Roth Industries new Insulated Floor Panel Systems by Crete-Heat

Simplify your radiant floor installations with the Insulated Floor Panel System.  This system can reduce install time by as much as 2/3 and is available in three different thicknesses for either new construction or retrofit applications.  With the tongue and groove joints there is no taping required.

Are You Underselling Yourself?

The proliferation of the “We Won’t Be Undersold’ mentality has barged its way into the HVAC industry.  Most retail outlets, car dealers now offer some sort of price match guarantee which is great if the 2 items are the same.  Does it really matter where you buy your Sony 42” LCD HDTV 3D TV with surround sound?  Probably not.  But when a consumer uses that mindset when choosing his HVAC contractor you can bet it does. 

When it comes to choosing an HVAC contractor too often it comes down to the piece of equipment being installed, when in reality the choice should be between the contractors first, equipment second.  When dealing with a homeowner make sure that you are selling the features and benefits of your company.

Can you Heat your home in December for $6.15 a day?

You can with an air to water heat pump like the Daikin AC Altherma, at an installation here in New England the Altherma used an average of 45KW per day which at current electric rates works out to $6.15 per day.  And the side benefit is that you will reduce your CO2 emissions by more than 50% over a standard fossil fuel boiler. In the winter an air to water heat pump works by taking thermal energy from the outside and transferring to the inside of the home via radiators, fan coil units or radiant floor heating.  Because the Altherma employs an inverter driven condenser unit it can extract heat from the outside even at subzero temperatures.  And with a Coefficent of Performance as high as 4.54 which means for every 1 KW of energy used 4.54 KW of heating energy is produced or for every $1.00 you spend you get an additional $3.54 free.  And the above $6.15 per day includes the lights and other electric items in your home.

Learn More Here

Is Your System Balanced?

With the shift to small condensing boilers and lots of zones a new challenge has arrived , avoiding excessive boiler cycling.  What is an unbalanced system? In the typical condensing boiler installation it is a situation where the system side is flowing at a lower GPM and BTU rate than the boiler side.  An example is a small zone of baseboard using 2 GPM and 20,000 BTU connected to a 150,000 BTU boiler that can only turndown to 30,000 BTU.  There are several solutions to the problem including ramp delay of a boiler, variable speed boiler pumps, zone synchronization and buffer tanks.  Lee Cook of Capco Supply has put together a great article on using buffer tanks.

 Read Lee's Article Here

TO CONDENSE OR NOT TO CONDENSE

High energy prices have created a consumer driven shift toward high efficiency modulating/condensing boilers. Yet many remain skeptical of the true value of a condensing boiler, especially in high temperature applications, such as baseboard or hydro air. However, the high efficiency boiler creates savings by modulating its firing rate down. For example the Sync boiler, by Lochinvar is equipped with a 10:1 turndown ratio and can fire at a rate as low as 10% of the full rated capacity of the boiler.
Now let’s talk about condensing. In a condensing boiler, when flue gases condense, or change state from a gas to a liquid, latent heat gets absorbed by the water in the heat exchanger. Instead of flue gas heat going up the chimney, its heat is now applied to the system water. The lower the return water temperature, the greater the condensing will be. Since condensing begins at around 135 degrees, designing your system with a 25° delta T and a supply temperature of 160° will yield return water cold enough to condense. With a properly sized boiler there are few days each heating season that require water temperatures over 160 degrees. In fact standard baseboard can still provide heat with water temperatures of 110 degrees.
If that isn't enough to sell it, how about rebates and tax credits of $2,500.00 residentially and, depending on which gas utility, as much as $15,000.00 commercially per boiler.

NO MORE SINGLE WALL TANKS IN PLAINVILLE, MA

With the adoption of 527 CMR Board of Fire Prevention Regulations sections 4.00 and 9.00, Plainville has made double wall oil storage tanks mandatory.  The Board of Health also requires “Interior tanks shall be installed so that any basement flooding will not deteriorate or compromise the integrity of the tank.”  And if you are not familiar with it 527 CMR section 4.03:5(b) States

(b) A supply tank larger than ten gallons (38L) but not larger than 660 gallons (2500 L) shall meet the construction provisions of Standard UL 80, UL 2258 or be a secondary containment type tank meeting the following standards:

1. The primary tank shall meet the German Institute for Construction Technology (DIBt) Standard PA-V1-321, Requirements and Test Methods for Thermoplastic Tanks made from Blow Molded Polyethylene, Rotationally Molded Polyethylene and Anionic Polymerization of Plyamide-6, or an equivalent standard.

2. The secondary containment shall be provided by a liquid tight outer jacket of galvanized steel or stainless steel with a minimum 18 gauge nominal thickness.

3. A means of detecting a leak from the primary tank into the secondary tank shall be provided.

DO YOU NEED A PORSCHE OR A PICKUP

When it comes to replacing a pump you need to know what your conditions are to avoid problems later.  Let’s examine the performance characteristics of 2 Bell & Gossett PL series pumps, the PL-55 and the PL130. Initially many would assume that the PL-130 is a bigger pump and will flow at a higher rate than the PL-55, However that isn’t always true. 

Going back to the Porsche vs. Pickup analogy the Porsche can certainly outrun the Pickup any day of the week right, now hook a 7,000 lb trailer to the back of them and the Porsche doesn’t move and the Pickup runs away.  In this example the PL-130 is the Porsche and the PL-55 is the pickup.  Take a look at the pump curve below:

On the left is the feet of head the pump can operate against and along the bottom is the gallons per minute it will flow.  So at 10 feet of head pressure the PL-130 flows 85GPM while the PL-55 flows 45GPM, but increase the head pressure to 18 feet and the PL-130 drops to 25GPM while the PL-55 now is flowing 40GPM.  Next time your sizing a pump take a minute to consider the conditions it save time and money later on.

ROTH INDUSTRIES LOOKS TO MAKE LEAKING OIL TANKS EXTINCT.

A new marketing promotion “ DINOSAUR IN YOUR BASEMENT” by Roth Industries aims to educate homeowners on the benefits of double wall tanks.  This customizable program allows companies to partner with Roth to create a website that will generate qualified leads for customers in need of tank replacement.  Contact your Roth DWT distributor or FIA for more information.

ARE DEGREE DAYS IMPORTANT

Absolutely, they can really make the difference in calculating your return on investment.  Let’s take a quick look at how this October with the unseasonably warm weather, could impact our perceived savings not only historically but in the future. By using my house as an example, which has a single pipe steam system with a standard efficiency boiler we can see the weather related impact.  Last October we used 82 therms for heating and hot water production, this year that dropped to 50 therms or a reduction in use of 39%.  Since I did not make an efficiency upgrades these savings are strictly weather related.  Now let’s look at my usage factoring in degree days, last October we had 271 degree days vs. 157 days this year.  So my usage last year was .30 therms per degree day and this year .31 therms which is actually an increase.  If next year the weather pattern is the same as 2010 some customers who have made high efficiency upgrades may actually see an increase in the fuel usage, so it is important when discussing energy savings to base it on degree days.

Is this guy servicing your heating system?

USING THE AIR OUTSIDE TO HEAT AND COOL YOUR HOME.

When we think about air conditioners we think of them as appliances that cool a space.  In reality they are removing the heat, yes this is splitting hairs, but it explains how we can use these same appliances to provide heat in the winter as well.

Have you ever stood next to an outdoor condenser and felt the hot air blowing out of it?  This is the condenser unit rejecting the heat from inside.  These units work by flowing refrigerant in a loop thru the outdoor and indoor unit picking heat up inside and dropping it off outside.

The refrigerant can absorb and reject heat by constantly changing its state from a liquid to a gas and back, when it is passing thru the indoor unit or evaporator it changes from liquid to gas and absorbs heat.  The gas is then run through the outdoor unit or condenser where it is condensed back to a liquid and the heat is rejected.  In the winter a heat pump unit can reverse this process and take the heat from outside and bring it inside to provide heating. 

On the inside the heating or cooling process has generally been limited to an air based system.  However by adding a refrigerant to water heat exchanger indoors we can transfer the energy to water, now we have an air to water heat pump.

If we cycle the water thru heat emitters that are designed for lower temperatures such as radiant, panel radiators or specially designed air handlers we have a very efficient heating and cooling system that is using up to 75% renewable (free energy) and dramatically reducing carbon emissions.

Since the indoor heat emitters are hydronic it is very simple to pipe in a supplemental heat source like a wood, gas or oil boiler for the really cold days.  Accessories like solar kits and water heaters allow the user to reduce their energy consumption even further.

Take a look at the Daikin Altherma system here.

What do those pressure gauges on a pump tell us?

I was speaking with a good friend this week who was trying to quiet down the cavitation in a couple of centrifugal pumps that sounded like rock tumblers.  He had already taken a look at the pressure differential across the pumps and noted that it was minimal, but didn’t know what the numbers should be.  So we needed to start with the designed flow rate of 57GPM (gallons per minute).   The pump curve (fig. 1) showed that the pump would flow 57GPM at 65TDH (feet of head).

    Figure 1 

   

To convert the feet of head to a pressure reading we can divide the head by the pressure caused by the height of water above any given point.  Approximately 2.3 feet of water height equals 1 PSI, so in this case:

          65 TDH / 2.3 = 28.26

Now all we had to do was add the 28.26 PSI to the reading at the suction side and we could get the pump in the ballpark.  Since our suction side pressure was 30 PSI we needed to get to 58 PSI on the discharge, which was done by adjusting the Bell & Gossett Triple Duty Valve.  Once the adjustment was made the pump quieted down and the building occupants were happy.  Although not an exact method of balancing it will keep everyone happy till the balancer gets there with his pressure differential readout kit to set it up. 


So the gauges actually tell us how many feet of head the pump is generating when operating and by using the pump curve chart we can figure out the flow rate through the pump at that head pressure.

Something to keep in mind is the pressure readings work opposite of flow as the pressure goes up the feet of head increases and the flow goes down and vice versa. Also if the pressure is to low and the flow is too high you can get a pressure drop in the eye of the impeller that could cause the liquid to flash to a vapor creating air bubbles, as these bubbles move out along the impeller vane they will collapse and cause pump cavitation.  As these bubbles collapse they create tiny pits on the impeller in as little as a few hours these pits can add up and cause serious damage to an impeller.   


Next time you are called to a noisy pump take a look at the pressure differential and make sure the pump is operating along its curve, if not a little balancing might save a lot of problems later.

Does the right hand know what the left hand is doing?

Imagine driving your car down the road with your eyes closed and the pedal to the floor board waiting for your passenger to yell stop.  That is what happens when your boiler sits in the basement waiting for the zone control to tell it to go, stop, go and so on.  The boiler doesn't know if it is connected to one zone or to twenty, it just assumes that if I am told to go I must need all my BTU’s right now.

What if we could have the thermostats talk to each other and the boiler control with just two wires, and they could set the water temperatures and control the firing rate of the boiler.  Well the Tekmar House Control and communicating thermostats can do just that and so much more.

More information here

Opportunities with Thermal Solar

Lochinvar Corporation of Nashville and TiSun of Austria have joined together to offer commercial thermal solar products in the United States.  With an abundance of Federal, State and Local rebate programs adding solar to your job may provide the need financial incentives to close the jobs.  So the next time your looking at a commercial heating or domestic hot water job, think about adding a solar option.  The Lochinvar/TiSun panels have a SRCC OG-100 rating and a 10 year limited warranty. 

Pex is Pex right? Maybe not.

A recent study of Roth Industries X-Pert S5 by Jana Laboratories Inc. concluded that “By protecting the EVOH barrier layer, the five layer technology is seen to provide significant advantages for handling, installation and operation of hydronic systems and the EVOH layer itself has been demonstrated through testing to provide the barrier protection required to protect the rest of the hydronic system from oxygen damage.” 

Read the full report here

ICFs emerge as building blocks of sustainable construction

Take a look at this interesting article on a house built with Insulated Concrete Forms.Read the full article.

Lime Scale Accumulation: The Energy Thief

Water is used in a wide range of commercial applications.  Every day, businesses and facilities heat water to serve the needs of their customers and patrons.  While restaurants, laundromats, hotels and car washes all require very large amounts of hot water to stay in business, nearly all companies rely on hot water in one way or another.  Each year, a significant portion of their overhead is allotted to the fuel required to heat water, and everyday that allotment becomes slightly larger.  However, many do not realize what they lose each year due to the negative by-products of heating water.

Read More Here

Smart Building: High Performance HVAC

A workshop for HVAC contractors & other building professionals

15 dates during the fall of 2011 - dates TBD
8:00 am - 11:00 am
various locations through Massachusetts - locations TBD

The new Massachusetts building code carries with it a number of additional requirements regarding both the sizing of mechanical systems and the installation of their associated ductwork. This workshop will provide a detailed description of the new code requirements and help to you increase customer satisfaction and reduce callbacks.

This workshop will cover:
-Code Changes
-Performance Testing
-ACCA Manual J, S, and D
-Tips and Tricks for Duct Sealing
-Resources and Guidance
-Rebates and Incentives

Dates and Locations: TBD, will be finalized by September.
Cost: $25 which includes a light breakfast and lunch
CEUs/LUs: available from BBRS for building officials and CSL renewals, AIA and BPI

For more information, please contact Lisa Karlin at training@cetonline.org or 413-586-7350 x240

WHY IS THE BOILER WATER BLACK?

From our good friend John Pemerton, Lochinvar's National Service Manager comes this explanation:

"The black discoloration sounds like the magnetite layer from the carbon pipe is breaking down.  All carbon steel boiler pipe will have a layer of iron oxide form as water passes through.  With a minimum of oxygen the layer will turn black, domestic water turns brownish red or orange, this is why boiler water is almost always black when drained.  If new water is introduced or the system flushed, the magnetite layer can break loose this is most likely what you are seeing."  

ARE YOU WORTH YOUR PRICE?

The PHCC of MA will be hosting a special workshop on Saturday, November 12, 2011 on ways to calculate your costs, profit and pricing.  This workshop is presented by Contractors, John Klesaris & Owen Geoghegan.

Download a flyer here.

Warming to idea of in-floor heating | Homes | London Free Press

An interesting article in the London Free Press this week talks about in-floor heating using radiation, convection and conduction to provide all around comfort. The article was written by Shellie Chowns, the President of the London Home Builders’ Association.

Warming to idea of in-floor heating | Homes | London Free Press

Oak Square YMCA gets in SYNC

Faced with repairing their standard efficiency boiler again the YMCA turned to Kurt Hudson of LC Anderson, Inc. for a better solution. The location of the atmospheric boiler near the chlorine equipment was the main culprit in its premature failure. The 1.3 million BTU boiler was responsible for heating the Y's 3 pools and providing hot water to the reheat coils in the dehumidification system. LC Anderson's crew installed the SYNC boiler from Lochinvar with its true sealed combustion design the chlorine equipment would not be a factor. Also the SYNC boasts an impressive 10:1 turn down with thermal efficiency's in excess of 94%.

How Much is 5 Million Dollars Worth to you.

Did you know that Roth Industries Double Wall Oil Tanks come with a 15 year warranty and a 10 year insurance policy worth up to 5 million dollars.  Every Roth Double Wall Tank comes with this level of protection as long as it is installed by a certified contractor.  Roth tanks are manufactured in Watertown, NY.

See the first tank off the line

Lochinvar Announces 2011-2012 VIP Program

Lochinvar has released the details on this years VIP Program, this years program includes increased marketing support, more ways to win a trip to Nashville and as always great prizes for registering your boilers.  Take a look as Lochinvar’s Director of Marketing Stirling Boston details this years program.

 Watch the Video Here

NEWTON COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL GETS A BOILER ROOM UPGRADE

The guys at Industrial Burner Systems of Quincy, MA recently completed the boiler replacement.  The replacement system was designed by FIA's own Brandon Teller and involved a complete repipe of the boiler room.  Gone are the 2 massive on off steam boilers and exchangers, in their place are the modulating stainless steel condensing boilers with a system turn down capacity of 30:1.  Also added were Pumps with VFD drives, and a  mixing valve controlled by a Tekmar 360  to provided two separate reset water temperatures   The big question facing the school is what to do with all the leftover space.

A few more photos.

IF VIDEO KILLED THE RADIO STAR, WHO KILLED THE PUMP?

We have all seen it over the years damaged impellers, plugged valves, lime and scale build up.  But what is the cause of all these?  Take a look as Roy Ahlgren explains the cause and effect of heating system problems. 

TEKMAR CONTROLS FEATURED ON "GOING GREEN"

Tekmar Controls was featured on a episode of Going Green with Ward Burton.  This segment featured an overview of the Company which is located in Vernon, BC and manufactures controls for heating, cooling, ventilation, snowmelt and geothermal.

Are intake screens really that important?

During a recent boiler startup in the Greater Boston area FIA’s Service Manager Jerry Murray recovered several tennis balls, a mini basketball, a yogurt cup, 2 trash bags and a sport drink bottle.  So remember to use a stainless screen on your intake and vent pipes.

 

Webstone has redesigned the Isolator

The newly redesigned Isolater Uni-Flange Ball Valve now has a rotating flange and a multi-function drains that allows purging before or after the pump.  This innovative flange from Webstone is available in either sweat or IPS and sizes from 3/4” - 1 1/2” .

 More info

Lochinvar’s Game Changer

This Summer Lochinvar launched the CREST firetube boiler.  Available in 5 sizes from 1.5 million to 3.5 million BTU’s and sporting turndown capacities as high as 25 to 1 the CREST is changing the way we look at large boiler plants.  The CREST was named the Gold Medal winner in the HVAC Commercial Equipment category in the eighth annual Dealer Design Awards, sponsored by the Air Conditioning Heating & Refrigeration News.

Why do we pump away?

How to Calculate AFUE

Many people ask how the Department of Energy calculates AFUE, well here is a little video.

If you really must know take a look here.

Rosen Inn saves 30% with Lochinvar

Since the installation of the new Lochinvar water heating system, the Rosen Inn management team has seen an average savings of nearly 30% on their monthly gas bills.

For a little more on the application Click Here.

11th Annual Heating Professionals Fall Conference

GasNetworks will hold its 11th Annual Heating Professionals Fall Conference on Thursday, September 22, 2011 at the Lantana located in Randolph, MA. The day-long conference will feature a myriad of expert trainers and speakers, including FIA’s George Carey, and will focus on high efficiency natural gas heating equipment and installation practices. Sessions will include such topics as hydronic heating, on-demand water heating, condensing & modulating boilers, near boiler piping, and more.

Click Here to register online. Click here to view the agenda.

OIL TANKS IN FLOOD PRONE ARES

The rugged Roth DWT plus 3 with its stable, fully sealed steel outer tank is safe to use in areas that are prone to flooding. Roth DWT are the only tanks on the market with no fittings below the oil line and they are available with tie down kits for installation in high risk areas. Get more information here.

COPPER-FIN II GETS SMARTER

The most exciting addition to the Copper-Fin II is the SMART SYSTEM control. The SMART SYSTEM is an advanced, state of the art integrated operating control. We introduced the SMART SYSTEM control in 2005 and it has delivered proven operation in thousands of demanding commercial applications. The control provides the installer, owners and operators with precise temperature control and diagnostic information. More information available here.

ROTH INDUSTRIES DOUBLE WALL OIL TANK

Did you know that the Roth DWT comes with a 10 Year insurance policy of up to $5 million and a 15 year product warranty. Also many homeowners insurance companies offer a discount to policyholders with these tanks. Get more information here.

FREE OUTDOOR RESET CONTROL

GasNetworks is currently giving a $200.00 rebate on a weather responsive control. The Tekmar 256 control costs less than that at your local wholesaler, get more information on the Tekmar 256 control here.

FIA’S PUMP SHOP IN ACTION

Mike Witkus assembles a base mounted pump for next day delivery at our Woburn, MA facility.

With a large selection of pumps, motors and parts in stock we may have what you need to get your customer flowing again.

For more information contact customer service at 1-800-423-7187

HEATING SEASON IS COMING

With the start of the heating season approaching do you need a refresher or an update on High Efficiency boilers and controls? If so let Elisa Roche in our office know and she can help coordinate a refresher course at a location near you. Contact Elisa here.

BELL & GOSSETT & TEKMAR JOIN BEAUTIFUL HEAT

To help increase market awareness and growth, Beautiful Heat will target consumers to inform and educate them about the many benefits of hydronic heating. Beginning in September 2011, the program will incorporate targeted campaigns of public relations, consumer advertising and internet marketing to raise the profile of hydronics and establish it as a high value household fixture.

AUTOMATIC OUTDOOR RESET

Take Outdoor Reset a step further by incorporating Indoor feedback, by providing the boiler control with Indoor Temperature changes it can create a more efficient boiler plant. Read George Carey’s article here.

BROWARD COUNTY SAVES WITH ARMOR

When the time came to replace the aging domestic hot water system at the Broward County Convention Center, They turned to Lochinvar for a energy saving solution. Expected to save over $23,000 in 5 years while improving the performance for more on this installation click here.

HYDROCORE ONLINE SELECTION TOOL

· The HYDROCORE by Webstone replaces 15 individual components, eliminates 13 connection ports and reduces labor costs. More than that it makes those boiler loops look great, now Webstone has added an online selection tool here.

ROTH INTRODUCES X-PERT S5

· Roth Industries, Inc. recently unveiled their all new environmentally friendly radiant tubing. Unlike any other heat pipe, X-PERT S5® is fully recyclable. Visit the Roth site here.

TEKMAR UNVEILS NEW THERMOSTAT

· The all new 552 is a 7 day programmable touchscreen thermostat that is compatible with any 2 or 4 wire tekmar system or as a stand alone thermostat. Try the interactive online demo here.

Heat Exchanger Cleaning Kits

Stainless Steel Heat Exchanger Cleaning Kits available at your Lochinvar distributor. Works with most water tube style condensing boilers

More info

SHIELD Water Heater Payback in 9 months

· Kevin Caldwell has not run out of hot water since installing his new Shield water heaters. For more information click here.

Lochinvar Smart System Training

· September 13, 2011 from 4-6pm at FIA in Woburn, MA. Learn about all the parameters and how to program the control. For more information click here. To sign up click here.

The all new Bell & Gossett ECM pump is here

· Featuring ECM (Electronically Commutated Motor) technology and a patented spherical motor design, the ecocirc® auto and vario pump eliminate the need for a conventional shaft, seal and bearing assembly. For more information click here.