and hit weights. You see now that a lot of the athletes are in very good shape.”
Curling is a pretty intense sport and athletes could easily injure their knees or shoulders so being fit is critical, as is having support staff, including trainers.
“It is a hard sport on the joints for sure and when we’re at our national championship we could have two 10-end games a day, so you’re on the ice for five hours a day some days. There’s a lot of wear and tear on the body,” says Fleury.
Trainers, a manager, a coach, and other staff are hired by the team, which runs much like a business.
“We have a team manager who helps us with all of the branding and social media. That takes a lot of work off so we can just focus on the curling itself and not have to worry about that stuff, so that’s helpful.”
On the technique and tools side of the sport Fleury says, “These days there’s more use of video and laser technology to help with technical training.
“It’s just so fun wearing the Maple Leaf and representing your country in front of the home crowd,” says Fleury.
There’s been controversy over the years about developments in brooms. A few years ago [2015-2016], there was this whole scandal − they called it Broomgate − where the standardization of the fabrics used on brooms was introduced. Before that there were no standards. There have been developments in the game that way.”
Revisions to rules regarding team members have also changed the game. “Teams tend to form in what we call quadrennials every four years to match the Olympic cycle and you. You do see a big shift in teams every four years. Before in Canada team members had to be from the same province. They changed the rules around to give a bit more flexibility where you could have an out of province player. There’s also a birthright rule where you can play out of the province you were born in or the province that you live in. It gave more flexibility to teams to make the most competitive teams regardless of the province that the players are from.”
That change in rules means that getting Team Homan together to train can be a challenge. While Fleury does some training at her home club in Sudbury, the team will often go to competitions a bit early so that they can get on the ice together or they’ll have training camps a few times a season.
Their schedules and competitions take them to many different curling venues. With that comes the need to “ice read.” “The ice is different in different rinks such as in a curling club versus an arena. In a hockey arena you tend to have a bit more curl to the ice, it’s a bit straighter in curling clubs; there’s fast ice, slow ice, rough ice, ice that curls − ice reading is a big part of our sport,” says Fleury.
“Our skip gets to watch all the shots come down the sheet so she would have the best sense of what the ice is doing but all of us have a responsibility to get a handle on the speed of the different paths of the ice and what it’s doing so we can map it out together,” notes Fleury. That collaborative approach has clearly been very effective with this Team Canada (Rachel Homan (skip), Fleury (third), Emma Miskew (second), Sarah Wilkes (lead) and Rachelle Brown (alternate)) being the first in more than 30 years to have back-to-back wins at the World Women’s Curling Championship.
formed the Montreal Curling Club, making it the first organized sporting club in North America.
Photo Curling Canada, Michael Burns
By Jonathon Harp
A new avenue for commercial real estate
Converting office space to residential use
Working from home during the pandemic has had a serious impact on commercial real estate in Canada. Workers have returned to the office but usually in a hybrid approach split between work from home and in office work. The vacancy rate of office space in Q4 2024 was 17.5 per cent on a national basis, according to the Altus Group. This is causing office space owners and developers to consider other uses for this vacant space and some are proceeding with the option of converting space from commercial office to residential use.
The idea of converting commercial spaces is gaining momentum as cities and governments look at how these converted commercial spaces can assist with the housing crisis. The federal government has recently made announcements about converting surplus properties in four Canadian cities. With more than six million square feet abandoned by the energy sector, Calgary plans to revitalize the core of the city and now has 17 office buildings under conversion with an incentive program to assist developers.
Conversion versus redevelopment THE CONVERSION PROCESS
Though such an idea sounds good on the surface and could have an impact on the present housing shortage in the country, converting commercial space to residential use is not a simple process. There is a range of issues that have to be taken into account including zoning and permit requirements, the arrangement of windows and doors on the different floors of a building (fenestration), the floor plate efficiency for the conversion and the difference between commercial and residential sound requirements.
In addition, there are the issues that arise close to the hearts of our MB readers. HVAC and plumbing conversion needs are significant when comparing residential space requirements to existing commercial HVAC and plumbing systems. Industry estimates indicate that possibly only 25 to 30 per cent of current vacant office space across the country is suitable for conversion.
Toronto has approved commercial to residential conversions and recently agreed to the demolition of an office building at 350 Bloor Street to be replaced by a residential building. The city council has determined there is an estimated five million sq. ft. available and recently reviewed a proposal for new policies on office to residential conversions.
Here are some some specific challenges when converting commercial office space to residential units:
HVAC, plumbing and electrical
Both mechanical and electrical systems in office buildings are designed to provide services to an entire office floor. One of the challenges is to create service individually to many residential suites on each floor. In addition, standard sprinkler systems for individual units may have an impact on the ceiling height in the units. The redesign for these essential utilities also has to meet residential codes.
The mechanical and electrical requirements for residences are quite different from commercial buildings. Residential requires more plumbing to service the kitchens and bathrooms while electrical service must be designed for higher loads from appliances and lighting.
Zoning, permitting and fire safety
A main benefit of conversions of office space to residential use is the
time and cost savings versus erecting a new building. However, these benefits could quickly disappear if a developer does not know how to deal with residential municipal zoning requirements.
For this reason, all conversions must have a planning study that is comprehensive enough to identify zoning and permitting requirements early in the project. This approach will eliminate or lessen regulatory “surprises” during the renovation work that could increase costs and time.
From a fire safety standpoint, residential buildings typically must meet more stringent requirements than commercial buildings. This includes the fire rating for floors, walls and doors and the need for more than one exit from each residential unit.
Sound and natural light
Other areas where commercial and residential codes diverge include sound and natural light requirements. Residential buildings require means (such as insulation) between each unit to meet privacy and comfort requirements and based on the typical sound measures used for commercial buildings, will require additional soundproofing.
Residential buildings also require more natural light than commercial spaces. The number of windows as well as their placement (fenestration) must be carefully planned to meet residential standards.
Getting the ball rolling
The move to converting commercial office space to residential homes is firmly in place in many cities in Canada. Driven by the national housing crisis, cities have reworked building requirements to allow for converting commercial office space into residential use. The conversion process is by no means straight forward and optimistically, only about 30 per cent of the office buildings available possess the characteristics for a conversion.
Geoff Kallweit, an associate at RJC Engineers, said in a May 2024 article, “developers should prioritize buildings with floor plates that lend themselves to residential use. Targeting underutilized Class B or C office spaces can be a good starting point, as these buildings often offer the flexibility needed for successful conversions.”
Converting commercial space to residential use is not a simple process.
Toboggan Flats’ model uses a vacant office building’s existing mechanical, electrical and plumbing infrastructure as the basis of a site.
Robert Barnard, who is with a Toronto-based group called Toboggan Flats, explained they are promoting “co-living” (using a common bathroom, kitchen and laundry room) in converted buildings to make the new residential units more affordable for young people and attract them back to the downtown area.
There are also environmental benefits to conversions. Using existing infrastructure for office-to-residential conversions provides sustainability benefits including less demolition waste and reusing resources. By reusing structural elements, maintaining the building envelope and improving rather than replacing mechanical and electrical systems, conversions can lessen environmental impact and reduce costs.
Conversions also reduce greenhouse gases (GHGs) because the large majority of building GHGs come from initial construction.
There are many government incentive programs for conversions and it can be the determining factor in proceeding with a residential conversion project. The City of Calgary has an incentive program in place and Toronto and Edmonton are looking at implementing their own.
In addition, CMHC has been supporting conversions through its Rapid Housing Initiative since 2020.
Amanda Robinson and Nicholas Sylvestre Williams of Aercoustics Engineering note that “Conversion is not an easy road but, with the right planning, it is a chance to turn an underused building into a better business opportunity, while providing housing.” Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek sees the conversions happening in his city as “increasing downtown residents, energizing local businesses and enhancing public spaces.”
Obviously, this trend is impacting HVAC and plumbing contractors. It is an opportunity that contractors need to explore.
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REALIZE THE BENEFITS OF INCORPORATING ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS
In the developed world there is not much chance a person could get by without exposure to electronics. Electronics affect almost everyone’s daily life. In the refrigeration world similar can be said. Despite the advancements with electronics and integration with refrigeration, there are still many systems available without electronics. In fact, full electro-mechanical systems can still be installed. This is done for reasons of economics, simplicity or plain old familiarity.
Electronic components in a refrigeration system can add precise and accurate controls, which may be advantageous over mechanical controls. They can also be more cost effective. Developers can design and manufacturers can produce complex PCBs (printed circuit boards) faster and less expensively than a mechanical device. An electronic component such as a universal refrigerator control consisting of one board could replace two mechanical temperature controls and a defrost timer in one small package.
Electronic controls can be designed to protect systems and other mechanical components from damage. These types of electronics are common place in many devices and systems in use today.
THE LEARNING CURVE
There can also be disadvantages to incorporating electronics into refrigeration systems, including having knowledge of and experience with these devices. Installers and technicians may not have the experience or exposure to some of the controllers and would prefer an old-fashioned mechanical device. You could have mechanical system pressure controllers from three different manufacturers on one site and most technicians who would go to that site for the first time would be able to understand, troubleshoot, set and repair all of those devices.
Conversely, if you had three electronic pressure controllers from three different manufacturers the application, use, and parameter/program setting could be different on all three and the same technician would have a higher learning curve to troubleshoot, service or repair each of them. Mechanical devices typically do not need power to them to run, but all electronic devices require power to run and if an electronic controller receives the wrong power, it will render it useless in many cases.
Many OEMs are using proprietary or universal electronics in the systems they build such as compact refrigeration controllers. These small devices can
Mike Squires
Mike Squires, RSE, is a graduate of the College of the North Atlantic. Mike is manager, solution strategy and business success with Copeland. He works with manufacturers. suppliers, contractors, and in-house staff. Prior to moving to roles with manufacturers, he was a service technician for a number of years.
PCB circuit board that is used to control valves in a refrigeration system.
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control the refrigeration unit, evaporator fans, defrost heaters, defrost cycles and durations, and lights. Even with the most basic and simple controllers all of that can be done in one device. Simplicity and parts reduction are why many OEMs do this.
Using electronics can really improve a system’s operation. Replacing mechanical controls and mechanical devices with electronic controls and electric components allows for more precise action. When I started in this trade well over a quarter century ago, I immediately gravitated to electronic temperature controls. These are the simple electronic temperature controls in a housing of similar shape and size to their mechanical temperature control counterpart.
The electronic version was a control box with a display and buttons and a sensor cable that would wire to it. The mechanical version was a similar control with a control box and a mechanical dial with temperature numbers displayed. A remote copper line capillary tube and bulb would have to be mounted in the cooling space. I preferred having a digital read out of the temperature and the convenience of using a temperature sensor in lieu of a copper tube attached to the device. I had a lot more flexibility on where I could install the control.
In addition to the installation aspect, I was sold on the accuracy and reaction time. The temperature control would switch at the exact time and temperature every time. In my experience with the mechanical device, the reaction and temperatures were not always exactly the same. This belief was validated when I had the opportunity to confirm this type of action on a system that had digital temperature monitoring and logging.
REFRIGERANT FLOW
Another area where electronics can be implemented for efficiency gains would be in the control of refrigerant flow within the system. In most direct expansion (DX) refrigeration systems a mechanical flow control device such as a thermostatic expansion valve (TXV or TEV) is commonly used. A TXV is a sophisticated mechanical device which uses springs and pressure bulbs to execute its action and purpose. This type of valve has been around almost a century and has truly been refined. While it operates well, there are definitely applications where an electronic expansion valve would be a benefit.
The electric expansion valve could operate very precisely and consistently, and could manage evaporator refrigerant superheat very close to a programmed target that may not be easily achieved with a mechanical device. The electric expansion valve (or EEV) also has an ability to operate in a far more diverse range of capacities. For example, a small EEV could operate in a range of .5 to 5 tons capacity and a large valve could operate within a range of 25 to 250 tons capacity. That is an extreme range for a single component and a difficult or unachievable task with a conventional mechanical valve.
I am merely scratching the surface of what is available now. You can connect to many devices with a computer locally, on a remote computer at the office or at home, and even sometimes directly with Bluetooth on your phone. All of that allows for connecting, viewing and troubleshooting, and makes setting up data collection easier.
There is a growing trend to IoT (internet of things) designed devices with the intention of devices communicating together and linking together into a supervisory or cloud viewpoint where data is kept and saved. From large custom PLC systems and medium-sized preprogrammed application-based controllers, to tiny packed process controllers, it seems the options are unlimited.
It does not matter what level you work at in the HVAC/R field there is almost always a way to incorporate an electronic refrigeration component to make things easier, improve operation, and to achieve what you would like to do.
Three mechanical items replaced by one simple controller.
The opening orifice of a valve in different steps from 0 per cent closed to 100 per cent open.
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PLUMBING
Fred Bretzke is a full-time pipe trades instructor with Calgary’s SAIT Polytechnic and the recipient of the 2024 Cadmus Teaching Chair. Fred also received the 2020-2021 Innovation of The Year Award: SAIT for digitizing the project-based learning approach apprenticeship training is known for. Fred’s new code book appendix, entitled It’s In The Code, has now been copyrighted and published with SAIT. He can be reached at fred.bretzke@sait.ca.
FAST HOT WATER
Welive in a time when people have little patience for service. Everyone wants everything fast. Some of you may remember the unique and distinctive sound produced by a modem when connecting to the internet via dial-up. That process was slow and frustrating, but as expected they produced much faster ways to connect to the internet. That expectation extends to all services including hot water delivery.
I remember my first week of service calls in Calgary. I found myself walking down the halls of an older highrise building in the Bankview neighbourhood with my plumbing mentor Paul Andrews. The task was straightforward: replace a set of washers on a four-inch centerset lavatory faucet. If I recall correctly, the apartment was situated near the top floor. The maintenance guy quickly told us the unit was open and then he took off to grab a coffee. As we walked down the hall, I noticed a few cut in access panels in the ceiling. After inquiring about them, Paul told me they were cut in to access the leaking recirculation hot line. A recirculation hot water line is to provide immediate or quick hot water to each apartment. In the 1960s and 1970s quite a few recirculation lines were installed with type M copper (the thinnest wall copper) and they quickly sprang leaks throughout hallway ceilings. This necessitated many repairs and access panels.
When we came across the open apartment, I quickly located the back bathroom and discovered the faucet in question. Yes, indeed the hot water was running continuously. Quite often the mechanical engineer would specify special screwdriver shut off valves under the sink that were hidden in the wall. I quickly shut off the hot valve and replaced the seat and washer trying to impress Paul.
Access panel to shut off valves hidden in the wall.
DELAYING DISASTER
The trouble started when I began to open the valve. While turning the valve counterclockwise with my screwdriver, the hidden bonnet also turned apart from the valve. The bonnet quickly blew out of the wall followed by recirculated hot water spewing out behind it. Embarrassed and feeling like a super plumber, I quickly inserted my thumb into the valve. That lasted for a about 10 seconds before I gave up and went running for the maintenance guy. Now there were two things that I learned here, and one was to always know where the isolation shutoffs are.
It states in 2.6.3.1. of the code:
5) In buildings of residential occupancy that contain more than one dwelling unit, a shutoff valve shall be installed where the water supply enters each dwelling unit, so that, when the water supply to one suite is shut off, the water supply to the remainder of the building is not interrupted. (See Note A-2.6.1.3.(5).)
We failed to look for the hallway shutoffs. It also states in 2.6.3.1.:
3) Except for risers that serve only one dwelling unit, risers shall be provided with a shut-off valve located at the source of supply.
We could not find the risers in the walls.
PLUMBING
We did realize we could shut off the hot water valve to the commercial hot water tank, but the mechanical room was locked and the key was hanging from the maintenance man’s key chain a block down the road at the coffee shop. All I can say is thank goodness for insurance. After this experience, I quickly studied valves and recirculation lines.
WHY INSTALL RECIRCULATION LINES
Figure 1 Pipes that supply water to a hot water tank shall be provided with a shut-off valve located close to the tank
There is another important code article which explains when you are required to install recirculation hot lines.
It tells us in article 2.6.1.1. 2):
In a hot water distribution system of a developed length of more than 30 m or supplying more than four storeys, the water temperature shall be maintained by a) recirculation, or b) a self-regulating heat tracing system.
This tells us that most commercial buildings will require hot water recirculation lines as they are usually, but not always more than 30 m from the hot water source or five storeys in height.
You may ask what about residential applications, can they have a hot water return or recirculation loop? Yes, they can. New homes can be quite massive
now, or even if they are not, most people like immediate hot water. The code stipulates guidelines for maintaining proper water temperature, sizing, and components involved in the recirculation system, including the need for adequate pumps and isolation valves.
If this is the case, one of the most typical systems is the three-pipe system with a dedicated return line.
In a recirculation water system, a dedicated hot water return pipe is connected to the plumbing setup, forming a continuous loop from the water heater to various fixtures and back again. This system ensures any unused hot water is redirected into the loop by the pump, keeping hot water readily available instead of allowing it to cool in the main pipe.
To enhance energy efficiency and reduce heating costs, many recirculating pumps are equipped with sensors that can detect when hot water has completed the loop
and automatically shut off the flow. Additionally, some pumps feature timers that enable users to schedule the operation of the pump, allowing it to turn off during periods of low demand, such as nighttime or during work hours, further optimizing energy savings. This setup is beneficial for maintaining a consistent hot water supply while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption. I forgot to explain that the labour is more expensive than the pump and materials to install this system. Make sure your customer has the money to pay for fast hot water.
In residential applications, the code stipulates guidelines for maintaining proper water temperature, sizing, and components involved in the recirculation system, including the need for adequate pumps and isolation valves.
Figure 2
PLUMBING Products
Clog clearer
Filtration system
LOCKSMITH commercial softeners and backwashing filtration systems from Watts are single-platform controllers designed to streamline operations and maintenance for commercial water treatment applications. The systems are available on a range of 1.5- and 2-in. model options, and can be customized for specific application needs. The systems offer automatic service alerts and low salt alarm settings, and are progressive flow capable, eliminating the need for additional system controllers.
www. watts.ca
The Super-Vee power drain cleaning machine from General Pipe Cleaners is an easy-to-use, hand-held unit for clearing small line stoppages in lines of up to 3 in. in diameter. The Slide-Action chuck engages and releases the Flexicore cable with a push or pull of the Grip-Shield, even while the cable rotates. Featuring a variable speed motor, the Super-Vee carries up to 50 ft. of 1/4 in. or 5/16 in. Flexicore cable, or 35 ft. of 3/8 in. Flexicore
Pressure boosting system
cable. The unit is available with a range of cables and cutters, as well as accessories such as the Handy-Stand and Uni-Stand for working in tight spaces.
www.
drainbrain.com
Hybrid water heater
Rheem has announced upgrades to its ProTerra Hybrid Electric Heat Pump Water Heater line to reduce installation time and make servicing easier. Upgrades include top-of-the-tank water connections and ductready design; demand-response-ready EcoPort and Wi-Fi powered by EcoNet technology; and built-in LeakGuard system with 360 degree leak detection and auto water shut-off valve. ProTerra models are available in 40-, 50-, 65- and 80-gallon sizes.
www.
rheem.ca
The Hydro MPC from Grundfos is a pre-engineered, packaged booster set designed for lowest OPEX and energy efficiency. Offering simplified installation and maintenance, the packaged booster is equipped with a stainless steel 316 manifold, isolating and check valves, and a state-of-the-art CU 352 controller, which provides advanced features such as efficiency-based staging, proportional pressure control and Power Optimal Pump Sequencing. www. grundfos.ca
Condensing water heater
PVI’s Conquest is a compact, condensing firetube water heater made with AquaPLEX stainless steel, eliminating the need for tank linings or anode rods. It delivers up to 97 per cent thermal efficiency, with 99 per cent low-fire efficiency, and features seamless modulation to reduce cycling and save energy. Available in 199 to 1,200 MBH sizes, its space-saving, quiet design supports flexible indoor or outdoor installation, making it suitable for diverse commercial applications.
www. pvi.com
An open letter to our customers
Considering the ongoing challenges already faced by the residential construction industry, compounded by a potential trade war and the broader efforts by the U.S. government to undermine Canada’s position, we anticipate significant headwinds extending well beyond 2025. These circumstances will undoubtedly test the strength of our industry. However, it is precisely in times like these that the role of a reliable supply chain partner that enables you to effectively manage your jobs and labour force, becomes even more essential.
I have always believed that plumbing wholesalers like NEXT—along with our competitors—play an often-overlooked, yet indispensable, role in helping you operate your business. We provide core logistical and financial support, product knowledge, access to goods, and act as a vital conduit to vendors. In this respect, NEXT will continue to make every effort to be an integral part of your business. Our customers’ operational and financial health, individually and collectively, is paramount to us.
Given the uncertainty ahead, we believe that 2025 will present a challenging market as the industry begins to contract, with conditions likely worsening by 2026. Yet, NEXT remains committed to providing you, our customers, with the lowest installed cost while ensuring we provide the highest level of service.
Our commitment to you in 2025, regardless of the economic environment, is clear:
Our People Are the Cornerstone of Our Business –
We will continue to recruit top talent as opportunities arise and will prioritize training and development to ensure our team remains equipped to meet your needs.
We Will Maintain Our Branch Operating Hours –
Our commitment to being open from 6am to 6pm throughout the week (closing at 5pm on Fridays) and open on Saturdays ensures that you have the flexibility to serve your customers whenever they need you!
We Will Not Reduce Our Delivery Fleet –
We recognize that delivering products when you need them is critical to your success. We will implement new routing software, continually optimizing our operations to enhance performance.
We Will Continue to Invest in Our Inventory –
Maintaining a 98%+ fill rate is no small feat. It requires a strong commitment to both high-demand products and slower-moving inventory. This dedication is one of the primary reasons our customers choose NEXT.
As part of our commitment to enhancing your experience and supporting your business in 2025, NEXT is excited to introduce several key initiatives designed to deliver even greater value to our customers, including: (1) The NEXT Academy, (2) E-Commerce Platform launch, (3) Distribution Centre expansion, and (4) continued exploration of strategic locations for new branches.
These initiatives reflect our ongoing promise to not only earn more of your business and support you through the current market but to also empower you with the tools, resources, and infrastructure necessary for long-term success.
NEXT remains a wholly-owned privately-held Canadian company. While we are aware of the hurdles ahead; rest assured that NEXT is committed to being a difference maker and solution provider to our industry and to your business.
Thank you for your continued support!
Michael Storfer
PLUMBING Products
Water heater
Eco-King launches HEET 199, an on-demand residential water heater. The unit has a 10:1 turndown ratio, and uses a single pass stainless steel heat exchanger with wide passageways to minimize scale build up. It includes an installed water hammer arrestor, and a kit consisting of isolation valves and T&P valve to simplify and speed up installation.
ww.
kingheatingproducts.com
Bottle filling station
Zurn Elkay Water Solutions has released an updated line of filtered bottle filling stations. The units offer simpler installation and maintenance, and feature an elevated, modern design in new colours including Midnight Black, Arctic White and Standard Gray. Other upgrades include a dropdown wrapper, automatic filter light reset and intuitive LED filter status display. They are also connected-ready, allowing operators to track water usage, filter status, and bottles saved. The line uses Elkay’s commercialgrade WaterSentry filters that reduce most contaminants on the market including lead, PFOA/PFOS, and microplastics. www.
elkay.com
Tankless installation kits
The E-X-P Ultra-Compact series for tankless water heaters is now available from Webstone with four new connection options: fully integrated F1960 or F1807 PEX ends, press union ends, and G-Thread bodies for use with a wide selection of G-Series union ends. The included service valve kits are available with an optional pressure relief valve in a choice of standard brass or lead-free. Complete installation kits are also available with optional gas appliance accessories. www. nibco.com/webstone
Ball valves
Pre-fab base
Uponor PEX-a pipe with ProPEX Lead-Free (LF) brass transition ball valves for threaded, press, and flange connections are available in sizes from 1/2 to 3 in. The valves allow for 66 per cent faster installs and require 50 per cent less space compared to a standard ball valve with an adapter. The fullport design provides 20 per cent pressure drop improvement and offers a solution for hybrid design opportunities. www. uponor.com
Josam has expanded its Pre-Fab Base (PFB) offering to include a wider range of drainage products, including floor drains, cleanouts, floor sinks, stainless-steel drains, and roof drains. The base allows installers to preset drain height and secure it before the concrete pour. For cast iron drains, cleanouts, and sinks, it attaches to the underside of the body, while stainless-steel drains connect through anchor tab holes. The open-bottom pan creates a void during the pour to allow access to pipe connections and adjustments later in construction. Made from mild steel with an optional stainless-steel upgrade, the base comes with all necessary installation hardware.
www.
josam.com
Toilet seat
Bemis has launched its Universal Fit toilet seat designed to fit both standard round and elongated toilet bowls. The patented Stay·Tite Seat Fastening System allows the toilet seat to stay secure to the bowl without shifting or wiggling. Additionally, the Whisper·Close hinge enables the seat to close slowly and quietly. The seat allows installers to keep only one model on their truck for last-minute requests or for the wholesaler to inventory when space is limited.
www.
bemismfg.com
GRIND FEARLESS.
ClubMoen
PLUMBING Products
Stainless steel valve
Summit Water offers the 2815 Fleck commercial control valve. Engineered for durability and performance, its stainless steel construction ensures superior resistance to corrosion and wear, making it suited for demanding water treatment applications. When paired with Pentair’s NXT2 controller it can provide up to eight systems interconnected as either filters or softeners. www.
summitwater.ca
Shower wall system
The SWS (Shower Wall System featuring JETCOAT technology) from Contrac streamlines installations, enabling multiple installs in a single day. It is suitable for commercial builds, multi-unit properties, mobile homes, and residential renovations. The multiple protective UV layers ensure the surface remains vibrant and resistant to fading, even in brightly lit or high-traffic areas. The grout-free design eliminates weak points prone to discoloration or cracking, providing a low-maintenance, long-lasting solution. www.
contracplumbing.com
Modern faucets
Duravit introduces a variety of faucet styles and finishes for the North American market, including the Duravit No. 1, DuraCircle, DuraSquare, and DuraShower Faucets in brushed nickel, black matte, and brushed gold. The collection includes minimalist features, simple silhouettes and clean, modern lines. The faucets are WaterSense certified, and offer AirPlus technology for a powerful flow feeling while conserving water at 1.2 GPM. www. duravit.us
New Look, Same Great Performance
1” 90-Degree Elbows
Included for
Unique Bypass Design
Integrated
Timesaving Quick Connect Fittings & Pre-Installed
Bypass Quick connect fittings on bypass, drain line (10’ included), brine line and power cord.
Four Line Touch Pad LCD Display No-touch rotating information display. Just set the time, date, hardness and number of people.
48-Hour Programming
Memory Automatic programming restore for up to 48 hours during power loss.
Aqua Alert® Enabled Ensures your system is performing properly with push notifications to your phone and e-mail.
Crosslinked polyethylene: PIPING By
From early skepticism to worldwide use
The Terminator. Purple Rain. Jeopardy. Floppy discs. Ronald Reagan. Pagers. Ghostbusters. 1984, the album by Van Halen. All launched in 1984, the year.
For some of us, it’s hard to believe this was more than 40 years ago, and while most of the technology of that year has been replaced by devices that we could not imagine back then, one of the newer technologies of the time, crosslinked polyethylene, was just getting started.
It was 1984 when ASTM Standard Specification F876 was first published, beginning the journey for crosslinked polyethylene tubing to be introduced into the North American market after more than 10 years of successful use in Europe as a flexible, hightemperature plastic pipe for heating and plumbing systems.
Now we are looking back at the history of PEX tubing in North America and the development of ASTM standard F876.
What is ASTM F876?
It is the standard specification for crosslinked polyethylene (PEX) tubing. It was first published in 1984 and has been updated many times to include requirements such as mandatory chlorine and UV resistance. The Canadian equivalent is CSA B137.5, first published In 1989.
Lance MacNevin
Successful growth during 40 years
According to PPI statistical estimates, more than two billion pounds of PEX pipe and tubing has been shipped in North America during the past 40 years. Based on traditional tubing size distribution and weight-perdiameter ratios, this translates to more than 30 billion feet of PEX shipped into Canada and the U.S. since the 1980s.
Since the first ASTM standard in 1984, PEX systems have been widely used in hotand cold-water plumbing distribution, water service, building supply lines, fire protection, hydronic heating and cooling, radiant heating and cooling, snow and ice melting, turf conditioning, district energy heating and cooling, chilled water, and even certain ground source heat pump systems.
Pioneers of PEX
Polyethylene (PE), a combination of multiple ethylene molecules, was first pioneered in the 1930s and developed in the 1940s as an insulation material for radar wiring during the Second World War. Today, polyethylene is the most widely used type of plastic (polymer) in the world.
The idea for crosslinking of polyethylene pipe material to improve its temperature resistance and toughness was developed and patented by the German inventor Thomas Engel. He utilized the addition of a small amount of peroxide mixed with high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and then extruded that compound through a special extruder capable of generating high pressures and heat. This process created crosslinked polyethylene, or PEX. He patented this process in the mid-1960s, but did not own a pipe extrusion facility to put his idea into commercial production.
Make the connection your way.
One trusted source for PEX piping systems to meet your needs. From expansion to crimp to push, whichever system you prefer, we make it. +10 YEAR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES WARRANTY
EXPANSION CRIMP PUSH
In the late 1960s, Thomas Engel met with Wirsbo in Sweden, which became Uponor and is now GF Building Flow Solutions, and also with REHAU in Germany, and soon licensed his patent to these firms for the production of piping. However, according to Tomas Lenman, who joined Wirsbo in 1971, “The patent did not include a ‘ready to go’ production process. Engel had just been able to produce a few yards at a time. But these samples proved to be very heat resistant and did not melt or deteriorate when exposed to temperatures well above the crystalline melting point of over 130°C (265°F).”
Those two firms, which had licensed the patent for the socalled “Engel method” of crosslinking, began development of extrusion processes that would allow the PE material to crosslink into PEX during extrusion in a consistent and reliable manner. Both firms started commercial production of PEX tubing for radiant heating applications in 1972.
In 1982, Lenman travelled to the U.S. from Sweden with the goal of introducing PEX tubing to this market. He began by contacting the Plastics Pipe Institute (PPI) to learn about the development process for plastic piping standards. Next, he joined the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and initiated a project to develop the first ASTM standards for PEX tubing.
In a recent interview with PPI, Lenman, who was given the nickname “Mr. PEX” by members of the ASTM F17 technical committee, described the early days of PEX in North America and the development of the foundational product standards. He reported there was some initial skepticism by manufacturers of other piping materials and building officials within the committee, but Lenman provided the long-term testing reports developed for PEX at the Studsvik Testing
Institute (now Element) in Sweden, and these results satisfied the concerns about this “new” material.
“I rate this as my life’s largest accomplishment! The PEX standards were published in 1984, two years after work on it had started,” said Lenman.
These new standards, ASTM F876 Standard Specification for Crosslinked Polyethylene (PEX) Tubing and ASTM F877 Standard Specification for Crosslinked Polyethylene (PEX) Hot- and Cold-Water Distribution Systems set the stage for code adoption and customer acceptance for PEX tubing systems. F876 contained the primary requirements for the tubing itself, while F877 contained performance requirements for fittings to be used as a system with PEX tubing, as well as other requirements specific to tubing used in hot- and cold-water plumbing systems.
The initial applications for PEX tubing in Canada and the U.S. were in hydronic radiant floor heating and snow and ice melting systems. By 1997, ASTM F876 and F877 had been adopted into several plumbing codes, and PEX began to be used for hot- and cold-water plumbing systems. More code adoptions were achieved and market acceptance followed.
ASTM F876 has continued to evolve to allow for different crosslinking methods (e.g., e-beam was added in 1990, silane was added in 1996), and to add new requirements. For example, mandatory chlorine resistance requirements were added in 2003 and mandatory “outdoor weathering” (UV resistance) requirements were added in 2020. Chlorine requirements are based on ASTM Test Method F2023, first published in 2000, and UV requirements are based on ASTM Test Method F2657, first published in 2007.
Plumbers like PEX’s flexibility and the ability to use home-run style plumbing systems in houses.
Tomas Lenman (right), given the title Mr. PEX for his work in creating the first ASTM Standard for PEX pipe and tubing, with the author, Lance MacNevin of the Plastics Pipe Institute.
The future of PEX
With a strong domestic manufacturing base and international manufacturers producing according to ASTM standards, as well as standards from CSA and AWWA, including firms with 30 to 50 years of PEX manufacturing experience, there is a tremendous amount of PEX knowledge and experience available to users. As the construction of buildings continues to advance, along with customer goals for high-efficiency and sustainable building materials, PEX systems will play an important role in delivering reliable performance, and standards such as ASTM F876 will evolve to lead the way over the next 40 years.
For more information about PEX tubing and systems visit plasticpipe.org/ buildingconstruction.
PRECISION DIELECTRIC WATERWAY® FITTINGS
THREAD X THREAD
The Precision Dielectric Waterway® fittings are Precision Plumbing Products new offering, it has a thermoplastic liner with pre-formed end shields.
Our Precision Dielectric Waterway® fittingsare available in thread x thread sizes 1/2” NPT, 3/4” NPT, 1” NPT and 2” NPT. More options will soon be available Assembled at our ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified-green factory.
Meets BABAA Build American Buy America Act and American Iron and Steel.
Precision Dielectric Waterway® fittings are designed to meet the requirements of ASTM standard F1545 for continuous use at temperatures of up to +225 oF (+-5 oF) and for pressures up to 300 psi.
Precision Dielectric Waterway® is listed by IAPMO/UPC.
Industry Leaders in Product Quality, On-time Delivery, and Customer Satisfaction
Thread x Thread Series
Polymer resin pellets
Lance MacNevin is director of engineering with The Plastics Pipe Institute, Inc., Building & Construction Division.
Hydronic Products
Combi boiler
The Rinnai I-SERIES Plus IP199199C combi boiler is designed for residential applications. This wallhung model is Energy Star certified with a 95 per cent AFUE rating. It has a 199K BTU heating input max., a 199K BTU hot water heating input max., and a 5.1 GPM/19.3 LPM flow rate at 70°F (39°C) temperature rise. The I-SERIES Plus offers both combi and solo (heat only) options, with AFUE’s up to 96 per cent. All combi models deliver simultaneous domestic hot water and space heating. Cascade up to 24 boilers and common vent up to eight.
rinnai.ca
Heat element
Ontor Limited introduces the Fin Clamp Element by Fab Tek Logic, a multi-fin hinged hydronic heat element that fits around the existing hot water heating pipe. It installs in minutes and can be used to replace damaged fins to fix cold spaces. The element requires no cutting, soldering or draining to be installed on pipe. It is available in 1/2-, 3/4-, 1- and 1 1/4-in. sizes. www.
ontor.com
A2A heat pump
The Vitocal 100-S single zone air to air ducted heat pump system combines the advantages of traditional ducted heating and cooling with the efficiency and flexibility of ductless inverter technology for residential and light commercial applications. The system offers quiet operation and a compact design, while supporting the reuse of existing refrigerant lines, ductwork, thermostats, fan coils, and furnaces. The heat pump systems are available with model sizes from 18,000 to 60,000 BTUs and efficiency ratings up to 18.0 SEER2 and 9.8 HSPF2.
www. viessmann.ca
Backflow prevention
Series BD911 from Watts is a high-capacity combination fill valve and backflow preventer designed for boiler feed lines. It automatically supplies makeup water to the boiler while preventing backflow when supply pressure drops below system pressure. Featuring a backflow preventer and feed water pressure regulator, this pre-assembled unit simplifies installation. Its push-button fast fill function with auto-stop prevents overpressurization, while a built-in dial indicator eliminates the need for a separate pressure gauge, streamlining system monitoring and maintenance.
www. watts.ca
Manifold kits
Noritz introduces the CMK manifold kit and CRK rack kit, pre-assembled manifolds and racks that streamline installation time for commercial tankless water heater rack systems. The kits allow contractors to build customized water heater solutions, with all necessary components included, for up to 24 tankless units with a maximum total input of 4.8 million BTU/ hr. The CMK manifold kit is available in three wall-hung configurations to support either two, three or four Noritz commercial condensing tankless water heaters, while the CRK rack kit is available in two floor-standing configurations to support either two or three to four units.
www. noritz.com
Road Warrior
By Carolyn Cooper
Jules Labrousse: Embracing change
“One of the things that I like about my job is that there is no real typical day. Everyday is a different game,” says Jules Labrousse, plumber at Montreal’s Plomberie Levine Bros. “Whatever was planned for the day might change depending on the emergencies of the morning.”
The family-owned business has served the greater Montreal area since 1922, and recently moved to a larger facility in Saint-Laurent. As one of the company’s 20 plumbers Labrousse works on a wide range of residential, commercial and institutional projects, as well as responding to emergencies. “We also go further if the customers need us. We’ve been to chalets, I’ve done a job in Ottawa, so we can be all over the place.”
Labrousse joined Levine Bros. in 2008 after studying plumbing at École des métiers de la construction de Montréal, and a short stint with a company working on car washes. “It was cool work, we were redoing the inside of car washes. But it was a two-man operation and the work was not as steady compared to Levine. It’s actually the only plumbing company I’ve worked for, and I got most of my apprenticeship here. I enjoy the fact that it’s the United Nations of plumbing.
Name: Jules Labrousse
Company: Plomberie Levine Bros.
Job title: Plumber
Born and lives in: Montreal, QC
Age: 40
Wife: Ma Riza Orsolino
Stepdaughter: Kyenah Orsolino, 12
We have people from all kinds of backgrounds, from all over the world, which is interesting. You see different ways of teaching and seeing plumbing.”
Labrousse has worked on a lot of high-end renovations, and laughs that “I like breaking my head on stuff I’ve never done before.” One stand-out project that took more than a year to complete involved installing new plumbing throughout an entire luxury home. “It was a long process. We gutted the house and started from scratch. It had a gym, a massage room, there was a steam room to build, and there were over six showers. There was a pretty fancy kitchen, all mounted faucets. And it had an outdoor kitchen.”
In terms of plumbing trends, Labrousse says “I’m seeing more and more water filters, and then it’s all the smart home systems – toilets that come with a remote control, we’ve seen a shower connected to the internet. That is becoming the new trend. They started in the high-end projects, but we see more and more people looking into it, especially the toilets, because of the bidet trend. Sometimes they revise for something a bit less complicated because of the budget, but more and more people are looking into it.”
Leak detectors and prevention systems are also popular. “In Montreal, there’s the sump pump situation to prevent the floods. We install a lot of floats with a connected system that will tell you if your customer’s sump pump is working.”
He’s also seen a “big evolution” in the industry since starting his career. “There’s a lot of intuitive appliances, a lot of technology that goes into it,” he says. “Even in the tools, or even the piping, the types of piping that are available to us today compared to when I started, it’s way more stuff to carry in the truck, and way more experience needed to know how to deal with each material. We are open to all the new technology, to see which ones we can implement.”
In the mechanical industry since: 2007
Favourite teacher: Pierre Payette
Favourite class: Code
Advice for young people considering entering the trades: Pass all the licences as early as you can
Service area: Montreal area
Favourite part of the job: Problem solving
Tool that you wish you had: Pipe stretcher
The most useful tool in your toolbox: Channellock pliers (pince multiprises)
Your favourite tool in your toolbox: Sawzall
If you were granted one wish: Make traffic disappear
Favourite band/performer: Renaud
Best concert you ever attended: Tiken Jah Fakoly
Favourite magazine: Le Chasseur Français
Favourite book: La controverse de Valladolid by Jean-Claude Carrière
Favourite TV show: MythBusters
Favourite movie: Jackie Brown
Favourite car of all time: Toyota Tundra
The current work ride: Nissan Cube
Favourite sport: MMA
If you could meet anyone, alive or dead, who would it be? Quentin Tarantino
Favourite video game and preferred gaming system: N64 Mario Kart
Favourite season: Spring
Favourite restaurant or local lunch hang out: Mucho Burrito
Favourite food: Pastas
Favourite snack: Fajitas
Favourite outdoor activity: Gardening
Favourite place to be: At my cabin
Hobbies: Gardening and hiking
Last book you read: From Tiny Tot to Toddler
Last movie you saw: Sicko
Favourite website: YouTube
One place in the world you would like to visit: Mexico City
One word or phrase that describes you: Patience
Your Trusted Mechanical Piping Partner Since 1850
For over 170 years, Flocor has been the name professionals trust for quality, reliability, and innovation in mechanical piping. Proudly Canadian-owned and operated, we continue to deliver a full spectrum of solutions tailored to your needs.
Flocor – Your Complete PVF Solution. Experience excellence. Experience Flocor.
One Supplier. One Source.
With a simple phone call, you are connected to an integrated enterprise, from ordering to distribution of a comprehensive assortment of products including pipes, valves, fittings and suspensions. From our warehouse to your network, Flocor is your complete one-stop distribution network.
Located
right where you need us.
With seventeen strategically located stocking centres across Canada, including five regional distribution centres, Flocor provides you with quick access to one of the broadest product lines in the industry. Our sophisticated ordering system puts this inventory at your doorstep.
Products right when you need them.
Always in stock, Flocor has thousands of combinations and styles of valves, pipes, fittings and brackets, as well as a superior range of sprinklers and related equipment, including piping, valves and fittings for water supply systems.
With this comprehensive product lineup, Flocor can continuously meet the needs of the industrial, commercial, fire protection and municipal markets. This extensive inventory is readily available to you… right now.
Expertise
right when you need us.
No one knows the PVF market or products better than Flocor. Our team of over 100 specialists, present across Canada, is ready to provide expertise and assistance to help you make the right choice.
Always there... right when you need us.
Committed to your success! www.flocor.com
STUFF YOU NEED
Specialty driver bits
The 7-in-1 C-RHEX Flip Bit Series from Malco Tools offers seven essential functions in a compact kit. The series offers three integrated driver head options: #2 Phillips, #2 Robertson, and T25 Star. Each model comes with six C-RHEX hex driver sizes (1/4-, 5/16-, 11/32-, 3/8-, 7/16-, and 1/2-in.), and are reversible for greater versatility, cleanable and stackable for easy maintenance and storage, and colour-coded for quick size identification. The driver heads are compatible with any driver. www.
malcotools.com
Protective gloves
Milwaukee has added two anti-vibration gloves to its lineup of safety gloves. The Anti-Vibration High-Dexterity Nitrile Dipped Gloves are designed to protect hands from harmful tool vibrations, while still allowing for total hand mobility. The gloves are made of breathable 18-gauge material with an inner liner, and offer full hand protection, including a cut level 4 rating and back of hand protection. The Anti-Vibration Work Gloves are suitable for everyday use and provide full hand vibration reduction and impact protection. Reinforced in fingertips and palms, the gloves feature a breathable lining and terrycloth sweat wipe, while providing dexterity and comfort. www.
milwaukeetool.ca
Maternity pants
Blåkläder’s maternity service pants with stretch are made for movement, with four-way stretch panels on the rear, crotch and knees. Made of a polyester, cotton and elastolefin blend that is scratch-free and protective against dirt and splashing, the pants are part of the company’s maternity workwear collection. They offer leg pockets with bellow, a pen and knife pocket with hidden magnetic buttons and flap, as well as inner knee protection pockets. Other features include straps, extended waistband back, high cuff at the waist with elastic top, and D-ring. www. blaklader.ca
Screwdriver sets
STANLEY’s open stock screwdriver models are core sizes of slotted, star, square and nut drivers in sizes and lengths from 1.5 to 6-in. Screwdrivers feature moulded, bi-material comfort grip handles. Nut drivers are available as hollow shaft and through-handle models. New screwdriver sets include a two-piece offset screwdriver set, a nine-piece set with stand, and a 26-piece set with stand. Nut drivers are available as either a seven-piece metric or 11-piece imperial set. www.
stanleytools.ca
Cab protector
The GuardDogg Headache Rack is an addition to Buyers Products’ line of work truck cab protectors. It is made of 15-gauge steel with a corrosion-resistant matte black finish, and is available in multiple sizes for half-ton, threequarter-ton and one-ton trucks. It comes fully equipped for drillfree installation, and offers a line of drill-free lighting mounts to add work or warning lights. The unit is compatible with many work trucks. www. buyersproducts.com
Cintas
The Palais des congrès de Montréal is located in the heart of the city.
The 2025 MCEE Expo returns to the Palais des congrès de Montréal
The 2025 MCEE Expo, Canada’s largest plumbing, HVAC, electrical and lighting expo, is being held at the Palais des congrès de Montréal on April 24 and 25. It showcases more than 300 exhibitors (see pg. 70) from North America and beyond. Attendees will be exposed to innovative concepts that align with sustainable development, energy-efficient technologies, and renewable energy trends.
The educational program includes more than a dozen free sessions (see pg. 80). New initiatives for 2025 include product presentations, skill competitions, and recreational activities.
Industry stakeholders can register free of charge until April 23, 2025. A $25 per person fee will apply to onsite registrations.
MCEE Expo (Mecanex/Climatex/Électricité/Éclairage) is organized by the Corporation of Master Pipe Mechanics of Quebec (CMMTQ), the Canadian Institute of Plumbing & Heating (CIPH), the Corporation of Master Electricians of Quebec (CMEQ), and the Corporation des entreprises en traitement de l’air et du froid (CETAF), in collaboration with Electro Federation Canada (EFC). mcee.ca
The New Product Showcase features nine categories with dozens of new products vying for top spot.
Show Hours
April 24 – 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 25 – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Visit the Mechanical Business team at booth 1901. MB plumbing columnist Fred Bretzke will be available to answer questions about his book It’s in the Code, which is available in several languages including French.
3M Cda
A.M.T.S.
A.O.
Aalberts-IPS
ABTECH
ABB Electrification Cda
Acme Engineering Products 2109
ACQ - Fiers et compétents 2426
AD-Waters 2415
Agence AMR 1423
Agence BTA 2316
Agence Jacques Desjardins
Aimco 1
Aireau
Belimo Aircontrols 922
Bercolever
Bibby-Ste-Croix 2103
BMI Cda 2206
Boîtiers STA 1326
Boshart Industrie 1619
Bow Group de Plomberie 208
Bradford White Cda ..................................................................... 2105
CI Assant Wealth Management, Vinet Gestion Privée 2233
CIPH
CMMTQ 1023
CANADA’S STARTING LINEUP
The next level of comfort in forced-air heating
NEW NPF Hydro-furnace
The NPF Advantage: The NPF heats water by burning the gas in a sealed combustion heat exchanger, completely isolated from the airstream. The heated water is then pumped through a hydronic heat exchanger that gently transfers the heat into the air. The fully enclosed Ultra-Low NOx premix burner provides extremely quiet operation, high efficiency of 97% AFUE, and allows for an industry-leading variable capacity that can modulate down to 15% for a next-level comfort experience.
Explore the new NPF at Navieninc.com.
Navien
Smillie
GIANT
Belimo Energy Valves™
Energy Management Made Easy
ZoneTight Zone Valves
Maximum Efficiency in Tight Spaces
Gas Monitors
Ventilation on Demand
Celebrating 50 Years of Innovation
ZIP Economizer
Energy Efficient Indoor Air Quality
For 50 years, Belimo has delivered quality, reliable field devices for the energy-efficient control of HVAC systems. We have earned the place of market leader by valuing ingenuity and craftsmanship and never resting on our accomplishments. Very simply, we strive to build damper actuators, control valves, sensors and meters that solve comfort and energy challenges, perform flawlessly and earn your trust through a long and productive life.
Small Devices, Big Impact.
Visit Belimo Booth #922
Belimo
Oatey
Seminars
THURSDAY APRIL 24
10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Meeting the challenges of a hospital project
Session presented by CMMTQ, Room 516 AB
Speakers: Eric Fournier (L), head of health services, gbi mechanical-electrical department, and Daniel Marchand, LEED project manager PA BPA
10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Demystifying the use of A2L refrigerants
Session presented by CETAF, Room 516 DE
Speaker: Daniel Trudeau, technical director HVAC, Deluxair
11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Dedicated circuits, plugs and exemptions in homes
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Understand the different lighting control strategies
Session presented by CMEQ, Room 516 C
Speaker: Camil Larose, director of lighting control and technology integration, HITECH Lighting
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Financial assistance for residential customers with the LogisVert program
Session presented by CETAF, Room 516 DE
Speaker: Jacques Belanger, consultant, Groupe Marketing International
TOTAL SYSTEM SOLUTION
CB Supplies VIPERT™ Potable & Radiant PE-RT OXY barrier tubing offers industry leading performance with improved flexibility, lowest Greenhouse Gases (GHG) emission footprint and tubing is 100% recyclable, all backed by a 25-year warranty that is not compromised by your connection choices.
INDUSTRY LEADING FLEXIBILITY FOR EASIER & FASTER INSTALLATION
With relaxed memory you’ll experience less spring back than PEX for easier and faster installations
100% RECYCLABLE
VIPERT is 100% recyclable, requires less energy to produce compared to PEX tubing, contributing to lowest GHG emissions footprint
CRIMP, EXPAND, OR PUSH
VIPERT Potable and Radiant is flexible for your preferred tubing methods by crimping, by expanding, or with push style fittings, VIPERT does it all!
NO NONSENSE 25-YEAR WARRANTY
We stand behind our VIPERT with a transparent 25-year warranty regardless of fitting systems installed
STRENGTH, DURABILITY & BUILT FOR EXTREME TEMPERATURES
Exceeds all standards with exceptional hydrostatic strength at high temperatures and burst pressures, maintains excellent flexibility in both cold and hot environments
EASY LINE IDENTIFICATION BY COLOUR
White, red and blue choices for Potable and VIPERT green for Radiant, available tubing sizes: 1/4” through 2”
Potable: Radiant:
CB Supplies
HVAC/R Products
Airflow monitor
Hemco’s Air Flow Monitor continuously monitors fume hood’s face velocity airflow. Operators are able to select and calibrate at the desired FPM velocity set point. If the hood face velocity falls below the set point, an audible alarm sounds and a visual red indicator light appears. A small probe is provided for fume hood applications, and is connected to the airflow monitor using 1/4-in. OD tubing. The airflow alarm is factory installed or can be field installed, and operates on 115/60Hz AC.
www.
hemcocorp.com
Wall sensor
The Minut sensor monitors short term rental properties for noise, occupancy, cigarette smoke, motion and temperature with real-time alerts. The sensor monitors climate 24/7 to protect against humidity and mould risk, and integrates with a smart thermostat to turn down heating and cooling between guests. Minut also integrates with other tools such as property management systems and other apps to save time and streamline operations.
www.
minut.com
Condensing units
Press fittings
NIBCO has expanded its PressACR line with 1 in. OD and 1 5/8 in. OD fittings for the air conditioning and refrigeration markets. The fittings support the higher-pressure requirements of HVAC/R systems. The copper press connection system features an interior groove design and grey HNBR sealing element for permanent leak-proof connections in applications rated up to 700 psi. The line is approved for use with K, L and M hard copper tubing for sizes 1 1/8 in. and above, and soft copper tubing in 1/4- to 7/8-in. OD diameters.
www.
nibco.com
Hybrid humidifier
The RefPlus ONS Series of outdoor CO₂ condensing units meet the cooling needs of CO₂ systems using evaporators. Part of the Evolution Series, the industrial-grade units feature aircooled, vertical discharge design with quiet high-efficiency 31.5 in. fans. Condensing units are factory assembled for easy addition to commercial and industrial walk-in coolers or freezers, and include an air-cooled gas cooler and choice of semi-hermetic, heavy duty compressor with frequency variator and interconnecting pipework. The ONS Series is engineered for a maximum working pressure of 1,740 Psig/120 bar on the high side and 1,305 Psig/90 bar on the low side. www.
refplus.com
powered app
The Condair DL hybrid humidifier combines the benefits of atomization and evaporation. It atomizes water using stainless steel nozzles at low pressure. Moisture is then evenly distributed to ensure high evaporation efficiency and uniform humidity distribution. The ceramic evaporator unit is strategically placed to maximize water re-evaporation and prevent water accumulation in downstream components, resulting in aerosol-free, hygienically humidified air. The unit features an intuitive touch controller, allowing users to monitor and manage devices and process data in real-time.
www.
condair.com
Digital Alert
Copeland has introduced Scout AI to its updated Copeland Mobile App version 8.0.0. Scout is an intelligent HVAC/R assistance chatbot powered by Gen AI that allows app users to quickly access product information and specifications, troubleshooting resources, technical support, and local inventory. Other resources include multilingual support, training videos, and product warranty. If Scout can’t answer the question it routes technicians directly to live chat support.
copeland.com
Diesel burner
The Beckett RF oil, biodiesel and renewable diesel burner is UL listed and tested for use with up to 100 per cent biodiesel (B100), 100 per cent renewable diesel (R100), and traditional #1 and #2 fuel oil, and offers a firing range of 0.38 to 1.75 GPH. Compatible with a wide range of heating systems, the unit ensures cleaner more efficient performance with all fuel types. It is also available as a “burner-in-a-box” package with all necessary components. www.
beckettcorp.com
Thermal imaging
The FLIR Exx-Series of handheld thermal inspection cameras are designed for the data centre market, allowing data centre operators to increase capacity, and optimize energy and space requirements without causing overheating. Periodic inspections can help maintenance staff find and fix hidden problems in HVAC infrastructure, including verifying the proper hot aisle/cold aisle operation, misaligned ductwork and electrical faults. The cameras offer up to 640x480 pixel thermal resolution, a range of lens options, and the FlexView dual field-of-view lens to switch from wide area to telephoto scanning. www.
flir.ca
Gas detection
Systemair’s gas detection system for car park garages provides real-time, accurate monitoring. Designed for single- or multi-zone applications, the system uses UL 2075 certified sensors and intelligent algorithms to monitor CO, NO₂ and H₂ emissions, and provide an early warning of potential hazards. Configurations are customizable and flexible for any size or layout of parking garage. The system integrates with existing ventilation systems. www.
systemair.net
THE FUTURE OF HVAC STARTS HERE
Snap Clamps
Return Air Frames
Thimbles
HVAC/R Products
Dual fuel furnace
Bosch Home Comfort’s BGH96 gas furnace is paired with the company’s R-454B-equipped inverter ducted split (IDS) system for a dual fuel application that delivers 96 per cent AFUE heating efficiency. Operational with low GWP refrigerants, the furnace features a two-stage gas valve to switch between high and low fire settings, and its multipositional design makes it easier to install and troubleshoot. It can also be integrated with Bosch’s IDS outdoor units and cased coils for a complete heating and cooling system. www.
bosch-homecomfort.com
HVAC pump
Armstrong introduces three larger sizes of Design Envelope end suction pumps, with permanent magnet motors up to 50 hp. The pumps do not require an inertia base or differential pressure sensors and flow meters, reducing installation costs. The units feature integrated intelligent controls for energy savings. www. armstrongfluidtechnology.com
Refrigeration control
Ensure your HVAC/R appliances, equipment, and components are certified to meet the latest regulatory requirements utilizing low global warming refrigerants. Intertek’s experts are here to help you through the process and outline certification requirements for flammable refrigerants.
+1 800 WORLDLAB (967 5352) icenter@intertek.com Intertek.com/HVACR FOR MORE
NeoCharge from Danfoss improves control of new and existing industrial refrigeration systems, allowing facility operators to reduce ammonia spend, increase capacity by up to 40 per cent, and lower energy costs by up to 20 per cent. NeoCharge is a complete solution, with sensors, control valves and an electronic controller, and works with both recirculating and direct expansion systems. www.
danfoss.com
Nearly 30 years ago, the Continental brand was founded as part of Wolf Steel Ltd., a proudly Canadian, family-owned company with almost 50 years of expertise. Designed and engineered in Canada, our high-quality fireplaces deliver reliable performance, satisfied clients, and fewer service calls. With product training, educational resources, and dedicated support, we help fuel your business success. Now more than ever, supporting Canadian-owned companies matters. Work with Continental and bring quality, Canadian-engineered warmth to every project. continentalcomfort.com
Continental/Napoleon
Sustainable system positions store for the future
The reopening of Sayers Foods in Apsley, ON, marked a pivotal moment for the community, restoring its main grocery store after a 2020 fire. Instead of simply rebuilding, the Sayers family pursued meaningful improvement.
“There’s an opportunity to change things for the better instead of just repeating what we did before,” said co-owner Jeff Sayers. This forward-thinking approach resulted in a modern, 14,000-sq. ft. facility designed to enhance efficiency and serve the community for years to come.
BEYOND TRADITIONAL REFRIGERATION
Building a new store meant tackling some fundamental challenges in grocery refrigeration. Refrigeration reliability and operational expenses pose persistent obstacles, often stemming from limited system transparency and control. Traditional systems are plagued by blind spots – store owners often don’t discover problems until equipment fails or temperatures spike, leading to wasted energy and unpredictable costs.
The industry’s conventional approach hasn’t helped. Mechanical and pressure-based systems operate in isolation, requiring constant manual adjustments, and they fail to address root causes. High-pressure CO₂ systems bring their own complications: they need reinforced materials, auxiliary components, and freshwater inputs, all of which inflate both capital and
It’s all about family!
Family-owned Sayers Foods has served the cottage country village north of Peterborough, ON for decades. As the only grocery store in Apsley its reopening a year ago was celebrated.
• 14,000-sq. ft. facility designed to enhance efficiency and serve the community for years to come.
• Sayers Foods connected with Oxford Energy Solutions Inc. to implement something different: a fully digital and low-maintenance system.
• The system uses a minimal amount of industry-approved, next-generation Hydrofluoroolefin refrigerant (R-513A).
operational expenses. Add in the required extra safety measures – specialized mechanical rooms, exhaust systems, and extensive operator training – and the expenses keep mounting. At the same time, the energy-intensive nature of high pressures leads to faster wear and reduced reliability.
THE SOLUTION:
By Heather Wilkinson
Sayers foods opted to go with a fully digital, low-maintenance, low-pressure system built for the long haul.
Transitioning to low-pressure systems is a sound solution, offering greater safety and enhanced system performance with fewer demands on capital investment. Sayers Foods connected with Oxford Energy Solutions Inc. to implement something different: a fully digital and lowmaintenance system. Oxford’s Low-Pressure Platform (LPP) combines building automation with sophisticated data analytics to optimize performance. The system uses a minimal amount of industry-approved, next-generation Hydrofluoroolefin refrigerant (R-513A), chosen for its environmental friendliness, low pressure operation, and performance. It’s recyclable, non-toxic, and non-flammable, meeting safety and regulatory requirements without specialized training. By dropping operating pressures from around 2,000 PSI to just 70 PSI, the system delivers major advantages in equipment longevity and efficiency – crucial factors for a small business. At its core, synchronized scroll compressors work in concert, with primary units using VFD technology for precise control. This prevents overshooting and excessive cycling, saving energy and reducing component wear. The system adapts to ambient changes through floating head compression, dynamically adjusting condensing pressures based on both outdoor temperatures and system demands. Sophisticated electronic controls manage everything from temperatures to refrigerant flow, maximizing the benefits of low-pressure operation while eliminating traditional pressure differential issues.
REAL-WORLD IMPACT
LOOKING AHEAD
Refrigeration costs at the store now rank below lighting expenses.
The results speak for themselves. The new system seamlessly integrates with Sayers’ building automation system (BAS), allowing staff to monitor the performance of all components through detailed vision boards that display real-time metrics. This comprehensive view enables smart, data-driven decisions that maintain optimal conditions while improving efficiency and reliability.
The numbers are impressive. With data gathered from energy profiling tools, Sayers’ energy use has dropped 60 to 70 per cent compared to conventional systems, with refrigeration costs now ranking below lighting expenses. Consumption averages just 309 kWh per hour (under $2) in winter months and 402 kWh per hour (under $2.50) in summer, significantly reducing both operating costs and environmental impact.
Enhanced monitoring and real-time anomaly detection strengthen system reliability, catching problems before they become critical and minimizing downtime and repair costs. During power outages, it safeguards equipment through managed shutdowns, preventing issues such as overheating or blown fuses. When power returns, variable frequency drives ensure smooth restarts that protect vital components, for a seamless recovery.
For Sayers Foods, this system represents more than just an upgrade – it’s an investment in their future. The digital platform precisely matches cooling needs while remaining user-friendly through intuitive touchscreen controls and remote monitoring. Its streamlined design and enhanced safety features reduce both installation and operating costs compared to traditional high-pressure systems.
Perhaps most importantly, the system is built to evolve. It can adapt to future refrigerant changes through simple programming updates, avoiding expensive equipment replacements or extended downtime. This flexibility, combined with built-in energy analysis and advanced monitoring capabilities, positions Sayers Foods at the forefront of sustainable grocery refrigeration – ready to meet whatever challenges tomorrow brings.
Heather Wilkinson is head of sustainability and customer integration at Oxford Energy Solutions Inc. in Woodstock, ON.
Properly-crafted employee incentives can lead to higher productivity, better service, and stronger morale.
TURBOCHARGE SALES: Unleash the power of incentive programs
Picture this: You walk into the office to see your team buzzing with excitement, customers raving about your services, and your sales graph climbing steadily. Does it sound like a dream? It can be the reality. The key lies in a well-crafted incentive program.
Not just a gimmick or a one-off promotion, incentive programs are a powerful way to engage employees, reward loyal customers, boost the bottom line, and help you stand out in the market.
Let’s dive into how you can build incentive programs that deliver real results.
Paul Bies
Why are incentives a game-changer?
We all love a little recognition and reward. For employees, it can transform the daily grind into a mission with tangible rewards. For customers, it can turn a one-time buyer into a lifelong advocate for your business.
Think about it: What drives people to go the extra mile? Often, it’s not just the paycheck or a product discount, it’s the acknowledgement that their efforts or loyalty matter.
Consider this: Your technician successfully suggests an upsell for a maintenance package, knowing there’s a bonus tied to their effort. They’re not only motivated to perform better but also feel valued and appreciated.
Your customers are no different. A loyalty program offering rewards for repeat business or referrals doesn’t just encourage sales − it also builds trust. When customers feel like they’re part of something special, they’ll keep coming back and recommending you to their network.
Incentive programs aren’t just about rewards, they’re about building a culture of appreciation and loyalty. When you recognize and reward the people who contribute to your success, whether it’s employees or customers, you create a ripple effect that drives growth.
Isn’t it time to put the power of incentives to work for you? Take the first step today, and watch as your business shifts from neutral to high gear.
Paul Bies, co-founder and president of Mystique Brand Communications (mystique.ca) in Toronto, ON, brings a wealth of marketing expertise to his role as Mechanical Business marketing columnist. His mission is to empower businesses and to share insights that provide valuable perspectives for their success. As the son of an HVAC entrepreneur, he understands the business landscape and is committed to helping MB readers thrive.
Designing an incentive program that works
Not every press release gets picked up by local media, so you’ve got to make yours stand out. Think about what would grab your attention as a homeowner.
When crafting a press release, focus on providing value. Could you share helpful data, such as how seasonal maintenance saves homeowners money? Or highlight a community initiative, such as offering free tune-ups for seniors?
The more relevant and helpful your message, the better your chances of getting noticed.
Step 1: Set clear objectives
Start with a clear goal. Are you looking to increase sales, improve customer retention, or boost upsells? Define what success looks like, whether that’s a 15 per cent revenue boost, 10 new referrals, or an improvement in employee engagement.
Step 2: Know your audience
What do your employees or customers value most? For employees, it might be cash bonuses, extra time off, or professional development opportunities. For customers, discounts, free services, or loyalty rewards often do the trick.
Step 3: Keep it simple
Complex programs confuse participants and dilute results. For example, a referral program should outline:
• What qualifies as a referral.
• How and when rewards are delivered.
• Any limitations, such as excluding specific products or services.
Step 4: Make it trackable
Success depends on your ability to measure performance. For employees, use a leaderboard to track sales or service contracts. For customers, loyalty punch cards or promo codes make it easy to gauge participation.
Inspiring scenarios you can apply
Even if you’re starting from scratch, these hypothetical examples can help you envision how incentive programs might work for your business.
1
Sales competitions for employees
Picture a whiteboard in your office displaying each technician’s upsells for the month. The top performer earns a prize such as a paid day off or tickets to a game. This creates healthy competition while keeping sales top of mind.
2
Referral rewards for customers
What if you offered customers a 10 per cent discount for every referral that turns into a new client? Not only do you attract new business, but you also deepen relationships with existing customers. And the new customer might receive a welcome discount, too.
3
Loyalty tiers
Imagine introducing Bronze, Silver, and Gold loyalty tiers. The more a customer spends, the higher the tier they achieve, unlocking perks such as priority scheduling or exclusive discounts. These programs reward your most dedicated customers and encourage repeat business.
Managing costs: Why ROI is key
One of the biggest hesitations about incentive programs is cost. But when designed strategically, they’re an investment with a clear return. Here’s how to make sure the math works in your favour:
• Calculate ROI: Estimate your investment, whether it’s bonuses for employees or discounts for customers, against the additional revenue you expect. If the return isn’t there, adjust the reward or scope of the program.
• Keep it sustainable: Meaningful doesn’t have to mean extravagant. A $200 bonus for a technician who generates $5,000 in upsells is a no-brainer. Similarly, a free service for loyal customers can go a long way without cutting deeply into your margins.
Communication: The missing ingredient
Even the best-designed incentive programs won’t succeed if people don’t know about them. Here’s how to get the word out:
For employees
• Kick-off with energy: Announce the program during a meeting. Explain the rules, build excitement, and answer any questions.
• Keep it visible: Use dashboards, leaderboards, or emails to update progress. Highlighting early wins can maintain momentum.
• Celebrate achievements: Don’t wait until the program ends to recognize top performers. Weekly or monthly shout-outs can fuel engagement.
For customers
• Leverage multiple channels: Promote your program through email campaigns, social media, and in-store signage. For online businesses, add a clear callto-action on your homepage.
• Make enrolment easy: Whether it’s a simple QR code, an online form, or a physical loyalty card, the simpler the sign-up process, the better.
• Keep the excitement alive: Periodic reminders about the program or its benefits will keep customers engaged and ensure they don’t forget.
Seeing the results and adjusting as needed
Once the program is live, pay attention to how it’s performing. Are customers signing up? Are employees motivated? And most importantly, are sales climbing?
Ask yourself:
• Are people engaging? If not, revisit your communication strategy or incentives.
• Is it sustainable? Track costs and ensure the rewards align with the program’s impact on revenue.
• What’s next? Programs should evolve. Gather feedback from employees and customers, and tweak the format or rewards as needed.
Next steps: Bringing it to life 1 2 3 4
Now that you see the potential, here’s how to start small and scale up:
Choose a focus area: Whether it’s customer referrals or employee upselling, pick one area to address first.
Define your rewards: Decide on something meaningful but manageable.
Track and measure: Use tools such as spreadsheets, CRM software, or even a simple whiteboard to keep tabs on progress.
Refine and expand: As you see results, consider adding more elements, such as loyalty tiers or seasonal promotions.
CIPH/MCEE
AIR HANDLING UNIT MAINTENANCE THAT GETS RESULTS HVAC
Let’s cover the basics before explaining how to perform air handling unit maintenance. It is important to understand what an air handling unit is and its key components before diving into how you should maintain them.
WHAT IS AN AIR HANDLING UNIT?
An air handling unit (AHU), or an air handler, is a piece of equipment that is part of a larger overall HVAC system. These units are commonly found on rooftops, however variations of the unit may be found in utility rooms. Their sole purpose is to regulate air quality, temperature and humidity and then circulate that air in the system. AHUs generally use ductwork to push the air they produce throughout the facility.
WHAT ARE THE MAIN COMPONENTS OF AN AIR HANDLING UNIT?
Blowers, commonly referred to as fans, are the heart of the AHU system. These are most commonly centrifugal fans that provide enough pressure for the air to be moved throughout the system. When these components fail it is commonly a bad relay, run capacitor, blower wheel or the blower motor itself.
Heating or cooling element is most commonly a heating coil or a cooling coil. Depending on the thermostat setting, the air is run over a coil before entering the ducting system.
Filter racks hold a bank of filters that help to remove particles from the air. The type, size and number of filters will vary depending on the unit. Depending on air quality these may need to be changed semi-annually, quarterly or possibly even more frequently.
Humidifiers increase the humidity of the air as it goes through the system.
While AHUs are commonly found on rooftops, variations of the unit may also be found in utility rooms.
A basic diagram of an AHU. Set-ups vary from unit to unit.
Dampers control the amount of air going through the unit. Dampers can be manual or modulating depending on the design.
Belts are commonly found near the fan motor and are changed as they begin to wear inside the unit.
Heat exchangers are commonly fitted to an AHU for energy efficiency. They allow for exiting conditioned air to increase or decrease the temperature of the incoming outside air. By recovering the residual heat in the exhausted gas, the fresh air introduced into the system is preheated.
Ryan Waldron is marketing manager with Rasmussen Mechanical.
Photo courtesy of Bill Kosik
AIR HANDLING UNIT MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST
Routine AHU cleaning and maintenance not only extends the life of equipment but reduces operating costs, downtime costs and troubleshooting costs. It helps mitigate the majority of these expenses because the issues are caught ahead of time.
Use this maintenance checklist to ensure you don’t miss a step:
• Examine electrical disconnect
• Examine control panel and boxes
• Check contactors/starters
• Tighten electrical
• Examine control set points
• Log amp readings
• Examine return air dampers
• Inspect outside air dampers
• Examine relief air dampers (if applicable)
• Inspect face and bypass dampers
• Examine filter section
• Change filters
• Examine heating coil
• Clean heating coil
• Examine drain line and pan
• Examine cooling coil
• Clean cooling coil
• Clean drain line and pan
• Examine supply air fan
• Clean supply fan and housing
• Lubricate fan bearings
• Check belts and sheaves on supply fan
• Examine supply fan motor
• Lubricate supply fan motor bearings
• Examine return air fan (if applicable)
• Clean return fan and housing
• Lubricate fan bearings on return fan
• Check belts and sheaves on return fan
Coil fouling can decrease heat transfer efficiency.
Always carry parts such as air filters, belts capacitors, coil condenser cleaners, contactors, fuses.
COMMON PROBLEMS WITH AHUS
By Ryan Waldron
• Examine return air fan motor (if applicable)
• Lubricate return fan motor
• Examine exhaust air fan (if applicable)
• Clean exhaust fan and housing
• Lubricate exhaust fan bearings
• Check belts and sheaves on exhaust fan
• Examine exhaust air fan motor (if applicable)
• Lubricate exhaust fan motor
• Check fan(s) rotation
• Record and check operating amps
• Check temperature split across coil
• Check expansion valve
• Examine heating section (if applicable)
• Change thermostat batteries
• Examine heater safeties
• Examine other accessories (if applicable)
As always, follow the manufacturer recommendations.
• Air filter issues: Clogged or dirty air filters can obstruct airflow, leading to reduced system efficiency and poor indoor air quality
• Coil fouling: This involves the accumulation of dirt, dust, and debris on the evaporator and condenser coils, which can decrease heat transfer efficiency, resulting in poor performance.
• Fan motor malfunction: Faulty fan motors can lead to inadequate air circulation, reduced airflow, and compromised temperature control.
• Belt and pulley problems: Worn-out or misaligned belts and pulleys can cause excessive noise, reduced airflow, and increased energy consumption.
• Leakage and ductwork issues: Damaged or poorly sealed ductwork can lead to air leaks, decreased efficiency, and inefficient air distribution.
• Control system failures: Faulty sensors, malfunctioning thermostats, or issues with the control panel can disrupt the AHU’s operation.
HOW FREQUENTLY SHOULD MAINTENANCE BE DONE?
The frequency of maintenance for AHUs depends on several factors, including specific system requirements, manufacturer guidelines, and environmental conditions. As a general rule, AHUs should undergo maintenance at least twice a year. This preventive maintenance schedule helps ensure optimal performance, energy efficiency, and prolongs the lifespan of the unit.
It can also be cost-effective to build an inventory of more expensive replacement parts, especially if your customers have five or more pieces of equipment sharing parts such as:
• Motors • Capacitors • Gas Valves • Control Boards
Shafts
All-electric facility challenges energy use perceptions
North facade of the təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre.
Located along the Fraser River on the west coast of British Columbia, the City of New Westminster opened the təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre to the public in spring 2024. It is a replacement to the Canada Games Pool, which had served the community since 1973. The “sea otter house,” of which its name translates, is the first zero carbon aquatic centre built in Canada, as recognized by the Canadian Green Building Council. It is quickly becoming a benchmark for water quality, air quality, and energy conservation in aquatic centres in Canada and beyond.
Project team
Designed by: hcma Architecture + Design (the project was recently awarded a Prix Versailles 2024 World Title for an Interior in the Sports category)
Mechanical engineer: AME Consulting Group
Mechanical contractor: Division 15 Mechanical
The facility, which has achieved a RHF Accessibility Certified Gold rating under the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification program, consists of two natatoriums, one of which contains a 50-metre competition pool, and the other a leisure space including a leisure pool and two hot pools. It benefits from many innovations and technologies that helped achieve zero carbon certification, as well as what is being reported as some of the best water and air quality experienced in an aquatic centre.
Measurement and verification efforts are ongoing at təməsew̓txʷ in order to ensure the facility operates as modelled. Early results are showing the first zero carbon aquatic centre in Canada is delivering high performance with respect to water and air quality at an operating cost minimized through innovative mechanical system design.
Leisure pool with leisure lanes, a lazy river, spray features, tot zone and gradual entry.
Photo Nic Lehoux
Photo Nic
Lehoux
The mechanical system consists of a water-cooled heat recovery chiller, two modular air source heat pumps, and electric boilers for supplementary heat. The chiller simultaneously provides heating and cooling to the building while achieving a coefficient of performance of up to 6. A rooftop solar array continually provides electricity for the facility and offsets any carbon production resulting from the power generation associated with the facility. Substantial energy reduction in the natatorium dehumidification processes is realized through air to air heat recovery. A series of air handling units, all fit with sensible heat recovery wheels, deliver dry air to the pool decks. By recovering energy from the natatorium return air stream and delivering that energy to the supply air stream, modelled energy savings are in the order of $60,000 annually. This design also allows substantial amounts of fresh air to be delivered very efficiently, contributing to very low disinfection byproducts present in the natatorium air.
ACHIEVING EXCEPTIONAL WATER QUALITY
Along with the pursuit of being the first zero carbon aquatic centre in Canada, there was a strong desire to provide exceptional water quality for bathers. In order to achieve this, the AME Group worked closely with Ultra Aqua out of Denmark to implement their inBlue filtration system for the first time in Canada. This system utilizes drum filtration to continually remove biosolids from the pool water. The result is some of the cleanest and contaminant free pools in Canada.
Drum filtration is a method that has over a decade of successful operation in large aquatic facilities in Europe. Unlike traditional filters that pump pool water through a granular media, gravity moves water through a rotating drum with a membrane screen, removing debris and contaminants. This method is efficient and low-maintenance, making it a popular choice for modern pools. One hundred per cent of the circulation flowrate passes over the pool’s skimming edge into deep gutters. Water then flows by gravity into the drum filter where a membrane filters particles down to 5 microns in size. Polishing filters then remove particles smaller than 5 microns, resulting in a high water clarity.
As the drum turns, the system regularly sprays the membrane to remove filtered elements, which drain to the sanitary system. This automatic function prevents biosolids from remaining in the filter, where they can dissolve or break down further through chemical interaction and increase the production of disinfection by-products (DBPs).
Some benefits of drum filtration are:
• Indoor air quality (IAQ) is improved due to fewer DBPs being released into the natatorium air, especially when combined with other system components (gas strippers and UV).
• Efficient filtration captures small particles and removes them from the system on a near continuous basis. Automatic cleaning means less operator involvement.
• Energy savings due to gravity operation has resulted in an estimated 20 to 30 per cent reduction in pumping energy associated with the filtration plant.
Taio Waldhaus and Cassidy Taylor are principals at the AME Consulting Group. Waldhaus was the engineer of record on the project and Taylor was aquatics lead.
By Taio Waldhaus and Cassidy Taylor
The heat recovery chiller forms the heart of the HVAC system.
Dehumidification air handlers are all fit with sensible heat recovery wheels.
Ultra Aqua inBlue drum filters capture and remove small particles on a near continuous basis.
AI AND CONSTRUCTION
59
Per cent of contractors in a Trimble survey that said technology integration such as AI and machine learning will be one of the biggest themes of 2025.
25
Per cent of respondents who say technology integration is one of the key challenges currently facing them.
GHG REDUCTION IN SASKATOON
20,211
Utility cost savings in dollars for 319 homeowners after the first year of Saskatoon, SK’s ongoing case study “Bringing energy efficiency to Saskatoon homes” which follows the results of the Home Energy Loan Program.
35
Average GJ of energy reduced per household as of October 2024, with an average 2.1 tCO2e of greenhouse gas reduced per household.
100
HANDWASHING HIGHLIGHTS
79
Per cent of respondents who say they wash their hands more often or more thoroughly to fend off viruses during flu season, up from 74 per cent in 2024, according to Bradley Company’s January 2025 Healthy Handwashing Survey.
4 out of 5
Number of people who have seen others leaving public washrooms without washing their hands.
45
Per cent of respondents who admit to only rinsing their hands with water instead of using soap.
SUCCESSION PLANNING
37.5
Per cent of Canadians who were aged 50 and older in 2024. They are currently the primary decision makers of 62 per cent of all small to mid-sized businesses in Canada.
Two-thirds
Number of retiring business owners who say they have considered their exit objectives but haven’t yet made a plan.
8.5
Per cent of business owners who have made actionable goals for leadership changeover.
39.3
Per cent of employers who say they have thought about which employees are vital to the business through a leadership transition.
SPRING IN CANADA
43,000+
Number of cherry blossom trees that bloom each spring in Vancouver, BC, as celebrated during the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival.
19.9 million
Gallons of maple syrup produced in 2024 in Canada, according to Statista.
300,000+
Number of tulips planted at Commissioners Park in Ottawa, making it the world’s largest public tulip display.
Approximate tonnes of material generated by an average home while being demolished, which usually ends up in landfill, according to Light House’s Building Material Exchange.
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