Commissioning hydronic systems - The devil's in the details - Plumbing & HVAC
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Publication Mail Agreement #43029513. Return postage guaranteed Marked Business Media Inc. 67 Simcoe Street North, Oshawa, Ontario, Canada L1G 4S8
Commissioning
hydronic systems
The devil’s in the details
INSIDE
Q Alberta waives onerous hydronic slab
OCTOBER 2018 WWW.PLUMBINGANDHVAC.CA
insulation rules
Q Dual flush flow rates too high, says Vancouver
Q U.S. rolling back HFC refrigerant restrictions
Q Mechanical contractors meet in Whistler
at
Visit us
West
CIPHEX 614
BOOTH #
Q Contents
CIPHEX West Show Issue
Departments
Hot Seat .........................................4
A deal at last
Industry News ..............................7
Dual flush water savings questioned
Today’s Distribution ....................14
Entering the digital age
People & Places ...........................57
Wholesaler raises $28,000 to fight cancer
Shop Management .....................59
Buy or lease new trade vehicles
Coming Events ............................62
Ottawa hydronics conference announced
Products &
Technologies
Hot Water Heating ......................20 Mechanical contractors meet in Whistler Marijuana legalization creates concern
Heating ........................................29
Tools & Instruments ....................41
Refrigeration ...............................43
Features
Plumbing......................................49
The changing face of wholesale 14
Adapting to the digital age
Cover: A careful commissioning process will
result in an a hydronic system that provides An ounce of prevention 30
maximum efficiency and comfort. Please see Dwindling resources 37 Reducing the likelihood of heat exchanger
our article on page 20. (Photo by Roy Collver) Nova Scotia’s natural gas reserves running dry failures
www.plumbingandhvac.ca October 2018 – Plumbing & HVAC 3
Q Hot Seat
October 2018
Volume 28, Number 7
ISSN 1919-0395
Publisher
Mark Vreugdenhil
(289) 638-2133 ext.1
Cell: (416) 996-1031
mark@plumbingandhvac.ca
Editor
Simon Blake
(289) 638-2133 ext.2
Cell: (416) 574-5867
simon@plumbingandhvac.ca
Assistant Editor
Leah Den Hartogh
(289) 638-2133 ext. 4
Cell: (289) 830-1217
leah@plumbingandhvac.ca
A deal at last
Contributing Writers
On Sept. 28 Canada and the U.S. finally would be reached or what it would look
Roy Collver, Ron Coleman,
Mark P. Evans, Bill Hooper, Art Irwin, agreed on terms for a new North American like along with the threat of further tariffs,
Michael McCartney, Glenn Mellors free trade agreement. The U.S.-Mexico- on automobiles, put considerable stress
Bruce Nagy, Greg Scrivener Canada Agreement (USMCA) replaces the on Canada’s business community and on
National Sales Manager previous NAFTA agreement. Commentators everyday Canadians who wondered if they
Mark Tomlin report that about 90 percent of NAFTA – a would still have jobs. While we may not
(289) 638-2133 ext.3 trade agreement that U.S. President Donald entirely agree with the path going forward,
Cell: (289) 927-6393
markT@plumbingandhvac.ca
Trump labelled a “disaster” – remains intact. at least there is a path.
But there are some significant issues. In the HVAC/R and plumbing/
Design and Production
Tim Norton/Janet Popadiuk
One would have hoped that tariffs on steel mechanical industries, the uncertainty
production@plumbingandhvac.ca and aluminum imposed by the U.S., along pushed prices up in some cases. Higher
Circulation Manager
with the Canadian counter-tariffs, would prices will likely stay in effect until tariffs
Dorothy Lai have been removed immediately after the come off. This period of turmoil created real
All articles and photos by Plumbing & HVAC staff unless noted.
agreement was reached – as a goodwill pricing challenges, but some manufacturers
gesture, if nothing else. However, apparently and wholesalers managed to avoid increases
PLUMBING & HVAC Magazine is published eight times annually by
Marked Business Media Inc. and is written for individuals who purchase/
the U.S. – and the ball is solidly in the U.S. by absorbing prices to some extent and/
specify/approve the selection of plumbing, piping, hot water heating, court on this – won’t look at that until or having enough stock on hand to get
fire protection, warm air heating, air conditioning, ventilation, refrigera-
tion, controls and related systems and products throughout Canada. the agreement is actually ratified by each through.
Marked Business Media Inc. country’s elected officials. And maybe it’s just me, but I find the
167 Simcoe Street North, Oshawa, Ontario, Canada L1G 4S8 Secondly, I think most Canadians were name of the new agreement curious. USMC
Tel: (289) 638-2133
taken aback when the U.S. implemented is the acronym for the U.S. Marine Corps
Postmaster: Send all address changes and circulation inquiries to:
Plumbing & HVAC Magazine, 167 Simcoe Street North, Oshawa, Ontario, the tariffs on so-called security grounds. and is as common in the U.S. as RCMP –
Canada L1G 4S8. Canadian Publications Mail Sales Product Agreement
No. 43029513. Postage paid at Toronto, ON.
As two countries that have long been close the Royal Canadian Mounted Police – is
Annual Subscription Canada: $40.00 plus applicable taxes, single copy friends and allies, where our economies in Canada. While this may not be a “brand
$5.00 plus applicable taxes. Annual Subscription United States: $60.00
U.S. Annual Subscription foreign: $90.00 U.S.
and militaries are extensively intertwined, new deal” as Trump promised, he certainly
Copyright 2018. The contents of this magazine may not be reproduced in what possible security issue could the U.S. got his wish in putting a U.S.-first spin on it.
any manner without the prior written permission of the Publisher. have with Canada? We’re still not sure, but For C anada, it’s not really an
A member of:
• Canadian Institute of Plumbing & Heating
the new agreement does nothing to prevent improvement over NAFTA, but thankfully
• Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada the U.S. from citing security concerns to it’s not much worse either. And a long-time
• Ontario Plumbing Inspectors Association
• American Society of Heating Refrigerating & Air Conditioning Engineers
implement tariffs in the future. friendship is strained.
• Heating Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada However, in the end, I think most
• Refrigeration Service Engineers Society of Canada
Canadians and Canadian manufacturers
are happy that there is finally an agreement
and they can get back to business. When
the tariffs come off, it will be business as
usual. The uncertainly over whether a deal
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Q Industry News
Dual-flush toilets flush
too much, says Vancouver
Bylaw amendment could The Canadian Institute of Plumbing and
Heating (CIPH) and the U.S.-based Plumbing
make many models obsolete Manufacturers International (PMI) dispute
By Leah Den Hartogh the fact that dual-flush tank-type toilets don’t
meet performance expectations.
A Canada Mortgage and Housing
The City of Vancouver plans to change the Corporation study reports that the overall Vancouver officials say they aren’t
bylaws for dual-flush tank-type toilets because ratio was around 1.56 short flushes to every seeing the water savings they had hoped
they are not saving enough water. long flush. Akshay Sharma, program manager for with dual flush toilets. Perhaps users
The expectation for these toilets is that for CIPH, reports that this conclusion shows are confused over which button to push?
for every three flushes, one is a large flush that there is water saving value with dual-
and two are small flushes. But this just isn’t flush tank-type toilets. said. Not enough time has passed for the city
happening, reports Chris Radziminski, water to receive proper statistics on how the initial
design branch for Vancouver, in an email. The Reduced flush volumes bylaw went, adds Sigler
Vancouver building bylaw currently allows The most recent Vancouver water use bylaw “It takes time to get those results of
a maximum flush rate of 4.8 litres per flush changes, reducing the maximum flow rate those reduced flow rate on water and energy
(LPF) for all toilet types. of several plumbing products including consumption. You can’t expect it over night,
However, in 2014 an exception was made residential lavatory faucets to 5.7 litres per it all depends on how many new structures
for dual-flush tank-type toilets, permitting minute (LPM) and showerheads to 7.6 LPM, are built in the city of Vancouver. It takes
a full flush of 6 LPF and a small flush of 4.1 came into effect in January 2018. time.” Sigler suggests that at least three
LPF. The new proposal to limit all toilets to 4.8 The new lower volume for dual-flush years would be needed to calculate the total
LPF would eliminate 90 per cent of the dual- toilets, along with several other changes, is impact.
flush tank-type toilets that are currently on scheduled to take effect in January 2019. PMI supports the use of non-potable water
for toilet flushing. However, they believe there
should be provisions to account for maximum
The new proposal would eliminate 90 per cent of chlorine levels when used with onsite non-
potable water systems. They recommend
the dual-flush tank-type toilets that are that a maximum residual chlorine level of
currently on the market from using city water. 2.5 milligrams per litre. If chlorine levels are
too high, some plumbing products can fail.
CIPH would also like to see a set level of 2.5
the market from using city water, say industry “They really haven’t allowed the changes milligrams per litre.
officials. Most toilets – including over 2,000 made in the 2017 bylaw amendments time to However, said Radziminski, “The proposed
single-flush tank-type toilet models – are make an impact on their total per-capita water requirement for non-potable water systems
entirely unaffected. The city’s proposal will consumption,” noted Matt Sigler, technical were developed in collaboration with the local
allow the installation of 6 LPF dual-flush tank- director for PMI. Existing products that health authority and are performance based.
type toilets in new construction projects, but wouldn’t meet requirements would become No specific type of disinfection is prescribed.
only with treated rainwater or clear water waste obsolete as they could no longer be installed This is the decision of the registered
(i.e. cooling water and condensate drainage in new construction. professional engineer who must design the
from refrigeration and air-conditioning “Retailers again are going to have to restock system, and it is his/her responsibility to
equipment) systems for flushing. shelves and account for these changes,” he consider the local context.”
www.plumbingandhvac.ca October 2018 – Plumbing & HVAC 7
Q Industry News
Mechanical contractors laughing and giving knowing looks to their
spouses.
group meets in Whistler Pot legislation in Canada
B.C. lawyer Chris Munroe spoke about
marijuana in the workplace, explaining what
Marijuana legalization causing guns, threw axes, and shot hockey pucks. rights employers have over their employees
concern among members Members from MCA Saskatchewan took when it is legalized in Canada Oct. 17.
home the trophy for this year’s competition. Munroe began by informing the crowd that
By Leah Den Hartogh The conference kicked off with the opening the “sky isn’t falling.” Employees who were
backyard barbeque outside the Westin already smoking before legalization will
Resort where members dressed in their best continue with the practice, he expects.
Around 235 delegates and companions lumberjack clothing as the new “voice of That didn’t leave the members in attendance
attended the Mechanical Contractors of God,” Dan Milroy (Bradford-White Canada), more hopeful about what to do to stop their
Canada’s 77th annual national conference at commenced the conference. employees from going to a jobsite “stoned.”
the Westin Resort and Spa in Whistler, B.C. Over the next few days, members Many were concerned about the connection
Sept. 19-22. participated in panel discussions, wine of smoking marijuana and addiction, and
Typical B.C. weather at this time of year tastings, general meetings, business what they would be able to do in terms of
meant it was a cold and rainy event, but sessions, and general sessions. Right terminating someone claiming to have an
that didn’t stop participants from trekking after the opening breakfast Mark Gungor addiction.
to the Olympic Park to participate in the presented his “Laugh your way to a Better Munroe suggested that employers set
infamous MCAC Games. At this year’s games Marriage” seminar which, as promised, up a policy for all drugs similar to that is in
participants sawed logs, raced on skis, fired had everyone in the filled conference room place for alcohol. Elements would include:
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8 Plumbing & HVAC – October 2018 www.plumbingandhvac.ca
Best practices Pierre Boucher after former CEO Richard
One panel that drew a larger crowd concerned McKeagan retired in June.
best practices in mechanical contracting. Members elected Jack Bavis, G.J. Cahill,
A few issues were brought forward by the Mount Pearl, Nfld., as president, replacing
panel members. One that stuck out was the Dave Flamand, Peak Mechanical Partnership,
issue that installers don’t know exactly what Saskatoon, Sask., who has completed his one-
they are installing “for instance, they know year term.
it’s a copper pipe, but they don’t know if it’s Three different categories of awards were
Everyone dressed the part during not a water designated pipe,” remarked Tim presented. The Doug Crawford Memorial
Lumberjack Night at the MCAC annual Padfield, Alberta director of MCA and owner Award went to Milroy. Lifetime Awards were
conference. of Pad-Car Mechanical, Medicine Hat, Alta. presented to Robert Hoare, Adelt Mechanical
The industry skills shortage also came up. Works Ltd, Tom Vincent, president of
purpose, applications to both recreational and This brought about a discussion on whether Atlantica Mechanical Contractors Inc.,
prescription drugs, differentiations between or not it is best just to simply get more Dartmouth, N.S., and James Derksen,
safety sensitive and non-safety sensitive roles, people in the trades. Rod Yeoh, principal at Derksen Plumbing & Heating, Winnipeg,
prohibiting impairment, setting out roles and Dialog, Vancouver, B,C., said the industry Manitoba. Gaetan Beaulieu, Beaulieu
responsibilities of managers and employees, needs more intelligent people who go into Plumbing & Mechanical Inc., Edmundston,
requirement to self-disclose an addiction the trades because they are passionate about N.B., received the Lloyd MacLean Memorial
and/or prescription, and consequences for it, rather than seeing it as a last resort option. Award for his contributions to the
breaching policy. The audience heard court organization.
case examples as to how to make sure that they Changes to MCAC The next MCAC national conference will
aren’t put into a bad situation because of the This year, MCAC saw several changes. It take place on Oct. 2-5, 2019 in Nashville,
new legislation. was the first event for MCAC under CEO Tennessee at the Hilton Nashville Downtown.
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Q Industry News
Alberta lifts onerous slab published a Standata (14-BCV-019) that
provides a variance to National Building
Code Regulation 9.36 that increased
insulation requirements underslab insulation requirements for
radiant floor heating systems from the
one inch or R-5 required by the CSA B214
Extra insulation provides Alberta has waived onerous underslab hydronic installation code to R-16 or about
insulation requirements that brought the four inches.
little benefit in hydronic hydronic heating industry to a virtual The variance requires a minimum RSI
heating applications, standstill when they came into effect in 0.88 (R-5) for a radiant floor heating slab
November 2016. in contact with the ground where the
says Standata On Oct. 4, Alberta Municipal Affairs floor is fully below the frost line and RSI
1.32 (R-7.5) where the floor is above the
frost line. Standard industry practice has
4& )&
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& 98
been to install 1.5-inch (38 mm) R-7.5
" &
% 4
&. 5
insulation.
0
"
“ There is sufficient evidence that
5
indicates that the current underslab
insulation code provisions are excessive
and jeopardize the availability of hydronic
heating as an option for Albertans,” the
Standata states.
“ This type of system has become
increasingly popular in Alberta for
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in their environmental impact by making
smart green building choices.”
The additional insulation provides little
increase in energy efficiency. Going from R-5
to R-16 reduces heat loss through the slab by
only 1.27 percent but makes the insulation
cost about 50 percent of the installed cost for
the radiant floor slab, reports the Standata.
As well, the thick insulation can result in
structural issues that can only be dealt with
through costly modifications to building
design.
The variance does not remove the
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Alberta Municipal Affairs officials are
also encouraging the federal National
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the National Building Code to “allow for
hydronic heating installations while also
© 2018 VICTAULIC COMPANY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. supporting Alberta’s energy efficiency
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Q Industry News
EPA proposal would relax
HFC refrigerant restrictions
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency • repair an appliance that leaks above a
has announced that it plans to roll back threshold leak rate,
restriction on the use of HFC replacement • conduct verification tests on repairs,
refrigerants that took effect in 2016. • conduct periodic leak inspections on
Issued Sept. 18, the proposed rule, appliances that exceed the threshold leak
Protection of Stratospheric Ozone: Revisions rate,
to the Refrigerant Management Program’s • report to EPA on chronically leaking
Extension to Substitutes, will revisit the appliances,
Agency’s recent approach to regulating • retrofit or retire appliances that are not
appliances containing substitute refrigerants repaired, and
such as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) by • maintain related records.
proposing to rescind the November 18, 2016 The use of HFCs were restricted because
extension of the leak repair provisions to they are an ozone depleting substance. The
appliances using substitute refrigerants. EPA says the rule would save industry about
If finalized as proposed, the new rule would $39 million annually in regulatory costs. But
rescind the leak repair and maintenance the rule also would have the climate impact
requirements at 40 CFR 82.157 for substitute of an additional 642,000 cars on the road.
refrigerants. Therefore, appliances with 50 or HFCs have a warming potential thousands
more pounds of substitute refrigerants would of times more potent than carbon dioxide,
not be subject to the following requirements: reported Greg Zimmerman, executive editor
• conduct leak rate calculations when of Building Operating Management magazine
refrigerant is added to an appliance, (www.facilitiesnet.com).
Q Letters
Green technology Then there’s the variable speed evaporator
fan motor that costs three to four times the
unreliable, expensive amount of a regular PSC motor when it burns
out. And they do burn out regularly. Add to this
to repair, says reader the variable speed compressor that never lasts
and you have one unreliable, untrustworthy,
Dear Editor: expensive piece of junk in your home. The first
I’m sorry, but I just can’t “tow the line” when it time the system burps, all your energy savings
comes to manufacturers making these ultra- go down the toilet while you pay two to four
efficient residential heat pump systems and times for a new compressor, evaporator motor,
air conditioning units. evaporator or control board.
Manufacturers have been making paper I have a Red Seal journeyman ticket in
thin evaporator coils for several years now HVAC and know what I am talking about.
with disastrous results. They simply don’t last. I am registered with the Ontario College
They leak like a garden sprinkler after a couple of Trades. The entire industry must clean
of short years and they blame the installer itself up and make reliable units and charge
or chemicals in your household carpet that much less for replacement parts to win back
corrode the coils. Wow! The all-aluminum customers who are constantly being screwed
evaporator coils are next to impossible to by “green technology”.
repair, but the HVAC rep. will tell you its Mike Mineau
possible to repair them. Schreiber, Ontario
www.plumbingandhvac.ca October 2018 – Plumbing & HVAC 13Q Today's Distribution
Emco’s Aquavato
showroom in Toronto
stocks premium
brands for interior
designers.
The
changing
face of
DISTRIBUTION
Founder Jeff Bezos has a net worth of
about $156 billion, a testament the deep
understanding his team has developed in the
field of E-commerce.
Amazon specialist and HVAC consultant
Canada’s wholesalers gear up plumbing and HVAC/R business. They’re Bruce Merrifield calls the Amazon
facing new threats from E-commerce giants construction portfolio “a highly customer-
for the digital/online age like Amazon, while continuing to battle bricks centric value channel.” It includes product
and mortar performers like Home Depot and reviews, easy to find advice from industry
By Bruce Nagy Lowes/Rona. They’re planning to weather the experts, multimedia resources, chat and
storm, reinvent their business model, and add telephone support, and a Prime member
sophisticated online and offline capabilities. loyalty program offering bonus points for
O
ne-time body-builder And they expect to emerge stronger and better. watching product videos.
Arnold Schwarzenegger beat
formidable competitors to The Millennial effect Big web investment
win numerous body-building It won’t be easy. Millennials are moving into Each year Amazon invests another $40 million
crowns and achieve fame. But procurement positions and they’re online savvy. to improve its web properties, with an army of
he wanted more and moved to the United The internet comes naturally to them. Amazon top E-commerce analysts testing and refining
States to re-invent himself as a movie actor, but is building numerous B2B web properties and its models and algorithms. They identify
it wouldn’t be the last career change. He went pursuing transaction dominance in high ticket, the most profitable top sellers, then develop
on to become governor of California in 2003. high margin categories. They’re focusing on Amazon brand knock-offs, delivered to the
A similar rejuvenation is currently items such as furnaces, that are purchased in contractor for a few hundred dollars less.
underway among leading wholesalers in the large volumes every day. The Amazon brand is already ranking among
14 Plumbing & HVAC – October 2018 www.plumbingandhvac.caWolseley Oshawa, Ont. branch manager Paul Duncan, left, serves a customer.
kinds of information found online. You need “The relationship between manufacturers,
to combine some electronic skills with some wholesalers and contractors is strengthening
industry experience to determine what is because it needs to be stronger. We’re sharing
going to work for your application.” data with manufacturers which benefits both
of us, and we’re discovering a lot of great
Time and service product information and learning tools on
“On the other hand, at the end of the day, manufacturers sites that can be mined to better
the Amazon customer might become mainly serve and educate our contractor customers.”
price-driven,” added Kelly. “So, we’ll continue
the “most trusted” in several categories. Some to think of ourselves as a partner that can save Online lacking in expertise
say Amazon brand product receives preferential contractors time.” “It’s still a service business. If we hire the best
treatment on its sites and the company’s legions Online companies can provide product, talent and they’re knowledgeable enough to
of lawyers fight unfair competition accusations. but the role of the traditional wholesaler is serve contractors better than anyone else,
Once a Millennial purchasing agent places much more than that and the service aspects we’re providing the most important part of
an order for 175 faucets, the order is efficiently are not easy to duplicate. the value equation,” said Joe Senese, vice
picked by robots and shipped to the desired “We can provide project management president, operations, Groupe Deschenes,
end point. Delivery progress is, of course, easy support. For example, we can supply plans Etobicoke, Ont.
to track online. and layouts with hydronics products, and then “Building relationships is still an important
“There is a lot of talk about what Amazon package them in the order in which they will be part of this market. It’s not just about
is doing in our industry. Some might say it’s used.” said Kelly. “If a buyer ships enough toilets products. In fact, installers are inundated
overhyped, but I think a little paranoia could and faucets for a whole building, they may find with products. They have projects to plan
be a good thing. We’re behind on digital there’s no storage on the site for that product. and they need help. Oftentimes we know the
processes,” remarked Sean Kelly, division vice Our truck can arrive when the crane is ready to right product solution. We have sales reps in
president, Western Canada Plumbing, for move skids to the floors where they’re needed.” certain segments plus generalists. You need
Emco Corporation, London, Ont. “Delivery is going to be more important some specialists. The one size fits all approach
“I think the proliferation of new than ever and understanding who the has never really applied in our industry.”
technologies and energy efficient products customer is and our cost to serve them will “And expertise is becoming even more
gives us an advantage,” says Kevin Fullan, be too,” says Fullan “I think we’re beginning important with numerous retirements and
general manager – plumbing & HVAC/R, to work more closely with contractors and a skilled labour shortage. We need to hire
Ontario & Atlantic, for Wolseley Canada, manufacturers and in some cases, we can bright new people in the right demographics,
Burlington, Ont. “Not everyone can assess have products shipped directly from the
these new entries by sorting through different manufacturer to the job site. Please see ‘Millennial’ on page 17
www.plumbingandhvac.ca October 2018 – Plumbing & HVAC 15OUR TEAM
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© 2018 Bradford White Corporation. All rights reserved.Q Today's Distribution
Millennial contractors bring new expectations
Continued from page 15 with purchases. Other online interactions, not controlled by sellers,
include discussion forums, and blogs with reader comments. This
and then manage the transfer of knowledge ‘more democratic’ tradition is accepted Internet culture. Modern
from retiring veterans,” he added. players must learn to turn it to their advantage.
“There are two kinds of expertise that are Wholesalers acknowledge that their traditional business is changing
becoming important,” says Fullan. “Technical significantly. “Whether through online order entry or E-commerce, the
knowledge and online skills. We are trying prediction is that 30 percent of the business will go online,” noted Kelly.
to recruit and retain people who have both of “Some of this will be retained through our own sites and some of it will
these.” go to players like Amazon. We will continue to work at providing the very
“For a while we developed some online best service to the other 70 percent of the market. We’re social beings.
training tools for people to do some self- We’re not wired to stay home. I have faith in the human condition.”
training, but it doesn’t work for everybody. To “There is a slow changing of the guard taking place in our industry
build productive relationships I think we have as some of the older people retire and are replaced by younger
With specialized to master both the electronic and in-person generations,” says Fullan. “The older guys might come in with a coffee
products like challenges. It’s hard to build a relationship in one hand and their order scrawled on a piece of cardboard in the
this Kohler Numi via the computer, but on the other hand the other and shoot the breeze for an hour in the morning. Those days may
toilet, it helps to online world offers some obvious strengths in be coming to an end. Younger people send the order electronically the
see the product to communication and supply chain efficiency.” night before and contractor owners want the crews to pick it up and go.
learn its features Although it’s difficult to argue the
and installation importance of expert solutions, relationship Please see ‘Keeping’ on page 18
procedure. building, and high-level service, these may
not be the exclusive domain of in-person
interactions. What the customer needs is one thing. How it is
obtained could be moving online, in the form of comparison guides,
expert primers, chat services staffed by semi-retired specialists, well-
produced installation videos, webinars, taped classroom seminars, and
manufacturer animations.
New markets
While touting service-based strength in the face of the online threat,
wholesalers are also hedging against future disruption by expanding
into completely new, albeit related, businesses.
Wolseley has established Kitchen & Bath, Taps and other branded
plumbing showrooms. For Groupe Deschenes it’s Mondeau, and
for Emco it’s Aquavato and Ensuite. These are high-end kitchen and
bathroom showrooms located in larger urban centres. They’re aimed
primarily at interior designers, but also at anyone interested in premium
brands and unique plumbing products. They’re staffed by design experts
who can provide full interior design consultation and support.
For Emco these showrooms are supplied by a dedicated warehouse
with national distribution.
Online education
Still, the bulk of the business is likely to remain with contractors –
Millennial-age contractors. Ben Landers, a digital marketing expert,
wrote recently in Sales and Marketing Magazine that: “Mobile buyers
prefer to self-educate…81 percent of them do research online before
they have much…commercial intent.”
According to Landers, genuine online reviews correlate very highly
www.plumbingandhvac.ca October 2018 – Plumbing & HVAC 17Q Today's Distribution
Keeping the business as it goes online
Continued from page 17 The local advantage competency. After two terms in state politics
“If we think about the essential capabilities of he returned to the movies and enjoyed success
We’re trying to serve both kinds of customers a distributor in the digital age, we recognize almost immediately, despite being in his 70s.
and it really is a challenge to get it right… We that community…is local,” remarked Mark In 2018 he underwent emergency open heart
must continue evolving and changing. We Dancer, a Fellow with the Institute for surgery. Frightening for a while, but again he
may even need to accelerate our evolution.” Distribution Excellence of the National survived. So too will Canada’s plumbing and
“Those who don’t adapt will find that Association of Wholesaler-Distributors HVAC/R wholesalers. According to reports,
their market is getting smaller,” said Senese. (NAW), Washington, DC. Distributors can after he stabilized, his eyes fluttered open and
“We’ve been slow to create the omnichannel offer “a physical space where products can be he said to his family: “I’m back.”
we’ll need, but we’ve invested in technology explored, experienced…They can help with
in the back end at the warehouse. We know installation, training and troubleshooting.”
it’s critical to be as efficient as possible with Desco hosts ‘lunch ’n learn’ seminars on
modern warehouse management, GPS, new standards and codes, local requirements, Bruce Nagy is a Toronto
logistics technology, loading mechanisms...” new kinds of wall hung instantaneous water writer, author of more than
He describes the company as sharing heaters, and product choices that impact space 150 articles on clean energy.
and analyzing big data with selected planning. They’re doing online marketing and His new book, ‘The Clean
Energy Age’ will be released
manufacturing partners, and it is well posting how-to videos. It’s a different way of
on Amazon by Rowman &
entrenched in preparations for full online operating, but it still comes back to creating Littlefield in 2018. He can be reached at
ordering, job site deliveries and emphasizing value for customers. bruce.nagy@rogers.com.
its local area advantages. Schwarzenegger also reverted to his core
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COMMERCIALQHot Water Heating
Commissioning
hydronic Good start-up procedures
will keep customers happy
systems and minimize callbacks
By Roy Collver
I
t’s the start-up time of year again A proper start-up
with new projects completed and This article deals with HVAC&R equipment
existing systems to get ready for the and more modest system start-up and
heating season. A proper start-up and documentation. A start-up may be part of a
commissioning process is a great opportunity formal commissioning process, or a stand-
for the contractor to show their customers alone procedure. The reasons for doing a
that they hired the right people. proper startup are as follows:
There are many levels one can offer a client Contractual obligation – some customers
depending on their needs and budget, from demand nothing less than a certified factory
starting-up, testing and documenting the technician in the direct employ of the
performance of a single piece of equipment, manufacturer to perform and document a
to a methodical and complicated full system start-up, while others just require a detailed
commissioning and proving process, checklist be completed by a licensed trades
overseen by a commissioning authority – prove equipment is performing safely and
usually an engineering firm. ASHRAE has to specifications is simply part of the job,
two documents available (for a fee, of course) If they still balk, and it’s not over ‘till the paperwork is done.
that provide a painful but necessary amount This not only means equipment proving, but
of detail and instruction on the procedural
then you should also includes compilation and turn-over of
and technical details of commissioning. One politely decline the work equipment literature.
can make a whole career out of this process. Cover your butt – Being able to provide
ASHRAE Guideline 0 is a 54-page as they are asking a paper trail that shows how the equipment
document titled “The Commissioning was tested, and that it was turned-over to the
Process”, and their Guideline 1.1 is a 150-
you to take owner in a proper and safe working order,
page document titled “HVAC&R Technical unacceptable risks. can stop future disputes. Take lots of pictures
Requirements for The Commissioning and file them as well. We are living in an
Process”. This article will not be dealing with person. These details should be formally increasingly litigious society.
this full-blown process for obvious reasons, spelled out in tender documents prior to Show off your skills and market your
but if you have trouble sleeping, they are bidding on a contract, or simply referred expertise – Many trades people show up,
a great read and help you understand how to verbally when a customer engages your perform some task, charge the big bucks, but
things like hospitals and aircraft carriers get services. are unable or unwilling to explain exactly what
built and handed over to their owners. Best practice – Developing a routine to they did. Don’t be one of them. Unless the
20 Plumbing & HVAC – October 2018 www.plumbingandhvac.caSome building owners require the
manufacturer to be present at or
conduct commissioning. Ian Bowles
of IBC Technologies tests new boilers
at Springwood Elementary School,
Parksville, B.C.
A digital manometer is connected to the
boiler gas valve inlet pressure tap.
customer really doesn’t care, take the time to are things that you can offer the customer • Read and understand installation and
at explain what you did for them. Go further, as optional. When you price out a job, you operation manuals for each piece of
and provide them with documentation. should automatically include the cost of the equipment and look for anything that may
Set a good example and raise the bar – If “always do” stuff and explain to the customer be unique.
comprehensive start-up and documentation what they will be getting. • Ensure that the installation complies with
practices become more of an industry norm, If the customer doesn’t want the “always the requirements. Pay close attention
it will make it that much harder for fly-by- do” stuff, explain to them that these are code to venting details, piping and wiring
night operations to thrive. and safety requirements and are not optional. schematics, clearances, etc.
Don’t make mistakes, be sure of yourself If they still balk, then you should politely • Perform the start-up exactly as required,
and sleep soundly – “Did I check that decline the work as they are asking you to take ensuring all equipment performs to
high limit? Am I sure the vent was working unacceptable risks. specifications. Make up a checklist if the
properly? What was the CO reading?” Prevent manufacturer hasn’t provided one. (It is
these and many other questions from popping Critical steps useful to come up with a generic checklist
into your head at night by developing a Those things that constitute a “proper” of your own design with company logos.
routine, and always doing things by-the-book. start-up, will always include: You may want to mark each item as “code
Step one is to understand exactly how • Get the necessary permits and inform requirement”, “manufacturer requirement”
much detail the customer expects. There are code officials when you will be ready for
things you should always do and then there inspection. Please see ‘Optional’ on page 23
www.plumbingandhvac.ca October 2018 – Plumbing & HVAC 21HELPING CONTRACTORS
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to find your nearest dealer.QHot Water Heating
With today’s
test equipment,
the contractor’s
smart phone
communicates with
the combustion
analyzer and the
phone mirrors the
display, making it
easy to download.
Step 3 – provide documentation for
everything – the internet is a great resource as
you can often locate old I&O and maintenance
manuals and download them for free.
Step 4 – put together “as-built” drawings of
their system.
Step 5 – put together a maintenance
manual for their whole system – filter change
There is a considerable amount of instrumentation needed for commissioning. Note schedule, lubrication, cleaning, service checks
the combustion analyzer on the floor. – the whole meal-deal.
Enhanced documentation packages:
Optional commissioning With company computer expertise, you can
offer to transpose everything to a digital
and maintenance programs format and provide electronic files or hard
copy print-outs as a bound manual.
Planned maintenance programs: Discuss
Continued from page 21 Additional paid work options for planned maintenance. You should
Here are some options you can offer your provide a hand-out from your company of
or “company requirement” to show your customer: various programs detailing what is included,
customer how you go above and beyond.) Complete system review and re- frequency and cost.
• Ensure that your test instruments are commission – you may be replacing just the Insurance possibilities: Larger HVAC&R
working properly and are calibrated. Some boiler, but what about the rest of the system? companies may self-finance equipment
of the newest equipment can upload test This is an escalating process – bill for your insurance plans, points programs, customer
data directly to a smart phone or a laptop, time accordingly. membership programs and the like. Smaller
so you can provide files to the customer. Step 1 is a complete system assessment firms can work with third party underwriters
• Write everything down during set-up, where you climb all over the place looking or manufacturer insurance programs.
start-up and testing – follow the checklist into nooks and crannies and note what is These programs can help you retain your
and fill it out as you go so you don’t forget there and check to see if there are any obvious customer base in long-term relationships and
anything. problems. This first step is billable, but you can enhance the value of your company when
• Gather the manuals together along with should be gentle if you are only giving them the time comes to sell.
copies of your checklists and any print- a verbal report where you advise regarding
outs (combustion tests and such). You further detailed examination, and how much
may have to do some component labeling each option might cost. Roy Collver is an author
and consultant on hydronic
and “as-built” drawings as well. Present Step 2, a detailed examination, requires
heating based in Qualicum
them to the owner and review how the testing everything, not only to see if it is simply Beach, B.C. He can be
equipment works, differences from working, but also to prove how it is performing reached at
previous equipment, and maintenance and how everything is working together or not hoth2o@shaw.ca
requirements. (don’t forget exhaust fans, HRV’s and such).
www.plumbingandhvac.ca October 2018 – Plumbing & HVAC 23QHot Water Heating
A PROPER
STARTUP An error code on the boiler
control can be a good
thing. (Roy Collver photos)
• Do a visual inspection (and push-pull-wiggle
tests of sketchy looking components) to
make sure the installation conforms to the
manufacturer’s installation instructions and
all code requirements. Pay special attention
to the venting system. If you did the
installation and are confident in your work,
you may choose to skip some of these checks.
• Turn the water feed on to the hydronic
system and check the water pressure gauge
to ensure the system is pressured to at
least the minimum required by the boiler.
Adjust fill pressure as required. If pressure
continues to creep up, the pressure reducing
valve may need to be serviced or replaced.
If you did the
Commissioning today’s make sure you or the person doing the work installation and are
has the right training and licenses to do the
modulating condensing job safely. Following is the typical procedure: confident in your work, you
Like many things, the job starts with a
boilers look at the installation and operation (I&O)
may choose to skip some
By Roy Collver
manuals. You are looking for any unusual or of these checks.
special procedures required for the particular
boiler that you are working on. As well,
you are looking for a start-up section and a
In the past few pages we looked at the reasons start-up checklist. • Make sure the condensate trap has been
for creating a commissioning procedure • If no checklist is in the manual, make one up filled.
for space heating boilers and how that yourself – the list should include check boxes • Turn the thermostat down, or otherwise
could benefit both your business and your or comment lines for the items listed below. make sure there is no call for heat.
customers. So, what exactly do we do to start I would strongly suggest you provide this list • Make sure the gas is turned off at the
and commission a new gas fired modulating- to the boiler manufacturer for comment and appliance shutoff valve.
condensing (mod-con) boiler? get them to help you make up a checklist,
Of course, it almost goes without saying, they may disagree with some things. Please see ‘Focus’ on page 27
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QHot Water Heating
Focus on the combustion 40°F you need to check the flow rates
through the boiler and if both the supply
analyzer readings
and return temperatures climb rapidly. you
need to provide a bigger load for the boiler
in order to continue testing. Otherwise, the
Continued from page 25 first time. boiler will trip off on high limit.
• Monitor the boiler outlet temperature to • Check flame current readings to ensure
• Turn on the power to the boiler – displays make sure it doesn’t shoot up quickly, if they are within specifications. Turn the gas
or lights should come on. it does, you either have a flow problem or supply off and ensure the boiler shuts down
• Go through the boiler control settings there is insufficient load on the system and on flame failure.
and make sure they are set to appropriate you need to resolve this before proceeding. • Physically test all safeties to ensure shut-
values for the application -- you will need • Monitor the manometer reading to make down of the boiler when they are tripped.
to refer to the manual at this point if you are sure the pressure remains steady and within • Check the venting system to make sure
unfamiliar with this particular boiler. the acceptable pressure range specified. there is no leakage of flue gasses – a soap
• Make sure any mechanical aquastats, high- • Shut down again and connect a combustion bubble test usually works for this.
limits or other safety devices have been set analyzer to the venting system after making • Block the exhaust vent and make sure the
properly and any safety reset buttons have sure it is “zeroed” and functioning properly. boiler shuts down with a blocked vent error
been pushed. – repeat with the air intake.
• Turn up the thermostat or otherwise give • Check all zones to make sure heat is being
the boiler a call for heat. delivered and there are no blockages, air
• Check that the boiler pump comes on and locks or component failures restricting flow
turn on any other pumps in the system and and heat delivery.
leave them running. • Check the condensate drainage system
• Do the same with any zone valves, making and make sure the trap is still full and the
sure they are in the open position – you condensate is free flowing to drain.
want to make sure the boiler has a load to • Remove the call(s) for heat and make sure the
dump its heat into once it starts up. boiler shuts down in an orderly fashion, the
• Turn off the water supply to the hydronic pumps, valves and fans shut down in good
system and watch the pressure gauge to order, and the system drops into stand-by
make sure there is no drop in pressure mode ready for the next call for heat.
(which would indicate a leak). If all is well, This is where quality equipment like this Of course, you have been checking this all
turn the water feed back on again. combustion analyzer pays for itself. off and documenting values as you go and
• While you have been doing the last three steps, now have a completed checklist – signed
you should have heard the boiler’s combustion • Re-start the boiler and focus on the and dated – a copy of which you will leave
fan start up and the boiler should have tried combustion analyzer readings while the customer along with the system manuals
to fire. It will now likely be locked out due to simultaneously monitoring the gas and documentation. The whole procedure
successive failures on trial for ignition – there pressure, water pressure and boiler supply should normally take about one to two hours
will normally be an error code displayed (this and return temperatures. 1) Test the depending on the complexity of the system.
is a good thing). Check the manual to see combustion chemistry and flue temperature This is a simplified start-up with no balancing
how to reset the boiler to try again, usually by at low fire, medium fire and high fire. If the performed and minimal control system
turning the power off briefly. combustion test results are outside of the proving or adjusting.
• While the power is off, ensure that the gas range specified by the boiler manufacturer To take it one step further, you should allow
lines have been properly purged and then in the I&O manual – you will need to adjust the system to cycle on its own a few times and
connect a manometer securely to the inlet the gas/air mix as detailed in the manual. 2) check Delta T readings zone by zone to make
test port on the gas valve. If the water pressure climbs up more than sure controls are set properly and there are no
• Slowly turn on the gas and check to make 25 percent as the water temperature climbs, conflicts. This may all seem like too much to
sure there are no leaks and monitor the you need to check the expansion tank to do, but if you have been starting up new mod-
manometer reading to ensure the gas ensure it has been properly charged. 3) If con boilers and missing any of these steps
pressure is within the min/max pressure the gas pressure drops more than 25 percent – you have likely been getting call-backs. As
requirement at regulator “lock-up”. at high fire you need to check the gas supply you gain experience with a particular boiler
• Turn on the power again and watch closely regulator or piping capacity. 4) If the Delta model or class of boiler, you will be able to do
to observe the boiler as it fires up for the T across the boiler increases to more than this much faster and with more assurance.
www.plumbingandhvac.ca October 2018 – Plumbing & HVAC 27You can also read
