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OCTOBER 2011 WWW.PLUMBINGANDHVAC.CA

SMARTERPumpingUsing today’s technologies

to boost efficiencyUsing today’s technologies

to boost efficiency

INSIDE■ Loophole boosts R-22 equipment

■ New residential HVAC sizing standard

■ Industry urges renovation tax credit rebirth

■ Business planning for the long-term

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www.plumbingandhvac.ca October 2011 – Plumbing & HVAC 3

R-22 systems return HRAI delegates face issues at wine country meeting

Green retrofit 22 The economic argument for new technologies

High-rise challenge 17 Aggressive schedule requires innovative piping

■ Contents

Features

DepartmentsHot Seat .........................................5

Industry News ..............................7Loophole in AC regulations

Training Page ..............................43Alberta apprentice wins Skills

People & Places ...........................44Code development volunteer honoured

Coming Events.............................45All trades show back in Toronto

Shop Management......................46Planning for the long-term

Products & Technologies

Pumps & Pipes .............................12

Heating ........................................25

Hot Water Heating ......................29

Refrigeration ...............................35

Faucets & Fixtures .......................39

Tools & Instruments ....................41

Cover photo:Pumping and piping technologies have come a long way.

Pumps & Pipes Issue

Smarter pumping 12 Or what exactly is a smart pump anyway?

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PLUMBING & HVAC Magazine is published eight times annually by NEWCOM Business MediaInc. and is written for individuals who purchase/ specify/approve the selection of plumbing, piping, hot water heating, fire protection, warm air heating, air conditioning, ventilation, refrigeration, controls and related systems and products throughout Canada.

NEWCOM Business Media Inc.451 Attwell Drive, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M9W 5C4Tel: (416) 242-8088 • Fax (416) 242-8085

POSTMASTER: Send all address changes and circulation inquiries to: Plumbing & HVAC Product News magazine, 451 Attwell Drive, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M9W 5C4. CanadianPublications Mail Sales Product Agreement No. 40063170. Postage paid at Toronto, ON.Annual Subscription Canada: $40.00 plus applicable taxes, single copy $5.00 plus applicable taxes. Annual Subscription United States: $60.00 U.S. Annual Subscription foreign: $90.00 U.S.

Copyright 2011. The contents of this magazine may not be reproduced in any mannerwithout the prior written permission of the Publisher.

We acknowledge the financial support of the Government ofCanada through the Canada Periodical Fund (CPF) for ourpublishing activities.

A member of: Canadian Institute of Plumbing & HeatingCanadian Circulation Audit BoardMechanical Contractors Assoc. of CanadaOntario Plumbing Inspectors AssociationAmerican Society of Heating Refrigerating & Air Conditioning Engineers

Heating Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada

Refrigeration Service Engineers Society of Canada

October 2011Volume 21, Number 7

ISSN 1919-0395

Canadian Business Press

Member

■ Hot Seat

I’ve mentioned before that in the rush to makeeverything “green” it often seems that we are doinganything but. In too many cases our fearless leaders invarious levels of government push people towardstechnologies without understanding the environmentalimpact of those new technologies.

As a result, while on the one hand they had everyoneremove their mercury-switch operated thermostats, theyalso urged the switch from incandescent light bulbs tocompact fluorescents, which save energy but containmercury.

There’s an issue with the health effect of windturbines that have been built in close proximity to manypeople’s homes. Never mind that wind turbines seem toexist primarily because they are heavily subsidized.

In our own industry, there are numerous examples.While governments continue to demand higher levels ofqualification, more levels of certification and dump newrules on the legitimate licensed trades – with fees at everystep – they allow homeowners to turn their homes intoa bomb waiting to explode by allowing the sale of do-it-yourself air conditioning service kits that containhydrocarbon refrigerants – basically liquid propane – athardware stores.

There’s also the enormous expense the industry wentto at all levels to switch from R-22 to moreenvironmentally friendly R-410a refrigerants in coolingequipment, only to have the government allow R-22equipment in through the back door as repair parts. Andwhen this is pointed out by industry, the attitude of bothEnvironment Canada and the U.S. EnvironmentalProtection Agency seems to be: “Oh well.”

Unfortunately, this is a reflection of the world we livein today. Concepts like a careful methodical approach tochange or planning for the long-term have gone out thewindow as our political leaders plan only as far as thenext election, just as so many leaders in the corporateworld plan only as far as the next quarterly report.

These things always come back to bite us. The collapseof Wall Street was a good example. Mercury in landfillsis going to be a problem for years to come as compactfluorescent bulbs are improperly disposed of. They aresupposed to go to the local household hazardous wastesite, but how many homeowners actually take themthere? And while each bulb contains substantially lessmercury than a thermostat, there are a lot of bulbs.

Likewise, we don’t know what causes the health effectsthat people seem to suffer when they live near windturbines, but we do know that if the electricity generatedwas sold at market value they wouldn’t make economicsense. If the government can afford subsidies, a long-term plan to reduce energy consumption by changingout inefficient motors, pumps, lighting, etc. might havebeen a better strategy.

And, well, the EPA believes the re-introduction of R-22 AC systems will cause the supply of R-22 to run outmore quickly and the problem will solve itself – andperhaps it will. Who knows?

If your head is spinning, you’re not alone.

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On Jan. 1, 2010 new regulations thatbanned the manufacture andimportation of air conditioningequipment designed for R-22 refrigerantshould have consigned that technologyto the scrapheap. But it didn’t, hearddelegates at the 43rd Annual HRAIMeeting & Conference, which drew arecord 320 delegates and companions tothe White Oaks Resort & ConferenceCentre at Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont.

Aug. 24-27.There’s a loophole, reported HRAI

president Warren Heeley. “As long asthere is no refrigerant in it, it’s okay.” Asa result, R-22 components are beingmanufactured and shipped dry as serviceparts and then assembled into completesystems in the field.

HRAI has asked both EnvironmentCanada and the U.S. EnvironmentalProtection Agency to close the loophole.However, Environment Canada has

proven “apathetic” on the issue while theEPA believes that allowing the practice tocontinue will deplete the supply of R-22more quickly – and the problem will thussolve itself, said Heeley. “In reality, it’spretty much a dead issue on both sidesof the border.”

However, members urged HRAI topursue the issue through a differentavenue, perhaps ozone depletingsubstance (ODS) regulations.

Meanwhile, Jim Flowers (LindeCanada Ltd., Aurora, Ont.), wentshopping at the local Canadian Tire andcame back with a do-it-yourself home airconditioning repair kit consisting ofthree-and-a-half pounds of “liquidpropane refrigerant.” The goal was to letcontractors and others present knowwhat they may be dealing with whenservicing AC equipment.

Hydrocarbon refrigerants are highlyflammable and neither the piping northe equipment in residential air

conditioning systems is designed forthem, delegates heard. A technicianwho solders on one of these systemscould face serious injury and/or burndown the house.

HRAI is pressuring governments toban these retail refrigerants as well ascontacting retailers to warn them of thedangers. HRAI has also been spreadingthe word to the insurance industry,noted Heeley.

There were a number of other issues

raised at the meeting. Contractors wantthe rules that require CSA S636 approvedpiping in furnace and boiler retrofitschanged so that only the first five feetmust be changed out. Typically, thecontractor is working in a finishedbasement which makes changing the restof the piping difficult. So, he must paycash to the appropriate governmentauthority to get a “variance.”

“All issues have been within the firstfive feet,” noted Wayne Langford, DesignAir Climatecare, Toronto.

Wholesalers asked HRAI to study theeffects of government energy efficiencyrebates on the industry. “They arecreating a false economy. They make ithard to plan,” remarked Tom Boutette,B&B Trade Distribution Centre,London, Ont.

A growing organizationHRAI continues to expand acrossCanada, delegates heard. A new Prairieregional council has been formed and apermanent Calgary chapter is in theworks, reported Contractor’s Divisionchair Ron Robinson (AtlasCare, Oakville,Ont.).

The biggest challenge has been todraw members from Quebec. Formerchair Pierre Martin (Pro Kontrol,Montreal) reported that HRAI has beenworking with the HVAC/R (CETAF) andmechanical contractor (CMMTQ)associations on ways to expand HRAImembership in that province.

As the organization grows, it needs toboth promote and control its image,remarked outgoing HRAI chairman RussJennings (Carrier Canada, Mississauga,Ont.). Members must be qualified andheld to the highest standards in the eyesof the consumer.

“Our mandate needs to be to promote


■ Industry News

R-22 AC systems returnAlberta tub plant announcedMirolin Industries Corp. hasannounced the establishment of anew manufacturing plant in Airdrie,Alberta, just north of Calgary. TheToronto-based company plans tostart production at the state-of-the-art 150,000 sq. ft. facility in early2012. Airdrie is ideally located toserve all of western Canada,remarked Mirolin president DominicPrimucci. “The expansion is asignificant commitment to the

Western Canadian market andreinforces our dedication toCanadian economic growth,” headded. Mirolin is a division of MascoCanada, Mississauga, Ont.

Sask. updates plumbing rulesSaskatchewan has updated itsplumbing rules by adopting the 2005National Plumbing Code, with a fewmodifications, and by separatingplumbing from sewagerequirements. Both theSaskatchewan Plumbing Regulationsand the new Private SewerRegulations came into effect Oct. 1.Among other things, these changesallow wastewater from tubs andshowers, etc. to be re-used for toiletand urinal flushing provided certainconditions are met. Other changesinclude removing the requirementfor a plumbing permit whenconnecting plumbing systems tocommunal sewage and water works,and allowances for out-of-provinceplumbers to obtain permits.

Housing starts jumpCanadian housing starts jumped inSeptember to 205,900 units, upfrom 191,900 units in August,reports the Canadian Mortgage andHousing Corporation. “Housingstarts picked up in September due toan increase in multiple starts in theAtlantic region, Quebec and inBritish Columbia,” reported MathieuLaberge, deputy chief economist.Apartment and condo starts were upby 14.2 per cent to 118,000 units,while urban single detached startsdecreased by 1.5 per cent inSeptember to 67,900 units. (CMHCfigures are seasonally adjusted –seasonal variations are removed fromthe month’s figure and it is multipliedby 12 to get an annual number.)

In Brief

Loophole inregulations allowsdry chargedequipment, HRAIdelegates hear

By Simon Blake

Please see ‘HRAI’ on page 11

Jim Flowers went shopping…

HRAI members enjoyed an evening out at the Hillebrand Winery.


■ Industry News

Anew standard for sizing residentialheating and cooling equipment willinclude significant changes. The industryhas been urging the Canadian StandardsAssociation to upgrade Standard F280 –

Determining the Required Capacity of Residential SpaceHeating and Cooling Appliances. On Aug. 4, CSA posteda draft version of the new F280 Standard on their website for a 60-day public review.

Proposed changes include:• The heating equipment capacity over-sizing limits

have been removed and replaced with the following:the total output capacity of all of the heating systemsinstalled in a building shall not be less than 100percent of the total building heat loss.

• A heat loss/heat gain calculation summary formwas created to record job information, designvalues and assumptions.

• On grade or below grade conductive heat loss will

incorporate lookup tables for calculating heat loss.• A designer can enter blower door test data or use

prescribed air tightness levels. The AlbertaInfiltration Model (AIM-2) method for calculatinginfiltration has been incorporated into thestandard.

• An AIM-2 spreadsheet will be provided to calculateheat loss/gain due to infiltration.

• AIM-2 will account for geographical variations in the

wind strength and the affect of unbalancedventilation.

• An air change heat loss credit will be permitted basedon an HRV’s apparent sensible effectiveness.

• Infiltration air will be apportioned based on floor levelto account for stack effect.

• Heat gain through transparent and translucentbuilding assemblies will now include a latitudecorrection factor.

• CSA440 window data can be used. However, ifunknown, the window tables have been updated toinclude current window products.Insulation tables have been updated.CSA had hoped to publish the new standard by

March, 2012, reports HRAI technical director JeffZimmerman, who serves on the CSA F280 technicalcommittee. However, because the committee’s workended up almost three months behind it’s likely thepublication date will also be pushed back. ✚

Significant changes expected in newresidential HVAC sizing standard

The heating equipment capacity over-sizing limits

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■ Industry News

The Canadian Institute of Plumbing &Heating (CIPH) is urging the federalgovernment to re-introduce a tax creditfor home renovations. The last federalrenovation tax credit ended inFebruary, 2010.

In a letter to federal Minister ofFinance Jim Flaherty, CIPH presidentRalph Suppa says the proposal wouldprovide jobs for unemployed residentialconstruction workers and encouragehomeowners to purchase readilyavailable Canadian products.

As well, CIPH believes a tax creditwould help clean up the undergroundeconomy and bring the work back tolegitimate contractors. Homeownerswould need detailed receipts to applyfor a tax credit. This, says CIPH, will“help the government in collectingGST from the transactions andultimately in collecting income taxfrom contractors who may havehidden this income previously.”

The letter goes on to say: “Tougheconomic times dictate that toughdecisions are required to stimulate the

economy. Encouraging homeowners tospend money with a tax credit to upgradetheir homes with an energy efficient

product is an excellent win/win solution.The government re-introduced its

ecoEnergy Retrofit program that helpshomeowners upgrade their HVACequipment on June 6. It ends March 31.HRAI, along with other industry groups,

asked the federal government to extend itto four years. However, Natural ResourceMinister Joe Oliver rejected that proposal,saying it would run counter to thegovernment’s key objective of balancingits budget by 2015. ✚

Retrofit tax credit urged

our association as the Better BusinessBureau for HVAC/R. We must recruitcompanies that share our vision,” he said.

Promoting the tradeSpeaking of recruiting, the HRAI CareerCommittee has been busy too, reportedHRAI vice president Martin Luymes. “It’s abig challenge to capture the hearts andminds of 16 and 17-year-olds across thecountry.

Fortunately, HRAI recruited professionalhelp who advised that what they had inmind for a career video would put teenagersright to sleep and instead came up with asnappy one-and-a-half minute animatedproduction that focuses on things likelifestyle, the environment and money. “My

17-year-old watched it right to the end,”quipped Luymes. The video can be viewedonline on the group’s website –www.hvacrcareers.ca.

As well, the committee is activelyrecruiting “career ambassadors” fromwithin the industry to speak to highschool students across the country,equipped with the video, a script andvarious other HRAI materials.

New ExecutiveHRAI members elected a new executive.Ron Robinson moves from contractors di-vision chair to HRAI chair. Russ Jennings ispast chair. Marc Gendron (Les EnterprisesMLG et Fils Inc., Westmount, Que.) waselected contractor’s chair. Keith Werner(Independent Supply Co., Burnaby, B.C.)

is chair of theWholesalers Di-vision. DavidMorden (Mor-den National,Wallaceburg,Ont.) was re-elected chair-man of theManufacturersDivision, andalso fulfils thesecretary-trea-surer’s duties.Jim Flowers(Linde Canada, Aurora, Ont.) was electedvice-chair of the manufacturer’s division.

The next HRAI Annual Meeting willtake place at the Halifax MarriottHarbourfront in Halifax Aug. 23-25, 2012.More information is available atwww.hrai.ca. ✚

HRAI grows across CanadaContinued from page 7

Ron Robinson, left,accepts the chairman’s gavelfrom Colin “Rusty”Jennings.

mart pump’ is a new term in the world of pumps. Butwhat is it? Well, that depends on whom you talk to.

To some manufacturers it’s a very specific type ofpump that features an electronically commutatedmotor (ECM) with an integrated control that

varies the speed of the pump according totemperature or pressure.To other manufacturers, it’s just another name for

anything that’s not a ‘dumb’ or steady state pump. “Onthe residential end, when people talk about smart pumpsthey are generally talking about variable speed

circulators,” remarked John Barba, contractortraining and trade program manager for Taco,Cranston, Rhode Island.

Pumps like the Wilo Stratos, Grundfos Alpha orMagna, Bell & Gossett Eco Circ and Taco’s BumbleBee or 00-VDT integrate the controls into thepump. They sense what is going on in the systemand automatically adjust flow rates according tosystem requirements with or without externalsensors. Depending on the model, they can

operate independently or be tied into thebuilding control system.

Grundfos calls this technology “Auto Adapt.” At Bell &Gossett, it’s “pipe and play.” The technician installs thepump with its pre-set factory settings and over time itanalyzes system operation and adjusts itself accordingly.

With an ECM motor controlled by internal circuitboard, the result is smooth or “stepless” variable speedcontrol, remarked Bill Hooper, market developmentmanager for ITT Residential and Commercial Water,Quispamsis, N.B. There’s no “slip” in an ECM motor,he adds. The power out is a lot closer to the power in

12 Plumbing & HVAC – October 2011 www.plumbingandhvac.ca

■ Pipes, Valves & Fittings

Or what exactly is a smart pump anyway?

By Simon Blake

The pumps may be smart, but careful design and installation is still critical.

Smarter‘S

Smarter pumpingpumping

than it is with a conventional AC induction motorpump. ITT recently bought the Laing Pump Co. andis incorporating its smart technology into itsproduct line.

Features vary depending on the model. The WiloStratos, for example, can be tied into a laptopcomputer. It includes self-diagnostics and a 40-yearmemory so the technician can look at the operationhistory, see the pump curve and make set pointchanges.

That being said, a lot can be achieved without ECMmotors, remarked Eugene Fina, commercial productmanager for Taco.

“You can do a lot of things with efficient motors,variable speed drives and feedback systems that havenothing to do with ECM motor technology, especiallyon higher horsepower pumps.”

Sheldon Schiffner, vice president of sales for WiloCanada Inc., in Calgary agrees, but only to a point. Inaddition to the added complexity, a conventionalvariable speed pump with smart controls won’t be asefficient as an ECM smart pump at lower pumpingspeeds, he advises.

Different pump modesA smart pump is controlled either by Delta-P(pressure) or Delta-T (temperature). Generally, inresidential applications Delta-T pumps are used whileon the commercial side, it can go either way, notesFina. “It has more to do with how you arrange yourpiping and valving, pressure dropsand the pressure differences betweenprimary loops and secondary loops.”

On the Delta-P pump thetechnician could set it for 20 feetof head and it will maintain thatregardless of what’s happening inthe system. The pump curve is astraight line from lower left to theupper right with, using the formerexample, max pressure at 20 feet ofhead, but zero on the curve would be 10 ft. “A smartpump only gives you as much flow and head as youneed to overcome the system head pressure,” saysSchiffner.

Delta-T pumps are more common in hydronicheating applications. Where you are dealing with zone

valves, radiant floor heating, manifold actuators, etc., aDelta T pump makes more sense because it’s going tovary its speed based on the temperature going in andthe temperature coming back, “which is a trueindication of how many Btu’s are being removed fromthe system at any given point in time,” said Barba.

“The Delta T is the thing that we can monitor thattells us how many zones are calling at any given time,how cold it is outside at any given time and how manyBtu’s are being taken out of the fluid,” he added.

A Delta T pump can be set to maintain a certaintemperature in a secondary loop. In a condensingboiler system, for example, a sensor on the returnside keeps the water temperature as low as possible tomaximize condensation. “You maximize theefficiency of the boiler plus your system efficiency

goes way up,” said Schiffner.And this is where things get

interesting. The electrical savings,particularly in a residentialapplication, may not justify theadditional cost of a smart pump,which is usually about double thatof a conventional pump. However,the fuel savings from moreefficient operation of the boilercan be significant. Thirty percent

is not unusual, while at the same time buildingoccupants enjoy a higher level of comfort, said Barba.

Designing with smart pumpsA smart pump takes a lot of guesswork out ofdesigning a system. Steady state pumps are typically

oversized – given a certain safety factor to ensureadequate pressure or flow. With a smart pump, if theparameters the plumber dials in prove incorrect, eitherit will automatically adjust or he can come back laterand dial in the required change.

However, using smart pumps in a residentialhydronic heating system requires some thoughtduring the design process. Don’t think: “It’s smart sotherefore I don’t have to be,” said Barba. “You still have


Don’t think:“It’s smart so therefore I don’t have to be.”

A bunch of Wilo Stratos smart pumps adds up to significant energy savings.

Bell & Gossett’s Eco Circ – “pipe and play” in aresidential heating application.

Please see ‘Choosing’ on page 15

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to apply the thing properly. Know what you are doing.It doesn’t free you from understanding thefundamentals of hydronics.”

“Any time you install a pump, you need to have agood understanding of how it’s interacting in thesystem,” added Fina. This becomes even more criticalwith variable speed pumps and electronic controls.

Installing a smart pumpOn the job site, installing a smart pump is basically thesame as installing a “dumb” pump, says Schiffner. “Itjust bolts in like any other pump would.”

However, depending on the brand and model, theinstalling mechanic might have to choose whichoperating mode he wants – Delta T, Delta P, etc. andthen dial in the required temperature or head pressure.

A Delta P pump is a little more complicated. “Youhave to make sure all of your zones are of similarlength and similar pressure drop when you designthem,” said Barba. The designer must calculate themaximum head out to a reasonable point.

Energy savingsECM motor technology along with matching pumpspeed to demand means that smart pumps consume

considerably less electricity than conventional pumps(Please see sidebar). Is it enough to justify the additionalcost? If one is looking at it strictly for electrical savings,it really depends on the application. The savings can addup in systems with multiple pumps.

However, smart pumps justify their cost not just inelectrical energy savings, but in making building systems

more efficient. And as a premium product, the profitmargins for contractors are higher, remarked Hooper.

Reduced energy costs and improved comfort levelsfor the customer along with a little more money for thegreen savvy contractor make smart pumps worthconsidering. ✚

■ Pipes, Valves & Fittings

Choosing the right pumpContinued from page 13

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How much energy do smart pumps save?It’s a given that the ECM motors in today’s smart pumps use less electricity than a conventional single-

speed pump, but how much less?B.C. Hydro wanted to know. In 2007 they sponsored a study by Prism Engineering Ltd. of Burnaby.

B.C. For a test building, Prism selected Rosewood Towers in Richmond, B.C., a complex made up of twoessentially identical high-rise apartment buildings.

A Wilo Stratos Model 3.0x3-40 smart pump was installed in the perimeter heating system of onebuilding while the other retained its 1.5 horsepower single-speed pump, rated at 162 U.S. GPM at 18feet of head. The Stratos has an ECM motor and integral variable speed drive.

The test took place from December, 2008 to May of 2009. This covered most of the heating season inwhat turned out to be an unusually cold winter. Prism measured and logged three-phase voltage, threephase amps, power consumption and power factor. Based on the 140 days of metering, Prism projectedannual power consumption.

The results were impressive. The existing pump used 9,582 kWh per year versus 2,252 kWh for thesmart pump, for a savings of 76 percent. The power factor for the existing pump was measured at 56 to60 percent versus 96 to 98 percent for the Stratos.

This type of power reduction can up to significant savings on the electrical bill.

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Made in Canada.Really.

f you happen to visit Calgary this summer,one building in particular will capture your

attention. Eighth Avenue Place now stands 50stories high—the second-tallest structure in the

city. Located in the former Penny Lane ShoppingCentre, the new 1.1 million square foot

commercial office building has quickly becomea landmark in the Calgary skyline.

Challenges and obstaclesAs with many construction projects, the assembly ofEighth Avenue Place faced its own set of challenges.Doug MacDonald, construction manager forModern Niagara Alberta, the mechanical contractor,reported that the biggest challenge was the aggressiveconstruction schedule: “We had to completeconstruction on an accelerated schedule in order tomake up for time lost during the beginning stages ofthe project.”

The demanding schedule of the project did notallow for any lapses in the building timeline. Heatneeded to be installed before Calgary’s cold wintermonths set in, and there was no alternative plan inplace if the project fell behind schedule.

Critical to the schedule was the installation of thepiping systems. MacDonald was well aware that thespeed at which mechanical pipe joining products areinstalled could save time, and with such a tighttimeframe to build the tower, every precaution toconserve the schedule needed to be utilized.

However, due to the height of the structure, therewere significant loads to consider in the pipingdesign. Taking into account the maximum Delta T(change in temperature) that the piping would

experience from heating piping movement, theengineers calculated the amount of thermalmovement that would occur within a given run ofpiping. Needing to consider how the system would bebrought online, the Delta T was piped at an ambienttemperature of 70°F being heated (and expanding)up to an operating temperature of 190°F. Onceoperational, the heating system would range from alow of 130°F to a design limit of 190°F.

Pipe movementTo accommodate this movement the engineersdesigned the riser piping as a floating design withsprings on every fourth floor and anchored in themiddle of the building. In order to direct the pipingmovement into the springs, the riser piping would

piping challengeAggressive construction schedule requires

innovative piping solution

■ Pumps and Pipes


Eighteen-inch condenser water supply and return piping used Advanced GrooveSystem couplings to ensure rigidity.

Please see ‘Making’ on page 19

I

High-rise

Built to be the Best™

©2011, Bradford White Corporation. All rights reserved.

www.bradfordwhite.com | 866.690.0961

The Combi2™ is the ultimate system

for home space heating and potable

hot water from a single energy-

saving source. The secret lies in the

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coil. Each Combi2™ model features a

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heat exchanger coil that is Vitraglas®-

coated for corrosion resistance and

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Combi2™ models heat the potable

water in the tank. Heat from the hot

water is then efficiently transferred

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system…and another great idea

from Bradford White.

COMBI2™ FEATURES• Double wall 11⁄2" O.D. glass coated

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• Heavy gauge steel tank automaticallyformed, rolled and welded to assure acontinuous seam for glass lining.

• Thermostatic Mixing Valve supplied with unit

• Defender Safety System® on 50-gallon models

The Convenience of Combined Space and Water Heating

Atmospheric VentingTTW Venting

need to be completely rigid and there was concernthat a grooved system could not provide this typeof rigidity.

In addition to the heating system, the basebuilding piping systems also included domesticwater, glycol heating, chilled and condenserwater. For all these systems, engineers selectedVictaulic couplings in sizes from 1 ½” up to 18”. Theheating, chilled and condenser water system all runtop to bottom of thebuilding without apressure break.

A triplex booster pumppackage was used on thestainless steel domesticwater system to boost thepressure to 370 psi in orderto service the penthouse.In addition, a pressurereducing station (usingvalves) was included onevery sixth floor to step thepressure back down to auseable 55 psi. While constructed similarly, thechilled water and condenser water did not have thehigh movement associated with the heating watersystem due to the low operating variables.

Not entirely convinced that a grooved system

would perform to the project specificationssurrounding high movement, Victaulic engineerswere enlisted to ensure the installation would be“rigid” as claimed by the company. The findingsconcluded that the couplings would meet theperformance requirements.

Eliminating downtime, wasteMacDonald also made pipe preparation moreefficient by employing a nearby warehouse as aprefabrication shop. Employees there cut, grooved

and shipped the pipe tothe job site. Preparing thepipe offsite meant the pipecould be grouped fordelivery, making it easierfor the construction crewto handle the pipe once itwas on site.

“Straight grooved pipeis much easier to handlethan pipe that is alreadyjoined, so the ease ofmovement throughout thesite was also improved,”

added MacDonald. This became especiallyimportant because the floors above the twomechanical rooms needed to be enclosed before thefirst anticipated snowfall. By preparing andorganizing the pipe off site, the construction crewwas able to bring the pipes into the building in aspecific order, assemble them and move the pipewithin the building.

Staying on scheduleOnce the frame for each floor was built, theconstruction schedule called for laying one20,000-square-foot block of concrete per week.This is an unusual approach to floor planinstallation; however, it allowed the crew to workquickly and on a per-floor basis. For this portionof the project, engineers selected VictaulicAdvanced Grooved System (AGS) products.These couplings feature enhanced pressure ratingsalong with a two-piece housing design, whicheases assembly.

“(Mechanical couplings) decreased installationtime tremendously,” said MacDonald. “A standard18-inch weld would have taken anywhere betweenthree to four hours to complete, while theinstallation of one mechanical coupling took about10 minutes.”

The most time consuming portion of the pipingsystem installation was positioning the pipe into itsproper place, he added. However, once in place,aligning and joining the pipe was relatively simplebecause the couplings allowed 360 degrees of

rotation. Had the piping system been welded, largerpipe spools with fewer welded joints would havemade it impossible to lift the pipe into positionwithout a crane. With the cranes operating six daysa week for 12 hours a day, the mechanical crews wereunable to utilize them.

The grooved pipe system not only helped makeup for lost time and helped maintain a timelyschedule, but also provided economical solutions,and eliminated downtime and material waste on theconstruction site, reported MacDonald.

“Overall, by using (a mechanical joining system),building Eighth Avenue Place required considerablyless labor that would have been used if we hadwelded the piping systems.” ✚


The Eighth Avenue Place boiler plant,situated on the 50th floor, uses six high-efficiency condensing boilers of fivemillion Btu/h each piped in aprimary/secondary configuration. Theheating design requires a maximum offour boilers with two boilers sitting inreserve for redundancy.

Four chillers sitting in the third floormechanical room, on the other hand,provide chilled water-cooling to variouscooling coils in the air-handling units, aswell as the cooling coils on each floor inthe compartment units. The chillers heatrejection is accomplished using fourcooling tower cells situated on the roof ofthe tower. The condenser piping risesfrom the third floor all the way to roof andback again.

The ventilation system uses four primaryair handling units and secondarycompartment units. It has a supply air uniton the third floor and a sister unit on the50th floor with both units ducted into acommon shaft and pressurized by these unitsworking in unison. The compartment unitsdraw fresh tempered air from this shaft tocirculate the air on the floors.

These main supply units use a glycol-heating coil along with a glycol runaroundloop as part of heat reclaim systemconnected to the exhaust air handlers. Twosimilar exhaust units are also situated on thethird and 50th floors. These units are ondedicated shafts and handle both generaland washroom exhaust.

Making it rigidContinued from page 39

Eight-inch chilled and condenser water pipingsystem in the third floor mechanical room.

MacDonald also made pipe preparation more

efficient by employing anearby warehouse as a

prefabrication shop.

■ Pumps and Pipes

The

mechanicalsystem

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Potable water approvedGF Piping Systems’ CPVC Schedule 80 pipe is nowcertified to the NSF/ANSI Standard 14 and Standard 61for potable and drinking water applications. The lightweight of this piping makes it easy to install, reports themanufacturer. It is available in sizes from half to 12inches and can handle temperatures up to 210ºF.GF Piping Systems � www.gfpiping.com

Thermostatic mixing valvesChicago Faucets has launched its new Series 131thermostatic mixing valves for use with its electronic andmanual faucets. These anti-scald valves are designed forunder-sink installation in commercial and institutionalapplications. They incorporate brass construction, athermostatic wax element, an integral filter forconsistent performance, dual check valves to helpprevent against cross-flow, and convenient access to thecartridge for easy maintenance. They are distributed inCanada by Dobbin Sales.Dobbin Sales � www.dobbinsales.com

Backwater valveRectorSeal has improvedits extendable backwatervalve by adding a heavyduty 75 psi rated flapper at100 ft of head. This flapperexceeds ASME test stan-dards, Clean Check valvesprevent sewage backups re-sulting from plugged orflooded municipal sewersystem lines. They are de-signed to be installed out-side a home, business orother structure and arereadily accessible formaintenance or clean-ing. RectorSeal prod-ucts are distributed inCanada by E. S. Gal-lagher Sales Ltd.E. S. GallagherSales � www.esgallagher.com

Drain tempering valveTherm-Omega-Tech have released their newdrain tempering valve with twice the flowcapacity of its original DTV valve. It is usedwhere hot water in drains is a concern, suchwith boiler blow down, commercial dish

washers and laundries. The valve iscompletely self-operating and easy to install,reports the manufacturer.Therm-Omega-Tech �www.ThermOmegaTech.com

Wireless main shutoffThe new Digital Wireless Main Water Shutoff Valvekit from Spartan allows a home or building owner toshut off the main water supply with the flick of aswitch when they are not home. Because it is wireless the control can be mounted anywhere inside the home, although near the front door is apopular location. Spartan/EnOcean � www.spartan-pd.com


■ Pumps and Pipes

Product ProfileSmart zone valveThe new Zone Sentry zone valve by Taco isdesigned to enhance the overall performance ofany zone valve system.

It uses a microcircuit-based logic to control agear-driven electronically-actuated ball valve tocontrol fluid flow, while using up to 93 percentless energy than common zone valves and alsodelivering greater flow capacity, shutoffpressure rating, ease of installation anddiagnostics, and the number of valves (12) thatcan be used on a standard 40VA transformer,reports the manufacturer.

Zone Sentry valves were designed primarily forbaseboard, fan coil, radiator, convector, heatpump and radiant applications. They areavailable in ½, ¾, and one-inch sizes and drawjust 1.44 watts for better energy efficiency inresidential and light commercial applications.

Easy to install, the forged-brass valve bodycan be installed in any direction or orientationand the one handed lift-off actuator helps intight spaces. Wiring is via snap-in quick

connects on the back of the valve. A greenmulti-function LED light shows the valve’soperation and thermostat status. A manualoverride button with auto re-engagementallows the ball to be rotated to any positionand is marked with a slot to indicate the exactposition of the valve. Taco � www.taco-hvac.com

The Taco Zone Sentry provides

improved control in zonedhydronic heating systems.

Stainless steel connectionsViega has introduced its new stainless steel ECO-Pipefor its ProPress stainless system. It is a thin-walled 304 stainless steel pipe that offers an economicalsolution for stainless steel pipe systems that requirecorrosion resistance and aesthetics. It is offered insizes from half to four inches and is available in 20-foot lengths. It is ideal for general utility applicationssuch as compressed air and chilled water lines, reportsthe manufacturer. Viega � www.viega.com

ometimes the stars above us fluke intoalignment to make something happenthat at first glance seemed onlyremotely possible. At other timessomeone has to get on a ladder, climb

into the sky and align the stars himself.In the case of an aging rental apartment building in

Toronto, perseverance and innovation were necessary forthe creation of a new tower retrofit model. The buildingowner, Mac Champsee of the Rainbow Group, wantedto increase the value of his old buildings. The rents arecontrolled, so his goal was to attack operating costs.

His engineer, Jeff Truman, wanted to prove thatsignificant savings could be realized through solarthermal heat; even on a 10-storey building with boilersin the basement. The contractor, George Crainic, wantedto move out of his conventional comfort zone and installsolar thermal. He did that; plus he created an innovativeapproach that helped make the model work technicallyand financially.

Energy efficient retrofitsWhat the three men were working on is not unique. Theenergy retrofit business is growing fast. McGraw-Hillpredicted 18 months ago that retrofits would grow inNorth America by almost 100 percent every year for fiveyears, reaching $10 to $15 billion by 2014. This alreadyseems conservative. Contractors and engineers shouldtake the retrofit opportunity seriously, while remainingconscious of avoidable pitfalls.

As with any renovation, the old apartment presentedchallenges related to the limitations of the existingstructure. With energy costs increasing, the mechanicalsystems needed upgrading. The building was oldenough that it also needed a new roof; and sufferedfrom enough air leakage that it needed all new windowsand balcony doors. These costs squeezed the mechanicalsystem budget.

Unique approachesTruman was working with a new kind of lightweight


■ Building Green

The economic argument for installing “green” equipment

By Bruce Nagy

Solar collectors and racking are assembled on the roof.

An old garbage incinierator shaft proved idealfor running the solar piping.

S

Retrofitbottom line

boosts apartment owner’s

steel solar racking system that was feasible if he couldfind a way to save on coring and shoring through 10stories. The eureka moment came when he realized a lotof old buildings still have concrete garbage incineratorchutes extending from top to bottom that are no longerused. The challenge would be to feed pipes down andsecure them safely.

Crainic devised a way to move the two pipes into thechute, section by section, welding them together as hewent. He invented a device featuring an old car tire-wheel that fit nicely into the round shaft and could helpsupport the weight of the piping. He had trouble withupward drafts while welding, but it got done.

He attached spring-loaded arms that secured eachsection against the side of the shaft as it was movedinto place. The total vertical load would later become350 kilograms when pipes, water and insulation wereadded together.

The installation plan satisfied Truman, who notedthat sound plumbing requires avoiding leaks, danger andpotential damage; which would be well achieved withCrainic’s stabilization measures within the sealedincinerator shaft.

How it worksThe system consists of 84 evacuated tube solarcollectors assembled in a gravity drain-back system onthe roof of the building. A lightweight steel rackingsystem is used that permits the engineering numbers towork within the limitations of the roof surface area.Special clips and other structural elements were sourcedthat are unique to the installation.

Each vacuum tube contains a copper core that isheated by the sun. Water flows past the tip of this coreand is heated to up to 70ºC before flowing down totwo 7,000-litre storage tanks in the basement. Cold

water from the municipal water supply is warmedthrough a heat exchanger that draws heat from thesolar hot water tanks.

Conven tional existing gas burners can top up the heatin the domestic hot water tank; but it has not beennecessary. Close to 100 percent of the DHW heat energyhas come from the solar thermal system. The gas bill isnow 25 percent lower. As a result, the owner is

considering reducing the number of boilers andconverting the building’s space heating system with thehelp of a solar wall (solar air) on the south side.

Retrofit lessonsObviously a key to retrofits is that a certain amount ofinvention is required to blend the new with the old,while ensuring the retrofit remains feasible. Theincinerator shaft in this case will become a model forother installations.

Another lesson is that installation challenges arealways solved more quickly with good communication –in this case between the building owner, the engineerand the mechanical contractor.

Champsee also noted that good ongoing

communication with tenants is critical, through theplanning and construction process, to improve co-operation and understanding.

New businessPerhaps the most important lesson is that retrofits aremaking up an increasing segment of the constructionbusiness in every building sector and represent atremendous opportunity for contractors and engineers.The National Roundtable on the Environment andthe Economy estimates that 66 percent of thebuildings that will be standing in 2050 in Canada arealready built.

In the commercial sector the Building Owners andManagers Association (BOMA) and the Real PropertyAssociation of Canada say the trend is clear: Largecorporate business tenants are constructing or movinginto buildings that offer operating savings, betterindoor air quality and green bragging rights. Rents arelower and vacancies higher wherever these are notoffered. Applications for registrations under LEED,BOMA, Energy Star and other rating programs areincreasing exponentially.

While the sectors, goals, and solutions vary, one thingremains constant: The stars may not align on their ownto move you into the retrofit business. You might have toalign them yourself. ✚


A modified automobile wheel stabilized pipingduring assembly.

The rooftop solar collectors cover 100 percent of the DHW load.

The eureka momentcame when he realized a lot of old buildings still haveconcrete garbageincinerator chutes…

Bruce Nagy is a Toronto-basedfreelance writer that reports on greentechnologies and solutions. He canbe reached [email protected].

Ihave been thinking a lot lately about the advancements madewithin our trades over the past few years, with both residentialand commercial products reaching an all time high inefficiencies.

There are more efficient heat exchangers, burners that burncleaner and gas valves with a softer start. Btu capacities modulate upand down, heating the space only as required, which conserves fuel andreduces operating costs. However, with that package is the need forenergy efficient variable speed blowers.

Until recently, these more efficient products have been expensive forthe homeowner. Warranty replacement parts for some of the earlierproducts have proven, in some cases, to be just too much money.Alternative replacements have been sought out. Some have not been

the best match for the original product. Someconsumers have had to even step down to a(PSC) permanent split capacitor type motordue to the replacement parts cost.

Servicing variable speed systemsVariable speed systems have been provenreliable over time as well as reducing cost andachieving better comfort for the homeowner.Most complaints have been related to failuresfrom water damage of either the motor itselfor the operating components of the variablespeed system. These problems are typicallycaused by the air-conditioning A-coil spillinginto the furnace due to lack of maintenance orpoor installation.

As the market for variable speed systemsbecomes more crowded and morecompetitive, manufacturers have looked for

ways to reduce costs. Therefore, multiple component systems arebeing reduced from as many as five pieces to two or three components.Technology has advanced into pulse DC voltages to surge the motorinto its predetermined direction and it’s these constant DC volts thatcontinue to propel the motor forward until the end of a call for heator cooling.

There is high voltage at the motor as well; this is there to supply themain power source to the capacitors within the stator positioned at theback of the motor. It should also be noted that when servicing thesetypes of systems it is best to turn off the main power to the product youare working on so these capacitors can de-energize. At this point itwould be then be safe to disassemble for servicing. If you do not waita safe period of time, the capacitors can discharge as much as 4,000volts, sending a very unsettling shock to the service person.


■ Heating

Please see ‘Humidifiers’ on page 27

Today’s systems offerbetter humidity control.

Humidifier technology has advanced to accommodate today’s tighterhomes and efficient furnaces.

Tight homes, efficient furnaces require new approach

By Bob Bettles and Brian Guttormson

variable speedvariable speed

Humidityand

Humidity

Humidifiers and heatingIn days gone by, furnaces were not only inefficient inelectricity and fuel consumption, but theywere oversized for the space. Heat exchangersand other components failed and thenmanufactures got a bad rap.

The introduction of humidity into heatedspaces caused another issue. You mayremember your parents or grand parentsputting cleaned out soup cans or pans ofwater on metal floor grilles or on top of castradiators. We advanced to a tray of water withpads of saturated water in the warm airplenum. When the metal tray was heated the watermolecules entered into the ducts for distribution. Someof you younger mechanics and apprentices mayremember removing or scraping a few of these out. Thepads were an asbestos material, believe it or not, andcrumbled away over time. (So please wear a mask if youare handling these pieces.)

Foam water wheel pad humidifiers came in differentconfigurations. Apartment styles, for example, werecomplete with a large drum driven by a 115-volt motorthat moved the drum through a bucket of roomtemperature water over a period of a few days, inbetween manual fillings by the owner. Similar designswere used on forced air systems and are still in use today.The foam pad runs through the pan of water, dispensinghumidity off the pad and into bypass air from the returnair side of the system to the hot supply side of the system.

Water is supplied to the pan by a float system. As itdepletes, the float lowers and opens up the water valve.Conditions of the water supplied will depend on themanual service of pads in these type systems. Calciumbuildup inhibits the pad’s operation and performance.

This is often missed in a service call. Pads can be replacedany time during the year. Note that water pans shouldbe empty and cleaned out prior to the cooling seasonand bypasses shut down.

New humidification technologiesWith the use of more efficient furnaces we now havecreated a new problem in our living spaces. These spaceshave become tighter, vapor barriers are better andfurnace efficiencies are becoming 95 percent plus.

As a result, forced air systems do not have the cyclerates as in the past. Without the air movement, we loosehumidity. Walls, floors, furniture etc. can begin to shrink,sometimes resulting in irreparable damage.

Two new styles of humidification have beenintroduced recently. They can help. Water solenoidinjection over a distribution water panel made for acleaner system at the end of each cycle. The pad emptiesand is dried out, channels created within the pad slowthe water flow, delivering more humidity into the duct.

Not only are bypass methods used, but there is alsodirect fan assist injection into the hot air plenums. Inseveral cases, mixed warmed or hot water can be pipedto the solenoid and the dehumidistat can sample thereturn air humidity, turning the flow of water to thepanel on and off. Variable speed furnaces work best with

this mode by helping with a low speed constantoperation gently moving air mixed with humidity intothe heated spaces. The second technology, steamhumidification, is relatively new to the residentialmarket although it has been used in commercial systemsfor some time. These units are generally of a higherquality design. However, they have typically requiredmore maintenance and used more energy than their 24-

volt cousins. Some units use a sealed drum designor a tray, simpler units have a heating element inthe water’s interior and it boils the water off to amist of steam that is injected into the airflow.

Steam systems can deliver more humidity into aspace and can provide a solution to a problematicinstallation. New changes coming down fromdesigners means the use of steam humidificationwill continue to gain in popularity.

New homes may not require additionalhumidity for the first year or so until the water

vapours encapsulated within the building materials havebeen vented to the indoor spaces. A contractor shouldmeasure existing humidity levels in a home prior todetermining a solution. ✚


■ Heating

Bob BettlesHVAC author and trainer Robert

(Bob) Bettles is technical service

adviser and product trainer for

B&B Trade Distribution Centre.

He can be reached at

bbettles@b&btrade.com.

Brian GuttormsonHVAC author and trainer Brian

Guttormson is technical service

advisor for Trent Metals Ltd.

(Supply). He can be reached at

[email protected].

Humidifiers evolved over timeContinued from page 23

If you do not wait a safe period oftime, the capacitors can discharge asmuch as 4,000 volts, sending a very unsettling shock to the service person.

Flocor carries thousands of combinations and styles of valves, pipe, fittings and hangers along with a premier line of fire protection sprinklers and related equipment as well as water works pipe, fittings and valves.

With this comprehensive product lineup, Flocor can continuously meet the needs of the industrial, commercial, fire protection and municipal markets.

No one knows the PVF market or products better than Flocor. Expertise and technical support is easily accessible through over 100 professionals across Canada ready to help you make the right choice.

To find out more, or to reach the nearest FLOCOR distribution office, please call ustoll free at 1-855-FLOCOR-1 (1-855-356-2671). Or visit us at www.flocor.ca

n the last issue I concluded mydiscussion of indirect DHW tanks by

stating; “equipment selection forperformance is all about marrying theright boiler with a tank of sufficientstorage capacity and coil surface area

to be able to provide rapid recovery.That’s the start. We now look at correctpiping, choosing the right pump, andhow best to control it all.

Establishing and maintaining theoptimum flow rate is the key. I have puttogether drawings of the four mostpopular methods of integrating anindirect DHW tank into modernhydronic systems of different types. If welook at these piping examples we candiscuss pros and cons, and identify somepotential issues.

Least recommendedThe first example (Fig. 1) is common inmany areas of North America, but it isperhaps the least recommended, for acouple of reasons.

With a single pump, you will see theflow rate through the tank coil fluctuatedepending on how many heating zonesare also open at the time. This willextend the recovery time in the coldwinter season – the cause of manycustomer complaints. If the tank coil isnot up to transferring the whole outputof the boiler however, it may not be amajor concern. There are various zonecontrol boxes and wiring methods thatwill give priority to the DHW tank(closing off the heating zones during aDHW call), and this will likely eliminateany problem.

One important note of caution - withany domestic priority control scheme,provision should be made to prevent a“wild” call for DHW. This could happenwith, for example, a welded end switch,a defective DHW circulator, etc. Two BIGproblems can result. First off, freezing ofthe building can occur if the heatingsystem is held off indefinitely. Look for acontrol strategy that will prevent thisfrom happening. Secondly, and evenworse, is the possibility of causing aserious scalding incident (more at theend of this article).

Another concern is that standard, off-the-shelf heating zone valves usually havereduced ports and are only good for acouple of gallons per minute. Using this

type of valve is a very common mistakeand can reduce recovery timesignificantly. Make sure you match thevalve “CV” with the flow rate you requiregiven the circulator you are using.

A better optionThis second example (Fig. 2) is becomingthe norm these days, especially in ourlarger, more complex systems. A full portzone valve can cost much more than asecond circulator. You can select thecirculator to give you exactly the flowyou need since it only has to deal withthe flow through the tank and itsassociated piping components.

In a larger house, the heatingcirculator is often much bigger thanrequired just for the DHW flow alone,so in a DHW priority situation – flowvelocity noise and wear and tear canoccur if you are trying to get one pumpto do double duty. Note the checkvalves installed to prevent reverse flowthrough the “off ” load. Pumpplacement is also critical here so thatthe “on” pump, pulls the “off ” loadcheck valve closed. Although I don’tshow zone valves on each heating loop,it is common to see them with thispiping arrangement. The designer hasthe option with this pipingarrangement of controlling for DHWpriority, or running the loadssimultaneously.

Simple and elegantFor smaller, simpler systems, Fig. 3illustrates perhaps the most elegantsolution. A single circulator diverts eitherto the DHW tank or the heating system.A little bit of control work is required toestablish how the heating system andDHW aquastat interface with the three-way diverting valve. The easiest methodis to use a three-way valve with spring


■ Hot Water Heating

INDIRECT DHW

PART IIdoing it rightBy Roy Collver

Please see ‘Complex’ on page 31

I

To learn more, call 800-631-8138 or visit www.genetronperformaxlt.com. © 2010 Honeywell International Inc. All rights reserved.

Industry-leading Genetron® Performax™ LT refrigerant

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goes on and on. Genetron Performax LT offers industry-leading capacity, industry-leading

efficiency and low GWP values versus other popular supermarket refrigerants. This saves money in new installations

and in R-22 retrofit projects. Plus, a mass flow that identically matches R-22, eliminates expensive expansion valve

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Maximize Performance with Performax LT.

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top performer

return so that it is normally open to theheating system when not powered. Theheating thermostat fires boiler and theboiler turns on pump. A DHW callpowers the valve open to the DHW tank,and the valve end-switch firesboiler/pump.

Most modern boilers also have built-in capability to enhance the operationof this system through outdoor resetand DHW temperature boost. Whendesigning any of these systems, thecontractor needs to carefully considerthe control strategy already on-boardthe boiler as you consider these pipingstrategies.

Complex heating systemsIncreasingly popular is the last example(Fig. 4) for more complex heating sys-tems. Every load has itsown, correctly sized cir-culator because eachload is hydraulicallyisolated from the oth-ers. Hydraulic separa-tors or “low lossheaders,” as some peo-ple call them, can alsobe used to accomplish apr imar y/secondar yarrangement. All loadscan operate at the sametime with appropriatemixing controls, oreach load can operate in sequence so thatthe boiler water temperature can bemoderated as required.

This is a great strategy for modulatingcondensing boilers and will maximizetheir efficiency. I show a check valve inthe DHW piping, not so much to preventreverse flow, but to help eliminate “ghostflow,” a common problem with this typeof piping. Sometimes a weighted checkvalve called a “flow control valve” isneeded to stop ghost flow - sometimestwo are needed. Careful study ofprimary/secondary piping practices canhelp you avoid this problem in the firstplace, because it can be nasty – creating ascalding situation.

How to avoid tank overheating andthe potential for scalding? The onlysafe method I know of is to usetempering valves. An ASSE 1017 ratedtempering valve can be added to theoutlet of the tank, an ASSE 1016 device

can be added at the fixture, and a newclass of valve ASSE 1070 can be usedfor a group of fixtures. Contact amanufacturer or distributor of thesedevices for more information – yourlocal jurisdiction may require thesevalves to be installed already.

Traps to avoidI have seen this one (Fig. 5) over andover again – don’t let it happen to you.In an effort to clean up boiler roompiping and make a neat job, manyinstallers will route the boiler piping tothe DHW tank up to the ceiling, across,and then back down to the tank –creating a perfect air trap to stop yourflow dead. The solution is obvious,install an appropriate air vent at the highspot and you’ve solved it before ithappens. An air separator in the mainspiping is also a great way to eliminate air

on initial system fill,and keep it frombecoming a problem.

One last thing I canthink of to mention isto avoid the annoyingsituation created whenyou fail to properly in-sulate DHW recircula-tion lines. Some of thebig, big houses we seetoday have hundreds offeet of DHW recircula-tion lines tucked upinto the joist spaces. If

you don’t want your customer to com-plain about a runaway floor heatingsystem – invest a few bucks and insu-late these lines. It will also keep theboiler from short-cycling away as ittops up the DHW tank every half houror so.

I’m sure some of the readers havealso run into common installation trapsand tricks. If your favourite wasn’t listedin this article – drop me a line. We wantto give our customers the ultimate inDHW comfort and delivery – shareyour knowledge. ✚


■ Hot Water Heating

Roy Collver is anauthor and consultanton hydronic heatingbased in Peachland,B.C. He can be reachedat [email protected].

Complex indirect systemsContinued from page 29

With anydomestic prioritycontrol scheme,provision shouldbe made to preventa “wild” call for DHW.

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Efficient cast iron boilerWeil-McLain Canada has launched anew series of high efficiency gas boilers.The GV90+ cast iron boiler achieves upto 92 percent AFUE efficiency thanks toa durable cast iron primary heat ex-changer with a unique seven-pass designalong with a stainless steel condensingsecondary heat exchanger. In retrofit ap-plications, extra wide waterways allowsludge typically present in older systemsto flow through easily. A built-in dualcirculator strategy allows low tempera-ture return water. Electronic controls arestraightforward with flashing LED diag-nostics. The GV90+ offers multiple PVCventing options and is available in sizesfrom 70,000 to 175,000 Btu/h.Weil-McLain Canada �www.weil-mclain.ca.

Commercial bio-fuel boilerFulton has introduced a new version ofits Vantage commercial condensingboiler that is designed to use B100biodiesel and ultra-low sulfur (under 15ppm) heating oils for full condensingoperation. Independent tests at theBrookhaven National Laboratory inUpton, N.Y. (www.bnl.gov) show that“the Vantage can meet or exceed thethermal efficiencies attainable withnatural gas,” reported the manufacturer.The biodiesels used in the Brookhaventest included those produced from bothsoybeans and recycled tallow (animalfat). The B100 is available in sizes up to4,000,000 Btu/h.Fulton � www.fulton.com

■ Heating

Napoleon bills its new 9600 Series two-stage variablespeed gas furnace as “the only high efficiency gasfurnace made in Canada,” which is perhaps a sadcomment on the state of Canadian manufacturingthese days. However, the Barrie, Ont. manufacturer’snew gas furnace offers up to 96 percent AFUEefficiency along with other features that minimizeenergy use, provide a high comfort level for thehomeowner and make installation quick and easy forthe contractor.

It features a variable speed DC drive ECM motor.The burner fires at 60 percent of input on the lowstage. A “Sureview” window offers a unique view ofthe flame in operation. This is a useful service featureas today’s ECM motor driven furnaces are so quiet itcan be difficult to tell if they are operating. And

sometimes the contractor can quickly diagnose a problem over the phoneby asking the homeowner to check if the burner is coming on.

The furnace can be mounted in multiple positions and venting can be eithersingle pipe or a two-pipe direct vent system. And, at just under 33 incheshigh, it is one of the more compact high efficiency furnaces on the market. Itis easily convertible to propane and can be used with single or two-stagethermostats. It is available in capacities from 45,000 to 120,000 Btu/h.Napoleon � www.napoleonheatingandcooling.com

Product ProfileMade in Canada

The newNapoleon 9600high efficiencygas furnace iscompact and efficient.

Ask Gary Cruikshanks of Saxon Mechanical“The installation AquaRise® was a pleasure - easy to handle, easy tocut, easy to join. Were there issues with AquaRise? Sure. But thesewere very minor issues, and all part of any piping system. They werecertainly out-weighed by the labour saving installation costs, the pipesize reductions allowable with the high flow rate capacity, and thereduced need for insulation due to AquaRise high R-values.”

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

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

Non-Metallic Potable Water Systems for Commercial & High-Rise Construction

How does Aquarise® Answerthe wishes of Contractors?

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.

AquaRise® offers a fully-integrated system of

pipe, fittings and valves. AquaRise®

solvent cement and primer allows for

fast, easy assembly.

Distributed refrigerationinstallations in supermar-kets are not exactly new.If you look hard enough,there is reference to them

as far back as the early 1980s. However,due mainly to our increased environ-mental awareness today and partly dueto the advance in scroll and digital scrollcompressor technology, they seem to begaining acceptance as an alternative toconventional centralized ‘rack’ systems.

In a conventional supermarketrefrigeration system a parallelcompressor plant (rack) is typicallylocated in a machine room near the backof the store; each refrigerated case andwalk-in box is fed with refrigerant pipingfrom the main plant.

Distributed systems (Fig. 1) usesmaller parallel compressor units locatedclose to the loads they serve. Forinstance, a medium temperature unitmight be located near the produce caseson one side of the store and anothermedium temperature unit near the backfor the fresh meat cases and walk-ins.

The distributed systems availabletoday use scroll compressors almostexclusively to minimize noise andvibration. Many are equipped with onedigital scroll to enhance the loadmatching capabilities.

There are many different possibledistributed system configurations. Theyare available with sound reducingenclosures and sit right on thesupermarket floor near the loads theyserve or they can sit on the roof abovethe cases in an outdoor package that isalmost indistinguishable from a typicalrooftop heat/cool unit.

The units can be air-cooled, remoteair-cooled or water-cooled with either afluid cooler or evaporative cooling

tower and can be configured for almostany installation.

Key benefitsWhen compared to a conventionalsystem, there are two main benefits inusing a distributed system: a largereduction in the total refrigerant chargeand a significant energy savings. Thereduction in total refrigerant charge canin some cases exceed 70 percent of thecharge required for the comparableconventional system. At a typical 15 to 30percent leakage rate, this could meanconsiderable cost savings throughout theoperating life of the equipment.

The reduction of total refrigerantcharge depends mainly on what type ofcondensing medium is used (air-cooled,remote air-cooled, or water cooled), thefloor plan of the store and climate.

Consider a small store in which aremote air-cooled conventional racksystem is replaced by two smaller remoteair-cooled distributed systems. It wouldbe hard to achieve even a 20 percentreduction in refrigerant charge as theoverall piping wouldn’t be likely tochange that much. If, instead of usingremote air-cooled distributed systems,water cooled units with a remote fluidcooler were installed as shown in Fig. 2,there would be a greater reduction inrefrigerant charge because of theelimination of the remote condensingcircuit and associated piping.

Energy savingsEnergy savings by using a distributedsystem are possible for a couple ofreasons. The shorter piping runs cancontribute to lower friction loses in thepipe. The savings from this effect are


■ Refrigeration

Distributed supermarket refrigerationLeakage, energy use can be reduced byputting equipment closer to the load

By Greg Scrivener

Fig. 1: Distributed systems use smallerparallel compressor units located close to the loads they serve.

Fig. 2: Water cooled units with a remote fluidcooler allow the elimination of the remote condensing circuit and associated piping.

Please see ‘Matching’ on page 37

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often not that significant unless care is taken when sizingthe refrigerant lines. Because of the way refrigerant linesizes are selected, the shorter pipe run often results inthe selection of a smaller pipe size and the friction lossends up being close to the same as it would have beenfor a conventional system.

The most significant savings comes from being able tobetter match the load and, most importantly, being ableto better match the evaporating temperature of the casesand walk-ins connected to the refrigeration plant. Theevaporating temperature requirements of different typesof medium temperature cases can vary fromapproximately 20°F to 28°F.

In all refrigeration systems (or suction groups) thecompressors must run at a suction pressure low enoughfor the lowest temperature. This can waste considerableenergy if a significant portion of the load is operating ata higher temperature.

Using distributed systems makes it possible to matchsystems with similar requirements together if they are inclose proximity to each other. Some simulations showthat energy savings of 11 percent can be realized using adistributed system. Most installations are probablyachieving half of that or less, but in a world where a onepercent energy savings can equate to thousands of

dollars a year for a single store, a potential savings of fouror five percent shouldn’t be ignored.

The disadvantagesThere are some disadvantages to distributed refrigerationsystems. Even though the installation is usually less costlybecause of the decrease in piping, the equipment cost hashistorically been high enough that the entire installationhas been more expensive. This cost is rapidly changingand some manufacturers are claiming that there is nosignificant difference in price between a conventional anda distributed system anymore.

Depending on what type configuration is selected,service can be more difficult. On a unit situated on thesales floor, technicians have to work among the shoppersmore frequently and on a roof mounted system serviceis more difficult in extreme weather.

Distributed systems can also restrict how easy and

efficiently heat reclaim can be done. Obviously heatreclaim can be done on each individual system, but air-cooled units that are not located close to the heating loaddon’t lend themselves well to effective heat reclaim.

Distributed refrigeration systems seem to be anAmerican phenomenon. In 2007 15 percent ofsupermarkets were reportedly using some type ofdistributed system and last year the U.S. EnvironmentalProtection Agency (EPA) reported that 40 percent ofnew stores were using a distributed refrigerationsystem. In Europe systems using natural refrigerantslike CO2 and/or indirect systems using glycol chillersare more common.

Supermarket refrigeration systems will continue toevolve to meet the cost demands and sustainabilityinitiatives of the supermarket chains. Already,distributed systems using secondary glycol loops arebecoming available which can even further reduce therefrigerant charge and installation costs. ✚


■ Refrigeration

The reduction in total refrigerant charge can in somecases exceed 70 percent of thecharge required for the compara-ble conventional system.

Matching the loadContinued from page 35

Greg Scrivener is project anddesign manager for PolarRefrigeration Service Ltd. inSaskatoon. He is a journeymanrefrigeration mechanic, a licensedgas fitter, holds RSES CMSdesignation in commercial

refrigeration and is a mechanical engineer in training.He can be reached at [email protected].

KOIL-KITTM

VICTAULIC

Customizable coil hookup kits, preassembled for faster, easier installation

Union Port Fittingwith Air Vent

Balancing Valve

Combination Strainer/Drain/Ball Valve

www.victaulic.com/balancing

New cast iron bathThe new Biove bathtub from Kohler provides a modernlook in traditional enameled cast iron. A gently slopingbackrest that offers comfort and the smooth non-poroussurface is easy to clean. Measuring 67”x29.5” by 18.5”deep, this tub is made of at least 80 percent recycledmaterials.Kohler Canada � www.kohler.ca

Single function handshowerA new single-function handshower from Moen Canadaprovides a clean, transitionaldesign to appeal to a wide va-riety of decorating styles,There are two models – a full-flow model that delivers 9.5litres per minute (L/min) or2.5 gallons per minute (gpm)and a low-flow “Eco-Performance” model at 6.6 L/min(1.75 gpm), certified to meet EPA WaterSense criteria.Features include a 59-inch (150-centimetre) flexiblemetal hose for extended reach, an adjustable wall bracketor 24-inch slide bar and/or a reversible wall bracket forright or left installation.Moen Canada � www.moen.ca

Overflow addedBarclay Products has addedan overflow slot to its resintubs. The overflow slotempties into a drain channelthat is built into the tub wall and flows into a flexiblehose connected to the tub drain. Tubs are available in achoice of oval, rectangular or slipper shape. They includea polished chrome tub drain and flexible hose.Barclay Products Ltd. �www.barclayproducts.com

Concealed undermount faucetsA new line of concealed undermount

faucets is designed to provide plumberswith easier installation and greaterapplication flexibility. From Chicago

Faucets, the new line features a one-piece,cast brass body with interchangeable

spouts, handles, outlets and cartridges. Fewerparts and more pre-assembled components than

previous models mean quicker installation. Aretrofittable restricted-swing spout option keeps thewater off the deck.Dobbin Sales Ltd. � www.dobbinsales.com

Manual overrideSloan Valve Company hasredesigned its electronicRoyal ES-S flushometermodels to allow for a non-hold open mechanicalmanual override function.Driven by active infraredtechnology, this featureprovides hands-freeoperation while enabling ameans to flush manually inthe case of a power outage,cleaning/service needs or

user preference. It can also applied to concealedflushometers with or without a wall box.Sloan Valve Co.� www.sloanvalve.com.


■ Faucets & Fixtures

Delta Faucet has brought its hands-free faucettechnology to the residential lavatory.

“Almost immediately after we launchedTouch2O technology for the kitchen, we heardfrom consumers that they wanted a similarsolution for the bathroom,” reported AnitaGriffin, marketing brand manager for DeltaFaucet. “Our designers and engineers ultimatelylanded on two options to help homeowners usewater more intuitively – with less waste, less messand more functionality.”

Delta has added its Touch 2O.xt technology toits Lahara and Addison lavatory faucet lines.

Among other things, having the faucet turnoff automatically can conserve a considerable

amount of water as one in three Canadians,according to an Angus Reid poll, leave thefaucet on while performing tasks like brushingteeth. And children are more likely to wash theirfaces, hands and teeth just for the joy of using a“cool gadget.”

Touch2O.xt is an adaptation of two existingDelta technologies; Touch2O Technology in thekitchen, and Proximity sensing technology incommercial bathroom applications. The blend of the two enables the user to turn the water on by simply approaching the faucet’s sensingfield or tapping the faucet anywhere on thespout or handle.Delta Faucet � www.deltafaucet.ca

Product ProfileHands-free lav faucets for the home

An electronic faucet can save water in the bathroom.

Dispatching

Time Sheets

Work Orders

Capture Signatures

Invoicing

Mobilio connects your technicians

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mobilio inc. 866-756-5050www.MyMobilio.come-mail: sales @ MyMobilio.com mobilio

BETTER SOLUTIONS FOR HEAT AND HOT WATERA ductless, direct vent wall furnace from Rinnai delivers energy-saving efficiency and total comfort by using intelligent ‘thermistor’ sensors. It’s also compact, light, and with its single vent, easy to install. Capable of heating a whole floor, yet the exterior remains cool to the touch. Sizes vary to accommodate requirements.

The same efficiency, space-savings and easy installation is also true for Rinnai’s tankless water heater. It’s perfect for a cottage or rural home that may be left unoccupied for days. This heater doesn’t store hot water, so when it’s not needed, no energy is being used.

Both of these safe, efficient products run on either NG or LP.

For more information: call 1-888-571-2627 or visit www.redmondwilliams.com.

Redmond/Williams Distributing, 5605 Timberlea Blvd., Mississauga, ON L4W 2S4

Rotating screenThe M-Spector 360 diagnostic camerafrom Milwaukee Electric features arotating screen that allows the user to

keep the picture upright regardless of theorientation of the camera. This user canadjust the image with one hand while

controlling the cable with the other.Part of Milwaukee’s M12

LITHIUM-ION system,the camera also features

an optimized 2.7” LCD display, a 9mm digital probe andcables in either three or nine-foot lengths. A “bare tool”model is also available without the battery for those whoown other M12 tools.Milwaukee Electric Tool Co. �www.milwaukeetool.com.

Industrial inspection cameraThe SeeSnake nanoReel industrialinspection camera system fromRIDGID is designed for ultra-smalldiameter lines ranging from ¾ totwo inches and has the ability tomake tight turns for specializedapplications. Users can push cabledistances of up to 85 feet. At 9½ pounds, it can easily betransported. It is ideal for inspecting boiler tubes,supply lines and sprinkler systems, in addition to otherspecialty applications.RIDGID � www.RIDGID.com

Jobsite storageThe Knaack Field Station (Model119-01) is a jobsite storage systemthat is designed to function asa jobsite office or “commandcentral” for constructionmanagers. A five-lock system,heavy-duty hinges and a 14-gauge bottomkeep it secure. Productivity is improved with four-way

skids, storage shelves, a metal light mount andmultiple power pass-through grommets for deliveringpower or charging laptop computers, power tools,phones and radios, or battery packs. A variety ofaccessories is offered to customize this unit to suit jobrequirements.Knaack � www.knaack.com

Drain cleaning website updatedGeneral Pipe Cleanershas updated its website with more detailson all its drain clean-ing machines, inspec-tion cameras, pipefreezing equipment,leak detectors, etc.Contractors canquickly contact a tech-nical representative toget questions an-swered. There is also afrequently asked ques-

tions section. Instructions and parts manuals can bedownloaded. There is a video “how-to” gallery and anumber of drain cleaning success stories.General Pipe Cleaners �www.drainbrain.com

Plug-in spotlightLarson Electronics has introducedits Magnalight HL-85-HID-110V HID spotlight for volt-age ranging from110-277 VAC inresponse to con-tractors that needa high-poweredhandheld spotlightthat will run from astandard wall outlet. It uses

an inline transformer, so operators can plug the spotlightin the wall, but still use the low voltage spotlight in wetarea applications. It features an adjustable beam that canbe configured as a wide flood or long, narrow spot beam.Larson Electronics � www.magnalight.com


■ Tools & Instruments

The new Speedrooter 92 from General PipeCleaners is designed for reliability and ease-of-use in cleaning out drains. An upgrade to the Speedrooter 91, it includes General’sFlexitube spring distributor tube, which allowsthe cable to feed and retract more smoothly,even if the frame has been damaged andabused. A cord wrap has been added to thehandle to make it easier to store the power cordand foot pedal.

A heavy duty half horsepower motor providesthe power for long, tough jobs through the unit’spower cable feed that drives and retracts 3/4”,

5/8” and 1/2” cables easily. Adjusting todifferent cable sizes is simply a matter of turninga knob on top of the feed.

Both large and small drums sport a see-through inner cage to quickly determine howmuch cable remains. General’s Flexicore cableoffers excellent kinking resistance and strengthwith the right amount of flexibility. It carries aone-year warranty against breakage.

Despite the heavy-duty design of the machine,it also offers easy handling for the operator. Oneperson can easily load it onto a truck. Themachine’s frame slides smoothly from the loadingwheel to the handle to the stair climbers andfinally to the wheels. An adjustable height,swept-back handle also provides maximummaneuvering leverage. General Pipe Cleaners �www.drainbrain.com

The Speedrooter 92is designed to handle tough draincleaning jobs.

Product ProfileHeavy-duty drain machine

Japanese Technology at Work

AutomaticPipe Threading Machines

Pipe & HVAC Tools Contact us for a wholesaler near you. Raptor Cutting Tools Inc. 1-877-727-2888 Email: [email protected] Web: www.raptorcutting.com Western Sales:Delaney & Associates Tel: 403-589-6565

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20122012

2012

The Mechanical Contractors Association of Hamilton,Ont. held their 17th Annual Scholarship AwardsCeremony Sept. 6 at the Faculty Club of McMasterUniversity.

Twenty $1,000 scholarships were awarded toextraordinary students, children of salaried employeesof MCAH member companies.

Recipients are students either entering or currentlyenrolled in universities or colleges across Canada whomaintained an exceptional grade average, establishedan outstanding commitment to their communitythrough volunteerism and demonstrated superiorinterest in the mechanical contracting industry or theirchosen field of study.

This year’s Scholarship Selection Committee faced adifficult task in choosing the recipients from among 42highly qualified applicants, reported Lorraine Waller,

MCAH president. In fact there was a tie this year.MCAH contractor membership dues have funded

over $323,000 in scholarship awards since the program’sinception in 1995.

This years recipients (with their college and membercompanies) were:Brittany Beddow, Mohawk College, Black &McDonald Ltd. Bryan Booth, Brock University, Alberici Constructors Claire Forgeron, Brock University, Black & McDonaldLtd. Ryan Gibson, Waterloo University, Aecon Industrial Maxwell Howard, Cambrian College, E.S Fox Ltd. Matthew Huisman, Mohawk College, E.S Fox Ltd. Jacob Hubbs, Western University, Alberici Constructors Sarah Marion, Queens University, Alberici Constructors Kayla Minor, Western University, E.S Fox Ltd. Doug Murphy, Western University, TESC ContractingHamilton Ltd. Joseph Murphy, Brock University, TESC ContractingHamilton Ltd. Jeffery Pellizzari, McMaster University, WesternPlumbing and Heating Alana Sharpe, Ottawa University, TESC ContractingHamilton Ltd. David Sharpe, Fanshawe College, TESC Contracting

Hamilton Ltd. Leslie Skakun, University of Windsor, Kvaerner NorthAmerican Construction Ltd. Steven Taggart, Mohawk College, Black & McDonaldLtd. Brooke Terreberry, Brock University, E.S Fox Ltd. Justin Terreberry, Niagara College, E.S Fox Ltd. Ben Waller, Brock University, Kvaerner NorthAmerican Construction Ltd. Megan Wilson, McMaster University, E.S. Fox Ltd. Benjamin Oliver, McMaster University StudentChapter Recipient Joshua Splaine, McMaster University Student ChapterRecipient

For more information, visit www.mcahamilton.org.


■ Training

It would be fair to say that instructors and staff at Medi-cine Hat College in Medicine Hat, Alberta were thrilledafter one of their students took the gold medal for plumb-ing in both the Alberta and National Skills competitionsthis year.

Jason Feyter competed in the Provincial Skills CanadaCompetition in Edmonton May 12-13 and then went tothe Skills Canada Competition in Quebec City where herepeated his gold medal performance June 1-4.

“We are extremely proud of his accomplishments,”said Danny Wilson, coordinator for thePlumbing/Gasfitting programs. “It’s not very often a

small institute produces this type of quality.”Feyter beat out competitors from post-secondary

institutes across Canada to take the top prize. He is thefirst MHC trades student to win a gold medal at thenational level.

Geordo Matechuk, Whitehorse, Yukon took the silvermedal while Pascal Côté of Répentigny, Que. wonbronze.

Feyter was in his second year of plumbing classes withthe Alberta Department of Trades at MHC. He worksfor DMT Mechanical in Lethbridge and has recentlybecome a third-year apprentice.

Hamilton MCA awards scholarships

Hamilton MCAC has awarded over $323,000 inscholarships to students like these 2011 winners.

Alberta apprentice wins gold

Jason Feyter, centre, displays his gold medal withhis employer, Don Romaniuk of DMT Mechanical,left, and Dr. Ralph Weeks, president of MedicineHat College.

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This year’s southern Ontario motorcycle ride for Habitatfor Humanity Aug. 20 raised $11,000, doubling the totalof last year’s inaugural ride.

Jointly sponsored and organized by the CanadianInstitute of Plumbing & Heating (CIPH) and theHeating, Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Institute ofCanada (HRAI), the ride attracted 58 riders with sevenpassengers.

This year, Riders started from a number of differentlocations including Toronto, Kitchener/Waterloo, StoneyCreek (Hamilton) and Belleville, Ont.

The HRAI Huronia (Barrie) Chapter organized theride destination at Bayview Memorial Park in Oro, Ont.and provided a gratefully received late lunch for the

riders, who didn’t startarriving at the park untilabout 3 p.m. Volunteersfrom the local andnational Habitat forHumanity chapters alsohelped.

Planning is alreadyunderway for next year’sevent, which mayinclude rides in otherparts of the country.

CIPH started soliciting products and cash from itsmembers for Habitat in 1994. Case de Jong, avidmotorcyclist and president of Franke Kindred Canada,Midland, Ont. spearheaded that initial campaign andcontinues to be involved both on the CIPH CharityCommittee and as a director on the Habitat for HumanityCanada Board. HRAI joined the campaign two years ago.The 2010/2011 campaign under the leadership of JohnHammill of Moen Canada has raised over $2.5 million inproducts and cash for Habitat for Humanity.

Bradford White ....................................................18Carrier Canada ....................................................32CMX/CIPHEX .......................................................42Dahl Bros. ............................................................16Delta Faucet.........................................................47Flocor (Mueller)....................................................28Fujitsu..................................................................24General Pipe Cleaners ............................................8Honeywell/Genetron Div. .....................................30HRAI ....................................................................33IPEX Inc..........................................................10, 34Jobs.ca ...............................................................40#

LAARS Heating ......................................................9Madok Mfg. ........................................................15Mitsubishi Electric ................................................36

Mobilio ............................................................5, 39Noble.....................................................................4RaptorCutting Tools .............................................41Redmond Williams.......................................14, 40*Reed Tools ...........................................................27Regelle Partners ...................................................43RIDGID.................................................................48Rinnai ..................................................................26Rooter Man ........................................................43Saniflo .................................................................11Selkirk Canada.....................................................37Taco Canada..........................................................2Uponor Ltd. .........................................................20Victaulic...............................................................38Viega.....................................................................6Watts Industries ..................................................45*Ontario only#West, Que. & Atlantic only

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■ People & Places

Habitat motorcycle ride raises $11,000

The Canadian Institute of Plumbing & Heating (CIPH) has awarded its 2011 J.K. Seidner Award to PeterCook of IPEX Inc.

This honour, presented at the annual meeting of the Plumbing Industry Advisory Council (PIAC) in ReginaAug. 16, acknowledges the commitment of a plumbing industry volunteer who has devoted their time,knowledge and expertise to improving plumbing codes and standards. And Cook has certainly done that.

Since joining IPEX in 1974 Cook has served as chairman on various CSA and ASTM Committees. Hewas also a member of the National Plumbing Code Standing Committee for 17 years and remains an activemember of PIAC.

The award was named for its first recipient, the late Joe Seidner, who survived Nazi concentration campsduring the Second World War to found Brady & Seidner (mechanical) in Toronto with partner George Bradyduring the 1950s and to serve on numerous codes and standards committees over the years.

Toronto ride organizer Sean Giberson (Taco), left,greets HRAI’s Martin Luymes upon his arrival atthe park while HRAI Huronia Chapter presidentWayne Fischer (LifeBreath) looks on.

Case de Jong, left, and Luymes chat beforethe event.

Plumbing code builder honoured

PeopleThe

Carrier Sales & DistributionCanada, Mississauga, Ont., haspromoted Les Szarka to the position ofvice president, commercial division.

Lockerbie & Hole,Calgary, has namedTodd Holmstrompresident.

Blanco Canada Inc.,Toronto, has appointedWendy McPherson asthe company’s nationalsales manager.

R.J. (Bob) Evanshas joined OS&B,

Oakville Ont., as vice president of sales,in charge of wholesale sales for bothCanada and the U.S.

Gary McInnis has retired fromMechanical Systems 2000 Inc.,Calgary. He joined the company fiveyears ago following a lengthy previous career in theindustry. Gary and his wife Sharon will be relocating toSaskatchewan, reports MS 2000 president Kim Butts.

Garry Scott has joined Moen Canada as vicepresident of wholesale marketing andbrand development.

Robert (Bob) Bettles has joinedB&B Trade Distribution Centre,London, Ont. as technical serviceadvisor and product trainer. Bob willwork from the Etobicoke, Ont. branch.

Les Szarka

ToddHolmstrom

R.J. (Bob)Evans

Bob Bettles

WendyMcPherson

CompaniesThe

Howell Pipe &Supply, Georgetown,Ont., has opened anew branch at 425Newbold Street in

London, Ont. Ron Hessels has been named branchmanager.Call 1-888-469-3557.

Watts, Burlington, Ont. is now distributing PureWater filtration and treatment products across Canada.Marketed specifically through wholesale, the line waspreviously available only in limited markets. Visitwww.wattscanada.ca/purewater for more information.

Ceralux, Concord, Ont., has appointed Can-MechAgencies as representatives for eastern and northernOntario.

R. W. Beckett Corporation, North Ridgeville,Ohio, has acquired Oil Equipment ManufacturingLLC, Ansonia, Conn., a manufacturer of oil storage tankaccessories.

The Mechanical Contractors Association,Greater Hamilton Region, and U.A. Local 67 joined forcesto raise $2,100 for the Hamilton Health SciencesFoundation hospital network at several events recently,bringing the total raised to $25,301 over the past 24 years.

Canada’s largest all-trades construction show isreturning to Toronto in November.

The 23rd edition of Construct Canada will take placeat the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, SouthBuilding, from Nov. 30 to Dec. 2.

The show actually combines a number of events. Therewill be over 1050 exhibits spread through ConstructCanada, the HomeBuilder & Renovator Expo, PM Expo,Concrete Canada, and the DesignTrends Pavillion.

An extensive seminar schedule is planned, featuringover 450 speakers focusing on a wide range of topicsincluding project delivery and smart business practices,leading edge design technology, green buildings,building environments and performance, buildingenvelope solutions, legal, regulatory and riskmanagement, professional and personal skills

development, and design trends.The event will also include the National Green

Building Conference focusing on sustainable and energyefficient best practices for the design and construction ofhigher performance buildings. Green building expertswill talk about new technologies, cost managementstrategies and project delivery models.

More than 23,000 visitors attended the show in 2010.For more information, visit www.constructcanada.com.


■ Coming Events

All trades show returns

Watts’ Mike Breault explains the company’s products at last year’s Construct Canada show.

NOV. 3: CIPHEX Roadshow, Holiday Inn, St. John’s, Nfld. Visitwww.ciphexroadshow.com or call 1-800-639-2474.

NOV. 30 – DEC. 2: Construct Canada, Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Toronto. Visitwww.constructcanada.com or call (416) 512-0203.

2012JAN. 23-25: AHR Expo, McCormick Place, Chicago. Visitwww.ahrexpo.com or call 203-221-9232.

JAN. 26-29: IDS12 (Interior Design Show), Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Toronto. Visit www.interiordesignshow.com.

MARCH 11-16: Canadian Construction Association, 2012 Annual Conference, Savannah, Georgia. Call (613) 236-9455 or visit www.cca-acc.com.

MARCH 22-24: CMX-CIPHEX 2012, Metro Toronto Convention Centre, North Bldg.Call 1-800-282-0003, [email protected], or visitwww.cmxciphexshow.com.

APRIL 27-29: Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS), McCormick Place, Chicago. Call 1-508-743-0528or visit www.kbis.com.

CalendarEvents

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Our politicians liketo make decisionsthat will help them get re-elected. That means that mostdecisions need a payback of less than

four years; anything longer makes it difficult for theelectorate to evaluate their performance. Are decisionsmade for a four-year cycle good for us in the long-term?

Public companies are notorious for reshuffling topush up their share prices. Many of the decisions aremade to have an immediate impact on share price; thismight or might not be good for the long-term successof the business.

In private enterprise we see severe cuts inmanagement and other overhead positions in order tocut costs. Fifty percent of trade contractors’ overheadconsists of salaries. So, when we need to reduce overheadwe cut salaries by reducing pay scales or reducing staff.

Operating too leanA company might feel that it is gaining a significantadvantage by having one estimator doing the work ofone and half estimators. This could be a savings of$40,000 a year, which is significant. But, what happenswhen that person makes mistakes from beingoverworked. One contractor here in Vancouver recentlymade a million dollar error on an estimate. The errorwas not in his favour and he was awarded it.

The short-term decision of saving overhead reducedthe efficiency of the estimating. This is something we areseeing in all segments of overhead management. Wekeep the overhead too lean and pay for it in the long run.

It has been my experience that most of us lose workbecause we “drop the ball,” not because of our price structure.

Think of how frustrated you are when your suppliersscrew up a delivery to a job site. It is essential for yourown ongoing success that you make decisions that aredriven by the best long-term interests of your customers

and not by your desire to makemoney. Making money will be the

result of looking after your customers’long-term interests.

Ignoring the futureHere are some areas where we sometimes fail to invest inour futures:• Developing a management team so that the owner can

back off from the day-to-day operations.• Not determining what our customers really want

from us.• Not developing systems and procedures manuals.• Staff training and development.• Regular reviews and goal setting with our team.• Not doing any strategic planning.• Not going to professional development programs.• Not getting involved in our associations• Not getting into peer or mentoring programs.

We have to realize that we are in business for the longhaul. The business should be handed over to someone elsewhen we are finished with it; it should have a life of its own.

Winning jobs by competitive bidding can be anothershort-term versus long-term strategy. We bid the job lowto get it and then spend the rest of our time trying to ekeout a profit. If we had priced the job correctly in the firstplace we wouldn’t be having those problems. Positionyour business so that the customer perceives value otherthan low prices.

I recently completed a survey of Canadian HVACcontractors. The top 25 percent of them made double-digit profits. I can assure you that they didn’t make thatmoney by relying on competitive bids for the majority oftheir work.

Invest in your business for its long-term success, therewards are significant. Ensure that your short-termdecisions are consistent with your decisions for yourlong-term success. Consider “investing in overhead”instead of “spending on overhead.” Make sure that you

are not damaging your future by over extending yourresources on your current activities.

Developing a networkRunning your own business can be very lonely. It isdifficult to know what you should be doing regardingmany aspects of your business. It can be very hard to findout what is best for ensuring your long-term success.The more information that you have, the more likely itis that you will make the best decisions.

With that in mind I very strongly recommend younot only join your industry associations, but attend theirmeetings and conferences regularly and volunteer yourtime. You will get to spend some real quality time withother contractors and will be surprised to find that manyare having very similar problems to you, or have hadthem and can offer solutions. You will be able to stay upto date on codes, technology and all the otherdevelopments that are occurring within your industrysegment. Your associations offer excellent education andtraining programs. MCAC, HRAI, ORAC, RACCA,ASHRAE, TECA, COHA, etc. offer tremendous value.

The better informed you are, the more value you canadd to your customers. This added value entitles you tocharge more so that you can invest in overhead andother costs that have a long-term payoff.

What do you say to a homeowner about investing intheir heating system? Do you tell them that it is better tobuy a more expensive, efficient system that, in the long-term, will be less costly to operate and provide greaterindoor comfort? Apply this same thinking to yourbusiness. ✚


■ Shop Management

Ronald Coleman is a Vancouver-based accountant, management con sultant, author and educator spe cializing in the constructionindustry. He can be reached by e-mailat [email protected].

Or don’t cut costs to the point thatyour business can’t function

By Ron Coleman

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