Mechanical Business September/October 2025

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2025 $9.95

Mario Andretti:

Still the man to beat

Heating Product Showcase The impact of higher MERV-rated filters Artificial intelligence proves useful in the field A new look at domestic hot water sizing Just how efficient is my boiler?

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CONTENTS O F

52 COVER STORY

Forty-seven years after leading his team to the Formula One World Championship, Mario Andretti is at home again in F1.

Bruce Meacock

Mario Andretti: Still the man to beat

Mario Andretti with his wife Dee Ann.

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The largest western trade show heads to the Pacific Coliseum in Vancouver, BC, where attendees will have the opportunity to attend educational sessions and see the latest product and system technologies. Interact with manufacturers, suppliers and other industry members, all in one location. Show hours, exhibitor list and products are showcased here.

Impactful upgrades include smart tech

58 KITCHEN & BATH TRENDS

People are making small upgrades to their homes to boost functionality and comfort, especially in the kitchen and bathroom. Carolyn Cooper

For pros on-the-go!

Read the September/October issue of Mechanical Business, anywhere, anytime.

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On the cover: Race car driver Mario Andretti attributes much of his unparalleled success to his “team” of individuals armed with skills he didn’t have. Cover photo: Chris Owens

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T A B L E ­F E A T U R E S

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CONTENTS O F

S P E C I A L I S T S

08WORTH A LOOK

32 HIGH-PERFORMANCE HVAC

Report reveals need for innovation and efficiency Carolyn Cooper

Resilience Tom Grochmal Customers are increasingly concerned about whether their properties are equipped to deal with a changing climate.

34PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE

Switching to a higher MERV-rated filter? Pump the brakes Sliding in a tighter filter and walking away isn’t the right fix Ryan Waldron

38FITTINGS

42 REFRIGERATION

Artificial intelligence proves useful in the field Mike Squires If AI makes you uncomfortable, refer to it as additional intelligence and use it as your secret weapon.

54 SYSTEM SIZING

Why not all tank tees are created equal Each has its benefits and disadvantages and each one is built for specific applications Braedlyn McEwen

The improbability of domestic hot water sizing Matthew Reid Sizing to fixture counts is dependent on buildings operating to design conditions and that has proven to be flawed.

64 HYDRONICS

No really, how efficient is my boiler?

Bob “Hot Rod” Rohr A look at the information that can be garnered from boiler labels.

90 PLUMBING

98 MARKETING

62 ROAD WARRIOR: Colin Sadler

All in the family Carolyn Cooper

84 CONTROLS

Novel climate control system for people with disabilities launches in Vancouver Carolyn Cooper

86 EMBRACING THE PAST

BTUs: Humble beginnings to industry standard Matthew Reid

94JOBSITE JARGON

Test your knowledge of heating terminology for a chance to win

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Pipe labelling: It’s in the code Fred Bretzke Troubleshooting in a building with clearly marked piping makes finding the problem much easier.

Why video should be in your marketing toolkit Paul Bies Amplify word of mouth 24/7, across social media, your website, email campaigns, and even at trade shows.

D E P A R T M E N T S

P R O D U C T S

6In the Next Issue 10-31News, Movers & Shakers, People 96,97The Info Page 97Events

44-50Heating Product Showcase

101By the Numbers

68Hydronics

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IN THE S P R I N G

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WORTH

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For All Subscription Inquiries Circulation Director: Shila Naik, C 905-272-4175 shila.naik@mechanicalbusiness.com Editor: Kerry Turner, C 416-435-1193 kerry.turner@mechanicalbusiness.com National Sales Manager: Kyle Badder, C 416-735-1375 kyle.badder@mechanicalbusiness.com Operations Manager: Caroline Bexfield, C 647-217-2076 caroline.bexfield@mechanicalbusiness.com Contributing Editor: Carolyn Cooper editorial@mechanicalbusiness.com Art Direction: Fourteen Orange Graphic Design Inc. davem@fourteenorange.com Controller: Liz Mills liz.mills@mechanicalbusiness.com Publisher: Bruce Meacock, C 416-457-9563 bruce.meacock@mechanicalbusiness.com PM:41536047 ISSN 1916-0674 MB (Print) ISSN 1906-0682 MB (Online) Proudly created and printed in Canada.

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A

LOOK

By Carolyn Cooper

Report reveals need for innovation and efficiency in construction industry

A

new report from KPMG titled “Canadian construction: doing more with less” shows that the construction sector is lagging behind other industries in terms of productivity, innovation and efficiency, making transformation through technology a priority.

The report, which is part of KPMG’s third biennial Digital Maturity Survey, finds that the construction sector has faced productivity challenges due to regulatory hurdles, outdated procurement, and unpredictability, including recent U.S. tariffs. However, with demand for residential, commercial, industrial and infrastructure construction projects intensifying, construction leaders are now recognizing the need to boost efficiency and productivity through technology.

In collaboration with the Canadian Construction Association, the survey gathered input from general contractors, institutional owners, engineering firms, suppliers and subcontractors. The report found that labour shortages are still a significant problem, with 78 per cent of respondents saying they are experiencing a shortage of skilled workers, and 70 per cent saying it is impacting their ability to bid on new projects or meet project deadlines.

At the same time, 87 per cent of respondents agreed that new and advanced technologies are needed to address labour issues. That includes prefabrication and modularization technologies, which 53 per cent of respondents said they are prioritizing, and which can cut construction times by 25 to 50 per cent, and costs by up to 20 per cent. In total, 90 per cent of respondents agreed that better tools, such as AI, analytics, Building Information Modelling, and digital twins, can boost efficiency and labour effectiveness.

Other tools cited included robotics, intelligent automation, cybersecurity, and augmented reality and visualization. Finally, the report noted that 84 per cent of respondents want to see interprovincial trade barriers eliminated as quickly as possible, with nine in 10 saying it was “extremely or very important to the survival of their business in a tariff war.” kpmg.com/ca

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BC extends heat pump rebates to renters and condo owners

Ontario removes interprovincial barriers for skilled workers

BC has launched the Better Homes Energy Savings Program Condo and Apartment Rebate, which offers rebates of up to $5,000 for incomequalified renters and condo owners to buy and install high-performance heat pumps and up to $3,500 for heat pump water heaters, in individual suites of multi-unit residential buildings (MURBs).

BC Hydro is also offering non-income qualifying rebates to renters and condo owners of up to $2,500 for a highperformance heat pump and $1,000 for heat pump water heaters in electrically heated buildings. The first phase of the program applies to suites in condo and apartment buildings with six storeys and under that are currently heated by electricity. The program will eventually extend to buildings heated by fossil fuel.

Ontario has filed regulations to remove interprovincial barriers for Canadian workers coming to Ontario. As of January 1, 2026, Canadians in certified in-demand professions can begin working in the province within 10 days, once their credentials are confirmed by the regulator. The move comes through implementation of the government’s new “As of Right” framework. Ontario currently has agreements with 10 provinces and territories to break down barriers for the movement of workers and goods. ontario.ca

2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/home

ClimateCare buys Canco ClimateCare ClimateCare Canada has purchased Canco ClimateCare, a longstanding member of the ClimateCare network. This is the first successful acquisition Canco ClimateCare owners Bob completed through (L) and Nancy McKeraghan (R) the Navigator celebrate the company’s transition Program, a to ClimateCare corporate with ClimateCare executive director ClimateCare Victor Hyman. initiative designed to help owners of member companies plan for retirement, succession or sale. Newmarket, ON-based Canco ClimateCare provides heating and air conditioning services, and will continue to operate under the ClimateCare banner. ClimateCare is a cooperative of independently owned and operated home comfort businesses.

(L-R): Attending the commissioning of the Enwave Green Heat Plant were Dianne Saxe, University-Rosedale Councillor; Chi Nguyen, MP, Spadina-Fort York; Hon. Sam Oosterhoff, associate minister, Energy-Intensive Industries; Ehren Cory, CEO, Canada Infrastructure Bank; Carlyle Coutinho, CEO, Enwave Energy Corporation; and Ausma Malik, deputy Toronto mayor. Photo: Natasha Serio.

Enwave commissions Green Heat Plant in Toronto Enwave Energy Corporation has commissioned its new Enwave Green Heat Plant at the Pearl Street Energy Centre in Toronto, ON. The plant is part of the Enwave Green Heat program to Toronto’s district energy system, and once fully operational the plant will have a capacity of 3,600 tons of cooling and 62,000 MBH of heating. Electrified heating generated from the plant will displace carbon emissions of up to 11,600 tCO2e compared to steam to hot water energy generation. It will also leverage waste heat from Enwave’s Deep Lake Water Cooling system customers to provide heat to other district-connected buildings. enwave.com

cancoclimatecare.com climatecare.com 10

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ASHRAE introduces free sustainability assessment tool ASHRAE and the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) OzonAction have introduced Assessing RAC Plant Sustainability checklists and guidance sheets. The free tools are designed to help refrigeration and air conditioning plants (RACs) promote sustainability. They also provide information on evolving technologies and new refrigerants that require specialized knowledge and handling. Other guidance includes recommendations for energyefficient operation, life-cycle investment considerations and key performance indicators on equipment. ashrae.org

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Alphi Capital invests in RedBlue HeatPumps & Refrigeration Toronto, ON-based private equity firm Alphi Capital has acquired RedBlue HeatPumps & Refrigeration, a provider of HVAC, plumbing and electrical services for residential and commercial applications. The company serves the Greater Victoria area of Vancouver Island. Alphi Capital invests in the Canadian lower middle market focusing on business services. alphicapital.com redbluehvac.com

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Revisions to Energy Efficiency Regulations in effect Amendment 18 (A18) changes to Canada’s Energy Efficiency Regulations came into effect on October 9, 2025. The revisions, which were published in April 2025, add and update energy efficiency and/or testing standards for energy- and water-using products. That includes currently regulated products such as air conditioners and furnaces, as well as adding products such as showerheads and faucets. natural-resources.canada.ca

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CIPH presents Joseph K. Seidner Award

New president at OGA

The Canadian Institute of Plumbing & Heating (CIPH) has presented Franco DiFolco, technical manager at Canadian Standards Association (CSA) Group, with the Joseph K. Seidner Award. The award recognizes the outstanding Franco DiFolco (R) receives commitment of plumbing the 2025 Joseph K. Seidner Award from Brent Cornelissen, industry volunteers who chair of the CIPH board of dedicate their expertise directors. to helping develop safer plumbing codes and standards. ciph.com

Energy efficiency program in Manitoba focuses on heat pumps Efficiency Manitoba is offering financial support for the installation of energy-efficient ground source heat pumps and cold climate air source heat pumps in homes. The province has several different homeowner and renter offers available, each with different eligibility requirements and incentive levels.

Owners of multi-residential buildings may also be eligible to receive a 25 per cent bonus incentive through the Commercial Deep Energy Retrofit Program and New Buildings Program when adding ground source heat pumps. efficiencymb.ca

Workplaces in Nova Scotia must have harassment policies Nova Scotia’s new Harassment in the Workplace Regulations came into effect on September 1, 2025.

The regulations, under the Strong Workplaces for Nova Scotia Act, mean that all workplaces in the province must have a written policy to prevent and respond to physical and psychological harassment. The policy must be reviewed a minimum of every three years, and must include expectations, how to report concerns, and how complaints will be investigated. It should also commit to confidentiality and non-retaliation, and staff must be trained on the policy. news.novascotia.ca

New Alberta STANDATA posted

The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has released an updated Supply Gaps Estimate report. The report identifies housing supply gaps for the largest Census Metropolitan Areas (CMAs) in Canada, and outlines “how many housing starts are needed above what is projected to be built in a ‘business-as-usual’ scenario in both the homeownership and rental markets.” Out of the largest CMAs, Montreal faces the largest housing supply gap, followed by Ottawa-Gatineau. Ontario, Nova Scotia and BC have had the most significant housing supply gaps of all the provinces, while Nova Scotia has seen some of the fastest rising housing costs.

Alberta has issued a gas STANDATA listing gas codes adopted under the Gas Code Regulation, which will come into force on March 1, 2026 under the Safety Codes Act. The gas codes were published in February 2025, and include CSA-B149.1:25 – Natural gas and propane installation code; CSA-B149.2:25 – Propane storage and handling code; CSA-B149.3:25 – Code for the field approval of fuel-burning appliances and equipment; CSAB149.5:25 – Installation code for propane fuel systems and containers on motor vehicles; and CSA/ANSI-B149.6:25 – Code for biogas generation and utilization. The province has also issued Joint STANDATA Interpretation/Bulletin 23-BCI-042/20-PCB-011R1 under the National Building Code – 2023 Alberta edition and the National Plumbing Code 2020. The Interpretation clarifies the design requirements of hydronic heating systems.

cmhc-schl.gc.ca

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CMHC identifies gaps in housing supply across Canada

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Paul Frith has been named president of the Ontario Geothermal Association.

Frith is president of Burlington, ON-based JPF Consulting, which specializes in smart building technology, and has for many years worked with clients in the geothermal sector. Frith has served as a member of the OGA board of directors for the past two years, and was chair of both the 2024 and 2025 OGA Conferences. He has also played a key role in government relations and with the real estate industry to increase awareness of geothermal technology. ontariogeothermal.ca

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Buildings in BC and Ontario to receive deep decarbonization retrofits

Winning restroom design could be the future

The Canadian Infrastructure Bank (CIB) is committing $50 million to Creative Energy to support building decarbonization through connection to Energy efficient district energy systems. The agreement upgrades at the will allow Creative Energy’s building Thompson Rivers University are clients in BC and Ontario to switch expected to reduce from natural gas heating to electricityemissions from based district energy systems. The first heating systems by 95 per cent. building retrofit project is Thompson Rivers University, which will upgrade 12 buildings at its Kamloops, BC campus and provide heating capacity to one new building. The campus will also switch from natural gas to an electrified heat source using centralized air and water source heat pump strategy. Creative Energy designs, builds, owns and operates sustainable neighbourhoodscale energy systems. cib-bic.ca creative.energy

The winning project of the Mycomorph: Modular Scalar TO the Loo! Challenge, Washrooms for Toronto’s Mycomorph, includes amenities such as drinking Green Spaces was the winning fountains for people project in the recent TO the and dogs, occupancy-lit Loo! Toronto Toilet Design clerestories, barrier-free access, and living mossChallenge. The project, by covered walls.

Alea Reid and Petra Matra of Hamilton, ON’s Design Partners in Architecture and Interiors, includes scalable and adaptable mushroom-inspired modular units built from precast concrete that can be adapted to different park sites in Toronto. The units are designed to be accessible and gender neutral, and include shower-equipped units. Features include energy and water efficient fixtures, floor drains, a unifying canopy structure to tie the pods together and collect rainwater in a cistern for reuse, green roofs for natural hydrology, and passive ventilation. publicspace.ca

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Feds end applications for Canada Greener Homes Loan

Quebec authorizes mass timber buildings to 18 storeys Builders in Quebec are now authorized to construct buildings of up to 18 storeys, as long as they meet the conditions set out by the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ).

Previously designers who were constructing an encapsulated mass timber building higher than 12 storeys had to submit a request to the RBQ. They will no longer be required to do so, as long as the conditions in the document are met.

At press-time, Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) announced that the last day to apply for a Canada Greener Homes Loan would be October 1, 2025. The loan program financed eligible home retrofits recommended by an energy advisor. NRCan says funding for the program, which is administered by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), would soon be fully allocated, and the funding portal would be closed. However, submitting an application does not guarantee approval or funding, and applications will be processed until all funding is allocated. Efficiency Canada has expressed its disappointment that the loan program is closing, noting that “Ending the Greener Homes Loan would undermine federal commitments to reduce emissions, support skilled trades, and bring down costs for Canadians.” In an online statement, Brendan Haley, senior director of policy strategy at Efficiency Canada, added: “This is the second major energy efficiency program to be abruptly shut down in as many years.

These kinds of boom-bust policies drive skilled tradespeople out of the sector, disrupt small businesses, and erode public trust.” efficiencycanada.org natural-resources.canada.ca

rbq.gouv.qc.ca

District energy project in BC receives federal funding The federal government is investing $2.5 million to support Metro Vancouver’s Waste-to-Energy District energy project through its Waste-to-Energy Facility in Burnaby, BC. The funding will help triple the energy recovery potential of the Waste-to-Energy Facility, compared to generating electricity alone. The mass-burn facility currently handles approximately one-quarter of the region’s waste disposal needs each year, which is enough to provide electricity to 16,000 homes. With an increased capacity the facility will be able to capture steam generated by its existing process to supply heating and hot water to up to 50,000 homes in Metro Vancouver.

Hot water will be delivered through an underground piping network to nearby housing developments. canada.ca metrovancouver.org

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Metalworks celebrates 20th anniversary with themed event

Octo Purchasing Group and Blue Hawk announce partnership Octo Purchasing Group and Blue Hawk have announced a strategic alliance to combine forces and create a larger, more integrated independent HVAC/R supply distribution channel. Members of Blue Hawk and Octo will also have the opportunity to expand their businesses into new markets in Canada and the U.S. Montreal, QC-based Octo Purchasing Group represents 79 member companies in Canada. Blue Hawk, headquartered in Gilbert, AZ, is a member-owned cooperative of U.S. HVAC/R distributors serving the independent distribution network. bluehawk.coop octo.ca

Watts merges two of its digital brands, launches Bradley product training Watts Water Technologies has announced the strategic merger of Nexa and The Detection Group.

The move combines Nexa’s intelligent Customers have the opportunity water management for hands-on training on Bradley platform with The commercial and industrial Detection Group’s products. wireless leak detection technology to create a more responsive, comprehensive solution for Intelligent Water Management of commercial buildings. Sunnyvale, CA-based The Detection Group, Inc. became part of the Watts family of brands in 2021. Watts has also announced that its flagship Learning Center in North Andover, MA now features a fully functional lab showcasing Bradley commercial and industrial solutions for customer training.

The Learning Center offers an immersive environment so customers can engage directly with the Bradley products, which include mixing valves, group handwashing systems, industrial tempering systems and much more. watts.ca bradleycorp.com

Metalworks HVAC Superstores recently commemorated 20 years of business with a customer event at its Vaughan, ON location. The event had a NASCAR Metalworks HVAC Superstores theme, emphasizing the welcomed more than 850 company’s “20 years attendees to its NASCAR-themed in the fast lane,” and 20th anniversary celebration. welcomed more than 850 attendees for an afternoon of product demonstrations, swag bag giveaways, food and live music. Metalworks is a distributor and supplier of commercial, industrial and residential HVAC and hydronic solutions. The company has locations in Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Cambridge, and Bradford, ON. metalworks.com

E.H. Price Solutions now represents Ingenia in Ontario Ingenia Technologies Inc. has named E.H. Price Solutions as its exclusive representative in Ontario. Mirabel, QC-based Ingenia manufactures air handling units for commercial, institutional and industrial applications, as well as for niche markets such as museums and symphony halls. E.H. Price Solutions has 19 locations and 13 stocking warehouses across Canada. ehpricesales.com ingeniatechnologies.com

Daikin Applied purchase expands its data centre offerings Daikin Applied is acquiring San Diego, CA-based DDC Solutions, a provider of ultra-high density cooling cabinets and management software for data centres. The agreement expands Daikin Applied’s data centre-focused cooling solutions portfolio by adding in-room, rack-level solutions for white space cooling. The company will operate as a subsidiary of Daikin Applied, with its current leadership team remaining in place. daikinapplied.com ddcsolutions.com

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Toronto, ON-based Armstrong Fluid Technologies has introduced Armstrong Industrial, a new division Michael Cline is combining the company’s Armstrong general manager Gas Transmission Systems and RMI of Armstrong Pressure Systems divisions. Armstrong Industrial, a new division of Industrial will offer the company’s Armstrong Fluid full range of plumbing solutions to Technologies. sectors including primary resources, manufacturing and energy, consumer products, food and textiles, and pharmaceuticals. Michael Cline has been appointed general manager of Armstrong Industrial, which will have two specialized teams focusing on fluid flow and gas technologies. armstrongfluidtechnology.com

Noble opens clearance centre and new Guelph branches Noble recently opened new plumbing and HVAC branches at 197 Hanlon Creek Blvd, Unit 105 and 106 in Guelph, ON, and a clearance centre at 41 Shelley Road in Richmond Hill, ON. The clearance centre offers deals on overstock plumbing and HVAC products. noble.ca

+osb celebrates 50 years of business +osb celebrated its 50th anniversary with an open house and the official ribbon cutting ceremony for its new manufacturing and warehousing facility in Shanty Bay, ON, one hour north of Toronto.

Incorporated 50 years ago to the day, September 29, 1975, +osb (formally OS&B) is Canadian owned and managed and has grown from a small stamping and bending operation, to become a leading plumbing manufacturer and distributor in Canada and the U.S. osb.ca

Taco CEO Inducted into Women in Manufacturing Hall of Fame Taco Comfort Solutions has announced that Cheryl Merchant, CEO and president of Taco Family of Companies, has been named as an inductee in the 2025 Women in Manufacturing (WiM) Hall of Cheryl Merchant speaks with Fame. The WiM a customer at Taco’s ribbon cutting ceremony and event in Hall of Fame was September for its expanded Fall established in 2019 River, MA facility. by the Women in Manufacturing Association. There were 12 inductees this year. Hall of Fame inductees were officially recognized during the 15th annual WiM SUMMIT conference October 12 to 14 in Chicago, IL.

Photo Sean Giberson

Armstrong Fluid Technologies launches industrial division

tacocomfort.com womeninmanufacturing.org

New reps for Mueller Steam Specialty Mueller Steam Specialty products are now represented by: Lajoie (QC); Marwin (SK and MB); Hy-Line Sales (BC); DC Sales Company (AB, YT, NT, NU); Palser Enterprises (Southwestern and Northern ON); Walmar Mechanical Sales Ltd. (Eastern ON); Hydro-Mechanical Sales (NL, NS, NB, PE); and Watts Factory Reps (Greater Toronto Area). St. Pauls, NC-based Mueller Steam Specialty is a Watts brand.

CIPHEX

SEE US AT CIPHEX WEST + WEST

Booth #1050

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Dobbin Sales partners with Tarrison Products Dobbin Sales Ltd. has officially partnered with Oakville, ON-based Tarrison Products Ltd. Under the partnership, Dobbin will distribute Tarrison’s line of commercial stainless steel sink solutions. Tarrison offers customizable stainless steel products and design tools such as Tarrison 360. dobbinsales.com tarrison.com

The IPEX team celebrates the opening of a new 150,000-sq. ft. distribution centre in Woodstock, ON.

IPEX distribution centre features pedestrian-free design IPEX recently celebrated the opening of its new 150,000-sq. ft. distribution centre in Woodstock, ON. The $27-million facility includes warehousing operations, and a cross-docking function so products can be moved more efficiently to distribution centres across Eastern Canada and the U.S. It also offers a pedestrian-free design to reduce accidents and improve efficiency. ipexna.com

Innovair and Thermo 2000 announce merger L’Islet, QC-based Innovair Solutions has acquired Thermo 2000 as part of its continued growth strategy in North America. Richmond, QC-based Thermo 2000, which will be merged with Innovair, manufactures hydronic heating and domestic hot water products. With the merger Thermo 2000 will gain access to new markets such as the U.S., and the support of Innovair to accelerate its growth. Innovair produces HVAC products for residential, commercial and industrial markets, including the Dettson, Ouellet and Stelpro brands.

Lakeside Process Controls opens new Thunder Bay, ON facility Lakeside Process Controls has officially opened a new 13,400sq. ft. facility at 1235 Amber Drive in Thunder Bay, ON. While Lakeside had a previous facility in Thunder Bay which is now closed, the new facility is designed to enhance operational efficiency and customer The Lakeside Process Controls leadership team and guests celebrate experience, and will the grand opening of the company’s include local training new Thunder Bay facility on sessions and events, June 24, 2025. as well as more on-site services and improved technical support. It includes an 8,000-sq. ft. service shop with expanded services including valve repairs, instrumentation, reliability and automation services. Mississauga, ON-based Lakeside Process Controls is a member of the Emerson Impact Partner Network and offers automation technology to a range of industries. lakesidecontrols.com

innovairsolutions.com thermo2000.com

Bosch finalizes Johnson Controls purchase

Samsung HVAC partners with Powrmatic in Eastern Canada Samsung HVAC North America has announced a distribution agreement with Powrmatic of Canada Ltd. to expand Samsung’s presence in Eastern Canada. Powrmatic is a subsidiary of Deschênes Group Inc., and has branches in Ottawa, Toronto, and London, ON; Montreal and Quebec City, QC; and Halifax, NS . samsunghvac.com powrmatic.ca 20

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Bosch has closed its purchase of Johnson Controls’ residential and light commercial HVAC portfolio. The acquisition was initially announced in July 2024, and includes Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning (JCH), as well as 16 manufacturing sites, and 12 engineering locations in more than 30 countries. At the time the deal was called the biggest acquisition in Bosch’s history. bosch.com

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-35°C? STILL RUNNING STRONG.

Engineered for Canadian winters – powered by LG innovation.

When temperatures plunge, performance matters most. The new LG Cold Climate Heat Pump is engineered to deliver reliable heating down to -35°C, redefining what’s possible in extreme Canadian winters. Winner of the 2025 AHR Innovation Award – Sustainable Solution, this advanced system brings together: ENERGY STAR® Cold Climate Certified — Efficient heating and cooling designed for year-round comfort Core technology ensures 100% heating capacity at -25°C, and reliable operation at — 70% capacity down to -35°C Innovative design and features backed by a 10-Year Warranty: — Soft Air mode, Dual Vane design for quicker cooling, heating and comfort — Freeze-and-defrost cycle reduces dust and bacteria from the evaporator — Built-in occupancy sensor for indirect cooling and smart comfort — Wireless control with

Ahead of the Expected. www.lghvac.com

LG Copyright © 2025 LG Electronics Canada, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

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Equipco announces line expansions and more

Stone Mountain announces distribution agreements

Equipco Ltd. is expanding its portfolio of OmegaFlex, Inc. piping solutions in Western Canada. As well as offering TracPipe CounterStrike products, Equipco now represents DoubleTrac and MediTrac products. Equipco has also announced a strategic partnership with Reliance Worldwide Corporation (RWC) to represent its family of brands in Ontario. Equipco currently represents RWC in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and BC. Finally, Equipco has announced a partnership with Canature WaterGroup’s Commercial Industrial Engineering Division to distribute the company’s Canadian-made commercial water treatment solutions, and provide enhanced technical support across Canada. Equipco is headquartered in Maple Ridge, BC, and has 10 locations across Canada.

Piney Flats, TN-based Stone Mountain Technologies, Inc. has announced distribution partnerships to expand the Anesi gas absorption heat pump line across Canada: with Bruce Sutherland Associates Ltd. (BSAL) in Atlantic Canada; with Toronto, ON-based Flow Sales Ltd., a stocking representative firm, across central Canada; and with Canadian Aqualine Sales Inc. in Western Canada.

equipcoltd.com canaturewg.com omegaflex.com rwc.com

bsal.ca can-aqua.com flowsales.com stonemountaintechnologies.com

Mechanical Business has the latest in heating!

2025 Heating Product Showcase Featured on pages 44-50

The last word in humidity control

DriSteem

Scan to learn more

Humidifiers Dehumidifiers Water Treatment 22

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DiversiTech expands product range with Cielo Thermostats acquisition DiversiTech Corporation has purchased Cielo WiGle Inc./Cielo Thermostats, a manufacturer of smart thermostats for mini-splits and central HVAC/R systems based in Bellevue, WA. The acquisition complements DiversiTech’s PRO1 Thermostat control line for HVAC installations, and expands its product range. diversitech.com cielowigle.com

Navien’s HVAC summer roadshow hits Canada This summer Navien, Inc. hosted a roadshow across Canada showcasing new HVAC products. The roadshow began earlier this spring with U.S. dates.

In Canada Navien had events in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia throughout June and July.

CONFORTO

HEATING AND COOLING PRODUCTS

navieninc.ca ALL-SEASON COMFORT, MADE IN CANADA Conforto provides efficient, high-performing heating and cooling solutions tailored to your energy preferences and seasonal needs.

With Conforto, you can expect personalized attention and support across Canada.

Granby/Conforto

Viega North America’s new 244,000-sq. ft. plant in Mantua, OH will include hands-on training opportunities.

Viega opens sustainable manufacturing facility Viega North America has officially opened a sustainable manufacturing, distribution and training facility in Mantua, OH. The new 244,000-sq. ft., fully electric facility is part of Viega’s North American expansion strategy, and includes cuttingedge manufacturing technology, advanced automation and robotics, state-of-the-art quality control systems, and a carbonneutral ecosystem targeting LEED Gold certification. viega.ca

Visit us at CIPHEX & Electrical Learning Expo West 2025 November 5 & 6, 2025 | Pacific National Exhibition, Vancouver, BC

Booth #618

confortohvac.com contact@confortohvac.com

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Heat-Line appoints new distributor in Ontario Algonquin Highlands, ON-based Heat-Line has appointed Can-Mech Agencies as its new plumbing sales representative for Southeast and Northern Ontario. HeatLine manufactures advanced heating cable systems and SR Cutto-Length heating cable for the plumbing, electrical and roofing sectors, including its flagship product Retro-Line.

(L-R) Poul Due Jensen, CEO of Grundfos, with Kevin Cassidy, CEO of Newterra, and Inge Delobelle, divisional CEO, Industry, Grundfos.

Grundfos purchases water treatment company Newterra

Heat-Line manufactures advanced heating cable systems and SR Cut-toLength heating cable for the plumbing, electrical and roofing sectors.

canmech.com heatline.com

Grundfos has acquired Pittsburgh, PA-based water and wastewater treatment company Newterra, owned by Chicago, IL-based private equity firm Frontenac. Grundfos plans to expand its presence in Canada and the U.S., and plans to build a new plant in Brookshire, TX where its U.S. headquarters is located. grundfos.com newterra.com

AD Canada presents Supplier of the Year awards Affiliated Distributors (AD) Plumbing & Heating – Canada has named BMI Canada Inc. and IPEX by Aliaxis its Suppliers of the Year. IPEX is the recipient of the Jacques Deschênes Award. BMI Canada, which won Supplier of the Year for the second year in a row, received the Brian Findlay Award. Maax Bath was recognized as the 2025 Most Improved Supplier. The awards were presented during AD Canada’s annual Supplier of the Year Banquet, as part of its 2025 conference. AD Canada is the Canadian business unit of Affiliated Distributors, a memberowned organization connecting independent distributors and supplier partners. adhq.com

IMS relocates to larger facility in Scarborough, ON Independent Mechanical Supply (IMS) has moved its Scarborough, ON branch to 39 Casebridge Court. The new, freestanding facility is 10,000-sq. ft. larger than IMS’s previous location, with more warehouse space and parking. It also features four dock-level doors and two drive-in customer pick up doors. IMS is a full line distributor of plumbing, mechanical and hydronic products, with branches in Etobicoke, Oakville and Scarborough, ON. imechsupply.com

Imperial Manufacturing buys Dundas Jafine Imperial Manufacturing Group (IMG) has purchased Dundas Jafine, a manufacturer of dryer venting and flexible duct products located in Brampton, ON and Alden, NY. The acquisition adds manufacturing capacity for IMG and increases its product offering. IMG is based in Richibucto, NB and has 13 facilities in NB, NS and Ontario as well as several U.S. locations imperialgroup.ca dundasjafine.com

Johnson Controls commemorates 140 years of business Johnson Controls is celebrating 140 years of innovation and achievement since its founding in 1885 as the Johnson Electric Service Company in Milwaukee, WI. Founder Warren Johnson developed the first automatic sprinkler and the first room thermostat, and today the company offers HVAC and controls solutions for buildings worldwide, as well as fire protection and smart security products. Portions of the business, including its Grinnell and York brands, have been around even longer, with both celebrating their 150th anniversaries. The company is now headquartered in Cork, Ireland johnsoncontrols.com

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Control Techniques Dynamics joins Nidec Drives

Systemair purchases NADI Airtechnics

Nidec Drives has fully integrated Control Techniques Dynamics (CTD) into its operations, unifying the company’s servo drive and motor offerings under one entity. CTD produces high-performance servo motors, specializing in brushless servo motor technology. Nidec Drives is part of St. Louis, MO-based Nidec Motor Corporation

Systemair AB has signed an agreement to purchase NADI Airtechnics Private Ltd., a manufacturer of engineered industrial fans based in Chennai, India. The acquisition adds industrial fan competence and a complementary product range for industrial applications to Systemair’s portfolio of products.

It also gives the company a leading position on industrial fans and the railway segment in India, which is a targeted growth area for Systemair. Systemair is headquartered in Skinnskatteberg, Sweden

acim.nidec.com

systemair.com nadiindia.com Nidec provides variable speed drives for industrial and commercial applications.

Noritz opens Vancouver, BC warehouse Nortiz America Corp. has opened a warehouse in Vancouver, BC dedicated to shipping tankless water heaters and boilers to Canadian wholesaler distributors and their contractor customers. As of August 1, all residential and commercial tankless water heaters and boilers are shipped directly from Nortiz’s manufacturing operations in Japan to the new warehouse. noritz.com

Raven Supply expands operations and product portfolio Surrey, BC-based Raven Hydronic Supply Ltd. has added a new location at 1299 3rd Ave. in Prince George, expanding its footprint in Northern BC. The new location is currently operating as a satellite office as the company continues to establish its presence in the area. Raven has also expanded its line card, introducing new high-efficiency heating and venting solutions for commercial and industrial markets. Companies carried by Raven include Canadian brands Acme Engineering, Maxi-Therm, and Security Chimneys.

LG Electronics Canada wins OHBA award Toronto, ON-based LG Electronics Canada, Ltd. has been recognized with a 2025 Ontario Home Builders’ Association (OHBA) Innovation Award of Distinction for its Residential Cold Climate Heat Pump. The annual OHBA Awards of Distinction recognizes innovation and excellence from builders, developers and service professionals in Ontario’s residential construction industry.

The winners were announced at the association’s Awards of Distinction Gala in late September. ohba.ca lghvac.com

Automated Logic finalizes acquisition of Control Solutions Automated Logic – Canada, Ltd. (ALC) has finalized its purchase of Coquitlam, BC-based Control Solutions Ltd. Based in Kennesaw, GA, ALC is a provider of building management solutions, and a part of Carrier Global Corporation. According to Andy Bierer, managing director, ALC Field, the acquisition is a strategic step in strengthening the company’s presence in Canada, and expanding in high-growth sectors across BC. Control Solutions’ existing leadership and employees will remain in place. ohba.ca lghvac.com

ravensupply.ca

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Aqua Alert® WiFi NEW Monitoring System Give homeowners confidence and control with the ability to monitor and manage their softener anywhere.

PERFORMANCE DATA  Daily water treated  Last regeneration date  Days to next regeneration

 Total water treated  Current flow rate  Peak flow rate

System 1

75

Salt Remaining

REMOTE MANUAL REGENERATION Manually regenerate the softener from anywhere.

LEAK ALERT Detects running toilets or faucets.

SERVICE REMINDER Set reminders for service requirements.

%

- GAL Remaining capacity

- GPM Peak flow rate

- GPM Days to regen.

- GPM Current flow rate

- DATE Last regen. date

WiFi

AQUA ALERT®

SALT SENSOR Realtime monitoring and reminders to add salt.

DIAGNOSTIC ALERTS Built-in diagnostics for common issues like meter not working, interrupted regeneration, and softener disconnected from WiFi.

in service Water Shut Off

Home

Regeneration Function

Record

Alarm

Service Reminder (Days)

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OPTIONAL LEAK ALARM & REMOTE SHUT-OFF Protect against leaks with a floor-level leak detector and shutoff valve that lets customers turn their home’s water off—or back on—remotely.

Novo/Watergroup

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Available exclusively at plumbing wholesalers across Canada.

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| Regina, SK • Cambridge, ON

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Daikin Comfort Technologies has announced a number of employee changes: Brian Minor (1) has been promoted to division president – Canada at Daikin Comfort Technologies Dist Inc.; Corey Munday (2) has been promoted to divisional technical services manager – Canada; Kyle Smith (3) has been named regional operation manager in the Central Region (Ontario); and Raymond Lam (4) has been named territory sales manager – Lower Mainland, BC.

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ClimateCare has promoted two employees: Glenn Mellors (1) is now director of business development and implementation; and Laura King (2) is now director of operations. Mellors has been with ClimateCare for 17 years, and has been director of operations since 2019. King joined the company in 2010, and most recently held the role of operations manager.

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REHAU has appointed Tim Greer Academy training manager for the building solutions division for Canada and the U.S.

Doug Hines has been promoted to director, branch network – Central region, at The Master Group. Hines has been with the company for more than 14 years, most recently as director of branches – GTA and Southwestern Ontario. In his new role Hines will be responsible for all Master branches in Ontario.

David Lopes has joined Watts as vice president of marketing, responsible for elevating Watts’ marketing strategy, strengthening customer engagement, and accelerating business performance across the Americas.

Bosch Home Comfort Group has hired Scott Green as regional sales manager responsible for Central and Eastern Canada.

Noble Corporation has named Charlie Rudderham account manager – HVAC and hydronics. Rudderham has been with Noble for almost three years, most recently as inside account representative.

King Heating Products Inc. has hired Manjinder Chohan as sales manager for BC.

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Landon Campsall has joined Edmonton, AB-based Ultimate Fabrication Inc. as general manager.

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A. O. Smith Corporation announces changes to its Canadian leadership team

Dave Hammond (1), president and GM of North American Water Heating (NAWH) Canada, has announced he will retire later this year, and has transitioned to a strategic business advisor role. Hammond joined GSW Water Heating, which was acquired

by A. O. Smith, in 2008. He was named president and GM of NAWH Canada in December 2022. Andres Castro (2) is now president and GM of NAWH Canada, responsible for all functions in Canada.

Castro joined A. O. Smith in October 2024 as COO for Canada. Kim Laurette (3) has been promoted to vice president of residential sales. Laurette joined A. O. Smith in 2004, and most recently held the position of director of retail sales and Canadian marketing.

Markham, ON-based The Morgan Group welcomes Adam Hedden as senior sales executive – growth & training.

Independent Mechanical Supply has hired Andrew Sinclair as hydronics and HVAC product manager.

GE Appliances Air & Water Solutions division has hired Faizan Khan as senior business development manager for Canada.

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Discover the Smarter Way to Ventilate: Fresh Air, Energy Savings, Flexible Performance

Panasonic’s New Intelli-Balance® Energy Recovery Ventilators are engineered to deliver advanced ventilation, ensuring balanced airflow and superior indoor air quality in homes across Canada. Whether it’s a new build or retrofit, this system is designed to meet the needs of modern, high-performance homes.

Optional Accessories:

•

Top-rated Sensible Recovery Efficiency up to 90% at 0 °C for Elite Plus 150 CFM models.

•

Field reversible for mirrored installation.

•

Optional low voltage timer provides easy, push-button operation to set boost time (10/20/40/60 minutes).

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Built-in SmartFlow® technology provides balanced ventilation regardless of a complicated duct run, saving the contractor time on installation.

•

Panasonic’s hygroscopic core balances humidity between the indoor and outdoor airflows.

•

Embedded frost prevention strategies automatically activate to prevent the core from freezing.

•

Choose from 4 different models for your next project (110/140 CFM for Elite and 120/150 CFM for Elite Plus).

•

All models are equipped with a grounded power cord and include a hardwire adapter kit in the box.

•

MERV 13 filters are standard for all models. Washable MERV 6 filters are also available.

Low Voltage Timer

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Build healthier homes today.

Scan to learn more or connect with a distributor near you.

Panasonic

Panasonic ERVs are Holmes Approved and part of Breathe Well, The Only Complete Air Quality Solution™.

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Ontor Ltd. has hired two new employees, as well as announcing that sales representative Aurele St-Germain (1) has retired.

St-Germain had been with Ontor since October 2012.

Kailesh Kumar (2) has joined Ontor as outside sales representative for BC, and Maxime Bérubé (3) has joined as sales representative for North and Southeast Quebec, taking over St-Germain’s territory.

Navien, Inc. has appointed David Minnis national HVAC sales manager.

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Toronto, ON-based Hydronic Systems Canada Inc. has hired Antonia Aldridge (1) as GTA business development manager, and Michael Breault (2) as regional sales manager for Southwestern Ontario.

Rawabi Alhyari has joined Barclay Sales Manitoba in a sales position.

The ECCO Group has hired Chris Choquette as vice president, manufacturing sales North America.

Systemair Group has appointed Steve Cuthbertson president of Systemair North America. Cuthbertson is based in Holland Landing, ON, and will operate primarily from the company’s Tillsonburg, ON facility.

Concord, ON-based Airmax Technologies Inc. welcomes Steve Myers as territory sales manager for Southwestern Ontario.

Oxford Energy

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The Metropolitan Pump Co. Ltd. has promoted Olivia Kepdip to Eastern Canada sales manager, covering Ottawa to New Brunswick.

Kepdip joined the Cambridge, ON-based company in November 2023 as a technical pump application specialist.

Association québécoise du chauffage hydronique (AQCH) has named François Nantel president of the Board of Directors.

Nantel is marketing development specialist at Rinnai Canada.

Wellesley, ON-based Evolved Thermal Energy welcomes Anthony Ghattas as sales representative for Quebec.

Randy Sollied has joined Vaughan, ON-based Kinghome Canada as executive vice president.

Mike Cantin has been named director of sales and business development at Mississauga, ON-based Ascend-Group.

Fernox Americas has named Jason Mangos Northeastern regional sales manager.

The Duravent Group has hired Dean Larabie as national sales manager, residential sales for Canada.

Icon Agency Ltd. welcomes Lauren Fish as a sales representative, based in Calgary, AB.

ORTECH

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HIGH-PERFORMANCE HVAC

RESILIENCE

Resilience: the ability to withstand shock or stress.

I

n this column, let’s take a step away from energy efficiency and instead talk about “resilience.”

Resilience is an increasingly common term in the world of building science and climate action.

Increasingly customers are concerned about whether their properties are equipped to deal with severe weather and a changing climate. This column breaks down the subject and shows you what resilience looks like as part of an actual retrofit project recently completed by Trim Tab.

Risk management To make a building resilient means you need a good understanding of the

It’s similar to durability

risks that building faces and then have a plan to mitigate them. If you

Traditional building science talks about durability, the ability to exist for a long time without significant deterioration in quality or

are part of a renovation team, here are some

value, according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary. In the world

of the more common risks you might identify during the

of homebuilding and renovations, durability is one of the most

planning process:

important outcomes when you think of the home as a system.

1 Heavy rains:

As evidence, the Canadian Homebuilders’ Association publishes the Renovators’ Manual. One of the manual’s recurring themes is the renovation hierarchy of importance that regards durability as

Heavy rains can lead to localized

flooding, especially if the sewer systems are old and

don’t have the take-away capacity of modern infrastructure.

the most important outcome after health and safety. This seems

This is where plumbing and drains specialists, and even

obvious – we want our homes and buildings to last.

HVAC contactors, have an important role to play. Measures

Resilience refers to the ability to withstand shock. In the context

such as back-up sump pumps and backflow preventers

of homes and buildings, shock refers to more frequent and

can play an important role in avoiding flooded basements

severe weather events, such as high heat, heavy rain, and strong

and restoration work. Elevating water heaters and furnaces

winds. Therefore, homes and buildings that are equipped to deal

off the floor with a patio stone ensure the equipment can

with the impacts of more severe weather are resilient. If extreme

withstand a low-level basement flood.

weather events are to be expected over the life of the building, then resilience is part and parcel of durability. Because if your building isn’t resilient it’s not durable over the long run.

2 High winds:

High winds can lead to falling debris

such as tree branches, tear off roof sections or

cladding, or even the roof itself in extreme cases. Measures range from re-enforcing the roof, securing windows and doors with storm shutters, and trimming trees.

The Canadian Homebuilders Association Renovators’ Manual: An essential reference for contractors involved in renovation work. The “renovation hierarchy” is a recurring theme which sets the priorities on a job site. The order is structural sufficiency, then removal of hazardous materials, then durability, then energy efficiency and indoor air quality.

Tom Grochmal 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.

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3 Electrical surges:

Example: Mitigating flood risk

Electrical surges can result from

lightning strikes; they can also result internally from operating

high powered devices. A whole home surge protector is the surest form of protection for electronics, appliances and HVAC systems.

Augmenting an electrical panel with a surge protection device will protect electronics, HVAC equipment and appliances from surges that may result from lightning strikes or internally from operating high power devices.

Trim Tab performs energy retrofits as part of unit turnovers for one of its affordable housing clients in Chatham, ON. We believe that energy retrofits to the building envelope and mechanical systems provide longterm benefits if, and only if, the house remains durable, resilient, and well maintained.

Trim Tab consulted with the property manager on the most common risks to their units. Basement flooding was a concern because their units reside in an older part of town with no dedicated storm sewers. This issue was made worse by indications of leaky water service lines beneath the foundations that was causing a steady infiltration of water into the sump pits. Furthermore, airtightness testing and air quality monitoring showed that open sump pits were a source of air leakage, and radon. Trim Tab incorporated a plumbing and drainage solution with each turnover that included a backflow preventer, leakage repair, and sump pit sealing.

The result − the sump pit is now dry, the air quality is much improved, and the basement is protected from sewer back-up. And we can expect energy savings to persist and fewer insurance claims over the long run.

Raising HVAC equipment off the ground is a simple step that helps protect it in the event of a basement flood.

Summary Resilience is the ability to withstand the impacts of severe weather events and goes hand in hand with a durable building that will stand the test of time. Resilient buildings ensure that efficiency gains from energy retrofits endure year after year and keep insurance premiums under control.

If you are part of a renovation team that is out to modernize and future proof a home or building, then the planning process should incorporate an assessment of the weather-related risks. It will show that you are aligned with your clients’ long-term best interests.

Ensuring plumbing and drains are up to modern standards goes a long way for flood prevention.

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PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE

B y Ryan W aldron Ryan Waldron is marketing manager at Rasmussen Mechanical Services.

Switching to a higher MERV-rated filter? Pump the brakes D

uring Covid we saw a big push for better filtration of facility air. Some facilities switched to tighter, higher MERV filters without understanding the ramifications this would have on HVAC equipment. The questions to ask before proceeding are: What happens to HVAC equipment when switching to a higher MERV-rated filter and how can filters be improved without damaging equipment?

It’s important to understand that sliding in a tighter filter and walking away isn’t the right fix. Blower motors are designed to meet a certain static load and can’t always overcome tighter filter restrictions on air flow.

If you were to throw in a high MERV filter, without adjusting anything else, you’ll increase the pressure drop across the unit.

This is because, without changes, the motor can’t overcome the tighter filter. This reduces the airflow through the unit causing a cascade of problems.

The heat exchanger temperature begins to rise if there is lower airflow across the heat exchanger that we are blasting a hot flame into. This means the heat exchanger is running hot and you will eventually burn holes in the heat exchanger.

Additionally, the motor will also begin to heat up as there is less airflow and it will struggle to keep up.

On top of this, the HVAC unit now has to stay on longer to deliver the same amount of air. This decreases the unit’s efficiency. So, what can you do?

Solutions for improved airflow If you want to use a tighter filter, there are three primary solutions to maintain proper airflow:

1

Increase filter area: Adjust the equipment’s air intake size to allow for use of a larger filter area.

This avoids creating restrictions on the motor by allowing the unit to pull air from a larger area.

This isn’t always possible or cost-effective.

2 pulleys on the motor to increase fan speed. If the Adjust motor speed: Adjust the sheaves or

existing motor’s horsepower is sufficient, this can overcome the pressure drop caused by a tighter filter.

3 horsepower is insufficient, you need to install a Install a new motor: If the current motor’s new motor.

Rebalancing equipment after adding a higher MERV-rated filter.

“85% 34

of motors that get sent back to us are from a winding failure from getting too hot. This is caused by restrictions in airflow.” Jason Carlson, vice president of training, Johnstone Supply.

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Note: Failing to rebalance equipment after changing to a tighter filter means you are knowingly restricting airflow. Over time you will cook the heat exchanger or the motor if adjustments aren’t made.

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PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE Cont’d from pg. 34 The role of ECM motors Electronically commutated motors (ECMs) are now common in modern HVAC equipment. These motors are controlled by a control panel that adjusts fan speed to compensate for loss in airflow. They contain a module that measures static pressure and adjusts speed based on demand. While this can protect the heat exchanger if filters get plugged up, ECM motors become extremely inefficient at higher ranges. They also often can’t handle the increased restriction caused by tighter filters.

Newer units equipped with ECM motors may ramp the motor down to half speed if they detect a static pressure over 0.8. This protects the motor from overheating but also means the unit won’t run unless modifications are made to the system.

MERV 8: Less restrictive, allows for better airflow, hold up to the light and you can see through it.

UNDERSTANDING MERV RATINGS The Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) tells us how tight a filter is or how small the particles are that it can capture. MERV ratings range from 1 to 20.

As the rating increases, the minimum size of the particles filtered out gets smaller, meaning more particles are captured. Here is a breakdown of MERV ratings and the particles they filter: • MERV 1–4: > 10.0 μm (pollen, dust mites, textile fibres) • MERV 5–8: 10.0–3.0 μm (mould spores, pet dander) • MERV 9–12: 3.0–1.0 μm (legionella, lead dust)

MERV 11: More restrictive, captures smaller particles, builds up debris faster, and increases pressure drop.

MAINTENANCE TIPS TO SHARE WITH CUSTOMERS When switching to a higher MERV-rated filter, it’s crucial to follow some maintenance tips. Share them with customers to ensure the HVAC system runs efficiently: Regular Inspections: Check filters regularly. Higher MERV filters can become clogged faster, so more frequent inspections are necessary.

This ensures that you catch any blockages early and maintain optimal airflow. Ignoring this step can lead to significant performance issues and increased wear and tear on the system.

• MERV 13–16: 1.0–0.3 μm (bacteria, smoke) • MERV 17–20: < 0.3 μm (viruses, carbon dust)

Scheduled Replacements: Replace filters according to the manufacturer’s recommendations or even more frequently if the filters appear dirty. Higher MERV-rated filters capture more particles, which means they can become saturated more quickly.

Monitor System Performance: Keep an eye on the HVAC system’s performance. If you notice a drop in efficiency or an increase in running time, it might be due to the higher resistance of the filter. Monitoring performance helps in identifying issues early, ensuring that the system remains effective and energy-efficient.

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System wear and tear: The increased strain on the system can lead to more frequent repairs. It can also lead to a shorter lifespan for HVAC equipment.

Components such as motors and heat exchangers can suffer from the added stress, necessitating more frequent repairs or replacements, thereby increasing long-term costs.

Professional Maintenance: Schedule regular maintenance to ensure the system is properly balanced and running efficiently. Adjust system settings and make necessary modifications to accommodate the higher MERV-rated filters, ensuring long-term reliability.

COST IMPLICATIONS OF HIGHER MERV-RATED FILTERS While the initial cost of the filter might be higher, there can be additional costs associated with maintaining proper airflow and system efficiency. This might include: Higher energy bills: Due to the increased resistance, the HVAC system might have to work harder. This leads to higher energy consumption and increased utility bills. This extra effort translates to more energy usage, which can quickly add up, impacting your monthly budget.

Maintenance costs: More frequent filter replacements and potential adjustments to the HVAC system can lead to higher maintenance costs. Ensuring optimal performance with higher MERV-rated filters might require additional services from your company, increasing overall maintenance expenses.

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FITTINGS

B y B raedl yn McEwen

Why not all tank tees are created equal

T

ank tees are a sleek and easy way of connecting multiple parts to the pressure tank. By including a tank tee, you eliminate the clutter surrounding the pressure tank, which ultimately lowers your stress level as all parts are easy to access. But not all tank tees are created the same. Tank tees are available in a variety of different materials as certain applications require a specific material.

In this post, we take a walk through the different material options for tank tees and go through the importance of each material to help you better identify the tank tee needed for a particular application.

STAINLESS STEEL Stainless solid tank tees are stronger than both brass and bronze and there is less of a chance of splitting with a stainless tank tee. Stainless tank tees are also made from non-corrosive 300 series stainless and are a high-quality investment casting, which equals a more uniform casting. The downfall of stainless steel tank tees is they do cost more compared to the brass or bronze tank tees.

WHAT ARE THEY? Tank tees are a multi-port fitting designed to connect a tank to the water system. Multi-port allows for just one fitting to do the same job as eight or more pipe fittings, creating a neater and easier installation. You can find tank tees in brass, bronze, galvanized, stainless steel and PVC. They come in both union and non-union designs.

Tank tees are available in a variety of lengths to mirror the diameter of the pressure tank.

Typically, all tanks have a FPT (Female Pipe Thread) connection located at the centre bottom of the tank. Tank diameters are usually 16 in., 21 in., 24 in., 30 in. and 36 in.

UNION

BRASS SOLID

Union tank tees are designed in many different configurations to adapt to a broad variety of pre-charged or bladder-type pressure tanks. If the tank happens to fail, the pressure tank can be removed and replaced very quickly and easily with no need to redo the plumbing and electrical connections to the pressure switch.

Union tank tees are designed to make the installation and repair processes hassle free. The standard AS568 O-rings provide a watertight seal with no need to worry about the connections leaking. Union tank tees can be tightened or loosened even with the inlet or outlet connections plumbed.

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Brass solid tank tees are lower cost compared to stainless tank tees and the heavy duty brass tees.

Brass solid tank tees do have a lighter wall design, which means they will have a shorter life expectancy in any aggressive water applications compared to the stainless steel tank tees.

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FITTINGS

Cont’d from pg. 38

GALVANIZED

PVC

Galvanized tank tees are very strong and resist cracking. They are lower cost than stainless, brass and bronze, and they are suitable for galvanized tank installation. It is important to use similar metals to eliminate corrosion caused by galvanic action between the tank tee and the tank. Galvanized tank tees have to be used in conjunction with a pipe nipple and they have a limited range of styles to choose from. Ensure that galvanized tank tees are suitable to be used in your jurisdiction, as not all provinces allow for the use of galvanized tank tees.

PVC tank tees are the lowest cost tank tee compared to all the other materials and they are non-corrosive. A downside is they are not as strong as metal tank tees, and similar to the galvanized tank tees, the PVC tank tees have a limited range of available styles.

Braedlyn McEwen is a marketing supervisor at Boshart Industries (boshart.com).

CONCLUSION Each tank tee has its benefits and disadvantages, and each one is built for specific applications. Refer to this article when selecting a tank tee and it will help you determine which tank tee you require for the job.

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REFRIGERATION

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE PROVES USEFUL IN THE FIELD F

or most people out there the term “AI” is certainly becoming more popular but is it a buzz word or is AI something with substance? AI, or artificial intelligence, is advanced computing where computers simulate human intelligence. It is not a single device or a single program. AI uses different technologies and techniques to process questions, gather information and answers, and incorporates machine learning from the repeat inputs and outputs provided.

AI chatbot interface has many different uses, including gathering information; data analytics; image and speech recognition; automation; creating photos, images and videos; and even determining medical diagnoses and treatments.

AI can be used for many different uses, including gathering information; data analytics; image and speech recognition; automation; creating photos, images and videos; and even determining medical diagnoses and treatments. There are many different AI chatbots out there and all of these take questions and inquiries to provide information quickly, sometimes lightning fast.

HOW IS AI PRESENT IN THE HVAC/R INDUSTRY? AI is growing and is commonly used as a tool for many people out there.

I have used different AI tools for various requirements and the reasons to use it are expanding daily. Just a few months ago I sat in on an AI class at a North American Sustainable Refrigeration Council (NASRC) Natural Refrigerant Training Summit.

The presenter was an old pal, Trevor Matthews founder of Refrigeration Mentor. It was a full class of technicians and during the session Matthews demonstrated various uses of advanced AI applications to search photos, and to provide input on various troubleshooting tips. There were many in the class who had little to no experience with AI and it was very well received. I believe many attendees left the class that day with a new approach of utilizing AI to improve their daily tasks.

Some of these applications may be familiar to readers: ChatGPT, Grok, Gemini, Perplexity, Microsoft Copilot and Meta AI, just to name a few. Most of these apps have a free version but also have subscription-based paid versions which provide a much higher level of AI experience.

Chances are you have used varying support of simple AI, from spellcheck or word suggestions on your phone, to getting AI answers from a common Google search.

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If you are working with dedicated, companyspecific AI chatbots you can have confidence in the response.

Mike Squires

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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.

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AI IN THE FIELD

CREATING OPPORTUNITIES

HVAC/R companies are really getting into the AI game.

As an example, earlier this year Copeland included an AI system in its mobile app called SCOUT AI. This offers information focusing on the manufacturer’s products. It does deep searches within the vast array of technical and engineering bulletins, product manuals and various other company data sources.

Another big item for AI in the world of HVAC/R is the amount of computing power required by the technology. A typical AI search will use up to 10 times more energy than a typical general search engine inquiry. That is a lot of energy and as the energy demands rise so do power requirements. These mega data centres could be from 100,000 ft² to several million square feet with power requirements of 20 to 100 megawatts.

I was recently approached by a technician who had a question on a compressor valve plate. The gentleman showed me a photo of an old valve plate and its replacement which looked quite different. His question was if the different style was OK or if he had the proper part. Honestly, I have worked on and opened many compressors and was familiar with the look of both of the types of valve plates but I did not really know the difference or why they were different.

I pulled out my phone and opened the Copeland mobile app and asked it, “Did the material of a Copeland Discus valve plate change at some point?” and to my surprise it spit out an advanced detailed response including a link to a market bulletin showing images of both types of Discus valve plates. I was impressed with the detailed response.

With all that power and computing comes the requirement for a lot of cooling. Data centres are not strange places for HVAC/R professionals. As there are more and more AI requirements the cooling demand and cooling innovations will follow.

If you think artificial intelligence is a fad you are likely mistaken. While waiting to be proven right or wrong you may as well make use of it. I am using it more and more and think it’s great. If you are uncomfortable with the artificial term just refer to it as additional intelligence and use it as your secret (or not so secret) weapon.

AI data centres differ from traditional data centres in their infrastructure, requiring advanced cooling systems, more powerful computing, and robust networking to support AI training and deployment.

With all types of AI, the artificial Intelligence is gained with advanced internet searching so whenever a search is performed you have to look within the response and look at the data source from where that AI response came from. Standard AI can almost pull information from anywhere on the World Wide Web. As is the case with anything on the internet you can’t assume it’s fact over fiction. Diligence is required when looking into the source information, but if you are working with dedicated, companyspecific AI chatbots you can have confidence in the response provided. Results are from the developer’s own official documents and often have links to the actual source documents.

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2025 Heating Product Showcase Hydronic air handler Napoleon’s Ecosmart hydronic air handler series delivers 12,500 to 131,500 BTU with variable-speed ECM or multispeed constant-torque ECM motors, and airflow from 300 to 2,000 CFM. Depending on the model, it supports fully modulating, single-, or three-stage heating and cooling up to 5 tons. Designed for low-, mid-, and high-velocity applications, features include multiple fan profiles, built-in dehumidification, DHW priority, freeze protection, optional zoning with constant pressure technology, and compatibility with high-velocity mini-duct or standard duct systems. Units are EQ Fusion Hybrid compatible and CSA P.9.11 certified, and available in LVS, LVP, HVP, and HVP zoned models. napoleon.com

Universal heat pump The Rheem RD17AZ is a high-efficiency, sidedischarge universal heat pump from the Endeavor Line Classic Plus series. It offers up to 19 SEER2 cooling and 8.5 HSPF2 heating efficiency, operates at 50dB, and features a variable-speed twin rotary compressor for precise comfort. Compact and eco-friendly, it fits tight spaces and works with most HVAC systems. rheem.ca

GM damper actuator

A2A heat pump Navien NAZ series air to air heat pumps are equipped with inverter driven compressors and capacity matching technology to adapt to current load conditions. NAZ delivers reliable heating with outdoor temps as low as -20°C and has sound dampening features. Bluetoothenabled diagnostics via the Navien MultiKit app help streamline setup, charging, and troubleshooting.

Field-selectable defrost options, precharged for line sets up to 25-ft., and four access panels further enhance flexibility and speed onsite. When matched with Navien NAS air handlers, NAZ achieves up to 19.5 SEER2 and 9+ HSPF2 efficiency. navieninc.ca

Belimo’s next generation GM damper actuator is designed to provide a customizable solution for non-fail-safe HVAC applications where 360 in.-lb (40 Nm) is needed. With a 75-per cent reduction in power usage at rest, the damper actuator is fully customizable, with fieldreplaceable electrical connections, and an intuitive LED indicator that shows device status. Devices can be read and configured using Belimo Assistant 2 with NFC, even without power, allowing for preconfiguration before reaching the construction site. belimo.com/ca

Efficient boilers

Firetube boiler

Eco-King produces Made in Canada boilers and combi boilers that are ultra reliable and simple to install. The EcoKing Supreme boiler is 95 per cent AFUE rated and ENERGY STAR approved.

Boilers are available in three sizes of 100,000, 140,000, and 200,000 BTU. The Combi C Model provides instant on-demand hot water with hydronic heating offering 3.4, 4.2 and 6.6 GPM output tap water to 21.1°C. kingheatingproducts.com

Weil-McLain Canada’s Simplicity residential stainless steel firetube boiler offers heat-only or both space heating and domestic hot water in a compact unit. It is wall-mountable or can be placed on an optional floor stand and is designed for ease of serviceability.

With high-efficiency performance up to 95 per cent AFUE and a 10:1 turndown, the boiler comes in three sizes (110, 150 and 199 MBH) and features user-friendly interface with Bluetooth connectivity. weil-mclain.ca

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2025 Heating Product Showcase Cold climate heat pump The LG cold climate heat pump operates at temperatures as low as -35°C. It retains full heating capacity down to -25°C and functions at 70 per cent capacity at -35°C, and incorporates a refrigerant cycle that prevents frost accumulation on the outdoor heat exchanger. These units are equipped with a high-capacity, high-efficiency twin rotary inverter compressor that uses low GWP R32 refrigerant. COP at -15°C for 9K BTU is 2.04, and 12K BTU is 2.05. lghvac.com

A2A heat pump Viessmann’s Vitocal 100-S single zone air to air ducted heat pump system for residential and light commercial applications offers the advantages of traditional ducted heating and cooling with the efficiency and flexibility of ductless inverter technology. The compact system supports the reuse of existing refrigerant lines, ductwork, thermostats, fan coils, and furnaces. The heat pump systems are available in models from 18,000 to 60,000 BTUs with efficiency ratings up to 18.0 SEER2 and 9.8 HSPF2. viessmann.ca

Ducted and ductless heat pumps The cold climate centrally ducted heat pump from Conforto delivers wholehome heating, even at -30°C, and summer cooling, while maximizing energy efficiency. For targeted spaces, the Maximum ductless mini-split offers precise temperature control with inverter technology that adapts to user needs. Both systems are whisperquiet and ENERGY STAR certified.

Units offer up to 18 SEER2 efficiency, up to 12.4 EER2, and up to 10 HPSF2, with outdoor unit capacities from 18,000 to 60,000 BTU/hr. confortohvac.com

115V heat pump models Daikin OTERRA R32 single-zone heat pumps are now available in 115V models and include Daikin’s new SIGNA flareless adaptor for simple and fast copper pipe connections, making them suitable for applications that cannot accommodate a 208/230V circuit. The lightweight, compact heat pumps feature Daikin’s inverter technology, offering cooling from 10°C to 46.1°C and heating from -15°C to 18.3°C, with operation as low as 25 dB(A) for indoor units and 46 dB(A) for outdoor units. Daikin OTERRA 115V systems are available in 0.75- to one-ton sizes, with 9,000 to 12,000 BTU/hr heating capacities. daikincomfort.com

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Variable fan coil The TRACvalve variable fan coil from Williams Comfort Products, and available through Ontor, is a cost-efficient solution to increase comfort through air temperature control. With TRACvalve, the system’s central pumps use less horsepower to provide heating and cooling. TRACvalve also improves central plant efficiency by moderating and lowering the overall energy demand, and adjusts to the design LAT, maintaining a high Delta-T across the coil. Variable fluid flow reacts to room and system changes, reducing the GPM at a load mode demand. williamscomfort.com ontor.com

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2025 Heating Product Showcase Modulating controllers Roberts-Gordon modulating controllers optimize infrared heating with intelligent, realtime output adjustment based on outdoor and indoor conditions for consistent comfort and reduced energy use. With one vacuum pump, two-zone control, and four operating modes, the heating controllers deliver flexible, efficient zone management – making them suited to commercial and industrial applications. robertsgordon.com

Wood chip boilers The Hargassner Eco-HK 50 kW and 60 kW wood chip boilers are fully automatic units that produce 170,000 and 205,000 BTU/hr respectively, and are suitable for farms, single-family homes and multi-family residences. The boilers feature a step grate system, automatic fuel quality detection, exhaust fan (EC motor) with negative pressure monitoring, and user-friendly touch display. The wood chip boiler series from Hargassner is available in 50 kW to 330 kW models. hargassner.com

Ductless heat pump The Senville LETO series ductless heat pump has SEER ratings up to 21.5.

The unit provides reliable heating and cooling down to -25°C, controlled with the included remote or via Alexa. The series operates quietly and features leak detection and selfcleaning. Available in BTU capacities from 9,000 to 36,000, the LETO is AHRI Certified and ETL C LISTED. senville.ca

VRF heat pump Offered under both the Carrier and Toshiba Carrier brands, the Opti-V variable refrigerant flow heat pump for residential and light commercial applications supports up to nine indoor units with a single outdoor unit. It has SEER2 ratings up to 29.7, HSPF2 up to 12.2, and heating in temperatures as low as -30°C and cooling in temperatures up to 50°C. With a compact footprint and extended piping lengths up to 984 ft., the unit is suited to zero-lot-line applications and complex installations.

Sound levels are as low as 31 dB(A) for indoor units, and 56 dB(A) for outdoor units. carrier.com

Commercial manifold Uponor introduces its commercial stainless steel manifold, delivering flow capacity of up to 48 GPM for demanding commercial hydronic applications. Ideal for radiant heating and cooling, snow and ice melting, and permafrost prevention, it features high-flow meters, large ball valves, and preassembled configurations for improved system performance.

The manifold simplifies installation with fast venting, purging, and filling, while reducing design complexity and special-order delays to save time, labour and cost on commercial projects. uponor.com

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Flexible heat pumps The AIRSTAGE J-7s line of VRF heat pumps from Fujitsu General America offer flexible installation, improved efficiency, and compact cabins up to 16 per cent smaller than earlier models. The line includes 2-, 3-, and 4-ton models, for commercial and light commercial applications, with ratings of up to 15.7 EER2, 22.2 SEER2, 11.3 HSPF2, and 4.64 COP2. Systems work in outdoor temperatures of between -26.1°C and 21.1°C in heating mode, and -5°C and 50°C in cooling mode, and include a built-in base pan heater for reliable winter performance. Outdoor units support up to 12 indoor units for zoning. fujitsugeneral.com

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GREEN, TECHNOLOGICAL, SMART...

MONOBLOC

INVERTER HEAT PUMP Gree/ForestAir

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

Metal Mesh

DISTRIBUTED BY

ForestAir products are subject to continuous improvements. Sunrise Tradex Corp. reserves the right to modify product design, specifications and information without notice and without incurring obligations.

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Great and Innovative Features !

• REER 2.6 / COP 2.6

• Low Energy Consumption

• Monobloc Solution

• Inverter Technology

• Ideal for Modular Construction

• Optional Wired Thermostat

• Ease of Installation • No Outdoor Unit

• Two Water Drainage Option ; Indoor Drainage or Outdoor Drainage

• No Fluid Handling

• R32 Refrigerant

Learn more at www.forestair.ca or contact proservice@sunrisetradex.com

2025-10-02 4:32 PM

2025 Heating Product Showcase Low GWP heat pumps Bosch Home Comfort’s line of R-454B-equipped Inverter Ducted Packaged Family heat pumps includes the IDP Plus and IDP Premium heat pumps. Both feature silent blade technology, sound isolating mounts and outdoor condensing section placements; intelligent control for automatic adjustments to temperature settings; and regulated energy consumption to ramp up and avoid spikes. The IDP Plus offers standard 16-SEER2 efficiency, while the IDP Premium features an inverter compressor operating at 33 to 114 per cent speed and modulates in one per cent increments. Both units are available in 3- and 5-ton models. bosch-homecomfort.ca

Purifying technology The ClimaPure XZ highefficiency ductless heat pump from Panasonic provides cold climate heating operation to -26°C. The wall-mounted system includes nanoe X air and surface purification technology to inhibit pollen, allergens, and other hazardous substances, while providing deodorizing for carpets, furniture and fabrics. With built-in Wi-Fi and Panasonic Comfort Cloud App, the system features a base pan heater, room freeze protection, and a fireplace function. Units range in size from 9,000 to 24,000 BTU and use R32 refrigerant. na.panasonic.ca

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Ventilation system US Ducts' KemJET is a central ventilation system for workshops where local exhaust ventilation systems are not feasible, or it can be used to supplement such systems.

The indoor air cleaning ventilation system offers simple, stand-alone installation and high performance nozzles to effectively protect employees and machines from fine dust. The heated, purified air remains in the room, so that heat from the heating system is retained in the winter for greater energy and cost savings kemper.eu/en

Spray foam insulation

Duct smoke detector

The Enverge 1860 CDN closed cell spray foam is CAN/ULC S705.1-15 compliant and is available in summer and winter blends designed for optimal sprayability. The product is formed by the reaction of proprietary resin blend and polymeric methylene diphenyl diisocyanate. The resin blend is comprised of polyols, additives, fire retardants and low global warming potential blowing agents. The spray is light green in colour. Its thermal performance creates an air, thermal and moisture barrier that minimizes air leakage and thermal bridging. envergesprayfoam.com

Air Products & Controls’ SL2000P photoelectric duct smoke detector, available from Ontor, is a four-wire conventional duct smoke detector offering fast installation, toolless testing with the cover in place, and easy maintenance.

Detectors can be mounted horizontally or vertically, and feature staggered terminal blocks for easier wiring. Units include an LED indicator showing normal status, alarm status, or trouble; low-flow technology between 100 and 4,000 ft./minute; and interchangeable plug-in UL268 photoelectric heads. Detectors have an operating voltage of 230 VAC, 115 VAC, 24 VA, and 24 VDC. ontor.com

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– Japanese precision and quality, built for the Canadian climate.

Powerful by nature.

Efficient by design.

Hitachi heat pumps are now available in Canada.

Find your local dealer to learn more.

Master Group

WE ARE WHEREVER YOU ARE. VISIT MASTER.CA

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2025-09-17 3:51 PM

COVER STORY

By Bruce Meacock

Mario Andretti: Still the man to beat

Mario Andretti posing with the Indianapolis 500 Borg-Warner Trophy.

I

t’s hard to reconcile the kind face and softspoken person sitting on the video call with one of the most feared drivers ever to grace the world of motorsports. And yet there he sits: Mario Andretti. Winner of 111 professional races and the single-most versatile race car driver the world has ever seen.

If you grew up in the 1970s or 1980s, you know his name. Period. There was no escaping it. Whether riding a bicycle, skateboarding or doing anything “fast,” you nicknamed yourself Andretti … alongside just about every other kid on the block.

We met up with Mario – as he asked to be called – on a video call this past summer.

He was at his home in Nazareth, PA − the very same town his family moved to when they emigrated from Italy in 1955 when he was 15.

When asked what made him so successful, there was no hesitation, “Team, with a capital T,” says Andretti. Deliberately surrounding himself with a team of individuals armed with skills he didn’t have allowed him to focus on driving and not trying to do more than he was capable of. “I didn’t have to overdo it and make mistakes that would cost me.”

The importance of building a united team was a lesson he learned before his career had really even begun.

At age 17, he and his identical twin brother Aldo, started building their

Having raced there several times, Canadian Tire Motorsports Park (formerly Mosport), 52

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na

t),

first race car – a dirt track racer to compete at local fairgrounds. “We didn’t know anything about the mechanics … but the passion drove us.”

Andretti with his two favourite sports trophies, the Borg-Warner and the Stanley Cup.

Early in this process they realized they might eventually be able to build a car, but they couldn’t build a race car. They needed a car “geek.” In short order, they found someone with the same passion for car development as they had for racing. “He went right to the top, to NASCAR, to one of the top teams to buy information for the set-up,” says Andretti.

By the time Andretti turned 19, aided by Aldo, four friends, and as legend has it, a doctored driver’s licence showing him to be 21 years old (the minimum age to race in his jurisdiction), Mario entered his first race. And he won. Soon Mario recounts, “with one car, one helmet and two drivers,” he and Aldo were both racing and winning. The future was set.

Andretti says whether in racing or in business, the key to success is finding people who have skills you don’t and regularly and openly recognizing their contributions.. That’s a rule he also applies to his personal life. When asked if he was handy around the house and what he knew about the “other” mechanical world, the world of plumbing and heating, he just laughed and said, “When something goes wrong, I call the pros.”

Andretti stressed it isn’t enough to simply hire capable people. You need to hire people with a passion for what they do. “The most thankless job, in my opinion, is a race car mechanic. For what they have to do and for the compensation … they are only driven by passion.” But without them, you have nothing.

As modest as he was fast, Andretti went on to become the winningest, multi-disciplined driver in motorsports history. And he’s not finished yet.

Andretti took his latest win earlier this year when it was announced that a brand-new entry, the Cadillac Formula One Team, would be taking to the F1 grid next year.

Andretti will play an important role in the team’s strategic direction, particularly as it relates to drivers.

Humbly, he adds, he will be “wherever I can help and give some advice.” Forty-seven years after leading his team to the Formula One World Championship, Mario Andretti is at home again in F1, helping build yet another team to take on the world.

UNPARALLED PERFORMANCE In a career that spanned 41 years – Mario officially ran his last race at age 60 – he raced in 879 professionally-sanctioned races and became the only driver in history to win races in Formula One (including the World Championship), IndyCar (including the Indy 500 and four Series Championships), NASCAR (including the Daytona 500), and Endurance Car Racing (he won the 24 Hours of Sebring three times).

Some fun facts about Mario:

• His loves watching hockey and his team is the Minnesota Wild.

• He drove 176 different race cars during his career.

• For 18 years, he had and adored, a pet pot-bellied pig • • •

named Martini.

In 1996, he and a long-time friend founded the Andretti Winery in Napa, CA. His estate in Nazareth, PA is called La Villa de Montona, in honour of his hometown in Italy. That town is now part of Croatia.

From 1948 to 1955, the Andretti family lived in a refugee camp following the redrawing of borders after WWII and fleeing communist rule.

named its 1.2 km back straight the “Mario Andretti Straightaway” in his honour.

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By Matthew Reid

SYSTEM SIZING

THE IMPROBABILITY OF DOMESTIC HOT WATER SIZING T

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Running out of hot water is an abhorrent problem to have.

Especially in a commercial building − yikes.

can always add more. If you oversized though, the problems don’t become as obvious. In fact, if you oversize you will likely not even know, but you will have higher emissions and operating costs than what the building is consuming. It’s not to say that your building won’t be under design conditions some of the time. There will just be times where you won’t have as

high a demand or sometimes, any demand at all other than a possible recirc line.

People leave their homes. People also have house parties. Lifestyles are variable and they should be. It seems the demand for hot water is as flexible as a ribbon. Hot water is a luxury most of us don’t give a second thought to until it’s not there and that happens so rarely that it’s always very

Photo Navien Inc.

he one thing that I have always loved about the math behind HVAC is the base definition of the BTU. If it is used as an exact, the math is incredibly simple. The problem being is the usage and delivery of a BTU is unfortunately variable. That is not to say it can’t be tuned to be as accurate as possible but because it depends on temperature, and according to my favourite law of thermodynamics #2, heat is more or less always in motion until thermal equilibrium is reached. Basically, there are a ton of variables but they do get smaller and smaller the more finite you look at the delivery of the BTUs. Variation is the very thing that makes domestic hot water (DHW) sizing somewhat complicated and yet so simple.

Simple but, for all intents and purposes, wrong.

The way we size DHW systems right now is still all based around a fixture count. You count each fixture and assign them a value.

A popular method gives a shower head a 2 for a fixture count. A kitchen sink gets a value of 2 as well. Multiply the count by the value and add up the total. The gallons per hour (GPH) the building requires for domestic water is provided, and with a bit of math, just adding a percentage to different types of fixtures, you come up with the hot water load.

So, here comes the problem. What if the building is not operating to design conditions? If you undersized, clearly you will run out of hot water. That’s easy to spot and for the most part easy to fix. You

On-demand instantaneous and semi-instantaneous respond in real time to the usage variations in a building.

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than that though. I have witnessed far from our minds. some of these case studies and in Although not a universal rule, one instance the DHW for the storage-based systems will or building was oversized nine times should have enough energy on too large. hand to provide the hot water The on-demand approach allows needs for the building for one hour for a much more flexible approach based on typical usage peak. More to heating water. I know it sounds or less. That means at 3 a.m. when redundant but it responds to the no one is doing anything, hot demand of the users. Should the water is still ready to go. Some may building always be ready to provide see this as comforting and I get Legionella requires a few things to grow and it’s more than just temperature below 140°F. It can peak load? Absolutely. Does it need it. Nevertheless it is not the most survive in temperatures as low as 77°F but stops to do this regularly? Not even close. effective way to do it and multiplying after 140°F, and 160°F or above kills it We should only be using the energy we all know it. pretty rapidly. when we need to.

Enter the world of on-demand There is a large benefit to instantaneous and semimitigating legionella as well instantaneous. Where these are with some on-demand heaters. different is they respond in real Legionella requires a few things time to the usage variations in to grow and it’s more than just the building. They typically have temperature below 140°F. It can a very large modulation rate and survive in temperatures as low as the instantaneous or on-demand 77°F but stops multiplying after models have very little to no storage 140°F, and 160°F or above kills depending on the models. Where it pretty rapidly. It also needs things really get interesting though stagnant or low-flow conditions, is going all the way back to the and food. It eats iron and organic standard sizing methods and matter. how these types of models had Taking any one of these three to adapt to that. factors into consideration for The standard sizing method is Our usage of hot water seems to have come down design helps your chances of based around GPH. This was for significantly in the last 50 years; fixtures have avoiding growth opportunities. storage tanks and ensuring the gotten better with lower flows for instance.

Some on-demand type water volume was always there. heaters remove the stagnant condition through the natural On-demand don’t have any volume so they had to operate use of the unit with no storage or pockets for biofilm to a bit differently and operate by gallons per minute (GPM). grow. Regular use provides the required flow through the GPH was great and ideal for dump loads. We are all unit but it’s never a bad option to have the unit recirc, terrified that our building would run out of hot water either internally or externally through the building. during dump load demands. What was an on-demand unit to do to combat this?

Manufacturers and system designers started doing their own Matthew Reid is technical director – heating division at math and research and discovered it’s rare for us to use as E.H. Price Solutions’ Richmond Hill, ON office. He can much hot water as we think we do. When we do use a lot it’s be reached at mreid@ehpricesolutions.ca. so much more efficient and effective to turn the dial to 11 rather than store it all day, every day, all year long.

Recent studies have also shown it’s common to oversize DHW needs based on current methods by a factor of two or more − twice as much as you need at any given time. It’s more

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Sponsored Profile

Solving Hot Water Issues with CircuitSolver®

• The Opportunity Hot water delays are one of the biggest frustrations in renovation projects, especially in healthcare and senior living facilities where patient comfort is critical. For contractors, delays in balancing domestic hot water systems (DHWS) can mean rework, wasted labour, and frustrated clients. When UH St. John’s Medical Center in Westlake, Ohio, renovated its maternity floors, Project Manager Adam Podway of Gorman-Lavelle Corporation needed a reliable way to ensure consistent hot water on the 2nd and 4th floors.

Having installed CircuitSolver® balancing valves on multiple projects over the past five years, Podway again turned to the technology he trusted to streamline this critical piece of the renovation.

: A Temperature Solution • toCircuitSolver a Temperature Problem ®

CircuitSolver , developed by ThermOmegaTech , is a thermostatic balancing valve designed to keep DHWS automatically and continuously balanced. Unlike manual or pressure-based solutions, CircuitSolver® uses a thermal wax actuator to open or close based on water temperature.

At system start up, the valve is wide open and will gradually close once the system temperature requirements are met.

The valve remains in its closed position to keep hot water in the line, opening as needed when the water temperature drops below the valve’s set point. To prevent deadheading the recirculation pump, the valve never fully closes, always allowing a small bypass of flow to the return.

CircuitSolver® balances a system in hours rather than days, eliminating the guesswork of manual adjustments because the valves continuously self-adjust as conditions change. ®

®

This not only saves labour but also reduces the risk of rework and callbacks, giving engineers and contractors confidence that the system will perform as designed from day one.

• The Installation During the maternity floor renovation, Podway oversaw the replacement of old manual valves with 5–7 CircuitSolver® assemblies per floor. After installation, Podway recalls the pressure leading up to system testing, “It was another added level of stress until the water was turned on and we started testing the return hot water system.” That stress didn’t last long. The CircuitSolver® valves quickly balanced the system. They also helped to streamline the installation process by eliminating confusion regarding valve placement or preset flow rates.

• The Result The outcome was clear: reduced labour, fewer installation errors, and confidence that the hot water system would perform as designed. Podway explains, “The final result is eliminating rework of replacing balancing valves installed in the wrong locations or incorrect pre-set flow rates.

There are labour savings and peace of mind knowing that the balancing valves are correct. Do it and save yourself the headache; CircuitSolver® is in a league of its own.”

For plumbing contractors, CircuitSolver® offers more than a product, it’s a proven way to cut installation time, avoid costly mistakes, and deliver consistent results. From healthcare facilities to hotels, this thermostatic technology has been solving hot water challenges since 2012.

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For more information on our thermostatic technology, please visit us at www.CircuitSolver.com.

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2025-09-25 3:13 4:56 PM 2025-09-26

KITCHEN & BATH TRENDS

Impactful upgrades include smart tech People are making small upgrades to their homes to boost functionality and comfort, especially in the kitchen and bathroom

A

s worries about the economy persist, more consumers are opting for smaller upgrades or redesigns to bathrooms and kitchens rather than full renovations.

Instead of totally remodelling they’re focused on stylish and functional additions that enhance whole home comfort, convenience and health, while adding financial value to their homes.

Green, blue, brown and cream are popular colours in kitchens and bathrooms, with natural wood and mixed metals, and fixtures in gold, black, chrome and brushed metals.

Photo NKBA, Barb Weis, designer

PERSONALIZED STYLE The National Kitchen & Bath Association’s (NKBA) 2025 Kitchen Trends Report notes that when it comes to kitchen upgrades, consumers are prioritizing functionality with a personal touch, design that connects with nature, and products that emphasize physical wellbeing. NKBA’s 2025 Bath Trends Report shows a similar trend, with consumers interested in ways to transform the bathroom into a personalized spa, again emphasizing style, function and wellbeing.

Colours are also taking a cue from nature, with green, blue and brown tones, cream, and surprising pops of shades like golden yellow or deep red. Natural wood and metals are being mixed and matched more frequently, and fixtures for both kitchens and bathrooms are popular in black, gold, chrome and brushed metals.

“A lot of today’s design trends lean into holistic wellness in the home to enhance

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overall wellbeing,” says Danielle DeBoe Harper, senior creative style manager and trend forecaster for Moen. “Personal wellbeing is all about creating a home that feels like a sanctuary, bringing feelings of joy, comfort and rejuvenation.”

The Solara 2-Piece Roman Bathtub Faucet with Pressure Balanced Rough-In Valve is part of the Bélanger Pro line’s Solara Collection. The minimalist set has a modern spout and streamlined single lever handle, with solid brass construction and ceramic disc cartridge for durability and smooth operation. The maximum flow rate is 6.6L/min. at 80 psi. It is available in polished chrome and matte black. belangerfaucets.com

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B y C aro l yn Cooper SMARTER TECH Upgrades that incorporate technology or WiFi connectivity are in high demand with consumers, especially for consumers looking for practicality and convenience in a stylish package. “We’re seeing a strong shift toward renovations that emphasize both aesthetics and functionality,” says John Cardiff, executive vice president, business development, North America, for Regina, SK-based Canature WaterGroup. “Homeowners are investing in sleek, space-saving fixtures and appliances that complement modern kitchen and bathroom designs. Smart technology is playing a major role – IoT-enabled appliances and fixtures that offer customization, remote access, and real-time monitoring are quickly moving from ‘nice-to-have’ to expected.”

“Hygiene also remains a top priority as consumers continue to opt for hands-free technology. Eliminating the need to touch the faucet with dirty or wet hands is ideal, especially in high-touch point spaces like kitchens and bathrooms,” says DeBoe Harper. She adds, products that make maintenance easier are also in high demand, such as showerheads with magnetic docking technology that snap on and off for cleaning.

“While not specifically in the kitchen or bathroom, smart leak detection devices can be installed to protect homes from flooding,” adds DeBoe Harper. The devices can automatically shut off the water to prevent catastrophic damage to the structure and personal belongings by being installed to the home’s main water supply line. Additionally, the devices may help homeowners achieve savings on insurance costs.

As well as touchless faucets, smart technology appearing in bathrooms include toilets, bidets and customizable showerheads with multifunctional features. Luxury tech includes Kohler’s Invigoration Series, a steam system that turns bathrooms into spa-like steam rooms, which can be integrated into digital shower setups.

With its elegantly lengthened, C-shaped spout form, the Cia faucet differs from the linear and horizontal designs featured in many modern faucets. Cia pulldown faucets offer new finish combinations with optional mixed finish accents for an elevated aesthetic in the kitchen. They also feature MotionSense Wave touchless technology. moen.ca

The Kohler Leap Smart Toilet offers touchless technology and water conservation with a sleek, one-piece design. The toilet features dual-flush function of 1.0 or 1.28 gpf (3.4 or 4.8 lpf), integrated bidet, hands-free flushing, and heated seat with adjustable temperature settings. It has an automatic deodorizing system, with a self-cleaning function using UV light to automatically clean the wand surface every 24 hours or manually as needed. kohler.com

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KITCHEN & BATH TRENDS Cont’d from pg. 59 WATER QUALITY

The Aqua Flo CRO-800UX6 Tankless Reverse Osmosis System delivers high-efficiency water treatment with a 2:1 purified-to-drain ratio and 800 GPD flow (2.3 L/min). Its thinfilm composite membrane ensures top-quality potable water, while quickchange disposable filters and a filter life indicator simplify maintenance.

An integrated leak alarm adds peace of mind, and the compact design frees up valuable under-sink space. canaturewg.com

With the increasing emphasis on home health, the NKBA says that water and air quality are becoming top considerations when home owners make upgrades. Again consumers are looking for smart tech-enabled systems that are intuitive and convenient to use, while improving water quality throughout the home.

“In residential water treatment, these trends are reflected in the rise of compact, tankless reverse osmosis (RO) systems and Wi-Fi-enabled water softeners,” says Cardiff. “Tankless RO units free up under-sink space while providing a cleaner, more contemporary look that matches today’s design-driven renovations. Features such as integrated leak detection, service reminders, and filter replacement indicators are also in traction, both for safeguarding plumbing and appliances and high demand for drinking water systems. for improving overall water quality throughout the house,” “With Wi-Fi connectivity, homeowners can now monitor notes Cardiff. their water softener performance in real time from a phone Cardiff says water treatment systems can also enhance the or tablet—tracking water usage, checking salt levels, and value of the home. “In kitchens, reverse osmosis systems detecting leaks. This not only takes the guesswork out are a high-value upgrade, giving homeowners clean, greatof system maintenance but also provides peace of mind, tasting water on demand while adding an attractive, modern especially for homeowners who travel frequently or manage feature buyers recognize,” he explains. “In bathrooms, a water multiple properties. Finally, as renovation and construction softener that protects plumbing, fixtures, and finishes from costs continue to climb, homeowners are becoming more hard water damage while delivering everyday comfort is the protective of their investment. Whole-home solutions such most impactful addition.” as water softeners and chlorine filtration systems are gaining 22_0470_Tape_Quad_HalfHoriz_US_MXsp Mod: May 20, 2025 10:06 AM Print: 07/17/25 page 1 v2.5

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CIPHEX

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Road Warrior

Name: Colin Sadler Company: John Sadler Plumbing & Heating Ltd. Job title: President, gas fitter, plumber Born in: New Westminster, BC Lives in: Surrey, BC Age: 50 Family: Spouse Tina, and two children Do you have any pets: Two cats, one Bengal, one rescue

By Carolyn Cooper

Colin Sadler:

All in the family A

Photo: Naomi Maya Photography

lthough Colin Sadler grew up working in his family business, John Sadler Plumbing & Heating in Surrey, BC, he wasn’t totally set on joining the company after finishing high school. “I did not want to be a plumber – it’s probably the last thing I wanted to do,” he recalls. It wasn’t until after he started business school and realized he didn’t enjoy it, that Sadler’s father, John, suggested he begin an apprenticeship. “So, I did, and here we are. And I wouldn’t trade this job for any other. I love it.”

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Sadler remembers his apprenticeship including “a lot of really awful jobs – I was always on the end of a shovel or jackhammer and concrete,” but adds that “as I kept progressing, I started to get jobs like repair work and boiler work, and that’s when I started to get more interested.” In 2005, Sadler’s father decided to relocate, and asked Sadler and his wife Tina to take over the company, something he says was a steep learning curve.

“I was not ready. My wife had a business background, so she knew how to run things, but I didn’t know how to do estimating, what jobs to take on, and how to really talk to customers as an owner. So, I had a lot to learn.”

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With his father’s help Sadler learned how to hire the right staff, quote projects, and provide customer education, and, he says, “we kind of grew and grew. The biggest thing that I learned was putting a lot of detail into my quotes, so the customer knows what they’re getting and what they’re not getting. That’s been very important.”

Today the company has six technicians, including the Sadlers’ son Hayden, who is a gas fitting apprentice.

While the company used to do industrial and commercial work, Sadler now focuses on residential installations, service and repairs, including boilers, furnaces, and hot water systems. “What I enjoy most is replacing hot water heating systems that are in terrible shape, really poorly installed, and putting in a nice wood backing or a checker plate, and just making the new system look amazing.”

While he saw a “huge surge in heat pumps” by customers cashing in on government rebates, Sadler says combi boilers are very popular at the moment.

“People are also asking a lot about ductless systems,

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our mini splits,” he adds. “A lot of [older homes] are getting knocked down, and they’re putting up townhouses everywhere. And a lot of them have either electric heat or they’ll have electric heat on the top floor and HVAC for the main floor and the garage. And although it’s not really popular here yet because it’s so expensive, air to water heat pumps may become something in the future that we see more of, and also heat pump hot water tanks may slowly start to grow here as a sector.”

Sadler and his crew often take on large residential projects, which he says “are the more fun jobs. We do punch a little bit above our weight, I would say, and we’re good at them, we’re efficient at them.” At press time the company was about to begin replacing a hot water heating system in a seniors’ building with approximately 80 units. “We’re using three 399,000 BTU boilers, a couple of tanks, all new piping, really modernizing the systems where they’ll save money on their fuel quite a bit,” he says. “Those jobs are always memorable, because it’s a real team effort to do them.”

In the mechanical industry since: Full time since 1993, although I worked summers during high school for the family business 1990 to 1993 Schools and programs: Earl Marriott Secondary School, graduated 1993; British Columbia Institute of Technology, plumbing Red Seal and Gas fitting B ticket, graduated 1997 Favourite teacher: Roy Hardman Favourite class: Earth science Best advice you’ve ever received: Take things one day at a time Advice for young people considering entering the trades: When you first begin, be patient, stay determined, and stay positive. It can be overwhelming at first, but you will learn something each day and before you know it you will begin to feel more confident.

The current work ride: 2016 Mercedes Sprinter tall roof V6 Any area you like to get dispatched to, and why: Working at White Rock Beach is always nice on a sunny day Favourite part of the job: Boiler retrofits, especially removing very poorly installed messy systems and giving the client a neat, tidy professional mechanical room Tool that you wish you had: REMS pipe bender If you were granted one wish: For my mom to have beaten cancer

Favourite outdoor activity: Hiking Favourite movies: The Mission Impossible series Favourite sport: Hockey Favourite car of all time: 2005 Acura NSX Favourite video game and preferred gaming system: Battlefield, Xbox The most useful tool in your toolbox: A tie between my Ridgid press tool and my Jokari cable stripper 3 albums that you’d take with you to your desert island: 1. U2 – The Joshua Tree 2. Smashing Pumpkins – Siamese Dream 3. The Cure – Wish Best concert you ever attended: U2 – The Joshua Tree anniversary tour Favourite place to be: Maui Hobbies: Hiking, golf, HYROX, CrossFit, Xbox Last book you read: The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck

by Mark Manson Last movie you saw: Happy Gilmore 2 Biggest pet peeves: Lack of awareness of others, and people who only think about themselves One place in the world you would like to visit: New Zealand If you could meet anyone, alive or dead, who would it be: Steve Irwin Finish these sentences: My rule of thumb is … be mindful of others.

If I had a million dollars … I would take more holidays.

If I had a super power it would be … to be able to teleport anywhere instantly.

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HYDRONICS

B y B o b “H o t Ro d” Rohr

No really, how efficient is my boiler?

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Bob Rohr is a trainer with Caleffi, and was the recipient of the 2020-2022 Carlson-Holohan Industry Award of Excellence. He has 40+ years of experience as a plumbing, radiant heat and renewable energy contractor.

et’s take a look at some of the information that can be garnered from the label on a boiler.

Over the years various methods have been implemented to determine boiler efficiency. The input number is where we start. How many BTUs does the burner consume?

Generally, this is rated in BTUs per hour. In other parts of the world the boilers are rated in kilowatts.

For conversion’s sake 1 kW X 3.41= BTU/hr. So, a 40 kW wood-fired boiler for example would be a 136,400 BTU/hr boiler.

We use this conversion with electric boilers as they are often rated as kW outputs. A 4.5 kW electric boiler or water heater would be 15,345 BTU output. Good news about electric boilers: they are nearly 100 per cent efficient. All the electricity consumed turns into heat energy during the phase change.

Now with fuel fired boilers it gets more complicated. The conversion from a gas, wood or liquid fuel source is never 100 per cent efficient.

Often a number around 85- to 87-per cent efficient is what we consider a typical atmospheric non-condensing boiler.

Wood boilers are yet more complicated as the wood type, moisture content and burn management come into play.

Your customer has a new boiler installed. The boiler is advertised as an 85-per cent efficient boiler. For every $1 of fuel put into that boiler, 85 per cent (or $0.85) would convert to heat. While that is possible, I’d suggest it is not often the case.

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On to some number crunching

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Most boilers now list several numbers on the plate. Input BTU/hr, and several IBR ratings.

IBR (Institute of Boiler and Radiator Manufacturers). A manufacturer sends their product to an independent lab to generate these numbers.

IBR Gross Output is considered under steady-state operation. A perfectly sized boiler on a design day could in fact run non-stop for hours, maybe days. This would be the best efficient mode, next to the boiler not running at all.

IBR Net Output is the Gross times .85. This assumes 15 per cent of the Gross Output is released from jacket and piping loss before the energy gets to the emitters. Or warming a room temperature boiler after an off cycle, referred to as pick up allowance.

Yet another rating you may see is DOE heating capacity. The U.S. Department of Energy (if that still exists by the time you are reading this) maybe rightfully assumes all the heat loss described above is within the heating envelope. Many installers, reps, sales and designer folk suggest this number is most realistic.

If the boiler lives in an unheated, uninsulated basement or crawl space use the IBR net.

At day's end, you rarely find a boiler output that exactly matches the building heat load. Number one, the load changes second by second based on weather, occupants, internal gains, wind, solar gain, and so on.

Generally speaking, installers tend to error up one size to cover extreme, below design day temperature potential. Troubleshooters hate the “my home will not heat above 65°F (18°C)” call. The boiler is the drive train, so to speak.

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Higher Turndown Hydronics

Avenger Series II ®

5000 & 6000 MBH Boiler The Avenger® Series II is an advanced two-pass, counter-flow firetube commercial boiler, providing efficient hot water for demanding hydronic needs. » Industry-leading 40:1 turndown » Thermal efficiencies of up to 96% » Designed for today’s higher turndown variable primary and low pressure systems » 3 to 4 week lead-time with stock units available for quick ship CAMUS

To learn more, scan the QR code or visit www.camus-hydronics.com/HigherTurndownHydronics

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HYDRONICS Cont’d from pg. 64 Back to the numbers, how about: efficiency = desired output divided by required input. That is simple enough.

Heat output rate of boiler (BTU/hr) Steady-state = efficiency Energy input rate (BTU/hr) To measure this, also called steady-state efficiency, divide heat output by energy consumed.

For example, an oil-fired boiler runs continuously for 1 hour.

It uses .55 gallons of #2 fuel oil, while delivering 65,000 BTU. Assume 140,000 BTU per gallon of that oil. Running the numbers gets you 84.4 per cent. Ideally the boiler was tuned with a combustion analyzer to get the best bang or burn for your fuel dollars.

Cycle efficiency (%)

AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) refers to this relationship as output divided by input.

Steady-state efficiency = 84.5%

90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

Run fraction ( % time burner on)

Modulating boilers are king for getting short cycles under control. Few if any exist in standard atmospheric non-con boilers, although some copper tube boilers have two-step firing options in certain models.

Data shows most locations in Canada and the U.S. spend below 20 per cent of the heating season at design condition. Canada’s degree days are available at the Climate Atlas of Canada.* Now the boiler will cycle on and off based on either its high limit being reached, or the on/off switch on the wall (aka the thermostat) tells it to shut‘er down.

So, what we want to know is the cycle efficiency, that being total heat output over a period of time, divided by the fuel consumed over that same period. This cycle efficiency will always be lower than steady-state.

Run Fraction =

Burner on time Total elapsed time

You arrive at this number by calculating the run fraction. Simply put, burner on time divided by total elapsed time. Consider a low load day: the burner is on for five minutes, off for 20. Five minutes divided by 25 minutes (5 minutes + 20 minutes) is 20 per cent, probably not what the sales brochures talk about.

Using the graph top right (developed by Brookhaven National Lab and used with permission), locate 20 per cent on the bottom axis. Draw a line straight up to find your actual efficiency in the mid 70 per cent efficiency range.

What to do? Over-sized boilers suck fuel and lower the efficiency. Often boilers are oversized. Maybe the home was upgraded. Or, air leaks were located with a blower door and sealed off. Or, insulation was added. Or, there was a windows upgrade. Now even a right-sized boiler will be too large. Zoning can hamper efficiency. A 10,000 BTU/hr load on a 65,000 BTU/ hr boiler leads to significant short cycle potential.

Sometimes combining zones on a single thermostat can make a difference. Run everything at once to test and present the biggest load always.

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Any other fixes?

A buffer tank can work wonders. In fact, with wood-fired boilers, they are a must. Keep the boiler on for as long as possible when it is fired. Fill the reservoir with heat, sip off the tank. Buffer tank math will help you determine if the juice is worth the squeeze to add a buffer tank.

So, grab a comfortable chair, set thyself in front of your best buddy, the boiler, and collect some run times on design, and certainly less than design, days.

Obviously, we need some rational numbers to start with.

I’m not challenging the numbers on the data plate. But they are a “fraction” of the story when determining your fuel dollar utilization.

Resources *Climate Atlas of Canadahttps://climateatlas.ca/map/canada/hdd_2060_85# Thanks to John Siegenthaler for the heavy lifting and formulas. Check out Modern Hydronic Heating and Cooling, Chapter 3 in the Fourth Edition.

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Superior Performance for Mission Critical Installations For Mission Critical Installations, New Construction and Retrofit Applications Short Lead Times, Available Now

Vitocrossal 200 CI2

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Connectivty Ready Viessmann

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More information

2025-09-22 3:07 PM

Hydronic Products

Energy calculator

Retrofit boiler The CFR from Aerco is a stainless steel condensing boiler that can be installed in a Category 1/Type B venting, making it a cost-effective equipment upgrade for facility managers. Features include up to 4:1 turndown ratio, low NOx emissions, and up to 87.1 per cent thermal efficiency. A StackGuard Sensor prevents condensation and maintains safe operation in vent systems. The high-efficiency, gas-fired fire tube boiler is available in 1,500, 2,000 and 3,000 MBH, and can be serviced from the front, top or side.

www. aerco.com

The Energy Performance Improvement Calculator (EPIC) from Armstrong Fluid Technology calculates energy savings and ROI for upgrading older pumps with more efficient smart-ready models.

The cloud-based tool compares asset data to operational features of new design envelop pumps and generates a savings and ROI report, allowing facility managers to view their current energy footprint, and make data-driven decisions on upgrades.

Digital Alert

Y-pattern valves

armstrongfluidtechnology.com

Nibco’s Webstone Y-pattern thermostatic mixing valves come in two temperature ranges for water distribution systems and hightemperature hydronic applications, with an optional temperature gauge or as a body-only G-Series model for a custom solution. End connections are available in PEX, FIP, MIP, sweat, push, and press, with sizes ranging from 1/2 to 1 in. Products are lead free and feature dezincification-resistant brass.

www. webstonevalves.com

Condensing boilers KN-Series’ gas-fired, cast iron condensing boilers from Advanced Thermal Hydronics have AHRI-certified condensing efficiencies of up to 96 per cent with the KN Plus model. The boilers are suited to commercial and large residential applications with input capacities ranging from 200 to 4,000 MBH. HeatNet, ATH’s integrated boiler management control system, continuously monitors system parameters and modulates firing rates. It also supports networking of up to 16 boilers with seamless communication to building management systems.

www. knseries.com

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Pressure booster system KSB’s Delta Booster Skid is a fully automatic, ready-to-connect, preassembled and tested pressure booster system. Speed control ensures both energy efficient operation as well as constant pressure. An adjustable length lift check valve ensures no interruption of the water supply. Wet components of the system are stainless steel, and the pumps are NSF61 certified and approved for drinking water. All packages include preinstalled instrumentation. The panels are available up to 960 m3/hr capacity and 155 m head.

www. ksb.ca

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HVAC T H E N E X T WAV E O F C O M F O R T

NEW NAZ Air-to-air heat pump inverter-driven heating and cooling systems

NAS Series Air Handlers

NAZ Series Air-to-air Heat Pumps

NAM Series Cased Coils

NPF Series Hydro-furnaces

Navien introduces its full line of HVAC products, featuring new NAZ Heat Pumps, NAS Air Handlers, NAM Cased Coils, and other forced-air components. Deliver a whole-home AHRI matched Navien comfort system when pairing with the NPF Hydro-furnace, including a powerful dual-fuel system with gas-powered NPF and the NAZ Heat Pump.

To learn more about Navien HVAC comfort, visit us at navieninc.com.

Navien

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Taco

+1 905-564-9422 | 8450 Lawson Rd Unit #3, Milton, ON L9T 0J8, Canada

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2025-03-12 11:53 AM

CIPHEX

+ WEST

Vancouver, BC hosts CIPHEX + Electrical Learning Expo West

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IPHEX + Electrical Learning Expo West is being held at the Pacific Coliseum at 100 N Renfrew St. A showcase for innovative technologies, it’s Western Canada’s largest trade show for plumbing, hydronics, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration and water treatment.

Produced by the Canadian Institute of Plumbing & Heating (CIPH) in partnership with BC Electrical Association (BCEA) and Alberta Electrical Alliance (AEA), the show is aimed at contractors, wholesalers, engineers, builder managers, and other industry professionals. More than 200 exhibitors from Canada, the U.S, and around the world will be in Vancouver for the two-day event to showcase their latest products and technologies.

Complimentary educational sessions will be held around the trade show floor. Once again, the New Product Showcase will feature the latest technologies.

ciphexwest.ca

Show hours Wednesday, November 5 Thursday, November 6

9:00 a.m. − 6:00 p.m.

9:00 a.m. − 4:00 p.m.

For more CIPHEX + Electrical Learning Expo West 2025 information check out:

• List of Exhibitors pg. 72 • Product Showcase pg. 73 Floorplan, seminar and workshop information was not available at press-time.

Come visit us at Booth #1050 MB plumbing columnist Fred Bretzke will be onsite to talk about his 3D Enhanced 2020 NPC Code Appendix Supplement.

Special events • CIPH Women’s Network Networking Cocktail Hour – Nov. 5

6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. | Delta Hotel Burnaby, BC

• National Young Executive Society Bowling Evening – Nov. 5

6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. | REVS Bowling Burnaby, BC

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EXHIBITOR LIST A. O. Smith.................................................................... 105 A.M.T.S............................................................................407 Acuity Brands Lighting..............................................114 AdvancedBC Fire Systems..................................... 128 AIC Heat Exchangers................................................609 Aimco International....................................................211 Airtek Canda............................................................... 1412 Ambient Dynamics Ltd............................................607 Amtrol.............................................................................809 Anesi................................................................................726 Aprilaire........................................................................ 1020 Aqua-Tech Sales & Mktg........................................ 614 Aquatherm Corporation.........................................906 Armstrong Fluid Technology.................................219 ASPE British Columbia Chapter..........................1411 Atmosphere..................................................................724 Axiom Industries.........................................................522 Barclay Sales................................................................. 412 Bay Industrial................................................................ 813 Beaver Electrical Machinery..................................229 Belanger.........................................................................708 Better Air Manufacturing..........................................611 Bibby-Ste-Croix...........................................................912 BMI Canada..................................................................922 Boshart Industries......................................................920 Bradford White Canada............................................718 BWS Solutions...........................................................1304 Calcana Industries......................................................620 Calefactio....................................................................... 301 Caleffi Hydronic Solutions..................................... 900 Canadian Aqualine Sales .........................................811 Canadian Institute of Plumbing & Heating...1305 Canadian Water Quality Association............... 1314 Canature WaterGroup.............................................403 Canplas Industries Ltd...........................................1008 CB Supplies Limited..................................................508 Clairitech Innovations...............................................928 Concorde Distributing...........................................1028 Conex Bänninger Canada....................................1425 CSA Group.................................................................... 227 DAB Pumps Canada.................................................918 Daikin Comfort Technologies ...........................1418 DCS Agency................................................................. 722 E.P. Engineered Pump Systems...........................622 ECS Electrical Cable Supply....................................215 Enercall Sales and Service...................................... 621 Energy Wise Distributors Ltd..................................710 Equipco..........................................................................205 ESAB Group Canada................................................529 Express Radiant........................................................1040 Fairview............................................................................513 Fantech...........................................................................418 Fernox.............................................................................204 Fieldpiece Instruments...........................................1310

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Flexmaster Canada....................................................302 Fluidmaster...................................................................506 FortisBC Energy........................................................1025 Franklin Electric...........................................................938 Franklin Water Treatment Canada......................512 Fresh Aire UV................................................................ 725 Fujitsu General America........................................ 206 GE Appliances............................................................1401 Gerber Canada.............................................................312 Giacomini Canada......................................................519 Goldstone HVACR Inc...........................................1306 Granby Industries.......................................................618 Gripple Canada............................................................125 Grundfos........................................................................822 Halo Water Systems................................................. 408 Hammond Manufacturing......................................118 HeatLink Group........................................................1047 HEPVA-CA CO......................................................... 1048 Hisense Canada Co.,................................................823 House of Rohl.............................................................106 HPAC.............................................................................1018 HVAC Xchanger........................................................ 1415 Hydron-Aire ............................................................. 815 Hydrowest Products.................................................805 InSinkErator Canada Co........................................1026 IPEX Electrical Inc....................................................... 218 IPEX..................................................................................224 IPS Corp.........................................................................902 J.M Hasick & Associates..........................................709 Jim Pattison Lease....................................................1513 K.M. Roberts & Associates Ltd...............................212 Kane Canada/UEi Test Instruments...................610 Kasa Supply...................................................................109 King Heating Products ..........................................1051 LeafFilter Gutter Protection..................................1417 Liberty Pumps...............................................................817 Lixil Canada.................................................................1029 LoggerFlex Smart Devices....................................1403 Lyncar/Waterline........................................................520 M.A. Stewart & Sons....................................................111 Masco Canada............................................................526 Mechanical Business Media.............................1050 Mechanical Equipment Sales Co........................ 518 Mehta Canada Inc................................................... 1318 MIDEA..............................................................................721 Milwaukee Electric Tool..........................................230 MITS Air...........................................................................511 Moen...............................................................................300 Morris/Lee.....................................................................422 Navien Canada..........................................................1426 NCI Canada..................................................................606 Nordik Radiant.............................................................936 Noritz America............................................................420 NTI Boilers.....................................................................308

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*As of press-time. Companies in red have ads appearing in this issue of Mechanical Business

Oatey Canada SCS Co.............................................712 One World Supply...................................................1038 +osb.................................................................................524 PACAIRE HVAC Supplies........................................507 Parlay HVAC Solutions.......................................... 1044 Parts Town Canada.................................................1036 PataBid.............................................................................129 Pentair Canada............................................................626 Perfect Aire.....................................................................727 Plumbing & HVAC....................................................1312 Poco Pump & Blower...............................................613 Podium.........................................................................1308 Produits Neptune.......................................................330 Prolon Controls........................................................1423 RectorSeal of Canada.............................................. 914 Reed Mfg Co................................................................705 REHAU............................................................................904 Reno Lighting................................................................119 Resideo Technologies..........................................1000 Rheem Canada ......................................................324 Riada Sales................................................................... 808 Ridgid...............................................................................305 Rinnai Canada...........................................................1045 Robinson Supply........................................................304 Ruck Air Movement..................................................604 Schmid North America.........................................1004 Schwank......................................................................1301 Senville .........................................................................1410 SFA Saniflo.....................................................................200 Simpro Software........................................................1315 Sinclair Supply............................................................ 1316 Sinopé Technologies................................................932 SJE - Rhombus.........................................................1024 Sluyter Company.....................................................1042 Stanley Black & Decker............................................908 Taco Comfort Solutions..........................................514 Taylor Walraven..........................................................608 Techspan Industries...................................................213 tekmar Controls.....................................................1046A The Master Group .................................................521 TECA..............................................................................1416 Thermo 2000..............................................................104 Thermo Mfg.................................................................504 ThermOmegaTech................................................... 518 Toto USA.................................................................... 1030 UBS Industries..............................................................406 Uponor ......................................................................924 Viega LLC.......................................................................704 Viessmann Manufacturing..................................... 318 Watertiger....................................................................1027 Weil-McLain Canada................................................ 916 Wilo Canada..................................................................110 Zepress-Tech...............................................................303 Zurn Elkay......................................................................628

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PRODUCT SHOWCASE Tankless water heater Rinnai SENSEI RX is a high-efficiency tankless water heater that delivers endless hot water while saving energy and space in homes, suites, and light-commercial projects. Built in Japan with a stainless-steel heat exchanger, it offers quiet operation and flexible venting. Recirculation-ready models speed hot water to the tap and reduce water waste, with options for return line or crossover installations. Features include easy serviceability, clear diagnostics, and strong warranties. rinnai.ca

A2W heat pump Commercial gas water heater

The Daikin ALTHERMA 3 H HT hightemperature air-to-water heat pump is designed for a range of hydronic applications. It performs reliably even in low ambient temperatures down to -27.7°C, while delivering high water temperatures up to 71°C. With versatile combination options, it can be paired with existing residential emitters such as baseboards or radiators, and also seamlessly integrates with heat pump convectors, hydronic air handlers, or in-floor radiant systems. daikincomfort.com

The A. O. Smith Cyclone Flex family includes models from 100,000 to 500,000 BTU/hr with thermal efficiencies of 95 per cent or greater. The water heater offers integrated features such as iCOMM remote monitoring, built-in leak detection and a signature helical coil heat exchanger. With three new BTU input/output sizes, extended venting lengths, and over-the-air software update capability, this commercial gas water heater is suited to a range of installations. hotwatercanada.ca

Tankless reverse osmosis system Novo Professional Water Solutions, a division of Canature WaterGroup, offers the Aqua Flo CRO-800UX6 tankless RO for residential kitchens. It delivers high-efficiency water treatment with a 2:1 purified-to-drain ratio and 800 GPD flow (2.3 L/min). It has a thin-film composite membrane, quick-change disposable filters, a filter life indicator and an integrated leak alarm. The compact design frees up valuable under-sink space. novowater.com

Potable and hydronic tubing

Biomass heating

The Complete VIPERT System Solution for both potable and hydronic applications includes CB Supplies’ premium VIPERT (PE-RT) tubing, fittings, valves, and accessories. For hydronic applications, the solution includes IVAR stainless steel radiant manifolds, cabinets, and radiant accessories. Customized design and layout services are tailored for both residential and commercial projects. cbsupplies.ca

The Schmid UTSR visio moving grate furnace redefines biomass heating with its Revolution Adaptive technology. This intelligent combustion system adjusts in real time to fuel quality and load demands, delivering maximum efficiency with minimal emissions. The UTSR turns raw biomass into reliable, sustainable energy for communities, industries, and district heating networks. It’s available in sizes from 1 MMBTU to 27 MMBTU. schmid-energy.com

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PRODUCT SHOWCASE

Combined air exchanger Touchless faucets Delta Touch2O with Touchless kitchen faucets provide easy water control three ways: simply place your hand near the faucet; tap the faucet surface; or use standard handle activation. The technology uses capacitive sensing, instead of infrared motion-activation, to recognize human presence within four inches of the surface. The fourminute automatic shut-off helps prevent water waste deltafaucet.ca

Suited to residential applications, the Humifresh Hybrid 200 from ClairiTech Innovations Inc. has dual-Core ERV (Energy Recovery Ventilator) and HRV (Heat Recovery Ventilator) technology. It offers up to 71 per cent sensible recovery efficiency, up to 80 per cent apparent sensible effectiveness and up to 55 per cent total recovery efficiency. The four speeds are changeable with a mobile application.

A cleanable polyester air filter has easy access. It has a processor controlled balanced frost prevention system. clairitech.com

Estimating platform PataBid’s Quantify is an AI-powered estimating platform designed for electrical and mechanical contractors to bid faster, smarter, and more profitably. Quantify streamlines the estimating process with automated takeoffs, an AI-driven table extractor, and real-time supplier pricing. Built by estimators for estimators, Quantify helps contractors create accurate, competitive bids while reducing errors, minimizing waste, and improving efficiency. patabid.com

Keeping people warm in the coldest of places.

Calcana Infrared Heaters are the best choice for heating virtually any open-space building. Unlike conventional gas heaters that waste energy on air, our infrared technology delivers waves of warmth that heat floors, walls, furniture, and people directly.

Our patented infrared modulating controller allows fine-tuning heat levels to beat fluctuating temperatures. Best of all, our industrial heaters fit specific design needs and can suspend from ceilings with chain kits and s-hooks, allowing flexible level or angled installation.

Talk to us at Booth 620

1-800–778–6729 | www.calcana.com DESIGNED AND MANUFACTURED IN CANADA

Jimmie Condon Arena, Calgary

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Calcanaheaters

Calcana

Calcanainfraredheaters

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CASE

CLOSED

TC-AQRSK

All the tools needed for a perfect joint, EVERY TIME!

Quick ReleaseTM Tubing Cutter Produces a square cut on PVC/CPVC so the pipe bottoms out in the fitting for best fit.

TC4QPVC

DEB4

Deburring Tools Deburr and chamfer to manufacturers’ standards in seconds.

DEB4 creates a smooth pipe end so solvent spreads evenly as pipe is joined. Fits six sizes of 1 1/4” - 4” PVC, CPVC, PP and ABS pipe.

DEB1IPS

For deburring 1/2”, 3/4”, and 1” PVC, CPVC, PE, ABS and PP pipe in IPS or CTS, choose DEB1IPS or DEB1CTS, both with knurled grips for slip resistance.

Internal Pipe Cutter Conveniently cut from the inside using a saw-toothed blade.

Exclusive, adjustable guide doubles as a depth gauge.

IC1SL Adjustable Guide

Plastic Pipe Joint Kits Catalog No.

TC3PDEB1 TC3-636SK TC4-636SK TC2PPSK TC-AQRSK

Item Code

Description

04147 04155 04156 04157 04162

TC3QPVC, DEB4 & DEB1IPS-INT with Carrying Case TC3QPVC, DEB4 & IC1SL with Carrying Case TC4QPVC, DEB4 & IC1SL with Carrying Case TC2QPVC, DEB4 & DEB1IPS with Carrying Case TC2QPVC, TC4QPVC, DEB4 & DEB1IPS with Carrying Case

VIDEO TRAINING

MB REEDjm.indd 1

Reed 0124-PVC-MB

Reed Manufacturing

Erie, PA 16502 USA 800-666-3691 • +1 814-452-3691 reedsales@reedmfgco.com

www.reedmfgco.com

2025-09-10 2:50 PM

PRODUCT SHOWCASE Electric boiler The LECTRUS commercial electric boiler from Lochinvar offers a variety of kW inputs (15 to 150 kW) and four voltage options.

All models feature ASME construction and offer SMART system control. aquatech-canada.com

Patio heater The Phantom Schwank STP series marine-grade black infrared patio heater is engineered with intuitive smart wireless controls, ultra-low profile, versatile mounting options, and wind resistance. It is available in 50/80/115 MBH NG in 12/17 ft. lengths. schwankgroup.com

Air and water solution Hi-Comfort Series from Hisense is a R32 side-flow system designed for residential and light commercial applications. With an integrated heat recovery function, it connects to a water tank to provide domestic hot water throughout the year, while improving energy efficiency by utilizing recovered heat during summer.

Available in 3-, 4- and 5-ton capacities, it is certified by AHRI, ETL, and NEEP. hisensecomfort.com

Stiffening solution for electrical conduit The TecLoc Conduit Claw, manufactured in the UK and part of the Gripple seismic portfolio, is a stiffening solution engineered specifically for electrical conduit. Featuring a spring-loaded mechanism, it allows a single installer to secure pipe and rod with ease. Its self-holding design enables fast tightening with a torque wrench or driver. It is retrofittable after conduit is suspended, and is compatible with 1 in. EMT, 1 in. Schedule 40 pipe, and 3/8-, 1/2and 5/8-in. threaded rods. gripple.com

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Inverter central ducted systems

Press tool

The EVOX G3 from Midea features screwless reconfiguration of modules and 6-Way installations.

The R454B heat pumps have SEER2 up to 19, EER2 up to 12.5, HSPF2 up to 10.8, and COP @-15°C up to 2.14. The unit structure with horizontal fan and vertical heat exchanger provides more uniform and efficient heat exchanging velocity. The air handler is a symmetric fan blower design. midea.com

The RP 251 press tool from RIDGID features ergonomic design with forward-positioned trigger and SlimGrip handle, which allows for one-handed use and operation for work overhead and in tight spaces. The tool has a 360° head swivel, bright LEDs and a brushless motor. It’s compatible with all RIDGID Compact Series jaws, rings and actuators and can press up to 1 1/4 in. on copper and stainless steel; up to 1 1/2 in. on multilayer/PEX tubing; up to 1 in. on carbon steel; and up to 1 3/8 in. on refrigeration lines. ridgid.com

M e c h a n i c a l

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Visit us at

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INFINITI® GS & GR TANKLESS GAS WATER HEATERS Every contractor needs a go-to tankless that can tackle just about any job. That’s what we had in mind when we engineered the Infiniti® GS & GR tankless gas water heaters. They’re flexible and easy to install in many configurations.

• Residential and Commercial applications • Robust stainless steel heat exchanger for longer life • Cascade and common venting between standard and recirculation models • Certified Green Product™ by the Green Restaurant Association Bradford White/BW

Learn more.

©2025, Bradford White Corporation. All rights reserved. BWMBUS0925

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PRODUCT SHOWCASE

Recirc system valves CircuitSolver thermostatic balancing valves from ThermOmegaTech simplify domestic hot water system design, installation, and maintenance.

The valves automatically maintain optimal water temperatures throughout a recirculating system.

By dynamically modulating flow based on water temperature, it ensures instant hot water at every fixture while reducing energy waste and minimizing stagnation risks.

Applications include hotels, hospitals, universities and highrise buildings. circuitsolver.com

Compact jetter

Energy recovery ventilator Fantech’s HERO 100E is a new compact 100 cfm ERV with up to 82 per cent sensible recovery. Designed for apartments and homes with a small footprint, the appliance can be wall-mounted (mounting bracket) or ceiling mounted (hung with chains). fantech.net

The JM-1000 X Mini-Jet from General Pipe Cleaners is a lightweight upgrade to the toolbox jetter, providing 1,500 psi of cleaning power. It clears grease and ice from 1 1/2- to 3-in lines up to 50 ft. long. The compact unit weighs 23 lbs., is ergonomically balanced and includes a Super-Flex high pressure jet hose, fourpiece nozzle set, and water supply hose. An optional stainless steel braid jetter hose with Teflon core is also available. drainbrain.com

CARING FOR WATER. WITH PASSION.

From big to small, we’ve got it all!

With optimized and innovative energy-saving features, we deliver the future of pump technology to your doorstep.

WILO A WILO BRAND

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A WILO BRAND

A WILO BRAND

A WILO BRAND

5/9/2022 10:09:24 AM

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SMART IN-WALL SOLUTIONS th #712 Boo

SECURE WITH OATEY

The most trusted name in the plumbing industry is proud to deliver bracketing kits, pipe clamps, and accessories, designed to make the job easier, faster, and safer.

Threaded Rod Adaptor with Self-Closing Clamps

Light Angled Wall Bracket

Dual Wall Bracket with Self-Closing Clamps

Sliding Wall Bracket

Self-Closing Clamps

learn more

Oatey Canada is proud to have both manufacturing and distribution facilities, as well as a Canadian customer support team located in Ontario, Canada.

We strive to support our associates and the communities in which we operate.

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Oatey

2025-09-26 4:48 PM

PRODUCT SHOWCASE

Infrared Patio Heater – phantomSchwank Series Mounting Heights 8'-12'.

Smart thermostats Fully enclosed unit.

EnergyEfficient EC Motor.

Built-in wireless controls.

Cielo Smart Thermostats are represented in Canada by Alltemp Products Co. Ltd. The Breez Edge Pro and Breez Max are designed to bring Wi-Fi connectivity to ductless systems or any unit using an infrared remote control. The Smart Thermostat and Smart Thermostat ECO are for central 24 VAC heating/ cooling systems. cielowigle.com

Panel system Roth Industries’ lightweight panel system for new installations and retrofits has insulation on the bottom and the aluminum heat transfer sheet on the top. The system consists of 2 ft. x 4 ft. master panels, plus radius and transition panels. Two pipe sizes are available: 3/8 in. and 1/2 in. The system can be installed over wood or concrete floors, or in wall or ceiling applications. Panel height is 3/4 in. on the 3/8 in. tubing and 1 in. on the 1/2 in. tubing. Quick recovery allows for night set back. Tubing centres are 6 in. but can be used as 12 in. if required. roth-america.com

Low profile design.

Plumbing solutions FRZERO50 non-combustible plumbing solutions from +osb, including waste and overflows, and floor and shower drains, are engineered for use in multi-residential and highrise buildings. QAI Certified and tested to CAN/ ULC S102.2 with a Flame Spread Index of 0 and Smoke Developed Index of 40, the products are cCSAus certified to the ASME A112.18.2/CSA B125.2 standard (must be used with an approved PVC primer and solvent cement to make joints). osb.ca

Upgrade your patio. www.schwankgroup.com

Schwank

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GRIND FEARLESS. FOOD WASTE DISPOSERS FOR THE PRO

InSinkErator

EZ Connect Disposers Simplified Hardwire and Outlet Connections

Featuring 2 levels of ® SoundSeal Technology

Up to 4 stages of ® MultiGrind Technology

®

Dura-Drive Induction Motor

New EZ install features

®/TM © 2025 InSinkErator. All rights reserved.

MB ISE insinkeratorjjm.indd 1

2025-09-15 1:40 PM

PRODUCT SHOWCASE

Self-cleaning strainer

Packaged heat pumps

Roll groove adapters

The Judo Profimat is an automatic, self-cleaning strainer for point-of-entry for any type of building. Removing sediments and grit protects the plumbing and mechanical equipment from failure and wear and tear. The system cleans itself automatically with no regular filter changes and no operator involvement. It will always provide full-flow filtered water, even during the backwash. Sizes are available from 3/4 in. to 8 in. pipe connections. The strainer is CSA/NSF approved and has a small footprint. It is suited to residential and ICI applications. watertiger.com

ForestAir has introduced dual hole packaged heat pumps for new construction and retrofit applications.

Three models are available: 115 VAC with or without electric back up heat, and 230 VAC with back up electric heat. The unit comes standard with a remote control; an optional wired control is available. A smart Wi-Fi ready control solution can also be provided. Condensate management options can be selected to suit the installation location. forestair.ca

HeatLink has added 2 in. IPS roll groove adapters for both its press and expansion potable water systems, allowing for direct connections to groove fittings and couplings. PEX F1960 x copper press adapters (1/2 in. to 2 in.) and large dimension PEX F1960 x CPVC socket adapters (1 1/4 in. to 2 in.) have also been added for added convenience when installing PEX in hybrid systems or retrofits along with CPVC and copper lines. heatlink.com

THE FUTURE OF HVAC STARTS HERE

ur o out o Checkproduc ts!

th er

Snap Clamps Simple and adjustable clamps that snap in and out of place for on-the-fly adjustments. Comes in 5 different sizes to adapt to a variety of line sets.

Return Air Frames Rough in return air frames in a snap. Filtered and Windowed models keep your return system clean during construction and pair perfectly with our Snap Grilles for the easiest solution on the market.

Thermopan. A True Original.

Thimbles

Anywhere you can pan a joist, you can use Thermopan.

Light-weight and machine cut for superior installation.

Comes in fire-resistant and ultra fire-resistant styles for the best sheet metal alternative on the market.

Get perfect, clean looking results on exterior wall penetrations. Plus, an air tight seal and zero snags when running piping and wiring through walls.

Thermo “REIMAGINE YOUR ROUGH-IN”

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Innovating for the future.

At A. O. Smith we put innovation first. And that means going beyond energy efficiency to offer industry-unique technologies and features that streamline installation, extend versatility, and provide the performance that residential and commercial customers need.

Constant flow 4+ GPM

Vertex® Power Direct Vent

A new and improved top performer for high demand.

AiQTM Adaptive Technology

CycloneTM FLEXTM

The new leader in our trusted CycloneTM family.

CIPHEX BOOTH 105

X3TM Scale Prevention Technology

AdaptTM Tankless Series A robust tankless series with exclusive scale prevention.

Uses up to 75% less electricity*

Voltex ® AL Heat Pump Water Heater

Incredible energy savings with Wi-Fi connectivity.

A. O. Smith/AO Smith

*Compared to a standard electric water heater of a similar gallon capacity. Improved efficiency up to 3.88 Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) can reduce the cost of water heating by up to 75%.

hotwatercanada.ca

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2025-09-24 4:19 PM

CONTROLS | Carolyn Cooper

Novel climate control system for people with disabilities launches in Vancouver

P

raxis Spinal Cord Institute and Technology for Living have announced the first two pilot installations of the MIMiC solidstate climate control system in the Vancouver, BC homes of people with spinal cord injury (SCI).

The installations were completed by Delta, BCbased Terra Mechanical Ltd. According to one of the homeowners, “It’s been a great experience. The unit is beautiful, and we’re really happy our family was chosen for the pilot. Just walking into a cool home makes such a difference. I hope this system helps us stay comfortable while using less energy during the summer.”

The climate control system from Brooklyn, NY-based MIMiC Systems, is a clean tech designed without refrigerants and moving parts, and offers both heating and cooling in one compact unit without greenhouse gas emissions.

The installations come through the Praxis SCI Climate Futures initiative, with financial support of the Gore Mutual Insurance Collaborative Climate and Equity Partnerships grant. The initiative was launched in 2023 in response to the province’s continued heatwaves, which Praxis says disproportionately affect people with disabilities.

Now in phase two of the initiative the organization is testing and validating innovative solutions which offer year-round thermal regulation, and which support health resiliency of individuals vulnerable to rising temperatures.

Individuals with SCI, multiple sclerosis and other chronic conditions that impair their ability to properly regulate their body temperatures, can suffer life-threatening health risks without access to effective cooling technology.

MIMiC Systems www.mimic.systems

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The installed MIMiC climate control system.

The systems’ climate cooling device uses solid-state thermoelectric technology.

According to Praxis, both systems are running off standard 110V wall outlets.

For the second installation, however, the system was upgraded to a 220V line once the electrical work was completed.

Meanwhile, MIMIC Systems will continue to monitor system performance, energy use and user experience, while providing technical support.

Vancouver-based Praxis is a notfor-profit organization leading global collaboration in spinal cord injury research, innovation and care. Technology for Living, also based in Vancouver, supports people with severe physical disabilities in living as independently as possible.

The outside MIMiC unit for the first installation.

Praxis Spinal Cord Institute www.praxisinstitute.org

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Technology for Living www.technologyforliving.org

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ULTIMATE

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Come see us at CIPHEX West Booth #324

IBC/Rheem

Learn more at

IBCBoiler.ca

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2025-09-23 11:38 AM

By Matthew Reid

EMBRACING THE PAST

BTUS:

HUMBLE BEGINNINGS TO INDUSTRY STANDARD

I

t should come as no surprise to anyone that I am deeply passionate about what I do. Granted that it is incredibly fun to sell and work with this equipment, but I am also fascinated by the history of heating. When you think of the history of heating you automatically assume this is a human necessity and therefore must have been around since the dawn of time. In theory you would be correct. An open f ire of some sort was the primary source of heating for humans for literally millions of years.

And what an impact f ire made. You still see it today, more as a décor addition, but still functional in its ability to provide heat and comfort.

Our ancestors understood f ire and generations were taught that this thing called f ire is hot.

Hot is great when it is cold outside. The idea of the open f ireplace remained as the leader of the heating options for a very, very long time. Sure, there were other iterations of f ire, and we started to do good things with heat residuals from f ire for archaic central heating systems, but it was still, for the most part, based on an open pit f ire.

How much f ire did you need? Until you were warm. If more heat was needed, more wood was added. Need less heat? Let the f ire die down. Not exactly scientif ic but it kept people alive. And that is a key note to remember when it comes to heating, it’s not exactly scientif ic or at least its humble beginnings were not. It all came from when we were talking about heat, we didn’t really have any way to measure that heat or the actual temperature.

WHERE DOES TEMPERATURE COME FROM? I’m telling this story the way it was told to me so there is likely to be some embellishment, but that’s what a great story has...

Galileo Galilei

The first recorded “thermometer” was said to have been created by Galileo around the late 1500s and he called it a thermoscope. It was a crude device that worked off the principle of alcohol expanding while heated and if it was contained inside of a glass tube you could see how much the alcohol had expanded. The next logical step was to put lines on the side of the glass tube and call them degrees and in this case, it was degrees Florentine as it was invented in Florence. In a roundabout way, the idea of degrees was made up on the spot. Accuracy with this thermoscope was variable dependent on a number of different criteria such as the strength of the spirit used, which made it not very reproducible.

Let’s fast forward a bit 200 years to the early 1700s when a young Gabriel Fahrenheit was experimenting with thermometers due to the high demand for an accurate one.

He did experiments with mercury, which was a much more accurate fluid for measuring

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Eco-King

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EMBRACING THE PAST Cont’d from pg. 86 temperature and Gabriel’s first experiments were recorded in degrees Romer (not to be confused with Réaumur). Romer, a temperature scale still used today in some European countries, was coined by Ole Romer. He named it after himself, which was the thing to do if you wanted to get your name in the history books.

As Gabriel Fahrenheit did his experiments, he borrowed heavily from the Romer scale at first.

It was his thermometer’s unique way of using mercury that made it so accurate. It wasn’t until his thermometer really took off that he made some heavy changes to his scale to make it more readable and called it degrees Fahrenheit. There is much more to this story too, but I want to take you to the ultimate nonscientific discovery that happened about 100 years later.

Entering the story is Thomas Tredgold. He was an engineer by trade but dabbled in lots of different things.

One of the things that fascinated him greatly was this new-fangled invention of a kettle type boiler that placed water above a firebox and created steam.

Now, steam as a method of power had been around since at least the early 1600s but it was primarily used for power as it was a relatively dangerous device. Huge pressures and extreme temperatures kept this power source out of homes for years until this kettle type device came around. Even then, these things used to blow up all the time. It was very convenient though, if you could keep them in one piece.

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Tredgold lived with his uncle in London for many years while working at the family architectural firm. During that time, he wrote a few books and coined a few terms.

One of these terms comes from his book in 1824 called Principles of Warming and Ventilating Public Buildings, where he used the term British Thermal Unit (BTU) defined as the amount of heat energy required to heat one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit in one hour. Fahrenheit was the most common unit of temperature measure in England at the time. Tredgold wrote this book while doing experiments on a steam radiator in his uncle’s basement. Although the actual experiment he used seems to be lost to history, the legacy of the term BTU caught on. What is fascinating is that degrees in temperature or BTUs did not exist in nature. They weren’t waiting to be discovered. They were made up as we went along.

A few very important things came from the BTU. The first of which was a way for boiler manufacturers to rate their boilers and create categories which helped the consumers compare prices for equally-sized units. This kept the prices in check and helped the home central heating world expand.

Thomas Tredgold (1788-1829) was a self-taught engineer.

It’s fascinating to me that a unit of measure that has been such a huge part of my life and career was created by some guy in his uncle’s basement. I thought something as concrete and powerful as the BTU must have been etched in stone from days long forgotten and past down through generation to generation or it was established by a committee of the smartest minds in the world. Nope, Tredgold one day decided what it is, how it is measured and what it is going to be called.

The BTU has more history too. A history that has been built upon it since its beginnings and even to this day there are still some arguments as to how to define it but that doesn’t really matter anymore. The phrase is coined and it is now a unit of measure used all around the world.

So, the next time you look at the size of a boiler or chiller or anything that measures its output in BTUs remember this beautiful little unit would not exist without the steam boiler. From Galileo to Fahrenheit to Tredgold, they all had one thing in common, they made it up as they went along.

That’s the beauty of heating and a reminder not to take all the scientific mumbo jumbo too seriously.

Matthew Reid is technical director – heating division at E.H. Price Solutions’ Richmond Hill, ON office. He can be reached at mreid@ehpricesolutions.ca.

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Switch to the Real Deal.

Adhering to CSA22.2 designed exclusively for dryer exhaust

Systemair/Fantech

Scan here to learn more about the DPV22-2 at Fantech.net

MB FANTECHjjm.indd 1

2025-10-02 4:33 PM

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.

PLUMBING

By Fred Bretzke

PIPE LABELLING: IT’S IN THE CODE L ife would be so much easier if all pipes were labelled and correctly identified. Even non-professionals would get a better understanding of systems if they knew what they were.

In the 1970s and 1980s, I had two plumbing mentors. One of them was a perfectionist, or at least I thought so at the time.

When we were roughing in the ABS on houses, he would insist that all our ABS piping identification would be turned to the front so it could be seen. This ABS (acrylonitrile-butadienestyrene) piping has been typically used in most parts of North America for drainage and waste piping. I thought why? It’s going to be covered up by drywall anyhow. For years I thought it was just his way of doing things, however after instructing code since 1990, I see it’s actually in the 2020 NPC. 2.2.1.3. Identification 1) Every length of pipe and every fitting shall a) have cast, stamped or indelibly marked on it the maker’s name or mark and the weight or class or quality of the product, or b) be marked in accordance with the relevant standard.

2) Markings required in Sentence (1) shall be visible after installation.

Lettering to the front

Meanwhile my other mentor wasn’t too well versed in the code.

He had gotten away with copying others’ rough-ins, hence he did make a few, shall we say, miscalculations. Some of his work looked like ABS art or abstract art.

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As I’ve always told my classes if it looks like an octopus, it’s probably not to code. He would always tell me it’s going to get covered up with drywall anyways. As long as it works. Identifying plumbing pipes is important because it helps determine if a pipe is safe or unsafe. For instance, when a fire breaks out in a residence it’s usually the chemical breakdown of the materials that can kill people just by breathing them.

The part of ABS that is the most dangerous during fires is the Styrene, which is very poisonous. ABS pipe is considered nontoxic and stable under normal conditions. ABS also contains Acrylonitrile which is classified as a potential human carcinogen.

Hence if it is burning, ABS pipe is dangerous because when it melts it releases the toxic gases including carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, styrene and butadiene vapours.

As most mechanical systems follow industry standards, such as ASME A13.1 and OSHA it’s important to know where and when to label pipe.

Hazardous chemicals or piping should be clearly labelled and identified.

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Engineered for serviceability.

Every AAON unit is designed for seamless service.

From full-length hinge doors for easy access to color-coded wiring diagrams that simplify troubleshooting, we make maintenance straightforward—so you can keep jobs on time and on budget.

Explore how AAON simplifies your service experience.

MB AAONjjm.indd 1

AAON

2025-09-22 10:43 AM

PLUMBING Cont’d from pg. 90 Oxygen General Wards

Vacuum Nurse Station

Nitrous Oxide

Premature Room Delivery Room

Carbon Dioxide ICU & CCU

Operating Theatre

Emergency O.P.D.

Graphic SAIT Polytechnic

Treatment Room

Cold Evaporator

Monitoring Room

Machine Room

MEDICAL GAS PIPING

CROSS CONNECTION DEVICE AND PIPING LABELLING FOR NONPOTABLE WATER 2.7.1.2. Identification and Marking 1) Non-potable water piping and outlets shall be identified and marked in accordance with CAN/CSA-B128.1 Non-Potable Rainwater Harvesting System Design 2.7.2.4.

As non-potable rainwater becomes more frequent in Canada, especially in more rain populated areas such as Vancouver and Victoria, more identification will be required.

Although the code does not require certain colours for this type of water, it seems manufacturers are using the colour purple for them.

Let’s look at some of our most important piping, which is medical gas piping in a hospital.

All medical gas piping must be colour-coded and labelled. As you can see oxygen is always green and must be labelled every 20 feet.

Nitrous oxide, carbon dioxide, as well as vacuum piping systems, are in many rooms in a hospital. These piping systems as well as others are always plainly identifiable. Not only are they clearly identified, we also have a different pin index on their quick reconnects and disconnect terminals in each patient’s room so as not to cross connect them.

The NFPA, which governs medical gas systems Available in digital for health care facilities, requires manual shutoffs or medical gas ball and manual form at the SAIT Store valves to Book be installed where they are visible and accessible at all times. in March 2025

QR 3D ENHANCED 2020 NPC CODE APPENDIX SUPPLEMENT

Published in

2025 IT’S IN THE CODE! 2024/25 Cadmus Award recipient Fred Bretzke authors a new way of conveying the NPC Plumbing Code in QR/3D.

More than 60 pages of 3D colour illustrations redefining sections A-2.4, A-2.5, A-2.6, and A-2.7.

Numerous pages feature QR animations and a selection of holograms.

Urinals and flushometer water closets fed by non-potable rain water.

Circuit Venting Combined Relief Vent Sample 2.5.3.1. 5)

Wet Venting Sample Floor Drain See Fred at CIPHEX West at the Mechanical Business booth (#1050).

2.5.2.1. e)

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THE BIG REVEAL

Locked medical gas cabinets are to be clearly identified and labelled.

I love teaching in the SAIT Aldred Centre building because all the atrium and hallway piping systems are exposed to the apprentices for teaching opportunities.

Students can check out different piping systems, including HVAC, argon gases, natural gas and cast-iron DWV piping systems.

Steam, gas, drainage, waste and vent pipes are not only clearly marked, but the LEED information is given on each floor. The more information the better. It’s clearly a transparent application.

Troubleshooting in a building with clearly marked piping makes finding the problem much easier.

PRECISION DIELECTRIC WATERWAY® FITTINGS THREAD x THREAD, THREAD x GROOVE, and GROOVE x GROOVE The Precision Dielectric Waterway® fittings are Precision Plumbing Products new offering, with a NSF 61 polypropylene liner.

Our Precision Dielectric Waterway® fittings are available in; Thread x Thread sizes varying from 1/2” NPT to 4” NPT. Thread x Groove 1” NPT to 4” NPT. Groove x Groove 2” to 4”.

Assembled ssembled at our ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified-green factory in Portland, Oregon.

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

pppinc.net

NSF 61 M e c h a n i c a l

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JOBSITE JARGON WIN!

JOBSITE JARGON

Match the terminology you hear in the field to the correct definition or function by November 19, 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.

EXAMPLE: 1) Gigajoule (GJ) H) A measure of energy.  Answer: 1,H

1) Gigajoule (GJ)

A) Tiny living organisms or fragments of living organisms suspended in the air.

2) Ell

B) Metal components fitted to the back of a standard panel radiator to help radiate heat.

3) Fins

C) Temperature and pressure at which a refrigerant transitions from liquid to gas.

4) Gas Cock

D) Electrical component that stores and releases electrical energy, commonly used to start motors in HVAC systems.

5) Auxiliary Heat E) Intake supply fan designed to replace exhausted air; it may be heated or cooled to minimize the impact on the building’s climate control systems.

6) Bioaerosols

7) Bubble Point

F) Heat transfer component in an HVAC system, usually a fin and tube heat exchanger.

8) Capacitor

G) Furnace with a lower height, designed to fit in tight spaces.

H) A measure of energy.

9) Coil I) Controls the flow of natural gas or propane through a pipe.

10) Low Boy

J) Supports the primary heating system during periods of high demand.

Thank you for participating!

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K) Fitting used to change the direction of rigid pipe or tubing.

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CashAcme/Reliance

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www.lyncbywatts.com

www.carrie

www.aerco.com

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2025/26 CALENDAR OF E V E N T S CIPHEX West + Electrical Learning Expo West November 5 – 6 Vancouver, BC ciphexwest.ca

Buildings XVI Conference December 8 – 11 Clearwater Beach, FL ashrae.org

Kitchen & Bath Canada Expo November 5 – 6 Toronto, ON kbcexpo.com

2026

NEBB Annual Conference November 6 – 8 Memphis, TN nebb.org BuildGreen Saskatchewan Conference November 12 – 13 Regina, SK buildgreenprairie.com AHRI Leadership Forum November 16 – 18 Cedar Creek, TX ahrinet.org The Buildings Show December 3 – 6 Toronto, ON informaconnect.com/thebuildings-show

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ASHRAE Winter Conference January 31 – February 4 Las Vegas, NV ashrae.org AHR Expo February 2 – 4 Las Vegas, NV ahrexpo.com KBIS February 17 – 19 Orlando, FL kbis.com CMPX March 25 - 27 Toronto, ON cmpxshow.com

Unless specified otherwise, events are in-person.

For the most current information regarding event status visit mechanicalbusiness.com

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MARKETING

Why video should be in your marketing toolkit A

sk any business owner in the mechanical trades what helped them win their last few big jobs, and chances are they’ll say something like: “Word of mouth,” or “Our reputation.” Both are great, but what if you could amplify word of mouth 24/7, across social media, your website, email campaigns, and even at trade shows?

That’s the power of video.

Know your audience.

Video can be used to showcase products you install, along with explaining the follow up service you provide.

Once the domain of big brands with big budgets, video has become one of the most effective, affordable tools to tell your story, showcase your work, and earn trust. And in 2025, video isn’t just a “nice-to-have” – it is becoming essential to remaining competitive.

Let’s dig into why and how mechanical businesses like yours can make it work.

That’s because video does two things incredibly well:

• It shows, not just tells.

• It humanizes your brand. Seeing

your team, hearing their voices, and watching them work builds emotional connections. That’s hard to do with a PDF brochure.

Video converts and builds trust

Not every video needs to be Hollywood-level. Here are four proven formats that work particularly well in the mechanical space:

In 2023, video outperformed every other form of content in marketing.

According to search engine marketing company Semrush, nearly half of marketers reported that video yielded the best results, surpassing blog posts and customer success stories. B2B buyers − yes, even the ones responsible for facility maintenance, HVAC upgrades, or selecting subcontractors − are more likely to trust what they can see in action.

Paul Bies

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Watching a walkthrough of a recent install or a time-lapse of a commercial fitout helps prospects understand the quality of your work.

1

Jobsite walkthroughs and demos

Take your audience behind the scenes of a project. Explain the scope, walk them through the challenges, and show off the finished work. Bonus points if you highlight problem-solving: “Here’s how we retrofitted this HVAC system without interrupting operations.”

Paul Bies is co-founder and president of Mystique Brand Communications (mystique.ca) in Toronto, ON. 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.

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These videos demonstrate your technical skills and attention to detail, precisely what facility managers and general contractors are seeking.

2

Common objections and how to get over them Let’s address the elephant in the room: producing video sounds like a pain. But it’s more achievable than you think.

Customer testimonials

Objection 1: “We don’t have the budget.”

A quick video of a happy client sharing their experience of working with you is incredibly powerful. Ask them to discuss how your team addressed a problem, stayed on schedule, or exceeded expectations.

Social proof like this shortens the sales cycle.

A few unscripted sentences from a property manager or builder carry more weight than any bullet point list on your website.

3

Tool or product explainers

You don’t need a Hollywood production crew. A good smartphone, a lapel mic, and decent lighting can go a long way, especially if the story is strong. Hire a videographer once a quarter to batchrecord a few high-impact videos.

Objection 2: “We don’t know what to say.”

Start by answering the questions your customers ask most: • “What’s involved in this type of installation?”

In addition to creating your own videos, consider hiring a videographer periodically to batch-record and edit videos for your business.

• “How long will it take?”

• “Why should we choose you over the other guys?”

Turn those answers into short, structured videos.

Objection 3: “We don’t have time.”

Do you manufacture, distribute, or specialize in certain products (e.g., boilers, filtration systems, or commercial kitchens)? Create short explainer videos that showcase how the product works, what sets it apart, and who it’s best for. Use simple language and tight visuals − think: “What would I want to see if I were buying this?”

You already spend hours quoting and explaining jobs.

Video helps you scale that effort. One well-crafted video can save hours of sales time and be utilized across various platforms, including proposals, social media, your website, and more.

Animations and cutaways can help explain technical features without losing your audience.

Tips for creating effective video content

4

Whether you DIY or hire help, keep these principles in mind:

Team and culture videos

Your people are your biggest asset.

A short, authentic video introducing your foreperson, showcasing your safety procedures, or celebrating a team milestone conveys a great deal about your values. It builds confidence in your professionalism and approach to the job.

•

Start with your audience. Are you speaking to homeowners? Builders? Property managers? Tailor your message accordingly.

•

Keep it short. Aim for under two minutes unless it’s a detailed case study or explainer.

•

Use natural language. Talk like you would on the jobsite − not like you’re reading from a brochure.

•

Show the real you. Authenticity always beats slick production in the trades. If your team is proud of the work, that pride will show.

Celebrating a team milestone conveys a great deal about your values.

•

Add a clear call to action. What do you want viewers to do? Call? Get a quote? Visit your website?

Say it clearly. .

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MARKETING Cont’d from pg. 99 Where to use your videos Don’t let your videos collect dust on your desktop. Use them across your marketing channels, including: your website (homepage, service pages, About Us); in your Google Business Profile; as social media posts and paid ads; embedded in email newsletters or sales follow-ups; and at trade shows or industry events.

Each video becomes a tool in your sales toolbox that your competitors may not have.

Video is the next best thing to being onsite with your customer. It helps prospects understand your value, trust your team, and feel confident hiring you. And in an industry where your work speaks for itself, video gives it a microphone.

So, don’t let the idea of being “camera-shy” or “too busy” stop you. Start small. Tell a story. Show your team. Share your wins because the companies that embrace video now will be the ones winning the bigger, better jobs tomorrow.

THE PERFECT R-22 DROP-IN REFRIGERANT. Non-flammable, zero ODP, and the lowest GWP of any R-22 drop-in replacement, RS-70 is engineered for excellence.

Designed for refrigeration and A/C systems, it handles both high and low temperatures with ease. Compatible with fixed orifices, expansion devices, and both traditional and synthetic lubricants, RS-70 simplifies your work across commercial, residential, and heat pump applications.

Get to know RS-70.

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HRAI

www.rscool.com Refrigerant Services Inc.

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.

Compiled by Mechanical Business

BY THE NUMBERS

WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION 218,200 Number of women employed by the construction industry in Canada in 2024, or 13.6 per cent of all employees, according to BuildForce Canada’s review of key data points for the industry over the past year.

WORK LIFE BALANCE: A GREATER PRIORITY 91 Per cent of Canadians surveyed who say a balanced work-life lifestyle is essential to happiness, reports CIBC’s 2025 Ambitions Index.

49 Per cent of respondents who say they are committed to career advancement.

0.4 Per cent total construction employment grew last year, while employment for women in construction increased by 3.5 per cent in the same period. Recruiting and education appear to be working – employment of women aged 15 to 24 grew 10.4 per cent in the sector in 2024.

67 Per cent increase of women in construction in PEI last year, the largest increase of any province, followed by New Brunswick, Quebec and Alberta.

GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS 60 Average per cent of a city’s total greenhouse gas emissions that come from large commercial buildings, according to Xylem Bell & Gossett’s Building Better Futures report.

40 Approximate per cent of a building’s energy consumption that is used for HVAC systems.

CONTRACTING BUSINESS PERFORMANCE -1.5 Per cent decline in new work year-over-year in Q2 for contracting businesses, including HVAC and plumbing companies, according to the Q2 2025 Jobber Home Service Economic Report.

6.8 Per cent average invoice size rose in the same period, with median revenue increasing 5.2 per cent year-over-year.

75+ Per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions that currently comes from fossil fuels.

HOME SALES ACROSS CANADA 12.5 Per cent home sales over Canadian MLS Systems have increased since March 2025 as of September, says the Canadian Real Estate Association.

35.5 Per cent home sales in the Greater Toronto Area have jumped since March as of July, although sales are still historically low.

Canada ranks among countries most affected by ransomware attacks, according to cyber threat intelligence 2ND Where group KELA, which notes a 54-per cent increase globally in cybercrime this year from the first half of 2024.

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at 50: Building on a Legacy, Focused on the Future

F

ifty years ago, a small Canadian plumbing manufacturer began with a simple but powerful mission: to make things easier – for plumbers, for contractors, and for the industry. Today, +osb (formerly OS&B) is marking that milestone with more than a celebration of its past. The company is using the moment to signal a bold new chapter – one defined not by nostalgia, but by vision.

“Anniversaries are a natural time to reflect,” says Brad Cornelissen, Chief Executive Officer. “But for us, the bigger question is: where are we going? Our focus right now is laying the foundation for the next 50 years – through innovation, operational excellence, and a deeper connection with our customers.”

That future-oriented mindset is evident across the organization.

Most recently, the company opened a new state of the art production and warehouse facility in Oro-Medonte, Ontario – a move designed to improve scalability and strengthen supply chain resilience. “The new facility allows us to consolidate and streamline how we move product, store inventory, and serve the market,” says Edward Andria, President. “It’s not just a bigger building - it’s a smarter, more efficient platform for growth.”

That same spirit of evolution is reflected in +osb’s refreshed branding and newly launched bilingual website, both of which emphasize clarity, accessibility, and user experience. With an updated logo and modernized visual identity, the company has also reinforced its longstanding promise to make plumbing installation quicker and more intuitive – backed by a product lineup engineered for reliability, precision, and ease of installation.

But behind the aesthetic changes is a deeper strategy.

“We’ve always been known for innovation and quality,” says Cornelissen. “What’s changing now is how we bring that value to market. We’re investing heavily in digital tools, customer-facing technology, and agile product development.” As the industry evolves, +osb continues to lead the way – setting the standard for how modern plumbing solutions are developed, delivered, and supported.

50 years of innovation and trusted service. Still proudly Canadian.

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Sponsored Profile

Amid all this change, some things remain constant. +osb continues to be proudly Canadian owned and operated, with manufacturing, distribution, and corporate offices located right here in Canada.

“We’re committed to creating Canadian jobs, building Canadian expertise, and supporting our customers from a place of shared values and proximity,” says Cornelissen. “That’s part of what sets us apart. It’s part of our DNA. Our customers know we’re here, we’re accessible, and we’re invested in their success.”

At the core of +osb’s future plans, however, remains a focus on people. “Our growth strategy doesn’t just hinge on products or processes – it depends on people,” says Andria. “From our internal teams to our reps and customers, we’re committed to creating longterm partnerships built on trust, transparency, and shared success.”

Looking ahead, the company continues to embrace its Canadian roots while growing its presence across North America. That means balancing tradition with transformation, and maintaining the same entrepreneurial spirit that sparked its founding in 1975.

“Fifty years in, we’re not slowing down,” Cornelissen adds. “We’re doubling down – on innovation, on service, and on making the complex simple for the people who rely on us every day.”

In many ways, the story of +osb isn’t about looking back. It’s about moving forward – smarter, faster, and more connected than ever.

After 50 years of helping to change the plumbing business, we decided to change our own.

At osb we have been delivering quality parts with quality service to help you deliver great quality to your customers. We’ve been honoured to be a part of your team over the years and grow alongside you.

As you’ve grown and evolved, so have we and that’s what our new logo is all about.

Still proudly Canadian. Still the company and the people you trust.

So welcome to the new +osb. and done. osb.ca

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It’s a Win-Win with BLÜCHER You save on labour costs.

Your customers get a return on their investment.

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Watts

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