Mécanex-Climatex Show Issue - Plumbing & HVAC

Condensing boiler a first for thismanufacturer.High efficiency on page 19Volume 17 Number 1 February/March 2007This beauty is available for one tofour-hole installations.Assess your options, page 23Canadian Mail Sales Product Agreement #40063170. Registration 10796. Return postage guaranteed NEWCOM Business Media Inc. 451 Attwell Drive, Toronto, Ontario M9W 5C4INSIDE■ Rona buys major Ontario wholesaler■ Lower DHW temperature proposal rejected■ Geothermal group launches certification effort■ Labour shortage dominates contractor conferencewww.ridgid.comCircle Number 100 for More InformationCircle Number 100 for More InformationCircle Number 101 for More InformationCircle Number 101 for More InformationMécanex-ClimatexShow Issuewww.drainbrain.comCircle Number 102 for More InformationCircle Number 102 for More InformationBattery-powered PEX tool for pipe up totwo inches.Expand your knowledge, page 27This ICF valve station won an awardfor innovation.Enter the space race, page 29

The Tradition ofInnovation ContinuesThe newest member of theinnovative Cyclone line, the lightdutypower-vent Cyclone HE isdesigned to produce more hotwater than any commercial gaswater heater in its class. With its90% thermal efficiency and easyinstallation, CycloneHE delivers heavydutyperformance forlight-duty applications.• Water Heaters• Boilers• Storage Tanks• Custom Built Specialty ProductsFor all your InnovativeCommercial Water Heaterneeds use A.O. Smith1.800.265.8520www.hotwater.comCircle Number 103 for More Information

Mécanex-ClimatexShow IssueIn This IssueDepartmentsProducts & TechnologiesHot Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10Ground source heat 10Soaring fuel prices make geothermalattractiveIndustry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6Coming Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38People & Places . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40Marketplace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41Literature Showcase . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41Shop Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42Ventilation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21Faucets & Fixtures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23E-Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24Pipes, Valves & Fittings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27Refrigeration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28Tools & Instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32Educated customers 13Today’s homeowners are wellinformed about heatingyour work is only as goodas what you put into itSweating the small stuff 17Attention to detail could haveprevented disasterIntelligence. Efficiency. On Demand.Mr. Slim single and multi-split ductless heat pumps and air conditioners offer unrivaled flexibilityand convenience in a small yet powerful package. Implementing a Mr. Slim system is easy,MR. SLIM DUCTLESS SYSTEMSARE EQUIPPED WITHLow-loss headers 25An easy way to build a primary/secondary systemcost-effective and uses up to 30% less energy than conventional systems. Mr. Slim is easyto install with only 2 small diameter refrigerant pipes that connect the outdoor unit to the indoor unit.So make the comfortable choice for your clients with a Mr. Slim ductless solution that is rightfor their needs. At Mitsubishi Electric, we meet your demands so you can meet expectations.Achieve high-speed coolingor heating and always maintainaccurate temperature control.To learn more go towww.mitsubishiHVAC.caVersatile EfficientConvenient Cost-EffectiveQuietInnovativeCover photo: From left, Contractor JohnBosman, right, discusses a geothermalsystem with homeowner Bruce Weber,left and Next Energy’s David Hatherton.(Photo by Simon Blake)Circle Number 104 for More Information*When installed by an Authorized HVAC installer.

ALL-NEW 2007 DODGE RAM 3500 HEAVY DUTYCHASSIS 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-6For 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 informationavailable 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.Circle Number 105 for More Information

Hot SeatFebruary/March 2007Volume 17, Number 1ISSN 1499-5271By the jugHVAC system technology has come aremarkable distance during the past 100years or so. It is a tribute to reliable heatingsystems that almost 33 million peoplecan live in a cold climate like that ofCanada. And, as a winter country, wehave more of a stake than many nationsin ensuring that fuel to operate those systemsremains available and affordable.So far, the supply has been steady butthe price – despite the recent easing dueto a relatively warm winter and reduceddemand – is getting less and less reasonable.The installation of high efficiencyequipment can help considerably, butthe customer has to have the money todo it. A lot of people don’t.An increasing number of Canadiansare using their furnace or boiler onlywhen it’s absolutely necessary. Theirhomes are never comfortable. We arestarting to see desperate measures suchas buying heating oil “by the jug”among people who just cannnot affordthe $400-$600 to have their oil tankfilled. And the situation is starting to getugly. Between Christmas and the NewYear, thieves drained a just-filled oiltank at a Halifax church.At the same time, despite enormousstrides in equipment efficiency, it seemsthat many old and inefficient technologiesare experiencing a revival.In talking with contractors at theCIPHEX West show in Calgary inNovember, I heard about a number ofcoal-fired boilers installed on farms andcolonies. I have heard of at least oneindustrial plant that switched from naturalgas to coal and I suspect there areothers. Waste oil burning equipment isquickly becoming a no-brainer for autorepair and other facilities that generateused oil. (Unfortunately, in Ontario, thegovernment is moving just as quickly toban that technology.)So what does this mean for theHVAC industry? We have a role to play,but we can only do so much. Most contractorsare already on the right track,encouraging their customers to spend alittle more and go for higher efficiencyequipment. The margins are better andcustomers will thank them down theroad. It really does pay to keep up todate on new technology and to be alertfor the technologies that really workversus those that are either more hypethan substance, or just too experimentalto install in a customer’s home orbusiness.But the industry needs some help toget high efficiency equipment into thehomes of everyday Canadians. One ofthe first moves of Steven Harper’s newConservative government was to eliminatethe NRCan Energuide for Housesrebate program that had been developedjointly between the federal governmentand the industry. It was a goodprogram, as these things go, in thatbefore and after energy audits ensured agenuine improvement in both homeand heating system efficiency. Theamount of the rebate was tied to thelevel of energy saved.It looks as though the governmenthas seen its error and plans to launch asimilar program – ecoEnergy Retrofit –in April. But the industry and the countryneeds a far reaching program to gethigh-efficiency heating equipment intothe homes of those who are struggling.Replacing a furnace or boiler is a bigticketexpense. Customers that are buyingheating fuel by the jug are hardlylikely to replace an old inefficient furnaceif it still works, much less purchasethe best equipment.EditorSimon Blake(416) 614-5820sblake@newcom.caContributorsRoy CollverJohn CarrRon ColemanBarry CunninghamArthur IrwinPublisherMark Vreugdenhil(416) 614-5819mark@plumbingandhvac.caNational Sales ManagerJohn Pallante(416) 614-5805john@plumbingandhvac.caDesign and ProductionTim Nortonproduction@nytek.caCirculation ManagerPat GlionnaCorporate ServicesAnthony EvangelistaPLUMBING & HVAC PRODUCT NEWS Magazine ispublished six times annually by NEWCOM BusinessMedia Inc. and is written for individuals who purchase/specify/approve the selection of plumbing, piping, hotwater heating, fire protection, warm air heating, airconditioning, ventilation, refrigeration, controls andrelated systems and products throughout Canada.Head OfficeNEWCOM Business Media Inc.451 Attwell Drive, Toronto,Ontario, Canada M9W 5C4Tel: (416) 242-8088Fax (416) 242-8085Learn more. Do more.Designed byHVAC technicians.Engineered by Fluke.New Fluke 116 Multimeter: designed for troubleshootingHVAC equipment and flame sensors.All the functionality you need for troubleshooting HVAC equipmentand flame sensors into one compact true-rms multimeter.• Large, backlit display for working in poorly-lit areas• Prevents false readings due to ghost voltage• AutoVolts automatically selects ac or dc• Built-in thermometer• Microamps for testing flame sensors• Measures resistance, continuity, frequency,and capacitanceTry the 116/62 HVACCombo Kit: the complete solutionfor HVAC work.POSTMASTER: Send all address changes and circulationinquiries to: Plumbing & HVAC Product Newsmagazine, 451 Attwell Drive, Toronto, Ontario, CanadaM9W 5C4. Canadian Publications Mail Sales ProductAgreement 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 subscriptionin U.S.: $40.00 US, One year subscription foreign:$65.00 U.S.Copyright 2007. The contents of this magazinemay not be reproduced in any manner without theprior written permission of the Publisher.We acknowledge the financialsupport of the Government ofCanada through the Publications AssistanceProgram toward our mailing costs.PAP Registration No. 10796A member of:Canadian Institute of Plumbing & HeatingCanadian Circulation Audit BoardMechanical Contractors Assoc. of CanadaOntario Plumbing Inspectors AssociationAmerican Society of Heating Refrigerating &Air Conditioning EngineersHeating Refrigeration Air ConditioningInstitute of CanadaRefrigeration Service Engineers Society of CanadaCircle Number 106 for More Information

Industry NewsRona buys majorOntario wholesalerBy Simon BlakePlumbing and HVAC/R wholesalersacross Canada may find themselveswith a tough new competitorfollowing the sale of a majorOntario wholesale distributor to ahome improvement retailer. On Feb. 7Rona Inc. of Montreal announced anagreement to purchase Noble-TradePlumbing Supplies Inc., one of theprovince’s fastest growing wholesalers.“They did not buy Noble-Trade tostay in Ontario. There’s no doubt aboutthat,” said Michael Storfer, president ofNoble-Trade. Specific locations outsidethe province haven’t been determined,he added, but one of the key reasons forthe sale was that Noble Trade officialsfelt they needed the backing of a largercompany to become a national player.And despite remarkable growth thathas seen Noble-Trade post an averageannual sales increase of 27 percent overthe past nine years, managers were worriedthat industry consolidation alongwith the movement of big retail companieslike Home Depot into the wholesalesector may result in difficult timesfor medium sized independent wholesalersin the future, said Storfer.Noble-Trade was created in 1998with the merger of two small Torontowholesalers – Trade Plumbing Suppliesand Noble Plumbing Supplies – with sixbranches between them. Today thecompany has a distribution centre and19 branches across Ontario with 300employees. Sales during the last 12months were $150 million.Storfer noted that Noble-Trade will“We have another player onthe landscape and it makesthe distinction betweenretailer and wholesaler alittle muddier.”continue to operate with the same managementteam and its existing customerswill see little evidence of the newownership.“When an opportunity came to sellto a company that was very entrepreneurialand offered us a lot of opportunityto grow… it made (selling) easy,”he said. “They’ve been very forthrightabout what they wanted us to do. Theywanted me to stay and, quite frankly, Idon’t know if I would have sold otherwise.”As recently as 14 months ago NobleTrade management had no intentionof selling, he added. But “at the end ofthe day, there were a lot of people calling.Eventually, it comes to a pointwhere it makes sense if you have achance to run the company the wayyou want to going forward and you getyour value out of it.”BUILTTO LASTLONGERA partial surpriseThere was only one aspect of the salethat surprised other wholesalers. “(Thesale) didn’t surprise me, but the buyerdid catch me off guard,” reported RickFantham, president of Emco Corp.,London, Ont. “I was expecting it to beHome Depot.” HomeDepot purchased U.S.wholesaler Hughes Supplylast year and Canadiancompanies have beenbracing for a similar movein this country. “HomeDepot and Rona have beenapproaching the biggerindependent wholesalersfor awhile now,” addedRobin Todd, president ofMarks Supply Inc.,Kitchener, Ont.“Everyone in the industryhad the feeling thatthey were building up thecompany to sell it …,” said JacquesDeschênes, chairman of GroupeDeschênes Inc., Montreal.Wholesalers worry about the impactof a major retail chain in the plumbingand HVAC/R wholesale business.“Clearly, we have another player on thelandscape and it makes the distinctionbetween retailer and wholesaler a littlemuddier,” said Fantham.However, said Storfer: “I am not surehow clear those waters are today,” notingthat a number of wholesalers areselling direct to the public through theirshowrooms and the big box stores areselling products that were previouslyavailable only to licensed tradesmen.Noble Trade plans to remain part of theOcto buying group, he added. (Buyinggroups are typically made up of smallerwholesalers that work together to negotiatebetter prices with manufacturers.)“We will operate as a separate entityfrom the retail portion of the Ronaorganization – we are not a retailer. I amsure we are going to look for synergiesin buying power, logistics and salespoints in the future, but our industryhas been changing constantly in thepast 15 years,” said Storfer. “In this environment,the demands that the retailershave put on the wholesaler to get betterfrom a bar coding point of view, froman information systems point of viewand from a customer service point ofview have been good for the industry.“This is still my baby. I liken it to afather handing off his child on theirwedding day. It doesn’t mean you stopworrying, caring, nurturing and overseeingwhat goes on,” he added.Home Depot mayabandon distributionJust as Rona Inc. is moving into thewholesale business, their arch rival forthe Canadian do-it-yourself dollar maybe getting out.Home Depot announced Feb. 12that it will “evaluate strategic alternatives”for its Home Depot Supply division.The company has been underpressure from shareholders to get outof the wholesale business and focus onits retail division, which faces toughcompetition from companies likeMontreal-based Rona and U.S. homeimprovement giant Lowe’s. The latterhas also announced plans to enter theCanadian market.It won’t be easy for Home Depot,however. The $12-billion dollar HomeDepot Supply is the company’s fastestgrowing division.In 1999 Home Depot bought southernU.S. plumbing wholesaler ApexSupply. Last year it bought HughesSupply, the third largest plumbing/HVAC wholesaler in the U.S. with 500branches nationwide. In 2005 it purchasedMontreal-based electricalwholesaler Litemor Distributors.Meanwhile, things haven’t been✓New Direct Vent withflexible venting system,going well on the retail side. Canadianavailable in 50 and 60 gallonHome Depot customers complain ofpoor service and unknowledgeableemployees – if they can find one.Energy EfficientHome Depot Supply was an initiativeof former Home Depot chairmanEco-Friendly insulationBob Nardelli, who resigned Jan. 2.✓Compact water heatersDespite six profitable years, he hadNew capacities,No CFC’S, No HCFC’S,Smaller dimensionsbeen under fire from company investorsfor poor stock performance andNo VOC’Shis high salary. Former vice-chairmanFrank Blake replaced Nardelli.Nardelli walked away with an estimated$210 million (U.S.) in severanceCome and Visit us:www.giantinc.combooths 3004 & 3006pay, stock options, bonuses and other40 Lesage Avenue, Montreal-East,benefits, reported the Globe and Mail.Quebec, Canada, H1B 5H3Tel: (514) 645-8893 Fax: (514) 640-0969That too has miffed Home Depotshareholders.Circle Number 107 for More Information6 Plumbing & HVAC Product News – February/March 2007 www.plumbingandhvac.caof PointuseThe only 100% Canadian ownedwater heater manufacturercommited to quality products withoutcompromising the environment.

In BriefBoilers mislabeledSome boilers are being certifiedas water heaters to getaround more stringent minimumstandards for boilers,reports the Canadian Instituteof Plumbing & Heating (CIPH).These units meet neither theconstruction standards nor theminimum 80 percent AFUEefficiency that heating boilersmust achieve, but are beingsold for space heating applications.The Plumbing IndustryAdvisory Council has sent aletter to all certification bodies(CSA, ULC, etc.) to informthem of the issue and requestthat they undertake researchup front to classify productsappropriately before the certificationprocess begins.Ont. adopts oil codeOntario adopted its own oilheating code March 1, theTechnical Standards andSafety Authority reports. TheOntario Installation Code forOil-Burning Equipment isbased on the CSA B-139 codebut broadens the scope toinclude above ground tanksover 2,500 litres and undergroundsystems, replaces thesection on field installed burnerswith section 15 on fieldapprovals, addresses spills andleaks, adds vehicle protectionfor indoor tanks, allows alternativeventing of auxiliarytanks and covers the installationof oil line deaerators.Venting relief soughtThe Interprovincial GasAdvisory Council has requestedan exception to the StandardsCouncil of Canada requirementthat all plastic piping used incombustion venting be certifiedto ULC S636 by July 1.They want the deadline forspecial fittings such as transitionsand termination kits thatare not standard vent sizesextended until July 1, 2008,citing inadequate time to havethese parts approved.CorrectionAn article on a ManitobaHydro thermostat rebateprogram in the November/December issue should havesaid that a programmablethermostat can reduce the 60percent of a home’s energy billdevoted to heating. Weapologize for any confusioncaused by our error.Lower DHW temperature rejectedBy Simon BlakeAcommittee examining the proposedreduction of the maximumallowable domestic hot water temperaturein the National Plumbing Codehas rejected most aspects of the idea.The Canadian Commission of Buildingand Fire Codes (CCBFC) StandingCommittee on Building and PlumbingServices has recommended that onlywater delivered to showers and bathtubsshould be reduced to 49ºC (120°F),“It’s the right approach,” said RalphSuppa, president of the CanadianInstitute of Plumbing and Heating.“Most scalds, when you look at the statistics,occur in the bathtub.”The committee rejected an industryproposal to maintain the tank at a minimumof 60°C (140°F) while reducingthe temperature at the tap to a maximumof 49°C, as well as the initial proposalto reduce the storage tank temperatureto 49°C (120°F).It also recommended the withdrawalof proposals to reduce the temperatureat the lavatory and to reduce the temperaturein recirculating DHW systems.The proposal to reduce the maximumDHW temperature was initially put forwardby Safe Kids Canada as an antiscaldingmeasure. It was pulled fromconsideration for the 2005 NationalPlumbing Code after the executive committeedetermined the CCBFC hadvoted on something that it didn’t haveenough information to make a reasoneddecision. “They were focusing for a longtime on the water heater, but the waterheater is not the problem,” noted Suppa.He believes the latest changesoccurred because the original proposaldid not stand up to technical scrutinyby engineers and because of pressurefrom utilities.However, the change has already occurredin Ontario, where many homeownersrent their water heaters from utilities.They have been installing a mixingvalve on the outlet to reduce the water to49°C. Many homeowners have complainedthat the water isn’t hot enough.A key concern was that deadlyLegionella bacteria could survive toCanada adopts 13 SEERThe federal government has finallyadopted new minimum 13 SEER efficiencyratios for central air conditionersand heat pumps of less than 19kW(65,000 Btu/h).The new minimum Seasonal EnergyEfficiency Rating was published in theCanada Gazette Nov. 15, reports theHeating, Refrigeration and Air55°C. As well, as reported previously inP&HVAC, Ontario had run into a numberof difficulties. The cost to the homeownerproved much higher thanexpected when some municipalitiesstarted demanding permits for waterheater changeouts and, in some cases,two trades were required because gasfitters refused to do plumbing.CIPH is currently working to persuadethe Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairsand Housing to change the OntarioBuilding Code. “I think the industry andthe regulators want uniformity rightacross the country,” said Suppa.Ontario officials are monitoring theissue and may recommend changes tothe Ontario code “once the process hasreached an appropriate stage,” reportedDavid Brezer, director of the Buildingand Development Branch of MunicipalAffairs and Housing.The new proposal is a simple modificationof the existing National PlumbingCode. It already requires that mixingvalves supplying showerheads bepressure balanced, thermostatic, or amixture of both.The Standing Committee recommendationmust now go to the CCBFCexecutive committee and then to thefull Canadian Commission on Buildingand Fire Codes in February. If approved,it will mark the end of a fiveyearbattle for CIPH and its waterheater manufacturer members.Conditioning Institute of Canada(HRAI).The regulation was originally supposedto come into effect in January of2006 at the same time as the U.S.adopted it. Ontario adopted its own 13SEER regulation Feb. 15.Product bulletins can be viewed atwww.oee.nrcan.gc.ca/regulations.Circle Number 108 for More Informationwww.plumbingandhvac.ca February/March 2007 – Plumbing & HVAC Product News 7

New design gives youeasier handling.Toughness begins with our exclusive Flexicore ® wire rope centercables. They handle all the torque that the 1/2 hp motor can deliver,a great combination for ripping out roots. And the reinforced framewon’t ever sag or twist.To make the Speedrooter 91even more user-friendly, we’vemade it easier for you to loadthe machine onto a truck. Asyou lift, it slides smoothly fromloading wheel to handle to stair climbers and finally to the wheels.Then you can secure it with the wheel brake.We’ve also given the Speedrooter 91 an adjustable heighthandle. It can be three inches longer or more compact,depending on your preference. The auto-adjust cablefeed drives 3/4", 5/8" or 1/2" cables, the machine rollson big 10" roller bearing wheels, and V-belt stairclimbers help youon steps. More jobhelpers include asee-through drumcage and a handy toolbox mounted on the frame.For more information, ask yourwholesaler or call the Drain Brains ®at 412-771-6300. Prepare to payhundreds of dollars less than youwould expect.For a wholesaler in your area, contact:Alberta – Tom Donaldson Co.,Calgary 403-287-7933, Edmonton 780-486-2288British Columbia – West-Am, 877-600-0210Manitoba – Quadra Sales, 204-832-2354Ontario – G.F. Thompson, 800-499-3673Quebec & Atlantic Canada –Rafales-LawAgency, 514-731-3212Saskatchewan – Asta Sales, 306-933-4125www.drainbrain.com/speedrooter© General Wire Spring 2003Circle Number 109 for More Information

Industry NewsGround source HVAC grouptakes control of trainingCoalition ends accreditation for outside programsAgroup representing the geothermalindustry has launched a comprehensivenational training program.At the same time, it has distanced itselffrom existing programs.“Our stakeholders have been veryvocal that the current situation was nolonger viable,” said Denis Tanguay, executivedirector of the Canadian GeoExchangeCoalition (CGC). “There are toomany geoexchange training programsavailable with little or no oversight toensure quality of course content, deliveryand examination. We also havegrowing evidence that the overall qualityof other training programs is not upto par and, in some cases, we are deeplyconcerned with the fact that trainersappear to be under qualified.”Natural Resources Canada (NRCan)created the CGC in 2003 with assistancefrom the U.S.-based Geothermal HeatPump Consortium and the CanadianElectricity Association (CEA). Membersinclude contractors, manufacturers,utilities and municipalities. Offices arelocated in Montreal.Industry achievesrecord sales year“Developing a comprehensive, upto-date,flexible and made in Canadatraining curriculum that is fully adaptedto the realities of the Canadianregulatory environment has been thecornerstone of the CGC’s work for severalyears,” said Tanguay.CGC training, developed by industryspecialists over the past year, consistsof four modules – for drillers,installers, residential designers andcommercial designers. All four must becompleted to receive CGC professionalaccreditation.However, the group is not completelyshutting the door on manufacturerand other training programs. Individualsthat have completed previoustraining and want to be accredited bythe CGC can take refresher courses andchallenge the exam.The group may also recognize trainingfrom other groups under certainconditions. “In all cases, however …organizations will have to demonstrateto the CGC that their trainingapproach and material is fully compatiblewith the Canadian regulatory environmentand that their trainers areexperienced geoexchange installers anddesigners.”More information is available on thegroup’s web site at www.geo-exchange.ca.The plumbing and HVAC/R industriesrecorded $4.64 billion in sales throughwholesalers in 2006, up 7.5 percentfrom 2005, reports the CanadianInstitute of Plumbing and Heating. Atthe end of December, all regionsreported increases for the year exceptfor Quebec.Activity continues to surge in theWest with B.C. up 14.9 percent andAlberta up by 15.2 percent for the year.The rest of the West (Saskatchewan,Manitoba and Western Ontario toThunder Bay) is up 6.6 percent over2005. Ontario increased its business by4.9 percent while the Atlantic provinceswere up 5.2 percent. Quebec droppedslightly by one percent.Just about every industry sectorrecorded a healthy increase in 2006.Municipal waterworks jumped 11 percent,plumbing is up 9.7 percent,HVAC/R sales increased by 4.7 percent,hydronic heating supplies jumped sixpercent and PVF is up one percent.The industry took its usual dip inDecember as activity slows downaround Christmas. Total sales figuresfor the month were down $114 millioncompared to November and unchangedfrom December, 2005.The statistics, which are compiledfor CIPH by Statistics Canada, do notinclude retail sales. Figures compiled byHardware Merchandising magazineput retail sales in plumbing alone atabout $2.5 billion for 2006.More Industry News...Page 33Circle Number 110 for More Informationwww.plumbingandhvac.ca February/March 2007 – Plumbing & HVAC Product News 9

HeatingGround source heatMore efficient equipment, new applications for geothermal heating/coolingBy Simon BlakeSoaring prices for fossil fuels aremaking ground source heat pumpsmore attractive to Canadian homeowners.Equipment efficiencies haveimproved dramatically, the economicsare better today and contractors havefound ways to do applications long consideredimpossible.At the same time, manufacturers arewelcoming a new breed of installer. “Alot of good HVAC contractors are gettinginvolved,” reports David Hatherton,president of Next Energy Solutionsin Elmira, Ont.In years past geothermal heat pumpstended to be installed in rural homes.Today they are providing high efficiencyheating and cooling for everything frommulti-unit condos in B.C. to centuryhomes in downtown Toronto.“We are doing a lot more inner cityprojects. We are getting a lot moreretrofit projects,” reports ChrisMitchell, technical director for CleanEnergy Developments Ltd. based inA superheater equipped heat pumpheats the smaller DHW tank on theright. The 60-gallon electric unit onthe left supplements as required.Calgary and Toronto.Today’s high efficiency geothermalheat pumps use scroll compressors andR410A refrigerant with sophisticatedelectronic fans and controls. They comein versions for forced air, hydronic heatingor as combination units that canprovide radiant floor heating in thebasement and forced air on the mainfloor, for example.They can provide domestic hot waterwith either a dedicated heat pump or asuper heater to supplement an electricstorage tank. (Excess heat from thecompressor is transferred to the DHWtank through a heat exchanger.)Locating the heat sourceClosed loop geothermal systems are themost common today, either with horizontalor vertical loops. The heat transferfluid is typically about 75 percentwater mixed with 25 percent ethanol forfreeze protection.A city driveway – about 20x20 ft. –often provides adequate space for thegeothermal field, says Stan Marco ofGeoSmart Energy in Cambridge, Ont.For a 1,500 to 2,500 sq. ft. home, two tofour holes are usually sufficient. A typicaldesign calls for one hole of 180-200ft. per nominal ton (12,000 Btu/h perton) as a rough rule of thumb, saysMitchell. However, the depth varieswith the ground temperature in differentregions.A larger yard will allow a horizontalloop just below the frost line. In newconstruction, the horizontal loop isoften run around the base of the foundation.However, the cost of drilling fora vertical loop is about three to fourtimes that of digging a horizontal loop,notes Hatherton.Open loop systems that use drinkingwater wells are widely used in ruralareas. “Wherever there are copiousamounts of well water available, theseTraining, technical assistanceIn 2003 Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), with assistance from the U.S.-based Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium and the Canadian ElectricityAssociation (CEA), established the Canadian GeoExchange Coalition (CGC) inMontreal.The group’s goals include marketing and gaining acceptance for heatpump products with consumers, working with governments to overcome barriersand providing training for contractors and their installers.The group began offering comprehensive training programs for installers,designers (residential and commercial) and borehole field drillers in January.For more information, call (514) 807-7559 or visit www.geo-exchange.ca.A major international geothermal conference and trade show is plannedfor Vancouver March 7-9. Hosted by GeoExchange B.C., the InternationalGeoExchange Conference and Trade Show will take place at the HiltonVancouver Metrotown in Burnaby, B.C. Call 1-800-555-1099, ext. 2, orvisit www.geoexchangebc.ca for more information.Next Energy’s David Hatherton discusses a geothermal heat pump installationwith homeowner Fred Hagar, behindwould be a common system,” saysMarco. An open loop system typicallyrequires two water wells located 100 ft.apart or more. The well pump supplieswater to the heat pump, which dischargesinto the second well. Unfortunately,some municipalities prohibitopen well systems.Some rural homes may use a lake,river or pond as a heat source. “Thereare environmental concerns when youstart looking at lakes, rivers and ponds,”notes Mitchell. Approval by municipaland/or provincial environmental authoritiesmay be required.A new variation is to combine solarheating panels with a closed loop geothermalsystem, he added. Basically, thesolar panels collect energy year roundand store the energy into the ground,thus increasing the seasonal efficiencyof the heat pump while in heating modein northern climates.Geothermal retrofitAs one would expect, retrofitting ageothermal heating/cooling system intoan existing home is more difficult thana new construction installation.The first step should be an assessmentof the home to see if it’s suitable,says Marco. That typically starts with aballpark sizing of the equipment. Thecontractor can then calculate the lengthof the geothermal loop and what he needsfor ducting, pumps, ventilation, etc.The contractor must also determinewhether there’s room for a drilling rigand what obstructions there are todrilling – whether it’s elaborate landscapingor underground cables, gas,water and sewer lines.Upgrading the home with better windows,insulation, etc. where necessarywill help keep the cost and size of thegeothermal equipment within reason.“We really try to get the structure upto snuff so we can downsize the heatpump,” reports Hatherton.It’s critical to understand how geothermalworks, adds Mitchell. It is commonto replace a 100,000 Btu/h input(70,000 Btu/h output) forced air furnacewith a 48,000 Btu/h (four-ton)heat pump. There are a number of reasons:a gas furnace is typically 20 to 30percent oversized for the load, the heatpump will usually be more efficientthan the older furnace that is being replacedand combustion air is no longera factor.“I can’t stress enough that these arereally rough numbers and that someoneshouldn’t design on the basis of a numberthey obtain out of a magazine,” headded, noting that training is absolutelycritical to properly design and installgeothermal systems.In fact he recommends taking ageneral geothermal course through the10 Plumbing & HVAC Product News – February/March 2007 www.plumbingandhvac.ca

Canadian GeoExchange Coalition(www.geo-exchange.ca) followed bytraining on the specific equipment fromthe manufacturer.Residential heat pumps are sizedaccording to CSA Standard 448. Usingthe CSA tables, a heat pump is sized tohandle 97 percent of the load (or higher).The other three percent is coveredby auxiliary heat, typically an electricelement.On a particularly cold day, the auxiliaryheat might come on for a shortperiod to give the geothermal heatpump a boost (while it is running).Over the course of the year, the auxiliaryheat will only be on for three percentof the total run time. (Sizing forthe load is different from sizing for thepeak. On a particularly cold day –This pre-fabricated flow-control unitmakes piping easy.Selling geothermalSelling a geothermal heating/cooling system to a costconscious customer can be a challenge. ContractorJohn Bosman, Bostech Mechanical Ltd., Moorefield,Ont., has done about 350 installations in the past 10years. Typically, for a residential home, the cost to thecustomer is $20,000 for a system with a horizontalloop and $25,000 with a vertical loop, he reports.However, when one considers that the customer’s oilor natural gas bill will be reduced to zero and theircooling costs can be halved, the price doesn’t look sobad. Government and utility energy efficiency programscan also help reduce the burden.And it is not as big a portion of a house price as itwas. When homes were selling for $100,000 or less,putting in a $25,000 HVAC system didn’t make sense.With homes in many regions now in the $300-$400,000 range, customers are more likely to takethe price in stride, says Hatherton. “People don’t lookat you like you are from another planet anymore.”In new construction, where the customer is going tohave to buy an HVAC system anyway, adding an extra$10-15,000 to the mortgage and being protected fromrising gas/oil prices forever can be extremely attractive.Financing options can be a big help in a retrofit.Last year Next Energy formed a partnership withWaterloo North Hydro – an electrical utility servingWaterloo, Ont. and area – that allows the homeownerto finance the system on their electricity bill over a20-year term.Where the geothermal system replaces a propane,oil or electric system, the homeowner will see noticeablesavings, notes Hatherton. At current natural gasprices, it’s more likely to be a break-even proposition.Bosman notes that it is important to give the customeraccurate information. One of his first steps is toA vertical geothermal field can be located whereverthere’s room to get a drilling rig in. This is theCopperfield Project, a solar/geothermal subdivision byMarshall Homes near Oshawa, Ont.do an accurate heat loss on the home and then anaccurate comparison between the cost of heating withthe existing system versus geothermal. Manufacturersusually provide charts to help calculate this.Sometimes the payback, particularly in a retrofitwhere numerous upgrades to existing systems have tobe made, will simply end up too expensive for the customer,says Mitchell. On the other hand, adds Marco,many geothermal customers are committed to a “greensolution,” regardless of the price.“They are looking to have something that’s green,that’s going to save them money and they arelooking to have a more comfortable system than theyhave now.”minus 30C, for example, 97 percent ofthe annual load may be only 70 percentof the peak load.) This may require a150-amp service.Once the contractor knows the sizeof the heat pump, tables provided bythe manufacturer will help him size thegeothermal loop and from that he cansize the pump(s).There are various software programsthat will assist in the process.Correct sizing of both the equipmentand the geothermal loop are critical forthe system to work properly, saysMitchell. One of the most commonproblems that he sees is under sizing theequipment or the ground loop to keepthe cost down.“There are no shortcuts inthis stuff. It has to be done correctly…”Undersized ductwork is the othercommon problem that contractors runinto, says Marco. High efficiency geothermalsystems make right-sizing theductwork more critical, although thevariable speed ICM blower motorstend to be quite forgiving, notesHatherton.While there is no longer a need forcombustion air, ventilation remains acritical factor. And because geothermalcan also provide DHW, the homeowner’shot water needs must be determined.ControlsThe basic control for a geothermal heatpump is a standard heat/cool thermo-Circle Number 111 for More Informationwww.plumbingandhvac.ca February/March 2007 – Plumbing & HVAC Product News 11stat. Mitchell doesn’t recommend nightsetback because the auxiliary heat mayuse more energy to boost the temperaturein the morning than was saved byturning it down.Controls can go well beyond the simplethermostat to a ducted zoningPatent Pendingsystem with a variable speed ECM fanthat is controlled by the zoning systemrather than the thermostat.Contractors that have been involvedin geothermal heating/cooling for sometime are finding that selling it is gettingeasier.EcoVantage Ultra Water SavingUrinal SystemContractor John Bosman, BostechMechanical Ltd., Moorefield, Ont. hasdone about 350 geothermal installationsin the past 10 years.“People are getting desperate on thefuel prices they are paying … we aretaking a lot of oil and propane out.”85% Water SavingsZurn continues to demonstrate leadership inplumbing system innovation. The Z5798 ultra lowconsumption (1/8 gpf) urinal system is the latestproduct in that pioneering spirit. It leads the waywith ultra low water consumption, latest in sensortechnology, and high quality vitreous china.ZURN INDUSTRIES LIMITED 3544 NASHUA DRIVEMISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO, CANADA L4V 1L2PHONE: 905/405-8272 FAX: 905/405-1292Z5798 System Features· High efficiency alternative to waterless urinals –optimized distribution plate and water trap passall ASME A112.19.2 urinal performance tests.· Ultra low water consumption –85% water savings compared to a 1.0 gallon urinal.· Conserves more than 30,000 gallons per year –fast payback calculations on retrofit.· Easy to retrofit – in many cases urinal can beretrofitted to existing carrier and outlet rough-ins.· Sensor flush valve with Smart technology –sanitary, hands-free operation.· Battery operated – optimized electronicsdeliver 200,000 cycle or three year battery life.· Zurn One System warranty – guaranteed pairedperformance from one manufacturer on theentire system.

Circle Number 112 for More Information

HeatingWorking with today’seducated customerBy Art IrwinMany customerstoday stillfeel the oldadage applies whenit comes to heatingsystems: ‘You paysyour money andtakes your chances.’They believe that building codes andCSA standards provide the necessaryprotection against fire, safety and healthissues, but when it comes to heating systemperformance, they have no earthlyidea what to look for.Compounding the problem is a numberof poorly qualified heating installersworking in today’s basements. Most arehonest people, but unfortunately theyhave had little formal training.Thirst for informationAt the same time, the Internet notwithstanding,there seems to be a void outthere in day-to-day information for theaverage consumer about their HVACsystems. For the past 18 years, I havebeen a monthly guest on the CBC Radiophone-in show Maritime Noon andmore recently CBC TV’s Country Canada.Consumers call in with energy relatedquestions pertaining to heating systemsof all types, renovations and new construction,mold and mildew and ventilationissues or, in short, HVAC in general.The majority of calls are fromAtlantic Canada and there are alsocallers from across Canada and the U.S.As the seasons change, so do the subjectsof the calls. In the late spring, it willbe basement dampness problems. AfterLabour Day, when the kids are settled inschool, the parents then begin to rememberthe drafts and heating problems oflast winter. By mid November, they beginstrolling around the home with thecaulking gun. By mid December, the peopleheading south ask where they shouldset the thermostat when the home isunoccupied. By January, the heatingproblems, not corrected since last winter,again show their ugly heads and manythink they need a new furnace or boiler.In many instances, homeowners arebeing told they need a new heatingappliance, but it is often unnecessary.Some are actually disappointed when Itell them to invest their dollars inupgrading the energy efficiency of thebuilding envelope first and the returnon investment can be better than thestock market. Insulating an uninsulatedhome can often reduce energy consumptionby 30 – 35 percent.information on the subject, whichmakes life easier for all concernedI receive many complaints regardingconflicting information from tradespeople and others. For example, aninsurer advises a homeowner to replacethe oil tank and the installer insists onputting it outdoors. The homeowner istold it must be outdoors because of regulations.(What regulations?) Is it possiblybecause the installer does not wantto carry the tank to the basement? (Art:give the contractor a break. Those new12-gauge tanks are really heavy, ed.)The homeowner was not briefed onthe proper operation of their heatrecovery ventilator or they were told toIn many instances,homeowners are beingtold they need a newheating appliance. It isoften unnecessary.operate it year round. In AtlanticCanada, I advise homeowners to turn itoff in summer and open the windowsand enjoy that fresh evening air!Wood heat regulations have improvedimmensely with the WETT heat organizationin place (Wood Energy TechnologyTransfer – www.wettinc.ca), butthere are still homeownersout there that travel to theU.S. and purchase an attractivewood stove, bring itacross the border and carryout their own installation.They will get an unpleasantsurprise if they have a fireand are told the stove is notCSA certified and theirinsurance will not cover thedamages.I am getting a number ofcalls on the subject of freezeprotection or anti-freeze intheir heating system. “Myplumber just installed Plumbersor RV anti freeze in myheating system. He was notsure of the proper quantityand suggested four to fivelitres should be satisfactory.”This is where I get very frustratedbecause the homeowneris being misinformed.Paying the billsSometimes we forget that itis the consumer paying thebills and yet the consumer isoften not listened to. For example,situations arise where the homeownerwanted the radiation installed onthe far wall because of their furniturearrangement and the installer cannotunderstand why the homeowner isunhappy when they simply put it whereverthey thought best. “Discuss thedetails” is probably a good motto. Basedon the feedback I receive, it is often thesimple points that should be discussedand that make installers heroes whenthey take the time to listen. The homeowneris your best salesperson and thisfree advertising is priceless.If I had three ears, they would all beHeat Transfer Coils &Corrosion Protection CoatingsCareful attention to detail keeps the customerhappy. Double oil filters on this installation preventthe burner nozzle from getting plugged.Kevin Bulman, Tecumseth Heating and Air,Alliston, Ont., installs the venting.busy from dawn to dusk. As this isbeing written (in the fall), it is that timeof year when the consumer sometimesgoes wild with the caulking gun andpurchases the wrong material, tries tomake changes to the heating system andfloods the basement, tries to install deicingcable on the roof and is nowreceiving Get Well cards in the hospital!Hiring a professional will often preventthese home disasters. I do enjoy tryingto keep homeowners out of troubleand realize I have an endless challenge.Arthur A. Irwin operates Irwin EnergyConsulting Services in Halifax.■ New Coil Applications■ Exact Coil Replacements■ Rapid Delivery■ Heresite Protective CoatingsBetter informed consumerToday’s consumer is much betterM A N U F A C T U R I N G L I M I T E DMadok Manufacturing is theinformed regarding energy efficiencyCanadian licencee for50 Morrell St., Brantford, Ontario N3T 4J5Heresite Protective Coatings Inc.than they were 25 years ago. There isTel (519) 756-5760 Fax (519) 756-5768Manitowoc, WImail@madok.com www.madok.commore information available, particularlythrough the Internet. Many of mycallers have previously read backgroundCircle Number 113 for More Informationwww.plumbingandhvac.ca February/March 2007 – Plumbing & HVAC Product News 13

Upgrade topure performanceNow Bradford White gives you 18 ways to upgrade your commercial, oilpoweredapplications. The introduction of Aero ® Series Commercial oilpoweredwater heaters brings a new dimension of rugged, clean-burning,high-output and high recovery water heaters to the professional installer.This new oil-powered line-up includes a 70 gallon model in bothcenter and rear flue versions -- four 38 gallon multi-fluemodels with inputs from 245,000 to 350,000 BTU/H --four 80 gallon multi-flue models with inputs from 490,000to 700,000 BTU/H -- two 100 gallon multi-flue models with inputs from350,000 to 420,000 BTU/H -- Plus, the 80 and 100 gallon models are18 CommercialOil-Powered water heatersfrom Bradford Whitealso available in ASME construction with the same BTU/H inputs as theirnon-ASME counterparts.Exceptional standard features include the Hydrojet ® Total PerformanceSystem, a Vitraglas ® lined tank, ceramic fiber combustion chambers,protective magnesium anode rods and stainless steel baffles. Whetherit’s a new installation or a replacement, look to the Bradford WhiteAero ® Series for super-charged, oil-powered performance.For more information on the Aero ® Series Commercial waterheaters, please contact your Bradford White representative.Count On Bradford WhiteFor Everything Hot WaterMississauga, ON866-690-0961www.bradfordwhitecanada.com©2005, Bradford White Corporation. All rights reserved.Circle Number 114 for More Information

Heating & Air ConditioningEfficient rooftopLennox Industries displayed its newT-Class rooftop units at the AHR Expoin Dallas Jan. 29-31. Three to 25-tonunits meet ASHRAE 90.1 regulationsfor indoor air quality. Energy Star highefficiency units are also available.Multiple compressor units can bestaged for just the right amount of heatingand cooling, preventing temperatureswings and minimizing energyconsumption.Lennox Industries Circle no. 300Variable-speed 80 furnacesA new family of 80 percent efficient gasfurnaces from ICP feature 12-speedselection for cooling airflow and 12temperature rise adjustment settingswith ECM 2.3 motors. Features includeadded O andY1 terminalson the tapselect interfaceboard,operationalcompatibilitywith twostagecoolingsystems andall singlestageair conditionersandheat pumps.They are available in sizes of 50, 75, 100and 125,000 Btu/h.Int. Comfort Prod. Circle no. 302HRAI forecasts modestIncrease in AC salesThe Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI)is predicting a modest increase in air conditioning sales for 2007 after a dismalyear, particularly on the residential side, in 2006. HRAI projects thatyear-end 2006 numbers will show 257,000 residential air conditioning unitssold, down 10 percent from 285,399 in 2005. Contractors struggled with acool summer in many regions while many wholesalers found themselves overstockedon 13-SEER units when 14-SEER was adopted as the Energy Starstandard. HRAI is predicting a one percent increase in sales to 259,000 in2007. HRAI defines residential air conditioning as split system air conditionersand heat pumps up to five tons.The commercial side, much less affected by weather, was down just onepercent (projected) to 44,000 from 44,568 in 2005. HRAI is predicting afour percent increase in 2007 to 46,000.On the residential forced air furnace side, HRAI is projecting final salesfigures of 320,000 for 2006, up four percent from 308,615 in 2005. Adecrease of 4,000 units to 316,000 is expected in 2007.Stainless doorjet heaterThe new stainless steel DoorJet infraredheater from Solaronics is ideal forwet corrosive environments like carwashes,loading docks and platforms.Features include a stainless steel watertightenclosure with all gas and electri-Heat pumpsThe Luxaire 5T Series Acclimate 15+SEER heat pumps produce dischargetemperatures 10 degrees warmer thanSpark ignitionWhite Rodgers has introduced twonon-integrated universal spark ignitionmodules. The Direct Spark 50D50-842and the Intermittent Pilot 50D50-843are designed for non-integrated forcedair furnaces, boilers, cooking appliancesand accessories. Features include acolour LED indicator for diagnostics,direct and indirect flame sense, crossreferenceguide and programming keys.White-Rodgers Circle no. 304cal controls pre-wired and sealed, reinforcedstainless steel casing and stainlesssteel burner baffle. This unit provides ahigh velocity jet of heat aimed at outsidebay doors as they open. It can bemounted vertically, horizontally, or atany angle in between. Models are availablein 550,000 to 950,000 Btu/h inputs.Solaronics Inc. Circle no. 301other models, the manufacturer maintains.A quiet drive system with a sweptwingfan design reduces air turbulenceand noise for sound levels of 71-74decibels. Other features include a fullend-full service access panel, demanddefrost board with service analyzer,fault code retention, jumpers and highlowpressure switch connections.York Div., Johnson Controls Circle no. 303Circle Number 115 for More InformationCircle Number 116 for More Informationwww.plumbingandhvac.ca February/March 2007 – Plumbing & HVAC Product News 15

Shower upgrades withoutknocking out the wall?“Cool.”A Masco Company | ©2006 Masco Corporation of Indiana | Delta Faucet CompanyMultiChoice Universal. The revolutionary tub/shower valve that lets you change style and functionwithout having to change the plumbing behind the wall. Delta. We work wonders with water.800.345.DELTA www.deltafaucet.com/multichoice.Easy to install • Eliminates the wrong valve in the wall • Saves time and hassle • Upgrades made easyCircle Number 117 for More Information

Hot Water HeatingLooking after the small stuffWhere did it go? Mysterious fluid loss in hydronic systemsBy Roy CollverMany yearsago, I wassummonedto look at a snowmelting systemthat was not working.The owner hadslid down hisdriveway ramp and through his brandnew garage door with his shiny newLexus – and he was not amused. Hisheating contractor pointed at thesnow-melting control on the wall andsaid it wasn’t working – then hevamoosed.Because I was working for the controlcompany at the time, I foundmyself standing in the boiler room. Iwas watching the control work, feelingthe pipes, listening, looking,smelling, and scratching my head.I pulled out one of my favorite, andreliable, tricks. I asked the homeowner– “So, what do you think might bewrong? What do you think of this system?Other than your recent troubles,how has it been working?”It is amazing what you can learnabout the system with these questions– and amazing, the new four-letterwords you can learn from the homeowner!This valuable little trick accomplishesmany things. At the very least,it will buy you time to try and figurethings out. But in addition to that,when a customer vents, you can discovermany things.The art of listeningI find that most customers mayunderstand their own heating systemfar better than the people that put itin. If you pay attention to what theysay, you are often led directly to theproblem.This customer had a litany ofthings to reveal about the system. Hetalked about its operation in general– how much gas it used, how muchnoise it made, how the sunroom wasnever warm enough, how the diningroom was always too hot, how theboiler room was always hotter thanthe hubs of hell, how the little redlights on the staging control werealways on, how the damn snow didn’tmelt, how the relief valve on one ofthe boilers kept going off, and howthere was something seriously wrongwith the glycol.Hello – something wrong with theglycol?It is critical to keep asking questionsto gain clarity.So I asked: “What do you think iswrong with the glycol?”The customer answered: “Itfreezes.”Freezes? “How did the glycolfreeze?” (those damn questionsagain). The customer said “I drainedsome glycol out of the boiler and putit in a jar and put it in the freezer.”“Why exactly did you do that?” Iasked.“Well, because I smelled glycol inthe boiler room after the relief valvewent off last month and called myplumber and said: “I might be losingglycol.” He said, “Well relief valveswill blow from time to time… I willcome around and check your glycolnext week.” He did and said, “It is justfine, nothing to worry about,” but itdidn’t make sense to me, and he didn’tseem too good with the glycoltester – it looked just like the kindyou use for your car – and isn’t heatingglycol different? So I checked itmyself...”I thought about it for a moment.There was no easy way to break thenews.“I think your driveway is probablyfrozen, the tubing has probably bursthere and there, and if so, you mayhave to jackhammer the slab up andre-do the whole thing next summer,”says I.“I hope that damn plumber is runninghard!” says he.I hoped so too.You can see what a powerful troubleshootingtool it is to just listen tothe customer and ask the rightquestions – but what happened here,really? Let’s figure it out.Customer spells it outI liked this customer because he madeit easy. He got tired of seeing a wetboiler room floor, so he put a fivegallonpail under therelief valve pipe. Hetold me the relief valveblew off about everyhalf hour.“After the reliefvalve goes, how muchfluid is in the bucket?”– says I.“One point two gallons– exactly – everytime,” says he.A rough calculationestablished that therewas approximately 40U.S. gallons of fluid inhis system. With therelief dumping out 1.2 gallons offluid every half hour, he was feedingin 28.8 gallons of fresh water everyday. You can be pretty certain thatafter a month of introducing 28.8 gallonsof fresh water every day, therewould be precious little glycol left.This story shows you how a veryA simple test by the homeowner revealed a serious problem.This story shows youhow a very simpleproblem can cascadeout of control withdisastrous results.simple problem can cascade out ofcontrol with disastrous results. Thissystem had three cast-iron boilersoperated by a boiler reset staging control.The installer of the control didn’tuse the handy little tie strap thatcame with the control to firmly affixthe control’s boiler sensor to the hightemperature boiler piping.No, he used black plastic electrician’stape instead. When the tape gothot, it got soft enough to release thesensor, which dropped behind theboilers onto the floor – which wasaround 70°F. So now the boiler controlthinks the boiler sensor is only70°F, but its little software brain saysit should be 160°F. Like it was programmedto do, the boiler controlasked for every boiler to fire. The littlered lights on the boiler controlduly come on and the boilers duly fireup, but the control doesn’t see any ofthis, it only sees that the boiler sensoris still at 70°F. The boilers heat up allthe way to 200°F, where their highlimits finally shut them off, then turnthem on, then off, ad infinitum.The snowmelt system had a fourwaymixing valve. The pump relay onthe slab side had never been wiredproperly so the pump didn’t run.When the mixing valve opened to letheat into the slab, nothing happened.So the valve opened wide because thesnowmelt control was looking at acold sensor too. When the valve wasalmost fully open, a slug of 200°Fwater made its way into the pipeholding the snow melt sensor – anequivalent sized slug of ice-water alsomade it into the boiler loop. Themixing valve immediately closedagain.And the relief valve? The expansiontank was flooded. Every time the boilersran the loop temperature up to200°F the fluid expanded just enoughto pop the relief, when the slug ofcold water gushed into the boiler side,the boiler loop cooled off just longenough to open the boiler fill valveand bring the pressure back up –repeat every half hour, and the nextsummer you are jack-hammering upan 800 square foot concrete drivewayso you can replace the snow-melt system.Yes, PEX pipe will burst if it’sfrozen in concrete. Details folks,details!Roy Collver operates MechanicalSystems 2000 in Calgary. He can bereached at royc@ms-2000.com.www.plumbingandhvac.ca February/March 2007 – Plumbing & HVAC Product News 17

Circle Number 118 for More Information

Hot Water HeatingGas water heatersThe State Select power-vent gas waterheaters feature the company’s CorderiteCombustion Containment for flammablevapour ignition resistance(FVIR), a fireproof,non-metallic, Corderiteflame arrestor that won’tretain or conduct heat, airintake screen, self-containedpilot burnerassembly with thermocoupleand temperaturesensor and a self-resettingtemperature sensor (TCOswitch), Intelli-Vent controlwith diagnostics and silicon nitrideigniter.State Div., A.O. Smith Circle no. 305Venting flexibilityPower-Fin M-9 water heaters and boilersfrom Lochinvar are available withvent reducer kits for Category IV ventsystems, reducing diameters up to 45percent. There are six venting options,and up to 50equivalent feet ofair intake andventing. On/Offfiring models retrofitCategory 1vents. Full Modulationmodels reducefiring ratesby one percent increments, with a 4:1turndown at 87 percent thermal efficiency.The digital control includes selfdiagnostics.Lochinvar Corp. Circle no. 306Product ProfileDeDietrich launchescondensing boilerFlexible Eutectic Boilers Ltd., Cambridge, Ont., displayed their firstDeDietrich condensing boiler at the AHR Expo in Dallas, Texas Jan. 29-31.The De Dietrich Gas C-310…ECO is a compact floor standing cast aluminumsectional condensing boiler. A small footprint and the ability to beinstalled side-by-side make them ideal for modular applications.The Honeywell MCBA master control system is easily integrated with buildingmanagement systems. A pre-mix gas burner with precise gas/air control Flexible Eutectic displayed this cutawayversion of the new De Dietrichoffers high efficiency with ultra-low NOx and minimal CO emissions at a5:1 turndown ratio. These new boilers, available in various sizes, are condensing boiler at the AHR Expo.suitable for sealed combustion or conventional flue venting.Flexible Eutectic Circle no. 309High turndownKC1000 gas-fired boilers now feature a20:1 turndown with Aerco’s air/fueldelivery system, themost efficient modelsin the one millionBtu/h category. Itmatches heating loadsfrom 50,000 to 1 millionBtu/h without cyclingfor seasonal efficienciesup to 95 percent AFUE, supportsvariable flow rates, hasa 78” x 22” x 57” footprint,plus a low-NOx burner package.Aerco International Circle no. 307Modulating boilerThe new high efficiency, fully-modulatingRheos+ commercial boiler/waterheater by Laars offers industrial gradeperformance for hydronic and volumewater applications with up to 97 percentcombustion efficiency and infinite variabilityof modulationbetween 25 and 100percent of the inputrate. It precisely meetsheating loads from600 to 2400 MBTUwith the 2400 model,and from 300 to 1200MBTU with the 1200model. The Rheos+ also achieves NOxlevels of under 10ppm and low COgreenhouse gas emissions.Laars Circle no. 308Effective design. Efficient delivery.Uponor’s Structured Plumbing® system maximizes water and energy savings andminimizes connection points. It also features all the benefits of Wirsbo AQUAPEX®tubing - it’s quiet, reliable and resistant to corrosion and condensation. And whencombined with the D’MAND Hot Water Recirculation System, you receiveadditional water and energy savings. In fact, an ideal Structured Plumbingdesign with a D’MAND system uses less than two cups of water every timethere is a demand for hot water. For more information, visit www.uponor.ca.Circle Number 119 for More Informationwww.plumbingandhvac.ca February/March 2007 – Plumbing & HVAC Product News 19

SUPERIOR PERFORMANCE...from the industry leader in near-condensing andcondensing boiler technologyIntroducing the C310...Eco,the small boiler ...with BIG PERFORMANCE!The enhanced highly efficient pre-mixburner system provides stablecombustion and ULTRA Low NOxperformanceRange (output)174 MBH - 1,812 MBHThe efficient design of theCA310...ECO allows quickinstallation, equipped withcasters the ECO rolls throughmost doorways and is easilypositioned in place.The Ultimate Boiler Package!With 30% more elasticity from it’s“eutectic” cast iron, theDe Dietrich G T Series boilers arevirtually shock proof!G T SeriesIT’S A BOILER YOU CAN’THURT!Near-Condensing Cast IronSectional Hot Water Boilers...that save you money!The De Dietrich G T Series cast iron sectional hot water boilerhas developed a reputation for undeniable reliability, performanceand maintenance savings. With the best Manufacturers Network inthe business our highly trained hydronic experts provideuncompromise after sales support which is second to none!Flexible Eutectic Boilers Ltd.1090 Fountain St. N., Unit 10Cambridge, Ontario N3E 1A3PH: (800) 943-6276FX: (519) 650-1709www.dedietrich-boilers.comCircle Number 120 for More Information

VentilationPVC airflow hoseThe Flexadux line of clear PVC hose fora wide range of airflow applications is amedium weight PVC hose reinforcedwith a spring steel wire helix. It has asmooth inner surface for positive pressureand light vacuum applications. It isavailable in sizes four to 18” ID andcomes in 25-ft. lengths.The Flexaust Co. Circle no. 310Air conditionersICP Comfortmaker 14 SEER air conditionersfeature a single-phase designwith Copeland scroll compressors,sound-reducing fan orifice, free-andclearaccess tubing stubs, one panelaccess to control box, post-painted coilfins and cabinet and coated wire baskettop. They are available in 1-1/2 to fivetonsizes and operate with R-410Arefrigerant.Int’l Comfort Products Circle no. 313Window pull box coversA Type 1 locking window pull boxaccessory prevents unauthorized accessto switch banks, dimmers and otherpanel-mount controls. It is designed toreplace 8x8” to 24”x24” standard Type 1pull box covers. Features include aProduct ProfileBetter HRV controlNutech has added two useful features toits Lifebreath control for heat recoveryventilators (HRV) and energy recoveryventilators (ERV).The compact “smart” ControlAir-15now has five speeds and four operatingmodes. The fourth operating mode – 20minutes of ventilation with 40 minutesof recirculation – is used when intermittentventilation is needed. Instead of turningoff the HRV, fresh air will continue tocirculate. This mode is available on singlecore ERVs and HRVs and supplements theThe updated Lifebreath HRV/ERVcontroller provides better humidityand ventilation control.existing three operating modes – continuous ventilation, 20 minutes on/40off and continuous recirculation.The second new feature is an “auto dehumidistat” function. This causesthe HRV to automatically turn off the dehumidistat in the summer whenthe temperature reaches 59ºF (15ºC). When the temperature drops belowthat, the outdoor sensor will signal the HRV to restart the dehumidistat,increasing ventilation until humidity is at a comfortable level. Previously,the homeowner had to perform this function manually.Nutech Brands Inc. Circle no. 316Motorized dampersIRIS-M motorized dampers fromContinental Fan provide automaticmeasurement and control of minimum-maximumairflow, temperature,humidity and ventilation rate. Theyoperate with a 0-10 volt DC or 4-20 mAsignal with adjustable set-points. Theyare available in six sizes from 4” to 12”diameter and capacities from 15 to4,000 cfm. An external switch retractsthe damper fully for duct cleaning.Continental Fan/Aeroflo Circle no. 311cylindrical key lock, tamper-proofmounting screws, 3/16” polycarbonateviewing window along with 1/8”removable aluminum dead-front panelfor device cut-outs and labelling.Hoffman Div. Pentair Circle no. 314Down-draught fansAltra-Air high efficiency low speedoverhead fans are designed for commercial-industrialde-stratificationapplications. They provide a non-disruptivecooling breeze and more evenwarm airflow throughout all levels of alarge open building. The standard sizeis 20 ft. diameter, with models fromeight to 26 ft. also available. The one totwo horsepower motor rotates the 10“Stellar” airfoil design fan blades at 47rpm through reduction gearing to circulateair volumes of 38,000 to 385,000cfm.Envira-North Systems Circle no. 315Tel: 905-890-6192www.aeroflo.comAXC In-line Duct FanQuiet and PowerfulBathroom or Range Hood ExhaustDuct Boosting5-Year WarrantyCX Complete Air Purification SystemRemoves Dust, Allergens, Mould Spores,Toxins, Germs and BacteriaUp to 3000 sq. ft. of Pure AirPatented Filtration ProcessAir PurificationCircle Number 121 for More InformationPTAC UVC kitA packaged terminal air conditioningUVC kit contains a 24” UVC emitter,power supply and all hardware componentsor accessories to retrofit a PTACcoil or other room unit with ultraviolettubes for mould, bacteria and indoor airquality control.Steril-Aire, Inc. Circle no. 312A full range of infrared space heating equipmentModel RE (for workshops, residential garages)• rates from 30 and 45 MBTUH• balanced flue construction• 85% thermal efficiency• fully assembled for installation easeModel Premier VS (engineered performance)• a vacuum operated burner-in-series system that isengineered for the customer’s specific requirements• burner rates 60 to 250 MBTUHwith multiple branch capability• system outputs to one million BTUH• state of the art electronic control panelSUPERIOR RADIANT PRODUCTSModel UA (workhorse of the line up)• rates from 40 to 220 MBTUH• jet stream burner design maximizesradiant 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 3N9Phone: (905) 664-8274 • Toll Free: 1-800-527-HEAT (4328) • Fax: (905) 664-8846www.superiorradiant.com sales@superiorradiant.comModel UX (more features, moreperformance)• fully enclosed construction• operating status lights• standard 24v thermostat• post purge function• 10 yr. heat exchangerwarranty optionCircle Number 122 for More Informationwww.plumbingandhvac.ca February/March 2007 – Plumbing & HVAC Product News 21

“Reliance HomeComfort is alwayswilling to go theextra mile for us.When we neededto change an orderright away, due toa tight deadline,they drove all theway to Kitchenerright away andgot it. No questionsasked. That’s thekind of service weneed – and get –from Reliance.”Ben KlundertPresidentB.K. CornerstoneDesign/Build L.T.D.“They go the extra mile on a daily basis.Sometimes they go the extra 60 miles.”At Reliance Home Comfort, we’re so committed to getting everything right we even changed ourname. Union Energy is now called Reliance Home Comfort. It’s a better reflection of who we areand what we do.We’re committed to providing you with the industry leading expertise, service and innovativeenergy-efficient rental products you need. And our dedicated on-site support team is always readyto go the extra mile, and then some. We’re here seven days a week, ready to do whatever it takesto ensure your housing project gets done the right way, on time and on budget. We’ve got the rightproducts. The right service. And the right solutions. Guaranteed.Natural Gas & Electric Storage Water Heaters | Tankless Water Heaters | Drain Water Heat RecoveryBoilers | Air Handlers | Furnaces and Air Conditioners | Security and Monitoring ServicesCarla Agostino-PicciniHamilton / Halton & Niagara (905) 330-7169Maureen O’ReillyLondon & Area (519) 521-2273Ron KimmelGTA / Durham & Barrie (647) 280-2284Peter WilliamsKW / Cambridge & Area (519) 572-7535Circle Number 123 for More InformationFred BuesnelWindsor & Area (519) 818-9054All other areas – Inquiries 1-888-499-7255Gord McCradyEastern Ontario (613) 802-6160The right call.TMGuaranteed.

Faucets & FixturesKitchen pull-out faucetThe Palo pull-out kitchen faucet fromDelta can install in a one, two, three orfour-hole application. It has a twofunctionwand that can switch to sprayor stream and features a cool insulatedwaterway. A quiet, non-metallic hosewill not catch on stainless steel sinksand it comes with a soap dispenser andan optional escutcheon plate, in chromeand stainless steel finishes.Delta Faucet Canada Circle no. 317Kitchen faucet with filterThe Moen Chateau kitchen faucet featuresthe company’s ChoiceFlo integratedfilter technology. It provides the userwith two water supply options – filteredand non-filtered – from the same spout.A handle mounted next to the faucetdeck plate activates a separate filteredwater line. The replaceable activatedcarbon block filter is located under thesink and flows 1 gpm. A ‘replace indicator’lets the homeowner know when it istime to change it.Moen Canada Circle no. 318Product ProfileQuiet bathroom fans are installer friendlyThe concept of the bathroom as a refuge or a spa hasbeen embraced by thousands of Canadian homeowners.Unfortunately, the thought that goes into choosing fixturesand faucets seldom extends to the choice of a bathroomfan, making quiet time in the tub anything but.One of Europe’s largest ventilation manufacturers hasbeen making a name for itself in North America with itsquiet and efficient exhaust fans. At the recent AHR Expoin Dallas, Texas Jan. 29-31 Soler & Palau Canada displayeda bathroom fan kit that incorporates everything the contractorneeds to complete the installation. “It’s a totally organizedapproach to doing a job,” said Ray Gatt, vice presidentof sales for Soler & Palau Canada, noting that the kitfrees the contractor from the need to stock the truck withall the different supplies used in a venting installation.A number of kits are available for different applications,but they typically include a compact TD-Mixvent inlineexhaust fan, a plasticround grill, an exteriorfixed grill, 13 feet offlexible ducting, adhesivetape and an integralmounting bracket. Inother words, each kit hasThe fan can be removed withoutdisturbing the ductwork. cian needs to completeeverything the techni-the installation.The heart of the system is the TD series exhaust fan. Allmodels incorporate a powerful mixed flow impeller withinternal air vanes located at the discharge end of the fanhousing. This combination provides smooth laminar airflowto minimize turbulence and noise while generating anexcellent airflow-to-performance ratio against the high staticpressure typically found in ducted ventilation systems.A unique design for the support brackets allows themotor and impeller assemblyto be fitted or removedwithout dismantling theadjacent ducting.The TD fans aredesigned not just for thebathroom, but anywhere aquiet inline fan makessense. S&P offers kits for anumber of different ventingapplications. The TDunits are extremely compact,being only slightlylarger than the ductingThe installer doesn’t haveto worry about forgettinganything.itself. This makes them ideal for installations with lowheight limits, such as suspended ceilings.Two can be combined to double the static capacity,noted Gatt. S&P also offers transition pieces for use withsquare ducts.Soler & Palau Ventilation Group was founded in Spainin 1951. Today, it operates divisions across Europe, inMexico and China. Soler & Palau USA and Canada are thelatest additions to the family, with the Canadian divisionoperating from its headquarters in Toronto.Soler & Palau Circle no. 322Manual flushingThe Sloan Flushometer manual modelis packed with everything the plumberneeds at the job site. Constructed fromdurable high-copper, low-zinc brasscastings, it features a Permexdiaphragm for chloramines protection,a protectedbypass tokeep out foreignparticlesand a nonholdhandle.There are noexternal volumeadjustments,preventingtheuser from messing up the buildingowner’s water conservation efforts. Jobpacksinclude two fully assembledvalves with handles and six separatelypackaged stops and supply kits. Roughincomponents and finishing componentsare shipped separately.Sloan Valve Circle no. 319The basin measures 30-1/8” x 17- 3-1/2” and is available with a laminatedstep basin stand in a maple look.Barclay Products Circle no. 320Kitchen faucetThe Axior Citterio Kitchen Collectionfrom Hansgrohe features this singleholehigh-arc kitchen faucet with anergonomicallystyled handleaffixed tothe side.Other featuresincludea retractablehandspraywith twospray modes,solid brassconstruction,Basin furnitureno-clog aeratorsA steps basin features a slightly curvedanddesign which steps down on either side,“Rubit” cleaningproviding an approximately 6-1/2” widesystem. Colour options includeledge for embellishment with toiletries, chrome and Steel Optik.a flower vase or a favourite ornament. Hansgrohe Circle no. 321Circle Number 124 for More Informationwww.plumbingandhvac.ca February/March 2007 – Plumbing & HVAC Product News 23

E-BusinessProduct ProfileIntuitive design softwareA California construction industry software designer displayed its mechanicalsystems design program at the AHR Expo in Dallas, Texas Jan. 29-31. TheAutodesk Revit system is an intuitive design and documentation tool that isdesigned to work the way engineers think, said Noah Cole, senior communicationsmanager.Systems engineering is optimized to minimize co-ordination errors betweenmechanical, electrical and plumbing design teams.Features include mechanical HVAC space design criteria that createroom color-fill plans visually rather than using spread sheets and schedules.Mechanical duct and pipe system modeling is done in three dimensions.The software automatically places all risers and drops as the plumbingis designed. Built-in calculators are available for sizing mains, branchesand even whole systems. Sizing and pressure loss calculations are doneaccording to built-in industry standard methods and specifications.The system helps incorporate changeorders by ensuring that “a change anywhereis a change everywhere.” In otherwords, when a change is made in onearea the entire system design is updatedto accommodate that change. A buildinginformation model makes it possible touncover potential conflicts between themechanical, electrical, building andstructural design early in the process.The program can also result in bettercommunication through a number of collaborationmodes from simultaneousThe Revit system allowsmechanical systems to bedesigned in three dimensions.access to a shared design model through the formal division of the project intodiscrete shared units to the complete separation of project elements or systemsinto individually managed linked models.More information is available at www.autodesk.com.Autodesk Inc. Circle no. 324Maintenance managementFTMaintenance software now has thecapability to work with virtually anyPLC, RTU or other similar device toautomatically generate work orders basedon any type of input such as equipmentruntime, temperature, or pressure.It offers a complete set of operationaltools and can specify the condition triggersthat require maintenance to be performed,monitor factory floor hardwarefor those conditions, automatically generatedemand and/or preventive workorders and notify appropriate personnelthat work orders have been activated.FasTrak SoftWorks Inc. Circle no. 325Valve analysis softwareFlowserve Valve Analysis software is aplug-in for the Emerson Process ManagementAMS Suite of asset managementtools. It enables AMS 6.0 users torun diagnostic signatures for its valves,actuators and positioners, adding to thecalibration and alarm functions. Thisprogram detects fitting leaks, improperlyaligned plugs and seats, loose linkages.Flowserve Corp. Circle no. 326Radiant design softwareUponor and WrightSoft have joined inthe development of a Right-Suite softwarepackage as a complete radiantdesign program, including snow-meltsystems, for automatic design and layoutof radiant loops to Uponor (Wirsbo)standards. The program can estimatejobs, track closed jobs and proposals andcreate PowerPoint presentations. It includesRight-Draw and other programs,producing CAD-quality drawings integratedwith automatic calculations of allparameters, with immediate updates ofdrawings based on changes within theconnected calculations.Uponor Canada Circle no. 327Upgraded websiteSensor Systems Solutions, a manufacturerof sensors and interface electronicsalong with imbedded controls and customdevices for industry, has upgradedits website at www.corp3s.com with moreproduct and service offerings, moredetailed specifications, a technical supportarea, corporate information andmaps to branches and representatives.Sensor Systems Solutions Circle no. 328Circle Number 125 for More Information24 Plumbing & HVAC Product News – February/March 2007 www.plumbingandhvac.ca

Pipes, Valves & FittingsHydronic pipingwith low-loss headersBy John VastyanOne of the most interestingdebates in the hydronics industrytoday has dramatically influencedsystem design.The topic: low-loss hydronic headers.They perform the function of anotherwise meticulously constructedparallel primary loop. The key detailis a pair of closely spaced tees or, betteryet, a hydraulic separator betweenthe boiler or heat source and the loadcircuits. Their purpose is to connectthe secondary circuit to the primaryloop in such a way that cleverly neutralizesany tendency to influence flowin the secondary circuit.It’s not just an incidental detail. Theinstallation of a parallel primary loopModern high-headcondensing boilerspretty much dictatethe need for theseor low-loss header is now widelyregarded as fundamental to the optimalperformance of low-temperature,multi-zone hydronic systems of almostany size or configuration. But beforethe low-loss header/hydraulic separatorcan truly make a contribution, theoverall system design must be of a primary/secondaryconfiguration.sophisticated multi-load systemswithout concern over how flow ratesand pressure drops will change asvarious circulators turn on and off.This is a huge advantage. Otherwise,circuits compete with each other forfluid flow and greatly complicate themission of heat distribution.“Even though primary/secondarypiping has been practiced for decades,there are a lot of folks in the tradewho don’t really understand how tomake it happen, especially with thelarger, more complex systems,” saysAllan Black, president of Torontobasedmanufacturer's rep firm,Comfort Control Solutions Inc.When a primary/ secondary systemis piped in the field,there’s always therisk of the “cascade”effect, meaningthat each successiveset of tees“sees” less temperature.“Yet, with alow-loss header,each supply tappingreceives the sametemperature.”Primary/secondarysystems aren’tnecessarily large orcomplex. Though primary/secondarypiping is best suited for more complex,multi-load, multi-temperaturesystems, their applicability can extendinto the arena of simpler hydronicsystems.Finessing the designPrimary loops are best suited to situationswhere two or more secondaryloads will operate with differentsupply temperatures. The basic principleis to connect the higher-tempsecondary circuits near the beginningof the primary loop and the lowertempsecondary circuits near the end.This arrangement tends to increasethe temperature drop along the primaryloop, reducing the flow rate. Anadded benefit is that it may also permita reduction of the size of the primaryloop’s piping and circulator(s).Sensible modifications to this basicdesign will accommodate any numberof secondary circuits, permitting themto operate at similar supply temperatures.Out-of-the-box solutionA number of companies offer prefabricatedlow loss headers that savetime and resolve design issues in thefield.A Caleffi HydroLink packaged lowlossheader, for example, is designedspecifically for today’s low-mass boilersserving multi-circuit hydronicsystems. The device combines ahydronic separator and distributionmanifold. It offers a complete primary/secondarypiping package,merging the attributes of a low-lossheader with isolated secondarycircuits.This guarantees flow through theboiler to prevent flashing or hot spotsand minimum Delta T drop betweenA low-loss header prevents pump conflictand greatly simplifies primary/secondary piping. Its compact sizealso reduces installation space.each secondary circuit to assure accurateflow.A low-pressure loss zone enablesboth primary and secondary circuitsto be hydraulically independent. Alow-loss header is critical for highflow-resistant low-mass boiler installationsbecause it moves the point oflowest pressure drop from the boilerto the low pressure chamber. Thedistribution manifold has closelyspaced tees that connect the secondarycircuit to the primary loop internallyso that flow in the primary loophas very little tendency to induce flowin the secondary circuit.The pressure increase created by agiven zone circulator is almost entirelydepleted by the time the flowreturns back to the distributionmanifold. This arrangement preventsinterference between the boilercirculator and whatever zone circulatorsare operating.Primary/secondary primerPrimary/secondary piping isn’t new tohydronic heating, though refinementsto the “art form” happen with somefrequency today. The essential designdetail has always been a pair of closelyspaced tees that couple each secondarycircuit to a common primary.This detail separates the primary andsecondary circuits, allowing severalMeet the family ofWeil-McLain heatingproducts: clean,quiet, dependable,trusted and efficient.circulators of different pumpingcapacity within the same system withoutinterfering with each other.Alwaysin hot waterRole modelStrong,Whether a parallel primary loop issilent typeClean freakbuilt on site, or the function is performedwith a purchased, pre-assem-family to yours.From ourPatriarchbled low-loss header, it’s the closelyspaced tees – or their equivalent:Visit www.weil-mclain.caclosely spaced ports – that allow eachfor more information.circuit to function as a singular circuitwith no real connection to othercircuits.With primary/secondary piping,Tel: 905-456-8300Fax: 905-456-8582 E-mail: info@weil-mclain.cathe ability to isolate system circuitsmakes it relatively easy to designCircle Number 126 for More Informationwww.plumbingandhvac.ca February/March 2007 – Plumbing & HVAC Product News 25

Finally, an air conditioner that doesn’t look like an air conditioner. Now that’s cool.zoned comfort …Let your customers express their individualsense of style while cooling their living orworking space with the new customizableART COOL TM air conditioning system fromLG. This innovative model allows them todisplay any drawing, photo or other graphicin the customizable panel area. They simplylift the front panel up and out, and slidein the selected artwork. Isn't life good whenair conditioning is this inspired?FOR LOCATION NEAR YOU, VISIT www.isc.tv17 Ontario Locations 905-364-07204 Western Canada Locations 204-775-973114 Quebec/Eastern Canada Locations 514-329-5349To learn more about LG ART COOL TM air conditioners visit us at www.LG.ca.Circle Number 127 for More Information

Pipes, Valves & FittingsQuiet couplingsAnvil Gruvlok 2001 couplings aredesigned to offer system flexibility whilereducing pipeline noise and vibrationwithout specialcomponents.Vibrationabsorptioncharacteristicsexceedthat ofelastomericboot type and metal reinforced hoseconnections. These fittings accommodateworking pressures to 1,000 psi andare UL/ULC listed.Anvil International Circle no. 329Steam trapThis combination condensate measuringelbow and thermostatic sanitarysteam trap features an ultra sensitivebellows that maintains less than sixinches of condensatebackupfor loads fromone to 24-lbs./hrfor vessels up to40,000 litres. Ithas a higher dischargecapacity,for pressures toTankless recirculating systemTaco has released a flyer explaining howits D’Mand System works with tanklessDHW heaters. Taco D’Mand Systems and40 psig and temperaturesto292°F.Nicholson Div. Spence Circle no. 330Tankless WaterHeaters emphasizestheenergy savingsto be had withan on-demandwater recirculationsystemand the factthat tanklesswater heatermanufacturers are requiring the use ofsuch a system to preserve full warrantycoverage.Taco Canada Ltd. Circle no. 331Constant pressureThe Cycle Guard C1 single chamber pilotoperated constant pressure pump controlvalve automatically adjusts to provideconstant pressure at different flows andworks with any pump. This simplemechanical device saves electricity, eliminateswater hammer and extends the lifeof the pump while providing constantpressure regardless of flow. A field adjustableexternal bypass provides full controlof the tank fill rate for adjustable runtime on pump. It is available in sizes from1-1/2” to 8” and is available with a twoinchgroove connection.Danfoss Circle no. 332Product ProileUponor expands AquaPEX lineUponor has expanded its WirsboAquaPEX line to include two-inchPEX piping along with a full rangeof fittings. This allows contractors touse AquaPEX in a greater range ofapplications, including commercialbuilding risers. It is available in 18and 20-foot straight lengths. “Quickand Easy” fittings include elbows,adaptors for copper, threadedadapters and reducing Ts.Uponor has also introduced a newbattery-operated tool to make fasteasy connections. The Q&E 200Two-inch AquaPEX is designed forapplications such as commercialbuilding risers.This new battery expander workswith PEX up to two-inches.Battery Expander uses microprocessor-basedintelligence to make quickconnections in 1/2” through twoinchAquaPEX. The tool kit includesthe battery expander tool with twoinchand 1-1/2” (for 1/2 to 1-1/2”PEX) pistols, a two-inch expanderhead, hydraulic pump with a 10-foot hose, two batteries, charger,expander head lubricant, hydraulicoil, operating manual and stainlesssteelroller case.Uponor Circle no. 3336 th FOOTHILLS CONFERENCE& TRADE SHOW“RAISING THE STANDARD”APRIL 19-20, 2007 | MAYFIELD INN & SUITESEDMONTON, ALBERTAThe 2007 Foothills Hydronics Conference & Trade Show isguaranteed to deliver what it takes to grow your hydronicsbusiness.Whether you are new to the industry, or an industryveteran, you won’t find a better way to learn about newtechniques, new technology or new products. Registrationgives you guaranteed entry to every seminar with access toCanada’s only hydronics trade show (80 booths) and theopportunity to meet one-on-one withNorth America’s hydronic heatingprofessionals. Join us as weraise the standard ofquality, education andprofessionalism in thehydronics industry.COME JOIN THEWETHEAD GANGWhen you sell and install a GeneralAire Product you and the homeowner could win.Have the homeowner fill out the warranty card and return it to be eligible for a free gift.One draw every quarter (3 months).AC-1NEWAttentionAll ContractorsEasy to Win!YOU COULD WIN A CHOICE OF$600 Gas Cardor$600 Home Depot Cardor18,500 points @excellencerewards.caPromotional period from July 1, 2006 to March 31, 2007Congratulations to our second Win Win winners!Mr. & Mrs. Jean Hubert (Homeowner) and Mr. Eric Boivin (Contractor) from QuebecContractor & customer incentive offer applies to GeneralAire products only.Look for the bright orange label on qualifying products. Canadian residents onlyAC-4NEWNEW1042DME or1042DMMNEWMac SeriesHRV/ERVRecovery Ventilators Elite Series Hepa AC50081 & 65Available at better Wholesalers across CanadaAHACAHACThe Alberta Hydronics Advisory CouncilFor more information check www.hydronicsalberta.com39 Crockford Blvd., Scarborough, Ontario M1R 3B71-888-216-9184 www.cgfproducts.comCircle Number 128 for More InformationCircle Number 129 for More Informationwww.plumbingandhvac.ca February/March 2007 – Plumbing & HVAC Product News 27

RefrigerationTroubleshooting correctly can save your lifeBy John Carr, CETThat refrigeration mechanicsshould be alert is an understatement.A recent supermarket troubleshootingincident echoes that in aloud and scary way. In this incident,that could have taken a life, there wasa serious lack of attention.All technicians involved in the troubleshootingprocess should be committed to the five main aspectsof troubleshooting:1. Know the equipment and how it was designed towork.2. Ascertain the customer’s complaint and existingoperating conditions.3. Identify the problem(s) based oninformation from 1 and 2.4. Fix the problem(s).5. Test the equipment to determine if ithas returned to its design criteria.And we can add a number 6: NEVER BY-PASS SAFETY CONTROLS!This article is not intended to blameanyone. Many factors leading to theproblem and the full troubleshootingtechniques employed by the second-yearapprentice are hearsay. Large refrigerationand air conditioning systems canappear as intimidating behemoths whenyou first approach them.Every journeyman knows that financial losses arethe consequences of diagnostic failure. The pressureson a second-year apprentice standing before a complex,money-based machine are extreme. I can relate tothis with firsthand experience.Actual differential pressure regulator; note theexploded hole on the pipe entering the left side ofthe valve.When I entered the refrigeration trade as a secondyearapprentice way back in the last millennium, I wasshocked to find myself on-call my first weekend on thejob. I had extensive domestic refrigerator experience,but had never worked on an expansion-valve system, letalone a large multiple compressor supermarket system.My first call, the first night, was to a “not cooling”display case in a major department store’s grocerydepartment. Scared? Oh yes, I was scared. Food wasspoiling, the manager breathed down my back and Istood dry mouthed, holding a set of gauges, a bladescrewdriver and a hammer; the sum total of thetools in my newly assigned, very old, truck.Fortunately, in the truck was a journeyman’sphone number and as luck would have it he was nextdoor enjoying a brew in the Legion Hall. With hishelp the loose connection on the liquid line solenoidvalve was quickly repaired and I was soon on theway to the safety of my home.A nasty incidentBack to the “incident”…the results of the supermarketrefrigeration system suffering a tumultuousshutdown is obvious from the pictures, but what isnot known includes:• who was involved;• in which supermarket and city the incident tookplace;• the actual layout of the system; and• what corrective actions followed the incident, thoughit is assumed the system is now up and running correctly.Based on the sketchy details, the system appears to besimilar to that shown in Figure 1. A rack of compressorsThe pressures on a second-yearapprentice standing before acomplex, money-based machineare extreme.supply hot gas to discharge header “A”. The hot gas travelsto the differential pressure regulator (DPR) and to acheck valve. We are not sure about the location of thecheck valve, but its inclusion in the list of damaged partsindicates that it was in parallel with the DPR.The hot discharge gas was heading to the condenser,and at times, the defrost header “B” to supply hot gasfor defrost. The DPR was installed to reduce pressurein the condensing circuit during each defrost, so thatliquid refrigerant condensing in the defrosting evaporatorcould return to the liquid header (not shown).The defrost header’s pressure stays at the higher compressordischarge pressure while the condenser pressureand further downstream, the liquid header pressure,are each reduced by 20 PSI (138 KPa) to allow liquidto flow through an expansion valve bypass systemback to the liquid header.To the best of our knowledge, the freezers were warmand a case alarm was signalling that condition whenour apprentice arrived to troubleshoot the system. Hewent through the obvious checks. The air temperaturewas averaging -10°C (14°F). The power was on but thecompressors were not running. Pushing the oil failureresets did nothing, but pushing the resets on the highpressure safety switches did start the compressors. Thesafeties tripped again as the head pressure rose andwithin a few seconds the compressors fell silent.Various pipe sections with exploded holes ordistortion due to the extreme pressures.Fig. 1: Possible refrigeration system configurationfor the problem area.It is believed the store’s staff was putting pressure onthe technician to get the system working. Desperate toget the compressors running, the young apprenticebypassed the high pressure switches with jumpers.Confused by the extremely high head pressure and lowsuction pressure, the apprentice radioed the journeymanwhile he headed up to the roof to check the condenserfans.“I jumpered the high pressure switches and…”“You what?” yelled the journeyman.His answer came back with a blast and a roar as therefrigerant lines burst in several locations. The picturesgive you some idea of the force. The refrigerant, whichThis check valve had its internal parts destroyed.was between 24,000 and 35,000 KPa (3,500 and 5,000PSI) at the time the lines ruptured, erupted from thesystem spraying copper shrapnel and refrigerant oilinto the room. Pure luck saved the apprentice fromserious injury or perhaps death. This is a tough way tolearn, but it is a lesson not likely to be forgotten.The journeyman’s investigation lists the differentialpressure regulator as the main problem. It appears thatan electrical or mechanical malfunction put the valvein a closed position. The check valve was in the wrongplace at the wrong time. The apprentice, however, wasin the right place as the system blew, because heescaped unscathed.Today, we show the damaged parts and pipe to ourstudents to make them fully aware of the dangers ofbypassing safety controls and the need for cautioustroubleshooting, especially when you are inexperienced.Hopefully, through the visual aids, we can preventthe loss of sight, mobility or death from being thepenalties of inexperienced troubleshooting.John Carr is a mechanical trades instructor at SAITPolytechnic in Calgary.28 Plumbing & HVAC Product News – February/March 2007 www.plumbingandhvac.ca

The new Danfoss ICF valve stationwon an award for innovation inrefrigeration.Danfoss valvestation recognizedDanfoss has picked up its fifth consecutiveInnovation Award at theAHR Expo, held this year in DallasJan. 29-31. Judges from the AmericanSociety of Heating, Refrigeration andAir Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)chose the Danfoss “jobsite ready” ICFvalve station as the top product in therefrigeration category.This unit allows industrial refrigerationinstallers to complete projectsfaster. Its single one-piece body providesports for up to six function devicemodules that are configured for the customer’sapplication and shipped to thejob site as a complete sub-assembly,ready for installation into job site pipingor into the OEM’s products.Modular function inserts includestop valves, strainers, solenoid valves,check valves, combination stop/checkvalves and motorized or hand expansionvalves. The ICF body also offersside ports for side glasses, temperatureor pressure sensors, pressure gauges anda side exit drain or bypass.It ties into the piping system – up to1-1/2” – with two socket welds.Individual components can be removedfor service.High-design working pressure is 754psi and low-minimum working temperatureis – 60°C (-76ºF). The ICF stationis suitable for use with R-717 and allcommon HFC refrigerants plus C02.Danfoss Circle no. 334Product ProfileCopeland takes top AHR awardThe Copeland ScrollDigital compressorallows precisecooling control.The latest Copeland scroll compressor technology so impressed the judges at North America’slargest HVAC/R trade show that they named it Product of the Year in a field of 125 competitors.The Copeland Scroll Digital compressor had already taken the 2007 Innovation Award in thecooling category at the AHR Expo held in Dallas, Texas Jan. 29-31.Copeland Scroll Digital technology provides infinitely variable capacity modulation and is idealfor commercial applications with widely varying loads and a need to maintain precise temperatureand humidity control. It offers an innovative way to modulate the capacity of the compressorfrom 10 to 100 percent so that the output precisely matches the changing cooling demand ofthe room, without changing the speed of the motor.Copeland reports that this approach to capacity modulation is as much as 30 percent more efficientthan traditional hot-gas bypass and is capable of holding a precise temperature to within half a degree Fahrenheit.The design allows for a quieter, more efficient and highly controllable unit, enhancing a system’s performance andproviding a quality product for both the contractor and the end-user, reports the manufacturer.Emerson Climate Technologies Circle no. 336Infrared dispensingFollett SensorSafe technology usesinfrared sensors to detect a containerbelow the chute and stops dispensingice and water when the container isremoved. Thereis no lever forthe container totouch and nobutton to push,thereby reducingthe possibilityof contaminationand providinga higherlevel of sanitation.Symphonydispensers come in wall mount, countertopand freestanding models with 12,25, 50 and 90 lbs. of storage.Follett Corp. Circle no. 335St. Lawrence Chemical Inc.Exclusive distributor of Genetron refrigerants in CanadaOntario and Western Canada, Tel: 416-243-9615 Fax: 416-243-9731Quebec and the Maritime Provinces, Tel: 514-457-3628 Fax: 514-457-9773Circle Number 130 for More Informationwww.plumbingandhvac.ca February/March 2007 – Plumbing & HVAC Product News 29

4900 Series Air SeparatorsJoin theGREEN TEAM !Register today at:www.taco-hvac.com/greenteamMAXIMUM AIR ELIMINATIONwith 3 times better performanceTaco’s 4900 Series Air Separators feature our patented Pall Ring design to remove all micro-bubblesfrom 15-20 microns and up. This is three times better than comparable air separators! The presenceof air in the system can lead to unwanted noise, reduced efficiency and possible damage to internalparts. Plus the air chamber is conical in shape to assure that any dirt or impurities remain well clearof the venting mechanism. You can rely on maximum air elimination and reliable operation with aTaco 4900 Series Air Separator.TACO CANADA LTD.6180 Ordan Drive, Mississauga, Ontario L5T 2B3Tel. 905-564-9422 Fax. 905-564-9436www.taco-hvac.comiSeriesMixing ValvesSoftwareRadiant MixingBlocksCirculators Air Eliminators ElectronicControlsHot Water on ProFit Parts Mixing ValvesD’MAND ®Circle Number 131 for More Information

ControlsHigh performerThe MACH-ProCom from ReliableControls is a powerful 32-bit BACnethigh performance building controller. Itfeatures high speed Ethernet 10/100 andsupports multiple protocols includingBACnet, RCP, SMTP and both ModbusRTU and TCP. Its flexible databaseallows users to define up to 160 universalI/O on a single address. Points areadded to the MACH-Pro-Com usingMACH-ProPoint universal I/O expansionmodules.Reliable Controls Circle no. 337HVAC Control manualHRAI SkillTech has released an updated392-page manual for HVAC controlsystems. It includes an introduction toHVAC fundamentals, energy sources,and control principles with a focus onpneumatic, electro-mechanical andelectronic components. This volumecovers energy efficiency practices,networking, direct digital control,maintenance management, troubleshootingprinciples, building automationsystems and retrofitting.HRAI SkillTech Circle no. 341Load compensationThe Savastat LC is a retrofit device thatadjusts the boiler operating temperaturewhen full load conditions do not applyto provide energy savings of 20 percentor more. Savastat measures the rate oftemperature loss of the return water andapplies a level of intelligence to the thermostatto prevent the boiler from firingwastefully when it nears its setpoint.Savastat Circle no. 342Valve positionerThe Logix 3400IQ Foundation Fieldbusdigital valve positioner controls theposition of single and double actingvalve actuators with linear or rotarymountings. It features a user interfaceboard, improved potentiometer, piezoelectrictechnology and host interoperabilityfor fast tuning setup, commissioning,calibration, and versatilityamong its many features.Flowserve Corp. Circle no. 343Asset protection upgradeJohnson Controls has expanded itsFacility Explorer building control systemto include asset protection. Addedsecurity capabilities include access control,video surveillance, alarm managementand monitoring. Johnson Controlsachieved this by incorporating theEdgeProtect program from NovusEdgeinto Facility Explorer.Johnson Controls Circle no. 338Digital wall sensorThe KMD-1162 NetSensor by KMC is anetwork digital wall sensor for the hospitalityindustry. This fan coil has twomode switches for heating-coolingchangeover and fan speed. It changes tosetpoint mode when up-down buttonsare pressed and back to room temperaturedisplay after 10 seconds. The controlis backlit for visibility and features aPC port.KMC Controls Circle no. 339Building managementThe TAC Vista 5 building control systemnow features several point-andclickgraphic tools, including a graphicsymbols and components library,importing and embedding, plus multipleruntime environments. Vista 5 gathersand manages critical data for day-todayoperations to an overall operationsstrategy and provides analysis ofalarms.TAC-Schneider Electric Circle no. 3402287®Adrian Steel is a registered trademark of Adrian Steel.That’s the retail value of the Work-Ready Equipment you can receive when youpurchase or lease an eligible new GM van through the Business Choice program.Quality Adrian Steel ® all purpose storage bin system helps you put all the plentifulspace inside Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana to very good use. WithAdrian Steel, you know the upfitting equipment is going to be durable, just like yourGM van. The right choice for your line of work – Business Choice. It’s Your Business,It’s Your Choice. Visit fleet.gmcanada.com or call 1-800-866-0313 for more information.Circle Number 132 for More Informationwww.plumbingandhvac.ca February/March 2007 – Plumbing & HVAC Product News 31

Tools & InstrumentsWelding regulatorThe Smith Optimizer anti-surge flowmeter/regulatoreliminates costly shieldinggas flow surges on MIG and TIGwelders. The two-stage regulator canlower end-users’gas costs by up to50 percent, themanufacturermaintains. Otheradvantages includeprecise gas flowand a constantoutlet pressure. Itdelivers Argon orArgon/CO2 gasesat up to 70 standardcubic feet per hour.Smith Equipment Circle no. 344Specialty reciprocating sawThe Paws off Tools accessory line fromG.F. Thompson allows the tradesman toturn his reciprocating saw into a specialtytool. For example, the flush cutadaptor offsets the blade 1-1/2” to allowflush cutting without bending or breakingblades. This tool is made of highgrade steel to stand up to tough cuts. Anoptional thumbscrew reduces bladechanging. Judges for the Gallery of NewProducts competition at the CIPHEXWest show in Calgary last Novemberawarded the flush-cut adaptor firstplace in the Tools category. Other Pawsoff accessories include Eliminatormasonry blades, Extend-a-Blade, QuickSand Adaptor and the WoodhogAdaptor.G.F. Thompson Co. Circle no. 345Hands-free worklightThe PODLight from Lujan is a three-inonecordless, rechargeable hands-freeLED worklight, flashlight and flashingsafety strobe.Hands-freeoperation iseasy thanksto a 360-degreemoveablecollarwith a strongmagnetalong with afully rotating nylon hook. A durableweather resistant housing makes it suitablefor use outside in the worst weather.Low power consumption allowseight hours of use between recharges.Lujan USA Circle no. 346Boiler tuner, analyzerThe BTU 1000 basic, hand-held boilertuning unit and flue gas analyzer fromE-Instruments now has a magnetic rubbershell forhands-free operation.Featuresinclude an ambientmonitorwith resolutiondown to1 ppm,draft and differentialpressuremeter, seven-inchremovable gasprobe, water trap and built-in impactprinter. It analyzes 10 programmablefuels, including oxygen or carbonmonoxide, and calculates CO2 levels.E-Instruments Circle no. 347Plastic tubing cutterThe Ridgid PC-1375 plastic tubing cutteris designed to cut larger sizes of plasticpipe withno twistingor racheting.Fast singlestrokecuttingis achievedthrough theuse of aRidgid X-CEL blade. Constructed oflight but strong aluminum, this unitcuts PVC, CPVC, PEX, polyethylene,polybutylene and rubber hose from 1/8to 1 3/8 diameter.The Ridge Tool Co. Circle no. 348Duct velocity testerThis REED 13mm heavy duty mini-vaneanemometer from ITM Instruments isuseful for checkingduct velocities. The lowfriction ball vane wheelis accurate at low andhigh velocities, reportsthe manufacturer.Other features includea large LCD screen,minimum and maximumvelocity readings,temperature readings,PC interface and auto shutoff.ITM instruments Inc. Circle no. 349Measure oxygen, CO2The AOX2 combustion check accessoryhead from Fieldpiece measures the percentageof oxygen and CO2 along withtemperature in flue gases. It has a thermocouplewith clips to attach to the probeand an aspirator pump with water trap. Itholds measurements in memory by pressingthe Hold or Min/Max function. Thekit includes replacement O-rings, extrafilters and a calibrating screwdriver.Fieldpiece Instruments, Inc. Circle no. 350 32 Plumbing & HVAC Product News – February/March 2007 www.plumbingandhvac.ca

Industry NewsLabour shortages worry MCAC membersBy Simon BlakeThere was a common thread that ranthrough meetings, seminars andcasual conversation at the MechanicalContractors Association of Canada65th annual conference. Even the beautifulscenery and warm temperatures atthe Paradisus Puerto Rico resort Nov.29-Dec. 2. couldn’t keep the 320 contractorsand companions’ minds off akey problem at home. Several toldP&HVAC that the key limiting factor intheir ability to bid projects is findingand keeping skilled trades people.“The issue of labour shortages is soacute that you get people that wouldnormally not sit at the same table(union/non-union contractors and otherindustry groups) working together,” reportedGeorge Gritziotis, executive directorof the Construction Sector Council(CSC), a joint management/ labour organizationcreated to find solutions to theindustry’s future labour needs.Many workers are nearing retirementat the same time that a constructionboom is inflating the demand for skilledlabour, he added.Canada’s construction industry employsa million people, of which about700,000 work the tools. The demandisn’t likely to slow anytime soon, saidGritziotis. Over $200-billion in newindustrial projects alone have beenannounced for the next 10 years. Another200,000 skilled workers will be required tocover increased demand and retirement.“Productivity has gone down becausecompanies are accepting workers thatthey wouldn’t have accepted 10 yearsago,” he added.Student chaptersA number of MCAC regions are creatingstudent chapters. It hasn’t been easy becausethe mechanical industry is virtuallyinvisible to the public, noted BrianMcCabe, executive vice-president,MCA-Toronto at a panel discussion.“Not only do these students not know,but the public doesn’t know aboutmechanical contracting.”However, visiting the schools andtalking to students can make a big difference,added Tania Johnston, executivedirector of the Canadian MechanicalContracting Education Foundation(CMCEF).Busy yearAs pressing as the worker shortage is, itis only one of the issues that MCAC isinvolved in, reported Tom Vincent(Sayers & Assoc., Dartmouth, N.S.) inhis chairman’s report.James Dersksen, right, took over thechairman’s duties from Tom Vincent.Members and volunteers workedwith the Canadian Construction Association(CCA) to develop a bid depositorystrategic plan. This includes an informationwebsite (www.cca-acc.com) andefforts to inject bid depository informationinto the university curriculum forengineers and architects. The group isalso working on a national set of rules.One major MCAC initiative in recentyears has been the establishment of theNational Trade Contractors Coalitionof Canada (www.ntccc.ca), a group thatrepresents a number of trade contractorassociations including MCAC. It willpromote the use of bid depositories aswell as working on other key concernssuch as getting paid and standard contractforms.The MCAC commissioning taskforce is close to offering commissioningtraining through the CMCEF. As well,MCAC is spearheading efforts at CSA todevelop a commissioning standard.Another major MCAC initiative hasbeen the formation of a service contractordivision, officially launchedFeb. 1. (Watch for more on this in thenext issue.)CMCEF, the MCAC training wing,expects to have a supervisor courseavailable soon, reported CMCEF chairmanTerry Billings (ConsolidatedPiping Y2K Ltd., Fredericton, N.B.).The group surpassed $1 million infundraising during 2006, he added.New executiveElections at the annual meeting sawJames Derksen, Derksen Plumbing &Heating, Winnipeg, elected chairman.Bob Hoare (Adelt Mechanical, Mississauga,Ont.) is chairman elect and vicechairman for Central Canada. BradDiggens, MJS Mechanical, Calgary, waselected vice-chairman, Western Canadaand George White, ICS State,Dartmouth, N.S. will serve as vicechairmanEastern. Tom Vincent willtake on the secretary/treasurer’s rolewhile Richard McKeagan remainspresident.Circle Number 134 for More Informationwww.plumbingandhvac.ca February/March 2007 – Plumbing & HVAC Product News 33

Industry NewsWestern show draws 3,000As exhibitors were setting up the daybefore CIPHEX West 2006, manywondered if contractors wouldactually show up. After all, the Calgaryshow was scheduled at a time whenAlberta contractors are busier than ever.They need not have worried. Whenthe doors opened Nov. 14 there was alineup of visitors eager to see the latesttechnology the mechanical industryoffers. But there was a difference, notedshow chairman Rick Delaney. “We didn’tget too many guys that were on thetools. What we got were the owners ofthe companies … Most of the major(contractors) were represented, andrepresented well.”By the end of the two-day event, over3,000 visitors had passed through theRoundup Centre doors, reported theCanadian Institute of Plumbing &Heating, which organized the show. Infact the industry dinner with comedianZandra Bell on Wednesday eveningdrew almost 643 people – well over the500 that organizers had hoped for.A number of manufacturers wonawards in the Most Innovative ProductContest. ERICO Inc. won the plumbingcategory for their CADDY Superfix 454split ring hanger. The Laars Mascotwall-mounted condensing boiler tooktop spot in the hydronic heating category.Judges chose the Even-Glo patioheater as the top heating and ventilationproduct. The Flush Cut saw accessoryfrom G.F. Thompson took the toolsdivision.A total of 225 companies participatedBusy times – Cash Acme’s RichardProulx, left, explains his company’svalve line to Equipco’s RobertParkinson and two unidentified showvisitors.in the show. Thirty-eight were first-timeexhibitors, noted Delaney.The next CIPHEX West show isplanned for Sept. 24-27, 2008 in Calgaryin conjunction with the World PlumbingConference (WPC). As a result, itwill be a national event, noted Delaney,who when not volunteering with CIPHoperates Delaney & Associates, ManufacturersAgents, in Calgary.As a result, he expects a number ofexhibitors that wouldn’t usually attendCIPHEX West along with at least 1,000more visitors. The Mechanical ContractorsAssociation of Canada will holdits annual conference in Calgary at thesame time as the WPC.And if more contractors can afford tosend their technicians, the numberscould increase further.Great Lakes event postponedCircle Number 135 for More InformationCircle Number 136 for More InformationA Refreshing ChangeStay Cool With Forane ® .Arkema’s Forane ® 410A and 407C arethe contractors best choice for R-22replacement and retrofit. Meet the nextThe Great Lakes Hydronics Conferencewill not be held in Toronto this spring,as originally planned. Organizers havecited a need to re-evaluate the structureof the event.The next conference is now expectedto occur in April, 2008, reports the CanadianOilheat Association. Organizersare looking at ways to strengthen theseminar program and draw more delegates,while making it less costly andmore productive for participating manufacturers.Construction show growsgeneration with the refrigerants mostCentral Canada’s broad-based constructionindustry show continues to grow.accepted by OEMs and customers.The 2006 edition of Construct Canadadrew 25,000 visitors to the MetroWith Arkema productsToronto Convention Centre during itsthree-day run Nov. 29-Dec. 1, reportsyou get the performance andshow spokesperson Annette Borger.This year’s event included the NationalGreen Building Conference and Infas-after-market support you need.tructure 2006 along with building design,interior design, construction, housing,renovation and property management.A number of mechanical industrysuppliers displayed their products.The 19th edition of Construct1-800-567-5726 • www.arkemagroup.caCanada will take place at theConvention Centre Nov. 28-30, 2007.Circle Number 137 for More Information34 Plumbing & HVAC Product News – February/March 2007 www.plumbingandhvac.ca

Mécanex-Climatex 2007Montreal show returns to its old homeEastern Canada’s largest event forthe mechanical industry is returningto familiar surroundings.Mécanex-Climatex 2007 will take placeat Place Bonaventure April 4-5. The lasttwo events took place at the Palais desWednesday, April 410:00-12:00: Refrigerants: ourfuture choices, Marc Gosselin, Ing(CETAF)10:00-12:00: Integrated DesignStrategies, Ronald Gagnon (CETAF)11:30-12:30: Green Energy BennyFarm Project, a residential developmentusing geothermal and solar(CMMTQ)1:00-2:00: Update on changes tothe Plumbing Code of Quebec(CMMTQ)Seminar programThe following French-language seminars are free for all registered delegates.Visitors must present their Mécanex/Climatex 2007 visitor badge, or a copyof their electronic confirmation of registration, to attend. Seminar locationswill be posted at the show and will be available in the official Show Guide.2:00-4:00: Preventive maintenanceof electrical and mechanical equipment,Vincent Forgues (CETAF)2:00-4:00: Optimizing swimmingpool design for comfort and indoorair quality, Michel Lecompte(CETAF)2:15-3:15: Hydronic heating applications,Gilles Legault (CMMTQ)3:30-4:30: Backflow preventer codesand standards (CMMTQ)Thursday, April 510:00-12:00: Today’s scroll compressorsand refrigeration electronics,André Patenaude (CETAF)10:00-12:00: Ventilation installationand standards, Patrice Lévesque(CETAF)11:30-12:30: Green Energy BennyFarm Project, a residential developmentusing geothermal and solar(CMMTQ)1:00-2:00: Update on changes tothe Plumbing Code of Quebec(CMMTQ)2:15-3:15: Hydronic heating applications,Gilles Legault (CMMTQ)3:30-4:30: Backflow preventer codesand standards (CMMTQ)Congrès (Montreal Congress Centre).At press time, almost 200 manufacturershad signed up to exhibit their latesttechnology in plumbing, heating,hydronic heating, air conditioning, refrigeration,piping, tools and equipment,ventilation, valvesand fittings, fire prevention,kitchen and bath,controls and instrumentation,pumps and software.Between them, thousandsof products will be displayedacross 110,000square feet of exhibit space.Manufacturers will alsodisplay and compete forprizes with their mostinnovative technologies inthe New Product Showcase.There will be a separateshow area for these products.As well, signs willidentify new productsthroughout the event.Learning experienceA number of manufacturersare planning hands-ondemonstrations on theshow floor.As well, show organizerswill present technical seminarsand workshops coveringtechnology and the latest developmentsin codes and standards.Attendance at these French languageseminars is free for show visitors. Acomplete list is available online atwww.mecanexclimatex.caOf course, one of the most valuableaspects of any show is the ability tospeak directly to the manufacturers.They can provide answers to technicalquestions and other information abouttheir products.Easy accessA number of wholesalers will offer MCExpress bus service to the show. Contractorsshould check with their localMécanex-Climatex will offer contractors anopportunity to speak directly with manufacturers.wholesaler and reserve a seat to avoiddriving to downtown Montreal.Mécanex-Climatex is presented byThe Canadian Institute of Plumbing &Heating (CIPH), The Corporation ofMaster Pipe Mechanics of Quebec(CMMTQ) and the Corporation desentreprises de traitement de l’air et dufroid (CETAF).Those who pre-register atwww.mecanexclimatex.ca will be eligiblefor a grand prize draw of a $2,000gift certificate for the Future Shop.For more information, visit the websiteor call CIPH at (416) 695-0447,CMMTQ at (514) 382-2668 or CETAFat (514) 735-1131.If you’ve ever cut yourself,you’ll know exactly how Super Seal works.Super Seal seals leaks in HVAC & R systemsjust like your finger heals a cut.Just as your finger heals by forming a scab, Super Seal sealsa leak in an A/CR system by forming a polymer “scab” causedby a reaction with outside moisture created by the leak.Otherwise, Super Seal remains a 100% safe liquid, circulatingin the refigerant as harmlessly as a coagulant in your blood,while continuing to seal multiple leaks for years to come.Formulated by a Canadian power engineer, Cliplight Super Sealhas won praise worldwide for its safety, performance and reliabilityin sealing small leaks.Super Seal. It’s a “must have” addition to every HVAC andRefrigeration contractor’s arsenal of leak solution tools.From left, ACR: up to 1.5 tons, HVACR:1.5 to 5 tons, 3 PHASE: 5 tons or much more.Simplify A/CR RepairCircle Number 138 for More InformationAvailable at 100’s of Canadian outlets. Visit www.cliplight.com to find your nearest dealer.

Mécanex-Climatex 2007ExhibitorsA.M.T.S. LIMITED 744A.O. SMITH WATER HEATERS 302ACUDOR ACORN LIMITED 412ADVANCED INDUSTRIAL COMPONENTS TBAAEROFLO INC. 707AGENCE LAVERDURE-HUPPE INC. 416AIR 2000 844AIRCO-QUEMAR-DENBEC 733AIRTECHNI INC. 533ALLPRISER LTD 238AMERICAN STANDARD 227AMTROL CANADA INC. 203ANVIL INTERNATIONAL CANADA 812ARMSTRONG LIMITED [S.A.] 1020ATMOSPHERE INC. 841AUBE TECHNOLOGIES 642AWATEC INDUSTRIES 3030B.S.L. MACHINERIE 2004BBP ENERGIE 2046BELANGER UPT 513BIBBY-STE-CROIX 213BITZER CANADA INC. 545BOUSQUET TECHNOLOGIES INC. 541BOW PLUMBING GROUP INC. 805BRAC QUEBEC 401BRADFORD WHITE CANADA 404BRYANT/CARRIER CANADA 445BUREAU DES SOUMISSIONSDEPOSEES DU QUECBEC/ BSDQ 703BURKE WATER SYSYTEMS MAN INC. 117CANADIAN COPPER & BRASSDEVELOPMENT ASSOC. 244CAN-AQUA INC. 306CANPLAS INDUSTRIES LTD. 940CAPTEURS GR INC. 806CAROMA 516CASH ACME 506CHEMINÉE LINING.E INC. 1042CHEVRIER INSTRUMENTS INC. 536CLIMATORE INC. 2036CONBRACO INDUSTRIES CANADA 442COVERTECH 141CR COMPREF INC 2032CRANE PLUMBING 1014DATACOM WIRELESS 319DELUXAIR ST. HUBERT 527DESCH NES & FILS LTÉE 512DESJARDINS FORD 833DISTECH INC. 2022DISTRIBUTION MAXI-VENT 245DIVERSITECH 112DM VALVE & CONTROLS INC. 139DON PARK LIMITED PARTNERSHIP 843DYNAIR (DIVISION CARLISLE) 218ECOTHERM 740ECR INTERNATIONAL LTD. 627ELKAY CANADA 439EMCO CORPORATION 614ENAIRCO INC. 718ENERGINOX 6401110 1112 1114 1116 1118 1120 1122 1124 1126 1128 1130 1132 1134 1136 11381108114010'10'-8"60'14'-4"1133 1135 11421106114430'11041100 1102 11119' 11468' 1000 aisle8'-9"8'50'9'-5"10'30521012 1014 1016 1018 102020'10321040 1042 1044 1046 205020'30'20'20'20'20'901915 917 919 921927935941 945305020'900 aisle10'20463048900 904 90660'20'30'940 94220'20'20'20'2044304620'20'20'20'20'20'20'801 805 807823 827833841 84320423044800 aisle10'20403042800 802 804 806 808 812 816 818 82020'20'84020'20'20'20'2038304020'20' 20'20'20'20'741701 703 705 707 709 713 717 719 721727733 73520' 74520363038700 aisle12'20343036700 704 706 708714 716 718 72020'734744303417' 74020'203220'20'20'30'20'20'3032 601 603 605 607 609 613 617 619 621627633641 6452030600 aisle12'30'614 61630'626632 636 640 642 6448'302230203000 aisleMecanex / Climatex 200720'20'20'20'20'20'20'30'20'20'509 513 515 517 519527533541 545500 aisle500 504 506512 516 518 52020'532 536 538 540 542 20'20'20'20'20'20'20'20'20'401 405 407 409 415 419427435 437 439 441 4453018400 aisle3016404412 416 418 20'20'30' 438 440 442 20'30'20'20'20'20'20'301420'301 50'313 317 319 321327333339 341 343 3453012300 aisle3010 300 302 304 306 308 312 316 318 20'20'40'340 342 34420'20'20'300820'201 203 205 207 209 213 217 219 2212273006200 aisle3004 200 204214 216 21820'30'20'9'-5"20'300220'20'20'20'101 105 10710' 113 117 119 12110' 12710'3000100 aisle100 102 10420'20'20'233241 243 245234 23824417'20'20'30'30'133139 141 1430 / 100 aisle7780 82 8490 92 94 96792000 aisle11'2022202020'201812'2016201420'20'10'2010200820'10'200420'10' 200016'-7"106 108 110 112 114 116 118 120 12281 83 85 87 89 91 9340'GAS ~ FLO®PERFECTION PERMASERTRisers & ConnectorsCGA ApprovedBall Valvesis a registered trademark ofFairview Fittings& Manufacturing Ltd.COMPONENTS BY FAIRVIEW...TYPE G (Gas)Poly CoatedCopper TubeGas Appliance Connectorswww.fairviewfittings.comNatural Gas /Propane OutletsBlack Iron Pipe FittingsPipeStaysBrass FittingsGas Piping SystemsCommercial ApplianceConnectorsTHE FUTURE OF GAS SUPPLY.Fairview Fittings & Manufacturing Limited Head Office: Toronto, Ont. Ph: (416) 675-4233 Fx: (416) 675-9416Vancouver - Calgary - Edmonton - Saskatoon- Winnipeg - Toronto - Montreal - Moncton - HalifaxCircle Number 138 for More Information36 Plumbing & HVAC Product News – February/March 2007 www.plumbingandhvac.ca

ENERSOL INC. 2016ENERTRAK INC. 321ENVIROAIR 633ERICO CANADA INC. 316FAIRVIEW FITTINGS & MANUFACTURING LTD. 515FANTECH LIMITED 532FFIC: FONDS DE FORMATION DEL’INDUSTRIE DE LA CONSTRUCTION 705FLEXCO 616FLEXCON INDUSTRIES 1012G. MITCHELL CO. LTD. 1032GAINAGE PRS LINING INC 621GENERAL WIRE SPRING CO. 313GEOTHENTIC 745GLOBE UNION CANADA/GERBER 2000GRANBY STEEL TANKS 714GROUPE MASTER S.E.C. 920GSW WATER HEATING* 444HARDY FILTRATION INC. 2050HEATLINK GROUP INC. 542HEBDRAULIQUE INC. 3008HG SPEC INC. 804HILTI 906HONEYWELL 644HYDRONIC SYSTEMS CANADA INC. 919HYDRO-QUEBEC 418IMMOTIK INC. 2034IN-SINK-ERATOR (CANADA) 440INTEGRATED AUTOMOTIVE/FORD 827INTELLIDYNE CANADA 701IPEX INC. 113JAY R. SMITH MFG. CO. 504JENKINS - NH VALVES 603JESS CO. LTD. 816JOHN L. SCHULTZ LTD.# 719KAMCO PRODUCTS 716KEEPRITE REFRIGERATION 641L.G. ENERGIE INC. 619L.G.C. INC. 415LE MATERIEL INDUSTRIEL LTEE 216LES ENTR. ROLAND. LAJOIE INC. 520LES VENTES MECTRA INC. 613LIBERTY PUMPS 205LOUE-FROID INC. 901LYNCAR PRODUCTS 500M.A. STEWART & SONS LTD. 941MAAX 509MAGNOR INC. 904MASCO CANADA 327METAL ACTION 435MICROMEDICA SOLUTIONS D’AFFAIRES 632MIDBEC LTÉE 735MIFAB/VENTES TECHNIQUES NIMATEC 341MITS AIR CONDITIONING INC. 2040MOEN INC. 121MOTEURS ELECTRIQUES LAVAL LTEE 2038MUELLER FLOW CONTROL 107MUELLER STREAMLINE 717MULTICAM CANADA 900NCI MARKETING INC. 217NEWMAC MANUFACTRING 204NOVEO TECHNOLOGIES INC. 835NUTECH BRANDS INC. 339OAKVILLE STAMPING & BENDING 308OUTIL PAC INC. 713P.M. BOWLE INC. 538PANASONIC CANADA INC. 214PAUL GIROUARD ÉQUIPMENT LTÉE. 915PAUL GIROUARD ÉQUIPMENT LTÉE/AXIOM INDUSTRIES LTD. 917PETRO-CANADA 617PLAN UNIQUE INC. 716POWRMATIC DU CANADA LTEE 221PRESTON PHIPPS INC 119PRICE PFISTER 2012PRO KONTROL 840PRO LON 540PRODUITS DE VENTILATION HCE INC 2042QHT INC. 935R.G. DOBBIN SALES 407REF PLUS 741REGULVAR INC. 645REGULVAR/ELODRIVE 2030RHEEM CANADA 419RIDGE TOOL COMPANY 116RIELLO BURNERS 106ROBY METAL 219RODWICK INC. 127ROND-POINT DODGE CHRYSLER 944ROTH CANADA 519ROYAL PIPE SYSTEMS 241SCI MONTRÉAL INC. 747SERVICES ENERGÉTIQUES R.L. 110SFA SANIFLO 312SIE INC 101SLANT/FIN LTD/LTEE 800SOLER & PALAU CANADA 2006SYMETRIX 234TACO CANADA 209TECNICO CHAUFFAGE LTÉE 143TEKMAR/CONTROLS RDM 207THERMO 2000 INC. 820TUYAUX LOGARD INC. 304UNIVERSAL TRADING 636UNIWELD PRODUCTS 601UPONOR LTD. 133UPTOWN INC.(CENTRE DE REPARTION) 1040URECON 243USINES GIANTS INC. 3004VANGUARD PIPING SYSTEMS (CANADA) INC. 200VANPRO INC. 801VENTES TECHNIQUES NIMATEC/BOSHART INDUSTRIES INC. 340VENTES TECHNIQUES NIMATEC/DAHL 345VENTES TECHNIQUES NIMATEC/F.E. MYERS 343VENTES TECHNIQUES NIMATEC/INSUL TARP 342VICTAULIC CO. OF CANADA LTD. 721VISTAQUA INC. 727VORTENS FIXTURES 409WATERGROUP COMPANIES INC. 105WATTS INDUSTRIES (CANADA) INC. 427WEIL-MCLAIN CANADA 201WHITE-RODGERS 2010WOLSELEY HVAC/R 333WOLSELEY PLUMBING GROUP 301WWG/TOTALINE 544ZCL COMPOSITES INC. 807ZURN INDUSTRIES 300www.plumbingandhvac.caCircle Number 139 for More Information

Coming EventsThe West’s premier hydronicheating conference returnsContractors involved in hydronicheating will immerse themselvesin the latest ideas and technologyat the 2007 edition of the FoothillsConference and Trade Show.Scheduled to take place at theMayfield Inn & Conference Centre inEdmonton April 18-19, the event willfeature a who’s who of speakers fromthe “wethead” world along with ahydronic heating only trade show.This year’s keynote speaker will benoted hydronic heating author Bob“Hotrod” Rohr, who operates Show MeRadiant Heat, a division of MAXROHRInc., a contracting firm in Rogersville,Missouri. He is a past president of theU.S.-based Radiant Panel Associationand holds master’s licenses in plumbing,mechanical and gas fitting.A number of seminars on “green” technologieswill be presented this year, withHamish Moir of Earthnet Geothermal Ltd.in Edmonton speaking on ground sourceheating and cooling. Longtime ViessmannManufacturing training maestro RobWaters will discuss solar heating technologyand applications.Well known hydronic heating engineerand author John Siegenthaler willApprentices like Owen Burwash (at the 2005 event) will build hydronic systemsover the two-day event.speak on: Hydraulic Separation: Primary/secondary Piping is only Part of the Story.One of Canada’s leading authoritieson fluid dynamics and longtime contributorto The New Hydronics, AxiomIndustries’ Jerry Boulanger, will coversystem balancing.Canadian Hydronics Council chairmanBarry Cunningham (Triangle Supply)and Dave Hughes, head of pipetrades at NAIT, will deal with “facts andfallacies” surrounding CHC trainingand certification programs. NAIT/CHCcertificate challenges will take placethroughout the event.There are numerous other sessionscovering pumps, controls and justabout every other topic related tohydronic heating.Hydronics onlyThe trade show will give contractors anopportunity to speak directly to about80 manufacturers and representatives.They will display and, in some cases,demonstrate the latest technologies inboilers, controls, radiant tubing,pumps, and anything else to do withhot water heating systems. The tradeTHE SHARKBITE ®CONNECTION SYSTEM.show will be closed when seminars areDIFFERENT PIPE. SAME FITTING. NO SWEAT.in session.New this year are manufacturers’“technical showcases” where contractorscan “get up close and personal withproducts and services provided byOur SharkBite® Push-Fittings TMare the fastest,assembly for easier installation in tight spaces.exhibitors in a seminar setting.”easiest way to join copper, CPVC or PEX pipeSharkBite’s expanding range of 1/2" fittings and and 3/4"Organizers hope to give away a newin any combination. With no soldering, clamps, fittings valves from and valves 3/8" up and to new 1"Ford truck at this year’s event. The first400 full conference delegates will haveunions or glue. In fact, 1" make fittings a truly makeextensiveit a trulyan opportunity to “crack the code” toSharkBite is third-party extensive system, with system, almost with 80win the $55,000 vehicle.listed for use with all almost products 60in products the line. inThe Northern Alberta Institute ofthree pipe materials. the And line. thanks Andto thanks our highcapacityhigh-capacity manufacturing manu-challenge will take place over the twoSharkBite is the only full-lineand the stainless steel facturing capability, capability, we can promise wedays. Eight apprentices from the tradePush-Fitting system.toTechnology (NAIT) apprenticeshipJust insert the pipe ourcollege’s pipe trades program willteeth bite down and grip tight, while a specially can a fast promise delivery. a fast delivery.demonstrate their skills and competeformulated O-ring compresses to create aThe SharkBite connection system. Connects fast.for top honours using equipment sup-perfect seal. Disassembly is just as fast using theDisconnects fast. And with even more additionsplied by sponsoring manufacturers.simple disconnect tool. So any mistake is simpleon the way, it’s growing fast.Delegates can register for the fullto fix, and fittings can be easily changed andconference or the trade show only.reused. All fittings can even be rotated afterStudents can enter the trade show forfree with a student ID.For more information, contact showmanager Mandy Foster at (780) 444-Toll free in Canada 1-888-820-0120 • www.cashacme.caA Division of The Reliance Worldwide Corporation3929, e-mail mandy@pivotalevents.ca orvisit www.hydronicsalberta.com/foothills.Circle Number 140 for More Information38 Plumbing & HVAC Product News – February/March 2007 www.plumbingandhvac.caSB FastbAd P&HVAC Canada.indd 12/20/07 11:57:31 AM

People & PlacesPeoplePeter Olierook has been appointedpresident of Don Park, Toronto, reportscompany chairman Stan Meek.Olierook spent 30 years with CarrierCorp.Mark Evans has beenappointed director ofsales for Canada byViega North America,Wichita, Kansas. Viegamanufactures the Pro-Press copper pipingMark Evans system. Evans waspreviously with WiloCanada Inc., Calgary.Jeff Davis has been named vice presidentof sales for Uponor NorthAmerica, Apple Valley, Wisconsin.Davis will be responsible for all Canadianand U.S. sales, reported executivevice president Anders Tollsten.Tony Gottchalk has been appointedmanager of the Hearth, Patio &Barbecue Association of Canada,Huntsville, Ont. He can be reached at 1-800-792-5284 or tonyhpbac@bellnet.ca.Brad Diggens, president, MJSMechanical, Calgary, has been namedchairman designate for the CSA B149gas code Technical Committee.Don Wellington has been nameddirector, wholesale products, byWolverine Tube Inc., London, Ont.James McKay has joined MirolinIndustries Corp., Toronto, as productmanager.Chad Barrett has been appointedbranch manager for Bartle & GibsonCo. Ltd., Edson, Alta.Watts Industries (Canada) Inc.,Burlington, Ont., has named StaceyCartmell as product manager, radiantdivision.Canplas Industries Ltd., Barrie,Ont., has promoted Ron Marsden tovice president of business development.Jon Cumiskey has been named regionalmanager for the Wolseley MechanicalGroup in Burnaby, B.C. EdChubb is now mainland sales manager.Honeywell Ltd., Winnipeg, hasappointed Chris Chudley as trade salesrepresentative.Jack Heer has been named branchmanager for Emco Ltd. in Kitchener, Ont.CMX / CIPHEXShow Guide Raffle WinnersDarrin Schmidt has joined FlowSales Inc., Kitchener, Ont., in a salesand support role.Pat Skuse has been named branchsupervisor for Desco Plumbing &Heating Supply in Woodstock, Ont.Michael Pinet has been appointeddirector of sales and marketing forOakville Stamping & Bending,Oakville, Ont.The Heating, Refrigeration and AirConditioning Institute of Canada hasannounced a number of appointments:Michael Allen, formerly with NutechBrands, London, Ont., has been namedtechnical coordinator. Michelle Sebastionhas been appointed member servicerepresentative. Leslie Hatton isproject coordinator responsible for theOntario Conservation Bureau Cool/HotSavings Rebate program. Erica Lee willprovide support for the HRAC andCHRAW divisions. Sabrina Tai hasbeen named full-time member servicerepresentative for CHRAW and theManufacturer’s Division.Plumbing and HVAC Product News$500 Cash Prize Winner!Tolanda BakerLuk Plumbing & HeatingWINNERSCOMPANYAqua-Tech Bob Villenuve Edmonton Public School BoardsArmstrong Eric Vanderhaut Mulder Heating Ltd.Armstrong Herb Waldner T.C. MaintenanceBlanco Victoria Shearer BGM ImagingCanadian Copper & Brass Daniel Leidl TekmarFairview Fittings Rick Neudorf Neudorf Plumbing & HeatingMecanex -Ratech Darren Yaremko Edmonton Public School Boards.Solar & Palau John Tieu CTM Design ServicesUponor Chris McCance McCance Plumbing & HeatingVictaulic Rob Mulder Mulder Heating Ltd.Viesmann Myron Korol Allweather Plumbing & HeatingWilo Chuck Jordan Wolseley GroupZurn Bert Rupik City of St. AlbertCompaniesWood training bursarySelkirk Canada Corp., StoneyCreek, Ont., has announced the creationof a training bursary to coverone year’s course fees for an individualtaking the Wood Energy TechnologyTransfer (WETT) trainingprogram for certification in theinstallation of wood burning heatingand fireplace equipment. “Propertraining in all aspects ofinstalling, maintaining and inspectionof wood burning systems is anessential component of the industry’sproduct stewardship requirements,”said Tim Valters, presidentof Selkirk Canada. The bursaryapplies to those seeking WETT certificationas an installer, system adviseror chimney sweep. A WETT Inc.committee will be created annuallyto review applications. For moreinformation, visit www.wettinc.ca.Ainsworth buys NationalNational Refrigeration HeatingLtd., with 60 employees at locationsin Saskatoon, Calgary and Edmonton,has become one of theAinsworth Inc. group of companies.Ainsworth has offices inVancouver, Calgary, Toronto,Halifax, Cambridge, Ont. andStoney Creek, Ont.Plumbing and HVAC Product News would like to give a special thanksto all the participants of the Show Guide promotion.Intellidyne eyes CanadaHVAC controls manufacturerIntellidyne LLC, Glen Cove, N.Y., isexpanding into the Canadian marketwith the creation of IntellidyneCanada Ltd. in Pickering, Ont.John Poirier has been appointedgeneral manager. Call (905) 839-6028 or visit www.intellidynellc.comfor more information.40 Plumbing & HVAC Product News – February/March 2007 www.plumbingandhvac.ca

Mechanical MarketplaceThe bulletin board of products, services, professionals,employment opportunities and more for Canada’sMechanical Contracting Industry.Index of AdvertisersAdvertisersPageA O Smith 2Accubid 7Aeroflo 21Alpha Controls 23Looking For Commercial Design Software...that saves time, improves accuracy,produces CAD-quality HVAC designs& creates professional proposals?Right-Suite Commercialoffers all of these designfeatures and so much more!Available throughThe Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of CanadaCall 1-800-267-2231 ext. 245 to book an on-line demoCircle Number 143 for More InformationComing in the Next IssueAnnual Luxury Plumbing IssueWorking with a designerfor mutual profitAlso, don’t miss:• Oilheat 2007 preview• Expanded hydronic heating coverage• Geothermal heating for commercial buildings• Products, Products, Products!Arkema 34Bradford White 14CGF Products 27Cash Acme 38CIPHEX West 40Cliplight 35Daimler Chrysler 4Delta Faucet 16Fairview Fittings 36Flexible Eutectic 20Fluke 5Foothills Conference 27Literature ShowcaseFollowing are some of the latest catalogues, manuals, software and productbrochures from the industry’s leading manufacturers. To receive a copy, pleasecircle the corresponding number on the Reader Service Card in this issue, fillout your contact information, and mail it or fax it to (416) 620-9790.Ford 18General Motors 31General Pipe Cleaners 8Giant 6Grundfos 9Honeywell Genetron 29HRAI 37, 42LG Electronics 26Madok Mfg. 13Mecanex-Climatex 39Mitsubishi Electric 3Panasonic 37Raptor 34Reliance Home Comfort (split) 22New RIDGID full lineproduct catalogueThe Ridge Tool Company recently introduced itsnew full line catalog. The 208-page catalog, which isnow in full color, features new products, expandedproduct information, product selection charts andhelpful tool tips. A visual product index is providedto enhance the overall easy navigation of the catalog.Call (800) 769-7743, visit www.ridgid.com or e-mailinfo@ridgid.comRidge Tool CompanyCircle no. 144Heaters for the outdoorsSuperior Radiant Products has utilized ‘best inindustry’ features to develop a radiant heater thatstands up to severe conditions encountered outdoorsor in harsh climates. Available in single stageor hi-lo 40,000 to 220,000 Btu/h, the totally enclosedburner construction is resistant to wind and the elements.An aluminized tube and reflector are standardwith optional stainless steel or high temperaturecoating for corrosion protection and enhancedappearance on restaurant patios. For more informationcontact Superior Radiant at 1-800-527-HEATor visit www.superiorradiant.comSuperior RadiantCircle no. 145Jet Set drain machinesGeneral Pipe Cleaners manufactures a full line ofhigh pressure jet drain cleaning machines for clearingdrains clogged with grease, sand, sludge and ice.General’s Jet Set, designed to clear drains from 1-1/2to 8 inches in diameter, is described in a new catalogthat illustrates the jets and their accessories. Thenew Jet Set catalog features a comparison chart tohelp you determine which machine is best for yourneeds. www.drainbrain.com.General Pipe CleanersCircle no. 146Ridge Tool 44Selkirk 33Soler & Palau Canada (split) 15, 22Superior Radiant 21Taco 30Uponor 19Urecon 34Vanteriors (split) 22Victaulic 43Viessmann 12Watts Industries 32Weil-McLain 25Wilo Canada 24Superior lighting and ventilationThe contractor can offer the homeowner a way tocompliment their bathroom and shower décor withthe elegant design of an AeroLight exhaust grillefrom Aeroflo. Deliver quiet and efficient ventilationby adding an AXC or EXT remote mounted fan.AeroLight features a dimmable 50-Watt halogenlight. For more information, call 1-800-779-4021 orgo to www.aeroflo.com.AerofloCircle no. 147Pipe connection catalogueVictaulic, a manufacturer of mechanical pipe joiningsystems, has released its new general productcatalog with data for all non-fire protection products.It is written as a basic reference guide by producttype. It includes three-dimensional diagramsand detailed specification charts and provides manysolutions, applications and data on couplings, fittingsand valves, the Advanced Groove System,stainless steel piping, plain-end piping systems,HDPE plain-end piping, the Depend-O-Lok® system,grooving tools, piping software, Vic-300MasterSeal butterfly valve and more.Victaulic Co. of CanadaCircle no. 148Pocket reference guideBradford White has updated its Full Line PocketCatalogue. The 148-page reference guide details thecompany’s extensive line of residential and commercialwater heaters in electric, gas and oil-fired models,as well as Bradford White’s tankless, indirectfired,storage and hydronic heating units.Bradford White CanadaCircle no. 149Yorkland Controls 15Zurn Industries 11Literature Showcase 37Aeroflo, Bradford White,General Pipe Cleaners, Ridge Tool,Superior Radiant, Victaulic

Shop ManagementManaging thesales processBy Ron ColemanMany HVAC contractorsdo newand replacementprojects valued under$50,000. These projectsare often awarded basedon a proposal by your sales persondirectly to the prospect.We hire sales people and tell them togo sell, sell, sell and we measure their performanceagainst their sales. This worksin many industries, but not so well inHVAC. The objective of a HVAC contractoris to make money over the long haul.To do this you have to achieve fouroutcomes. Complete every job:1. On time2. On budget3. To specification4. And keep the customer happyTreating the sales process as separatefrom operations and from administrationis a recipe for frustration and lowerprofits.Meeting these four outcomes willgenerate much greater profits. Studieshave shown that project managersspend up to 70 percent of their timedealing with trivia. Pre-planning a projectwill eliminate much of this trivia.The successful contractor knows thatthe more pre-planning that is done duringthe sales process the more profitablyand efficiently the job will run.By investing more money up frontyou will save in the long run. Invest inyour sales process.On timeA timeline for the job should be identified.Allow time for all the steps in theprocess:• Getting permits• Allocating the installation crew• Procurement of all materials• Coordinating with the client• Start date• Key completion dates• Final completion date• Paper work sign off, inspections etc.• Final walk throughOn budgetIdentify dollar value for key cost elementssuch as:• EquipmentWhy is this man smiling?Reason # 21Focused on HydronicsBeing a member of HRAC hasensured that my company is up-todateon all aspects of the HVACRindustry and that includes thehydronic side. Not only do I get themost current information plushydronic design training at amember discount, but my companyalso has the advantage of beinglisted on HRAC’s consumer websiteas a member company that offersnot only forced air heating solutionsbut hydronic as well.So, why is this man smiling?Because his company is amember of HRAC.You should be too!• Materials• Subcontractors• Labour• Equipment usage (rental?)The contractor must include in theseallowances for contingencies, overheadand profit.The sales person should haveto sell the job twice.The first customer is the onewho is going to pay for itand the second customer isthe installer.SpecificationsThis tends to be a difficult area for salespeople as their strength is in their salesability rather than their technical ability.The contractor must find ways toensure the tradesmen can complete thejobs as sold. An analysis of your saleswill show that 80 percent are repeatitems. Make sure that your sales peopleknow how to deal with those sales withouthaving to go back for assistance.Make sure they know when they needassistance and that the necessary supportis there.By analyzing what mistakes are madeand documenting solutions you reducethe risk of repeat errors. Talk to yourinstallers about what would make theirlives easier; involve the sales people.The sales person should have to sellthe job twice. The first customer is theone who is going to pay for it and thesecond customer is the installer. Bothare equally important.Keep the customer happyThis can be one of the biggest challenges.Good communication is essential.• Ensure the customer is on side withthe key dates.• Tell them, in advance, of any schedulechanges.• If there are uncertainties in the bidprocess, show an allowance and explainhow it works. Make sure they sign offon all allowances.• Do a final walk-through on completionand get the customer to sign off.• Process paperwork and invoicingpromptly.• On completion, send the customer asmall gift, a satisfaction survey and aletter of thanks.• Ask the customer for the opportunityto quote him/her for the maintenanceof the installed equipment and to quotefuture work.• Ask the customer for referrals andtell him/her you will reward them forreferrals.The gift could be a small picnic barbecue.Pick something that you can buywholesale so that they will see a higherperceived value. If you buy a barbequeitem for $50 with a retail value of $100they will receive a $100 value that onlycost you $50I did a survey of HVAC contractorswho identified the following eight verycommon areas of frustration:1. Lack of clarity in specifications2. Changing timelines that cause overruns.3. Putting the right person on the rightjob (Sometimes we can’t use the rightguy because he is on another job)4. Equipment scheduling (Supplierdoesn’t meet delivery schedule)5. Material acquisition (Too many tripsto suppliers)6. Sales person sells cheap to get theorder7. Free service call done on install time8. Estimating is rushed due to shortlead timesMy reaction to this was: That’s great;these are all elements thatthe contractor can control.In fact most of these issuesshould be resolved duringthe sales process.Specifications: If thespecifications aren’t clearand you accept the job younow have accepted theresponsibility for completingsomething that is illdefined. Don’t do it unlessyou include an allowancefor the lack of clarity; preferably quoteit on a time and material basis.Timelines: Tell the client that if theychange the schedule there will be apenalty and the job will not be completedon time. Don’t start a job until youhave done your pre-planning.Installers: Ensure that you allocatethe right people to the right job. Thiswon’t work if you have continuousscheduling changes.Suppliers: Use suppliers who willmeet your deadlines. Don’t go cheapand use unreliable suppliers. You aregoing to pay for it in the long run.Materials: Make sure the installershave a full material list and that they carrya supply of “consumables and supplies.”Sell the job: Sell the job on the basisof value, not on price.Freebies: Any service work or additionalactivities should be the subject ofa change order. No freebies.Rushed: When you are rushed youmake mistakes. If the mistakes are in thecustomer’s favour you will lose money.If they are not in the customer’s favourhe will likely tell you.When you have too much work toquote, prioritize it and quote the highermargin/preferred customer jobs first.I know it is not easy to do thesethings, but if you want to make moneyand have happy employees and happycustomers you must invest in theprocess. Successful contractors make ithappen. They overcome the obstacles.Your role as a manager is to find problemsand fix them!Next month we will focus on how todevelop a solid sales process.Ronald Coleman is a Vancouver basedaccountant, management consultant,author and educator specializing in theconstruction industry. His website is1-800-267-2231 www.hrai.ca/hrac.htmlwww.ronaldcoleman.ca and his email isinfo@ronaldcoleman.ca.Circle Number 150 for More Information42 Plumbing & HVAC Product News – February/March 2007 www.plumbingandhvac.ca

Tour & AnderssonCircuit Balancing Valves• Precise flow measurement• Precision flow balancing• Isolation/positive shut-off valve• Can be installed in any positionVisit Victaulic atMécanex/ClimatexMontreal Apr 4-5• Available in ½” - 12” sizes• Koil-Kit for fast coil installationCBV Grooved EndKoil-Kit RELIABLE. SIMPLE. COST EFFECTIVE.(905) 884-7444www.victaulic.comCircle Number 151 for More Information

The Fastest Drain Gun Around.The RIDGID ® K-39AF with Advanced Feed; cleans drains better and faster than ever.The Emerson logo is a trademark and service mark of Emerson Electric Co. ©2006, Ridge Tool Company.The new K-39AF offers a patent pending two-way AUTOFEED TM that letsyou get in and out of tough clogs fast.Complete Control Without Touching Cable – With the two-wayAUTOFEED, you can advance and retrieve the cable with the simple press ofa lever – no need to stop and reverse the motor. You have total control ofthe cable to completely work through blockages and retrieve obstructions.Lighter Weight and Better Balance – Weighing only 11 lbs., the K-39AFis easier to use and reduces fatigue. All of these features with the same leakresistance and durability that you have come to expect from RIDGID.To learn more or to schedule a demonstration, contact Ridge Tool at800.769.7743 or www.ridgid.com.Circle Number 152for More InformationE MERSON. CONSIDER ITTMSOLVED.