December 2007 - Plumbing & HVAC

Volume 17 Number 6 November/December 2007 

Avoid leaks with this double-bottom tank. 

Feel secure, page 17 

Green 

Convert attic vents to solar-powered 

roof ventilators. 

Go green, page 21 

Canadian Mail Sales Product Agreement #40063170. Registration 10796. Return postage guaranteed NEWCOM Business Media Inc. 451 Attwell Drive, Toronto, Ontario M9W 5C4 

Circle Number 100 for More Information 

Builders 

Shifting with the times 

INSIDE 

• Furnace sizing rules questioned 

• Some P.E.I. homeowners could face cold winter 

• Looming shortfall threatens refrigerant program 

• Air conditioning market cools down 


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Builders Issue 

In This Issue 

Departments 

Hot Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 

Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 

People & Places . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 

Coming Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37 

Literature Showcase . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38 

Shop Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38 

Products & Technologies 

Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 

Ventilation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 

Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 

Refrigeration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 

Pipes, Valves & Fittings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 

Faucets & Fixtures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 

Builders go green 12 

Demand, pending codes drive new 

strategy 

meets demands 

exceeds expectations 

Double-bottom 15 

New oil tank design cures leaks 

Intelligence. Efficiency. On Demand. 

Power. Efficiency. Ultimate Flexibility. 

The new cargo vans 30 

Major upgrade for popular model 

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Giving back 34 

Contractor finds unique way to 

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Versatile Efficient 

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Cover photo: Plumber Bill Sinclair, left, 

and builder Andy Oding have 

embraced green technology. 

(Photo by Simon Blake) 


www.plumbingandhvac.ca November/December 2007 – Plumbing & HVAC Product News 3

cHoice 

2 

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Hot Seat 

November/December 2007 

Volume 17, Number 6 

ISSN 1499-5271 

Too much research? 

An audible groan erupted at the 

annual meeting of one industry 

association recently as yet another 

study on manpower shortages was 

reported. The reaction shouldn’t have 

come as a surprise to anyone. 

Contractors and wholesalers that deal 

with the issue every day are looking for 

concrete steps to draw young people 

into the industry and appeared disappointed 

to hear about an academic 

research project to “determine the scope 

of the problem.” 

Everyone is already aware that many 

of the skilled tradesmen in this industry 

are getting older and will soon be retiring, 

joining many of their fellow workers 

that have already left. Too many 

owners are working the tools because 

they can’t find skilled workers. 

Wholesalers are having difficulty 

recruiting reliable employees with the 

required mechanical aptitude. 

Numerous older workers entered the 

industry through the high school shop 

programs that long served as a key 

recruiting arena for contractors and 

wholesalers, not to mention manufacturers. 

With that factor largely eliminated 

by academics intent on ensuring that 

everybody gets a university education, 

the industry disappeared from the radar 

screen of young people over the past 30 

or so years. A new way is needed to draw 

today’s youth and those of the future. 

It’s not that nothing is happening. 

Various groups are already making efforts. 

The Skills Canada program, the 

Mechanical Contractors Association of 

Canada student chapters and the 

Canadian Institute of Plumbing & 

Heating Co-op program, to name a few, 

are excellent steps in the right direction. 

Some provincial governments are running 

television advertising and other 

marketing to draw attention to their 

apprenticeship and trades programs – a 

welcome step that was long overdue. 

Several associations offer scholarships 

to help students cover the cost of 

attending school in an industry-related 

field. This is also helpful. 

But what really needs to occur is a 

change in mindset. Marketing the 

industry to youth should not be a 

response to a particular crisis nor 

should it depend on the “scope of the 

problem” and how the situation looks 

in the future. 

Marketing this industry to youth 

needs to be an ongoing and permanent 

effort. It needs to become a key mandate 

for every major association and 

every provincial government. 

While the need to study the issue and 

project labour requirements is not 

totally irrelevant, it is only a small part 

of a much bigger issue. The mechanical 

Heat Transfer Coils & 

Corrosion Protection Coatings 

industry does not have any significant 

way to plant the thought of a plumbing 

or HVACR career into the minds of 

Canada’s youth. 

A permanent national marketing 

program could go a long way in providing 

an ongoing pool of candidates to 

work in this industry. Do we need 

another study? Groan … 

From all of us at P&HVAC, we wish 

our readers and advertisers a joyful 

Christmas and all the best in 2008! 

Announcement 

Longtime Refrigeration 

columnist John 

Carr has decided to 

put away his typewriter 

after 10 years 

of writing his entertaining 

investigative 

John Carr 

troubleshooting stories 

and other features for Plumbing 

and HVAC Product News. We are 

grateful for his contribution to the 

magazine over the years and wish him 

all the best in the future. 

■ New Coil Applications 

■ Exact Coil Replacements 

■ Rapid Delivery 

■ Heresite Protective Coatings 

Editor 

Simon Blake 

(416) 614-5820 

sblake@newcom.ca 

Contributors 

Ron Coleman 

Roy Collver 

Barry Cunningham 

Ed Gravelle 

Arthur Irwin 

Publisher 

Mark Vreugdenhil 

(416) 614-5819 

mark@plumbingandhvac.ca 

Regional Sales Manager 

Jordan Chong 

(416) 614-5832 

jordan@plumbingandhvac.ca 

Design and Production 

Tim Norton 

production@nytek.ca 

Circulation Manager 

Pat Glionna 

Corporate Services 

Anthony Evangelista 

PLUMBING & HVAC PRODUCT NEWS Magazine is 

published six times annually by NEWCOM Business 

Media Inc. 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. 

Head Office 

NEWCOM Business Media Inc. 

451 Attwell Drive, Toronto, 

Ontario, Canada M9W 5C4 

Tel: (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 

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Agreement No. 40063170. Postage paid at Toronto, 

ON. Annual Subscription: $34.00 plus $2.04 GST, 

single copy $5.00 plus $0.30 GST in Canada; 

United States $40.00 U.S. One year subscription 

in U.S.: $40.00 US, One year subscription foreign: 

$65.00 U.S. 

Copyright 2007. The contents of this magazine 

may not be reproduced in any manner without the 

prior written permission of the Publisher. 

Madok Manufacturing is the 

Canadian licencee for 

Heresite Protective Coatings Inc. 

Manitowoc, WI 

MANUFACTURING LIMITED 

50 Morrell St., Brantford, Ontario N3T 4J5 

Tel (519) 756-5760 Fax (519) 756-5768 

mail@madok.com www.madok.com 

We acknowledge the financial 

support of the Government of 

Canada through the Publications Assistance 

Program toward our mailing costs. 

PAP Registration No. 10796 

A member of: 

Canadian Institute of Plumbing & Heating 

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Mechanical Contractors Assoc. of Canada 

Ontario Plumbing Inspectors Association 

American Society of Heating Refrigerating & 

Air Conditioning Engineers 

Heating Refrigeration and Air Conditioning 

Institute of Canada 

Refrigeration Service Engineers Society of Canada 


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Industry News 

In Brief 

Inefficient homes 

The majority of Canadian 

provinces and territories have 

inadequate energy efficiency 

requirements, according to a 

report by the Consumers Council 

of Canada. The report – Energy 

Efficiency in Building Codes – 

states “that in some jurisdictions 

home buyers are being told that 

their new home meets the building 

code while the levels of insulation 

and the quality of windows 

used in the construction of the 

home are woefully inadequate and 

often result in huge energy bills.” 

The group has made a number of 

recommendations, including the 

adoption of energy efficiency as a 

core objective in the 2010 

National Building Code, reports 

HRAI. 

Wolseley combines units 

Wolseley Canada has, for the first 

time, combined all five of the 

company’s divisions under one 

roof at a new location in Mount 

Pearl, Nfld. Located at 9 Corey 

King Drive in the Kenmount 

Business Park, the 28,000 sq. ft. 

branch features products from 

Wolseley’s residential plumbing, 

commercial mechanical, HVAC/R, 

waterworks and industrial groups. 

Hydronic code update 

The CSA B214 installation code 

for residential hydronic heating 

systems is one step closer to 

becoming mandatory in the 

National Building Code. Both the 

Part 6 (best engineering practices) 

and Part 9 (mandatory) 

Standing Committees have agreed 

to reference it in the 2010 

National Building Code, reports 

the Canadian Institute of 

Plumbing & Heating (CIPH). It is 

scheduled for public review in the 

fall of 2008. 

ICI construction thrives 

Growth in Canada’s non-residential 

industrial/commercial/institutional 

construction sector has 

been on a sustained upward trend 

since the middle of 2003, reports 

Statistics Canada. Sustained commercial 

investment in Alberta and 

Central Canada drove non-residential 

investment to $10.4 billion 

in the third quarter of 2007, 

up 4.9 percent from the second 

quarter. The latest increase was 

primarily due to the construction 

of major office buildings in 

Alberta, Ontario and Quebec, with 

Calgary, Toronto and Montreal 

making the largest gains. Total 

building permit value in the 

commercial sector came in at 

$6.2 billion, up 5.2 percent. 

HVAC sizing rules questioned 

CSA standard outdated, say HRAI members 

By Simon Blake 

Over-sizing of equipment is a significant 

problem within the HVAC 

industry, so much so that members 

of the Heating, Refrigeration and 

Air Conditioning Institute of Canada 

(HRAI) have decided to do something 

about it. But the vote at the HRAI 

National Assembly Sept. 15 didn’t pass 

without considerable controversy. 

In fact the initial proposal – “a coordinated 

effort is required to begin 

effective enforcement of right-sizing of 

replacement HVAC equipment…” – 

ended up dramatically modified by the 

time members of the entire group were 

asked to vote on it. 

“We’ve oversized where we have followed 

the best rules there are,” 

remarked Barry Bowman (Bowman 

Mechanical, Guelph, Ont.). 

“We’ve oversized where 

we have followed the 

best rules there are.” 

He said the first step must be to 

update the CSA F280 standard for sizing 

heating equipment, noting that it 

was created prior to the advent of high 

efficiency equipment, heat recovery 

ventilators (HRVs) and modern tight 

homes. “I was looking at the list of people 

that were involved and most of them 

are dead,” he quipped. 

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Bowman pointed to recent research 

in Manitoba by John Hockman (J.L. 

Hockman Consulting Inc., Winnipeg) 

that showed actual gas consumption on 

a typical furnace through a frigid 

Manitoba winter was 25 to 30 percent 

less than it should have been according 

to F280 tables. 

Equipment changes 

As well, a number of contractors noted 

that modern equipment has made oversizing 

largely an issue of the past. 

“CMHC (Canadian Mortgage and 

Housing Corporation) has found that 

you can oversize high efficiency (multiple 

stage) furnaces and it doesn’t have 

the same impact,” said Brian Baker 

(Custom Vac Ltd., Winnipeg). 

However, Hockman, who was a speaker 

at the conference, 

said he has seen a 

number of installations 

where multistage 

furnaces never 

fire above the first 

stage. 

And there are 

variables that are 

difficult to accurately 

calculate. “The key 

factor is the infiltration 

rate of the building; it dramatically 

changes the heat loss,” noted Bob 

McKeraghan (Canco ClimateCare 

Heating & Air Conditioning, 

Newmarket, Ont.) “That’s why the 

blower door test (required by the former 

federal EnerGuide for Houses program) 

is so important – we used to nail 

that infiltration.” 

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Quality work 

Several questioned why this should be an 

issue for HRAI member contractors 

given the training and qualifications that 

their employees are required to have. 

“If we are qualified contractors we 

should be doing quality work,” said 

John Bosanac (Bosanac Heating & 

Electric Ltd., Hamilton, Ont.), adding 

that he would replace a furnace where a 

dramatic mistake in sizing occurred. 

The “effective enforcement” aspect 

of the proposal raised considerable 

concern and was eventually deleted. 

Martin Luymes, HRAI vice president, 

said that in practice “effective enforcement” 

would likely mean that municipalities 

would require a heat gain/loss 

calculation in order to approve a retrofit. 

However, said Wayne Langford, 

Design Air Climatecare, Thornhill, 

Ont., “Some municipalities tell us not 

to submit that for a retrofit because it 

would bog down the permit process.” 

And several contractors said the last 

thing they need is more government 

regulation. 

The National Assembly eventually 

passed the motion, but by that time it 

been considerably broadened in scope. 

Members voted to have the organization 

develop a long-term action plan 

for ensuring that HVAC equipment is 

right-sized in both residential and 

commercial applications. 

“We’ve got to get this started because 

every one of our customers already 

thinks we do this…” remarked former 

chairman John Murphy (J.E. Murphy 

Heating & Air Conditioning, Windsor, 

Ont.). 




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Industry News 

Tardy P.E.I. residents 

could face cold winter 

Many Prince Edward Island 

homeowners had yet to have 

their heating oil tanks inspected 

as the Sept. 1 deadline passed. The 

province estimated there were still 

3,500 to 5,000 outstanding by mid- 

October. Oil dealers are prohibited 

from delivering to those homes under 

the province’s Home Heating Tank 

Program, implemented in June of 2001 

to reduce the number of oil spills that 

occur each year. 

“Once the cooler evenings and cooler 

days come it will precipitate the majority 

of (home owners) who can afford it 

to get it done,” said Ralph Moore, program 

co-coordinator for the Dept. of 

Environment, Energy and Forestry. 

Many people left it to the last 

minute and contractors were inundated 

with calls as the winter heating season 

drew near, he added. By mid- 

October about 43,000 of the island’s oil 

tanks had been registered and inspection 

reports were “coming in daily by 

the 100s,” with 5,000 registered since 

Aug. 1. The P.E.I. government has no 

plans to change the deadline given the 

long period allowed for homeowners 

to upgrade their systems. 

There are about 300 licensed inspectors 

in P.E.I., of which about 250 are 

also licensed installers. Moore expected 

that they would be able to cope with the 

backlog prior to the onset of winter. 

To date, the government has also 

rejected proposals for a homeowner 

assistance program. “Working with the 

oil providers and the industry, we hope 

to get a better handle on how many out 

there cannot afford it… Senior government 

officials will have to determine 

whether there’s going to be a financial 

package,” said Moore. 

The program has reduced oil spills 

substantially. There were 88 reported in 

2006 versus 217 in 2001. Even 88 is 

high, he notes. “It’s people who have 

procrastinated or have much older 

systems or it’s from a previous oil spill.” 

Inspectors are required to report all 

spills, even if it’s just a stain on the floor 

that is evidence of a previous spill. “Half 

of our spills are under five litres.” 

Moore expects that once all of the 

tanks have been inspected and brought 

up to specification, the number of incidents 

will be significantly lower. 

For more information, Moore can be 

reached at (902) 368-5042. 

AC sales down 

It hasn’t been a great year for air conditioning 

sales, according to figures 

released by the Heating, Refrigeration 

and Air Conditioning Institute of 

Canada. 

Residential air conditioning shipments 

increased eight percent from 

50,202 units in the third quarter of 

2006 to 54,132 units in the third quarter 

of 2007. However, year-to-date 

shipments decreased 12 percent from 

232,913 at the end of the third quarter, 

2006, to 205,051 at the same time 

this year. 

Shipments of ductless split systems 

are also down, decreasing six percent 

from 6,924 in the third quarter of 2006 

to 6,483 this year. Year-to-date shipments 

are down 10 percent, from 

46,249 units in 2006 to 41,834 at the 

end of the third quarter, 2007. 

Things aren’t much better on the commercial 

side. Shipments slipped four percent 

from 12,418 units (2006) to 11,923 

in the third quarter (2007). Year-to-date, 

shipments are down three percent from 

33,340 in 2006 to 32,275 this year. 

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Chiller bookings decreased nine percent 

from 203 (2006) to 185 in the third 

quarter of 2007. Year-to-date shipments 

are down four percent from 611 in 2006 

to 586 in 2007. 

On the heating side, residential furnace 

shipments increased one percent 

from 95,757 units in the third quarter of 

2006 to 97,027 in 2007. Year-to-date 

shipments are up slightly from 217,648 

to 217,671 at the end of the third 

quarter, 2007. 

Unit heater shipments increased by 

four percent from 11,441 in the third 

quarter of 2006 to 11,920 in the third 

quarter of 2007. However, year-todate 

shipments are down three percent 

from 28,560 in 2006 to 27,719 in 

2007. 

Figures for residential and commercial 

boilers were unavailable, although 

the Canadian Institute of Plumbing & 

Heating (CIPH) reports that hydronic 

heating (all components) is up 8.6 

percent to the end of September. There 

is currently no reporting system for 

boiler sales. 

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Industry News 

MCAC moves forward 

on major initiatives 

Significant progress on service contractor division 

The Mechanical Contractors Association 

of Canada is making significant 

progress on two of its major 

initiatives, about 250 delegates and 

guests heard at the organization’s annual 

conference in Ottawa Sept. 19-22. 

MCAC expected to have fundraising 

efforts in support of a new national 

standard for commissioning mechanical 

systems wrapped up by the end of 

the year, MCAC president Richard 

McKeagan told P&HVAC in an interview 

following the conference. 

As the lead organization on this initiative, 

MCAC is spearheading efforts to 

raise the $125,000 that it will cost the 

Canadian Standards Association (CSA) 

develop and implement the standard. 

“We’re getting there,” he reported, 

noting that MCAC has contributed over 

$36,000 and the Canadian Construction 

Association has added another 

$15,000 with a number of other major 

stakeholders such as government agencies 

and engineers on the cusp of making 

significant donations. Donations 

from individual contractors are not 

being sought. 

“The stakeholder groups all agree 

that this is needed, whether they contribute 

or not.” No specific date has 

been set for implementing the standard. 

“The only timeline is ‘as soon as possible,’” 

reported McKeagan. 

Service contractors 

The new MCAC service contractors 

division – The Mechanical Service 

Contractors Division of Canada – is 

now fully operational with the final 

details on funding, operation and other 

issues finalized at the conference. 

“Now it’s just a matter of actively 

providing the services,” noted McKeagan. 

One of the primary objectives is to provide 

educational programs that are specific 

to the service sector. A course on service 

dispatching will begin as soon as dates 

and locations can be established. Service 

marketing courses are in the works. 

A number of membership discount 

programs have been established with 

suppliers including one recently 

announced that offers a substantial discount 

on Chrysler vehicles. 

A full day was devoted to the service 

contractors Sept. 19 with a peer group 

panel discussion on goals and objectives 

for the organization in the morning and 

a session on people management in the 

afternoon. 

(Please see ‘MCAC’ on page 33) 

In Brief 

Ont. gas apprenticeship 

The Ontario Technical Standards 

and Safety Authority (TSSA) is 

investigating the possibility of 

establishing an apprenticeship 

program for gas certification. 

TSSA recently met with contractor 

groups, unions and colleges to 

discuss the issue, reports HRAI. 

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Man. apprenticeship 

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The Manitoba government has 

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with industry, colleges, etc. and 

recommend changes to its current 

apprenticeship program to meet 

the needs of the province’s labour 

market in the future. Leonard 

Harapiak chairs the 12-member 

body. 

SYSTEM CONTROLS 

MANIFOLDS ACCESSORIES 

XPA ® 

COMPOSITE PIPE 

COHA conference 

dates announced 

The Canadian Oilheat Association 

will hold its 25th annual conference 

in Ottawa May 28-30. 

Oilheat 2008 will take place at 

the Brookstreet Hotel in Kanata, 

Ont. For more information, call 

1-800-257-1593 or visit 

www.coha.ca. 

Habitat gala evening 

The Canadian Institute of 

Plumbing & Heating (CIPH) will 

hold a gala evening and auction 

to raise money for Habitat for 

Humanity on the eve of 

CMX/CIPHEX 2008, Canada’s 

largest mechanical trade show. 

The event will take place at the 

Fairmont Royal York Hotel March 

26. Canadian comedian and actor 

Brent Butt of Corner Gas fame 

will entertain. Both live and silent 

auctions will take place. For 

tickets or further information, 

call (416) 695-0447 or visit 

www.ciph.com. 

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Cover Story 

Builders go green 

Buyers, pending code changes drive new focus 


Bill Sinclair, left, and Andy Oding 

discuss the drainwater heat recovery 

system in the Heritage LEED home. 

Meet the family of 

Weil-McLain heating 

products: clean, 

quiet, dependable, 

trusted and efficient. 

From our 

family to yours. 

Visit www.weil-mclain.ca 

for more information. 

The plumbing and HVACR industry 

has long lamented that new homebuilders 

and their customers put 

granite countertops, carpets and 

numerous other style features ahead of 

efficient HVAC and plumbing systems. 

But that trend is changing quickly as 

increasing energy costs and impending 

legislation has progressive builders 

working to stay ahead of the pack. 

“It’s going to be standard practice. 

Either you get on the train now and 

benefit from being ahead of the group 

or you get forced into it later by the 

codes,” says Andy Oding, manager of 

product development for Reid’s 

Heritage Homes in Cambridge, Ont. 

“We’re taking the approach that we 

want to be ahead of the curve, rather 

than just behind it or riding it,” reported 

Daniel Guizzetti, president, Empire 

Communities, Thornhill, Ont. The 

EnergyStar program has become a useful 

sales tool, he added. “If anything, 

EnergyStar assists in highlighting performance 

related components of the 

home such as the HVAC system… 

Nobody really gets turned on by the 

HVAC, but when you start putting it in 

the context of environmental friendliness, 

a reduction in greenhouse gases 

and saving costs on your energy bill versus 

a traditionally built home, that gets 

their attention.” 

Both builders construct all homes to 

EnergyStar standards. “Building energy 

efficient homes has its root simply in 

better building practices… one of the 

things that really pushed us towards 

it was as a quality control measure,” 

said Oding. 

To gain EnergyStar certification the 

completed home must be submitted to 

an energy use audit that includes the 

blower door test for air infiltration – 

just as existing homes must do to 

qualify for the federal ecoEnergy 

retrofit program. “If there’s an issue, 

that often brings it to light… you are 

testing how the house will perform,” 

reports Guizzetti. A full-time Empire 

employee is responsible for EnergyStar 

quality assurance and conducts all 

energy audits. 

The technologies 

Both companies have, in recent months, 

drawn considerable attention for their 

green building practices. 

The Reid home in Guelph, Ont., is 

the first private home in Canada built to 

the LEED (Leadership in Energy and 

Environmental Design) Platinum standard. 

Heating and cooling are provided 

Patriarch 

Strong, 

silent type 

Always 

in hot water 

Daniel Guizzetti, centre, inspects the hydronic system with Julia Kierans and 

Empire Communities vice-president Paul Golini Jr. in the Empire Discovery Home. 

by a Stream geothermal system from 

Clean Energy Developments (CED), 

Toronto, with solar DHW. Basically, it’s 

a three-ton vertical borehole closed 

loop system with solar panels on the 

roof that heat domestic hot water and, 

during the summer, dump excess heat 

back into the ground. The solar panels 

add about 12-15 percent efficiency to 

the geothermal system. 

Developing a system that fit the 

needs of a production builder wasn’t 

easy. CED designed it, supplied the 

equipment, drilled the boreholes and 

hired the trades – all as one package. 

Clean freak 

promotion 

coming 

January 

2008 

Role model 

Look 

for our 

“What they brought to us was a turnkey 

system,” said Oding. 

Many small things resulted in further 

efficiency gains. For example, 

sealed ducts helped considerably. In 

two previous systems, one sealed and 

one not, a pressure test and flow measurements 

clearly showed the benefit, he 

reported. 

A Power Pipe drain water heat recovery 

system, by RenewABILITY Energy 

Inc., Waterloo, Ont., picks up heat from 

water that is going down the drain and 

uses it to pre-heat DHW. “It adds efficiency 

to the existing water system 

without any bells and whistles … and it 

doesn’t affect the flow rates.” 

One gpm faucets and showerheads 

from Moen and dual flush toilets 

conserve water, as does a rainwater 

recovery system that feeds into a cistern 

for non-potable water use like toilet 

flushing. 

The Empire Communities Discovery 

Home in Brantford, Ont. is designed to 

showcase “various things that could be 

done to make any home EnergyStar 

qualified,” said Guizzetti. 

Tel: 905-456-8300 

Fax: 905-456-8582 E-mail: info@weil-mclain.ca 

The LEED home features a ground 

source heating system. 


12 Plumbing & HVAC Product News – November/December 2007 www.plumbingandhvac.ca

It features a state-of-the-art hydronic 

heating system with radiant floor heating 

in the basement slab over two inches 

of Styrofoam insulation. The remainder 

of the home is heated and cooled by 

a multi-stage forced air fancoil. 

Considerable effort went into right-sizing 

the equipment for the home, 

reported contracts manager Domenic 

Del Pallaro. 

The first thing that strikes visitors about the 

Heritage LEED Platinum home (left) and the 

Empire Discovery Home is that they are typical 

Ontario subdivision homes. 

LEED for homes 

Leadership in Energy and 

Environmental Design (LEED) 

is an internationally recognized 

standard that promotes the 

design and construction of high 

performance green homes. It 

promotes superior energy and 

water use efficiency, healthy 

indoor air quality, more effective 

use of materials and lower 

overall environmental impact. 

Buildings are judged in five principal 

LEED categories: 

• Sustainable sites 

• Water efficiency 

• Energy and atmosphere 

• Materials and resources 

• Indoor environmental 

quality 

An additional category, 

Working with a green builder 

Innovation & Design Process, 

The move to green building practices 

covers sustainable building 

requires a close partnership between the 

expertise and design measures 

builder and the trades. “The idea of 

not covered in the key categories. 

simply throwing a house plan at a trade 

Project ratings are certi- 

and saying ‘Make it work!’ doesn’t 

fied based on the total points 

happen anymore,” says Oding. “There 

score. There are four possible 

has to be more co-operation, and that’s An energy recovery ventilator (ERV) in the LEED home provides ventilation, levels of LEED certification: 

not just on the trades’ part; that’s on the heat recovery and moisture control. 

certified, silver, gold and platinum. 

builder’s part.” 

As well, it forces the builder to distinguish 

loop and clearly labeled to avoid future cost – an unrealistic amount for most The program in Canada is 

between contractors. “All of a mixups. “If someone goes into the ceil- 

home buyers. However, Oding esti- 

administered by the Canadian 

sudden you start to distinguish between ing to tie a water line in, there are labels mates that the cost of building strictly Green Building Council 

your trades that are skilled and actually that say potable or non-potable,” said to the LEED Platinum standard would (www.cagbc.org) and, at this 

understand how the active systems in Sinclair. 

add about $80,000 while building to point, applies only to institutional 

the home like plumbing and mechanical 

The move to more energy efficient the basic LEED Certified level would 

and commercial build- 

have to work alongside the passive.” building methods and equipment add about $12,000. Building to ings. As a result, Reid’s 

It took two years to get trades, management 

comes with a cost, but not as much as EnergyStar adds only $5,000 to the Hertitage Homes worked with 

and sales staff up to speed. one might expect. The sustainable home’s selling price – a barely notice- 

the U.S. Green Build Council 

Reid’s brought in a number of experts design upgrades on the Heritage LEED able cost over the life of a 15 to 25-year on its Platinum Home project. 

in R-2000 and EnergyStar construction home added about $150,000 to the mortgage. 

to conduct full-day seminars for staff 

and primary trades “so that they could 

understand objectively why we are 

doing this,” added Oding. 

Standard details, the need to go to 

higher efficiency furnaces with ECM 

85% Water Savings 

motors, duct design, and other related 

factors were all discussed in detail. 

Do you have a project that would High 

Empire Communities went through 

benefit from 85% water savings? 

a similar process, working with consultants, 

trades and suppliers to carefully 

Zurn EcoVantage Pint Urinal Systems 

Performance, 

review drawings, material usage and 

provide clean, odorless operation and 

Patent Pending 

deliver water and money savings. 

construction practices. The company 

brought in experts to do installation 

The Pint is ideal for hospitals, schools, 

Low Maintenance 

sessions with their contractors. 

institutions, and many other ICI projects. 

Building tighter homes affects all the 

other systems. The changes weren’t 

Contact Zurn for more information on a 

in a Pint Sized 

technically complex, but they had to be 

special offer for an installation sample. 

kept in mind while doing the plumbing 

Package 

Send an e-mail to pintpromo@zurncanada.com 

on the Reid Platinum home, reported 

Bill Sinclair, manager of Paton Bros. 

Reference the promo code “Pint85” with your inquiry. 

Ltd., Waterloo, Ont. 

www.zurn.com 

This meant things like keeping the 

drain piping rough-in lower to allow 

ZURN INDUSTRIES LIMITED 3544 NASHUA DRIVE 

for underslab insulation and ensuring 

MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO, CANADA L4V 1L2 

that enough space was left on the 

PHONE: 905/405-8272 FAX: 905/405-1292 

drain stack to allow the installation 

of drain water heat recovery. 

Piping had to be re-routed to accommodate 

the geothermal ground 



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Heating 

Double-bottom 

New steel oil tank design a breakthrough for industry 

By Art Irwin 

The residential 

oil heat industry 

could be 

compared to a 

tough-as-nails 

street fighter that 

has had many 

lengthy fights and 

come out the winner, but not without a 

few bruises. 

These nasty obstacles first appeared 

around the time of our energy crisis in 

the seventies when the federal government 

came out with its industry crippling 

Off Oil program. Oil prices escalated 

and caught everybody off guard. 

Insulation levels in homes had previously 

been marginal, mainly because oil 

was only nineteen cents per gallon. 

Average burner efficiencies were in the 

sixties and seventies and stack temperatures 

were probably in the 600ºF range. 

Then came the flame retention burner 

which, I have always felt, was one of 

the saviors of the oil heat industry. 

Heating appliance manufacturers went 

back to the drawing boards and developed 

new and more efficient heat 

exchangers in boilers and furnaces. 

Coupled with the flame retention concept, 

efficiencies rose to the 80 percent 

range. Stack temperatures dropped to 

about 300°F and the industry began 

marketing heating appliances that were 

much more energy efficient. 

But wait, another hurdle just projected 

its ugly head – those low stack temperatures 

brought us the condensing 

chimney, another rather messy situation 

with its corrosive acids leaching 

out through the mortar! Then, through 

much experimenting and research, the 

power venter was born. Then came 

direct vent and the stainless steel chimney 

liner. Now we are off and running 

again and another hurdle is crossed. 

At this stage, there were many very 

efficient heating appliances in the marketplace 

that provided the consumer 

with lower heating costs and created a 

rather healthy heating industry. 

A thorny issue 

But wait, there is another glitch on the 

horizon, but don’t give up. Oil containment 

became a thorny issue and inter- 

spacing between bottoms in this 

Note the minimum 50mm (two-inch) 

nal tank corrosion became a major concern. 

It appears the problem became an 

cross-section. (Courtesy of ULC) 

issue almost overnight. In many cases, 

lack of code enforcement also resulted 

in oil spills. Many in the oil service 

industry were negligent and many service 

personnel did not even own a copy 

of the latest CSA B139 Installation Code 

for Oil Burning Equipment. 

Many believe the steel used in tank 

fabrication is not as good as in the past, 

but this is not the problem. Residential 

oil tanks must display a ULC label and 

the label indicates the tank was fabricated 

to the ULC S602 manufacturing stan- 


www.plumbingandhvac.ca November/December 2007 – Plumbing & HVAC Product News 15 

dard. If a tank is manufactured in 

British Columbia or in Newfoundland, 

it must be built under the same, very 

stringent guidelines. Every detail down 

to the pitch of the thread for each pipe 

connection is specified in the ULC code. 

Even a first rate X-ray welder can no 

longer build a tank for their friend or 

relative. No insurer would provide 

coverage. 

Speaking about insurers, oil spills 

became so common and so expensive 

that insurers stepped in and established 

a life expectancy for each type of tank. 

The high cost of a cleanup following an 

oil spill has become absurd and it would 

be unfair to blame the insurers. 

The majority of oil suppliers have 

established oil tank management programs 

that include tank inspections and 

a follow up over a specific time frame. 

There are still oil suppliers that have 

gotten out of service business and sold 

this segment of the operation to independents. 

As recently as two years ago, 

I was contracted by Canada’s largest 

tank manufacturer to give “better installation 

seminars” across Atlantic Canada 

and I found there were still installers 

who did not own their personal copy of 

the CSA B139 installation code. 

The new oil tanks 

But wait, things are improving! There 

are non-metallic fuel oil storage tanks 

being sold that provide greater protection 

and a longer life, but the additional 

cost has kept the overall percentage of 

sales relatively low. 

Probably the greatest improvement 

in oil storage tanks in over fifty years 

was the introduction of the bottom outlet 

tank. Corrosion on the inside bottom 

curvature of the tank has caused 

the greatest number of tank failures 

over the years. Water and corrosive 

sludge accumulates at this point. 

The conventional steel tank was constructed 

of fourteen-gauge steel. The 

new tank introduced in recent years is 

the twelve-gauge bottom outlet tank. 

That corrosive sludge will no longer 

remain in the tank and I feel this feature 

will eliminate countless future tank 

failures. 

Now we have an even greater improvement, 

the double bottom tank 

Granby Steel Tanks displayed the company’s new 14-gauge double-bottom oil 

tank at a recent Bardon Supplies trade show in Mississauga, Ont. Inset, the 

double bottom provides secondary protection. Any leak would be detected by 

the vacuum gauge, inset right. 

(sounds like something at Tim 

Horton’s) that will no doubt be a winner 

in oil containment. As we go to 

press, the new ULC S602 code that recognizes 

these tanks has just been 

released and the new models will be 

rolling off the assembly line. 

The new double-bottom tank will be 

constructed of 14-gauge steel, which 

means the tank will be lighter to carry 

down the basement steps than the 

twelve gauge tanks. The double bottom, 

of course, addresses the point of common 

failure of residential oil tanks. 

There will be a two-inch (50 mm) minimum 

space between the two tank 

bottoms. 

There must be a means of monitoring 

for leaks which can be an inspection 

port with gauge glass between the walls 

or a vacuum gauge connected to a monitoring 

tube, which extends to the top of 

the tank. (Editor’s note: In the Granby 

tank, for example, there is a vacuum 

between the tank bottoms. If a leak 

occurs the vacuum disappears, causing 

the vacuum gauge to read zero.) The 

consumer and the service person can 

easily check to ensure the primary tank 

bottom is intact. 

Stronger code enforcement is still 

needed to eliminate non-code compliant 

installations, but the double-bottom 

tank is a significant breakthrough 

and a victory in re-establishing heating 

oil as a safe and reliable energy source. I 

suppose if we humans had a double 

bottom, we could feel more confident 

about our future as well! 

Arthur A. Irwin operates Irwin Energy 

Consulting Services in Halifax. He can be 

reached at irwin.a@ns.sympatico.ca.

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Heating 

Large-diameter chimney 

The SM large-diameter chimney from 

Security Chimneys (Div. of Lennox) 

was developed for custom masonry fireplace 

installations and masonry flue 

extensions. It boasts 

two inches of 

high-temperature 

blanket 

mineral 

insulation 

that keeps the 

flue hot and diminishes the creation of 

voids that cause hot spots. Therefore, 

the chimney runs cooler and requires 

only 1” clearance to combustibles. Solid 

steel couplers add rigidity and protect 

the insulation from water infiltration. 

Security Chimneys Circle no. 300 

Efficient gas furnace 

The Tempstar SmartComfort DLX 95 

gas furnace offers up to 95 percent 

AFUE efficiency. They are available in 

60 MBtu/h to 100 

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and feature singlestage 

gas valve and 

ignition control, 

multi-speed prelubricated 

PSC blower 

motors, an induced-draft 

blower 

and in-shot burners, 

stainless primary 

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remote flame sensing and durable silicone 

igniters. 

International Comfort ProductsCircle no. 301 

Indirect-fired 

Roberts-Gordon Combat indirect-fired 

air turnover units, available in air volumes 

from 4,500 to 100,000 cfm, draw 

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recirculate it. Designed 

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they can be modified 

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Construction is galvanized 

steel with a 

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multiple-pass heat 

exchanger. There are a number of filtration 

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Roberts-Gordon Circle no. 302 

Double-bottom tank 

GreenShield steel oil tanks from Granby 

feature a double steel bottom with leak 

lighter than 14-gauge models and are 

polyurethane coated to resist corrosion. 

The warranty is up to 25 years. 

Granby Steel Tanks Circle no. 303 

Geothermal radiant heat 

The Energy Module Series geothermal 

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©2007 Uponor Ltd. 

Product Profile 

Efficient residential package unit 

Rheem Mfg. introduced its Prestige Series and 

Ruud Ultra Series gas-electric residential package 

unit at Comfortech 2007 Sept. 26 in St. 

Louis, Missouri. 

The RRRL-B is available in two to five-ton 

capacities with efficiency ratings up to 16.3- 

SEER. It features advanced diagnostic capability 

that monitors and analyzes data from the compressor 

The new Rheem/Ruud unit 

offers new efficiencies and 

diagnostic capability in a 

and thermostat, and can accurately detect the 

cause of electrical and system-related failures 

without any sensors. It offers “best-in-class” 

humidity control, as well as on-demand dehu- 

package unit. 

midification and on/off fan profiles, the manufacturer reports. 

Other key features include a Copeland two-stage Ultra-Tech scroll 

compressor equipped with Comfort Alert system diagnostics, variable speed 

blower motor, stainless steel tubular heat exchanger, high/low pressure 

switches and durable powder coated finish. 

Rheem Manufacturing introduced the package unit concept to the 

residential HVAC industry more than 30 years ago. 

Rheem Mfg. Co. Circle no. 305 

detection. If a leak occurs, it releases the 

vacuum between the two bottoms, 

causing a vacuum gauge in the top of 

the tank to read zero. Constructed of 

14-gauge steel, they are considerably 

Copper was the product of choice when buildings averaged two stories. 

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quick-installing Quick and Easy® fittings all work together to create a plumbing system that’s 

not only less expensive, but also more reliable than copper and other PEX products. To find out 

more, visit www.uponor.ca. 



Hot Water Heating 

Hybrid hydronic heating – the modern approach 

Multi-temperature systems require a new way of thinking 

By Roy Collver 

Our fearless(?) 

editor recently 

commented 

that there seemed to 

be a surge of interest 

in “hybrid” hydronic 

systems in the 

central Canadian 

market, and could I do a piece about 

such systems? I was a bit surprised, 

because these types of systems are more 

the rule than the exception in the West. 

Once more an example of how we have 

to be careful in our assumptions about 

the different regions in this stretchedout 

country of ours. 

Traditionally, hydronic heating systems 

used one type of heat “terminal 

unit” to deliver heat to a conditioned 

space. Historically, these were cast-iron 

radiators or fin-tube baseboard convectors. 

There are lots of them out there. 

These systems are relatively easy to 

install and control because they typically 

run at a single temperature at any 

given time. The components, including 

the boiler, evolved together so as to be 

compatible. When fuel was cheap and 

the only time you thought about carbon 

dioxide was when you opened a bubbly 

beverage, it made sense to design boilers 

that would run hot and heat terminal 

units that liked it hot. (See Fig. 1) 

A hot boiler kept the basement warm 

and avoided all kinds of problems like 

nasty flue gas condensation. Bonus, if 

you could supply hotter water to a radiator, 

you could make the radiator smaller, 

thus saving money on material and 

giving your customer more choices on 

where they could put the furniture. Life 

was good. 

FIG. 3: 

BOILER ? 

GLYCOL 

FEEDER/PRESSURIZATION 

TANK 

PRESSURE 

RELIEF 

VALVE 

DIRT 

SEPARATOR 

WITH DRAIN 

Recently, however, radiant floor and 

low temperature panel radiators 

became popular. The boilers designed 

for high temperature baseboards started 

to run into trouble. In the early days 

we didn’t think things through very 

well and we killed a lot of boilers 

because we forgot that flue gases start 

In an age when renewable resources have never been more crucial, copper 

has long been a leader. 

Copper... The Green Choice 

It’s Old. It’s New. It’s Copper. 

CIRCULATOR 

In the early days we didn’t 

think things through very well 

and we killed a lot of boilers… 

to condense at 135°F. Most slab-ongrade 

radiant floors run at temperatures 

far below that. Flue gas condensate 

contains hydrochloric acid that 

eats cast iron, steel and copper. Not 

good. 

Some people asked our European 

brethren how they dealt with the problem 

and they came through with a 

number of answers: four-way and 

three-way motorized mixing valves 

with outdoor reset controls, non-electric 

thermostatic mixing valves and 

other solutions soon came across the 

pond and a whole new level of complexity 

and control was added – but we 

weren’t killing boilers anymore. 

As a matter of fact, we started looking 

at our traditional systems and realized 

we had other issues. I remember 

putting a four-way valve on the cast 

iron radiation side of a house that had 

been added onto. The addition had 

baseboard radiators and the customer 

had nothing but problems. It seemed 

like a miraculous fix at the time as the 

baseboards could finally get sufficient 

heat without turning the rest of the 

house into a sauna. (See Fig. 2) 

Hybrid systems 

A strange thing has happened to our 

heating systems in the last forty years 

however. Consumers started demanding 

air conditioning and, as houses 

tightened up and became more energy 

efficient, codes started demanding 

whole-house ventilation. Enter the 

Copper has been used for more than 10,000 years, and it’s 100% recyclable. 

“hybrid” hydronic heating system. 

Virtually all products made from copper can be recycled. One of the most 

highly-visible uses of recycled copper is copper plumbing tube. So much so 

A hybrid system will use one or more 

that copper plumbing tube produced in Canada today is made up 

hydronic heat terminal units like radiant 

floors and towel warmers, while at 

of more than 70% of recycled copper. 

the same time supplying hot water to an 

Copper tube and fittings have provided dependable service 

air handling unit that uses a hot water 

for more than 70 years, and it’s estimated that over 

30 billion feet have been installed in plumbing systems 

coil instead of a gas or oil burner. The 

in houses and other buildings in North America. 

air-handling unit also handles the air 

Contact us today for more information on copper 

conditioning and ventilation tasks in 

plumbing systems. 

the house. 

It can get real tricky to put all of this 

CANADIAN COPPER & BRASS 

together without having some kind of 

DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION 

conflict – like a runaway radiant floor 

Toll Free: 1-877-640-0946 

heating the room while the air conditioner 

is pounding away trying to cool 

Fax: 416-391-3823 

E-mail: coppercanada@onramp.ca 

Web site: www.coppercanada.ca 

it. In many cases, we can also see an 

indirect domestic water heater added 


18 Plumbing & HVAC Product News – November/December 2007 www.plumbingandhvac.ca 

EXPANSION 

TANK 

AIR 

SEPARATOR 

HYDRAULIC 

SEPARATOR 

FAN COIL 

LOW TEMP RADIANT 

NEW HYDRONICS “HYBRID” MULTI-TEMPERATURE/MULTI-LOAD SYSTEM 

DHW 

3-WAY 

MIXING 

VALVE 

CHECK 

VALVE

along with such exotica as snow melting 

and floor warming. I know many people 

have a hard time wrapping their 

brain around some of the two temperature 

systems out there, but if you want 

to work with hybrid systems, you had 

better be prepared to deal with three 

and more water temperatures and all of 

the control and piping complexity that 

comes with them. The good news is, 

there is a whole bunch of help out there 

now and you don’t have to go it alone. 

Complex controls 

The simplest hybrid systems to deal 

with operate with only high temperature 

water, but they are few and far 

between. With a combination of fan 

coil and baseboard for instance, careful 

design will result in a system like our 

traditional high temperature one. Your 

only real concern will usually be in 

keeping the heating and cooling from 

fighting one another. More likely, 

however, is the multi-temperature 

multi-load system, and you had best 

recruit the help of one of the specialty 

control manufacturers or heating specialty 

wholesalers out there to assist in 

your design and help keep it all 

straight. 

Please drop me a line if you have any 

specific questions or concerns regarding 

the application of air handlers in 

hydronic systems. I will put together 

another article in the very near future 

that will go into some depth about 

some of the pitfalls and tricks in designing 

trouble-free residential hybrid 

systems. 

Now I don’t want to scare you away 

from these types of systems, because 

they are really the future of 

heating/cooling, but I am trying to urge 

you to educate yourselves. If you think 

it’s complicated now, just wait. You will 

notice in Fig. 3 that I’ve put a question 

mark after ‘boiler.’ You may also note 

the addition of other new gizmos, like 

hydraulic separators, glycol feeders and 

dirt separators. 

We are on the cusp of another round 

of significant technological advances. 

Many people in the industry are still 

trying to shift gears to modify their system 

designs to deal with condensing 

boilers. We are rapidly seeing the introduction 

of solar and geothermal heat 

sources as well as who knows what in 

the next few years. 

Renewables like wood and biofuels, 

along with digester gas, waste heat 

recovery, Stirling engines and district 

heat sources are going to come at us 

hard and fast, and the rules will change 

yet again. Get ready for it – we live in 

exciting times. 

Roy Collver operates Mechanical 

Systems 2000 in Calgary. He can be 

reached at royc@ms-2000.com. 

FRESH 

WATER 

SUPPLY 

BOILER 

SHUT 

OFF 

VALVE 

BACKFLOW 

PREVENTER 

PRESSURE 

RELIEF 

VALVE 

“Y” STRAINER 

WITH DRAIN 

PRESSURE 

REDUCING 

VALVE 

EXPANSION 

TANK 

AIR 

SCOOP 

CIRCULATOR 

HOT WATER 

TO RADIATORS 

(SUPPLY) 

WARM WATER 

FROM RADIATORS 

(RETURN) 

FIG. 1: 

TRADITIONAL “OLD STYLE” HIGH TEMPERATURE HYDRONIC SYSTEM 

FRESH 

WATER 

SUPPLY 

BOILER 

SHUT 

OFF 

VALVE 

BACKFLOW 

PREVENTER 

PRESSURE 

RELIEF 

VALVE 

“Y” STRAINER 

WITH DRAIN 

PRESSURE 

REDUCING 

VALVE 

EXPANSION 

TANK 

AIR 

SCOOP 

CIRCULATOR 

CIRCULATOR 

WARM WATER 

TO FLOOR 

(SUPPLY) 

COOL WATER 

FROM FLOOR 

(RETURN) 

FIG. 2: 

TRADITIONAL “OLD STYLE” LOW TEMPERATURE HYDRONIC SYSTEM 



Go ahead, 

TIGHTEN 

up your schedule. 

Installation is as simple as: 

Lube it Stab it Join it Drive it 

Easier install. No loose components. A safer work environment. 

Discover the advantages of the new Style 107 QuickVic TM rigid couplings. 

To meet today’s tight deadlines, contractors like you need faster, more reliable solutions. You need QuickVic rigid couplings — the next 

generation of pipe joining technology from Victaulic. They feature the patented installation-ready technology, so there is no need to 

disassemble. There are no loose components to drop or lose. And no noxious fumes, flame or welding to contend with. QuickVic rigid 

couplings reduce material handling and allow for consistent field installation to meet or exceed project schedules and decrease the risk 

of on-site injuries. They can be used in a wide range of applications and services. And are rated up to 500 PSI working pressure and 

feature the proprietary Grade EHP high performance gasket. 

Visit www.victaulic.com/quickvic to learn more 

about this revolutionary product. 

905.884.7444 • www.victaulic.com/quickvic 


Ventilation 

Powerful and quiet 

The AXC in-line duct fan from 

Continental Fan offers an air moving 

solution for commercial and residential 

applications 

where powerful 

yet quiet air 

delivery is required. 

Speed is 

controlled with 

the optional 

VSC3 solid state 

speed controller. This compact unit 

combines an efficient backward curved 

airfoil impeller and a shielded ball bearing 

motor in a rugged steel housing 

with baked epoxy finish for a maintenance 

free installation. 

Aeroflo Inc. Circle no. 306 

Accurate measurement 

Accurate airflow measurement in ventilation 

systems is becoming increasingly 

critical as better efficiencies are 

demanded. Kyllor 

airflow measurement 

systems from 

Automation Engineering 

Associates 

provide an accuracy 

of plus/minus 

three percent even 

in the most complex 

duct systems 

and in tough environments 

with high airborne particulate, 

reports the manufacturer. Accurate 

real-time measurement provides a solid 

base for verification of air balancing. 

Automation Engineering Circle no. 307 


Tight building HRV 

The SHR 6904 light commercial 690 CFM heat recovery 

ventilator (HRV) from Fantech is designed to complement 

today’s tight buildings. Ideal for applications like 

retail shops, hair salons and offices, it supplies continuous 

fresh air while exhausting an equal amount of stale 

air. A defrost system allows year-round operation. 

This unit uses two efficient German-made Ebm blower 

motors with backward curved blades and an aluminum 

cross-flow heat exchanger. There are four washable 

electrostatic air filters. Two half-inch drain spouts are 

provided and a drain pan covers the entire bottom of 

the unit. 

Control is by a three-position rocker switch (low, 

standby, medium) for continuous ventilation. A variety 

of optional external controls are also available. 

The automatic defrost sequence is activated at an 

outdoor air 

temperature of 

23ºF (-5ºC) 

and lower. 

The supply 

blower shuts 

down and the 

exhaust blower continues to ventilate for a few minutes. 

The unit then returns to normal operation and continues 

its cycle. 

The unit is easy to service. Cores, filters and drain 

pans can be accessed from both sides through hinged 

access panels. Cores slide out, as do blower motor 

plates. There is a quick connect for fast inspection of 

blowers. 

Fantech Circle no. 310 

Solar powered 

The Solar Star conversion kit converts 

attic vents into efficient solar-powered 

rooftop ventilators. The kit is ideal for 

converting 

gable vents, 

whirlybirds, 

dormer vents 

and electricpowered 

vents. It utilizes 

a 10- 

watt photovoltaic solar panel along with 

a high-performance brushless motor 

and a five-wing injection molded fan to 

maintain low humidity and temperature 

levels in the attic. 

Solatube International Inc. Circle no. 308 

Clean-room ventilation 

Flexaust Flexadux T-7 White is a flexible, 

medium-weight, white thermoplastic 

hose 

that is reinforced 

with a 

spring steel 

helix and operates 

over a - 

40°F to 250°F 

r a n g e . 

Featuring a 

smooth interior 

to promote efficient airflow, it is designed 

for a wide range of fume and dry 

material extraction applications in 

clean rooms. It is offered in standard 2” 

to 12” I.D. sizes and custom to 24” I.D. 

Flexaust Circle no. 309 

WHEN ARE 

MULTIPLE 

POINTS… 

TOO MANY POINTS? 

NEVER… 

when it comes to sealing a 

gas piping installation. 

With the Gastite XR2 fitting you can depend on the 

patent-pending multi-point seal. The new XR2 fitting 

is the only fitting of its kind in the industry. The 

sealing surface does not utilize the cut end of the 

tubing, so even the most unsightly cut will yield a 

tight seal. What's more there are no o-rings or 

gaskets, so the reusable brass components provide a 

reliable metal-to-metal installation. 

There's nothing fishy about it, just pure innovation. 

Call 800-662-0208 to take advantage of Gastite 

flexible gas piping and the new XR2 fitting. 

FEATURES & BENEFITS: 

• Compact Size & Reduced Weight 

• Patent-Pending Multi-Point Seal 

• No O-Rings or Gaskets 

• Less Torque Required 

• Minimal Threads to Travel 

• Metal-to-Metal Seal 

• Patented Jacket Lock ® 

• Reusable Components 


Metal-to-Metal 

Multi-Point Seal 

www.gastite.com/XR2 

XR2@gastite.com • (800) 662-0208

ALL-NEW 2007 DODGE RAM 3500 HEAVY DUTY 

CHASSIS CAB. IT’S ALL BUSINESS. 

KEY FEATURES 

• All-new commercial-grade chassis 

• Industry standard 860-mm (34-in.) frame rail spacing 

• Designed for quick, easy upfitter modifications 

• One piece C-channel frame with flat, clean mounting surface 

• Best-in-Class (1) standard V8 power (5.7L HEMI ® V8 330 hp, 375 lb-ft of torque) 

• Best-in-Class (1) steel frame (50,000 psi) 

• Best-in-Class (1) fuel tank 196L (43.3 imp. gal.) 

• Best-in-Class (1) standard GVWR for single rear wheel 4627 kg (10,200 lb) 

• Best-in-Class (1) interior passenger volume for Quad Cab ® models 3444L (121.6 cu. ft) 

compared to extended-cab models 

• Available with all-new 6.7L Cummins ® Turbo Diesel I-6 

For more information about the all-new Ram 3500 Heavy Duty Chassis Cab and how it can work for you, 

visit www.fleet.daimlerchrysler.ca or call 1 800 463-3600 and reference keywords: Chassis Cab. 

(1) 

Best-in-Class/Largest-in-Class claims based on preliminary 2007 model year competitve information 

available at time of printing. 

Cummins is a registered trademark of Cummins Engine Company, Inc. 

Jeep is a registered trademark of DaimlerChrysler Corporation used under licence by DaimlerChrysler Canada Inc. 


Controls 


New zoning panels 

remove the guesswork 

Honeywell’s TrueZONE system represents a quantum 

leap forward in zoning technology for the company. 

It has been creating zoning systems for 50 years and 

consulted extensively with HVAC contractors across 

North America to “re-invent zoning panels and make 

zoning truly effortless” in the latest version. 

As reported in the last issue of P&HVAC, getting a 

zoning system to work properly could be a real 

challenge with complex wiring, manual dip switches, 

master/slave thermostats, etc. 

TrueZONE panels dramatically reduce the required 

wiring and installation time with simple push-in 

terminals and an intuitive setup procedure. The 

panel features a digital display that guides the technician 

through the setup in plain English. There are 

four steps: 1) select equipment type; 2) select heat/ 

cool stages; 3) select number of zones and 4) select 

stage control. Common-sense LEDs indicate which 

zones are calling, what stage they are calling for 

(heat/cool) and when emergency heat is on. The 

checkout procedure is standardized regardless of the 

installation and requires only one technician. 

There are three models that work with virtually any 

manufacturer’s HVAC equipment. The TrueZONE 

HZ432 panel is for conventional, heat pump or dualfuel 

applications. It is a four-zone panel that is 

expandable up to 32 zones. In dual-fuel systems, it 

offers changeover based on outdoor temperature 

and/or thermostat staging. 

The TrueZONE HZ322 panel is for conventional 

and heat pump applications with up to three zones. 

The TrueZONE HZ311 panel is for use with conventional 

single stage equipment and up to three zones. 

A variable speed fan control reduces blower speed 

when only one zone is 

calling. Discharge temperature 

staging downstages 

equipment when the air 

temperature nears the 

limit. These units have a 

smaller footprint than previous 

panels and can be 

mounted almost anywhere 

– on the return duct, on a 

stud, on the wall, etc. 

Honeywell offers considerable 

support with a 

dedicated toll-free zoning 

hotline designed to 

The HZ432 panel can 

operate up to 32 zones. 

answer all technical questions ranging from system 

design to troubleshooting. As well, local Honeywell 

Contractor Development Specialists are available to 

provide on-site training and help with diagnostics. 

Honeywell Circle no. 311 

Digital transmitters 

Rotronic M2-series HydroClip humidity 

and temperature transmitters from 

Alpha Controls use digital technology 

to significantly improve humidity 

and temperature 

measurement in 

terms of accuracy, 

maintenance 

and calibration. 

Fully interchangeable 

probes eliminate 

maintenance downtime. 

Proven sensor technology provides 

± 1.5% RH / ±0.3° C accuracy and 

they have a long term stability of better 

than one percent RH per year. 

Alpha Controls Circle no. 312 

Blower motor control 

The CC750 Comfort Control Center 

from ICM Controls is a variable frequency/variable 

voltage blower motor 

speed control 

that enables the 

installer to finetune 

key parameters 

for advanced 

control 

of air quality 

and moisture 

levels at each individual 

installation. As a result, the 

unit effectively reduces humidity levels 

by removing excess moisture in the air, 

creating drier, more comfortable air. 

ICM Controls Circle no. 313 

Gas sampling system 

The MSA MultiGard Gas Sampling 

System uses a common set of analyzers 

for up to 32 locations. This fixed system 

detects CO, NO2, O2, and refrigerant 

gases and delivers the sample to up to 

UP TO 

21-SEER 

Fujitsu, the WISER choice in comfort. 

WARRANTY 

Have peace of mind 

with a 2-year parts 

warranty and a 

6-year compressor 

warranty. 

INDOOR AIR 

QUALITY 

Air that’s clean and 

free of pollutants. 

Our electronic 

plasma filtration 

absorbs odors 

and collects dust, 

cigarette smoke 

and pollen. 

SIZE 

Our ductless minisplits 

are packed 

with features but 

are up to 39% 

smaller than prior 

models. Cool 

spaces without 

compromising 

aesthetics. 

SMALLER 

EASIER 

BETTER 

WISER 

EFFICIENCY 

Save your 

customers money! 

Fujitsu’s new 

systems are up to 

110% more efficient 

than prior models. 

R410A 

Used in all our 

systems, this 

environmentally 

friendly refrigerant 

prevents the 

depletion of the 

ozone layer. 

four sensors or 

analyzers. Time 

sharing of central 

T H E P O S S I B I L I T I E S A R E I N F I N I T E 

analyzers reduces 

installation, 

operational and 

DISTRIBUTORS 

TERRITORIES 

maintenance 

THE MASTER GROUPE • 1675 Boul. De Montarville • Boucherville, QC J4B7W4 • (514) 527-2301 

NB, NS, ON, PE, QC 

expenses by eliminating 

multiple 

YORK INTERNATIONAL LTD • 2-2323 Winston Park Drive • Oakville, ON L6H6R7 • (800) 463-2604 

ON 

SINCLAIR SUPPLY LTD • 10914-120 Street • Edmonton, AB T5H3P7 • (780) 452-3110 

AB, BC, SK 

COMFORT CONNECTIONS • 80 Esna Park Drive • Unit 6 • Markham, ON L3R2R6 • (905) 946-1013 

ON 

systems. Setup is easily configured via 

REFRIGERATIVE SUPPLY • 3958 Myrtle Street • Burnaby, BC V5C4G2 • (604) 435-1313 

AB, BC, MB, SK 

the front touch-screen panel display. 

For more information visit fujitsugeneral.com 

MSA Circle no. 314 



The Astro Express Hot Water Re-Circulation System beats the competition in every 

category – hands down. 

IT’S STRONGER. With a precision-engineered forged-brass valve and a rugged 

circulator with the capacity of anything else on the market, it’s a clear winner for 

quality, durability and strength. 

IT’S FASTER. Our retrofit system doesn’t require a dedicated line, so you can 

install it in as little as 30 minutes flat. Quality parts and an adjustable flow rate mean 

zero maintenance, and our one-size-fits-all solution ensures you’ll always have the 

right model in your truck. 

IT’S SIMPLY BETTER. Designed to be the highest-quality, most dependable 

system on the market, the pump can handle the widest range of homes, from a small 

bungalow to a sprawling ranch-style house. The quality, comfort and convenience 

factors make it an easy upsell – and a great way to boost your sales and profitability. 

For more information please contact your local distributor. 

www.armstrongpumps.com/astroexpress 


10.303

Refrigeration 

Compressor failures revisited, Part III 

Massive compressor oil loss 

during first cold (morning) starts 

By Ed Gravelle 

Indoor compressors 

and rooftop 

refrigeration systems 

that do not 

have a 24-hour load 

and sit idle for a 

time will eventually 

reach the temperature 

of the surrounding air. The oil in 

the compressor base will be exposed to 

the refrigerant pressure at saturation 

and the first cycle of the compressor 

will start at its standing pressure. 

For example, if the compressor temperature 

is 60°F (16C), the pressure in 

the system and compressor oil sump 

will be 101 lbs. (F22). At 40°F (17.6C) it 

will be 68.5 lbs. 

The entire system will be exposed to 

this pressure, including the oil in the compressor 

base. Compressor oil has an affinity 

for refrigerant gases and will absorb 

them into a solution of gas 

and oil. 

The solution remains 

dormant until the compressor 

starts. When the 

compressor starts there is 

a rapid reduction in 

crankcase pressure. The 

effect on the oil/gas solution 

is the same as we see 

when a warm bottle of soda water has 

its cap popped off. The solution 

explodes into a violent mass of foaming 

water and CO 2 gas. 

The same thing occurs in a compressor 

when it starts. The pressure in the 

crankcase drops very rapidly, the gas 

being pumped through the compressor 

picks up the foaming mixture and we see 

a sudden temporary drop in the oil level 

of the compressor. The effect is more 

readily seen in larger compressors as they 

usually have a larger oil level sight glass. 

Right-size the piping 

If the piping is done right, the initial surge 

of oil will quickly pass through the system 

and return to the compressor. Once the 

initial mass of oil has made a trip through 

the system and returns to the compressor 

sump, some oil continues to be carried 

along with gas flow through the compressor 

during normal operation, but not 

anywhere near the amount lost during the 

first start of a cold compressor. 

Safe and continuous oil return has to 

be provided for by choosing pipe sizes 

and routing. Choosing pipe sizes that 

provide suction velocities between 1000 

and 2000 feet per minute (fpm) through 

horizontal runs and 1500 to 3000 fpm 

The effect on the oil/gas 

solution is the same as we see 

when a warm bottle of soda 

water has its cap popped off. 

on upward running pipe risers is best. 

Avoid traps and run downhill to the 

compressor whenever possible. When 

sizing pipe, pressure drop and velocity 

charts should be used. Do not increase 

pipe sizes without looking at the effect 

on velocity and oil return especially on 

long runs and vertical risers. 

On long runs that are not downhill to 

Fig 1: The effect of sizing long runs 

based on velocity and a three-degree 

pressure drop. 

the compressor, a little compressor 

capacity (three to four percent) may 

have to be taken rather than risk compressor 

failure due to sluggish oil return. 

Scroll compressors have small oil sumps 

and a little oil may have to be added to 

systems with long suction lines. 

Fig. 1 shows the effect of sizing long 

runs based on velocity and a threedegree 

pressure drop. 

Crankcase heaters 

While compressors are idle as gas is 

absorbed into solution with the oil, it 

remains as a gas due to the presence of a 

crankcase heater. The crankcase heater 

keeps the oil a little warmer than its surroundings 

and prevents the saturated gas 

in the oil from condensing into a liquid. 

Crankcase heaters must be active 

whenever compressors are idle, otherwise 

the oil’s affinity for refrigerant gas will 

end up as a compound of liquid refrigerant 

and oil rather than oil with absorbed 

refrigeration gas; this is far more dangerous 

than a compound of gas and oil. 

Equipment that has been off for a 

long time, especially outdoors without 

crankcase heaters turned on, should 

have the crankcase heaters energized for 

Why Copper for Gas Systems? 

Because copper natural gas and propane systems have among the 

lowest installed cost compared with steel pipe, corrugated stainless 

steel tube (CSST) and other competitive materials. 

To meet the demand for gas fireplaces, barbecues, and 

other appliances, builders and developers are using 

copper systems because of copper’s reputation for its 

ease of installation and affordability. 

For free copies of the Cost Comparison and our 

installation brochures, call toll free 1-877-640-0946 

or e-mail coppercanada@onramp.ca. We’ll include 

information on our training DVD’s. 

For more copper natural gas news, visit 

http://coppercanada.ca/naturalgas.htm regularly. 

CANADIAN COPPER & BRASS 

DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION 

Toll Free: 1-877-640-0946 

Fax: 416-391-3823 

E-mail: coppercanada@onramp.ca 

Web site: www.coppercanada.ca 

24 hours prior to startup. 

E.P. (Ed) Gravelle is a former contractor 

(Coast Refrigeration) and consultant 

on refrigeration, air conditioning and heating 

systems based in Brentwood Bay, B.C. 

He can be reached at epgco.08@shaw.ca. 

Temperature 

control is 

what we do… 

and we do it well. 

When designing domestic 

hot water systems, engineers 

look for the most durable mixing 

valve available to control water 

temperature. Those same engineers 

will find Leonard Valve 

Company. Our thermostatic solutions 

offer the fastest reaction 

time to temperature changes. 

These solutions have proven 

themselves in 

hundreds of 

thousands of 

applications. 

Leonard’s 

innovations 

are backed 

by a network 

developed 

to satisfy 

the most 

demanding 

professionals, with highly trained 

technical support. Whether 

it’s high-capacity systems 

or emergency mixing valves, 

Leonard has the right mix. 

Before your next project, be sure 

to visit www.leonardvalve.com, 

or call your free technical support 

hotline at 888.797.4456. 

Leonard...the right mix. 


Circle Number 129 for More Info 


Novel Mechanical uses the flameless 

ProPress ® System at University of Toronto 

Opened as a Women’s residence in 1904, 

Annesley Hall is one of the oldest remaining 

university residences in Canada. The stately 

architecture of the building’s exterior is equaled 

by the intricacy of the interior finishes. The age of 

the building also dictates where and how 

renovations can be made. The challenge in repiping 

the water service was to work within the 

confines of the original structure while connecting 

to the various renovations and new constructions 

that had been integrated into the original 

structure over the ensuing years. 

Fire is an ever present danger in heritage buildings and serious precautions must be taken. Add 

to this the fact that Annesley Hall was occupied at the time of the re-pipe and the constraints of 

tenant incursion became another issue to be managed. Upon hearing about Viega’s ProPress 

flameless copper fitting system, the University of Toronto’s Project Manager Mr. David Prediger’s 

interest was piqued. ProPress could speed the installation and eliminate soldered connections in 

most of the building. This meant that tenants would suffer less inconvenience and the dangers 

associated with an open flame in a heritage building would be mitigated. 

Viega’s District Manager- Nico Nirschl was contacted by local 

distributor Noble-Trade Supply and requested to make a 

presentation to the mechanical contractor on site, Novel 

Mechanical. The initial meeting with Novel’s Superintendent, 

Mr. Claudio Micoli went well, and with the support of Novel’s 

senior management and Novel Mechanical owner Pat 

Corapi, the job was on. As work progressed it was evident 

that the work which was scheduled to take much longer 

would be completed in only a few days. This was due in part 

to Novel’s shrewd strategy of piping the new ProPress 

connected system in parallel with the existing piping making 

it possible to complete the floor-by-floor tie-ins to the new 

system in minutes. This made it possible in some instances 

to waive the costly and time consuming requirement for 24 

hour notice of system shutdown. 

In completing the final stages of the project, a portion of the old system could not be shut down. 

As no piping leaks could be found, the hunt was on the find the source of the flow. It turned out 

that a leaking faucet was the source, and rather than having to isolate the riser and drain-down 

that portion of the system to replace the faucet, Mr. Micoli and his crew were able to make the 

ProPress connection under flow conditions. According to Micoli, “It was amazing how much time 

we saved.” 

For more information on Viega’s ProPress piping products, visit 

www.viega-na.com 

VIEGA CASE STUDY 

Viega LLC 

1-877-VIEGA-NA 

www.viega-na.com 


Refrigeration 

Modular leak detection 

The Emerson Modular Refrigerant Leak 

Detection Sensor uses photo-acoustic 

technology, thus eliminating pumps, filters, 

and pneumatic 

tubing. 

The diffusionbased 

technology 

uses normal 

air circulation 

to detect 

refrigerant 

leaks, eliminating 

clogged 

filters or the chance of water being 

drawn into the system. State-of-the-art 

algorithms guard against false alarms 

generated from cleaning chemicals and 

propane powered floor buffers. 

Emerson Climate Tech. Circle no. 315 

Safety manual 

The Refrigeration Service Engineers 

Society (RSES) has released a 165-page 

book aimed at keeping field technicians 

safe. Titled Safety for the HVACR Service 

Technician, it addresses common safety 

issues that HVACR technicians encounter 

in the field, such as electrical safety, 

tools and instruments, refrigerant handling, 

ladders, lifting and more. It provides 

industry professionals with a 

comprehensive collection of safety 

practices to either begin or enhance 

an existing safety program. Visit 

www.rses.org for more information. 

RSES Circle no. 316 


Revolutionary technology marks twentieth year 

On Nov. 14 Emerson Climate Technologies marked 

20 years of producing Copeland Scroll compressors. The 

technology has helped shape the HVACR industry 

for two decades thanks to dramatically improved 

energy efficiency over previous compressor 

designs along with a technology that 

has proved reliable in the field. To date, nearly 

60 million units have been installed worldwide. 

As the HVACR industry has come under 

increasing scrutiny from building owners and 

government regulators looking to reduce energy 

usage, the Copeland technology has gained 

preference from contractors and manufacturers 

in part because of its ability to 

achieve previously unheard of levels of 

efficiency, the manufacturer reports. As 

well, its versatility has allowed it to 

Safety Isn't Just Skin Deep... 

Copeland Scroll compressor 

technology has helped the industry 

achieve higher efficiencies. 

expand into new applications such as commercial air 

conditioning, refrigeration and several unique applications 

in various markets, such as medical equipment 

and oil and gas. 

This technology has been integral in 

preparing the HVACR industry for key regulatory 

transitions, such as the recent move to 

minimum 13-SEER equipment. Today, 

Copeland Scroll offers a broad line of R-410A 

equipment, well in advance of the 2010 HCFC 

new equipment phase-out. 

Recent innovations include the lightcommercial 

modulating Copeland 

Scroll Digital and the residential, 

two-stage modulating Copeland 

Scroll UltraTech. 

Emerson Climate Tech. Circle no. 319 

TM 

Terminal repair kit 

The QwikLug from Mainstream Engineering 

is a quick and easy compressor 

terminal repair kit for all compressor 

brands, sizes and configurations used in 

industrial, HVAC/R, appliance, electrical, 

military and testing/monitoring 

applications. It is easily tightened onto 

Corrosion 

Resistant 

Check Valve 

Construction 

Single Access 

Cover 

Top 

Mounted 

Check 

Retainer 

Straight Tube 

Stainless Steel 

Body 

Patented 

Linkage 

Design 

spade-style compressor terminals with 

front-access Phillips head set screws. It 

can also be used as a universal adaptor 

for incompatible connections during 

compressor replacements. Five kits are 

available. 

Mainstream Engineering Circle no. 317 

System control 

TAC Com-Trol, a line of commercial 

refrigeration and building systems controllers, 

has fully integrated its family of 

Crysalis solutions with PowerLogic power 

monitoring and controls. Crysalis products 

enhance a retailer’s ability to operate 

all heating, ventilating, air conditioning 

and refrigeration (HVACR) 

functions, conserve energy, protect food, 

monitor equipment, and lower overall 

operating costs. The Crysalis Enterprise 

Server (CES) centrally monitors and 

supports multiple retail sites through an 

intuitive web-based dashboard. 

Schneider Electric Circle no. 318 

Stainless 

Steel Piston 

and Stem 

Investment 

Cast Stainless 

Steel Body 

Stainless Steel 

Relief Valve 

Cover Screws 

Uniquely 

Contoured 

Check Valve 

Opening 

Replaceable 

Check Disc 

Rubber 

When it comes to protecting the health and safety of people, why choose anything but the best? 

The Watts SilverEagle TM Series backflow assemblies incorporate the latest design features to protect 

against contamination at health hazard cross-connections. The SilverEagle series is the 

most compact, the lightest and offers the most flexibility of any backflow assembly in the 

industry. Specify the valve with safety at its core! For additional information and to view 

the latest SilverEagle approvals, visit our website at www.wattscanada.ca 

or call 1-888-208-8927. 


www.plumbingandhvac.ca November/December 2007 – Plumbing & HVAC Product News 27 

Torsion 

Spring 

Design 

Slotted 

Pivot 

Point 

Specify Superior Backflow Protection from Watts

Pipes, Valves & Fittings 


New plastic venting system 

Royal Pipe Systems has introduced a new 

line of plastic piping specifically designed for 

gas appliance venting. 

Royal GVS-65 is a complete PVC pipe 

system designed for use as a Type BH, Class 

IIA gas venting system with a temperature 

rating up to 65ºC (149ºF). It is certified to 

the ULC S636-95 standard now required in 

Canada under the CSA B149 gas code. 

This new PVC venting system 

gives offers another option 

for contractors. 

The system, which covers sizes from 1-1/2 to four-inches, includes fittings, 

pipe, solvent cement and primer. 

Under the new rules, combustion venting materials must be certified as a 

system. Therefore, the heating technician is not permitted to mix products from 

different manufacturers – one manufacturer’s glue with another’s pipe, for 

example – even though one PVC glue may be pretty much the same as another. 

Royal Pipe Systems Circle no. 320 

Direct acting control 

The Hydro Stat C3100 direct acting 

constant pressure pump control with 

integral bypass from Danfoss reduces 

rapid pump cycling and maintains a 

field-adjustable pre-set operating 

pressure. Features 

include 

a low lead 

alloy body, 

threaded 

female I.D. x 

male O.D. on 

inlet and outlet 

connections, 

corrosion resistant internal 

components and a nylon reinforced 

Buna-N diaphragm. Installation can 

be vertical or horizontal. 

Danfoss Flomatic Corp. Circle no. 321 

Gray water pump 

The Sanipump is a small gray water 

pump that can be used to pump wastewater 

away from a shower, hand basin, 

bar sink or washing machine (indirect). 

It is small enough to fit inside a 

kitchen/bathroom cabinet or under a 

utility sink. It has a built-in check valve 

and multiple inlets and discharges gray 

water (max. temp. 140°F) out of a oneinch 

diameter pipe of up to 16 ft. in 

height at 15 gpm. 

Saniflo Circle no. 322 

Closed loop filter 

The JUDO Heifi-Top removes sediment 

and air from closedloop 

heating systems. 

It filters out physical 

impurities down to 10 

microns. An air scrubber 

with an integrated 

venting device automatically 

removes unwanted 

oxygen. The 

sediment filter is 

cleaned by backwashing 

with one to two 

litres of water through 

a reverse flow flushing valve without 

introducing air to the loop. 

JUDO Water Treatment Circle no. 323 

Condensate pumps 

These new Hydromatic condensate 

pumps (Models HCU15, HCU15S and 

HCU20S) operate automatically to 

pump liquid condensate from the appliance 

to a suitable drain or outlet. A 

two-quart tank helps reduce pump 

cycling. The ABS thermoplastic housing 

provides resistance to corrosion and 

impact damage. A check valve prevents 

condensate backflow. The 15S and 20S 

models are equipped with an overflow 

safety switch. 

Hydromatic Circle no. 324 

Submersible well 

pump 

Flint & Walling has introduced 

a new 15-gpm submersible 

four-inch well 

pump in its Commander 

stainless steel line. These 

pumps feature the same 

hydraulics that are used on 

all Flint & Walling submersible 

pumps, powered 

by Franklin Electric 

motors. 

Flint & Walling Inc. Circle no. 325 



Faucets & Fixtures 

New pullout design 

Moen has updated its popular Integra 

pullout kitchen faucet with seamless 

curved wand 

architecture 

and a “softtouch” 

button 

to switch the 

water flow. A 

nylon fiber 

hose with 

swivel ball joint allows more flexible 

operation with dual spray patterns – 

spray and aerated stream. It can be 

installed in a one-hole or three-hole 

mount with cover plate and now features 

Moen’s Hydrolock system that 

snaps the faucet and supply lines 

together with a telltale ‘click.’ 

Moen Circle no. 326 

Electronic retrofit 

The SMOOTH (side-mount-operatorover-the-handle), 

a retrofit product 

from Sloan 

that converts 

most manual 

Flushometers 

to sensor operation, 

is now 

available in a 

hard-wired 

model. It installs 

on the 

handle of a 

manual Flushometer using only a screwdriver. 

The Model EL-600-A unit uses 

adaptive sensing technology to flush 

automatically. A mechanical manual 

over-ride button enables it to continue 

working in the event of a power failure. 

Sloan Valve Co. Circle no. 327 

Luxury whirlpool tubs 

Eljer has added to its Luxury Series of 

high-gloss acrylic whirlpool tubs. The 

Largo 3660 is 60 inches long and holds 

51 gallons. It features a modern rectangular 

shape and 

oval bathing 

well. Preinstalled 

integral 

arm rests 

and optional 

14-inch pillow 

provide added 

comfort, while 

enhancing the 

overall experience. The Century 4072 

model (pictured) allows the bather to 

stretch out in 79 gallons of water with a 

72-inch bathing well. Both are available 

with the Soft Air bubbler system that 

consists of 16 air jets located at the bottom 

of the tub. 

Eljer Inc. Circle no. 328 

High-end trough 

To any male that has been around for 

more than a few years, the word 

“trough” conjures up visions of seedy 

establishments frequented during a 

misspent youth. Nevertheless, The 


High-end Hansgrohe collection 

draws on nature 

“It’s not that we need heating equipment; we want warmth. We don’t need 

lamps; we want light. And we don’t need plumbing fixtures; we want water!” 

So says internationally recognized French designer Jean-Marie Massaud in 

explaining the rationale behind the new Axor Massaud complete bathroom 

collection from Hansgrohe, Masco Canada’s German-based designer brand. 

In fact this high-end custom home collection, to be launched in Canada 

Feb. 1, goes well beyond traditional faucet and fixture design into the 

realm of fine art with organic lines inspired by nature. 

Trough is part of Barclay’s designer 

Creattiva line. Four feet long, it is a 

durable high-impact fire clay ceramic 

sink for use in hotels, restaurants, certain 

home settings and “unique areas.” 

Barclay Products Circle no. 329 

Natural colours 

Blanco has introduced Cognac (pictured) 

to the range of colours available 

for its popular Silgranit line of sinks. 

These durable and stylish sinks are 

made of 80 percent granite.“Siligranit is 

one of our 

fastest 

growing 

lines in 

Canada,” 

reports 

Alexandra 

Marshall, 

Blanco Canada marketing manager. 

“We see that trend continuing as more 

consumers move towards natural materials 

and warmer, earthier colours in the 

home.” 

Blanco Canada Circle no. 330 

A full range of infrared space heating equipment 

Model RE (for workshops, residential garages) 

• rates from 30 and 45 MBTUH 

• balanced flue construction 

• 85% thermal efficiency 

• fully assembled for installation ease 

Ox Box 

Model Premier VS (engineered performance) 

• a vacuum operated burner-in-series system that is 

engineered for the customer’s specific requirements 

• burner rates 60 to 250 MBTUH 

with multiple branch capability 

• system outputs to one million BTUH 

• state of the art electronic control panel 

Divide. 

SEPARATE supply and drain lines 

into different stud bays using the 

Ox Box. Save time and conquer the 

rest of your work day. Drain and trap 

in one bay. Eliminate burning pipe 

and unnecessary solder joints. 

www.siouxchief.com 1-800-821-3944 

SUPERIOR RADIANT PRODUCTS 

This award-winning lav mixer is the 

centerpiece of the collection. 

“In recent years we have seen a growing desire among urban people worldwide for a return to man’s original relationship 

with nature,” explains Philippe Grohe, Axor brand manager. “This trend is the basis for Axor’s vision of the 

modern bathroom as a space where we give shape to our emotions and where we can find – in the words of Massaud – 

‘a natural symbiosis with water.’” 

The signature piece of the new collection is the lav mixer, which won the prestigious International Forum (IF) 

Product Design Award when launched in Europe in 2006. It features an asymmetrical and expansive shelf-like surface 

measuring nearly 16” wide. A sheet of water cascades from the edge into a white, molded mineral washbowl. 

The collection also includes a wall-mounted widespread lav set, freestanding tub filler, four-hole Roman tub set, 

tub spout, two Raindance showerheads, a Raindance hand shower, square showerhead, Axor bodyspray, two bidet 

mixers and various accessories. 

Contractors have often expressed concern over installation problems and poor technology in high-end designer 

faucets. In this case, the company has gone to considerable length to incorporate its best technology. “Cleverly 

concealed among the curved forms, straight edges and mesmerizing flow of water is the same state-of-the-art and 

high degree of functionality found in every Axor product,” reports Grohe. 

Masco Canada Circle no. 331 

Conquer. 


Model UA (workhorse of the line up) 

• rates from 40 to 220 MBTUH 

• jet stream burner design maximizes 

radiant output 

• deep dish reflectors are 100% efficient 

• warranty: 3 yr. on parts, 5 yr. on heat exchanger. 

23 - 428 Millen Road, Stoney Creek, Ontario L8E 3N9 

Phone: (905) 664-8274 • Toll Free: 1-800-527-HEAT (4328) • Fax: (905) 664-8846 

www.superiorradiant.com sales@superiorradiant.com 

Model UX (more features, more 

performance) 

• fully enclosed construction 

• operating status lights 

• standard 24v thermostat 

• post purge function 

• 10 yr. heat exchanger 

warranty option 



Trucks for the Trade 

New cargo vans for 2008 

Popular full-sized model undergoes major revamp 


One of the industry’s most popular 

full-sized vans will look considerably 

different in 2008. 

Ford has restyled its popular E-Series 

model with all new sheet metal from the 

windshield forward. This includes a 

larger grill and stacked headlights inspired 

by the 2008 Ford Super Duty 

pickups. It’s not just as styling exercise – 

the larger grill allows more airflow to 

the power train, reducing the chance of 

overheating while fully loaded with 

supplies and tools or pulling a trailer. 

However, notes Rob Stevens, E-Series 

chief engineer, what hasn’t changed is 

also of critical interest to plumbing and 

HVACR contractors. 

“Interestingly, one important thing 

that many of our customers want to 

hear about is what’s not changing,” he 

says. “The up-fitters make up an important 

segment of our business and have 

designed their tooling to fit the dimensions 

of our vehicles. If we change the 

door openings, all of their tooling 

becomes outdated. To that point, door 

Chevrolet continues to refine its popular Express model. 

structures and floor structure measurements 

are carry-over and seat attachments 

are in the exact same location.” 

On the mechanical side, the ride and 

stability has been improved with a reengineered 

front suspension that features 

new geometry and larger sway 

bars. New rear shock absorber valve 

technology also enhances the ride while 

steering upgrades provide a better centering 

feel with easing steering inputs. 

An all-new braking system features 

larger rotors and calipers. 

The E-Series cargo area features 

60/40 swing-out doors and is double 

walled, protecting the exterior wall 

from damage by shifting cargo. A sliding 

door is a no-charge option. Three 

up-fit packages are available. 

The new E-Guard Cargo Protection 

System, installed on the side and rear 

doors, provides better theft protection. 

The double-lock design adds locks on 

these doors that can only be opened 

from outside the van with a key. 

The standard engine/transmission 

package in the E-150 

and E-250 vans is the 

4.6 litre Triton V-8 

with a four-speed 

automatic and overdrive. 

The E-350 is 

available with a 5.4 

litre V-8 and the 6.8 

litre (415 cu. in.) 305 

hp Triton V-10. 

The Ford E-Series is new from the windshield posts forward. 

Distinctly Dodge 

The Sprinter van 

from Chrysler, originally 

based on a 

European product, 

became a distinctly 

Dodge product in 

2007 with its signature 

cross-hair grill 

and V-6 engine. That 

total redesign also 

included the “mega” 

roof height option at 

84” – in addition to 

the standard 65” and 

The Sprinter has become a distinctly Dodge model. 

high 76” versions. 

There are two engine options: a diesel or a 254 hp 3.5-litre V-6 gas 

three-litre 154 hp V-6 turbocharged engine. These replaced the small, and 

rather unusual to North American eyes, 

five-cylinder turbo diesel. 

The Chevy Express/GMC Savannah 

full-sized cargo vans have undergone a 

number of refinements for 2008. These 

include new flat and convex exterior 

mirrors that offer a wider field of 

vision, standard tire pressure monitoring 

system, automatic headlights and an 

upgraded interior. 

The look from the driver’s seat is 

considerably different with a new steering 

wheel, new instrument cluster and 

an expanded Driver Information 

Centre that warns when something is 

amiss. These can be viewed in English, 

French, Spanish and Arabic. 

The standard engine/transmission 

assembly is a 195 hp Vortec 4.3 litre V-6 

with four-speed automatic and overdrive. 

Also available are four V-8s ranging 

from the 233 hp Vortec 4.8L to the 

323 hp Vortec 6.0L gas engine, along 

with the 6.6L Duramax turbo diesel V-8. 

Small vans 

While there is still no obvious replacement 

for the popular GM Astro and 

Safari vans discontinued at the end of 

2006, there are nevertheless interest- 




ing developments in the world of 

small vans. 

Chrysler has introduced an all-new 

Grand Caravan Cargo Van with a number 

of upgrades to make it better suited 

for commercial use. It offers 144 cubic 

feet of cargo space – a lot of space for a 

mini-van based vehicle. (By comparison, 

a standard Ford E-Series van offers 

236.5 cubic feet.) An industrial cargo 

floor covers the cargo area – just like the 

full-sized vans. There are 12-volt outlets 

in the instrument panel and rear quarter 

trim. Dual sliding doors ease loading 

and unloading. 

Thanks to beefed up front and rear 

Dodge has beefed up its 

Caravan to make it more 

suitable for commercial use. 

suspension components, the payload is 

1,500 lbs. – a 3/4-ton to us older folks 

– and the towing capacity is an 

impressive 1,800 lbs. 

Power is provided by a 175 horsepower 

3.3 litre V-6 mated to a fourspeed 

automatic transmission. 

Despite the upgrades, this still looks 

very much like a mini-van with its 

windows in the rear quarters, sliding 

doors on both sides and a hatch-type 

rear door. This makes it a little more 

difficult to install shelving and to apply 

advertising, although modern vinyl 

graphics offer a solution to the latter 

issue. 

For light commercial, the Chevy HHR panel 

might be worth a look. 

GM’s panel version of its retro HHR 

has also been upgraded to make it better 

suited to contractors. The styling is 

based on the Chevy Suburban introduced 

in 1949, but most of the similarities 

end there. The panel version of the 

Suburban, based on the full-sized pickup 

truck of the day, was a popular truck 

in this industry. 

By comparison, the HHR is a lightduty 

vehicle that might be suitable for a 

service technician that doesn’t need to 

carry too many heavy tools or parts. 

It features steel inserts where the rear 

windows would be on the passenger 

version along with side cargo doors 

opened by a dashboard release or 

remote. The flat-load floor provides 57 

cubic feet of cargo space. Tiedowns are 

strategically placed and optional robust 

floor mats protect the floor. There are 

two large locking storage areas under 

the floor. 

An auxiliary power outlet is standard 

in the rear of the cargo area along with 

a 40-amp auxiliary power connector. 

The standard engine is a 2.2-litre 

four-cylinder unit mated to either a 

four-speed automatic or five-speed 

manual transmission. A 2.4 Ecotec 

engine rated at 175 hp is optional. 

One of the HHR’s major assets is its 

retro look and billboard sides that can’t 

help but draw attention on the street, 

making it an excellent marketing tool. 

The next edition of Trucks for the 

Trade will feature a look at the 2008 

pickup trucks. 

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Industry News 

Rough road ahead for 

refrigerant management? 


Aprogram that manages the recovery 

and safe disposal of used refrigerants 

in Canada is facing serious 

challenges just as it marks a significant 

milestone and is receiving international 

recognition. 

Environment Canada is looking at 

bumping up the phase-out of HCFC 

refrigerants (hyrochloro-flourocarbons 

such as R-22) to reduce the allowable 

amount manufactured or brought into 

the country under its Consumption 

Allowance by 40 percent on Jan. 1, 2010, 

instead of the previously announced 30 

percent. This new reduction will lead to 

a loss in environmental fees paid to 

Refrigeration Management Canada 

program by $450,000 per year for five 

years, secretary/treasurer Louis 

Pennachetti (Arkema Canada Inc.) told 

the group’s annual meeting held in 

Mississauga, Ont. Oct. 23. 

This is in addition to $1.3 million per 

year that the program was already facing 

from the 30 percent reduction. The 

program had already seen a 35 percent 

reduction in HCFCs in 2004. 

Currently, about 1.9 million kilograms 

of HCFCs are brought into 

Canada or manufactured here each 

year. 

The environmental stewardship levy 

is $1.50 per kilogram resulting, in annual 

fees of about $2.85 million. 

On Oct. 31 RMC met with Environment 

Canada and recommended that 

federal regulations be revised to require 

all importers and manufacturers of 

halocarbon refrigerants sold in Canada 

be part of RMC and subject to the levy. 

This would create a level playing field 

for all manufacturers and all types of 

refrigerant, said Warren Heeley, president 

of the Heating, Refrigeration and 

Air Conditioning Institute of Canada, 

which created and oversees the RMC 

program. 

“We have to really push for that 

because if we don’t come up with 

MCAC 

another revenue source there are going 

to be serious concerns for the longevity 

of the program,” he added. The proposal 

would need the support of the automotive 

and appliance industries. 

The other option is simply to have a 

stewardship program approved by 

Environment Canada, but not necessarily 

RMC. “Our thinking is that we’ve 

really got the only program available in 

Canada and having another industry set 

up another one doesn’t really make a lot 

of sense,” said Heeley. 

In recent years RMC has disposed of 

2.5 to 3-million metric tonnes of refrigerant 

per year. It was originally created 

to deal with CFCs (chloro-flourocarbons), 

but they are quickly disappearing. 

HCFCs now account for about 30- 

35 percent. 

“The CFC number will drop off as 

time goes on. The question will be 

whether it gets replaced by a larger 

HCFC content and eventually how 

Guaranteed Dahl Quality. 

Hundreds of models available. 

Locking Clip 

much HFCs (like R-134a) are going to 

show up in the program on an annual 

basis?” said Heeley. “HFCs are a greenhouse 

gas and we are going to be under 

pressure nationally and internationally 

(to have a stewardship program).” 

Refrigerant Management Canada 

was created as a result of the Montreal 

Protocol signed 20 years ago aimed at 

restoring the Earth’s ozone layer, which 

has significantly recovered as a result. 

It recently celebrated one million 

kilograms of refrigerant collected and 

destroyed and has served as a model for 

other countries in developing similar 

programs. The U.S. Environmental 

Protection Agency (EPA) recently recognized 

RMC with its Best of the Best 

Stratospheric Ozone Protection Award. 

Our newest addition to a family of over 2,000 

mini-ball 

valves manufactured in North America. 

Introducing NEW Dahl 

QUICK-GRIP mini-ball valves 

Simply clean & de-burr the pipe and 

PUSH IT ON! 

COPPER 

CPVC 

PEX 

NO SPECIAL TOOLS REQUIRED! 

To remove valve, simply take off Locking 

Clip and pull sleeve towards valve 

(Continued from page 11) 

The group currently has about 70 

members. And while new members are 

Supply Stops Water Hammer Arrester Stops Supply Kits Dual Outlets Dual Shut-Offs In-Line Stops 

welcome, they must join through their 

local MCAC chapter. “This is primarily 

for members of the association that are 

service contractors,” noted McKeagan. 

The next MCAC conference – 

Canada Hosts the World – will take Call us for Free Information on the entire Dahl line up... 

place in Calgary Sept. 24-27 in conjunction 

More than 4,000 part numbers! 

with the World Plumbing 

Council and the CIPHEX/West trade 

show. The conference will include a 

number of joint events. 

2600 South Sheridan Way 1.800.268.5355 CAN Toll-Free 

MCAC is urging its members to 

Mississauga, Ontario 

1.800.268.2363 US Toll-Free 

Canada L5J 2M4 

book their hotel rooms quickly as large 

email: sales@dahlvalve.com 1.800.226.1801 CAN & US Fax 

blocks of rooms are already being 

www.dahlvalve.com 

snapped up by foreign delegations. For 

more information, call (613) 232-0492 

TURN TO QUALITY. TURN TO DAHL. TM 

or visit www.mcac.ca. 



People & Places 

Giving back 

Asouthwestern Ontario contractor 

found a very special way to celebrate 

80 years in the HVAC business. 

Peter Inch, manager of Roy Inch & 

Sons Service Experts of London, Ont., 

decided that rather than the usual staff 

party it was time to give back to a community 

that has supported the family 

business for so many years. 

Company brass decided to do 80 free 

furnace and/or AC maintenance calls 

for needy citizens. Two of those would 

be selected for a full HVAC system 

replacement. The event came to life 

under the name ‘Home Comfort Hugs 

Program.’ Other local businesses, manufacturers 

and radio stations jumped 

on board with their assistance. 

A panel of business leaders along 

with Peter and Ron Mahon were selected 

to judge the 35 letters sent to the 

company. They had no trouble selecting 

two families for HVAC retrofits. Both 

were struggling with older homes, high 

costs and children. 

On Aug. 18 a gleaming convoy of 

company trucks led by Peter, Tim and 

Gearld Inch along with a limousine and 

other companies offering services made 

their way to the Sparta, Ont. home of 

Mary Ann Wrona and her two children. 

She had been told that a technician 

would make a maintenance 

call. However, the 

family was spirited away 

in the limousine and the 

company’s installers and 

technicians, all of whom 

donated their time, got 

busy doing a heat loss 

and measuring for the 

new furnace and air conditioner. 

A new refrigerator 

was also donated. 

Meanwhile, the technicians 

were dispersed to 

do 33 maintenance calls 

and a second installation 

crew left along with Peter to surprise 

Wally and Paula Todd and son Calder in 

Ingersoll, Ont. Only a new air conditioner 

was required to give their 

The entire gang pauses for a group picture on the 

lawn of the Wrona home. 

disabled child a better quality of life. 

The day turned out to be a celebration 

the Inch family and many people in 

London and area will never forget. 

People 

White-Rodgers Canada, Markham, 

Ont. has announced 

the promotion of 

Greg Butt to the 

position of executive 

Greg Butt 

director. He joined 

the company in 1996 

as technical sales rep 

and, today, also serves 

as chair of the HRAI 

Controls Division. 

White-Rodgers 

has also appointed 

Cal Gogal to the 

position of technical 

sales representative 

for Manitoba, Saskatchewan 

and Northwestern 

Ontario. 

Viessmann Manufacturing 

Company Inc., Waterloo, 

Ont. has named Mark 

Williams residential 

territory manager for 

Southwestern Ontario. 

InSinkErator 

Mark Williams 

Western Canada. 

The Heating, Refrigeration 

and Air 

Conditioning Institute 

of Canada, 

Mississauga, Ont., 

has named Tammy 

Stevens as member 

services rep for 

HRAC and associates, 

Cal Cogal 

Canada, Markham, 

Ont., has appointed 

Sherry Petrin as regional 

sales manager, 

Sherry Petrin 

Samantha 

Wattie as customer service rep, rebate 

programs, and Jonathan Da Silva, as 

technical co-ordinator. 

Companies 

ITT Residential and Commercial 

Water Canada, Guelph, Ont., has 

appointed Midwest Engineering (AB) 

Ltd., as Alberta representative. 

Pro-Fab Industries Inc., Arborg, 

Man., and Greenwood Technologies 

LLC, Bellevue, Washington, have joined 

forces to make Greenwood’s wood gasification 

boilers available at ProFab dealers. 



People & Places 

Diversity key to longevity 

Ontario wholesaler celebrates 160 years 


McKeough Supply Inc. has been in 

the plumbing, heating and pipe, 

valve and fittings business for a 

very long time. Established in 1847, 20 

years before Confederation, the independent 

and fourth generation family 

owned Ontario wholesaler has supplied 

many other products too. 

It may be a well-worn cliché, but 

“Don’t put all your eggs in one basket” 

has been a company mantra since 

brothers John and William McKeough 

created the company in 1847 at Chatham, 

Ontario, reported company chairman 

Darcy McKeough. Aged 25 and 23, both 

were recent immigrants from Ireland. 

Since that time the company has been a 

wholesaler for blacksmithing supplies, 

hardware, lawnmowers, structural steel 

and numerous other goods. 

It was a sizeable manufacturer too. 

McKeough & Trotter built marine engines 

and boats from 1905 up through the 

1920s. As well, the company dabbled in 

the automobile business over the years, 

both as a parts manufacturer and dealer. 

In 1907 the company built the 40 by 

100 ft. brick building in Chatham that 

serves as the company’s headquarters to 

this day. Current president and CEO 

Rick Elliott operates from an administrative 

office in Brantford. 

Following the market 

And while “plumbing has been a core 

part of the business from the get-go, 

today HVAC accounts for about 60 percent 

of sales,” says Elliott. That shift 

occurred both “by choice and acquisition.” 

Twenty years ago, the company 

might sell 50 air conditioners in a good 

year. Today, the number is about 5,000. 

Which brings us to the second reason 

for the company’s longevity. McKeough 

Supply has shown a remarkable ability 

to find profitable niches while avoiding 

troubled industry sectors. Today it seldom 

bids on new construction residential 

plumbing jobs because they are 

overly competitive and can involve a 

“significant credit risk.” 

An ancient McKeough single-cylinder 

inboard boat engine is displayed at 

the Chatham location. 

The company takes a cautious 

approach to extending credit. Perhaps 

that’s not surprising as McKeough, a 

longtime Ontario MPP (1963-78) and 

former provincial treasurer in the government 

of Bill Davis, is an admitted 

“numbers guy.” 

As an independent wholesaler, “we 

can’t always be the lowest price on a lot 

of products,” he says. McKeough Supply 

has built its reputation on service and 

relationships. In part, that means giving 

branch managers the decision making 

powers they need to win jobs. “We want 

them to operate their branches as 

though they were their own businesses,” 

said Elliott. 

Easy access to management is a key 

factor in customer satisfaction. In fact, 

customers can call Elliott directly whenever 

they need to. McKeough is no 

longer active in the day-to-day operations, 

although he does maintain an 

office at Chatham. 

Strong relationships with manufacturers 

have been a benefit too. Ridge 

Tool, Honeywell, Grinnell (now Mueller 

Flow Control), American Standard and 

Today it seldom bids on new 

construction residential plumbing 

job because they are overly 

competitive and can involve a 

“significant credit risk.” 

International Comfort Products, to 

name a few, have been suppliers for 

many years. 

Tough times 

In the 1970s the company was in an 

expansion mode with two significant 

acquisitions. In 1977 it purchased 

Marks Plumbing & Industrial Supply 

(no relation to Marks Supply Inc., 

Kitchener). J.T. Wing Ltd., McKeough’s 

primary competitor in Chatham, was 

added in 1978. 

Also in 1978, the company joined 

other small wholesalers to form two 

buying groups to negotiate better prices 

with manufacturers – the Ontario Pipe 

Group and P&H Wholesalers. The latter, 

along with Mapco, eventually 

became the Canaplas buying group. 

“Without our association with these 

buying groups we may not be in business 

today,” says Elliott. 

However, by the late 1980s 

McKeough Supply was struggling. 

Those problems came to a head in 1990 

with sales down $3-million. 

And while a province-wide recession 

was partly responsible the company 

Darcy McKeough, left and Rick Elliott in front of the company’s historic 

Chatham, Ont. headquarters. 

had, perhaps, followed its mantra a little 

too far and become too diversified, selling 

hardware, steel and other goods, in 

addition to its core plumbing 

and heating products. 

A new management team 

set the company on a new 

path. In 1991 Darcy 

McKeough became president. 

Grant McTavish was 

named general manager and 

George Carruthers became 

chairman. It was at this time 

that the company refocused 

on plumbing and expanded 

the HVAC business. 

The structural steel business 

was either closed or sold off. It had 

been a major component of the firm’s 

business at one time. The Chatham 

facility had a foundry, machine shop 

and fabrication shop. 

When McKeough Supply celebrated 

its 150th birthday ten years ago, it was 

down to three branches – Chatham, 

London and Hamilton – and 29 

employees. But it was back on solid 

financial ground. In 1999 the company 

achieved International Standards 

Organization (ISO) 9002-1994 certification, 

a sure sign that business and 

accounting practices were up to date. 

Looking after people 

Closing branches and releasing employees 

wasn’t easy in a company that prides 

itself on looking after its people – many 

of whom have been with McKeough 

Supply for 20 years or more, noted 

Elliott, who was appointed president in 

November, 2004. 

When he says “nepotism is alive and 

well at McKeough Supply,” he is only 

half joking. Some employees are second 

or third generation. In today’s competitive 

job market, Elliott believes that 

family ties and friendships have played a 

significant role in allowing McKeough 

Supply to retain its experienced people. 

Profit sharing was re-introduced in 

1994. As well, some employees own 

shares in the company. “We don’t do 

everything perfectly, but we’ve been 

able to retain people,” remarked Elliott. 

One cannot forget this is very much a 

family business. Darcy McKeough owns 

two-thirds, after buying out his brother 

Stewart’s one-third share in 1994. Ann 

(McKeough) Carruthers owns the other 

third. Her husband George was a director 

in the company and actively 

involved until his death in 2000. 

The right size 

In 1999 the company acquired G.C. 

McDonald Supply, bringing Brantford 

and Waterloo into the fold. This was a 

significant sized regional wholesaler 

with a strong emphasis on HVAC, noted 

Elliott. 

In 2002, the acquisition of HVAC 

Plus brought McKeough Supply back to 

Sarnia. 

The most recent acquisition took 

place in December, 2004 when M.P.H. 

Supply, with branches in Hanover and 

Collingwood, joined the McKeough 

family. 

Elliott believes that with eight 

branches the company is the right size. 

“We’ve got to digest what we’ve got,” 

adds McKeough, noting that integrating 

new branches into the McKeough way 

of doing business is a key priority. 

Despite the tough times in the ’90s, 

McKeough Supply and its employees 

have built a strong following among 

customers. “There are still many loyalties 

in this business that are gained 

through relationships over time,” says 

Elliott. “A lot of our customers have also 

become our good friends.” 


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Coming Events 

AHR returns to New York 

North America’s largest HVAC/R 

trade show is returning to New 

York City for the first time in 17 

years. The 60th edition of the AHR 

Expo will take place at the Jacob Javits 

Convention Center Jan. 22-24. 

It has already established a record for 

the number of exhibitors at an east 

coast U.S. show, spokesman Roger 

Halligan told P&HVAC. As of press 

time, 1,757 exhibitors will display and 

demonstrate their latest technologies in 

375,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space. This 

includes almost 100 Canadian companies 

– 77 full exhibitors and 17 that are 

sharing a booth, usually with their U.S. 

parent company. The event typically 

attracts 1,000 to 1,500 Canadian visitors, 

he added. 

In addition to thousands of leading 

edge products from exhibiting manufacturers, 

visitors can participate in a number 

of special features. These include: 

• New Product Technology Theaters 

• Automation and Control Showcase 

• Software Center 

• Educational Sessions and Workshops 

• ASHRAE Technical Sessions and 

Workshops 

Seminar subjects include building 

controls, automation and integration; 

energy efficiency, energy savings and 

energy recovery; green building issues 

and technology; indoor air quality; solar 

and other alternative energy sources. 

There will be over 60 short presentations 

on new product technology along 

with special sections of the exhibit floor 

dedicated to software, building automation 

and control. 

The exposition is co-sponsored by 

the American Society of Heating, 

Refrigerating and Air Conditioning 

Engineers (ASHRAE) and the Air Conditioning 

and Refrigeration Institute 

(ARI). The Heating, Refrigeration and 

Air Conditioning Institute of Canada 

Calendar 

NOV. 28-30: Construct Canada, 

Metro Toronto Convention Centre, 

South Building, Toronto. Call (416) 

512-0203, e-mail info@yorkcom.to, 

www.constructcanada.com. 

JAN. 20-23: ASHRAE-ARI 2008 

Mid-Winter meetings and technical 

conference, New York Hilton Hotel, 

New York, N.Y. Contact: ASHRAE at 

(404) 636-8400, www.ashrae.org.d 

JAN. 22-24: AHR Expo 2008, Javits 

Convention Center, New York, N.Y. 

Contact: (203) 221-9232, 

e-mail: ahrexpo@aol.com or visit 

www.ahrexpo.com. 

MARCH 26: CIPH Gala Evening in 

Support of Habitat for Humanity, 

Fairmont Royal York Hotel, Toronto. 

Call (416) 695-0447 or visit 

www.ciph.com. 

MARCH 27-29: CMX-CIPHEX 2008, 

Metro Toronto Convention Centre, 

Toronto. Call 1-800-282-0003 or 

(416) 444-5225; visit 

www.cmxciphexshow.com. 

(HRAI) is an honorary sponsor. 

For more information, visit 

www.ahrexpo.com, e-mail info@ahrexpo.com 

or call (203) 221-9232. 

National show returns 

Canada’s largest trade show for the 

mechanical industry will return in 2008. 

CMX/CIPHEX 2008 will take place at 

the Metro Toronto Convention Centre 

March 27-29. This will mark the second 

time that Canada’s major HVAC/R and 

plumbing shows have been re-united 

under one roof. For more information, 

visit www.cmxciphexshow.com or call 

(416) 444-5225. Watch for more details 

in the next P&HVAC. 

TAP INTO THE 

PLUMBING/HVAC&R 

CONNECTION 

January 22-24, 2008 

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 

Javits Convention Center, New York, New York 

Co-sponsors: 

Honorary sponsor: 

• Over 1,800 Exhibitors from 30 Countries! 

• Hundreds of Suppliers with Hydronic and Radiant 

Heating Systems, Boilers, Hot Water Heaters, Valves, 

Fittings, and other Plumbing Equipment and Products 

• NEW for 2008 

AHR Expo Plumbing/Hydronics Symposium– PM Live, 

presented by PM Magazine 

For FREE Show Registration: 

www.ahrexpo.com 

Endorsed by: AABC • ABMA • AFE • AMCA • BI • BPI • CABA • CTI • 

GAMA • GWAC • HARDI • IAQA • IIAR • LMA • MCAA • MSCA • NADCA 

• NAFA • NEBB • PHCC • RETA • RPA • RSES • SMACNA • SPIDA • 

TABB • USGBC • ZigBee 

INTERNATIONAL AIR-CONDITIONING • HEATING • REFRIGERATING EXPOSITION 

Produced and managed by 

tel: (203) 221-9232 

e-mail: info@ahrexpo.com 

There are few better places to chat directly to manufacturers 

about their new products than at a trade show. This is the 

scene at the AHR Expo held in Dallas last January. 



Shop Management 

Your quotation, your success formula 

Details – or lack of them – can make or break the deal 

By Art Irwin 

In today’s hustle and 

bustle of everyday 

business, many HVAC 

contractors do not realize 

the value of an 

informative quotation. 

When asked to quote on a furnace, boiler 

or air conditioner, many take it for 

granted that a dollar figure on their letterhead 

will get the contract. Quotes 

are often vague and simply state they 

will replace the existing furnace with a 

“super duper” furnace for a price of “X” 

thousand dollars. 

Today’s consumer is much better 

informed than they were thirty years 

ago. They can find endless information 

on the Internet. 

With today’s escalating energy costs, 

consumers seek more efficient equipment. 

If the contractor explains why the 

more efficient boiler/furnace costs more, 

but provides a better payback on investment, 

this will probably close the deal. 

Expecting a miracle 

Many contractors simply submit a price 

with no literature and expect a miracle 

to happen. They then 

wonder why they did not 

get the contract to supply 

the Smith’s new furnace. 

After all, they provided 

the Smiths with service 

for the past twenty years. 

Recently, I received a 

call from a homeowner in 

New Brunswick. They had received quotations 

from three contractors to replace 

their twenty-year-old heat pump. They 

could not understand the information 

in the quotes and were seeking an independent 

opinion. The literature specified 

the CFM, Btu capacity and lots of 

technical data that completely confused 

the consumer. 

When I receive these calls, I begin by 

telling the caller that I don’t want the 

names of the contractors, but just the information 

from the quotes and the price. 

Here’s a typical example: A retired 

couple were having a boiler replaced in a 

very large home. The chimney had a 

large ornate tile section on the top that 

would require a complete scaffold for 

installation purposes. The quotation for 

the boiler replacement specified the boiler 

model number, no Btu/h output, and 

the price. The next item – “stainless steel 

chimney liner by others” – turned me off 

completely. How would an eighty-yearold 

couple know how or where to purchase 

a chimney liner? It was obvious the 

contractor wanted the gravy and nothing 

that would be difficult. Naturally, I suggested 

this quote be discarded. 

Another homeowner had three 

quotes for a boiler replacement, including 

one on a very fancy letterhead that 

indicated the boiler would be replaced 

for a specified price and no details. The 

second quote was only slightly better 

and the third quote was hand written in 

pencil but specified a boiler, the boiler 

size and Btu output and an indirect 

water heater. This quotation was $2,100 

higher than the lowest of the other two 

but there was a full explanation covering 

all details. 

The contractor was suggesting an 

additional heating zone for the sitting 

room and explained the advantages of 

adding this zone and the advantages of 

the indirect water heater. The homeowner 

was very impressed with this 

quotation because the contractor 

phoned a few days later and offered to 

come to the home and answer any questions 

pertaining to the quote. This contractor 

did get the job. 

This simple procedure is better 

known as “upselling” It is very legitimate 

as long as the prices are reasonable and 

the equipment will benefit the customer. 

Sloppy information 

I was recently called to review quotes 

received by a church board for a boiler 

replacement. Only one of the three quotations 

mentioned a chimney liner. One 

provided literature that appeared to be 

a third generation photocopy. I suggested 

if the contractor could not take time 

to obtain a decent specification sheet, 

this could be an indicator of the quality 

of the installation. 

When quoting on new home construction, 

take time to discuss details 

such as furniture placement and 

thermostat locations. Floor coverings 

are critical with in-floor radiant systems. 

Explain why you are providing 

certain mixing valves. These small 

items are critical because you are giving 

the customer the impression you actually 

care about them and their home. 

That customer tells his friends how 

detailed you are. The reputation you 

are building is worth thousands of 

dollars in advertising. 

Over 50 percent of the calls I receive 

regarding heat recovery ventilators have 

the same issues; the consumer does not 

Literature Showcase 

Following are some of the latest catalogues, manuals, software and product 

brochures from the industry’s leading manufacturers. To receive a copy, please 

circle the corresponding number on the Reader Service Card in this issue, fill out 

your contact information, and mail it or fax it to (416) 620-9790. 

Copper …The Green Choice 

A new publication on copper and Green Building 

titled Copper…The Green Choice is now available. 

It includes information on plumbing, architectural 

and electrical systems, as well as LEED 

credits. Also available are three new Green Case 

Studies on major construction projects at the 

E’Terra Inn in Tobermory, York University in 

Toronto, and Penn State University. To receive 

your copies, contact: Canadian Copper & Brass 

Development Association at 1-877-640-0946, 

coppercanada@onramp.ca, www.coppercanada.ca 

Canadian Copper & Brass 

Circle no. 143 

Many contractors simply submit 

a price with no literature and 

expect a miracle to happen. 

New RIDGID full line 

product catalogue 

Ridgid recently introduced its new full line 

catalog. The 208-page catalogue, which is now in 

full color, features new products, expanded product 

information, product selection charts and 

helpful tool tips. A visual product index is 

provided to enhance the overall easy navigation 

of the catalogue. Call (800) 769-7743, visit 

www.ridgid.com or e-mail info@ridgid.com 

Ridgid 


Double check backflow assembly 

The new 350 Series Double Check Backflow 

Assembly from Zurn features unsurpassed serviceability 

and first-rate performance in a shorter, 

smaller package. This shorter lay length allows it 

to fit in a smaller valve box. Top access to test 

cocks, shutoff valves and check assembly makes 

it easy to test. The entire flow housing is removable 

to facilitate check access for cleaning or 

repair. It is easy to winterize by removing wetted 

components between shutoff valves. A composite 

housing and check modules resist corrosion. 

Zurn Industries 


Dewey Ayres, Metro Home Heating 

Ltd of Halifax, installs a floor oil 

line protector. (Irwin Photo) 

know how to set the controls or clean 

the filter. There again, the quotation, 

the operating instructions and the 

maintenance instructions are very 

important items – all part of the complete 

package. 

The contractor is the author who 

assemblies the components of the quotation. 

Try to create a best seller! 

Arthur Irwin operates Irwin Energy 

Consulting Services in Halifax. He can be 

reached at Irwin.a@ns.sympatico.ca. 

Index of Advertisers 

Advertisers 

Page 

Aeroflo 9 

AHR Expo 37 

A.O. Smith 2 

Armstrong Limited 24 

Bradford White 39 

Brant Steel 7 

Canadian Copper & Brass 18, 25 

Chrysler 22,36 

Dahl Bros. Canada 33 

Delta Faucet 10 

Emerson 9 

Fairview Fittings 31 

Ford 16 

Fujitsu 23 

Gastite 21 

General Pipe Cleaners 8 

Grundfos 35 

Honeywell/Genetron 34 

Ipex 11 

Kohler 4,32 

Leonard Valve 25 

Lochinvar 28 

Madok Mfg. 5 

Mitsubishi 3 

Mobilio 15 

Plumbing & HVAC 32 

Raptor 7 

Reliance Home Comfort 32 

Ridgid 40 

Roberts-Gordon 30 

Selkirk 19 

Sioux Chief Mfg. 29 

Soler & Palau Canada 30 

Sterling Div., Kohler 4 

Superior Radiant 29 

Taco Canada 14 

Uponor 17 

Venmar 6 

Victaulic 20 

Viega 26 

Weil McLain 12 

Watts Industries 27 

Zurn Industries 13 

Literature Showcase 38 

Bradford White, Lochinvar, 

Ridge Tool, Taco, Victaulic, 

Zurn Industries

Incredible hot water delivery from a space-saving, 

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HIGH PERFORMANCE 

SERIES FEATURES 

When the application calls for lots 

of hot water, call on the High 

Performance Series from Bradford 

White. The High Performance 

Series , available in 25 and 55- 

gallon capacities, combines some 

of the best aspects of tankless and 

tank-type water heaters: A small 

footprint and high volume hot 

water deliverability. 

High Performance models achieve 

their tremendous output with the 

help of high BTU inputs, a 

specially designed Helical Fin flue, 

the Optimizer Temperature 

Control System and the Hydrojet2 

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Find out how the High 

Performance Series can help your 

customers get all the hot water 

they need. 

Visit www.bradfordwhite.com or 

talk to your Bradford White sales 

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• HIGH INPUT- 

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• Helical Fin Flue - Maximizes heat 

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• Optimizer Temperature Control 

System - Bradford White's 

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• Hydrojet2 Total Performance 

System - Designed for higher input 

applications 

• Standard 4" Venting 

• Side Tappings For Space Heating 

Built to be the Best 

www.bradfordwhite.com • 866.690.0961 

©2007, Bradford White Corporation. All rights reserved. 


Inside Every Wall, 

Through Every Crawlspace, 

Behind Every Great Contractor Is... 

The RIDGID ® 

SeeSnake micro 

Inspection Camera 

SEE IT. FIND IT. SOLVE IT. TM 

The Emerson logo is a trademark and service mark of Emerson Electric Co. © 2007, RIDGID, Inc. 

At last. The portable, handheld diagnostic tool that allows you to see and 

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boxes and hundreds of other dark, hidden spaces—is here. In fact, with 

a 36-inch flexible cable that also retrieves and secures loose items, the 

RIDGID ® SeeSnake ® micro inspection camera is so versatile you 

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by contacting us at 1-800-769-7743 or at 

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EMERSON. CONSIDER IT SOLVED.

December 2007 - Plumbing & HVAC

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