September/October 2010

PM #41536047

www.mechanicalbusiness.com

Sept/Oct 2010 $6.95

POWERED PO WERED BY

BY THE THE IMPOSSIBLE IMPOSSIBLE To make a real impact in the fight to reduce energy consumption, choose with your heart and mind

Fighting climate climate change c h a nge Fighting It’s no no secret secret tthat hat rreducing educing en erg y consumption consumption is is an an important impor tant step step in in It’s energy reducing the the CO CO2 em issions rresponsible esponsible for for global global warming. warming. And And lower lower reducing emissions energ y consumption consumption means means lower lower energy energ y b ills. Choosing Choosing an an ALPHA ALPHA iin n energy bills. d omestic applications applications or or a MAGNA MAGNA in in commercial commercial buildings buildings saves saves the the domestic e ar th a nd m oney at at the the same same time. time. earth and money T he en erg y-optimized ALPHA ALPHA iiss sso oe f f icient, iitt ccan an o perate o n as as little lit tle as as 5 The energy-optimized efficient, operate on W at t s . T his a mazingly llow ow power power cconsumption onsumption is is always always visible visible on on the the Watts.

This amazingly e asy-to-read real-time real-time display. display. easy-to-read

For iinstallation, nstallation, you you now now have have the the flexibility f lexibilit y to to use use either either o ur u nique For our unique ALPHA P lug w ith lline ine ccord ord o the new new ALPHA ALPHA with with terminal terminal box box for for conduit conduit ALPHA Plug with orr the connec tion applications. applications. The The choice choice is is yours. yours. connection T o ffind ind out out more more about about Grundfos Grundfos energy-efficient energ y-ef f icient circulators circulators visit visit u t: To uss a at:

p oweredby.grundfos.com poweredby.grundfos.com

V Visit isit g grundfos.ca/handbook rundfos.ca/handbook to to order order a FREE FREE copy copy o off tthe he Grundfos Grundfos Handbook.

Handbook. U Use se P Promo ro m o C Code: ode: 4 47132J 7132J

M e c h a n i c a l

TA B L E

B u s i n e s s

1 0 . 1 0

CONTENTS O F

2010: Focus on efficiency & service 26HEATING REPORT

It’s been a year since the 90+ AFUE standards for residential gas furnaces took effect, and high efficiency continues to make waves. In order to keep customers happy and warm, the verdict is in: proper maintenance is absolutely vital.

60COVER

98SALES

Putting your local showroom to work for you

For a plumbing contractor, a properly managed showroom relationship should mean happier clients and a bigger bottom line.

Don Bottrell

We braved a dragon to bring you this month’s cover story, exchanging business thoughts with Canadian economic juggernaut Kevin O’Leary. One of the Dragons on CBC’s Dragons’ Den, O’Leary may know more about your company, or at least its valuation, than you.

Adam Freill

DON’T MISS THESE 102HVAC/R CASE STUDY

Finding savings through energy management Stuart Lombard

90YOUR LEGACY IN COPPER 62CIPHEX WEST PREVIEW Make every installation the best it can be, both technically and visually.

Bob ‘Hot Rod’ Rohr

Special guest Richard Trethewey, of This Old House and Ask This Old House, and hundreds of exhibitors are raring to go in Calgary.

106VEHICLE UPFITTING

Custom options abound Adam Pletsch

112HYDRONICS

5 steps to happy hydronic customers Paul Williamson

On the cover: Entrepreneur and venture capitalist Kevin O'Leary is one of the Dragons on CBC's hit show Dragons' Den, where aspiring entrepreneurs pitch business ideas in the hopes of securing financial backing. Photo: CBC

TA B L E M O R E F E AT U R E S 32PLUMBING

Making the most of your vent options Rainier Bratsch-Blundel

CONTENTS O F

P E R S O N A L I T I E S 38

HYDRONICS Expanded thoughts on piping possibilities. Bob “Hot Rod” Rohr Part 2 of Hot Rod’s discussion on piping options, this time out we tackle primary/secondary, reverse return and home run configurations.

42

REFRIGERATION Diagnosing and preventing compressor failures. Phil Boudreau There are numerous reasons why compressors fail, and many failures can be prevented if the proper steps are taken.

46

ASK ROGER Payment is part of the job. Roger Grochmal The job isn’t over until you get paid, and you should not feel bad about having to ask for payment.

48

MARKETING What do you have to say for yourself? Doug MacMillan Connecting people to your story humanizes your company, but how do you figure out what to write about?

82

HIGH PERFORMANCE HVAC IAQ & Duct Cleaning. Gord Cooke Tackling the concerns of using poorly sealed floor cavities and wall spaces as return air plenums, and when to make use of duct cleaning options.

36ELECTRICITY FOR HVAC/R

Running with relays Carol Fey

50HYDRONICS

Optimizing underfloor radiant heat Dan Vastyan

52HVAC/R

The sales appeal of modulation Bryan Rocky and John Vella

58FIND THE FIX 66PLUMBING

Kitchen Trends Adam Freill

70ROAD WARRIOR

British Columbia’s Brian Williams

72HYDRONICS

117 WORLD VIEW Yellow plumbing the next green? Jeff Patchell Environmental concerns and climate change have brought about many changes, including at the toilet.

Guarding your gold: The fluids of hydronics Jerry Boulanger

76PLUMBING

Unique shower designs Dave Bowden

80,96EVENTS IN PICTURES

CIPH ABC 2010 and HRAI Conference

86INFRARED

Designing for successful installations Dave MacKenzie

88REFRIGERATION

.

P R O D U C T S 56,105HVAC/R 114Hydronics 68,100Plumbing 116Stuff you need

Pioneering Canada’s first industrial ammonia/CO2 brine system Hernan Hidalgo

D E PA R T M E N T S 08From the editor’s desk 13News 22Profile: Russ Morgan 108The Info Page 113Calendar 118By the numbers

94LITERATURE REVIEWS 97THE BOTTOM LINE

Savers vs. Spenders David Cooke

M e c h a n i c a l

B u s i n e s s

1 0 . 1 0

7

FROM Content Media Group Inc. 19 – 1525 Cornwall Road Oakville, ON L6J 0B2 CANADA Tel: 905.465.2919 Fax: 905.465.2913 www.mechanicalbusiness.com Sept/Oct 2010 Issue Published 6 times per year.

Editor: Adam Freill, ext. 224 adam.freill@mechanicalbusiness.com U.S. Sales Manager: David Gerchen (314) 878-3939 david.gerchen@mechanicalbusiness.com Office Manager: Chris McKay, ext. 227 chris.mckay@mechanicalbusiness.com Controller: Liz Mills, ext. 221 liz.mills@mechanicalbusiness.com Assistant Editor: David Janzen, ext. 225 david.janzen@mechanicalbusiness.com Art Direction: JJM Graphic Ltd. davem@jjmgraphic.com Circulation Manager: Shila Naik (905) 272-4175 shila.naik@mechanicalbusiness.com Publisher: Bruce Meacock, ext. 222 bruce.meacock@mechanicalbusiness.com PM:41536047 ISSN 1916-0674 MB (Print) ISSN 1906-0682 MB (Online)

Postmaster – Please send all address changes or undeliverable copies to: Mechanical Business, 19 – 1525 Cornwall Road, Oakville, ON L6J 0B2.

Submissions: Copyright in material submitted to the magazine and accepted for publication remains with the author, but Mechanical Business and its licensees may freely reproduce it in print, electronic or other forms.

Mechanical Business also reserves the right to edit said submitted materials to suit the editorial needs and mandate of the publication.

Notice: Mechanical Business is published for owners, managers and decision makers with mechanical contracting firms and the sector's supply chain partners in Canada. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information, Mechanical Business, Content Media Group Inc., its staff, directors, officers and shareholders (‘The Publisher’) assume no liability, obligation or responsibility for advertised claims, for errors and/or omissions, or for the results obtained from the use of this information. Manufacturers’ instructions take precedence over published editorial. The publisher reserves the right to publish a printed correction in a subsequent issue for editorial errors, omissions and oversights.

Subscriptions are available for $94.50 in Canada and the U.S. Single copies are $15.00. Outside Canada and the U.S., the rates are $150.00 (annual) and $25.00 (single copy).

Much like learning, mentoring can also be formal or informal, and sometimes the passing of knowledge can happen long after the lesson has passed – sometimes the teacher has no idea about impact they’ve had on others.

Not too long ago my mother-in-law needed the faucet in her kitchen swapped out, and being involved in the plumbing sector, I could not help but check a few things out under the sink. While I was down there, I noticed a foot-long piece of copper pipe that had been screwed to the wall. Curious, I had to know what it was there for.

Turns out that piece of copper pipe was in fact used to install the original faucet some 25+ years earlier. I haven’t a clue who the responsible plumber was, but I do know he was wise enough to save this handy little item. I was extremely impressed with his foresight. That little step saved the installer of the new faucet from having to locate his basin wrench, making the swap-out a breeze.

These little tips and hints are out there, and they are shared from journeyman to apprentice, and from pro to pro. It can be of great benefit to get out and meet with your peers, either at a local chapter meeting or a conference – perhaps even at the upcoming CIPHEX West trade show (see preview on page 62).

So what time-saving tricks do you have up your sleeve? Care to share? I’d love to hear about the tips you’ve discovered over the years, so please drop me a line, or better yet, stop by our booth at the CIPHEX West show. We’ll be in booth 153.

I look forward to seeing you there.

Until next time,

Adam Freill, Editor

Proud members of:

B u s i n e s s

DESK

Learning opportunities come in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes they are formalized – you sign up for courses, perhaps with the goal of landing a piece of paper to show off your newly earned knowledge. Other times it comes in a far less formal setting. At times, all it takes is being observant enough to pick up a hint, tip or trick along the way.

© Copyright 2010. The contents of this magazine may not be reproduced in any manner without prior written permission of the publisher.

M e c h a n i c a l

EDITOR’S

Learning from experience

From time to time, Content Media Group Inc. makes subscribers’ names available to reputable companies whose products or services may be of interest to readers. If you would like your name excluded from these mailings, please notify the publisher.

8

THE

1 0 . 1 0

FROM HERE, SHARKS EVOLVED INTO 440 SPECIES OVER 415 MILLION YEARS.

Fossil tooth from Leonodus, earliest known shark.

FROM HERE, SHARKBITE EVOLVED INTO 580 SPECIES IN UNDER 6 YEARS. ÂŽ

First SharkBite push-fit fitting, 1/2" coupling.

Only the fittest survive and thrive. And the fittest fittings. Th at’s why SharkBite push-fit fittings have quickly evolved from our first 1/2" coupling to the industry’s only Total Rough-In Solution™ . With a fast-growing full line of 1/4" to 1"

push-fit fittings and PEX tubing, and a wide range of valves with integral SharkBite connectors.

Speed, depth and dominance.

It all makes SharkBite the natural selection.

‡ VKDUNELWHSUR FRP ‡ 'LVWULEXWHG E\ 5HOLDQFH :RUOGZLGH &RUSRUDWLRQ

Subscription Service

• Renewal • Application • Information

SUBSCRIPTIONS NEED TO BE R E N E W E D A N N U A L LY YES, I want to receive Mechanical Business, absolutely free of charge!

No

Signature (Required)

Date

Name

Job Title

Company Name Address

City

Prov.

Business Tel:

Business Fax:

PC

Email Address:

PLEASE FAX COMPLETED CARD TO 905.272.8569 A B C D E F

Here’s My Professional Profile (required to validate Free Subscription): 1) Company Business Activity – check ONE only: Mechanical Contractor

Wholesaler /Distributor

ConsultingEngineer/Specifier

Facilities Mgt./Maint.

Other (please be very specific): ___________________________ 2) Company Jobsite Activities – check ALL that apply: HEATING:

Warm Air

FUELS:

Gas

PLUMBING: COOLING:

Hydronic Oil

Infra-Red

Propane

Sanitary/Fixtures/DHW AC/Comfort Cooling

VENTILATION:

Elec.

Alternative

Piping/Controls

Drain Services

Fire Protection

Refrigeration

IAQ/Air Movement

3) Company Job Sectors – check ALL that apply: Commercial

Residential

Institutional

Industrial

New Construction

Service

4) Are you responsible for recommending, purchasing or specifying mechanical products/services?

5) # of Employees in the Company:

1-4

5-9

10-19

20-49

50-99

Yes

No

100+

SEND ME INFORMATION ON THESE PRODUCTS 1 11 21 31 41 51 61 71 81 91

2 12 22 32 42 52 62 72 82 92

3 13 23 33 43 53 63 73 83 93

4 14 24 34 44 54 64 74 84 94

5 15 25 35 45 55 65 75 85 95

6 16 26 36 46 56 66 76 86 96

7 17 27 37 47 57 67 77 87 97

8 18 28 38 48 58 68 78 88 98

9 19 29 39 49 59 69 79 89 99

10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

Publisher reserves the right to determine qualification and limit distribution.

Renew Today: Online. Mail. Gerty.

It’s your choice.

www.mechanicalbusiness.com Gerty, the Goddess of the nasal whistle, is our telemarketer. Technically speaking, her job is to talk to you to update your free yearly subscription (our auditors require an update from you every 12 months). Realistically, however,

Gerty just likes to talk. And talk. And talk.

Oh, she eventually gets around to renewing your free subscription, but it sometimes just takes a while. You see, she has so much to share – her latest needlepoint project, Mrs. Muffles adventures at the Vets, her television ‘stories’ – and so much more. While she’d love to talk to you, we understand that you just might not have as much time. That’s why we include a handy tear-out subscription renewal card in every issue and provide an easy-to-use online form at www.mechanicalbusiness.com.

Gerty’s Got Her Eye On You! (well, at least her good eye).

10.10

News www.mechanicalbusiness.com

Cool new website With the theme, Cooler For The Earth, Cooler For You, Honeywell launched a new website to communicate the benefits of low-global-warmingpotential technologies the company is developing. The site contains facts about both fluorocarbons, and lowGWP technologies. abettercool.com

Front row from left: Bruce Passmore (general manager, McKeough Supply); Sandra McDonald (Camp Trillium); and Rhonda Craft (tournament coordinator). Back row from left: Jean-Guy Marchand (Venmar); Brent McFadden (Deflecto); Scott Waters (ICP/Keeprite/Tempstar); Rick Little (York/Luxaire); Richard Simpson (Rheem); Warren Berlin (Honeywell); and Michael Kurawski (Wardflex).

McKeough Supply helps Cancer kids McKeough Supply recently held its 12th Annual Bill Porteous Memorial Golf Tournament at the Burford Golf Links. The tournament raised $32,500 in support of Camp Trillium. The donation will enable more than 40 families affected by childhood Cancer to spend a week at the camp. mckeoughsupply.com Russ Morgan (IPEX) turns the sod as the Alvarez family, Tony Noonan (Emco Ltd.) and Carl Burt (Par Four Plumbing Products) look on.

Armstrong wins prestigious award Once again, S. A. Armstrong Limited has been honoured with re-qualification as one of Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies. Keith Kwan, senior manager of private company services for Deloitte, presented Charles Armstrong, president, with a plaque during an all-staff meeting held at S.A. Armstrong’s Toronto facility. This is the fifth year the company has been recognized through this program.

CIPH builds home on the Rock The Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating (CIPH) turned the sod of its seventh Habitat for Humanity Home Build, this one in St. John’s, Newfoundland. The sod turning ceremony was held in conjunction with CIPH’s recent Annual Business Conference (see page 80 for photos from the event).

Newly-elected CIPH chairman of the board Russ Morgan (IPEX) greeted the Alvarez family, who are looking forward to the completion of their new home. ciph.com

armstrongpumps.com

M e c h a n i c a l

B u s i n e s s

1 0 . 1 0

13

10.10

News www.mechanicalbusiness.com

Coleman fires up BBQ The 18th annual Coleman Heating & Air Conditioning dealer appreciation day was held recently at the company’s headquarters in Oakville, Ont. The event featured a suppliers’ mini-trade show and barbeque lunch with special prize draws. Suppliers, such as White Rodgers (Emerson Climate Technologies) and CGF Products took part in the event.

Roger and Michael Grochmal present a cheque to Penny Krowitz of Jewish Women International of Canada.

colemanac.com

Supporting local initiatives

Refrigeration hits the desert

AtlasCare recently announced a pair of $1,000 recipients as part of its Care to Share program, which helps charities located within the AtlasCare service area. The July winner was the Oakville Y, and its Strong Kids Campaign. The August winner was Jewish Women International of Canada, a group dedicated to ending violence against women.

Among the educational sessions being offered at the conference is “Operation and Maintenance of Centrifugal Compressors,” led by Garth Denison, CMS. Denison will focus on the engineering principles and various application practices involved in the proper operation and maintenance of both high- and low-pressure centrifugal compressor chillers.

The 73rd annual RSES conference takes place at the Hilton Tucson El Conquistador Golf & Tennis Resort in Tucson, Arizona on November 9 to 13, 2010.

rses.org

The Office of Energy Efficiency (OEE) of Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) has issued a bulletin proposing to amend Canada’s Energy Efficiency Regulations. The proposed change calls for more stringent minimum efficiency demands for every chiller size and type, as compared to the current NRCan regulation levels.

ashrae.org

www.mechanicalbusiness.com

w w w.

mecha

nic

echan

icalbu

siness

.com July/Au gust 2010 $6.95

Also in this issue

this issue Also in

7 PM #4153604

B u s i n e s s

www.m

com

Renew your subscription, free of charge at mechanicalbusiness.com

nrcan-rncan.gc.ca M e c h a n i c a l

MARCH/APRIL 2010 $6.95

2009 UGUST JULY/A $6.95

ness. albusi

1 0 . 1 0

PM #4153604 7

Canada to amend regulations for chillers

Benjamin Oliver, a mechanical engineering and management student at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ont., has been awarded the $10,000 Reuben Trane scholarship from ASHRAE, which he’ll receive over two years. To qualify, he needed to demonstrate leadership abilities and hold a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Benjamin is the only Canadian student to receive a scholarship from ASHRAE this year. The organization is awarding more than $80,000 to students for the 2010 – 2011 academic year.

PM #41536047

atlascare.ca

Banking on the books

PAP Registration No.11116

The company has set up a Facebook page for discussion about its Care to Share program, and people can nominate a charity through its corporate website.

14

Rick Little, branch manager, Coleman Heating & Air Conditioning, flips burgers at the company’s dealer appreciation day in Oakville, Ont.

Did you get your T-shirt?

Noble held its annual Customer Appreciation BBQ at its head office in Concord, Ont., in July, handing out hundreds of the company’s famous Noble T-shirts during the event. In addition to good food and free swag, the event also featured supplier displays, and allowed staff to interact with customers.

Ryan Dupont

Noble.ca

Top-10 for Holmar

Handing out T-shirts were Brahm Swirsky, vicepresident of procurement (top), Jim Anderson, senior director of sales (left) and Noble president Michael Storfer.

Driving the Holmar Plumbing Supplies Ford, Brad Graham put on a good show at the Jumpstart 100 Nascar Canadian Tire Series race in downtown Toronto in July. He moved up from the 22nd spot on the starting grid to finish in 10th place. In doing so, he earned the Coca-Cola Move of the Race, and an extra $1,000 for his efforts. Andrew Ranger won the race, his 10th victory on the circuit this year.

CIPH members bike for charity

hometracks.nascar.com

Taco offers interactive online learning Taco’s new FloPro University (FloPro U) premiered its first-term classes in September.

FloPro U includes live webinars and archived video e-learning sessions.

The first courses available include: Universal Hydronics Formula, Variable-Speed Pumping, Hydronics: Step-by-Step, and Anatomy of a Circulator.

Additional FloPro University classes will appear throughout the balance of the year.

The webinars, which are about around an hour in length, are currently held bi-monthly.

Up to 100 contractors from across Canada and the U.S. can join any of the sessions.

Several CIPH members organized the first CIPH Ride for Habitat on Nicole Hrinco of Habitat for Humanity September 19. CoCanada, Lew Bannerman of Waterline sponsored by CIPH Products Company, Elizabeth McCullough of and Habitat for CIPH and Sean Giberson of Taco Canada.

Humanity Canada, the motorcycle ride started in Vaughan, Ont., then wound its way through several communities north of Toronto before finishing up in Newmarket.

“We had a great ride. The weather was fantastic, we had more than 30 riders, and we managed to raise more than $5,000 for Habitat for Humanity,” said Sean Giberson of Taco, one of the event organizers. “It was a great way to spend a Sunday.” The ride coincided with CIPH’s Habitat for Humanity Week. ciph.com

taco-hvac.com M e c h a n i c a l

B u s i n e s s

1 0 . 1 0

15

10.10

NEWS www.mechanicalbusiness.com

Terasen Gas offers rebates

UN calls for clean water and sanitation

British Columbia’s minimum energy efficiency standard requiring storage tank water heaters to have an EF of at least 0.62 recently came into effect, and to help foster the transition to the more efficient equipment, Terasen Gas is offering a $50 rebate. The storage tank water heaters must be on the Terasen Gas list or be Energy Star rated to be eligible for the rebate. The tank has to be purchased or installed by December 31, 2010.

Chairman of the World Plumbing Council, Robert Burgon, has welcomed the recent adoption by the United Nations General Assembly of a resolution recognizing access to clean water and sanitation as a human right. The resolution is calling on countries and international organizations to provide financial resources, build capacity and transfer technology, particularly to developing countries, in scaling up efforts to provide safe, clean, accessible and affordable drinking water and sanitation.

terasengas.com

Canadian takes top spot at AWWA conference Shoeleh Shams, research assistant for the University of Waterloo’s Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council Chair in Water Treatment, earned first-place honours for her work on nitrate removal technology at the seventh annual Fresh Ideas Poster session during the American Water Works Association’s annual conference and exposition in Chicago.

worldplumbing.org

awwa.org

The Best You Can Buy...

Is Now Even Better!

Refined Design Puts More Control and Information at Your Fingertips NEW Larger LCD Screen - Displays more information.

NEW Soft Keys - For simple programming.

NEW Navigation Dial - For fast transitions from screen to screen and easy adjustment of settings.

Wall-Mount Models 5 space-saving KNIGHT Wall-Mount Boilers are available from 50,000 to 210,000 Btu/hr.

AquaTech Sales & Marketing Inc.

Floor Standing Models The KNIGHT Floor-Standing lineup features 5 small footprint models from 80,000 to 285,000 Btu/hr.

16

M e c h a n i c a l

Burlington, Ont. (866) 594-0767 Port Coquitlam, B.C. (778) 285-9596 B u s i n e s s

1 0 . 1 0

What is this?

B.C. announces energy retrofits

This miniature piece of abstract art is actually a QR (Quick Response) code, or matrix barcode.

Denso-Wave, a Toyota subsidiary, launched the concept in 1994 as a way to track vehicle parts.

Schools, universities, colleges, hospitals and Crown corporations in B.C. will share up to $25 million in energy retrofit funding from the provincial government to cut carbon pollution.

“We know this investment will immediately translate into a lower energy footprint for public sector buildings, less carbon pollution, and savings to taxpayers,” said B.C.’s minister of state for Climate Action, John Yap. “Equally important, these investments will spur public sector organizations and B.C. businesses to find innovative ways to tackle climate change.” livesmartbc.ca

Bell & Gossett offers training seminars Bell & Gossett has announced its training course schedule for the fourth quarter of 2010. The free training seminars are open to engineers, contractors and facility maintenance professionals and cover a wide range of topics. Upon completion of the three-day seminars, CEU credits are awarded to graduates.

With the onset of camera phones and their ability to be used as scanners, QR codes have cropped up in all kinds of places. The user simply takes a picture of the code with their cell phone and the browser on the mobile device automatically takes them to more information on the web.

They’re a convenient way to link the physical world to a digital destination. Just think, attach a QR code to a customer’s furnace and with a simple scan the entire service record of the appliance is at your fingertips.

If you’ve never seen or used one before, now is your chance. Download a QR code reader for your mobile device at Scanlife.com and give this one a try.

(Hint: Fill the frame with the code.)

schoolhouse.itt.com

See you on the web!

Eden Energy’s 30th Anniversary Blue Mountain Giveaway! vanEE's very first distributor is celebrating its 30th anniversary.

All vanEE units purchased from Eden Energy between October 1 and December 31, 2010 will enter you in a draw to win a luxurious weekend for two at Blue Mountain Ski Resort.* The more you buy, the better your chances of winning!

And that’s not all – there’s a mystery prize that will be awarded to one lucky customer!

* Draw will be held on January 7, 2011 at Eden’s office and announced in upcoming promo material.

1-800-665-3336 • www.edenenergy.com M e c h a n i c a l

B u s i n e s s

1 0 . 1 0

17

10.10

Movers and Shakers www.mechanicalbusiness.com

Trimble acquires Accubid Systems Trimble has acquired the assets of Accubid Systems based in Concord, Ont. Accubid's software solutions are used in over 5,400 companies across North America. The acquisition of Accubid broadens Trimble’s "BIM-to-field" solutions for mechanical, electrical and plumbing contractors to automate project estimating and management, modeling, detailing, layout and construction. trimble.com

Don Park named exclusive distributor Don Park has announced an exclusive partnership with Scranton, PA-based Olympia Chimney Supply Inc. Don Park is the sole distributor of Olympia Chimney in Eastern Canada. The company manufactures stainless components under the Forever Flex brand name.

TM

OS&B acquires Ceralux Industries OS&B has acquired Ceralux Industries Inc., which has become an OS&B partner company. The acquisition combines the experience of Brent Cornelissen of OS&B and that of Bob Fler, who remains as a partner and vice-president of sales and marketing for Ceralux Industries. osb.ca ceralux.com

Wolseley opens new showroom

donpark.com

Granby Industries purchases company Granby Industries Limited Partnership (Granby) has purchased Parrsboro Metal Fabricators Limited (PMFL), a manufacturer of oil, pellet and wood-fired furnaces and boilers. Included in the deal are PMFL’s buildings and equipment, employees and relationships with customers and suppliers.

Wolseley Canada has opened a Vague & Vogue showroom in Rouyn-Noranda, Que. The showroom, located at 1095 Abitibi Avenue, joins seven other Vague & Vogue locations throughout the province. wolseleyinc.ca

granbytanks.com

Royal Group expands pipe division Royal Group Inc., a division of Georgia Gulf Corporation, recently expanded its Royal Pipe Systems division with the addition of a new pipe facility in Woodbridge, Ont. Now operational, the new facility produces high-performance pressure and sewer pipe up to 24”. royalbuildingproducts.com From left: Rob Julien, project manager; Luciano Vitone, supervisor; and Claudio Ardolei, vicepresident manufacturing, Royal Pipe Systems at the new facility in Woodbridge, Ont.

18

M e c h a n i c a l

B u s i n e s s

1 0 . 1 0

Great Combination #532 Strawberries and Chocolate

Mobile Scan

Another Sweet Combination...

Introducing a NEW innovation for building ventilation. The Z.62e series integrates an energy recovery device into a modulating heat pump system in one rooftop packaged unit. This unique hybrid provides: x True demand based controls x Low operational cost - 17 EER x Proven technology x Plug-and-play ventilation To schedule your FREE “Lunch-and-Learn,” contact us today at:

Patent Pending

Æ

www.RezSpec.com/strawberry or call 800-615-2477

©2010 Thomas & Betts

10.10

People in the news www.mechanicalbusiness.com S.A. Armstrong recently announced a number of appointments. GRANT HILLIARD (Centre) is now director, North American sales.

MALCOLM GURLEY (Right) is director, global sales support. HANS KIRCHER has rejoined the company as OEM business development manager. ASHISH SAXENA (Left) joins the company as an outside sales engineer for Ontario.

Mechanical Business is pleased to welcome assistant editor DAVID JANZEN and office manager CHRIS MCKAY to its team.

A graduate of the Niagara College journalism program, Dave has a keen interest in renewables and is looking forward to attending industry events and expanding his knowledge of the mechanical sector. When David isn’t at his computer, he enjoys travelling with his wife Nadine, photography and rooting for the Toronto Maple Leafs as they vie for yet another Stanley Cup (oh, did we mention Dave has an optimistic outlook on life?).

Chris is the lively, courteous voice you’ll encounter when you call us. She has extensive administrative experience, and she and her husband, Paul, have two children, Jennifer and Ryan, as well as a threeyear-old golden retriever named Chevy.

Barclay Sales Ltd. recently announced two sales personnel promotions.

SYDNEY IRVINE, currently a retail merchandiser, will also take on the role of outside sales for the Vancouver market. CHRIS FLYNN, formerly with Barclay Sales Alberta’s Calgary office, is returning to the position of outside sales for the Southern Alberta region.

20

M e c h a n i c a l

MICHAEL J. WARNE recently joined Mech Tech Mktg. Inc., a manufacturers’ representative agency in the plumbing and heating sector. A former chairman of the Associates Council of MCAC, as well as a member of CIPH and CASA, he brings 20 years experience to his new role.

Goodman has appointed JIM MUNRO as territory sales manager for the greater Vancouver area. Jim comes to Goodman with five years experience in the commercial and residential HVAC industry.

Triangle Tube has appointed GERRY CLISHAM, director of marketing.

B u s i n e s s

1 0 . 1 0

Novo Water Conditioning has announced its Canadian sales and customer support team. Joining president DON FETTES are, DALE LEWGOOD, executive vice-president sales; JOHN CARDIFF, vicepresident sales Canada; DEAN DALRYMPLE, customer service manager; BILL BEEDLE, district sales manager Ontario; DAVE PITMAN, commercial engineering manager and DENTON GAISER, vicepresident, water systems.

DAVID MORDEN is now president and CEO of Morden National Sales and Marketing, a master sales rep distribution agency handling ECR International products in Canada.

Morden was formerly with ECR and will continue to work from his office in Wallaceburg, Ont. BRENDA OGDEN has joined the Barrie, Ont. branch of Wolseley Canada as part of its sales team.

Ogden brings 16 years of wholesale experience in addition to four years of contracting experience installing residential equipment.

20 TONS

OF VALUE! Goodman® brand Commercial Packaged Products for replacement installations up to 20 tons! It comes loaded with features like robust product performance, high-efficiency performance, quiet operation, and easy installation and service. Count on Goodman to offer you a professional, direct relationship, competitive pricing, broad distribution and fast reliable leadtimes. Let us earn your business! For complete product and warranty information, visit the nearest branch, contact us at 1-877-780-3316 or at www.goodmanmfg.com.

© 2010 Goodman Manufacturing Company, L.P., Houston, Texas. * Full warranty information available at www.goodmanmfg.com.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, FIND THE GOODMAN DISTRIBUTION INC. LOCATION NEAREST YOU! N. TORONTO

OTTAWA

BRANTFORD

W. TORONTO

LAVAL

8305 Jane St., Unit 3 L4K5Y3 905-760-2737 · FAX: 905-760-7669

1161 Parisien St. K1B4W4 613-745-3846 · FAX: 613-745-2021

46 Zatonski Ave. N3T5L8 519-757-0965 · FAX: 519-757-0977

3585 Laird Rd., Unit 12 L5L5Z8 905-606-2345 · FAX: 905-606-2351

4313 Auto Route des Laurentides H7L5W5 450-681-2220 · FAX: 450-681-5879

E. TORONTO

CALGARY

MONTREAL

VANCOUVER

SASKATOON

963-979 Brock Rd., Suite 1-5 L1W3A4 905-420-4001 · FAX: 905-420-7325

3651 21st St. NE, Suite D T2E6T5 403-250-6579 · FAX: 604-420-6545

1375 Marie-Victorin, Ste 8 J3V6B7 450-653-1007 · FAX: 450-653-1075

6741 Cariboo Rd., Unit 111 V3N4A3 604-420-1331 · FAX: 604-420-1363

807-60th St. East S7K5Z7 306-651-7350 · FAX: 306-651-7354

10.10

Profile www.mechanicalbusiness.com

Nice guys do finish first A genuinely nice guy in the industry, Russ Morgan was recently introduced as the Chair of the Board of Directors of CIPH. The vice-president of sales and marketing for Ipex’s Canadian operations, he joined the industry 25 years ago building on experience gained as part of a postsecondary co-op program, making him an ideal ambassador for the CIPH plan to market the plumbing industry to students across the country.

Q A

Q A

How did you get started in the industry?

When I was going through my schooling, I ended up doing my co-op term at BF Goodrich – at that time, the largest vinyl supplier in North America. They were building a new head office, and they wanted to use as much PVC as possible in the construction of the building.

My project was to look at the opportunities and limitations, based on feedback from the marketplace and code issues.

One of the companies I was dealing with was Scepter. They were looking for someone to help bring along a CPVC sprinkler system that was a licensed product from BF Goodrich. I joined Scepter in 1985.

Q A

DID YOU KNOW?

Q A

What do you do at Ipex?

I am responsible for sales for all business segments: electrical, plumbing and industrial, and municipal. I have regional managers reporting into me. We are constantly looking at ways to bring value to our markets, find growth opportunities, and spend time working with our product development group on new products and opportunities.

across the country, and get involved in at least one activity in each.

We are also trying to be active in The easy answer is the people. It is raising industry awareness, and to do a very people oriented, and I like the better job in branding what we do. If people. The construction industry is a we are effective in getting our wonderful place message out about what to have a career. our industry is about When I see what today, then we will do a we contribute to much better job of this wonderful Ipex formed as the result of the attracting youth to come country, and the 1992 merger of two Canadian work in this industry. We standard of living, plastics piping companies, have a great story to tell, it is impressive.

Scepter and Canron. but we need to do a better job of telling it.

Who have been some of your mentors over the years?

What do you enjoy most about the industry

Alain Lanthier. I worked with him for 18 years. He’s my mentor. He made me a better person, and certainly a better business person, but I would not restrict it to business only. He was a man of integrity and core values, and I am a better person today, for working with him.

Q

What activities are keeping you busy with CIPH? What are the priority items for your tenure as chair?

A

The strength of CIPH lies within its regions, so I definitely want to get to each one of the regions

Bio Name: Russ Morgan Titles: Vice-president, sales and marketing, Canada, Ipex CIPH Chair of the Board of Directors Age: 50 on October 17 FAST FACTS Born in: Kitchener, Ont. • Russ is a self-confessed gadget guy. Anything that’s new Resides in: Oakville, Ont. that comes up, he says he needs to get one. This has Family: Wife, Lori; children Melissa and Jake included the iPod, iPad and numerous other gadgets.

• A sports junkie, Russ is a hockey fan; baseball fan; basketball fan; a golfer and a viewer of golf, and is a diehard Toronto fan. “So I’m suffering tremendously,” he says.

22

M e c h a n i c a l

B u s i n e s s

1 0 . 1 0

M12TM PROPEX® EXPANSION TOOL

INSTALLS PROPEX® UP TO 4X FASTER • Auto-rotating head for one-handed operation • Continuous actuation for up to 4X faster installation • Backwards/forwards compatible quick change heads • Quick, tool-free change of 3/8” to 1” ProPEX® heads 2432-22

www.milwaukeetool.com

h For every 5 boilers you buy, we’ll give you steel S40 Trin & Stor Tank With unmatched quality and ultra efficiency, NTI’s Trin & Stor sets the new standard for indirect water heaters and storage tanks. The Trin & Stor line comes in stainless steel and stone-lined options, with 13 models to choose from. It’s the perfect tank solution for every situation. NTI will provide one free Trin & Stor S40 tank to the installing contractor for every 5 boilers they purchase from July 1st-Dec. 31, 2010. *Some terms and conditions apply.

The Future in Heating Technology and Home Comfort

our top-quality stainless

INNOVATIVE – Endless amounts of hot water supply that is up to three times more than competing gas, electric or oil heaters FLEXIBLE – Wide-range of sizes for the right product for any residential or commercial application COMPREHENSIVE – Complete line of stainless steel and stone-lined constructed indirect tanks, solar tanks and storage tanks LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY – Confidence for hot water and reliable for many years to come

Visit our website for the full product line!

www.nythermal.com

HEATING REPORT

B y M B S t aff

2010: Focus on efficiency

Weathering the storm

& service ith falling leaves and temperatures, Canadians are once again cranking up the thermostat. Yes, the cold weather is on its way. But that doesn’t mean there’s going to be a chill on business this heating season. The economic climate means consumers are demanding more value for their dollar, and are seeking options which provide long-term savings. And while residential sales levels are expected remain fairly constant, commercial sales are still on the rise.

W

“From a commercial perspective, the 2010-2011 heating season is going to be busy,” says Erin Sperry, commercial heating product manager, The Fulton Companies. “HVAC is one of the more

particular, won’t be quite as hard hit as others, says John Goshulak, vicepresident, sales and marketing with Weil-McLain Canada.

recession-proof markets; everyone needs heating (and cooling) regardless of the economy.”

The commercial boiler sector, in

yorkhvacdealer.com

“With the commercial side, there’s a longer sales cycle. As a residential consumer, you get your products, more or less, right away. However, if you need a new boiler for a school or hospital, generally you are going to put that in your budget and get it replaced 18 months later,” he explains. “There are projects out there that preceded the economic downturn that are just coming about now. In effect, they kind of ‘hovered’ above the downturn.”

Two-stage gas furnace

Two-stage gas furnace The gas-fired residential York LX TM9V twostage, variablespeed, multiposition furnace ranges in size from 60,000 to 120,000 BTUH and has an AFUE rating of 96 per cent. The furnace stands 33” tall, allowing for installation in tight spaces. It is equipped with a variablespeed ECM motor.

While the industry may have grown somewhat more competitive, don’t give up on your guiding principles and stick to your guns in terms of product, says John Goshulak, Weil-McLain Canada. “Don’t buy into the next greatest thing that shows up on your doorstep that’s a $100 cheaper if you don’t know anything about it. If you’ve used a specific product for years and it’s worked for you, stick with it.”

Energy Efficient Boiler The Pulse boiler from Fulton is designed to consume 0.75 amps of electricity during run mode. An assist fan is used for pre/post purge only and turns off once combustion has been established. The boilers are available in models ranging from 300,000 to 2 million BTUH input.

fulton.com

With an AFUE rating of 95 per cent, the two-stage, variable speed G95V highefficiency furnace from Olsen can operate with natural gas or propane.

When set to continuous fan mode, the ECM motor only consumes 60-80 watts of power, compared to 400 watts of a conventional motor.

olsenhvac.com

• We a t h e r i n g t h e s t o rm • Gu id e cu st o m er u n d er st an d ing

Guide customer understanding

With the collective belt-tightening in Canada, a number of government programs have been eliminated, which continues to drive customers towards smarter spending decisions.

“With the elimination of the home renovation tax credit and federal rebates, we are all moving into the unknown. I have a feeling that a ‘repair versus replace’ philosophy is going to be quite prevalent over the next 12 months,” says Rick Little, Toronto branch manager of Johnson Controls L.P. “The best advice for the contractor is to help the consumer understand everything involved with their furnace purchase – from the incentives available from the public and private sectors to how the equipment will help the consumer enjoy the time they spend inside,” explains Joe Brandt, vicepresident of sales at Nordyne.

“This also includes IAQ products. The dealer who can provide solutions to

Coupled with workforce education, comes knowledge transfer to customers. Helping them understand the best fit for their situation, and making them aware of financial options can often be the difference between them placing an order, or continuing to look for another service provider. the consumer will do very well in this environment.”

No matter the economic forecast, one thing’s for certain; the push for highefficiency grows stronger as technology continues to improve. And that’s an exciting prospect says Sperry.

“A growing trend right now is gas absorption heat pumps, which are a gasfired hydronic heat pump that use renewable energy from the outside air, a body of water, or underground, in continued on page 28

Radiant Heat

Condensing boilers

With a thermal efficiency rating of up to 94 per cent, the VS-VH high efficiency, infra-red heating system from Superior Radiant Products provides up to 600,000 BTUH. Designs can be custom engineered to suit long or short, condensing or non-condensing options.

The KN-series of condensing boilers from Hydrotherm offer high-efficiency (up to 99 per cent) with a small footprint.

The units use condensing cast iron heat exchangers. The boilers have no inlet water temperature limitations.

Sizes range from 200,000 to 2 million BTUH with a 5:1 continuous turndown ratio.

superiorradiant.com

hydrotherm.com

“The consumer wants to understand from the dealer just what the benefits are of these new units. If they do not understand them, they will not purchase a new unit and either opt to repair or turn to another dealer who will explain what the product offers. Educating the consumer is key,” says Joe Brandt of Nordyne. “Show the consumer that it is an investment in their comfort and that energy costs are only going to go higher.

Now is a good time to take advantage of low interest rates and finance the purchase.”

Highefficiency gas boiler The Trinity Lx high efficiency gas boiler from NTI has a 5.7” colour touch screen display and is rated up to 97 per cent AFUE. The Lx200 and Lx400 are also certified for instantaneous potable hot water.

nythermal.com

HEATING REPORT CON’T conjunction with the energy that is made available from combustion.

This technology offers thermal efficiencies up to 149 per cent,” she says.

Changes in grant offerings do have consumers looking at other heat pump technology says Anton Inverter heat pumps use variable Wolmarans, viceloading to reduce cycle times and president and general lower power consumption. manager of HVAC at Mitsubishi Electric Sales Canada Inc. “Since the government's incentives on the geothermal side have recently been reduced, the first cost of lowambient heat pump systems is becoming more attractive.”

Go Ahead And Vent.

We’ve got the answers.

Maintaining the customer relationship

Now Available from Don Park Olympia Chimney Supply Inc. Products* Featuring Forever Flex the All Fuel Stainless Steel Chimney Lining System.

“Regular maintenance is key,” says Rusty Jennings, vicepresident of residential sales with Carrier Canada Ltd. “Keep the system clean, making sure filters are changed regularly. Drains for condensation need to be clear.

Do a visual on major components such as heat exchangers and motors, etc. Don’t assume because it’s running today everything is fine. If a contractor gets the opportunity to go into a house to do maintenance on a heating appliance, they can look for new opportunities such as IAQ products or water heaters. There could be a goldmine.”

donpark.com t: 416-449-7275

800-561-3842

*Eastern Canada

28

M e c h a n i c a l

It’s one thing to purchase a highefficiency appliance; it’s another to keep it running at optimal levels, providing the muchtouted energy savings. Servicing equipment not only ensures the customer is enjoying those benefits, but service calls are also an important time to build customer relations.

continued on page 30 B u s i n e s s

1 0 . 1 0

HIGHER PROFITS! Napoleon

®

is one of North America’s most

established and trusted names in the fireplace and grill business and now has a full residential HVAC 95% Effecient 2 Stage

product offering along with 30 years of expertise.

We offer flexible payment plans, local support and training, expedited shipments, up-front payment value, advertising packages including co-op, one of the best warranties in the industry and technicianfriendly products all to make your job easier than ever and so much more!

Time for change, time for Napoleon® To become a Napoleon HVAC dealer call: 1-800-461-5581 ®

Wolf Steel Corporate Offices

Wolf Steel USA

To discover the full line of profit-making HVAC products, visit napoleonheatingandair.com

HEATING REPORT 2010 CON’T

Heat pump systems Condensing furnace The Payne model PG9MXA is a twostage, highefficiency condensing furnace that features an ECM motor and annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) of up to 92 per cent. The furnace stores fault codes during power outages and offers LED diagnostics and a self-test feature. The furnace is Energy Star rated and is available in sizes from 39,000 to 120,000 BTUH.

wwgtotaline.ca

The use of heat pumps as a year-round option for the Canadian marketplace is an emerging trend. Customers may not always have the option to excavate for geothermal systems, but that doesn’t mean that heat pumps are out of the picture. “The fact that split system heat pumps rival the energy savings of geothermal systems – without the high installation cost of either a loop or deep well – and operate in a manner that is similar to their previous system is a plus,” says Joe Brandt of Nordyne.

While ambient temperatures are a consideration with heat pumps, recent advances do allow for their use to temperatures as low as -30°C. These systems, which make use of inverter compressors, are pushing efficiency ratings upwards and are opening new markets for heat pump technology. “When compared to other means of heating, heat pumps offer large energy savings. It makes so much sense for retrofitting and replacing older, inefficient systems,” says Anton Wolmarans at Mitsubishi Electric Sales Canada Inc. “The low ambient forced-air heat pump system continues to be our main focus.”

Low-ambient heat pump Designed for use in temperatures down to minus 30°C and beyond, Mitsubishi Electric's Energy Starrated Zuba-Central low-ambient heat pump will function at over 100 per cent efficiency with 75 per cent capacity even at such a low ambient temperature. The system is equipped with an inverter compressor, which modulates its capacity based on the indoor load.

Units offer heating capacities from 18,000 to 40,000 BTUH, and cooling capacities from 18,000 to 36,000 BTUH.

Zuba-Central.ca

Warm Customers are Happy Customers When you recommend a Newmac furnace, you are recommending the best.

Our high-quality, efficient furnaces have been providing consistent heat and comfort to home owners since 1974.

WFA-70 Rear Breech Wood Fired Furnace Features • Average Wood Output 70,000 btu/h

• Unique Stainless Steel Secondary Air System delivers Super-heated air into firebox igniting wood gases which increases efficiency while reducing wood consumption

• Efficiency 83.9% • Tested to EPA standard • Surpasses EPA standard • Replaceable 7” Stainless Steel Stack Assembly • Preheated Primary and Secondary Air

Low Emission Wood Furnace

• Lower Primary Air Inlet for minimum Clean Burning Combustion • Primary Air Damper Control for Adjustable burn rates

Head Office P.O. Box 9, Debert Nova Scotia, B0M 1G0 Phone: 902-662-3840 | Fax: 902-662-2581 Email: newmac@newmacfurnaces.com

• Engineered Stainless Steel System designed to increase firebox temperature to burn particulates, carbon monoxide and smoke resulting in cleaner air and very low emission rates

M e c h a n i c a l

B u s i n e s s

Ontario Office P.O. Box 545, Woodstock Ontario, N4V 1P8 Phone: 519-539-6147 | Fax: 519-539-0048 Email: newmac@newmacfurnaces.com

1 0 . 1 0

NBR SERIES Oil Fired Boilers

• Secondary Air Timer extends coal bed heat output time

w w w . n e w m a c f u r n a c e s . c o m

30

Low Boy Oil Fired Forced Air Furnaces

• Thermostatically Controlled Forced Draft System for Fast heat output

• CSA B415 Compliant

New!

NL/NV SERIES

CL SERIES Combination Wood/Coal and Oil Furnaces /Boilers

• H e a t p u m p syst em s • Ven t in g o p t io n s

Venting options

The ecobee Energy Management System

If the various appliances in a customer’s home aren’t able to draw sufficient combustion air, they can pose a serious safety risk, says John Goshulak of WeilMcLain Canada. Goshulak sits on a CSA depressurization committee. “I cannot stress enough the importance of venting,” he says. “We now have higher temperature plastics and venting material requirements, while at the same time, there are more convoluted venting options than ever before.

There’s a real wild west attitude going on, and everyone is coming up with 101 ways to vent these products. I envision over the next two years the industry will finally standardize itself on how to deal with this.”

Multiposition gas furnace The TM9M, part of the Coleman LX series of modulating residential multiposition gas furnaces ranges in size from 60,000 to 120,000 BTUH and has an AFUE rating of 97 per cent. The unit is 33” tall. It uses standard two- or three-inch-diameter pipe and components for venting.

Efficiency marches on According to John Goshulak of Weil-McLain Canada, 50 per cent of today’s boilers are high efficiency models. “Two years ago, about 30 per cent were high efficiency, and two years from now, it will be closer to 65 or 70 per cent.”

colemanhvacdealer.com

here, there and everywhere made easy A malfunctioning HVAC system doesn’t always have to mean a drive across town. ecobee’s Web Portal makes it easy to manage and diagnose system problems from the comfort of your office.

Just a few of the ways ecobee makes life easier.

Find out more at ecobee.com

M e c h a n i c a l

B u s i n e s s

1 0 . 1 0

31

PLUMBING

B y R ain ier B r at sch - B lu n d el

MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR VENT OPTIONS Want to save material, labour and, of course, the environment? Circuit venting is where engineering, physics and a well-trained plumber meet.

Circuit venting is used almost exclusively in commercial applications where multiple fixtures are grouped, draining to a single horizontal branch. This type of group venting has had many names over the years. Once known as “commercial wet venting” in Western Canada, and as “loop and circuit venting” in Ontario, it is now just simply referred to as circuit venting.

The design can be confusing, as it is very similar to wet venting, but it maintains atmospheric pressure using a horizontal branch to serve as the vent for many fixtures downstream of the upstream circuit vent connection.

The Principle:

How a circuit vent works

A horizontal branch is designed to allow a maximum of 65 per cent of its capacity to be occupied by waste water, leaving the top of the pipe free to be used to circulate atmospheric pressure. A single circuit vent “drop” connection downstream of the most upstream fixture maintains atmospheric pressure for all fixtures vented by the horizontal branch. A single relief vent connects downstream of the most downstream fixture helping create the circuit of air.

Circuit vented systems are quite an engineering marvel. To function properly, they must have cleanouts the same size as the piping served, up to fourinches in size. Building codes require that all drainage be accessible for maintenance and inspection, so it is recommended that a cleanout be installed at the most upstream end of the horizontal branch of a circuit vent.

Sizing the Circuit Vent Three factors determine the size of the circuit vent: • Total hydraulic load; • Developed length; and • Minimum size of vent.

Only the fixtures connecting to the horizontal branch that are being circuit vented are used to calculate the total hydraulic load expressed in fixture-units.

The developed length of the circuit vent, expressed in continued on page 34

32

M e c h a n i c a l

B u s i n e s s

1 0 . 1 0

Why are Contractors quickly turning into TRUE BLUE fans?

Ask Jean Desjardins, P. Eng. of Desjardins Expert Conseil “I prefer the process involved in assembling AquaRise over welding copper because we don’t have to deal with fire or safety issues. And unlike copper, when we put the solvent material around the joints, we’re sure it’s going to be sealed. AquaRise is a great alternative – it’s about time someone introduced this type of product.” ®

®

ed system a fully-ineste.grAatqu rs fe of e is aR Aqu fittings and va lv lowaRsisefor of pipe, cement and primer al solvent assembly. fast, easy ®

®

For the full case study story visit www.ipexinc.com/aquarise

Non-Metallic Potable Water Systems for Commercial & High-Rise Construction The colour of the AquaRise ® pipes and fittings is a trade-mark of IPEX Branding Inc. AquaRise ® is a trade-mark of IPEX Branding Inc.

Call 1-866-473-9462 or visit www.ipexinc.com/aquarise

PLUMBING

continued from page 32

TABLE 1

metres, starts at the horizontal branch up to a vent stack, stack vent, header or open air, whichever is reached first. The total fixture units and developed length are then applied to Table 1.

The circuit vent, relief vent and any additional circuit vents may not be smaller than the minimum size of any fixture’s vent served by the circuit vent.

The size of a relief vent and additional circuit vent is one size smaller than the size of the circuit vent, but may not be smaller than the minimum size of the vent for any fixture served by the horizontal branch.

The size of the circuit vent must conform to National Plumbing Code of Canada (NPC) Table 2.5.8.3., Ontario Building Code (OBC) Table 7.5.8.3 or British Columbia Building Code (BCBC) Table 7.5.8.3. A reduced portion of the table is shown here as Table 1.

The table is divided into multiple columns. The first column states the maximum hydraulic load in fixture units. The other columns state the maximum distance of the circuit vent in metres, based on the corresponding size of the vent pipe.

The size of the horizontal branch is determined by the trap size of the fixture served, therefore we find a minimum three-inch horizontal branch for trap sizes two-inch and larger, and a minimum twoinch horizontal branch for trap sizes smaller than two-inch. Fixtures with trap sizes smaller than two-inch can connect to the three-inch, provided each fixture is separately vented.

Circuit venting Restrictions All fixtures connecting to the horizontal branch must be on the same floor level.

No soil or waste stack can discharge through the circuit vented branch.

The circuit vent must connect downstream of the most upstream fixture and is sized based on all fixtures served by the circuit vent.

The relief vent must accompany a circuit vent connecting downstream of the most downstream fixture.

Fixtures with fixture outlet pipes smaller than two-inch must be separately vented or separately circuit vented.

FIXTURES CONNECTING INTO THE VENT PIPES Fixtures may connect to the circuit vent, the additional circuit vent and the relief vents forming a wet vent, but must be sized as a wet vent (two-inch minimum if a toilet is involved). A maximum of two fixtures may connect to the vertical section, with not more than 1.5 fixture units each. Only the relief vent may have a maximum of six fixture units discharge into it, but it must conform to the above mentioned vertical section requirements in Alberta (this mostly likely will become part of the NPC in the next code cycle).

34

M e c h a n i c a l

B u s i n e s s

1 0 . 1 0

ADDITIONAL CIRCUIT VENTS Additional circuit vents assist with the circulation of air through the horizontal branch and are required when there are more than eight circuit vented fixtures between the vents serving the horizontal branch, or when there is any cumulative change of direction to the horizontal branch greater than 45 degrees.

Rainier Bratsch-Blundel is a plumbing professor and the plumbing and steamfitting programs coordinator for apprenticeship and skilled trades at George Brown College. He is also an executive committee member with the Ontario Plumbing Inspectors Association. He can be contacted at rblundel@georgebrown.ca, or visit OPIA online at www.opia.info.

INSTALLS EVEN FASTER QuickVic® Installation-Ready Couplings

STYLE 607

INSTALLATION IS AS EASY AS:

LUBE IT

STAB IT STYLE 177 STYLE 107H for Steel

JOIN IT

A truly innovative pipe joining solution that installs significantly faster than a welded joint. t Fast, easy pipe connections. t No need to disassemble the coupling. t No loose parts to drop or lose.

IMPROVE YOUR PRODUCTIVITY WITH QUICKVIC. VISIT T US A AT: T:

CIPHEX WEST - BOOTH #145

www.victaulic.com/installationready www .victaulic.com/installationready

TIGHTEN IT

ELECTRICITY 101 FOR HVAC/R TECHS

B y C ar o l Fey

Why use a relay?

A thermostat is just a switch that turns HVAC equipment on and off. So why would we bother to add a relay to a system when we already have a thermostat?

A relay gets us around the requirement that every device in an electrical circuit has to be the same voltage. A thermostat is usually low voltage, 24V (see explanation below). The HVAC equipment that the thermostat controls is generally operating at line voltage. They can’t be in the same circuit. It’s as if they speak two different languages, but a relay can be the translator between the two.

The 24V thermostat When a thermostat calls for heat or cool, it simply closes a switch inside the thermostat. For living space heating or cooling, the thermostat is almost always 24V because a 24V thermostat is more sensitive to temperature change.

A line voltage thermostat can be used in an area where a 10-degree or more temperature swing is acceptable, such as in a warehouse.

A relay can have more than one voltage going through it because there is no electrical connection among the parts of a relay. A 24V thermostat circuit sends electricity to the relay coil. That coil changes the 24V into magnetism.

Inside the relay, that magnetism relay is just a switch. The purpose of any switch is to turn something on flips the switches to turn and off. So, a relay turns on or off a piece of HVAC equipment. It’s just line voltage HVAC that easy.

But that’s not all there equipment on and off. is to the story. We need to know how to work with these little devices.

A

RUNNING

The N.O. or N.C. designation

A relay or a contactor?

Right out of the box, with no electricity going through the coil, the relay switches are designated as either open or closed. No electricity is called “normally.”

Every relay switch is either normally open (N.O.) or normally closed (N.C.) before electricity is applied to the coil.

A contactor is the same as a relay, but bigger. It is more often used with air conditioning, whereas a relay is used with heating. Contactor switch terminals are often coated with silver so that they can withstand switching higher current.

Making it work If you want to turn on a blower only when the thermostat calls for heat, what do you do? You wire the blower to a normally open (off) switch in the relay. The blower stays off unless the thermostat calls for heat. This closes the thermostat switch and allows electricity to flow to the relay coil. The coil creates magnetism from that electricity. The magnetism changes the switch from open to closed (on).

36

M e c h a n i c a l

B u s i n e s s

1 0 . 1 0

The switch position is marked on the relay with these designations or with the switch symbol. Two parallel lines is normally open.

That same symbol with a diagonal line is normally closed. Again, it is important here to know that we’re talking about the electricity applied to the coil, not about electricity applied to switches.

• W h y u s e a r e l a y ? • M akin g it wo r k • W ir in g it u p Wiring it up If you look at the wiring terminals on a relay, you will find that two of them are connected to the ends of the wire that make up the coil. There may be a label on the relay as well. We can connect these two terminals into a circuit made up of a 24V transformer, the thermostat, and this relay coil.

Each switch has two terminals. Wire each switch into a circuit with the piece of equipment that is to be turned off and on, and whatever power supply that equipment requires.

Carol Fey is a technical trainer who has been in the HVAC and hydronics industries for over 20 years. To see her recent adventures as a heating mechanic in Antarctica, go to www.carolfey09.com She can be reached at carol@carolfey.com.

Remember, the voltage wired to each switch can be completely different from the voltage wired into the coil or other switch.

Switching relay vs.

Isolation relay

WITH

These components can be exactly the same relay, but they are used for different purposes.

RELAYS

The relay allows a low voltage thermostat to control a line voltage load. An isolation relay protects one circuit from the electrical effects of another by providing the magnetism of the coil as an intermediary.

Troubleshooting and testing your relay

Since there are two parts of a relay, you need to troubleshoot both.

To test the coil, remove power from the coil. Set your multimeter to continuity or resistance ( ). Put a meter probe on each of the coil terminals. If there is continuity (the meter beeps) or resistance (there is a digital reading), the coil is good.

To test the switches, remove power from all parts of the relay. Notice if the switch you are about to test is marked normally open or normally closed. With the meter set on continuity or resistance, put a meter probe on each of the switch terminals. If there is continuity or resistance, the switch is closed. If that is not what the switch is labeled, then the switch is bad.

If the switch tests good with the coil unpowered, then power the coil. Again test the switch. This time it should be in the opposite position from its label. That is, if the label says the switch is normally open, it should be closed when the relay coil is powered.

M e c h a n i c a l

B u s i n e s s

1 0 . 1 0

37

PIPING PART 2

B y B o b ‘Ho t R o d ’ R o h r << PRIMARY/SECONDARY This is sometimes referred to as simply P/S. The best understanding I have is, if you don’t have closely spaced tees, you don’t have P/S piping. While true in principle, sometimes P/S can be disguised, such as can be seen when using a low-loss header or hydro separation device.

If you are not sure if a system equipped with a low-loss header or hydro separation device is P/S, take a look at how it would be assembled with piping.

Water tends to flow in the path of least resistance. If you have a section of piping with two branches teeing off, the flow will tend to go straight across the branches of the tees as long as there is no restriction in that path.

Expanded thoughts on piping possibilities A

few months ago we started this conversation regarding system piping options. Two of the most common principles series and parallel - were examined (see July/August 2010, page 38), but there are even more choices to be considered.

Other options include primary/secondary, reverse return, and home run configurations.

As with most choices there are pros and cons and decisions to be made when determining which is the best fit. The goal is to match the piping to the task you wish to accomplish.

Ideally, you are aiming for the energy to be moved efficiently, quietly, and with an easily installed layout.

Gil at the Little Red Schoolhouse

Bob ‘Hot Rod’ Rohr has been a plumbing, radiant heat and solar contractor and installer for 30 years. A long-time RPA member and columnist, he is manager of training & education with Caleffi North America. You can reach Hot Rod at bob.rohr@caleffi.com.

38

M e c h a n i c a l

Often when we talk about P/S the name Gil Carlson comes up. Gil was a true hydronic visionary. While working for Bell & Gossett, he put some of these concepts into designs and got the P/S ball rolling (or the P/S puck sliding where Canadians are involved).

Little, if any, flow will happen in the secondary circuit if those tees are piped close together. The pipe between them does create some resistance so it is critical to keep the piping as short as possible. Two tees with a short nipple works, and several manufacturers sell a specially designed P/S tee or fitting.

I have seen installers insert a ball valve between those two tees. The intent is to aid in purging the system by forcing all the flow through the tee branches, flushing that secondary loop of air. I’d prefer to see that distance between the tees be a clean full size, properly reamed nipple no more than 10 cm apart. A commonly used metric: The distance between the tees should be as close as possible, a close nipple is ideal.

If you study the design of the low-loss headers and hydro separation devices available today, you will see the P/S theme incorporated in a nicely packaged, insulated, plug-and-play component.

P/S is an important piping strategy when you start installing boilers with high pressure drop heat exchangers, for example. The piping principles of P/S, when properly sized and installed, ensures that the boiler sees the correct flow while not upsetting flow in the secondary circuit.

Injection mixing with variable speed circulators is another appropriate application of P/S. Sizing and flow formulas are important when you start sizing pipes, fittings and circulators in a P/S system. The stars may lie, but the numbers never do. Look to your sizing manuals and manufacturer’s instructions for the answers. continued on page 40

B u s i n e s s

1 0 . 1 0

Simple.

Smart.

SIME. Meet The Family

The luxury of a storage tank, combined with the efficiency of instantaneous ... in one!

• 50 litre storage tank built in • DHW re-circulation ready • Built-in circulator, expansion tank and air eliminator • 110,000 Btu/h

Planet Dewy 60 BFR • Built-in circulator and air eliminator • Can be installed in a cascade design up to 6 boilers (1.2MBtu/hr) per Equip package • Ideal for snow melt and commercial heating • Advanced low NOX technology • DHW-ready (combi) • Designed for commercial applications • 210,000 Btu/h

The Intelligent Combi • DHW on demand & central heating in one unit

AD

E IN ITA L

Y

• Combi, provides heating and DHW

Murelle HE

M

Planet Dewy 30/50

New world design. Old world craftsmanship. When you install a Sime wall hung boiler, you install confidence. All of Sime’s extensive range of intelligent boilers feature worldclass stainless steel heat exchangers, LPG or NG operation with full gas/air modulation and up to 97% efficiency. Every boiler leaves the factory fire tested, component checked and ready to meet even the most stringent environmental regulations. For more information on our complete line, contact us or visit us online.

• 110,000 Btu/h • Sophisticated pre-mix system • World-class stainless steel heat exchangers

®

• Built-in circulator, expansion tank and air eliminator • Intelligent pcp board is "Solar Ready"

NORTH

AMERICA

w w w. s i m e n o r t h a m e r i c a . c o m North American Distribution by: S U P P L Y

L T D.

101 Sharer Road, Woodbridge, Ontario L4L 8Z3 Tel: (905) 265-1527 Toll Free 1.877.836.7772 Fax: (905) 265-9739 www.thermalhydronics.com

DISTRI BUTOR OPPORTU N ITI ES AVAI LABLE!

PIPING PART 2

continued from page 38

REVERSE RETURN (R/R)

>>

Radiant floor loops would be another use of R/R. The same concept applies as far as keeping all the loop lengths close to the same length. Within 10 per cent would be a good guideline for loop length.

This is another simple flow balancing piping technique. With large solar thermal arrays sprouting across the continent, R/R piping is starting to become more common.

Basically, R/R piping attempts to achieve equal flow by balancing the piping path to each device.

Looking at the drawing, you can see that the first device supplied, be it a solar collector, radiator or level of a building, is the last to return. By piping this way, it ensures the flow through each device is close to equal. This equal flow will only be seen if the flow resistance in each device is equal.

This would be the case when collecting multiple solar collectors all of the same size and flow characteristic.

Hydronic baseboard and panel radiators may be a bit more challenging. Ideally the baseboard length or panel radiator size would be similar.

<< HOME RUN (H/R) This is an easy one to explain. Basically every load, or emitter, gets its own supply and return piping. Probably the best application for this method would be panel radiators.

As you can see by the illustration, this piping method does require more pipe, and more pipe would require more insulation, hangers, fittings, solder, etc., and additional labour hours need to be factored in, but it does simplify balancing in the right application.

A good approach would be to mount a radiant manifold back in the mechanical room. Then run PEX tubing out to the loads.

This gives you the ability to have flow adjustment easily accessible.

Having the manifold readily accessible also allows you to isolate and individually purge each loop. Or, you could shut down a loop for maintenance or modification without shutting down the entire system.

As with any piping design, pipe sizing would need to be calculated to ensure sufficient GPM to each device. Designing around a four feet per second velocity is considered an industry standard.

This not-to-exceed number ensures good air removal and eliminates velocity-induced noise.

R/R works best in applications where the piping starts and ends back at the same location. If you have a building or application where the loop ends a distance from the mechanical room, the cost of the additional third line back to the mechanical room would need to be considered.

40

M e c h a n i c a l

Want more Hot Rod? turn to page 90

B u s i n e s s

1 0 . 1 0

Zoning can be accomplished by adding an actuator to the manifold. In many cases, 3/8â&#x20AC;? or 1/2â&#x20AC;? PEX is sufficient to handle small- to medium-sized panel radiator zones. Most radiator manufacturers have sizing charts based on panel size and supply temperature.

I like the H/R method for retrofit jobs. Being able to fish small diameter PEX tubing through a building with minimal disruption is a big selling feature.

Bore a large enough hole so you can install the pipe insulation as you feed the tubing into the wall or ceiling. This not only lessens the heat loss but also cushions the tubing where you are unable to get support hangers.

Getting Betterr G all the time

H/HDUQLQJ

Air Eliminators

Ho ot Water on D’MAND®

Circulators

Electronic Controls

Radiant Mixing Blocks

iSeries Mixing Vaalves

ProFit Parts

Software

FloPro Tutorials u

REFRIGERATION

B y P h il J. B o u d r eau

n this first installment of a short series of articles, we will explore various compressor failure types and discuss the ways of remedying and even preventing these failures.

I

Diagnosing and preventing

COMPRESSOR FAILURES F

irst and foremost, compressors should only be operated within the operating envelope determined by the compressor manufacturer. When servicing systems, the technician should be familiar with the operating envelope in order to ensure that the compressor is operating within this envelope. If a compressor has failed, check the envelope. A previous technician may have installed the incorrect compressor for an application, so the failed compressor may be replaced only to find out that the replacement compressor fails as well.

A collection of failed loose teminals.

Tighten the electrical connections

It is important to ensure that the refrigerant type and oil used are compatible with the compressor, and are suitable for a particular application.

Tech Tip Whenever the compressor is changed, the contactor(s) should also be replaced. The unfortunate reality is that the contactor can damage a compressor beyond repair. Yes, our inexpensive contactor can take out a compressor that is worth thousands of dollars!

For a given displacement, the horsepower (HP) requirement for a compressor varies with the application. In higher suction pressure applications such as medium- and high-temperature refrigeration, the HP will be greater than it is for low temperature. On occasion, technicians have installed low-temperature compressors on medium-temperature loads. The results are usually noticed very quickly as the amperage reaches a point where the motor becomes overloaded.

Care must always be taken when making electrical connections. Connections must be properly prepared and tightened. Loose connections will result in arcing, overheating of the wire and possible single-phasing of three-phase motors.

Signs of arcing, burning and discolouration at electrical connection points are usually an indication of poor connections. These must be corrected.

Be sure that contact screws are not tightened onto the insulation itself. The insulation must be stripped far enough back to permit proper positioning of the wire in the connector. This will ensure good contact.

All inductive loads generate high currents while starting. This is the most likely timing for failure as the demand for power is at its highest.

When tightening the motor terminal connections, refer to the manufacturerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s literature for the correct torque values. Loose continued on page 44

42

M e c h a n i c a l

B u s i n e s s

1 0 . 1 0

REFRIGERATION connections will overheat and place the compressor at risk. If these terminals are over-tightened, however, they may be damaged. At this point, the entire compressor terminal block may have to be replaced.

continued from page 42

Monitoring the power supply There are three-phase monitors that will monitor not only the incoming supply to the contactor, but also the power supply leaving the contactor. Then, if the contactor single-phases for some reason, the compressor will be taken offline. These are relatively inexpensive devices. Some even have an infrared communication link where you can use a device to read voltage variations.

Determining correct operating amperage Nameplate amperages should never be used as a means to determine the correct operating amperage of a compressor. In the past, Full Load Amps (FLA) was often listed on equipment labels.

However, this was misleading because compressors can typically handle a wide range of evaporating and condensing temperatures. Some compressor manufacturers may even list the Rated Load Amperage (RLA) on the compressor nameplate.

What amperage should a compressor manufacturer list on the nameplate? The Locked Rotor Amps (LRA) must be on the plate, as this is required by UL. This is the current that the motor draws just before it starts to turn.

Some equipment manufacturers publish the (RLA) which UL says is optional. The RLA is often displayed on the condensing unit or system nameplate and is used to determine the minimum circuit amps (MCA) for a particular system or installation. This should not be used by the service technician to verify compressor amperage during commissioning or troubleshooting a system. The RLA is used when sizing electrical supply wiring to the unit.

All compressors must undergo a Maximum Continuous Current Test (MCC test). This is a physical test to determine at what point the motor will trip on its overload. The RLA value is simply a calculated value that is derived from the MCC value.

Like most things, contactors will not last indefinitely. These are electromechanical devices that tend to wear. Occasionally, the â&#x20AC;&#x153;pull-inâ&#x20AC;? mechanisms can jam and contacts become worn. Burns and/or pitting of the contacts increase the resistance across the contacts and can eventually result in overheating. This is a very dangerous scenario for a motor as it will inevitably lead to increased operating amps, and possible single-phase supply to a three-phase motor.

When full voltage is applied to a motor in one step, it is referred to as direct-online (DOL) start. This is the simplest way to start a motor and is usually limited to smaller compressors. In DOL applications, the in-rush current may be as much six times the rated load amps (RLA).

With larger motors, larger in-rush currents are developed as they try to start. To reduce this starting current and to ensure that they can start up properly, partstart windings or soft starting equipment is often used.

Technicianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tips

With a 50/50 winding split, it is good practice to size each contactor to carry 60% of the total motor amperage, to ensure an adequate safety margin.

In part-start applications, there are two windings energized in sequence using two contactors. The compressor manufacturer can provide the appropriate timing between winding starts. Ensure that this timing is correct. Typically it will be less than a half second.

Once the first contactor is energized, the second contactor is energized through a delay timer or auxiliary contact on the first contactor. With a 50/50 winding split, the contactors are sized to carry 50 per cent of the total load. In some cases, windings may also have to be energized in specific sequence.

The soft-starter is an electronic programmable device that is designed to start the motor at reduced amperage. The motor is gradually brought up to speed.

Consult with the motor or compressor manufacturer for the correct ramp-up speed. It will usually be less than five seconds.

Soft-starters are very effective at reducing motor start-up amperage and even protecting the motor from power supply problems. However, the installing technician must ensure that it is installed and set-up correctly.

Phil Boudreau provides sales, training and technical support for Bitzer Canada Inc., and is the instructor of a refrigeration course at Humber College in Toronto. He can be contacted at pboudreau@bitzer.ca.

44

M e c h a n i c a l

B u s i n e s s

1 0 . 1 0

TEST DRIVE What’ What’s t’’s NEW!

)).4%2.!4)/.!, !)2 #/.$)4)/.).' s (%!4).' s 2%&2)'%2!4).' %80/3)4)/. . 4 % 2 . !4) / . ! , ! )2 # / .$ ) 4 )/ .) .' s ( % !4 ). ' s 2% &2) '% 2!4 ). ' %8 0 /3 )4)/ .

Januar y 31 - Febr F b uar y 2, 2 2011 Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nev Co-sponsors:

YYou’ll ou’ll o See, Learn and Accomplish More at the W orld’ o ’s Larg geest World’s Largest HV VAC&R HVAC&R Mar rketplace k Marketplace

Honorar y Sponsor :

Demo the Latest Products for All A YYour our o HV HVAC&R VAC&R C Applications: pp Choose from over 1,800 leading Manufacturers from around the world showcasing thousands of the newest systems, equipment, components and tools to help you work more efficientlyy, more ore profitablyy.

Get Behind the Wheel of Today’s Toda o y’ss Most Innovative Innoovvative a TTechnologies: eechnologies: If it exists, you’ll find it here! From Sustainable Building and Alternative Energy Teechnologies echnolog including Solar, Geothermal…to advanced Automation, Controls & Networking; Hydronic & Radiant Heating Solutions; Business & Design Software; and more.

Map Out Your Your o Road to Success: Learn about the latest efficiency standards, government incentive programs, LEED and other Technolog e y industr y initiatives, state-of-the-art solutions, and much more in over 100 New Product Te Presentations, Workshops, Seminars and Short Courses.

FREE Sho Show w Registr Registration, ation, Hotel and TTravel ravel Discounts and Sho Show w Infor Information: mation: www www.ahrexpo.com w.ahr . expo.com Produced and managed by:

PPhone: hone: s s EE-mail: -mail: info@ahrexpo.com

with Roger Grochmal

Payment is part of the job I’m tired of dealing with customers who don’t want to pay their bills. My guys provide great service. The projects are always on time and on budget, but I still get the run around when it comes time to get paid. What do you do to ensure prompt payment?

Getting

Bill C., Laval, Que.

I wondered how deep we would get into the recession before someone asked me this question. Good economic times make us a little careless as cash grows in our bank account. As credit tightens and fewer projects at tighter margins come at us, it is imperative we get paid promptly for everything we do.

At AtlasCare, we have a culture where the expectation is, right from the get-go, we will be paid upon completion of the job.

Before we do any work, our people ask on the phone or in person how the customer plans to pay.

Payment is not a dirty word. Many conIf it seems like payment could be a problem, we tractors take the moral high ground and have great financing believe if they do good work they will be options we can offer. If rewarded with prompt payment. Some they don’t qualify for get embarrassed about having to ask for financing, then we are off money. the hook and can walk We pay our bills promptly, so why away without having put shouldn’t our customers? ourselves at risk.

Unfortunately, that’s just simply not the Our technicians are way that all customers act, but don’t be expected to collect payembarrassed. You have a business to run ment upon completion of and employees who count on you. Your every sale or service call. job is not complete until you have the We monitor collections on money in the bank. The greatest sin in a daily basis and if a techbusiness is running out of cash, so don’t nician failed to bring back sidestep the dollars discussion. money, we contact the

Have the cash talk

customer that day to collect. Taking credit cards helps a lot.

One side benefit of being on top of collections is that you will flush out warranty problems before they become major issues. This is one of the biggest reasons we find people don’t pay.

As hard as it will be, you will occasionally need to fire a customer for poor payment.

If they ask to come back then you will be in a much better position to negotiate firm payment terms. If they drag their feet again, let them go.

Get squeaky A key part of getting paid is having one person in your office dedicated to calling customers every week. Customers will pay the squeaky wheel.

The result is that our overdue accounts tend to average no more than 10 days.

Another effective collection tactic is showing up in person. It’s pretty easy to blow someone off over the phone; not so easy when they are standing in front of you.

46

M e c h a n i c a l

B u s i n e s s

1 0 . 1 0

We have also had some success in charging extra to customers whom we know will pay slowly. This could work if an account is strategic to your business, but it can tie up financial resources, so make sure you are structured to handle those arrangements.

:KR 6D\V <RX &DQ¡W 3OHDVH (YHU\RQH"

Break it up We occasionally will break up a larger contract into multiple contracts, particularly when the bulk of the work is done quickly and we have a long lead time on a particular item, such as custom grilles and registers.

This allows us to get paid for the bulk of the work on time while waiting for delivery for an outstanding component of the job.

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t ever get the reputation as being a pushover about collecting. Word will get around as these unscrupulous people will tell their friends and they will call and beat you up. Do you want to be known as the business owner who fights for payment, or a pushover? Your call, but I know which one my employees would prefer me to be. After all, their paycheque (and mine) is affected if we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have money coming in the door.

)XMLWVXÂśV QHZ +\EULG )OH[ ,QYHUWHU OLQH SURYLGHV LQGLYLGXDO FRPIRUW WR XS WR ]RQHV DW RQFH /HWÂśV IDFH LW RQH WHPSHUDWXUH GRHV QRW SOHDVH DOO ZKLFK LV ZK\ )XMLWVXÂśV QHZ OLQH RI +DOF\RQ +\EULG )OH[ ,QYHUWHU +),

PRGHOV DOORZV XS WR LQGRRU XQLWV WR EH FRQQHFWHG WR RQH RXWGRRU XQLW SURYLGLQJ LQGLYLGXDO ]RQHV RI KHDWLQJ RU FRROLQJ Â&#x2021; 8S WR 6((5 HQHUJ\ HIILFLHQW RSHUDWLRQ ORZHUV XWLOLW\ ELOOV Â&#x2021; )ODUH FRQQHFWLRQV PDNH +), PRGHOV HDVLHU WR LQVWDOO Â&#x2021; 2QH *URXS 5HPRWH &RQWURO FDQ FRQWURO DOO ]RQHV Â&#x2021; /RQJ SLSLQJ OHQJWKV RI XS WR IHHW LQFUHDVH LQVWDOODWLRQ RSWLRQV Â&#x2021; ,QYHUWHU WHFKQRORJ\ UHJXODWHV WKH FRPSUHVVRU VSHHG WR LWV RSWLPXP HQHUJ\ XVDJH SURGXFLQJ KLJKHU UHIULJHUDQW SHUIRUPDQFH ZLWK OHVV SRZHU FRQVXPSWLRQ

:LWK )XMLWVXÂśV OLQH RI +DOF\RQ +\EULG )OH[ ,QYHUWHU V\VWHPV \RX UHDOO\ &$1 SOHDVH HYHU\RQH

Roger Grochmal is the president of AtlasCare in Oakville, Ont. To submit a question about your company, business practices, or the industry in general, send an e-mail to Mechanical Business Magazineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s editor, Adam Freill, adam.freill@mechanicalbusiness.com.

?

7R ILQG RXW KRZ \RX FDQ SOHDVH HYHU\RQH DQG KRZ WR EHFRPH D +DOF\RQ 'HDOHU YLVLW

ZZZ IXMLWVXJHQHUDO FRP

M e c h a n i c a l

B u s i n e s s

1 0 . 1 0

47

by Doug MacMillan

ost business owners can be split into two categories – they either think everything they do is exciting and worthy of shouting from the rooftops, or they are extremely modest.

M

Finding a balance between boastful and bashful is important to keep your customers (and the media) engaged. Whether you regularly update your website, write a blog, or want to send a news release to local reporters, telling your stories well is a fundamental part of marketing.

In a recent column, I talked about the structural aspects of storytelling. We touched on the importance of establishing key messages, adding credibility with case studies and testimonials and connecting your tone/writing style with the application. So now you know how to write your story, but how do you decide what to write about?

Innovations Whenever I talk to industry folks, be they manufacturers or contractors, the fire in their eye is usually lit when they talk about a creative or innovative solution or idea. What are you doing that’s new and different?

who worked over Christmas to give heat to a family in need. Capture the story from the perspective of the real people – employees, customers, community members – who were involved.

A HISTORY LESSON Product innovations are the stories most typically told in our industry, and they are certainly worth telling.

They help position the HVAC industry as sophisticated, technologically advanced and cutting-edge.

However, there are all sorts of innovation angles you can share. Perhaps a recent installation posed a specific challenge and demanded a creative, sophisticated approach to make it work. Or, it could be that a new product helped make a customer’s life easier.

Even business operations ideas are worth talking about. Regardless of the innovation – if it changes the way you serve your customers, and benefits them in some capacity, it’s a story worth telling.

People are often intrigued and surprised to hear the tales and trials of how a business came to grow and prosper over the years. Every company’s history story is unique, and if you’re reaching a major milestone, such as an anniversary or merger with another company, use the opportunity to dust off the old stories and pictures of the owners back when it all began, when they had more hair and less of a belly.

Everyone loves old pictures!

What are you doing that’s making a difference?

People, people, people Connecting people to your story humanizes your company. Rather than make it about yourself or your company, make it about the human experience. Promote the efforts of a team

Doug MacMillan is president of MacMillan Marketing Group in Guelph, Ont. To reach him, e-mail dmac@macmillanmarketing.com.

48

M e c h a n i c a l

B u s i n e s s

1 0 . 1 0

At first glance it may seem like the next trendy thing to do, but corporate social responsibility (CSR) is fast becoming a critical consideration for consumers when choosing what companies they want to do business with. Talk about the ways you are helping your community.

How will you spread the word?

Once you have a story, it’s important to determine the best way to share it. Here are some options to consider:

• Sometimes a simple letter makes a huge impression.

• Create media buzz. If your story is of particular interest to your community and/or your customers, send it out to radio stations and newspapers in your area.

Ask the right questions

Initiate contact Media relations should play an important part of your overall marketing efforts. Aim to send out a press release every six to eight weeks to stay in front of your audience.

heatfab

®

SGV/DGV

NEW 4X3

TM

STAINLESS STEEL

Special Gas Vent

• Don’t forget your website. News items are natural updates for your website and help keep it fresh. If it goes out to the media, it should go on your website.

• If your company has a Facebook page or Twitter account (if it doesn’t, look into it – and watch for my next column) use these tools to get the gist of the story out. Then direct your followers to your website for more information.

The industry leader in Special Gas Vent introduces new alternative alloy SGV/DGV Special Gas Vent Systems.

Available in both Single Wall and Double Wall designs, SGV/DGV features a proprietary stainless steel alloy - 4X3™ that offers superior corrosion resistance at an economical price point. These new systems feature installer-friendly connections and built-in silicone seals, so field applied RTV is not required.

• 3 & 4 inch sizes for residential applications • Single Wall / Double Wall Systems • Listed to UL1738 and ULC S-636 5030 Corporate Exchange Blvd.

Grand Rapids, MI 49512 Toll Free: 1.800.433.6341

heatfab

®

www.heatfab.com

M e c h a n i c a l

P.O. Box 526, Depot 1 Hamilton, ON L8L 7X6 Toll Free: 1.888.SELKIRK (735.5475)

B u s i n e s s

1 0 . 1 0

49

HYDRONICS

B y Dan Vast yan

Heat transfer plates A variety of traditional aluminum heat transfer plates are available for use with PEX and PEX-AL-PEX tubing products. The plates are highly conductive and provide a larger pipe-to-floor contact area. This in turn allows heat to migrate more rapidly across the floor.

Plates are generally stapled or nailed over the tubing, holding it to the underside of the subfloor.

Heat transfer plates are not limited to aluminum anymore. Recently-introduced products include plates constructed with layers of graphite-based material. Like aluminum, these are stapled or nailed to the subfloor. Unlike traditional aluminum heat transfer plates, however, they can be cut with a pair of scissors or utility knife. Plus, with a wider width than many aluminum options, the graphite-based plates deliver more BTUs with a lower supply water temperature, which can work well with such technologies as geothermal and solar.

Optimizing underfloor radiant heat ome purists consider underfloor radiant heat a bit like exchanging newlyground, fresh-brewed coffee . . . for a cup of the instant stuff. Well, an underfloor approach is the quickest way to install a radiant system, and it’s less expensive, too.

But, when you consider its merits, there’s a lot to be said for a cup o’ “insta-Joe.”

S

In its earlier years, the joke used to be with an underfloor application you’d get a “snap, crackle, and pop” as you ate your morning cereal. That familiar melody wasn’t coming from your bowl, however, but rather from your floor as a call for more heat expanded the tubing.

Using old school aluminum heat transfer plates only served to amplify the noise.

Thankfully those days are mostly a thing of the past with the advent of better heat transfer technology, tubing advances, and outdoor reset controls.

No matter what tubing and accessories are used for an underfloor radiant system, the materials used today make this kind of system a very attractive option for retrofit and new construction alike.

A SIMPLE SOLUTION Journalist Dan Vastyan writes for trade professionals. He is employed by Common Ground, a Manheim, PAbased trade communications firm with clients in the radiant heat, hydronic, geothermal, HVAC and solar heat industries.

50

M e c h a n i c a l

“Underfloor radiant systems work the same as above-floor, or thin slab systems,” says Kolyn Marshall, director of product applications and customer support at Watts Radiant in the U.S. “Not only is an underfloor installation more cost effective, but it saves floor height and reduces weight as well.”

Underfloor installations were initially used for radiant retrofits when renovating old homes and buildings. Using the existing construction profile is a lot less complicated than requiring concrete over-pours or placing the tubing into walls and ceilings. If there is ready access to joist bays from below, it’s a relatively easy task. Tubing is installed without adding any additional floor height, concerns about structural loading, or disturbing existing floor coverings.

B u s i n e s s

1 0 . 1 0

• I n s u l a t e g e n e r o usly • P ex Tu b in g: It ’s u b iq u it o u s STONE COLD . . . no more INSULATE generously After the job is done, installers naturally pressurize all loops to test for leaks. Air is eliminated entirely when the loops are filled, and then it’s time to circulate fluids to distribute heat.

That’s it, right?

Not so fast.

Where’s your traffic cop? What’s in place to direct those BTUs where you want ‘em to go? Without smartly-placed insulation, and enough of it, it’s just anarchy! Those BTUs will scatter in every direction.

Radiant floor heat costs less to operate than other forms of heat, and most people find that they’re more comfortable at lower room temperatures with a radiant floor.

As an added bonus, radiant floor heat doesn’t stratify at the ceiling, meaning less heat loss through the ceilings. Couple this with the added advantage of zoneability, and the end result is comfort without compromise.

Radiant heat from a floor warms all objects within a room (yes, even that old Barcalounger), giving every surface a warm, inviting sensation.

Surprisingly, surfaces that tend to be the most uncomfortable without radiant heat – stone, tile and hardwood floors – become the most comfortable with radiant because they transfer heat so well.

With radiant, there are no air grates, radiators, or thermal baseboards to factor-in – there’s no interference with room function or furniture layout.

Joist bays will leak heat like a sieve if you don’t carefully insulate the ends of each bay, and from below.

To make the most of the installation, it’s recommended to use a foil-faced insulation under the tubing, preserving a two-inch air gap below. The foil helps direct the energy that would have normally been lost downward back into the floor – where it needs to be.

It’s underfloor, not staple-up Many installers still refer to PEX underfloor installations as “staple-up.” With plates, it really isn’t that.

Today, we use the term “staple-up” strictly for stapled-up EPDM tubing.

PEX TUBING: It’s ubiquitous PEX tubing is the most commonly used conveyor of radiant heat. Almost always used with heat transfer plates when installed in a frame floor, this tubing is all too often associated with system noise due to tubing expansion. Many companies now have products and technology designed to eliminate the problem.

A recent advancement is the addition of a low-friction external layer in some PEX tubing products.

This outer layer relieves the friction between the tubing, the floor and fasteners. As an added bonus, this layer helps with installation by allowing the tubing to slide more easily through the joists.

Another tubing developmental was the introduction of PEX-AL-PEX. Originally designed as an alternative to copper tubing for use in potable water systems, PEX-AL-PEX has an aluminum layer thick enough to provide rigidity, yet allows the pipe to hold its shape after being bent. This aluminum layer helps reduce expansion.

M e c h a n i c a l

B u s i n e s s

1 0 . 1 0

51

HVAC

B y B r yan R o cky an d Jo h n Vella

The sales appeal of

MODULATION or many consumers, the anxiety over fuel costs extends well beyond the price theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re paying at the gas pump. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also affecting them on the home front.

F

Some consumers will sacrifice their personal comfort by lowering their thermostat to realize lower utility bills. The volatile energy market, compounded by consumersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; desire for a superior heating comfort solution, makes modulating gas furnace technology more appealing than ever.

Modulating technology explained Modulating gas furnace technology allows for the optimal and incremental varying of the furnace firing rate as determined by the heating load demand requirements for the home. Besides the gas valve, the furnace inducer motor and air distribution blower motor change speeds to provide required airflow. Furnace run times are typically extended with lower input rates to meet the thermostat demand. The result is reduced fuel consumption, extremely quiet operation and more consistent and even temperatures, resulting in superior comfort.

Modulating gas furnace platforms are similar to traditional furnace designs. However, there are several obvious differences:

Modulating gas valve: The modulating gas valve provides variable capacity and adjusts the firing rate using a signal from the integrated furnace control board, depending upon the heating demand. In most cases, but not all, a valve change will be required if modulating technology is used in a propane gas application.

Integrated furnace control board: Modulating gas furnaces have an advanced integrated furnace control board that directs and monitors the functions associated with the furnace operation. These functions include gas valve control, operation of the combustion inducer and circulating air blower motors, management of all safety functions and reporting of diagnostic information.

Inducer combustion motor: Modulating gas furnaces use an inducer that is either a variablespeed electrically commutated motor (ECM) or a permanent split capacitor motor (PSC). The integrated furnace control will precisely vary the speed of the inducer to match the required firing rate and gas output.

The control also varies the inducer speed to overcome any combustion air intake or exhaust vent conditions caused by restrictions or vent system designs.

Air circulation blower motor: Similar to the inducer combustion motor, the integrated furnace control precisely varies the speed of the air circulation blower to match the required firing rate and controls air temperature rise (ATR) across the heat exchanger. This is extremely important when applications are subject to poor filter maintenance or inadequate duct design. continued on page 54

52

M e c h a n i c a l

B u s i n e s s

1 0 . 1 0

the k key ey to unlocking GOVERNMENT GRANTS

TURN LEADS INT INTO O SALES BY UNL UNLOCKING OCKING O OVER VER $2,000 IN GO GOVERNMENT VERNMENT GRANTS FOR Y YOUR OUR CUS CUSTOMERS TOMERS A GREENSA GREENSAVER VER HOME ENERG ENERGY YA AUDIT UDIT IS Y YOUR OUR KEY

YOUR CUSTOMERS OFFER Y OUR RESIDENTIAL CUS TOMERS SAVINGS THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS IN SA VINGS YOUR SERVICES ON Y OUR SER VICES WITHOUT CUTTING INTO YOUR BOTTOM INT OY OUR BO TTOM LINE. SA AV VER HOME ENERG UDIT A GREENSA YA GREENSAVER ENERGY AUDIT AN MAKE IT A T HAPPEN WHILE C CAN Y OU L OOK LIKE THE HERO! YOU LOOK

T This his incentive will not last another fall heating heating se season ason so don’t let your customers get lef left ft out in the cold. L Let et us help you use government gr grants ants to star startt closing potential sales now!

W We e mak make e the pr process ocess quick and e easy. asy. Only with a G GreenSaver reenSaver H Home ome E Energy nergy Audit will your clients be eligible for: 100 AIR MILES™ rreward eward miles Guar Guaranteed anteed 48 hour completion of the initial audit O O

Guar Guaranteed anteed completion of follow up audit within 5 business days O O

O O

With 25 ye years ars of e experience xperience and over 40,000 customers served, Gr GreenSaver eenSaver is Ontario’ Ontario’s ntario’’s trusted e expert xperrtt in home ener energy gy ef efficiency. ffi ficiency.

G Government overnment g grants ra n t s a are re a available vailable ffor or a llimited imited ttime ime o only! nly!

CALL

eenSaver T O D A Y Gr GreenSaver

1-888-855-3106

HVAC

continued from page 52

•S ellin g t h e t ech n o lo gy • B asic set up

Discharge air sensor:

Modulating furnaces incorporate a discharge air sensor that typically monitors discharge air temperature rise. If the monitored temperature is different than what the integrated furnace control is anticipating, either the air circulation blower speed or the modulating gas valve input rate will be adjusted to bring operation back into proper alignment.

Selling the

Understanding modulating gas furnace technology from a technical and operational standpoint is certainly an advantage when discussing a potential equipment replacement with the consumer.

There are many features and benefits that shouldn’t be overlooked while presenting your “home comfort” proposition.

One of the big reasons consumers decide to replace aging equipment is to improve their overall comfort. Modulating gas furnace technology can maintain the desired space temperature to within one-half degree of the wall thermostat set point as a result of longer run times at lower inputs. Variable speed motors provide airflow to match the required heat input with electricity used. And don’t forget the emotional comfort aspect. Reduced sound goes hand in hand with modulating technology due to the lower inputs and appropriate airflow, and a quieter environment often equates to ideal emotional comfort.

Sustainability certainly applies to the HVAC/R industry, in furnaces as well as from the condensing unit side of the business with alternate refrigerants. However, don’t overlook its potential power in the sales dialogue – it may be very important to your customer.

Some obvious points of discussion include high efficiency, reduced fuel consumption, lower electrical usage, recycled packaging and fewer raw materials used to build the product.

John Vella is the Canadian national sales manager - UPG, Johnson Controls LP. He can be reached at john.a.vella@jci.com.

B u s i n e s s

Operational setup of a modulating gas furnace system is very similar to traditional designs.

Since modulating gas valves have various operating ranges, the contractor must place the valve to a known firing rate in order to set the manifold gas pressure. Most designs will provide a function that forces the furnace to operate at the full firing rate using a test or setup mode.

Selecting Modulating Gas

When a consumer expresses interest in lower utility costs, the product offering will typically equate to a high-efficiency model.

Most modulating gas furnaces are condensing models with efficiencies ranging from 90% to 98% AFUE. The precise control of the gas valve in modulating furnace technology allows the furnace to run in lower operating input ranges, thus maximizing energy savings.

M e c h a n i c a l

SETUP Because modulating furnace controls consistently monitor the air temperature rise, critical attention should be paid to setting up the airflow. Again, most designs will provide a test mode or setup button that forces the furnace blower motor to achieve full airflow so that temperature rise can be measured and adjusted accordingly. Heating, cooling and continuous fan circulating speeds may need to be configured.

TECHNOLOGY

54

Basic

1 0 . 1 0

FURNACES

Equipment selection for modulating gas furnace technology is similar to that for standard furnace equipment.

It’s always best to start with a heat load calculation on the structure. In most situations, the original equipment may be oversized. Load calculation tools range from a basic written form to advanced computer software. A load calculation will not only ensure maximum operational efficiency, it will also add value to the “home comfort” proposition.

Don’t forget that where the furnace is installed can dictate what efficiency model can be used.

Venting requirements must be considered, especially if you’re replacing a non-condensing furnace with a condensing model.

Also consider how condensate will be removed, as you have to provide proper condensate drainage. The size of the furnace and the space required must be looked at for new equipment, particularly if a highefficiency evaporator coil or indoor air quality component is part of the installation.

Bryan Rocky is product manager, Heating Products North America, with Johnson Controls Building Efficiency. www.johnsoncontrols.com

HVAC/R Heat pump Modulating anywhere from 40 to 118 per cent of capacity, the Frigidaire iQ Drive heat pump offers cooling capacities of 10,000 to 52,000 BTUH at 35°C (95°F) and heating capacities of 6,000 to 49,200 BTUH at 8°C (47°F). Using inverter-driven rotary technology to achieve up to 22 SEER, it operates at sound levels as low as 59 decibels.

The new Altair 4X multi-gas detector from MSA operates with the company’s XCell sensors for combustible gas, O2, H2S and CO. The detector is compatible with the Altair 4 Galaxy test stand, and provides optional motion-alert and instant-alert features.

frigidaire.net

High-efficiency furnaces

msanet.com

Napoleon’s 95 per cent AFUE, two-stage gas furnaces have ECM blower motors and silicon nitride hot surface igniters.

Models are available with output ratings ranging from 30,780 to 114,000 BTUH.

High-efficiency gas furnace The two-stage, upflow Classic Series from Rheem offers 95 per cent AFUE or above and are compatible with single or two-stage thermostats. The furnaces are available with input ratings ranging from 45,000 to 105,000 BTUH.

napoleonheatingandair.com

See us at

rheem.com

Aluminum duct Deflecto Air Distribution Products offers UL-approved, semi-rigid aluminum duct with a full offering of configurations, including product with connecting collars attached, collar and exhaust hood attached, crimped and standard formats. They are in all diameters from three to 16”. The latest addition augments Deflecto’s full line of insulated and un-insulated flexible ductwork.

deflecto.com 56

M e c h a n i c a l

B u s i n e s s

1 0 . 1 0

When youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking for exceptional comfort, reliability and high efficiency, trust the KeepRiteÂŽ family of heating and cooling products.

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re so confident in their performance, we back them with the industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best warranties*: s .O (ASSLE 2EPLACEMENTŠ ,IMITED 7ARRANTY s ,IFETIME (EAT %XCHANGER ,IMITED 7ARRANTY s 9EAR 0ARTS ,IMITED 7ARRANTY

4IMELY REGISTRATION REQUIRED FOR YEAR LIMITED PARTS WARRANTY AND LIFETIME LIMITED HEAT EXCHANGER WARRANTY ,IMITED WARRANTY PERIOD IS YEARS FOR PARTS AND YEARS FOR HEAT EXCHANGER IF NOT REGISTERED WITHIN DAYS OF INSTALLATION *URISDICTIONS WHERE WARRANTY BENEFITS CANNOT BE CONDITIONED ON REGISTRATION WILL RECEIVE THE REGISTERED LIMITED WARRANTY PERIODS 0LEASE SEE WARRANTY CERTIFICATE FOR FURTHER DETAILS AND RESTRICTIONS

GoKeepRite.com Š 2010 International Comfort Products, LLC Many KeepRiteŽ models are ENERGY STARŽ qualifed. For details, visit www.energystar.gov.

This Month’s Quiz: THE PROBLEM INSTALLATION What should have been a simple conversion of electric baseboard to hot water baseboard turned into a small nightmare.

The contractor installed five new zones of baseboard, and piped it with 1/2" PEX to minimize the amount of retrofit damage.

Three of the new zones worked fine, but two of them just never seemed comfortable to the owners. The basement zone was the coldest, so the contractor added 10 feet more baseboard to the 54 feet already installed on that zone.

That didn’t help the comfort, and the boiler system wasn’t saving any energy. The near-boiler piping was 3/4" to a five-loop 3/4" manifold, with actuators to the 1/2" lines going to each zone.

How would you fix this job? And could you do it For more puzzles from our archives, while giving the visit us on the web, owners DHW as www.mechanicalbusiness.com. well?

Get your fix online

Answer and win!

CAN YOU USE AN IMAGE UPGRADE? Send us your solution to this month’s puzzle by November 15 and you could find yourself with something to help your imaging abilities – An M12 Cordless M-Spector AV with still picture, video and audio recording capabilities, courtesy of Milwaukee Electric Tool. Send your solution to adam.freill@mechanicalbusiness.com.

Save time and save money.

That’s what HPSI hydronic manifolds do.

We take the guess work and manifold fabrication time out of every job, leaving you time to get the system up and running smoothly ... and on to the next project. Every CSA-certified HPSI panel is predesigned, pre-assembled and fully tested to meet your specifications. Whether you choose one of our many standard-engineered stations, or a custom design, our panel systems give you professional looking results and no manifoldrelated call-backs to worry about.

Talk to us before your next project, and be sure to visit us online.

HPSI – Hydronic Panel Systems Inc. 12A – 50 Paxman Rd. Toronto, ON M9C 1B7 Tel: (416) 845-2587 Fax: (416) 622-5127

www.madok.com 58

M e c han ic al

B us in es s

10.1 0

The July/August Fix: THE PROBLEM: It all seemed so simple. A new house, equipped with a boiler plus a hot water air handler with air conditioning, and DHW supplied from the tankless coil inside the boiler.

The boiler was rated at 140,000 BTUH, and the manufacturer said the tankless coil would deliver five gallons per minute.

The heat loss was 86,567 BTUH, so the 93,000 BTUH air handler was a perfect fit.

The boiler fittings were 1-1/4”, and the air handler fittings were 3/4”.

It was simple, just run 3/4” piping to and from the air handler, and run 1/2” cold water supply (CWS) and 1/2” hot water supply for the DHW. The system didn’t deliver enough heat, nor did it deliver five gallons per minute of hot water.

Sometimes, simple isn’t the answer. What happened? (Hint: Do the math.)

1 1/4” Boiler Fitting

93,000 btu Air Handler

Congratulations to Stojan Trajcesk 140,000 btu High Mass boiler c/w Tankless DHW Coil

of Tesla HVAC/R in Toronto, our July/August winner.

He's the proud new owner of an M12 cordless PVC shear from Milwaukee Electric Tool, perfect for cutting PVC, CPVC and PEX. Want to be in on the prizes? Then drop us a line with your solution to this month's quiz. And don't forget to pick up the next edition of Mechanical Business to see who claims the next prize, and for the next edition of Find the Fix!

THE FIX: Here is how our quizmaster, Jeff House, would set things up: 1 1/4” Since the boiler fittings were 1-1/4”, the Boiler Fitting near-boiler piping should have been done in 1-1/4” piping. This size piping will carry 14 gpm or 140,000 BTUHs with a 20 degree delta T. Reducing or restricting the boiler piping reduced the boiler performance. Although the manufacturer said the coil would deliver five gallons per minute, what they should have said is, “Up to five gallons per minute.” A five gallon per minute flow would require a boiler net output of 140,000 btu High Mass boiler 250,000 BTUHs. According to the universal c/w Tankless DHW Coil hydronics formula, BTUH will equal the flow rate in gallons per minute, multiplied by the delta T, multiplied by 500. The 500 equipped with re-circ pump, would in the equation approximates the coeffisupply lots of domestic hot water. cient of the fluid, which, in this case, Also adding to the problems was that is water (the weight of one gallon of the air handler fittings were only 3/4". water, 8.33 pounds, multiplied by 60 A minimum of one-inch piping should minutes in an hour, and then multihave been used to deliver the 93,000 plied by a specific heat characteristic BTUHs. of the fluid – 1 for 100% water.)

If we look at the math, 3/4" pipe will carry four gallons per minute quietly, BTUH = GPM X 500 X DELTA T so the air handler would have to have a A simple balancing valve on the 46+ degree delta T to achieve the CWS to the tankless coil would en93,000 BTUH output the system needs. sure the 2.8 gpm available from the Most air handlers are only designed to boiler, working with a small storage deliver 10 to 15 degree delta Ts.

Me chanical

93,000 btu Air Handler

One last piping note, a simple primary/secondary piping arrangement would go a long way to ensuring that you’ll orchestrate great performance from the system.

Jeff House is an experienced industry professional and hydronics trainer, and handles the Golden Horseshoe territory for Jess-Don Dunford, a manufacturers’ rep in Ontario. He can be reached at jhouse@jessdondunford.com.

Busine ss

1 0 .10

59

On the Tube The Lang & O’Leary Exchange Monday to Friday @ 7 p.m. ET on CBC News Network

Cover Story

By Adam Freill evin O’Leary’s passion for money is unwavering. He’ll even tell you to fire your mother if it would help the value of your business – and perhaps his investment. The “cruel to be kind” business mogul, and one of the Dragons on CBC’s Dragons’ Den, does not mince words when it comes to being approached by entrepreneurs with over-valued companies looking for an infusion of money to help with growth or product development. His message is clear. When it comes to business, “the only thing that matters in the long run is money.”

K

That does not mean that he’s only on the show for his wit and charm. He is always on the lookout for a good deal. What does he look for when investigating potential companies to investment in?

growth potential is – because the pitfalls of running a business are well known. It is very challenging and the probability of success is low.”

So, why can’t a company with zero in sales and no assets sell him a three per cent stake for $100,000? “Because I’m not an idiot. That’s why.

I hear that all the time too, and while I think it is amusing, it is not going to get them anywhere.”

He prefers to work with entrepreneurs who have failed a few times, viewing the failures as learning opportunities. “Everybody who comes in with a bushy tail and just assumes they are going to make a million dollars hasn’t dealt with the realities of business. You have to sacrifice everything to be successful.”

“The only thing I care about is cashflow. That’s all.

Everything else is meaningless to me,” he says. “I can hear the most optimistic story; I don’t care. I want to know, ‘What’s the plan to generate cash?’”

As he is apt to point out from his pulpit in the Dragons’ Den, the combination of stupidity and greed is what cause businesses to take wrong paths, and for investors to lose interest.

“Telling me that their business, which is doing $100,000 in sales, is worth $10 million, that happens all the time. It is a huge mistake that entrepreneurs make,” he says. “No investor is going to over pay for a small business – no matter what the

60

M e c h a n i c a l

B u s i n e s s

1 0 . 1 0

TURNED OFF BY THE TAP OF GRANTS

Want to increase your company’s value?

According to venture capitalist Kevin O’Leary, whether a company is trying to get into financial shape as its owner prepares for retirement, or just to ensure that its valuation is in top financial shape, there are several ways that a company can increase its value: First is to diversify the income so that no one client represents more than 20 per cent of the business. A business is more valuable if it garners its sales from a wide range of clients.

Number 2, cut to the bone on costs. There is so much waste in business. That goes right to the bottom line.

Make sure that you are using the most advanced technologies that are available, because some competitor will be if you are not.

Don’t put a lot of debt on the business. That is a huge risk.

If you want one of the most clearly defined opinions on grants that you will ever get, just ask Kevin O’Leary his what he thinks of government incentive and rebate programs.

“I think it is a complete waste of money,” he says. “If a market cannot support a real business and a real return, then it is not a market, so having the government arbitrarily pick some sector, like wind or solar, and support it for a short period of time is just stupid for all taxpayers because it creates a whole lot of uneconomic business models for people who come into it to take advantage of the subsidies. And of course, they collapse after the subsidies disappear. So I am totally against that.

“If a great technology comes along that can actually change the economics of heating a home or air conditioning it, it is going to survive in the market because it provides great economics, not because there’s some government sitting there giving a subsidy. If I were in government, I would make all these subsidies illegal.”

Cash is king. If you can have a cash balance and no debt, that’s going to make the company far more valuable. And one of the options you have when you sell it is that you can take some of the cash out of it at that point.

Investment reality “At the end of the day, many, many, many businesses are going to fail. I look at venture investing through the truth, which is one in 17 deals work. One in 17.”

CONTROLLING THE UNCONTROLLED “What I have learned,” explains Kevin O’Leary, “is that there are two types of investments. There is one where you have control, and there is one where you don’t. Let’s say I’m investing $250,000 into a business and only getting 33 per cent. There’s no way on earth that Launching SoftKey Software Products from his basement on a $10,000 I’m going to do that deal without getting some investment from his mother in the early ’80s, Kevin O’Leary started his sort of royalty stream cash-back to me so that I can ascent up the corporate ladder through strategic acquisitions of competirecoup my principal at my own schedule, not that tors throughout the 1990s. He eventually sold his company to the Mattel of the business’ owners.

Toy Company for a staggering $3.7 billion.

“I don’t want to be tied up into perpetuity without Since then, he has emerged as a notable venture capitalist, investing in having any liquidity. So that kind of deal is going to numerous companies and even taking control of his wealth by founding his have a royalty on it, maybe two-and-a-half or three own mutual fund company, O’Leary Funds. He has raised hundreds of milper cent of sales, so that I am getting a lions of dollars from investors who share his “get paid while you wait” yield cheque every month. That’s the only oriented value investing philosophy. way that I will do a deal like that with He has a cottage in Muskoka, Ont., and divides his time between his homes a private company. in Toronto, Boston and West Palm Beach, Fla. “If I can get 51 per cent control, I won’t put that royalty in place because I control the business and it On the Tube is different.”

Kevin O’Leary

Dragons’ Den Wednesdays @ 8 p.m. ET on CBC Television

M e c h a n i c a l

B u s i n e s s

1 0 . 1 0

61

www.ciphexwest.ca Industry roundup coming to Calgary Western Canada’s largest trade show for plumbing, hydronics, heating, air conditioning and refrigeration and water treatment professionals, CIPHEX West, returns to the BMO Centre at Stampede Park in Calgary November 3 to 4, 2010.This year’s show will feature Richard Trethewey of TV’s This Old House, as well as product displays, seminars and technical workshops.

WHAT: CIPHEX West

WHEN: November 3-4, 2010, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

WHERE: BMO Centre at Stampede Park, Calgary, Alberta WHO: More than 200 exhibitors and 2,500 delegates, along with seminar presenters Richard Trethewey (RST Thermal and This Old House /Ask This Old House), John Siegenthaler P.E. (Appropriate Designs and Mohawk Valley Community College), Mechanical Business columnist Carol Fey (Carol Fey & Associates), Arnold Knapp (CCBDA), Sidney Manning (Alberta Municipal Affairs) and Chris Thompson (CWQA).

CIPHEX West is produced by the Canadian Institute of Plumbing & Heating (CIPH) and supported by the Canadian Water Quality Association, the Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada, MCA Alberta and the Canadian Hydronics Council, as well as numerous other industry associations available in North America.

CIPHEX West Seminar Schedule Location: Palomino Room Wednesday, November 3 8:00 Solar Combisystems for space heating and domestic hot water - A fusion of renewable energy and state-of-the-art hydronics

Hydronics expert John Siegenthaler P.E. will address proper heat conveyance and the importance of understanding modern hydronics to improve performance of renewable energy heat sources

Chris Thompson, Canadian Water Quality Association and Project Innovations will discuss common sources of greywater, define the characteristics of each, and outline the treatment technologies for a range of end uses.

11:30 Residential greywater: collection, treatment and reuse Location: Palomino F

1:00 Copper’s role in renewable energy applications for C-I-I projects

Arnold Knapp, Canadian Copper and Brass Development, will discuss the advantage of copper’s thermal conductivity and methods to increase energy efficiency.

Sidney Manning, Alberta Municipal Affairs, will provide an update on implementation of B149, discuss ongoing challenges, and clarify local code interpretations as we move into the heating season.

2:30 Natural gas and propane installation code — B149

continued on page 64

62

M e c h a n i c a l

B u s i n e s s

1 0 . 1 0

FOR EVERY BRADFORD WHITE MAGNUM SERIES COMMERCIAL WATER HEATER YOU INSTALL!* From October 1, 2010 to December 31, 2010, for every Bradford White Commercial Water Heater you install we’ll send you a Best Buy or Future Shop Gift Card.* And when you replace a competitors model, we’ll DOUBLE the value of your gift card!

DOUBLE THE GIFT CARD VALUE! by replacing a competitor’s model INSTALL A BRADFORD WHITE MAGNUM SERIES COMMERCIAL WATER HEATER* AND GET A BEST BUY OR FUTURE SHOP GIFT CARD!

®

Name Company Shipping Address City

Province

Phone

Email

Invoice #

Model #

Competitor’s rating plate must be submitted along with entry to qualify for double value gift card.

Postal Code

Serial # *Light Duty Electric Models not included.

SUBMIT FORMS BY JANUARY 14, 2011 Send this completed coupon along with the original invoices to: Bradford White-Canada Inc. | 1869 Sismet Road | Mississauga ON, L4W 1W8

RULES: Offer valid on commercial gas or electric models purchased between October 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010. Light Duty Electric Models not included. Offer not valid on products replaced under warranty. Competitor's rating plate must be submitted along with entry to qualify for double value gift card. No mechanically reproduced invoices will be accepted. Only original invoices, submitted in their entirety, will be accepted. Original invoices can be used one time only. Incomplete orders will not be processed. Bradford White-Canada Inc. is not responsible for the lost, late, misdirected, damaged, illegible, incomplete or postage due mail or orders. Sponsor reserves the right to offer substitution of item of equal or greater value if item specified by sponsor becomes unavailable. Please allow 3 to 6 weeks for shipment. Forms must be received by January 14, 2011. Forms received after this date will be void and will not be honored. Offer void where prohibited. Bradford White-Canada Inc. reserves the right to audit all invoices and order forms submitted to question, and/or disqualify purchases/sales made or claimed that are not in accordance with program rules. Any submitted form or order, as determined by Bradford White-Canada Inc., that is not compliant with the rules of this program will not be honored. The decisions of Bradford White-Canada Inc. are final in all matters relating to this program. Copyright 2010, Bradford White Corporation. All Rights Reserved. *Light Duty Electric Models not included.

CIPHEX West Seminar Schedule Thursday, November 4 Location: Palomino F

8:00 Interfacing geothermal heat pumps with modern hydronics what are the best combinations?

11:30 National Plumbing Code Changes

John Siegenthaler P.E. leads another in-depth workshop addressing the best combinations to improve the performance of renewable energy heat sources.

Learn about changes to the National Plumbing Code that are expected to be adopted in July 2011 with Sidney Manning, chief plumbing and gas administrator/inspector with Alberta Municipal Affairs.

Since This Old House began broadcasting in 1979, Richard Trethewey has become an industry voice that’s trusted. After years in the building trades, Richard continues to share his knowledge and advocate professionalism.

1:00 Richard Trethewey on “Lessons in a lifetime of heating and cooling”

2:30 Making complex controls simple: the quick & basic approach

Mechanical Business contributor Carol Fey specializes in making complex topics engaging and easy to understand. This session aims to take the confusion out of electrical control wiring for hydronic systems.

The original plumbing solution since 1958

1-800-363-5874 800-363-5874 | www.saniflo.ca w w w.saniflo.c a ¾” dischar discharge ge pipe <VgV\Zh

bZcih

]Z hiV^gh

8VWVcVh

64

M e c h a n i c a l

B u s i n e s s

1 0 . 1 0

Install a complete bathroom anywhere you need!

3 inlets (toilet, shower/bath and sink) Pre-assembled with check valves included Pumping distance of up to 15’ vertically or 150’ horizontally 2-year warranty New Sanitop model also available for half bathrooms

Sidney Manning

Presenters Up Close Carol Fey A two-season Antarctica veteran (that’s down by the South Pole), Carol has been both a heating technician and an emergency communications operator.

Before venturing to Antarctica, she spent more than 25 years in the controls industry as a territory manager for Honeywell. Besides writing books, Carol is also a Mechanical Business columnist.

She is known for her unusual classroom approach to teaching electricity and controls to HVAC technicians.

Sidney is chief plumbing and gas administrator/inspector with Alberta Municipal Affairs. He is the past-president of the Alberta Mechanical Officials Society. He has worked in the construction industry for 20 years, with a focus on large construction mechanical systems.

John Siegenthaler, P.E. John has more than 25 years of experience in designing modern hydronic heating systems. He is an associate professor of engineering technology at Mohawk Valley Community College in Utica, N.Y., and is the author of the text “Modern Hydronic Heating,” and numerous other publications dealing with hydronic heating.

He also runs Appropriate Designs, a team of engineering professionals dedicated to modern hydronic heating.

Arnold Knapp

Richard Trethewey

Arnold is a consultant with the Canadian Copper & Brass Development Association. He has extensive experience in the development of applications for copper and copper-alloy products in Canada.

Arnold’s work involves participation on code and standards-writing committees in Canada and the U.S.

Richard has been an integral part of the This Old House team since the home improvement show's debut in 1979. Today, he also appears on the Emmy Award-winning show's sister series, Ask This Old House. He is a licensed master and journeyman plumber in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and is president of RST Thermal. Richard was also the very first person to be featured on the cover of Mechanical Business. Thanks Richard!

M e c h a n i c a l

B u s i n e s s

1 0 . 1 0

65

KITCHEN TRENDS

B y A d am Fr eill

Kitchen faucet

Modern, traditional or transitional

Featuring Delta’s touch technology, the Pilar kitchen faucet incorporates a twofunction, pull-down spray head that switches from stream to spray with the click of a diverter button. It uses MagnaTite, the exclusive magnetic closure technology to engage the spray head to its docked position, helping to keep both the faucet and kitchen looking neat and orderly.

On the finish front, “stainless is still king,” says Maeve Grady. “It co-ordinates with stainless appliances, which are still really popular. And chrome is next. These are really easy to clean, and you don’t see the finger prints.”

Touch faucet Available in polished chrome or stainless steel, Brizo’s SmartTouch Venuto kitchen faucet can be turned on or off by tapping anywhere on the handle or spout, in addition to the traditional handle pull method. The faucet also features the company’s magnetic docking technology, which uses a magnet to lock the wand into the faucet spout.

brizo.com

66

M e c h a n i c a l

Getting a handle on faucets

Masco

deltafaucet.com

he technology found in today’s kitchens has come a long way over the past few years, with companies focusing research and design efforts on addressing the needs of multiple users, while still providing the style that matches homeowner preferences and building architecture. Getting the little things right can make all the difference when it comes to the competitive world of faucet design.

T

B u s i n e s s

1 0 . 1 0

• Mode r n, t r a d i t i o n a l , o r t r an sit io n al • P u ll- o u t s, p u ll d o wn s & more “Canada is still more modern in design than the U.S.,” says Tim McDonough of Moen Canada. “Within the kitchen, it tends to go one way or the other, either modern or traditional. We are, however, seeing more transitional design, where you can dress them one way and make them modern, or another way and make it more traditional.”

Pull-outs, pull-downs and more “People are still just getting their first pull-out, but it’s been around for 10 years,” says Tim McDonough, vice-president wholesale marketing and brand development with Moen Canada. He explained that one of the many benefits over side-sprays, which have been around for much longer, is that the spray control has been moved from the rear of the sink to be much closer to the middle of the sink, making it much easier for the user to access the sprayer.

“Even more important than that, is the way that the pull-out and pull-down wands are ergonomically designed so that even someone with only one free arm can use them. If you are holding a dish or a rag in one hand, you can control the water flow with the other hand,” he adds.

Touch technology is also making inroads on the kitchen faucet front, bringing with it benefits for the entire family. “With kids, you don’t have to worry about them leaving the faucet running, since the faucets turn off automatically after four minutes,” says Maeve Grady, marketing communications specialist with Delta Faucet Canada. “When it comes to seniors or people with limited dexterity, they can tap anywhere on the faucet.They don’t have to grasp anything.”

Of course one of the criticisms of some early pull-out and pull-down designs stemmed from faucet models with docking mechanisms that did not function very well. As such, many companies have put a focus on this small, yet vital feature.

The Elate pullout kitchen faucet from Kohler has a one-piece, selfcontained ceramic disc valve and a three-function spray head.

With temperature memory allowing it to be turned off and on at any setting, the faucet is available in polished chrome or stainless steel finishes.

kohler.com

Single-lever pull-down The Arbor pull-down kitchen faucet from Moen features a multifunction pull-down wand and docking system that allows users to switch between several water flow patterns with the touch of a button, including aerated spray, stream or pause.

The faucet also includes a fibre pull-down hose with a ball joint at the end of the wand designed for easier maneuverability when rinsing hard to reach corners of the sink.

moen.ca Masco

“That docking collar has been redesigned, and it has a nice solid locking feature to it now,” says McDonough. “That, to us, is thoughtful design.”

Pull-out faucet

Look to Runtal for INSPIRED RADIANT heating solutions. Comfort, style, durability, versatility and ENERGY EFFICIENCY are the hallmarks of residential and commercial building spaces designed the Runtal way. The worldwide LEADER in standard and custom designed radiators for over 50 YEARS our ENGINEERING ASSISTANCE takes the guess work out of every job. And when it comes to off-the-shelf solutions, you can rely on our IN-STOCK solutions.

1-888-829-4901 www.runtalradiators.com M e c h a n i c a l

B u s i n e s s

1 0 . 1 0

67

PLUMBING See us at

See us at

The Little Giant Inline CP constant pressure system from Franklin Electric installs into an existing water system and monitors a homes’ water usage, providing increased and consistent water pressure without fluctuation.

The system can be used with city water or a private well system, and it allows homeowners to boost and maintain pressure, regardless of water usage.

TempTAP faucets from Powers are available in standard and gooseneck models.

TempTAP faucets feature ceramic disc mixing, integral checks and filters, ADA-compliant handles, and are certified lead-free.

Low-flow models are available between 0.5 and 1.5 GPM.

constantpressure.com

powerscontrols.com

Taco’s Hot-Link system for hot water re-circulation is a retrofit solution for homes without a dedicated return line. The system includes a composite bypass valve and stainless steel circulator with a timer and line cord. The one-pump, one-valve combo is easily installed and does away with the need to run a dedicated return line back to the water heater.

See us at

taco-hvac.com

If power is lost, Delta’s hardwire converter with battery back-up allows electronic faucets, flush valves and urinals to keep running until power has been fully restored. The unit is equipped with a battery strength indicator.

See us at

deltacommercialfaucets.com See us at

Rothbury, Eva and Brantford single-handle lavatory faucets from Moen Canada have been certified to meet WaterSense criteria. Each faucet features a flow-optimized aerator that allows water to flow at 5.7 litres per minute (L/min), versus traditional aerators that flow at 8.3 L/min, reducing water usage by up to 32 per cent.

68

M e c h a n i c a l

B u s i n e s s

1 0 . 1 0

moen.ca

When you purchase a Little Giant GP Series grinder pump from Franklin Electric, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re getting an industry-proven product, trusted by professionals.

With a unique patented cutter assembly, the GP Series shreds materials HIÃ&#x20AC; FLHQWO\ DQG HIIHFWLYHO\ ZLWK PRUH WKDQ FXWV SHU PLQXWH DQG HDVLO\ DFKLHYHV KLJK KHDG DSSOLFDWLRQV ZLWK PD[LPXP KHDGV JUHDWHU WKDQ IHHW /LWWOH *LDQW EUDQG SXPSV IURP )UDQNOLQ (OHFWULF ZLOO DOZD\V EH WKHUH SURYLGLQJ VXSHULRU SHUIRUPDQFH LQ WKH Ã&#x20AC; HOG

ZZZ IUDQNOLQ HOHFWULF FRP OJ

ROAD WARRIOR

By Robert Robertson Name: Brian Williams Company: Ashton Service Group Title: President Resides in: South Surrey, B.C. Trade School: British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) Age: 47 Family: Wife, Julie; Children: Connor, Ashley and Abby Service Area: B.C.'s Lower Mainland In the mechanical industry since: 1980

Photos: Brian Hawkes Photographic

After 23 years in the business, Brian Williams knows what a plumber’s life is all about. "You’re really on call at all times," he says. Williams’ company, Richmond, B.C.-based Ashton Service Group, is a full-service contracting firm that primarily provides plumbing, heating and air conditioning service in both residential and commercial buildings. When not plying the trade, Williams is an active community volunteer. He founded the Brian Whatley Foundation, a fund for kids who can’t afford to participate in sports programs, and sponsors and helps coach local hockey and soccer teams. Williams also drives a 2009 Harley-Davidson Road Glide. His interest in bikes goes back to Williams’ best friend who passed away from cancer. "He sold me his Harley," says Williams. "We were going to ride all the time, so that’s why I followed through with the new Harley. It kind of reminds me of him."

70

Favourite car of all time: 1967 Ford Mustang Fastback GTA 390

M e c h a n i c a l

B u s i n e s s

1 0 . 1 0

What brought you to the plumbing and heating trade? "My father was a plumber and my first job was unloading boxcars for BC Plumbing Supplies."

Blackberry or iPhone: Blackberry

Favourite thing about your current job: "Seeing our Ashton employees succeed and having fun.”

Vancouver Olympics: "We did all the plumbing, air conditioning and heating for the U.S. hockey team's dressing room. That was pretty sweet.

The work was done from scratch and within a two-week time window. We also did plumbing and gas fitting for food and beverage hook ups."

Kilometres logged per day: 40 to 45 Favourite place to get dispatched to: "Downtown Vancouver, so I can stop in at GM Place and watch the Canucks practice or take in a game at night."

The most useful tool in your toolbox: "Definitely a flashlight."

Tool that you wish you had: "I have lots of tools, but I could use a mini-excavator. With a place up-country, I would use it to clear the snow."

If you were granted one wish: "Finding a home for all the children in the world."

Community volunteering: "There's nothing like the warm feeling you get driving home at four in the morning, and knowing you have made a difference with a person on the street who needs help.”

Place to hang out: "Bikram Yoga studios in Richmond or White Rock, B.C." Favourite restaurant: "SW Steakhouse, Las Vegas, Nevada."

Favourite outdoor activity: "Getting on my Hog and heading out on the highway."

Favourite magazine: "Mechanical Business, along with HOG (Harley Owners Group) magazine."

Where have you taken your Hog? "We went to Sturgis, North Dakota in 2009. This year, we rode to Laughlin, Nevada."

Favourite performer: Alan Jackson

Favourite food: Vietnamese Favourite snack: Fruit What do you usually have for breakfast? "Oatmeal and berries."

Drive-thru restaurant: "I usually avoid drive-thru. When I started out in the business, I promised myself that I would eat out for lunch as a treat. The Cactus Club is my top choice. They serve everything there."

Best concert: "The Eagles at GM Place. AC/DC was also good, but my ears are still ringing."

Where do you order pizza? "A place called Emilio's."

Favourite TV show: "The Late Late Show on CBS with comedian Craig Ferguson."

Favourite hobbies: "Looking to buy real estate and collecting old cars, but I don't refurbish them."

Favourite TV station: "Global BC and the News Hour coverage."

Favourite actor: Harrison Ford Favourite movie of all time: On Golden Pond Favourite sport: “Hockey and the Vancouver Canucks."

Favourite season: Summer Place on your wish list to visit: “I would like to go to Asia, especially Tahiti."

What toppings do you like on your pizza? “Chicken, garlic, green onions and artichokes.”

Last book read: The E-Myth, by Michael Gerber Last movie you saw: The Blind Side with Sandra Bullock Favourite web site: Volo Auto Museum in Chicago [Classic and Muscle cars for sale] What has been the weirdest thing that has happened to you on the job? "How about pulling a Grand Marnier bottle from a toilet? Under a sink, I also found a bag that had about $80,000 in it. I gave the money to the people, and it was like they didn't even miss it."

M e c h a n i c a l

B u s i n e s s

1 0 . 1 0

71

HYDRONICS

B y Jer r y B o u lan ger

Guarding your gold:

ithout a heat transfer medium, like water or glycol, a hydronic system is just a collection of pipes and components that sit in the boiler room and behind the walls. It takes liquid to deliver the heat when and where you want it, so it pays to have the right fluid for your application, to know how to protect this liquid gold, and to get the most from it in your system.

W

Not working with water?

Not all systems work on straight water.

Sometimes we need to play with other fluids, like glycol. Automobile manufacturers use glycol solutions in their engine cooling systems, regardless of where their vehicles are sold, for two main reasons – corrosion protection and a higher boiling point. Freeze protection is a bonus.

Liquid Gold After water has been in a closed hydronic system for a while, it gives up all its nastiness.

The oxygen in the entrained air oxidizes with the ferrous components, and any other contaminants get used up as they form scale or otherwise react with the system. The water becomes “dead,” and in many instances will also have been chemically treated. It may look bad when it’s drained out, but as far as the system is concerned, that “dead” water is liquid gold.

If it’s not contaminated in some way, any of this fluid that is drained for service reasons should be put back into the system instead of being dumped and replaced with “live,” untreated raw water. This is particularly important if the system fluid is an anti-freeze solution, or if treatment chemicals in the fluid represent an environmental hazard.

In HVAC systems, freeze protection is the primary reason we use glycol, but there are important guidelines that should be followed for a successful glycol installation:

Make sure the system is clean before the glycol is installed.

Use high quality mix water or buy a pre-mixed solution.

Use a packaged feeder rather than a raw water connection for makeup

Installing a packaged system feeder for system pressurization will make re-injecting your liquid gold easy. Just pour it back into the feeder tank and let the system take care of itself.

and pressurization.

Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for minimum concentrations. Very low concentrations may not provide adequate inhibitor strength.

Check the concentration, pH, and inhibitor strength annually.

At 50 F and 60 psig, an air/water solution can contain about 11% air by volume.

continued on page 74

72

M e c h a n i c a l

B u s i n e s s

1 0 . 1 0

HYDRONICS

continued from page 72

A SLOW DEATH

TECHTIPS Water stored in a feeder tank can be pretreated, so there need not be a connection between the hydronic and potable water systems, eliminating any potential for cross-connection and the requirement for backflow prevention.

A leak of one drop per second represents a loss of about 200 U.S. gallons of fluid per month (about 2.6 million drops). It’s not hard to imagine a leakage rate of that magnitude in large systems that have lots of valve packing, pump seals and mechanical piping connections.

In addition to the cost of the fluid, this can add up to a lot of wasted energy in any system where the fluid is being heated or cooled.

There is another impact in closed systems – a slow death from corrosion and scale caused by raw water makeup required to maintain system pressurization. Raw water makeup, with its oxygen and other undesirables, is usually the only source of contamination available to closed hydronic systems. That’s why it is so important to keep closed systems tight, and to quickly detect and repair leaks when they develop – and they will develop.

PRESSURE LOSS IN CLOSED SYSTEMS

Unfortunately, small leaks can be very hard to detect. Packaged system feeders provide excellent leak detection; if the fluid level in the reservoir is going down, the system is taking fluid. A packaged feeder also gives the operator control over what is used for makeup fluid, which can be a big advantage in areas where the raw water supply should not be used for makeup.

Because water and other fluids used in closed systems are incompressible, a very small loss of fluid can result in a complete loss of pressure. For example, in order to add one per cent more water to a full, closed vessel, you would have to apply a pressure of about 3,000 psig. Conversely, if you were able to accomplish that, you could drop the pressure in the vessel from 3,000 psig to 0 psig by releasing only one per cent of the water. Note: Do not try this at home!

Pressure Loss Closed hydronic systems lose pressure for one of three reasons: • Venting air – this is normal in systems with automatic air vents, primarily during startup.

• Leaks – this is not normal and should be avoided.

• Fluid is drained for service or some other reason.

The cold water in a freshly purged and filled heating system will be about two to three per cent dissolved air by volume. Added to that will be any trapped free air that was not caught by the purging process.

These systems, then, may require as much as three to five per cent of their total volume made up to get through the venting process.

Once all of the air is vented, the pressure loss and requirement for makeup fluid in a tight system should be very low. However, loss of pressure can cause several undesirable things to happen, so it’s important that adequate pressurization be maintained.

Jerry Boulanger is the sales manager at Axiom Industries Ltd. He can be reached at jboulanger@axiomind.com.

74

M e c h a n i c a l

B u s i n e s s

1 0 . 1 0

SHOWERS

B y Dave B o wd en

Intersecting sectors Kohler

THE LINE BETWEEN COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL SHOWERS CONTINUES TO BLUR

Moen

The days of high-design residential showers that offer little by way of utility or performance are behind us. Gone too are the days of dull, institutional, dime-a-dozen showers in commercial installations.

In today’s landscape, clients expect showers that combine unique design with top notch features – in both residential and commercial settings.

“There is a definite crossover between residential and commercial,” says Nunzio Di Cesare, product manager for American Standard (Canada).

the look, but they are now looking for more in the way of the technology coming into residential applications. They’re saying, ‘I want some of that commercial technology now in my home,’” says Steve Dunn, trade channel marketing manager for Masco Canada.

Showers going digital In residential installations, the emphasis has traditionally been on aesthetics. But with technology improving, and its price declining, homeowners are starting to expect their showers to be nearly as advanced as their TVs, computers and other digital devices. Spa-like features, like overhead showers or full-body sprays, remain sought after in the home, but manufacturers are now looking to improve the ways these features operate.

Manufacturers have already started catering to increasingly tech-savvy endusers. Hands-free trim has started to gain favour in bathroom and kitchen faucets, and manufacturers agree that similar advances in digital showers are not far behind.

Digital technology has become standard in so many aspects of the home, from television to garage door openers. Already accustomed to these innovations at home, homeowners have recently started to notice the proliferation of digital plumbing technology in public spaces.

While homeowners look to bring commercial innovations into their houses, commercial properties are increasingly trying to replicate the comfort of

“(Homeowners have) always been about the style and

76

M e c h a n i c a l

B u s i n e s s

1 0 . 1 0

Moen

Commercial gets residentially inspired

“A couple years ago I would have questioned whether or not I’d see digital valves in the residential sector,” said Tim McDonough, vice-president of wholesale marketing for Moen Canada. “But over the past 24 months, I’m amazed at how digital has advanced, and continues to evolve. People are going to get really used to just walking up, pressing a button and getting a shower.”

continued on page 78

© 2009 Masco Corporation of Indiana

SMART LIVES HERE. And here.

MagnaTite™ Docking Technology

And here.

Touch2O™ Technology

And here.

Touch-Clean® Technology

Now that’s smart. So many intelligent innovations.

Packed into one beautiful faucet. Leave it to Delta® to bring such a high level of functionality and ingenuity to its faucets. It’s just the kind of innovative thinking homeowners are looking for to enhance the routines

And here.

of everyday life. Learn more about these and other smart features at our user-friendly deltafaucet.com.

DIAMOND™ Seal Technology

Smart technology. Another way that Delta is more than just a faucet.

deltafaucet.com

SHOWERS

Join The Green Scene

continued from page 76

residential showers in ICI installations, further blurring the line between private and public showers.

Moen

“Ten, 15, 20 years ago, commercial was all heavy-duty stuff,” says American Standard’s Nunzio Di Cesare. Though it has traditionally been more concerned with performance than appearance, he said the commercial sector has taken a cue from its residential counterpart and started placing an increased focus on aesthetics.

“The biggest demand overall is for commercial products that maybe don’t look so commercial,” agrees Masco’s Steve Dunn. “There are certain things in true commercial properties like say a YMCA that people want. They want a little bit of style, even in heavy-duty use.”

There are a number of ways commercial installations try to incorporate style, depending on the type of property. Examples range from handshowers to spa-style rain showers that have also become popular in residential installations.

New WatcoFlex Bath Waste ...installs faster/easier

While hotels technically fall under the ICI umbrella, Masco’s Steve Dunn considers them a league of their own.

Masco

Hotels following style trends TM

WATCO

®

The Bath Drain Company WATCO MANUFACTURING COMPANY 1220 South Powell Road, Independence, MO 64057-2724 Phone 816-796-3900 • FAX 816-796-0875 www.watcomfg.com

In the shower, as in the rest of the room, hotels aim to create a “home away from home” atmosphere for their clients. While much of the commercial sector is currently looking to improve its style, nowhere is this truer than in the hospitality sector.

“What’s happening from our perspective is that major hotel chains in North America are looking for a unique spa experience, and they don’t want to look the same as anyone else,” says American Standard’s Graeme Lennox.

A Division of WCM Industries, Inc.

78

M e c h a n i c a l

B u s i n e s s

1 0 . 1 0

Masco

Special patent pending PVC flexible tubing. Eliminates four field joints.

Innovator overflow parts assemble by hand. No screws. Approved by IAPMO. It’s green. You’ll get used to seeing it.

Just ask your wholesaler

“A lot of people classify (hotels) as a commercial installation, but typically they aren’t commercialgrade products,” he explains. “They want residential looking-products that are easy to operate.”

“We’re also noticing an increase in demand for enhanced showering experiences,” adds Dunn. “Many (hotel) properties now want body sprays; they want handshowers added in; they want either over-sized showerheads or multiple showerheads added in. It’s more of that vertical, spa type of approach.”

Kohler

• H ot e l s f o l l o w i n g s t y l e t r e n d s

This increased emphasis on style and originality creates an opportunity for contractors, particularly when hotels find their previous designs wanting.

In new hotels, anticipating a hotel’s future needs can create an opportunity for repeat business. When installing showers and other bathroom fixtures, McDonough recommends using models that allow the valves and the trim to be installed separately, making it easy to return and replace fixtures as trends change.

Hotels need to update and refresh their looks on a regular basis, and they need to do it typically on a five-year cycle.”

Moen

Tim McDonough, Moen Canada

GET IN THE KNOW ABOUT THE NOW With technology making its way into the home as design makes its way into commercial settings, manufacturers agree that the best way for contractors to take advantage of the crossover is to keep themselves educated.

“Contractors have to be cognizant of what’s on the market,” says American Standard’s marketing manager, Graeme Lennox.

“As a contractor, you have to be aware of those trends so you can familiarize yourself with those products.”

When approaching pre-existing hotels that are ready to upgrade, your pitch should be more than the sum of its parts. Make it clear that you understand the ways in which a hotel strives for repeat business.

“Price is important. But in today’s market, in order to stand out from somebody else you have to offer a different product. And most of the time that different product is the shower experience,” Dunn said. “It’s worth spending a couple extra bucks to give the customer what they would expect in a certain type of building, to keep them coming back for more.”

M e c h a n i c a l

B u s i n e s s

1 0 . 1 0

79

PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES CIPH ABC 2010

CIPH navigates business in St. John’s Russ Morgan, vice‐president, sales and marketing – Canada, with IPEX Inc. was elected CIPH chairman of the board at this year’s CIPH annual business conference, held at the end of June in St. John’s, Nfld. While in the province, the association held the groundbreaking ceremony for the CIPH St. John’s Home Build, a Habitat for Humanity project made possible through the generosity of member companies. As could be expected in Newfoundland and Labrador, delegates were treated to great hospitality, solid business sessions and great entertainment. Even Tom Cochrane dropped in to play a tune or two – although that may have been a Canada Day coincidence. Next year the ABC hits the other coast, heading to Victoria, B.C. ciph.com

1

2

3

4

5

6

9

10

7

8

11

13

14

80

15

M e c h a n i c a l

12

1. Keynote speaker, retired general Rick Hillier, with Sean Giberson of Taco Canada.. 2. MCAC chair Bob Hoare brought greetings on behalf of his allied association. 3. John Wareham, with his wife Lise, receives the Order of the Bath and Bowl award. 4. Outgoing CIPH chair Martin Deschenes presents Carl Burt of Par Four Plumbing Products with an outstanding service award. 5. Pierre Dandurand and Anna Casella during the George Street pub crawl. 6. Tom Cochrane live, in concert on George Street. 7. The Fife and Drum Band of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment. 8. Members of the CIPH Board of Directors prepare to “Kiss the Cod” as part of the screeching in ceremony. 9. An official ground breaking ceremony was held for the CIPH sponsored Habitat for Humanity build in St. John’s. 10. Mark McCarthy of McCarthy’s Party talks about the history of the region. 11. A pair of past chairs. Honourary vice-chairman, and a CIPH past-chair, Cliff Sarjeant (left) receives a special award from outgoing chair Martin Deschenes. 12. Martin Deschenes on George Street. 13. Mike and Demi McKay. 14. Bill Hooper at the Canadian Hydronics Council luncheon. 15. Martin Deschenes celebrates becoming an honourary Newfoundlander.

B u s i n e s s

1 0 . 1 0

Think of it as a 50-story hose.

Get a convenient and reliable rooftop water source when you specify the Woodford RHY2-MS roof hydrant.

Engineered forr quality quality and and durability, durability, the the Woodford Woodford RHY2-MS RHY2-MS is perfect for washing down cooling ooling ttowers, owers, c cleaning leaning c condenser ondenser c coils oils or or own c providing water for window washers a and nd o other ther ttypes ypes o off rroof oof e equipment. quipment. ow washers The hydrant support allows ows for for installation installation flflexibility, exibility, w while hile iits ts u unique nique mounting system secures above bove a and nd b below elow tthe he rroof oof d deck, eck, p providing roviding es a exceptional strength and security.

It also also comes comes with with a 2-degree 2-degree shim shim security. It for pitch adjustment. Featuring 1052 backflow backflow prevention prevention and and ASSE 1052 eaturing ASSE Woodford’s freezeless technology, RHY2-MS makes makes getting getting water water on on the RHY2-MS chnology, the the roof easier than ever before. before.

For more information, visit WoodfordMfg.com. ation, visit WoodfordMfg.com.

The choice of professionals.

HIGH PERFORMANCE HVAC

B y Go r d C o o ke

IAQ & DUCT CLEANING he ductwork associated with residential heating and air conditioning systems attracts a lot of attention when it comes to efforts to improve air quality in homes. This shouldn’t be surprising given that air handlers move thousands of cubic feet of air through the system each day, and have the potential to transfer pollutants from one part of a home to another.

Moreover, in doing so they add or remove heat and change the moisture content of the air and this can accentuate or change the smell of the air emanating from the vents.

Of course, both the visible signs of dust and debris in floor boots, and the fear of what they can’t see lurking in the ducts, are also on the minds of homeowners.

That said, in over 15 years of doing comprehensive indoor air quality investigations, I have never concluded that dirty ducts were the source of a problem. I have, of course, recommended duct cleaning as part of an overall clean up or remediation plan.

T

Foggy notes on spraying It is important to avoid spraying or fogging duct work with biocides or other chemicals during or after cleaning. This procedure is sometimes promoted as a way to “disinfect” bacteria or moulds that might be in the duct.

This is an unnecessary step that introduces unwanted chemicals. In fact, in one case I was involved with, the chemical residue left behind from the biocide that was fogged into the duct work was determined to be causing a homeowner discomfort. They had to dismantle and hand wash large sections of duct work to eliminate it.

Duct leakage and sealing Properly manufactured and installed sheet metal duct still often leaks at an amazing rate of 20 to 30 per cent. At least 20 per cent of the air intended to come out of a supply register escapes somewhere along the duct route.

Supply side leakage pressurizes wall cavities and floor assemblies, and this can lead to air quality problems. For example, the rooms over garages have supply ducts running through the insulated floor cavity and duct leakage forces warm moist air into the cold side of the cavity. This can lead to condensation.

A more dramatic issue is the practice of dumping warm air into spaces between the floor of the rooms above and the ceiling of the garage to solve cold floor complaints. This pressurizes the cavity with warm moist air. Often there is exposed fibreglass insulation in this cavity. The risk is condensation in the cavity and spreading dust and fibres from the cavity into the house.

The leakage of return air ducts is even more pronounced. In fact, there are so many leakage points it is usually impossible to even measure the leakage rate of return air plenums.

HVAC contractors should take every opportunity to seal supply ducts and return air plenums – preferably with mastic, but as alternative foil duct tape will do. continued on page 84

82

M e c h a n i c a l

B u s i n e s s

1 0 . 1 0

ay! d o T g o l a t h Ca c e t x E 9 0 20 W E N e h t d g o l a t Downloa a c / m

o c . h c e t x e www.

INNOVATION

I

SELECTION

I

SUPPORT

Distributed by:

www.extech.com

1-800-430-6754

www.flirthermography.ca

HIGH PERFORMANCE HVAC continued from page 82

When should ducts be cleaned? here is a great publication series called “About Your House” offered by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. One of the 60 or so short information pieces intended to offer straightforward advice to consumers is titled “Should You Get Your Heating Ducts Cleaned?”

While this publication is clear that duct cleaning is unlikely to improve air quality or improve furnace system air flow, it does offer sage advice as to when duct cleaning is helpful.

T

Clean Ducts: • After major renovation or new construction especially when there has been dry wall work done.

• Where clients have moved into an older home and the history of pets, smoking or other potential pollutants in the house is unclear.

Regular vacuuming of debris from the area in and around return air grilles, or from the supply air boots under floor registers is an easy and worthwhile step for homeowners. Repeated cleaning of the entire duct system is probably unnecessary in most households, however.

In residential systems almost all duct cleaning is done using a combination of negative and positive pressure systems.The entire system is kept under negative pressure with a large fan and compressed air is used to agitate the inside of the ducts, often enhanced with a variety of accessories like a bouncing ball or flexible rods that flail the ducts.

• If there have been water leaks that involved ducts getting wet or as part of an overall clean-up of mould or other major indoor air quality issues.

John Oudyk, of PowerVac Profressional Duct Cleaning, says to compare the quality of the negative pressure device used for the cleaning.The most powerful systems are the truck mounted units.While such specialized equipment as robotic inspection cameras can be useful in unusual cases, they are an unnecessary expense for most residential jobs.

In larger commercial and institutional applications the inspection camera and contact vacuuming of the duct work are elements of a thorough professional cleaning.

Follow your NOSE he smell in HVAC ducts can be an important clue in indoor air quality investigations. Ducts are a transport mechanism for pollutants from poor or “contaminated” areas to clean areas.

T

Following the smell back through the return side of the duct system to find the source of problems is a useful technique.

In the assessment it is helpful to investigate the three distinct parts – the return side, the air handler components and the supply side – of the duct system separately.

The condition of the return air grilles or the area just inside the return ducts may be the first clue. Heavy dust, fibres, discolouration, or “soot” on the face of a return air grille are signs. Comparing grilles from different parts of the house may isolate a pollutant source. Return air ducts are typically the dirtiest part of the system.

In most areas of Canada, we have used poorly sealed floor cavities and wall spaces as return air plenums.They are seldom smooth or straight, and the air is travelling through them at low velocity, so pollutants are easily dropped out.

It is important to remember that as much air leaks into return ducts from around gaps in the plenums used to create them as enters through the return grilles themselves.This makes the job of finding pollutant sources more difficult.

84

M e c h a n i c a l

B u s i n e s s

1 0 . 1 0

In the air handler section, the most obvious pollutant source would be spillage of combustion products. HVAC contractors should be able to recognize and diagnose the tell-tale signs of this critical event – scorching, sooting, discoloration and poor flame colour.

Another important pollutant source in and around the air handler is moisture.Water leaking can lead to mould and bacteria growth. Proper drainage of air conditioning coils, combined with regular inspection and cleaning, facilitated by easily accessible inspection panels, are indications of a professionallymaintained HVAC system.

The supply side of duct systems are usually the cleanest.They are under positive pressure, feature smooth sheet metal pipe, and air moving at higher velocities so they tend to collect less dust and debris.The supply side can contribute to air quality problems, however, by pressurizing wall and floor cavities through duct leakage. (See Duct leakage and sealing sidebar on page 82.)

Gord Cooke is a professional engineer who has spent 20 years helping builders and HVAC contractors implement innovative technologies into highperformance homes. He has particular expertise in IAQ and air flow management in houses, and can be contacted at gcooke@airsolutions.ca.

Innovate.

Evolve.

Advance.

Zuba-Central.

The revolution in whole-home comfort continues.

You already know Zuba-Central as the ground-breaking Canadian innovation in year-round residential HVAC. This year, the evolution continues with impressive improvements, including Energy Star compliance and a new user-friendly digital thermostat. So make the intelligent choice. Give your customers the advanced level of comfort and dramatic savings that only Zuba-Central can provide.

Get all the details at www.RethinkHVAC.ca

SAVES UP TO 70% IN YEARLY HEATING COSTS †

;/052 .9,,5 † Mitsubishi

Electric Canada provides these figures without including obligation or liability. Figures may vary depending on application and energy provider.

For complete details visit www.mitsubishielectric.ca/powerful_savings.html

INFRARED HEATING

B y Dave M acK en zie

DESIGNING FOR SUCCESSFUL INSTALLATIONS here are five factors that must be addressed before developing an infrared heating solution in a commercial, industrial, agricultural or residential application. Before you embark on your next project, consider the following points to ensure that the project starts on the right foot.

T

1

What is the detailed heat-loss calculation for the building?

Accurate, standard heat-loss calculations are required for all total space heating applications. For estimating purposes only, a figure of 35 to 50 BTUHs per square foot is used in the preplanning stages. If spot heating, a figure of 100 to 200 BTUHs per square foot might be used. These are only rules of thumb and should not replace a proper heat-loss for system design purposes. An infrared heaterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stated BTUH inputs are used when matching infrared heaters to the heat-loss.

2

Can the required minimum clearance-tocombustibles be achieved?

The stated minimum clearance to combustibles for the infrared heater represents a 90 degree net temperature rise. It must be noted that some interior building products have a low heat tolerance, such as vinyl (PVC), and must be protected to prevent degradation. Some manufacturers of tube-type equipment will state more than one set of clearances. The first 20 feet of exchanger will have greater clearances, whereas clearances 20 feet downstream may be reduced. Clearance conflicts can be found in garage applications with automotive hoists. Sometimes this can be resolved with heater lockouts â&#x20AC;&#x201C; when the hoist lifts, the heater shuts down.

Combustible objects can be shielded from the heating effects of infrared. Refer to your provincial gas code for more details in your local area. And remember, signs should be posted in conspicuous locations specifying minimum clearances and/or maximum product stacking heights. For more information about infrared heater safety, visit www.irsafetycouncil.org.

3

Will the heaters require outside combustion air due to building contaminants, dust, solvents, etc?

All gas burning appliances require a clean air source for proper combustion. Without this, combustion efficiency and equipment longevity will suffer. This equates to higher operating costs and service calls.

Tube-type heaters typically have the option of

ducting air for combustion from outside a contaminated space.

Contaminates can range from particulates such as dust, solvent vapours, smoke, etc. An often overlooked application requiring ducted fresh air is canopied patio/smoking areas.

4

Must the heaters be vented outside, or interlocked with an exhaust fan?

5

Will there be areas of large air exchanges such as in loading dock areas?

All unvented or heaters discharging the products of combustion into the heated space must be interlocked with an exhaust fan.

The interlock must be a device such as an air proving switch that ensures air flow exists. Typical air flow requirements are four CFM per 1,000 BTUH of heater input. Local gas codes may dictate exhaust vent application requirements.

Infrared heaters heat the objects that the infrared rays strike. These objects can be people, floors, metal railings/racking, machinery, stored product, and so on. These absorbers of infrared will, in turn, heat the surrounding area to a desired temperature. The thermostat settings on an infrared space heating application is usually three to five degrees lower than warm air due to radiant effect and no air movement.

A properly installed system in areas with large air changes, such as loading docks, benefit twice. First, people working in the radiant pattern will be warmed even though air change is ongoing (spot heating). And when air infiltration is reduced, all radiant absorbers become emitters to aid in the heated space recovery. A good dock area infrared design will lessen the effect of cold air or cold mass introduction into the space thereby reducing the operating costs of the entire structure.

Dave MacKenzie is the vice-president of Brant Radiant Heaters. He can be reached at sales@brantradiant.com.

86

M e c h a n i c a l

B u s i n e s s

1 0 . 1 0

ES

HEXW

lgar y

T ede

4 , 2 0 10

mp

3&

Sta

mb

er

Par k, Ca

Nove

MAKE C NTACT

CIP

www.ciphexwest.ca

Ce BMO

ntre

,

Attend CIPHEX West 2010 Western Canada’s largest event for plumbing, hydronics (hot water), heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration, water treatment and pipes, valves & fittings.

■ Design Ideas ■ 200 Exhibitors ■ Technical Experts ■ Gallery of New Products ■ New Eco-Friendly Product Tour ■ Prizes

BMO Centre, Stampede Park, Calgary

SAVE $25

Seminars and Workshops

Register today at www.ciphexwest.ca

November 3 & 4

Information you need today and for tomorrow. Topics include: ■ Renewable Energy Solutions ■ Codes and Standards Updates ■ Water Treatment ■ Controls ■ Hydronics – Solar Combisystems ■ Hydronics and Geothermal Heat Pumps

CIPHEX West 2010 will be co-located with Buildex Calgary, Canada’s Premier Conference and Trade Show

Hear the experts from across North America John Siegenthaler, Carol Fey, Peter Cartwright, Sidney Manning, Arnold Knapp and more.

for Real Estate, Property Management, Interior Designs, Architecture, Renovation and Construction.

Register now for CIPHEX West and receive free admission to both trade shows.

Produced by:

With the support of:

REFRIGERATION

B y Her n an Hid algo

Hernan Hidalgo is the key account manager at Danfoss and can be reached at HernanHidalgo@Danfoss.com.

PIONEERING CANADA’S FIRST INDUSTRIAL AMMONIA/CO2 BRINE SYSTEM E Ammonia/ CO2 Brine System - Provides 200 tons of refrigeration affordably and efficiently.

- Offers the efficiency of an ammonia-based system with the safety of pumping cooled CO2.

- Features four 100 HP, 575-volt variable frequency drives.

- Designed with a multi-port valve station with a high-design working pressure of 754 psig.

xpansion brings with it opportunities and challenges — opportunities to grow and provide better customer service, and the challenge to do so affordably and in a way that does not significantly impact the environment.

The people at Flanagan Foodservice, Inc. should know. The broad line foodservice distributor recently completed a 65,000-square-foot expansion of its Kitchener, Ont., facility, increasing the size of the structure by 50 per cent. Most of the 65,000 square foot expansion is a state-of-theart freezer that uses technology developed and implemented in Japan, but never before built in Canada. Flanagan Foodservice caters primarily to restaurants, including quick-serve restaurants, fine-dining establishments and everything in between. Its list of more than 5,000 customers also includes bakeries, doughnut shops and healthcare and institutional facilities.

Flanagan’s 32-year history is matched by 32 consecutive years of growth.

“With a track record like that, it’s natural to anticipate continued

88

M e c h a n i c a l

B u s i n e s s

1 0 . 1 0

• Can a d a ’s F i r s t I n d u st r ial A m m o n ia/C 0 2 B r in e S yst em

Reducing ammonia charge

Varying the speed

The refrigeration solution at Flanagan Foodservice uses ammonia in two large, insulated compressors that are isolated in an enclosed space. The compressors cool CO2, which is then pumped into those areas of the building that require refrigeration, significantly reducing the ammonia charge the warehouse holds.

Danfoss supplied the system’s ICF valve stations, and variable frequency drives and pressure transmitters for the NH3 screw compressors and CO2 pumps.

“When you vary the speed, you can achieve significant energy savings,” said Jim Hower, national sales manager for Danfoss, who installed a number of system components. “Additionally, the variable frequency drives are easy to program and interface with the local programmable logic controller.”

“As a result, Flanagan enjoys the cost benefit derived from the efficiency of ammonia and feels comfortable knowing they are pumping CO2, and not ammonia, into their building,” explained Len Puhacz, manager of green technology projects for Mycom Canada, the company that supplied the equipment.

Quinn Vo, corporate engineer at Japanese parent of Mycom Canada, Mayekawa, agrees, “The programming is very user-friendly. The keypads are transferrable from drive to drive, so once you program one, you can move the keypad to another drive and download the settings, saving time in the process.”

Under pressure

growth,” said Rick Flanagan, executive vice-president at the company. “However, we were at capacity in our old facility and unable to add new customers and new product lines in our building footprint. In order to continue to grow and invest in our future, we needed additional warehouse space.”

Before the Canadian B52 code was amended (even prior to the system design and commissioning), it allowed CO2 — as long as the system was designed to ambient condensing pressures of 1,100 psig, which is not practical in industrial refrigeration. The system in use at Flanagan Foodservice was designed to safely operate at a maximum of 600 psig, which satisfied Canadian authorities.

The expanded warehouse opened in April and brings the facility to 200,000 square feet. Because much of the company’s business is in the frozen food area, the addition was used to double the size of the facility’s freezer space to 50,000 square feet, including 45,000 square feet of regular freezer space and 5,000 square feet of ice cream freezer space.

An additional 10,000 square feet of cool dock and 5,000 square feet of refrigerated storage completed the expansion.

The original facility relied on an R-22 system to provide 163 tons of refrigeration and maintain temperatures as low as four degrees Fahrenheit in the regular freezer, and minus-20 degrees Fahrenheit in the ice cream freezer.

So, the search was on for an alternative refrigeration system that could provide as much as 200 tons of refrigeration—and do so efficiently, affordably and in an environmentally responsible way. An ammoniabased system offered the efficiency the company sought but Flanagan was concerned with the risk of a leak or an accident.

When considering refrigeration options to serve the new, larger facility, Flanagan admits the low initial first cost of an R-22 system – a viable

option at the time of the RFP – held some appeal, but it would not have been the most environmentally-friendly option, and with the future cost of refrigerant to consider, ongoing maintenance costs became another factor to consider in the overall cost of the new system.

Instead, the company turned to what Flanagan described as “an exciting new technology that represents the best of both worlds” – a dual-temperature ammonia/C02 brine refrigeration packaged system.

“We’re looking at a payback for this system of about 6.6 years thanks to the energy savings it offers,” reports Flanagan. “And it’s an environmentally-friendly system that will reduce our carbon footprint and eliminate safety risks to our employees and the products we warehouse. When you put all of that together, it’s definitely clear that the ammonia/C02 system is a win for us.”

Factory-built components The single, one-piece valve station in the system provides ports for up to six-function-device modules that are configured specifically for a customer’s application and shipped to a jobsite as a complete subassembly, ready for installation into the jobsite piping or into the OEM’s products.

“It’s really quite simple to install, requiring just two welds,” explains Jim Hower of Danfoss. “Without the valve station, you would need to use individual components, requiring multiple welds and additional installation time. And because the valve is a factory-ready block, it reduces the potential for leaks that occur as the result of flanges or welds, and improves system reliability.”

M e c h a n i c a l

B u s i n e s s

1 0 . 1 0

89

HYDRONICS

B y B o b “ Ho t R o d ” R o h r

Hydro Separators

YOUR LEGECY OF

COPPER he majority of plumbers and HVAC technicians are craftsmen. Most take pride in the fact that the work they perform is technically correct. I also believe most are willing to commit the planning time to create a professional looking system.

T

90

Many manufacturers now offer hydro separators to help eliminate some of the piping and fittings in the boiler room.

These devices can replace a wall covered with copper tube and closely spaced tees in the piping. They provide a hydraulic starting point. Most add some basic air elimination and dirt removal to the mix. A nice form-fitting insulation jacket helps keep the heat inside “the box.”

It really doesn’t take much, if any, more time to install piping plumb, level and square, (PL&S). Really, a tape measure and level are all the tools needed to ensure your piping installations are plumb, level and square.

on the straight and narrow path.

Contractors who use bending tools to lessen the use of fittings can often “cheat” out this discrepancy. So as soon as you can get to a level condition, keep the momentum going and install the balance of the piping PL&S.

True, some of the equipment you install plots against you.

Tappings and nipples stubbed out of equipment are not always straight. After you level out the equipment, you may find the connections are not level or plumb. In this case a swing ell assembly is often the first required fitting to get you

Help has arrived on the scene with products designed to ease the fittings assembly and reduce the labour hours involved to create a professional looking installation. I don’t mean to deny you the opportunity to leave your piping legacy in

M e c h a n i c a l

B u s i n e s s

1 0 . 1 0

â&#x20AC;˘ H y d r o S e p a r a t i o n â&#x20AC;˘ Avo id in g t h r ead ed leak p o in t s Bob â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hot Rodâ&#x20AC;? Rohr has been a plumbing, radiant heat and solar contractor and installer for 30 years. A long-time RPA member and columnist, he is manager of training and education with Caleffi North America. You can reach Hot Rod at bob.rohr@caleffi.com.

every customerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mechanical room, assembling copper tube is what makes us all tick. It may even be a stress reliever for you. I would just encourage you to look at the unique products developed by folks like you, to ease the job and neaten up the installation. Make every installation the best it can be both technically and visually.

Avoiding threaded leak points

PRESSING FORWARD

Sweat and press fittings and valves help eliminate the need for transition adapters. Look for manufacturers that offer hydronic specialty components like circulator pump flanges and iso-flanges with threaded and sweat connections to eliminate a lot of the onsite hand assembly.

There really is no need to buy threaded fittings and valves and seal in and sweat to threaded adapters to get to a copper sweat connection.

The fewer the threaded connections, the fewer leaks, or at least the lower the potential for leaks.

This is especially true in glycol filled systems where the â&#x20AC;&#x153;creep factorâ&#x20AC;? plots against you on every threaded joint in the piping.

NEW LOOK

+

NEW PRODUCTS

+

More and more press style fittings and components are showing up on jobsites. Pipe assembly with a press fitting method allows you to dry fit and adjust the components. You can easily change and adjust before putting on the squeeze. No more wiping flux out of un-used â&#x20AC;&#x153;change of planâ&#x20AC;? fittings. Once continued on page 92

NEW NAME

8FÂľWF BMXBZT CFFO HPPE CVU OPX XFÂľSF (3&"5

Formerly Wolverine Tube (Canada) Inc.

XXX HMDPQQFS DPN

PROUDLY CANADIAN

M e c h a n i c a l

B u s i n e s s

1 0 . 1 0

91

continued from page 91

TOOL TIPS

you have everything in place and properly supported, you go around and press the connections. You will now find a wide variety of fittings and valves available from various manufacturers in press versions. Adapters to change from copper to PEX are also available in press style. Press ells tend to have a larger radius, which are friendlier to flow than a tight turn sweat ell.

Pre-assembled for simplicity & performance Pre-assembled hydronic modules can also be incorporated into mechanical room piping. Modules that perform mixing, zoning, air and dirt elimination and have a heat exchanger capability are available.

You will find a variety of sizes and mixing devices offered. Thermostatic as well as motorized mixing modules are available.

Complete boiler piping packages can be purchased to allow plug-and-play piping to remote radiant manifolds

The power of cordless hen it comes to power tools, many contractors are leaving their cords at home and are opting to go the batterypowered route, and while selection was once somewhat limited, with the availability of everything from screwdrivers to drills and drivers to saws and cutters, the options are endless. But if you are in the market for a cordless tool there are a few things to consider when shopping around.

W

1.

Actions per charge – How many cuts, screws driven or bolts tightened can you expect to complete per charging cycle? This might not seem critical for those activities that you perform once or twice a day, but if you have hundreds of bolts to tighten, this is good information to know.

2.

Charged up – Very much related to the previous note is the time it takes to fully charge a battery. With newer lithium battery technology you’ll likely be able to use a pair of batteries, alternating between the tool and the charger. And having a battery life indicator of some sort on the tool itself is a real plus. There’s nothing worse than trekking to the roof only to discover you need to go swap a battery.

3.

Durability – Look for a piece of equipment that’s been constructed of topquality materials, has the power you need and can stand up to the toughest jobsite conditions you might encounter. Ever been on the roof during a snowstorm?

I’ll bet your tools were up there too.

4.

Compatibility –Are you able to pack one battery to run the whole array of tools you need? The ability to make use of a single battery in several tools will minimize your inventory, and will make it much easier to ensure you have a spare charged and ready.

Hydronic Panel Systems

Similar products are available for solar installations. Solar pump stations are preassembled to provide the proper components in the proper position. These stations typically have the pump, air elimination, check valves, relief valves and temperature gauges built into the module. Most brands allow a solar controller to be nestled into the insulation jacket. Look for versions with plate heat exchangers, and larger capacity systems for commercial applications.

92

M e c h a n i c a l

B u s i n e s s

Sponsored by Milwaukee Electric Tool – a proud partner with Mechanical Business. Look for video tips, tools and reviews at www.milwaukeetool.com. Be sure to visit mechanicalbusiness.com for your chance to win valuable Milwaukee products and merchandise!

1 0 . 1 0

&

Literature

Web Reviews

DUCTED MINI-SPLIT SYSTEM

SOLAR WATER HEATING SOLUTIONS

Feel it to believe it: Don’t want to see a wall-mounted unit? Let your customers feel the personal comfort brought to them by a Mr. Slim ducted mini-split system. Installed above ceiling or beneath the floor, these low profile concealed units work with small, short run ductwork to evenly deliver heating or cooling throughout a wide spread area. Call today for more information.

Built to be the best, Bradford White - Canada’s innovative line of water heaters feature EcoFriendly Solar products that save money and conserve energy.

This focus on Eco-Friendly Solutions has allowed us to offer one of the most extensive solar water heating lines for any solar heating application.

w w w. M r S l i m . c a

w w w. b r a d f o r d w h i t e . c o m

NEW! TRIN & STOR INDIRECT WATER HEATERS AND STORAGE TANKS With superior performance, pristine quality and ultra efficiency, Trin & Stor is the most comprehensive line of indirect water heaters and storage tanks available on the market. Available in a wide-range of sizes, you can rest assured knowing you always have the right product for any residential or commercial application.

LEAD FREE ALTERNATIVES

LITTLE GIANT GP SERIES

Apollo Valves has always been synonymous with quality, reliability and North American made durability. Today, that same great Apollo name is taking a leading role in providing its customers with optional Lead Free valves intended for potable water service. Visit our website today for a more information on the lead-free movement and for a list of our lead-free compliant products.

w w w. a p o l l o v a l v e s . c o m M e c h a n i c a l

B u s i n e s s

HydroFlow is a green alternative to chemical water conditioning.

HydroFlow not only eliminates lime scale but it also breaks down existing lime scale in a plumbing system. HydroFlow requires no invasive plumbing as it simply goes around the pipe - regardless of pipe material - and plugs into a standard wall outlet. The HS44 uses only $3.00/yr. of hydro and is maintenance-free throughout its 30 plus year life expectancy.

w w w. H y d ro F l o w C a n a d a . c o m

w w w. n y t h e r m a l . c o m

94

18 YEARS OF SUCCESS

1 0 . 1 0

When you purchase a Little Giant GP Series grinder pump from Franklin Electric, you’re getting an industry-proven product, trusted by professionals.

With a unique patented cutter assembly, the GP Series shreds materials efficiently and effectively with more than 400,000 cuts per minute and easily achieves high-head applications with maximum heads greater than 130 feet.

w w w. l g p c . c o m

&

Literature

Web Reviews LITTLE GIANT NXTGEN

INFRA-RED HEATING: RE-VERBER-RAY TECHNOLOGY

When you purchase a Little Giant NXTGenTM condensate pump from Franklin Electric you are getting an industry-proven product, trusted by HVAC professionals. Our VCMX Series pump offers a slimmer footprint, adaptable in even the tightest spaces. External safety switch options, oil-resistant tank and durable design promote reliable performance and prolonged motor life.

Independent testing has highlighted the increased energy savings, improved comfort level and extended product life with Re-Verber-Ray two-stage technology. “Low-fire” for moderately cold days and “high-fire” for only those really cold winter days. Contact us today at 1-800-387-4778 or visit brantradiant.com

w w w. b r a n t r a d i a n t . c o m

w w w. l g p c . c o m BOILER TECH SUPPORT

LOCHINVAR SHIELD MICRO-SITE

Topog-E® Gasket Company formulates and mixes its own rubber, and manufactures superior molded rubber handhole and manhole gaskets for steam, hot water boilers, water heaters, softeners, deaerators, make-up tanks, and other selected pressure vessels.

Topog-E® Gaskets seal quickly, completely, preventing seepage, corrosion and pitting. Contact us for a free Technical Specification & Usage Guide for information about boiler maintenance safety.

Lochinvar’s SHIELD micro website offers contractors a wealth of tools, resources, incentives, and information about the innovative SHIELD Commercial Water Heater. A video describes how the unique SHIELD design, featuring the industry's most advanced stainless steel heat transfer system located outside of the tank, eliminates the risk of lime scale buildup inside the tank, ensuring high efficiency and low operating costs throughout its life. A payback calculator and a “Where to Buy” function are also included.

w w w. s h i e l d . l o c h i n v a r. c o m

w w w. t o p o g - e . c o m

AFFORDABLE, VERSATILE INSPECTION CAMERA

WATER CONDITIONING FOR PROFESSIONALS Novo Water Conditioning is dedicated to supporting the Canadian Plumbing Trade. To learn more about Novo’s complete line of residential and commercial water treatment products just e-mail support@novowater.com to get a copy of our newly updated 60 page colour catalogue or visit our website to download. To find a Novo stocking wholesaler nearest you please call 1-877-655-6686.

Use Extech's affordable BR100 Video Inspection Camera to inspect hard-to-reach areas. The flexible 1m probe is expandable to 3m and features a waterproof 17mm camera. View the adjustable 6cm colour display or use Video-Out for recording or display using external devices.

Includes case, extension tools (mirror, hook, magnet) and batteries.

w w w. f l i r. c o m

w w w. n o v o w a t e r. c o m M e c h a n i c a l

B u s i n e s s

1 0 . 1 0

95

PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES Heating, Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Institute of Canada 2

1

3

Business and bears in the foothills

4

5

HRAI held its annual conference and general meeting at the Delta Lodge at Kananaskis in Alberta in August. The event featured guest speakers, golf, business discussions and a few bear sightings. Next yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s event is slated for August 25 to 27 at the White Oaks Conference Resort and Spa in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont. hrai.ca

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

96

1. Mechanical Business columnist, and CEO and chief brand officer for AtlasCare, Roger Grochmal discusses the rebranding of his company.

2. Outgoing HRAI chair Gerry Cellucci moderates a panel session. 3.

Western gear was the dress code for the welcome reception at Boundary Ranch. 4. Roger Gripton (left) receives a recognition award from incoming HRAI chairman Rusty Jennings during the manufacturers division annual general meeting. 5. HRAI staff joined the Gunfighters Western Stunt Club for a quick photo-op. 6. Keith Werner (left) and Talbot Gee. 7. HRAI chairman Gerry Cellucci and AHRI president and CEO Stephen Yurek sign a memorandum of understanding on mutual cooperation and assistance in providing services to their respective members. 8. Nancy McKeraghan (right) receives the Craig McCarty Memorial Award from Ron Robinson, chair of the HRAI Contractors Division. 9. Scott Stevens discusses IAQ during the contractors division meeting. 10. Belimo Americasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Sammy Tong talks controls for the commercial HVAC market. 11. Members of the Controls Council meet. 12. Black Bart, part of the Gunfighters Western Stunt Club, looks for the man who stole his horse. 13. Incoming HRAI chairman Rusty Jennings receives the official gavel of office from outgoing chair Gerry Cellucci.

13

Line

BOTTOM

with David Cooke

Two Financial Personalities, One Path to Financial Success Here’s a confession. It only took me 10 years to figure it out, but I am going to share it with you now. When it comes to who is financially successful or not, one quality divides the world in two: there are savers and there are spenders. The savers succeed with certainty. The spenders succeed by chance.

Now, the financial industry would have you believe that advice and nifty products are what guarantee success. These can help, and financial professionals like myself are happy to offer you both, but none of these – not the most tax efficient strategies, nor the most valiant rates of return – are substitutes over the power of regular, systematic savings.

So what do I mean by savings? I mean long-term savings, be they in savings accounts, retirement plans, home equity, investments or life insurance policies. Of course, some savings vessels offer benefits over others, but the point here is that even without the most sophisticated advice or products, you can prosper by simply saving.

The fuel in the tank If you and I were to jump in the car for a long road trip, job one, if we want to move anywhere, would be to gas up. Along the way we’ll do the same, and likely before we leave to come back as well. In other words: no fuel, no trip. The same is true in financial planning. If it lacks a regular infusion of cash in, a plan just doesn’t go anywhere.

A quick example: A 30-year-old, saving $100 per month at a net of five per cent interest over 35 years would end up with about $1.1 million at age 65. If that same person started at age 45, they would need to set aside almost $300 per month to achieve the same result. Pretty lofty goal for a household that never saved before!

Savers get this. They’ve engineered life and finances to allow, without fail, regular savings. In their finan-

cial world, savings come first. The really smart ones do it automatically, and still don’t miss out on anything in life. I am not speaking about the cheapskate hoarders here, but those who can find a way to set aside 10 or 15 per cent of income each year.

Spenders are the opposite. Even with the best intentions, savings come last on the list. Over the years I have been treated to stories of how the roof needed to be replaced, a niece’s wedding came up, or how someone just could not turn down the deal they got on the boat “I’ve always dreamed of.”

In other words, there’s always an excuse to put off savings, usually justified with the notion of “you’ve gotta live.” The most dangerous of these is the “Once we get the kids’ schooling and the mortgage paid…” speech. When I hear that, I know I am speaking to someone whose savings may start 20 years too late (or may never start at all).

Getting traction Over time, savers develop financial traction. With enough saved, and enough going into a plan, they can take advantage of good financial opportunities and overcome financial obstacles such as job loss or a turn in investment markets.

They have more control, more certainty. Imagine the choices you can make financially knowing you cannot fail.

No matter what tools you use, or whose advice you receive, there’s no substitute for regular savings into your financial plan. Sound strategies are helpful, decent rates of return are important, but they mean nothing without fuel in the tank.

And that’s the bottom line.

After years in the HVAC industry, David Cooke is now a partner with Qualified Financial’s Wealth Strategies Group. He can be reached at david@wsgcanada.com.

Me chanical

Busine ss

1 0 .1 0

97

SALES

B y Do n B o t t r ell

Designer’s Notepad Vessel sinks are based on the days long before plumbing when people used simple basins of water to wash themselves. These sinks have become increasingly popular with bathroom designers because of their large range of materials, styles and finishes, and in many cases they can truly be works of art.

Putting your local showroom to work for you ou might think of your local showroom as a place where the do-it-yourself weekend renovators buy their products. So, what then is the advantage for a plumbing contractor in developing a relationship with their local showroom? Managed properly, a solid partnership with a showroom should result in fewer headaches, more profit, and happier clients.

Y

Consultant and partners The prospect of having to hold enough inventory to appeal to an array of clients’ tastes and budgets just isn’t possible for most contractors. But a showroom can be your living, handson catalogue where your clients can touch, see and feel the items they are looking to include in their kitchen or bathroom project – and that’s much better than simply viewing them in a catalogue or on a computer screen.

Do customers want to test drive that tub just like they would a car? No problem. Get in and see if it’s right. And because showrooms specialize in kitchen and bath fixtures, they carry a large range of products, at all price points, so there’s something for all budgets.

98

M e c h a n i c a l

B u s i n e s s

1 0 . 1 0

The simplicity of one stop-shopping for an assortment of products can make life easier for a contractor. Not too long ago I was visited by a contractor who had established accounts through a variety of sources to procure products directly. After a few months of working with our staff, the contractor realized that the effort put in on getting products directly was actually costing him money, since the time spent dealing with the product sales side of his business was interfering with landing new customers, and seeing to the needs of his existing customer base.

Not only that, but he no longer had to deal with the confusion and challenges associated with coordinating product delivery

• Co n s u l t a n t & P a r t n er s • Wo r kin g wit h sh o wr o o m st aff

This is where showroom staff can not only be a great partner to a contractor, but they can also help strengthen the existing relationship with his clients.

When using a showroom for all your fixtures, faucets and accessories, it’s all coordinated through one central warehouse, and the products are delivered to the job site in one truck, as requested by the contractor.

by the various manufacturers. This allows them to offer clients the most current and up-to-date options available.

And they are not only well versed in the products offered, but also with the associated price points, so working with pre-established budgets is not a problem.

Caroma

from multiple sources, and he also didn’t have to deal with parts problems in the same way. When products weren’t compatible, or if there were warranty issues, it cost him time to determine where exactly the problem was, and who should be contacted to help sort out it out.

more on showrooms on page 100

BOTTLE FILLING STATION

For sales and warranty issues, one call is all that is needed. Situations are handled in a timely and professional manner. It doesn’t matter if it’s an issue with a drain or a faucet; you call the showroom and let them deal with the vendor to get the needed part.

Working with showroom staff A smart showroom owner or manager knows better than to compromise his or her relationship with a contractor. They are not there to steal clients. They are there to help serve a mutual customer, whose relationship with the contractor is always top-of-mind. If that relationship is harmed in any way the showroom risks losing the business of both the contractor and his clients, and that’s simply not good for our business.

Once a certain comfort level has been reached though, contractors often send their customers into a showroom on their own, knowing that the product selection process can be left in the hands of a qualified showroom professional. This frees up the contractor’s time to continue with other aspects of the project.

Showroom associates are well versed in all the product lines they carry, and are involved in continual product knowledge training to keep up-to-date with the latest designs, finishes and technologies offered

Elkay’s new EZH20TM bottle filling station provides a rapid fill of filtered water to quench thirst and minimize plastic bottle waste in the environment.

®

1-2200 Speers Road, Oakville ON L6L 2X8 905-465-9858 or 1-800-661-1795 www.novanni.ca M e c h a n i c a l

B u s i n e s s

1 0 . 1 0

99

continued from page 99

PLUMBING

Budget maximization We all know that every project has a budget, and whether it’s low, moderate or “sky’s the limit,” it is going to be a consideration at some point during the project. Showroom consultants are trained to determine a client’s needs in order to help them put their money where it’s needed most.

For example, a contractor’s client might want to use a greater portion of their budget in a powder room that gets a lot of use from guests, as they view it as a “showcase” room. Or if your clients are more of a shower, versus a bath, family, then they might want to discuss the feasibility of a particular shower system that boasts eight body jets, and the water pressure required to make this a reality in their dream bathroom.

By asking your customers about their wants and needs, as well as their habits, a well-trained sales associate can walk them through options they may not have realized could be possible.

Current trends

K-45 manual and K-45AF autofeed drain cleaning machines from Ridgid offer power up to 600 RPM. The drain cleaners are designed for 3/4” to 2 ½” drain lines and cable is offered in three sizes, 1/4”, 5/16” and 3/8”, each in varying of lengths of up to 50 ft. Cable can be advanced and retrieved without stopping to reverse the motor. ee us at S

ridgid.com

• 98% of the kitchen sinks Taps sells are undermount, and are typically paired with solid surface counters.

• Coordinating accessories, such as soap dispensers, pull-out spray faucets, grid racks (to prevent sinks from getting scratched), sink colanders and food waste disposers, are popular, and profitable add-ons.

• Pull-out sprays have been in fashion for 15 to 20 years but are taking on a new importance. The popularity of low-flow faucets can make some tasks more challenging, but the spray function of a pull-out can be just the thing for rinsing frying pans, fruits and veggies, cutlery, etc.

• People are going back to the timeless look of chrome (which also has a good price point) in comparison to stainless or brushed nickel. In our showroom it’s a 60/40 split between chrome and brushed nickel for bathrooms, and a 60/40 split for stainless steel and chrome for kitchens.

• Not only is stainless more popular for faucets in the kitchen because it’s better at hiding water stains and finger prints, but also because people are trying to coordinate it with stainless steel appliances. People are also using stainless steel accenting in their door hardware and lighting.

• We’re seeing a trend of moving back to cabinetry versus pedestal sinks in washrooms for the reasons of storage, hiding plumbing and they’re easier to clean.

Don Bottrell is the branch manager of Taps Bath Centre in Toronto. Don, or another member of his team can be reached at sales@tapsbath.com.

100

M e c h a n i c a l

B u s i n e s s

1 0 . 1 0

With a maximum operating pressure of 100 psig, the highefficiency NovoSoft 465 series of water softeners from Novo are Energy Star rated and are available in cabinet or twin tank models. The 12-volt units have adjustable cycle times, handle water temperatures up to 110°F (43°C) and use 3/4” piping.

novowater.com See us at

The HydroVantage ZGEN6200EV from Zurn incorporates a hydro generator turbine to create energy during each flush process, reducing the reliance on external or battery power. The turbine features chemical-resistant gaskets and seals, and is suited for LEED applications.

The VS10, a three-piece bathtub faucet from Riobel is equipped with a touch-clean spray head. The faucet uses a ceramic cartridge and is available in chrome and brushed nickel finishes.

See us at

zurn.com

riobel.ca

Available in 50 or 75 gallon capacities, Combi2 water heaters from Bradford White - Canada are designed for a combination of domestic and hydronic heat. The heaters fire from 67,000 to 76,000 BTUH and have a 1-1/2” double-wall heat exchanger.

bradfordwhite.com See us at

See us at

See us at

The Fill & Drain tub filler, with waste and overflow system from OS&B has two laminar flow outlets rated at three gallons (13 litres) per minute each. The filler, which eliminates the need for a traditionallymounted spout, is available in a chrome-plated brass finish.

QuickVic couplings from Victaulic feature the company’s proprietary grade EHP gasket material with an integral pipe/component end stop designed to simplify positioning of couplings on pipe and component ends during installation. The gaskets have a temperature range of -30°F to +250°F and are UL classified for cold and hot potable water service. A Grade T nitrile gasket is also available.

victaulic.com

osb.ca M e c h a n i c a l

B u s i n e s s

1 0 . 1 0

101

CASE STUDY

B y S t u ar t L o mbard

Finding savings through energy management WHAT: Three-month pilot using energy management system (EMS) thermostats.

WHERE: A two-storey, stand-alone retail building, approximately 4,000 square feet.

THE EXISTING SYSTEM: The building was serviced by two rooftop units, each with its own thermostat. Each thermostat was located behind a locked plastic box to control access to the thermostat. The retail location is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday. The average annual heating and cooling spend for the building was approximately $20,000. The retail location is part of a network of 1,000 retail locations which are managed through a central property management group.

THE SOLUTION: Two existing programmable thermostats were replaced with internet-enabled EMS thermostats. The estimated annual savings for with the EMS thermostats, not including productivity gains from remote diagnostics, is $3,445. This results in an ROI of 72 per cent, and a payback period of approximately seven months.

Photo: Padraic Ryan

THE CHALLENGE: Reduce energy costs through the use of modern controls technology.

Through the use of internet-enabled energy management thermostats in a building similar in size to the one pictured above, one company was able to achieve annual savings in excess of $3,000.

The benefits of EMS Thermostats equipped with an energy management system (EMS) are some of the newer technologies making waves in the commercial HVAC market. Their use is ideal for applications where a simple programmable thermostat does not provide adequate control and functionality, and where a full-scale building automation system is too complex and cost prohibitive. EMS units are designed to be user-friendly while reducing a buildingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s operating costs and delivering increased energy conservation.

Through a dedicated management portal users can remotely monitor, identify, analyze and troubleshoot performance issues. Users can manage the temperature and operational settings from a central location and take action without having to

102

M e c h a n i c a l

B u s i n e s s

1 0 . 1 0

• EMS = Savings Every Moment Deserves Coleman Comfort! send a technician on-site reducing the need for truck rolls.

Once installed, users can manage an unlimited number of thermostats in multiple locations across diverse geographies.

The configuration protocol allows for grouping of thermostats and multiple users, with the flexibility to provide each user with varying degrees of accessibility and operating permissions.

Putting the EMS to work The existing programmable thermostats in use at the retail location were not programmed in the same way as the EMS units, and were not programmed as unoccupied during weekends and holidays – when the building was unoccupied.

In addition, one of the thermostats was programmed as occupied from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., while the other thermostat was programmed as occupied from 8 a.m. until midnight.

Because the original thermostats were not connected to the internet it was virtually impossible to detect these types of discrepancies.

The revised control strategy, using EMS technology, allows thermostats to be grouped together so that all thermostats in the system use the same setback and holiday schedules without having to program the thermostats individually. By running the standard program and programming for weekends and holidays the estimated savings became $2,324 annually.

Defining the return on investment The two EMS thermostats were installed at a cost of $1,000 each ($750 cost and $250 installation).

Cost: $2,000.

The estimated annual savings for the EMS thermostats, not including productivity gains from remote diagnostics, is $3,445.

This gives the system an ROI of 72 per cent, with a payback time of approximately seven months.

Echelon Furnace Highest Efficient Gas Furnace in Canada with up to 98% efficiency: • Fully modulating in 100 stages for the ultimate in home comfort • Multi position for any application • Only 33" high Appleby Systems has been a loyal Coleman dealer for 30 years. With over four decades of first-hand field experience, BILL WOOD has this to say about the Echelon.

“The Echelon is an amazing product. At 98% efficiency, it’s the most efficient furnace in Canada.

Having the best product in the market has given me a huge leg up on my competition. I’ve had a great deal of success with this product. I can’t wait to see what they come up with next.

Thanks, Coleman.”

Making use of remote control Within the first three months of installation, the property management group received two service calls from the retail location because the temperature at the location felt continued on page 104

Please visit us at www.colemanac.com, or call Toll Free:

1-800-668-2389 ext. 5486 M e c h a n i c a l

B u s i n e s s

1 0 . 1 0

103

CASE STUDY

continued from page 103

QUICK TIP

uncomfortable, and the branch manager requested a temperature change from 72ºF to 70ºF. Normally this would have required a truck roll to service this request (to unlock the plastic box and make the change). The cost for a service call is $200.

The EMS system engaged in this application allows temporary hold actions to be performed at the retail location within a limited temperature range. In addition to allowing these changes to be made directly at the retail location, they can also be made by the property manager through the EMS web portal.

Local control (or remote control through the web portal) saved the cost of two truck rolls in the first three months. By providing limited local control the property manager was also able to lower the occupied temperature from 72ºF to 70ºF, further reducing energy costs without impacting comfort and productivity.

The annual estimated savings from allowing the change to be made through the EMS web portal and reducing the occupied temperature is $1,121.

In locations where programmable thermostats are not in use, the ROI will likely be higher, and the payback much quicker.

Reducing downtime with remote diagnostics During the initial test period, one of the rooftop units stopped working correctly over the weekend. This caused the temperature in the building to drop below 57ºF. The EMS sent out a low-temperature alarm and allowed an operator to diagnose this issue and arrange a support call over the weekend, when the retail location was not being used. With the previous programmable thermostats, this situation would not have been detected until staff arrived on Monday morning, resulting in a branch closure for some period of the workday, impacting customers and staff.

Stuart Lombard is president & CEO of ecobee, a green technology company that offers EMS as part of its product platform. ecobee.com

We are Canada's coil experts. We know coils. We know contractors. We understand that, when you need a coil, you need it fast. You need it accurate. And you need delivery you can depend on. You can count on Madok to deliver.

• Water/Glycol Heating and Cooling Coils • Steam Coils • Heat Reclaim Coils • Evaporator Coils • Condenser Coils 104

M e c h a n i c a l

B u s i n e s s

1 0 . 1 0

All New Website!

User-friendly tools, charts and downloads. Visit today!

C.R.N. Approved

www.madok.com

HVAC/R With up to eight hours of battery life, the SRL2K7 infrared refrigerant leak detector from Fieldpiece detects CFCs, HCFCs, HFCs and blends. The detector has auto-recalibration, a 15â&#x20AC;? probe and can be set to take readings down to 0.1 oz/yr.

See us at

fieldpiece.com

Gas-fired boilers With a maximum allowable working pressure of 160 psig, the DynaForce series of boilers from Camus have heat exchangers made entirely of stainless steel. The units are available for hydronic and domestic hot water heating, have an efficiency rating up to 99 per cent and can be fired with natural gas or propane. They are rated from 300,000 to 5 million BTUH, with a 5:1 turndown.

Having an AFUE rating up to 96 per cent, the AMVC series from Amana ranges in output size from 30,800 BTUH to 109,000 BTUH. The furnaces are compatible with Comfortnet Communicating Systems and incorporate a SureStart silicon nitride igniter.

camus-hydronics.com

amana-hac.com

Multi-stage gas furnace Bryant's Plus 95s condensing gas furnace is designed for ultra-high efficient operation with up to 95 per cent annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE). The unit is equipped with a multi-stage gas valve, and a variable-speed blower and inducer. Sizes range from 60,000 to 120,000 BTUH.

bryantcanada.com

Wireless diagnostics Extech and Flir have introduced MeterLink, a Bluetooth-based technology that wirelessly connects Flir infrared cameras to Extech meters. Using MeterLink for diagnostics, readings from the meter are transmitted to the camera and can be recorded with the on the corresponding IR image. Onboard images or reports can be sent to a USB memory stick for file sharing.

flir.com extech.com

M e c h a n i c a l

B u s i n e s s

1 0 . 1 0

105

VEHICLE UPFITTING

B y A d am P let sch

CUSTOM OPTIONS

ABOUND T

THE STORAGE MYTH

Vanterior’s Brent Maclean says a heating and A/C guy needs to know how refrigerants and other compressed gasses must be carried. He says many people believe the myth that refrigerant tanks must always be stored in an upright position.

“Nowhere in Transport Canada [documentation], in the Transportation of Dangerous Gases, is there anything indicating that that’s the case. Whenever somebody has told us that we’ve always said ‘Please send us the documentation that supports this myth,’ and nobody’s been able to supply it.”

he business of upfitting a cargo van for commercial use is a lot more sophisticated than it used to be, and that’s a very good thing for a contractor buying a vehicle. He can customize a van or pickup to suit any application – no matter how industry specific it may be.

But how can he also make sure he gets good pricing and advice when upfitting? The first step is to talk to a dealer. Canadian auto dealerships offer numerous deals to clients using vehicles for business.

For example, Barb Tate, fleet manager at Applewood Chevrolet Cadillac, of Mississauga, Ont., offers commercial buyers the GM Business Choice Program.

This program offers business owners several commercial upfit packages including shelving, liners and partitions for vans or rack, rail and toolbox packages for pick up trucks. For buyer’s who qualify there’s no extra cost. They simply choose the option that best suits their needs.

“It’s a fantastic deal because it’s worth over $2,000,” says Tate, “and if the customer qualified for the GM fleet account number they would get that upfit at no charge. The key is to find the fleet manager from the get-go at the dealership and deal with them (rather than a retail salesperson).

Qualified fleet customers are also entitled to a fleet rebate, which varies by model, but on a full-sized cargo van it can represent another discount, sometimes into the thousands of dollars, that a retail customer wouldn’t get.

“A lot of times, depending on the business the company is doing, they may want to put something extra on like ladder racks or graphics,” says Tate. “So we can arrange all that for them.”

SAFE – AND SOUNDS In the interest of saving money, contractors sometimes tell their dealers they will transfer the shelves from their old truck into their new truck. Larry Tierney of Colony Ford tries to set them straight.

“I say, ‘Wait a second.Your truck is old and beat up, and those shelves are old and rusted.You could get a new set for free. And, by the way, that ladder rack isn’t certifiable anymore because the bolts are rusted. If you stop in a hurry you’re going to launch it into the guy in front of you!’”

Also, he says most contractors are genuinely surprised to find out there are free programs to help them subsidize more racking or a free bulkhead. Tierney says when contractors go right to the upfitter they return sounding like kids who’ve been in a candy store.

For example, an older contractor who may have trouble getting a ladder off the roof of his van is sometimes pleasantly surprised to learn that new ladder racks allow them to just grab onto a handle to bring the ladder down to the side of the vehicle for easy access.

Also, some older metal shelves make so much noise it’s hard to concentrate. Tierney reports there are quieter options now available. “Some shelves are made out of a heavy vinyl material, and the things don’t rattle to drive you crazy.

The guy can talk on his cell phone while he’s getting set up for his next stop.”

106

M e c h a n i c a l

B u s i n e s s

1 0 . 1 0

CHECK YOUR TIRES When it comes to tires, Timm Slaney, of Murray Chevrolet, will generally suggest a 16-inch LT tire over a similarly priced and smaller passenger tire, despite cries of protests from some clients. This is because they will provide a circumferal span of 44 inches – 14 inches more than a passenger tire – and therefore turn 20 per cent fewer times, saving them 20 per cent of the cost of the tire.

“Looking at the type of work these guys do, a lot of them are on gravel roads and a lot of them are run up against curbs… there’s a lot of tire damage, and simple things like tires can be expensive.”

Plus, small businesses with only one or two vehicles can still qualify for some programs, such as the Ford Commercial Connection program. That can mean free racks and bins.

“It’s the programs that are available from Ford that help the little guy outfit his van for a lot less than if you were to go to a private shelving company,” says Larry Tierney, fleet manager at Brampton Ont.’s Colony Ford.

But dealers such as Applewood Chev and Colony Ford don’t do everything themselves. They have connections to upfitters who can handle more specialized or sophisticated work.

Tierney says one of the best ways for contractors to get what they want, over and above what the dealer is offering, is to visit an upfitter in person. They can then see the actual shelves, and in some cases see what the installation looks like. It’s far easier to make an informed decision.

One of the busiest Canadian upfitters is Mississauga, Ont.-based Vanteriors. Brent Maclean, vice-president of sales and marketing for the company, says its programs are national and it has preferred distributors spread throughout Canada offering its upfitting packages.

Maclean says a major advantage of going to an upfitter – besides warranty and service – is expertise. The upfitter will understand what certain types of contractors require, and can also advise clients on regulations around shelving design and other features.

For example, a plumber’s vehicle might need reinforcements on the shelves, since plumbers carry a lot of fittings and longer pipes. Some want raised floors to keep piping inside.

Marc Belliveau, fleet and commercial truck sales at Ontario When it comes to upfitters Chrysler, says fleet vehicle buyers there are good ones and bad have the choice of asking his ones. The best advice, says dealership to go to Vanteriors and handle a Larry Tierney, is to seek out a requested upfitting or just go there themselves. certified installer – one that is “To us it doesn’t really matter because we approved by the don’t really mark up that product. If I sell a manufacturers. $40,000 truck to someone who needs $5,000 worth of upfit, he can pay me $45,000 and I’ll “They won’t put the screw pay Vanteriors, or he can deal directly with holes in the wrong place or them.” punch holes in your brake line or your fuel tank, and that the What Belliveau can offer is one-stopshopping, so that “whatever invoice Vanteriors work is certified, so you don’t gives to him goes to the customer. A lot of have any problems with the customers find that really simplifies things.”

Ministry of Transport, or with any of the shelves falling apart or letting go in an accident.”

GET A GOOD INSTALLER

M e c h a n i c a l

DO THE MATH FOR LONGTERM SAVINGS Timm Slaney, fleet sales manager at Murray Chevrolet in Winnipeg, says he often has to discourage clients from “buying a 1500 series van and cheapening it up.”

Preconceived notions of what is most economical often don’t pan out, since replacing worn out parts and components, or “making do” with improvised solutions, often end up costing much more than anticipated.

After a simple cost-based analysis (life cycle costing) demonstration, his clients are often singing a different tune. “Once they’ve seen that properly done, something will end up costing 66 cents a kilometre, whereas improperly done, it’s 110, it doesn’t take an awful lot of math to convince them which path to choose.”

B u s i n e s s

1 0 . 1 0

107

THE INFO PAGE

1

2

Find suppliers in this issue and source websites and phone numbers at-a-glance.

PAGE #

PAGE #

45

77

21

Tel: (203) 221-9232 www.ahrexpo.com

Tel: (866) 594-0767 www.aquatech.ws

PAGE #

PAGE #

9

28

#

94

PAGE #

91 Formerly Wolverine Tube (Canada) Inc.

Tel: (416) 449-7275 www.donpark.com

Tel: (800) 265-9271 www.glcopper.com

PAGE #

PAGE #

PAGE #

16

31

53

P

#

113

PAGE #

PAGE #

17

63 P

Tel: (888) 855-3106 www.greensaver.com

Tel: (877) 932-6233 www.ecobee.com

PAGE #

Tel: (866) 690-0961 www.bradfordwhite.com

Tel: (877) 780-3316 www.goodmanmfg..com

Tel: (905) 712-3030 www.deltafaucet.com

P

Sales & Marketing Inc.

Visit us online at www.mechanicalbusiness.com.

PAGE #

Heating Refrigerating Exposition

Tel: (905) 761-6161 www.apollovalves.com

3

Using the Tear-Out Card, you can start or renew your FREE subscription.

2

#

94

Tel: (800) 644-9599 www.grundfos.ca

Tel: (800) 665-3336 www.edenenergy.com

PAGE #

PAGE #

95

49

Tel: (800) 565-3548 www.fantech.net

Tel: (800) 387-4778 www.brantradiant.com

PAGE #

43

Tel: (800) 553-9749 www.genetron.com

PAGE #

PAGE #

93

102

PAGE #

79 P

Tel: (905) 696-7800 www.camus-hydronics.com

Tel: (877) 477-3569 www.hydroflowcanada.com

Tel: (714) 634-1844 www.fieldpiece.com PAGE #

10

PAGE #

PAGE #

83

58

#

P

Tel: (800) 464-6372 www.goinfrared.com

Tel: (877) 700-4242 www.sharkbitepro.com

95

Tel: (416) 845-2587 www.hydronicpanels.com

PAGE #

PAGE #

PAGE #

87

47

57

Tel: (800) 639-2474 www.ciphexwest.ca

Tel: (888) 888-3424 www.fujitsugeneral.com

Tel: (905) 795-8113 www.gokeeprite.com

PAGE #

PAGE #

PAGE #

103

6

57

Tel: (516) 676-0777 www.intellidynellc.com

Tel: (315) 298-5121 www.fulton.com

Tel: (800) 668-2389 www.colemanac.com

Tel: (416) 781-5286 www.cozyheaters.com

#

94

PAGE #

PAGE #

91

4

Tel: (800) 245-6200 www.drainbrain.com

GET ON THE INFO PAGE Contact: Bruce Meacock at bruce.meacock@mechanicalbusiness.com

Subscription Service

• Renewal • Application • Information

SUBSCRIPTIONS NEED TO BE R E N E W E D A N N U A L LY YES, I want to receive Mechanical Business, absolutely free of charge!

No

Signature (Required)

Date

Name

Job Title

Company Name Address

City

Prov.

Business Tel:

Business Fax:

PC

Email Address:

PLEASE FAX COMPLETED CARD TO 905.272.8569 A B C D E F

Here’s My Professional Profile (required to validate Free Subscription): 1) Company Business Activity – check ONE only: Mechanical Contractor

Wholesaler /Distributor

ConsultingEngineer/Specifier

Facilities Mgt./Maint.

Other (please be very specific): ___________________________ 2) Company Jobsite Activities – check ALL that apply: HEATING:

Warm Air

FUELS:

Gas

PLUMBING: COOLING:

Hydronic Oil

Infra-Red

Propane

Sanitary/Fixtures/DHW AC/Comfort Cooling

VENTILATION:

Elec.

Alternative

Piping/Controls

Drain Services

Fire Protection

Refrigeration

IAQ/Air Movement

3) Company Job Sectors – check ALL that apply: Commercial

Residential

Institutional

Industrial

New Construction

Service

4) Are you responsible for recommending, purchasing or specifying mechanical products/services?

5) # of Employees in the Company:

1-4

5-9

10-19

20-49

50-99

Yes

No

100+

SEND ME INFORMATION ON THESE PRODUCTS 1 11 21 31 41 51 61 71 81 91

2 12 22 32 42 52 62 72 82 92

3 13 23 33 43 53 63 73 83 93

4 14 24 34 44 54 64 74 84 94

5 15 25 35 45 55 65 75 85 95

6 16 26 36 46 56 66 76 86 96

7 17 27 37 47 57 67 77 87 97

8 18 28 38 48 58 68 78 88 98

9 19 29 39 49 59 69 79 89 99

10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

Publisher reserves the right to determine qualification and limit distribution.

Renew Today: Online. Mail. Gerty.

It’s your choice.

www.mechanicalbusiness.com Gerty, the Goddess of the nasal whistle, is our telemarketer. Technically speaking, her job is to talk to you to update your free yearly subscription (our auditors require an update from you every 12 months). Realistically, however,

Gerty just likes to talk. And talk. And talk.

Oh, she eventually gets around to renewing your free subscription, but it sometimes just takes a while. You see, she has so much to share – her latest needlepoint project, Mrs. Muffles adventures at the Vets, her television ‘stories’ – and so much more. While she’d love to talk to you, we understand that you just might not have as much time. That’s why we include a handy tear-out subscription renewal card in every issue and provide an easy-to-use online form at www.mechanicalbusiness.com.

Gerty’s Got Her Eye On You! (well, at least her good eye).

PAGE #

PAGE #

PAGE #

33

24

55

P

94

Tel: (800) 688-2575 www.nythermal.com

Tel: (866) 473-9462 www.ipexinc.com PAGE #

69

P

Tel: (260) 824-2900 www.lgpc.com

94

P

TM

#

#

95

Tel: (888) 678-8711 www.thermopan.com

PAGE #

PAGE #

119

95

Tel: (877) 314-6040 www.osb.ca

Tel: (918) 587-6649 www.topog-e.com

PAGE #

PAGE #

PAGE #

95

66

35

Tel: (615) 889-8900 www.lochinvar.com

Tel: (800) 666-3691 www.reedmfgco.com

Tel: (905) 884-7444 www.victaulic.com

PAGE #

PAGE #

PAGE #

104

19

OC

Tel: (519) 756-5760 www.madok.com

Tel: (800) 615-2477 www.RezSpec.com

Tel: (800) 976-9819 www.veiga.com

PAGE #

PAGE #

23

67

P

75

Tel: (888) 829-4901 www.runtalnorthamerica.com

PAGE #

PAGE #

85

73

P

PAGE #

#

92 Tel: (800) 729-3878 www.milwaukeetool.com

Tel: (800) 387-7373 www.viessmann.ca WATCO

速

Tel: (416) 755-2291 www.armstrongpumps.com

Tel: (816) 796-3900 www.watcomfg.com

PAGE #

PAGE #

29

64

Tel: (800) 461-5581 www.napoleonheatingandair.com

H>C8: &.*H>C8: &.* *-

PAGE #

120

Tel: (888) 208-8927 www.wattscanada.ca

Tel: (800) 363-5874 www.saniflo.ca

PAGE #

PAGE #

30

49

PAGE #

90

Tel: (888) 735-5475 www.selkirkcorp.com

Tel: (902) 662-3840 www.newmacfurnaces.com

Tel: (866) 945-6236 www.wilo-na.com

GOT AN 39 EVENT? PAGE #

PAGE #

99

PAGE #

81

Tel: (719) 574-1101 www.woodfordmfg.com

Tel: (877) 836-7772 www.simenorthamerica.com

Tel: (800) 661-1795 www.novanni.ca

PAGE #

78

#

94 Tel: (800) 387-9630 www.mitsubishielectric.ca

Tel: (877) 655-6686 www.novawater.com

#

PAGE #

PAGE #

95

41

Tel: (905) 564-9422 www.taco-hvac.com

PAGE #

65

Tel: (905) 405-8272 www.zurn.com

FAX THE TEAR-OUT CARD WITH YOUR SUBSCRIPTION INFO TO:

905.272.8569 M e c h a n i c a l

B u s i n e s s

1 0 . 1 0

111

HYDRONICS

5

B y P au l W illiam so n

STEPS TO HAPPY HYDRONIC CUSTOMERS

ne of the key selling points for hydronic systems over the past decade has been the controlled comfort that they provide to home and business owners. Numerous controls strategies have emerged to fine-tune the experience in almost any room, and if the budget will accommodate it, the sky is the limit when it comes to zoning and delivering the heat where and when it is wanted. So, we have the technology, but are you doing everything possible to maximize the performance of the systems you install? Here are a few things to consider as you plan your next hydronic project:

O

1

Control the water temperature

2

Divide the building into zones

3

Install communicating thermostats with indoor feedback

4

Ensure the system is convenient to use

112

Paul Williamson is a technical support specialist for tekmar Control Systems.

He can be contacted by email at customerservice@tekmarcontrols.com.

Why heat the system to the same temperature on mild days as you would on the coldest day of the year? With outdoor reset, energy is saved with lower system temperatures and reduced stack heat loss for most of the year. As a bonus, condensing boilers reach higher efficiencies at lower temperatures.

Want to offer scheduled floor warming in the master bath and hallway? Are there areas, like a guest room or a basement, that are rarely occupied? Zoning allows for customized, energy-efficient control of diverse building areas.

Communicating thermostats can alert a system control when room temperatures are increasing due to factors like appliances, or the sun. This allows the system control to lower supply water temperatures and save more energy while reducing the chance of overheating.

This is a big one when it comes to heating systems. Many customers perceive them to be too complicated to bother with.

Providing extras like a user switch or timer can make a huge difference when it comes to customer perception. Imagine showing customers that all they have to do is press a button to switch between economy and normal temperatures.

M e c h a n i c a l

B u s i n e s s

1 0 . 1 0

5

Offer extras, like floor warming How many times have you heard that the floors donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t feel warm, only to have to explain that if the air temperature is high enough the floors might not be? When you add a floor sensor to certain thermostat types they can operate the floor to a temperature independent of the air temperature. Put floor warming on a schedule and homeowners can wake up to warm floors any day of the year. Now thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s delivering on a comfort proposition.

C A L E N D A R

O F

EVENTS

2 0 1 0 14th Canadian National Conference on Drinking Water October 30-November 2, 2010 Saskatoon, Sask. www.cwwa.ca RMC AGM November 3, 2010 Mississauga, Ont. www.refrigerantmanagement.ca CIPHEX West November 3-4, 2010 Calgary, Alta. www.ciphexwest.ca RSES 2010 ANNUAL CONFERENCE November 9-13, 2010 Tucson, Ariz. www.rses.org

F.A.S.T. 2011 April 6, 2011 Vaughan, Ont. www.wolseleyinc.ca

CIPH ABC 2011 June 26-29 Victoria, B.C. www.ciph.com

MCEE April 20-21, 2011 Montreal, Que. www.mcee.ca

HRAI Conference August 25-27, 2011 Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont. www.hrai.ca

KBIS 2011 April 26-28, 2011 Las Vegas, Nev. www.kbis.com

GOT AN EVENT? SPREAD THE WORD!

Oilheat 2011 June 21-22, 2011 Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont. www.coha.ca

If your organization has a conference, trade show or other event coming up, send details to adam.freill@mechanicalbusiness.com See it all online at www.mechanicalbusiness.com

National Geoexchange Technical and Policy Forum November 15-16, 2010 Montreal, Que. www.geo-exchange.ca CIPH ONTARIO BUSINESS MEETINGS November 16, 2010 – Mississauga, Ont. February 10, 2011 – Mississauga, Ont. April 7, 2011 – Belleville, Ont. May 12, 2011 – Mississauga, Ont. www.ciph.com

Manufacturer’s Representative AquaTech Sales & Marketing Inc. Celebrating our 30th Anniversary as a Manufacturer’s Representative

Construct Canada December 1-3, 2010 Toronto, Ont. www.constructcanada.com

Celebrating 15 Years with Lochinvar

Solar Canada 2010 December 6-7, 2010 Toronto, Ont. www.cansia.ca

2 0 1 1

Come to our Burlington, Ontario Facility and take advantage of our new Knight Boiler Hydronics Tech Centre

International Builders' Show January 12-15, 2011 Orlando, Fla. www.buildersshow.com

Contact us at www.aquatech.ws or call (866) 594-0767 and talk to one of our Customer Service Representatives

2011 AHR Expo January 31-February 2 Las Vegas, Nev. www.ahrexpo.com

M e c h a n i c a l

B u s i n e s s

1 0 . 1 0

113

HYDRONIC Residential boiler fill fitting A one-piece brass service and isolation valve, the RBFF from Watts Canada combines a threeway ball valve, drain port, pressure gauge, and standard 1/2” NPT connections. It has a maximum working pressure of 125 psi and maximum inlet temperature rating of 250°F. See us at

wattscanada.ca

Solar collector

See us at

The Wilo Stratos wet rotor circulator with ECM motor technology offers flows from 10 to 285 USGPM, and between 2 and 40 ft. of head delivery. The pump provides constant pressure curves, inclining pressure curves, temperaturecontrolled set points, and an infrared communication module to any Windows Mobile based PDA. It is also fully compatible with building management systems.

wilo-canada.com

Suitable for a wide range of applications, the Vitosol 200-T from Viessmann direct-flow vacuum tube solar collector is suited for DHW/combination space heating. The collectors can be installed on roofs, walls or be free standing.

viessmann.ca

See us at

See us at

Radiant heating system Rauplate double-channel, heat-transfer plates from Rehau are affixed to the underside of a sub floor to eliminate the need to change or add height to the existing floor above. With one pipe-channel on each edge, the pre-drilled, heat-transfer plate securely clips in two runs of 1/2” pipe.

rehau.com

See us at

114

M e c h a n i c a l

B u s i n e s s

1 0 . 1 0

Flow-limiting valves The Low Flow Circuit Sentry from Bell & Gossett is designed for automatic flow limiting style balancing of both HVAC cooling and heating circuits. The circuit setter valve features an integrated P/T port with T-handle shut-off, an optional P/T port for flow verification, and a union-ended tailpiece.

balancevalves.com

HYDRONIC Copper boilers & water heaters The Futera III’s symmetric air/fuel premix technology is designed to ensure proper air/fuel mixture at all firing rates by constantly monitoring combustion air and fuel flow, and adjusting each input for optimal combustion. The boilers, manufactured by RBI, range in sizes from 500,000 to 1,999,000 BTUH with a continuous turndown ratio.

See us at

rbiwaterheaters.com

Electronic controls Wet rotor circulators

Taco’s electronic controls are outfitted with composite covers that display front-mounted LED lights for diagnostics. The units use HVAC nomenclature, designed to be contractor-friendly.

The units use low-voltage electronics and solid-state relays.

taco-hvac.com

Designed for domestic hot water and light commercial closed hydronic systems, the Astro 2 series from S.A. Armstrong feature standard components, such as a three-speed motor. Circulators include liquid-seal cable connectors and a removable check valve.

The circulators cover flow rates up to 18 gpm.

See us at

armstrongintegrated.com

IntelliCon - FA ®

Forced Air Heating System Fuel Economizer for commercial and residential systems rated up to 300,000 BTU.

10% SAVINGS

Save 10-20% on your home heating costs and help save the planet in the process. Guaranteed!

IntelliCon - HW+ ®

GUARANTEED Intellidyne microprocessor-controlled economizers provide savings based on real time dynamic load analysis. Affording less pollution, continued comfort, and verifiable energy reduction.

For installation information, contact your local heating specialist or Intellidyne at 866-216-0777.

M e c h a n i c a l

Hot Water Heating System Fuel Economizer for systems rated up to 300,000 BTU. 303 Sunnyside Boulevard, Suite 75 Plainview, NY 11803-1508, USA Office: (516) 676-0777 • Fax: (516) 676-2640 www.intellidynellc.com

B u s i n e s s

1 0 . 1 0

115

The Handy-Stand from General Pipe Cleaners can turn the company’s hand-held drain cleaners into countertop or floor machines. Balanced for stability, the portable unit will fit Super-Vee, Power-Vee and Handylectric models. The stand can be positioned either horizontally or vertically, and it features a quick-release clamp for securing the drain cleaner into position.

drainbrain.com

Mounting brackets Snap Clamps from Thermo are available for a variety of pipe-mounting applications. Made from recycled materials, the clamps can be used for residential or commercial installations. They are UV-protected and come in five sizes, ranging from 7/16” to 3”.

thermopan.com See us at

Estimating software With a complete line of spec-driven to non spec-driven estimating products in its enterprise family of software, Accubid Systems offers project estimation tools. Pro & BidWinner Plus is a spec-driven estimating software package designed specifically for plumbing, piping and mechanical contractors.

accubid.com

Lithium ion tools DEWalt offers a line of sub-compact Lithium Ion products that includes the 12-volt maximum drill driver and impact driver combo kit (DCK211S2). The DCD710 12-volt maximum 3/8" drill/driver features two speed transmission (0400 / 0-1,500), and the DCF815 12-volt maximum 1/4" impact driver features three LED lights. Battery packs, bit tip and fast charger are included.

Portable torch kit

See us at

dewalt.com 116

M e c h a n i c a l

The deluxe TurboTorch portable torch kit from Thermadyne is contained in a compact tool bag designed to hold two 14.1 oz Map/Pro or Propane cylinders (sold separately) along with all the tools needed for soldering and brazing. Also included include are a self-lighting PL-4T tip, a PL-812 heat shield and a one-pound roll of VIPER SX solder.

turbotorch.com B u s i n e s s

1 0 . 1 0

W

RLDVIEW

Yellow plumbing the next green?

Each year, my company hosts an industry forum for the plumbing supply sector. The Forum, held in Sydney, Australia, invites representatives from all different industry sectors to update their peers on current plumbing events. Topics range from the state of the construction industry, to the importance of dry drains research and manufacturing issues.

This year, one speaker stood out, not only for the manner in which she delivered her presentation, but also for the topic of her presentation.

Professor Cynthia Mitchell leads a team of researchers at the Sydney-based Institute for Sustainable Futures (UTS), which is attached to the University of Technology.

Professor Mitchell and her team are researching the benefits of urine diversion toilets.

Jeff Patchell

Phosphorus mining has had a fairly ugly past in many parts of the world, some of this ugliness continues today. The use of urine-separation toilets might be helpful in reducing the risk of accidents in collecting the element.

Phosphorus is a vital element in the production of agricultural crops and has many other uses in industry.

Ironically, the phosphorus chemical element letter is P – and guess what, our urine (or Pee) is loaded with phosphorus. It therefore goes without saying that if we can capture and recover urine in sizeable quantities, it could become a valuable commodity.

Urine diverting toilets are one of several feasible paths being investigated to collect phosphorus.

The first of these units came out of northern Europe. In Australia, we are now starting to experiment with them.

Too often we hear from scientists and technocrats who are so wound up in their science that they forget to give enough consideration to realworld drivers – the needs that drive technology and ideas to become viable in the marketplace. What set professor Mitchell’s presentation apart was the strong business case she cited.

Australia already has a couple of small-lot installations in place which are being monitored. What Cynthia detailed was how the University of Technology is planning to introduce a urine-separating facility at her own university to study the technology at close quarters.

A key aspect to this project is how to store and Professor transport the urine for re-use. This is currently Mitchell’s being considered in the investigation stage of the presentation project. was titled The colloquial slang for toilet in Australia is “Dunny.”

Introducing Speaking of transport, that the UTS tanker in front of you on the Funny Dunny freeway in the not too distant Trial. While her talk was primarily about urine-diversion toilet future might be carrying urine instead systems, the real driver of this potential technology, she said, of milk or beer. was the world’s disappearing supply of phosphorus.

Yellow plumbing – it could be the next It is believed we are reaching peak production of phosphorous big thing! (particularly phosphorus rock mining). This means that, as with other vital dwindling resources, we need to look at alternative mining methods – especially with the world’s populaJeff Patchell is managing director of Connection tion that continues to grow at an considerable pace.

Magazines Pty Ltd. He operates www.worldplumbinginfo.com, an online plumbing industry knowledge bank.

FASTFACT

M e c h a n i c a l

B u s i n e s s

1 0 . 1 0

117

Compiled by Mechanical Business

35 will get you 70 in Calgary; 100 in Edmonton AC SHIPMENTS ON THE RISE Second quarter shipments of ductless splits almost doubled this year, when compared to Q2 of 2009. Categories showing increases were:

+94% Ductless split systems

Spending $35 a month, as part of a mortgage, to purchase a package of energy efficiency upgrades was found to return a monthly energy savings of about $70 in Calgary, and $100 in Edmonton.

19.11.10

+31% Residential AC

TIME TO POTTY!

+30% Chiller bookings

November 19 is World Toilet Day

+8% Commercial AC

CANADIAN WATER USAGE

How did your summer compare?

The latest figures reveal weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a thirsty bunch in Canada when it comes to water usage. Thermalelectric power generation weighs in as the heaviest consumer.

HEALTHCARE RETROFITS The healthcare sector has implemented a variety of measures to achieve energy efficiency improvements.

Use, per year:

Where are healthcare facilities making changes?

Thermal-electric power generation

27.8 km3

57% are making adjustments to

Manufacturing

5.7 km3

Residential

3.8 km3

Commercial & institutional

1.1 km3

HVAC controls

56% are installing occupancy or daylight sensors

56% are upgrading or improving building automation systems

41% are replacing inefficient equipment

Did you know?

One km3 of water weighs 1,000,000,000,000 kg.

ahead of schedule SOURCE: HRAI, Johnson Controls Institute for Building Efficiency, NAIMA Canada; StatsCan PM# 41536047 Postmaster: Please send all address changes or undeliverable copies to: Mechanical Business, 19 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1525 Cornwall Road, Oakville, ON L6J 0B2

118

M e c h a n i c a l

B u s i n e s s

1 0 . 1 0

A new Face at OS&B

rethink

™

Originality Simplicity & Boldness

Screwless does not mean Faceless .

Introducing the revolutionary new 7030™ ABS Waste & Overflow System from OS&B™. Featuring a unique screwless design, our new Slide-on Faceplate is a perfect complement to today’s popular modern and minimalist tub designs.

Visit us at CIPHEX West – Booth 635

To learn more about 7030™, scan the QR-code with the QR-code reader on your smart phone.

If you don’t have a QR-code reader, from your mobile browser download one from www.2dscan.com

Safety Isn't Just Skin Deep...

Corrosion Resistant Check Valve Construction

Single Access Cover

TM

Top Mounted Straight Tube Check Stainless Steel Retainer Body

Patented Linkage Design

Stainless Steel Piston and Stem Investment Cast Stainless Steel Body

Torsion Spring Design

Uniquely Contoured Check Valve Opening

Stainless Steel Relief Valve Cover Screws

Slotted Pivot Point

Replaceable Check Disc Rubber

Specify Superior Backflow Protection from Watts When it comes to protecting the health and safety of people, why choose anything but the best?

The Watts SilverEagleTM Series backflow assemblies incorporate the latest design features to protect against contamination at health hazard cross-connections. The SilverEagle series is the most compact, the lightest and offers the most flexibility of any backflow assembly in the industry. Specify the valve with safety at its core! For additional information and to view the latest SilverEagle approvals, visit our website at www.wattscanada.ca or call 1-888-208-8927.