Malinda Tracoonis Group 1

AHRI Releases Latest US Heating and Cooling Equipment Shipment Data

Fri, 03 May 2024 21:54:22 +0000

The Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute has released its latest heating and cooling equipment shipment data.

U.S. shipments of residential gas storage water heaters for February 2024 increased 7%, to 397,529 units, up from 371,462 units shipped in February 2023. Residential electric storage water heater shipments increased 10.4% in February 2024 to 454,577 units, up from 411,916 units shipped in February 2023.

Year-to-date U.S. shipments of residential gas storage water heaters increased 1.9%, to 744,553, compared to 730,380 shipped during that same period in 2023. Residential electric storage water heater shipments increased 6.4% year-to-date, to 871,640 units, compared to 819,229 shipped during the same period in 2023.

Commercial gas storage water heater shipments increased 12.8% in February 2024, to 8,120 units, up from 7,200 units shipped in February 2023. Commercial electric storage water heater shipments increased 6.5% in February 2024, to 13,950, up from 13,095 units shipped in February 2023.

Year-to-date U.S. shipments of commercial gas storage water heaters increased 6.4%, to 15,371 units, compared with 14,447 units shipped during the same period in 2023. Year-to-date commercial electric storage water heater shipments increased 7.8% , to 25,647 units, up from 23,791 units shipped during the same period in 2023.

U.S. shipments of gas warm air furnaces for February 2024 decreased 7.3% , to 214,961 units, down from 231,944 units shipped in February 2023. Oil warm air furnace shipments increased 59.6% , to 2,434 units in February 2024, up from 1,525 units shipped in February 2023.

U.S. shipments of central air conditioners and air-source heat pumps totaled 657,509 units in February 2024, up 1.2% from 649,856 units shipped in February 2023. U.S. shipments of air conditioners increased 8.8%, to 372,897 units, up from 342,814 units shipped in February 2023. U.S. shipments of air-source heat pumps decreased 7.3%, to 284,612 units, down from 307,042 shipped in February 2023.

Year-to-date combined shipments of central air conditioners and air-source heat pumps decreased 9.7%, to 1,136,883, down from 1,259,012 units shipped during the same period in 2023. Year-to-date shipments of central air conditioners decreased 7.4%, to 620,932 units, down from 670,269 units shipped during the same period in 2023. The year-to-date total for heat pump shipments decreased 12.4%, to 515,951, down from 588,743 units shipped during the same period in 2023.

Download the full report at ahrinet.org/system/files/2024-04/February%202024%20Statistical%20Release.pdf

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Contractor Community Celebrates Award Winners at ACCA 2024

Thu, 02 May 2024 23:01:34 +0000

The Air Conditioning Contractors of America recognized the best of the contracting industry during its annual Awards Reception held at ACCA 2024. Winners are recognized in categories ranging from community service to safety and overall excellence.

Awardees announced at ACCA 2024 include:
Residential Contractor of the Year Award: Flame Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, and Electrical
Commercial Contractor of the Year Award: Pro-Air Mechanical, Inc.
Distinguished Service Award: Ed Lehr of Jack Lehr Heating, Cooling, and Electric

Other award winners included:
Service Manager of the Year Award (sponsored by ACHR News): Gerry Den Ouden of Ree Mechanical, Inc.
Super S.T.A.R. Award (sponsored by Federated Insurance): Rick Allgeier of Rick Allgeier and Associates, Inc., Allgeier Air
Community Leadership Award (sponsored by Sunnova): Joseph Oliver of Oliver Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, and Electrical
Marketing Masters Award (sponsored by Scorpion): Reiner Group, Inc.
Lifetime Achievement Award (presented by Contracting Business): Lee Rosenberg of Rosenberg Indoor Comfort.

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5 Ways Americans’ Handwashing Changed Since COVID

Wed, 01 May 2024 23:29:29 +0000

While it’s been four years since the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted lives, one behavior has left a lasting impression: handwashing. That’s based on survey findings of more than 1,000 American adults conducted by Bradley Company, a manufacturer of commercial washroom fixtures.

In 2024, the impacts of the pandemic remain – especially in terms of hand hygiene and public restrooms. Today, 80% of Americans say they are now more conscious of coming into contact with germs in restrooms because of COVID, according to the Healthy Handwashing Survey. Stores, healthcare facilities and restaurants cause the most concern about encountering germs. The top five ways handwashing has changed are:

Practicing better hand hygiene

Starting back in 2009, at the outbreak of the H1N1 swine flu virus, Bradley conducted its first Healthy Handwashing Survey. At the time, only 45% of Americans opted to increase their hand hygiene in response to seasonal virus increases.

The early days of the pandemic brought uncertainty about how to avoid contracting coronavirus, causing a significant increase in handwashing behavior. Specifically, in the spring of 2020, 90% of Americans washed their hands more diligently and were sudsing up, on average, 10.5 times a day, compared to six times per day before COVID.

In 2024, handwashing activity has leveled out at 74% of American adults who wash their hands more frequently (or more thoroughly) in response to seasonal virus outbreaks – a considerable rise from 45% in 2009.

Relying on handwashing to stay healthy

According to the survey, 95% of adults believe handwashing is essential to maintaining their overall health – a viewpoint that’s nearly universal across gender, age and geography. In addition to the physical benefits, there are emotional pluses. 72% say they feel healthier or safer immediately after washing their hands.

Focusing on handwashing when traveling

During travel, 77% of Americans make a point to stop in public restrooms in airports or during road trips specifically to wash their hands. In fact, 67% make a point to wash more diligently before a trip to avoid sickness. When sick, 54% increase their handwashing activity.

In terms of the public places that cause the most concern about coming into contact with germs, stores (55%), hospitals/healthcare establishments (52%) and restaurants (40%) top the list.

Ramping up handwashing when out in public

Americans wash their hands 89% of the time after using a public restroom. Moreover, Americans are critical of others who don’t uphold public standards for washing their hands. Observing someone who doesn’t wash up leaves a negative impression for approximately 70% of respondents. Unfortunately, it’s a frequent occurrence since approximately 70% of total respondents see others leave public restrooms without washing their hands, and men see this more frequently (79% men versus 59% women). More than 50% of Americans have a negative impression when they encounter someone with dirty or sticky hands.

Favoring touchless fixtures in public restrooms

Americans’ concern about germs in public restrooms is accompanied by a desire to avoid contact with fixtures. In fact, 86% think it’s important that restrooms have touchless fixtures, a preference that has remained high ever since the pandemic.

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Pursuing DEI: virtual event shares paths towards building better culture

Wed, 01 May 2024 18:58:30 +0000

Pursuing DEI, a virtual event held Wednesday, April 24, delivered on its promise to generate discussion and demonstrate the benefits of fostering diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplaces across all sectors of the construction industry.

All sessions from the three-hour event are now available on demand and are loaded with educational and practical advice to develop welcoming and productive teams.

The keynote speaker, Rubiena Duarte, vice president, global diversity and inclusion, Procore Technologies, led off the day with a presentation entitled “Navigating unconscious bias”.

We all inherently carry bias in our minds based on our personal experiences, and when surrounded by other people we can all sense when people may be evaluating us based on their own personal traits.

Duarte clearly explains different types of bias and how we can recognize some of our own personal bias, and she shares how important it is for companies to encourage a positive work culture that is free of traditional bias and promotes inclusion. Developing this type of culture will be an important note of distinction for the next generation of workers.

The first panel discussion was entitled: Building and maintaining your culture of inclusion. Moderated by Kenny Leon, vice president of marketing innovation and industry collaboration at the Canadian Construction Association, panelists discussed the steps you can take to establish a culture of inclusivity, and provided tips on communicating (and enforcing) a positive company culture.

One of the panelists was Brandi Ferenc, RSE, founder, Fair-Trades Toolbox and a Red Seal 313A refrigeration mechanic/gas fitter 1 journeyperson. “I [as a woman] represent less than 0.4% of my industry, and that needle hasn’t moved in 20 years,” said Ferenc, and she believes in the power of affinity groups (like women-in groups) to help encourage and support others in the field, but more importantly she believes that under-represented people in the trades need allies among their co-workers, colleagues who will support, guide, defend and encourage their growth.

The next panel, moderated by Martin Luymes, vice president, government and stakeholder relations with the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI), was: Putting your culture of inclusive recruitment into practice.

Bill Ferreira of BuildForce Canada outlined how over the next 10 years the Canadian construction industry is going to need to hire about 350,000 new workers to replace the retiring workforce and keep up with a growing industry.

Kim Rutherford of EMCO offered a few recruiting tips to ensure a fair and inclusive experience. For example, share interview questions with candidates in advance (this makes it a much better experience for neurodiverse individuals, ie: ADHD, autism, dyspraxia, and dyslexia), also, ask candidates, “What can we do to make this the best experience for you?” in order to ensure your workplace will provide equitable experience for them.

The final panel for the day was: Leveraging your inclusive workplace and becoming an employer of choice.

Moderated by Michelle Branigan, CEO, Electricity Human Resources Canada (EHRC), this panel included Meg Mathes, RSE, senior manager, diversity equity & inclusion with Modern Niagara. Mathes encouraged people learn about intersectionality, taking time to understand the many sides of individuals.

The Pursuing DEI virtual event was produced by HPAC magazine along with sister publications Electrical Business and On-Site (all part of the Annex Business Media family).

Sponsors of the event included:

Platinum sponsor: Procore Technologies

Gold sponsor: Jacques Cartier + Champlain Bridges

Bronze sponsors: Electricity Human Resources Canada (EHRC), and EMCO Corp.

PURSUING DEI

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Alberta enticing skilled trades with $5,000

Wed, 01 May 2024 18:31:23 +0000

Alberta, seeking to fill job vacancies in the skilled trades, has launched the third phase of its ‘Alberta is Calling’ campaign targeting skilled trade workers in British Columbia, Québec and Ontario.

The advertising campaign, running from May 1 to July 2, includes the ‘Alberta is Calling Moving Bonus’ – a one time, $5,000 refundable tax credit for skilled trades workers who relocate to Alberta to help build the province’s housing and infrastructure.

“The Alberta is Calling campaign and Moving Bonus reaffirm our government’s commitment to attracting top talent and addressing labour force needs for sectors that are crucial to sustaining our province’s prosperity. It also demonstrates we are serious about filling productive jobs with productive workers to support our expanding infrastructure needs,” said Matt Jones, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade with the province.

A recent forecast from BuildForce Canada projects total construction employment in Alberta to increase by another 14,000 workers between 2024 and 2033. The province allocated $10 million in its 2024 budget towards the Alberta is Calling Moving Bonus. This will support 2,000 workers in the trades to move to Alberta. Trades on the eligibility list include plumbing, gas fitting, heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics, and more.

The targeted campaign highlights career and lifestyle elements in Alberta.

“The third phase of Alberta is Calling is a compelling statement about the importance of skilled trades workers to Alberta’s economy, and to our future. The Moving Bonus complements the strong investments in trades education that we continue to make,” said Rajan Sawhney, Minister of Advanced Education.

Alberta first launched its Alberta is Calling campaign in August 2022, with phase 1 focused on attracting workers in the health care, trades and technology sectors from Toronto and Vancouver, and then phase 2 in March 2023, targeting regions in Ontario and Atlantic Canada with the highest rates of unemployment.

The new phase focuses on skilled trades workers in B.C, Québec and Ontario and includes advertising on post-secondary campuses, restaurants, bars and gyms; radio, streaming and social media. This phase of the campaign is expected to cost approximately $2.5 million.

albertaiscalling.ca

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Ontario proposes new pathways to skilled trades

Wed, 01 May 2024 15:32:45 +0000

The Ontario government is introducing new policy and legislative measures to get more people into the skilled trades, including new high school programs, adding a new apprenticeship pathway and an online job matching platform.

The initiatives are designed to promote the skilled trades to both youth and existing workers, since according to the province at least one in three workers in Ontario with an apprenticeship certificate as their highest credential is nearing retirement.

“We’re helping to tackle the labour shortage by allowing motivated, entrepreneurial students to get on a fast-track to a career in the skilled trades,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “To get there, we’re opening pathways into the skilled trades today for the workers of tomorrow by making it easier for Ontarians to find apprenticeship opportunities through a new online job-matching portal.”

Building on the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP), the province is creating a new stream called Focused Apprenticeship Skills Training (FAST), that will allow students in Grades 11 and 12 to participate in more apprenticeship learning through additional co-operative education credits while completing high school. According to Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education, the program will allow students to take up to 80% of their senior courses in co-op education.

Graduates would receive a new seal on their high school diploma to signify the completion of the program.

Ontario is also launching a new online job-matching portal for potential apprentices, journeypersons and employers to network.

The new government-housed platform, developed in partnership with the private sector, is intended to help streamline the process for potential apprentices to find interested sponsors, register and begin their training.

In addition, Ontario is proposing legislative measures to reduce barriers to apprenticeship training for workers who have prior professional experience, but cannot meet certain academic entry requirements to register as an apprentice.

This policy would create alternative pathways for immigrants and other people interested in the skilled trades as a second career if they meet alternative criteria that may include minimum years out of high school and history of prior work experiences.

The proposed change sets the stage for the ministry to develop alternative criteria which would be set out by future regulations under the Building Opportunities in the Skilled Trades Act, 2021.

These proposed changes are part of a larger package of measures that, if passed, would also protect the health and safety of workers, impose tougher penalties on exploitative bad actors and make it easier for more people to start a career in the trades.

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Tue, 30 Apr 2024 22:18:16 +0000

Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning has launched its first cold-climate variable refrigerant flow heat pump available in North America. The high-efficiency air365 Max with HeatForce is a top-flow VRF heating and cooling system that delivers comfort, energy efficiency and easy installation and maintenance for professionals, architects and commercial building owners looking to reduce operational costs and carbon footprint.

The air365 Max with HeatForce can operate at 100% heating capacity with outdoor temperatures as low as -13 F and at 90% heating capacity down to -22 F. This makes the end-to-end heating and cooling solution ideal for commercial buildings in North America .

This energy efficiency performance is made possible by SmoothDrive 2.0, which allows the system to control compressor rotation speed with precision of 0.1 Hz per step, significantly increasing energy efficiency at partial load.

Installation is simplified for contractors with airCloud Tap, an app designed to help HVAC professionals install, read and change Hitachi equipment settings and read detailed diagnostics data with ease on mobile devices.

Available with heat pump and heat recovery modes up to 24 tons, the air365 Max with HeatForce produces an Energy Efficiency Ratio of up to 12, as well as a Coefficient of Performance of up to 4.2 without the use of a backup auxiliary heat source.

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Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning Launches Cold-Climate VRF Heat Pump

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 22:18:16 +0000

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Wolseley opening new branch/distribution centre in Brampton

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 19:43:29 +0000

On Wednesday, May 29th, Wolseley Canada will be holding the grand opening of its new branch, showroom and market distribution centre (MDC) in Brampton, Ont.

First announced in November 2022, the new distribution centre will use robotic automation technology and is designed to offer 24-hour pick-up and 60-minute delivery across the Greater Toronto Area.

Located at 8480 Highway 50 in Brampton, the grand opening event will run from 3 pm to 8 pm, with tours, food, prizes and a special guest — former Maple Leaf star, Doug Gilmour.

For more information and to register for the Grand Opening visit: wolseleyexpress.com.

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Safety and Health Week: May 6-11

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 18:30:05 +0000

This year, Safety and Health Week takes place from Monday, May 6 thru Saturday, May 11, with the intent of drawing awareness to employers, employees, partners and the public on the importance of preventing injury and illness in the workplace, at home, and in the community.

Safety and Health Week, previously known as North American Occupational Safety and Health Week, was first launched in June 1997 as an alignment among Canada, the United States and Mexico.

Going back further, the origins of the event date back to the Canadian Occupational Health and Safety Week which had been observed from 1986-1996, an initiative of the Canadian Society of Safety Engineering, now know as Health and Safety Professionals Canada.

It was in 2019 the event’s name was shortened to simply Safety and Health Week, and the event logo includes three colours forming an equilateral triangle to portray the three participating nations – Canada, the United States and Mexico – and symbolizes joint venture, cooperation and the commitment to the common goals shared by all occupational health and safety partners.

This year there are activities dedicated to supporting families who have suffered from a workplace tragedy and to promoting the elimination of life-altering workplace injuries, illnesses and deaths. The group Threads of Life is supporting numerous Steps for Life Walks across the country this week in support of workplace tragedy family support.

safetyandhealthweek.ca

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Construction Safety/Safety and Health Week: May 6-10

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 18:30:05 +0000

This year, Construction Safety Week takes place from Monday, May 6 thru Friday, May 10, an event that is celebrating 10 years as the construction industry’s annual week-long, safety-focused program, designed to promote worker safety and wellness.

The theme for 2024 is Value Every Voice, encouraging the idea of driving personal ownership, welcoming new ideas, embracing every voice, and strengthening safety culture.

Free resources are available on the Construction Safety Week website and include promotional materials, discussion topics, event ideas, videos, and at-home activities for families.

Construction Safety Week coincides with Safety and Health Week, which was previously known as North American Occupational Safety and Health Week, an event that was first launched in June 1997 as an alignment among Canada, the United States and Mexico.

Going back further, the origins of the event date back to the Canadian Occupational Health and Safety Week which had been observed from 1986-1996, and was an initiative of the Canadian Society of Safety Engineering, now know as Health and Safety Professionals Canada.

In 2019 the event’s name was shortened to simply Safety and Health Week, and the event logo includes three colours forming an equilateral triangle to portray the three participating nations – Canada, the United States and Mexico – and symbolizes joint venture, cooperation and the commitment to the common goals shared by all occupational health and safety partners.

safetyandhealthweek.ca

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U.S. launches commercial heat pump manufacturing challenge

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 13:47:16 +0000

With the intention of delivering more efficient and affordable next-generation commercial heat pump rooftop units to market by 2027, the United States Department of Energy (DOE) in collaboration with major manufacturers and commercial organizations is launching the Better Buildings Commercial Building Heat Pump Accelerator.

This initiative, that is partnering with the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory and other laboratories, will develop prototypes with manufacturers, test the performance and durability of the products, and lead field validations with the goal of helping manufacturers produce higher efficiency and life cycle cost-effective heat pump rooftop units (RTUs).

Developed in partnership with corporations such as Amazon, IKEA and Target, along with equipment manufacturers including AAON, Carrier, Lennox, Rheem, Trane, and York, the Accelerator is expected to enable energy, emissions and cost savings.

This commercial program follows in the footsteps of the Residential Cold Climate Heat Pump Technology Challenge launched by DOE back in 2021, which challenged manufacturers to develop heat pump units optimized for operation at 5F (-15C). Many of those units are in the field testing stage and product commercialization has a 2024 target.

Two Programs in the Better Buildings Commercial Heat Pump Accelerator:

Commercial Building Heat Pump Technology Challenge
Manufacturers will partner with DOE and its national laboratories to create emissions-effective heat pump RTUs that meet an advanced technology specification and will create prototypes, test the performance and durability of the products, and lead field validations with commercial partners. With the goal of having units available for purchase as soon as 2027.

Commercial Building Heat Pump Campaign
In collaboration with its National Laboratories, DOE will be providing building owners and operators with resources and guidance on how to deploy heat pump technology to support both site-level and portfolio-level installations. Lining up organizations to become buyers of the next-gen units emerging from the Challenge.

betterbuildingssolutioncenter.energy.gov

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Systemair North America Launches New Green Ventilation Label

Mon, 29 Apr 2024 22:45:56 +0000

Systemair has launched its new green ventilation sustainability label. The mark constitutes an environmental performance benchmark to guide customers toward the most sustainable solutions within the company’s product portfolio. It comprises strong and easily verifiable sustainability requirements tailored to each product category, which define when a product is entitled to carry the new label or not.

The mark is subject to category-specific sustainability requirements, which define when a product is entitled to receive the green ventilation label. The set requirements are measurable and verifiable, allowing customers to make apples-to-apples comparisons and select the products that best meet their sustainability goals and needs. The label considers not only a unit’s energy efficiency but also its impact on indoor air quality, safety, comfort and global warming potential, among other factors.

In North America, the product areas eligible for the logo are air handlers, fans, energy recovery ventilators, car park fans, and classroom vertical unit ventilators.

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AprilAire Smart Thermostat Now ENERGY STAR Certified

Fri, 26 Apr 2024 23:19:05 +0000

ENERGY STAR independently confirms best-in-class S86WMUPR Smart Thermostat saves homeowners money through improved energy efficiency. This Wi-Fi smart thermostat offers certified energy savings, is smart and simple to use.

This thermostat can help homeowners by customizing a schedule each day, or by setting a consistent schedule over the week. It is paired with fan circulation mode and special features like a progressive recovery option to ensure proper temperatures for the start of an event and a convenient Heat Blast option to raise the room temperature 3-5 F.

Features including a capacitive touch interface, an intuitive navigation menu, and easy-to-read color graphical display showing indoor temperature, temperature setting, and humidity, as well as outdoor temperature make this Thermostat not only simple to use but also helpful.

Built-in Wi-Fi allows for periodic software updates to ensure your smart thermostat is using the latest algorithms and energy-saving features available. Wi-Fi also offers convenient control no matter where a homeowner is through its app.

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Successware Platform Updates Brings Enhanced Functionality

Thu, 25 Apr 2024 23:12:43 +0000

Successware has released an enhanced reporting and analytics tool in its latest platform update. Over 45 reports in the new Successware platform are now built using industry leader Microsoft Power BI, giving users a new level of insight into the health of their business. Additionally, these reports are built directly into the software, so there is no need for additional spending on reporting tools.

With enhanced business reporting functionality, users can run reports more quickly with essential data filters that are convenient and easy to use. adjust reporting parameters and extract meaningful insights on the fly with an intuitive configuration panel and export reports in a variety of formats to share critical information with key stakeholders.

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Remembering those injured on the job and promoting workplace safety

Wed, 24 Apr 2024 16:26:13 +0000

The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) calls on members of the construction industry across the country to reflect on the National Day of Mourning, held annually on April 28th, and to remember those who have lost their lives, were injured or became ill from their work, and renew the ongoing commitment to health and safety in the workplace.

At 11 am on Sunday, April 28th construction workers and trades nationwide are asked to observe a moment of silence to honour those who have died or experienced a work-related tragedy, and their loved ones, friends and co-workers who have been deeply impacted.

The CCOHS encourages all trades to adapt best practices and resolve to establish safe and healthy working conditions to protect workers and prevent further workplace tragedies.

Join Your Local Steps for Life Walk

In addition, on the last weekend in April and in early May across the country you are encouraged to connect with your local Steps for Life, an annual walk that takes place and is organized by Threads of Life to raise awareness and funds in support of families affected by workplace fatalities, injuries and illnesses.

Events take place in communities across the country. For more information, including locations, dates and how to register, visit the Steps for Life website.

Health & Safety Week

This all leads to 2024 Safety and Health Week, which takes place this year from May 6-11, a time for employers, employees, partners, and the public to focus on the importance of preventing injury and illness in the workplace, at home, and in the community.

National Safety and Health Week website

ccohs.ca

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Slow start for building investments in 2024

Wed, 24 Apr 2024 16:17:25 +0000

Statistics Canada has reported that the national month-over-month investment in building construction declined 1.1% to $19.3 billion in February, this follows a similar 0.9% month-over-month decline in January. The overall investment trend is remaining relatively flat in these early months of the year, with residential investment actually showing positive gains in many provinces across the country with the national numbers being dragged down by the largest provinces Ontario and Quebec.

Overall investment in the residential sector decreased 1.2% in February, while investment in the non-residential sector remained relatively flat, falling only 0.9% nationwide.

As noted, the monthly decline in residential construction in February was led by Ontario (-$153 million), while investment in residential building construction edged up in six provinces, led by Newfoundland and Labrador (+$16 million).

Nationally, investment in detached single-family homes increased 1.3% to $6.7 billion in February, with all provinces and territories apart from Yukon reporting gains for this component. At the same time, multi-unit investment decreased 3.5% to $6.7 billion in February, driven by declines in Ontario (-6%) and Quebec (-4.9%) as the pace of new starts slowed from earlier in 2023.

statcan.gc.ca

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Fujitsu General opens Texas training centre

Wed, 24 Apr 2024 14:19:53 +0000

On April 16, Fujitsu General America celebrated the opening of its new innovation and training facility in Addison, Texas.

The AIRSTAGE Innovation & Learning Center is a dual-purpose facility that provides training and research and development capacity.

Located 15 miles north of Dallas and minutes from the local airports, the 7,200 sq. ft. facility will initially be staffed by 10 Fujitsu employees, including R&D engineers and North American product management teams.

The training centre includes a dedicated lab for hands-on experiences with various Fujitsu systems and controls to enhance the skills of sales, design, installation and service professionals. The new site complements the company’s existing Pine Brook, New Jersey and Martinez, California facilities.

fujitsugeneral.com

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Speakman Debuts Single-Lever Faucet Lucid Collection

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 21:46:20 +0000

Marcone has launched a new Speakman faucet, designed to complement its popular Lucid collection.

The single-lever faucet joined mid- and high-spout widespread options, along with shower trims, robe hooks and towel bars from the same collection. Designed to be a transitional piece for any bathroom, the single-lever features sleek angles and a modern finish. It comes in either a chrome or black finish. The collection carries a lifetime limited finish warranty.

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RLS Expands HVAC/R Education Initiatives

Mon, 22 Apr 2024 22:57:11 +0000

Rapid Locking System has opened its training center in St. Louis, Missouri, and mobile showroom. The ribbon-cutting ceremony, preceded by press fitting demonstrations and a behind-the-scenes tour of the manufacturing facility, marked this occasion on Thursday, April 18.

The training center is the latest addition to the company’s expansive 80,000-square-foot headquarters facility and will serve as a one-stop-shop for contractors, engineers and wholesalers to learn about evolving industry trends, and how to successfully install and implement press fittings to maximize their businesses. Training center visitors can participate in live press fitting demonstrations, receive a training certification and a behind-the-scenes tour of the facility.

RLS also officially unveiled its brand-new mobile showroom, a vehicle equipped to travel directly to contractors, engineers and distributors for live trainings. The mobile showroom features a virtual reality aspect that will allow users to tour the facility and create their own virtual press fitting without ever setting foot in the actual building. Customers will be able to request their city as a stop on the cross-country tour.

The expansion of RLS’ training initiative come as part of the company’s goal to train more than 20,000 contractors throughout the next year. This commitment aligns with the company’s overarching strategy to continue to invest in fostering growth and innovation within the HVAC/R industry.

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Two Canadian Teams win awards at the 2024 DOE Solar Decathlon

Mon, 22 Apr 2024 18:36:29 +0000

The winning projects for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Solar Decathlon 2024 Design Challenge were announced on Sunday, April 21, and this year two Canadian teams made the podium.

The Solar Decathlon challenges university students to design high-performance, low-carbon buildings powered by renewable energy and compete in one of four divisions: single-family housing; attached housing; multi-family building; and education building.

Since 2002, more than 40,000 students worldwide have participated in the Solar Decathlon’s 10 contests.

This year saw more than 250 students from 40 finalist teams , including four Canadian teams, participate in the 2024 Design Challenge in Golden, Colorado, April 19–21.

The overall winner this year was the University of Arizona, taking home the Grand Winner trophy for their partnership with the Hopi Tribe on 24 eco-friendly rowhouses that integrate passive design techniques and a microgrid to promote energy sovereignty.

A team comprised of the University of British Columbia, Okanagan—Kelowna and Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops, claimed second place in the single-family housing division, and a team from the University of British Columbia, Vancouver won third place in the attached housing division.

A complete list of the winning teams for this year’s international competition can be found here: solardecathlon.gov

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New Rosenberg I-Series Impeller Design Increases Airflow, Efficiency

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 23:10:56 +0000

Rosenberg’s new high-efficiency, high-volume I-impeller fan design features five backward-curved, hollow profiled, airfoil section aluminum blades, with an efficiency-optimized circumferential diffuser. Depending on fan size and operating point, the new impeller increases efficiencies by up to 11% while reducing noise levels by more than half compared to older impellers.

I-series blades are positioned diagonally and top-flared so that airflow direction is optimized for the highest efficiency and flow rates. The new design significantly reduces the turbulent downstream air produced by traditional backward-curved impellers. The effect of this reduction is to significantly reduce noise and increase in-application efficiency. The I-impeller is statically and dynamically balanced according to DIN ISO 21940. Noise levels range from a high of just 89 dB to a low of 68 dB while creating up to 12% more air than earlier models.

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Technical Program Released for ASHRAE 2024 Conference

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 22:57:45 +0000

ASHRAE has released a comprehensive technical program for its 2024 Conference for Integrated Design, Construction & Operations, taking place June 24-26 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Early bird registration is available through April 30.

Rebranded from the former Building Performance Analysis Conference, CIDCO provides an in-depth look at existing tools and applied knowledge, as well as the study and introduction of new technologies, including machine learning, artificial intelligence and virtual reality to design, construct and operate buildings.

The two-day conference will include keynotes, seminars, panel discussions and debates from more than 60 presenters.

CIDCO will include the following panel discussions:

ASHRAE HQ Project: Lessons Learned

In this panel, former building committee chair and 2023-24 ASHRAE President Ginger Scoggins will moderate a discussion among project contributors on lessons learned from the renovation of ASHRAE’s net-zero energy-efficient global headquarters.

President’s Roundtable on Workforce Development

The panel will discuss the challenge of workforce development in the HVAC&R industry and how to compete with other tech savvy industries to attract new workers, as well as engage and upskill the existing workforce.

The Importance of Optimizing Distributed Energy Resources in Grid Interactive Buildings for Carbon Neutrality

Panel participants will explore how commercial and institutional buildings would benefit from newer technologies in distributed energy resources, such as small hydro/wind turbines, solar PV, batteries and on-premises recovery systems.

The 2024 CIDCO Showdown offers the opportunity for teams to compete using BIM tools, processes and strategies to design, construct and operate a proposed model building. This year, teams will design a holistic mixed-use, multilevel medium-sized office building in Indianapolis that purposefully considers all spatial, environmental and human factors.

CIDCO will be held in conjunction with the 2024 ASHRAE Annual Conference, June 23-26 in Indianapolis. All annual conference registrants have access to CIDCO conference sessions.

For more information, visit ashrae.org/cidco24.

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Budget 2024 previews next phase of Greener Homes program

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 18:03:16 +0000

In the 430-page budget released by the Federal Government on Tuesday, April 16 there was a strong focus on new home building and home affordability.

As part of the Canada Housing Plan announced last week, the government aims to unlock 3.87 million new homes by 2031, which includes a minimum of 2 million net new homes on top of the 1.87 million homes already expected to be built by 2031.

To achieve these targets the feds are looking at converting unused federal public buildings, including post office sites and national defence sites across the country, into housing.

House Building Technology

The budget also proposes $50 million over two years to launch a new Homebuilding Technology and Innovation Fund to invest in projects like prefabricated housing factories, mass timber production, panelization, 3D printing, and pre-approved housing design catalogues.

Apprenticeship Investment

Also included is a proposal to provide $100 million over two years to Employment and Social Development Canada for the the Apprenticeship Service to help create placements with small and medium-sized enterprises for apprentices. Of this amount, $10 million in 2025-26 would be sourced from existing departmental resources.

Green Buildings Strategy

In the budget the government once again announced the imminent launch the Canada Green Buildings Strategy and dropped some highlights on how the strategy will help lower home energy bills and reduce building emissions by supporting energy efficient retrofits.

“Budget 2024 proposes to provide $903.5 million over six years, starting in 2024-25, to Natural Resources Canada as follows:

$800 million over five years, starting in 2025-26, to launch a new Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program (CGHAP) that will support the direct installation of energy efficiency retrofits for Canadian households with low- to median-incomes. This program represents the next phase of the Canada Greener Homes Initiative and will be co-delivered with provincial and territorial partners. It will also be complemented by CMHC’s existing Greener Homes Loan program.
$73.5 million over five years, starting in 2024-25, to renew and modernize existing energy efficiency programs that offer tools to building owners like the ISO 50001 Energy Management Systems Standard and the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager. This funding will also spur the development of better, more ambitious building codes to further reduce emissions and lower energy bills. The federal government will encourage provinces and territories to adopt these top-tier building codes.
$30 million over five years, starting in 2024-25, to continue developing a national approach to home energy labelling, which will empower prospective home buyers with information about the energy efficiency of their new home, with the support of energy auditors.

The Budget document includes a couple fictional scenarios to illustrate how the new Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program will work:

<<Maya and Sophie are homeowners with low incomes and are struggling to afford their energy bills. They want to make their home more cost efficient. Through the Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program (CGHAP), an assessment determines that the most effective energy efficiency upgrades for their home are attic insulation and air sealing. At no cost to Maya and Sophie, CGHAP arranges the direct installation of these upgrades, which will prevent heat from leaking out, improve the comfort of their home, save them money on their energy bills, and reduce their home heating emissions.>>

<<Sierra rents an apartment where she faces high heating bills from her baseboard heaters and does not have air conditioning. With the agreement of her landlord, an assessment through CGHAP determines her apartment would be a good candidate for a heat pump. At no cost to Sierra, CGHAP arranges the direct installation of a heat pump that reduces her heating costs and provides air conditioning, leaving her more money at the end of the month, and with a more comfortable home, too.>>

The budget document notes that Natural Resources Canada will announce further details on the Canada Green Buildings Strategy in the coming weeks.

budget.canada.ca

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MEET Show opens on May 1

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 15:46:07 +0000

The Mechanical Electrical Electronic Technology (MEET) show is returning to Moncton, running Wednesday, May 1st and Thursday, May 2nd at the Moncton Coliseum Complex.

This will be the 25th edition of the biennial event that features the latest equipment, products, and technology for plumbing and HVAC/R contractors in Atlantic Canada and beyond.

This year’s educational component includes a free seminar series for all attendees with topics including:

Building Decarbonization Basics
Incorporating Hydronic Heat Pumps into Hybrid Designs
Decarbonization, Discussing Types of Heat Pumps and Technologies using Refrigerant.

Another feature will be the 7th ‘MEET Innovation Awards’, where each of the four sponsoring associations will present one award to an exhibitor at the show. The four sponsoring associations include: Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating (CIPH), Electro-Federation Canada, ACME (Atlantic Canada Mechanical Exhibitors), and IES.

Pre-registration is just $15 per person (registration will be $30 at the door).

meetshow.ca

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Wolseley opening branch in North Surrey

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 15:26:00 +0000

Wolseley Canada will be holding a grand opening at its new branch in North Surrey on Wednesday, April 24.

At the event, the company will announce the Wolseley Canada Skilled Trades Bursary, in partnership with Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU), and officials from KPU will be in attendance to receive a cheque.

Located at 13070 – 115 Avenue, the new North Surrey branch is a 20,000 sq. ft. facility offering a full range of plumbing and HVAC products.

The site also includes a Studio showroom featuring kitchen and bath along with lighting fixtures.

The grand opening event will run from 4 to 7 p.m. on April 24, with raffles, prizes, food an entertainment. Attendees can register for a chance to win 1 of 2 $500 gift cards to the Vancouver Canucks store, and the first 150 customers in-person will receive a special gift.

The regular branch hours for the new location will be Monday to Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and the Studio showroom will be open Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

wolseleyexpress.com

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National Construction Codes Committee seeking volunteers

Tue, 16 Apr 2024 19:29:45 +0000

The Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Codes (CBHCC) is seeking volunteers to serve on code development committees for the 2030 code cycle of the National Model Codes (National Building Code of Canada, the National Fire Code of Canada, the National Plumbing Code of Canada, the National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings, and the National Farm Building Code of Canada).

The committee work is expected to kickoff in January 2025.

Code development for the 2030 codes will include topics such as accessibility, climate change mitigation and adaptation, alterations to existing buildings, housing supply, harmonization, performance-based solutions, and other targeted technical topics and maintenance tasks.

The Board is looking to recruit volunteers who reflect Canada’s regional and ethnic diversity, have broad knowledge of the Codes, and have technical expertise and lived experience in areas that pertain to building design, construction and use.

Work on the National Model Codes requires experts across a broad range of disciplines including: heating ventilation and air conditioning, plumbing, fire protection, energy efficiency, environmental science, and hazardous materials and activities.

The CBHCC is looking for volunteers from the regulatory community, industry, manufacturers, material production and supply, standard development organizations, researchers, academia and others with an interest in code development.

Anyone interested in volunteering can apply through the CBHCC’s website before May 6, 2024.

Applicants are asked to submit their qualification credentials and a summary of their experience and expertise.

The application will remain open beyond this date for candidates who would like to put their name forward to be considered as a potential replacement on a code development committee (if needed) and for those interested in being considered for task groups that will be established during the code cycle to work on specific issues.

Appointments are not paid positions; however, for committee members, travel expenses incurred in attending in-person, approved code committee meetings will be reimbursed, and hospitality will be provided.

For more information about volunteering on a code development committee, contact the CBHCC Secretary: CBHCCSecretary-SecretaireCCHCC@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca.

cbhcc-cchcc.ca

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SFA SANIFLO celebrates 35 years in Canada

Wed, 10 Apr 2024 19:21:27 +0000

SFA Saniflo Canada is spending 2024 marking a milestone, as it celebrates its 35th anniversary in Canada and North America.

The Canadian division was the first North American site established by the Paris-based SFA Group, the organization that originated macerating plumbing 65 years ago in France.

“Most industry professionals in Canada now readily recognize the Saniflo brand,” says Regis Saragosti, CEO of SFA Saniflo North America, which includes Canadian, U.S. and Mexican operations.

“From its inception in 1958 to its expansion throughout Europe and, eventually, into Canada and all of North America, SFA Group has revolutionized the ease and flexibility of commercial and residential bathroom installations through its macerating technology,” adds Saragosti.

In Canada, the company has grown its product line from three SKUs to 35, with a product range can handle smaller residential plumbing-drainage applications as well as larger, heavy-duty commercial and industrial projects.

The Canadian team, led by national sales manager and managing director Phil Warren, has 16 employees and market representation nationwide.

saniflo.ca

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Building Permits on the rise in February

Wed, 10 Apr 2024 15:04:42 +0000

According to the latest report from Statistics Canada, the total value of building permits in Canada increased 9.3% month-over-month to $11.8 billion in February. The non-residential sector (industrial, commercial and institutional) grew 12.3% to $4.7 billion, while the building intentions in the residential sector increased 7.4% to $7.1 billion.

Overall, from a dollar-value perspective, Ontario led the way in February (+21.7% to $5 billion) with gains occurring across all components.

On the residential side, Ontario was up 14.2% contributing to both single-family and multi-family dwelling permits.

Nationwide, intentions for residential construction growth were divided between single-dwelling (+9.6%) and multi-dwelling (+6%) permits in February.

In addition to Ontario, British Columbia was up 5.9%, Quebec was up 3.9% and Alberta grew 3.9% month-over-month, and these provinces were the primary contributors to the second consecutive monthly increase in the residential sector.

Across Canada, 16,400 new dwellings in multi-unit buildings and 4,600 new single-family dwellings were authorized in February. From March 2023 to February 2024, a total of 253,400 new units were authorized.

On the non-residential side, the growth was mostly in the industrial component, which increased 57.8% to $1.3 billion in February. Permits for large industrial construction projects were issued across the country.

Those projects include permits for the construction of a new battery plant in Windsor, Ont., a new dairy processing facility in Abbotsford, B.C., a new pea processing plant in Yorkton, Sask., and the expansion of an aluminum smelting facility in Saguenay, Que.

The monthly growth in the non-residential sector in February was also supported by a bump in the institutional component, growing 18.2% from the month prior.

statcan.gc.ca

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Ontario launches Grid Innovation Fund

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 21:17:23 +0000

The Ontario government is investing $9.5 million through its Grid Innovation Fund to support new projects designed to make the province’s electricity system more efficient with a focus on two sectors: heating and cooling; and transportation.

Our government is building the grid of the future with a $9.5 million investment through the Grid Innovation Fund.

We’re leveraging new technologies to keep bills down and to ensure we can continue to power the new homes we are building, an electrifying economy and new jobs! pic.twitter.com/Het7T3xsYZ

— Todd Smith (@ToddSmithPC) April 9, 2024

“As the electrification of transportation, industry and heating changes the way Ontario’s electricity system operates, we’re leveraging new technologies to make our grid more efficient,” said Todd Smith, Minister of Energy in a media release. “This new investment of $9.5 million will support the next generation of innovative projects to help lower costs for consumers and support Ontario’s reliable, affordable and clean grid.”

The funding will support space and water heating and cooling projects that would demonstrate how thermal storage and new control technologies can help manage demand from heating and cooling on the grid and lower emissions.

This stream has three subcategories:

Small to medium-scale heating and thermal storage: Demonstrate innovative management and control solutions that integrate heat pumps and thermal storage, or manage existing space/water heating systems to better manage their demand and reduce GHG emissions.
Large-scale heating and thermal storage: Implement novel large-scale heat pump systems with thermal storage, to support space or process heating needs of large customers.
Aggregation of Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning loads: Explore new automated approaches to aggregate and manage non-residential HVAC controllable loads to support the distribution network and bulk electricity system.

The objective of this stream to better understand how best to optimize space and water heating electrification through controls, hybridization and thermal storage. A secondary objective is to explore new approaches for aggregations of non-residential HVAC to support the grid.

The Grid Innovation Fund will be administered by the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), which is opening applications for funding in May 2024.

***

Last year the IESO commissioned an independent third-party evaluation of the Grid Innovation Fund (GIF) investment of eight completed projects funded by the GIF in 2017 and 2018. One of those eight projects included a study by The Atmospheric Fund that evaluated the performance of heat pumps within the context of deep energy retrofits and developed best practice metrics to advance their adoption across the electrically heated multi-unit residential building (EMURB) sector in Ontario.

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ServiceTitan acquiring Convex

Fri, 05 Apr 2024 15:19:40 +0000

ServiceTitan, the U.S.-based business management software platform built for service industries including HVAC and plumbing, is acquiring San Francisco-based Convex, a sales and marketing platform purpose-built for the commercial building services industry.

Founded in 2017, Convex uses data-driven solutions to increase revenue for contractors by improving their go-to-market strategies and execution.

Convex’s platform helps businesses serving commercial buildings to plan their growth strategies, target high-value opportunities, engage customers at the right time with the right messaging, and manage revenue teams to drive growth.

servicetitan.com

convex.com

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Noble BC opens in Kelowna

Thu, 04 Apr 2024 19:31:26 +0000

In March Noble BC expanded to seven locations in the province with the opening of its new 15,400 sq. ft. branch in Kelowna.

The wholesaler is now operating from the Fraser Valley, to Powell River, to the Thompson Okanagan, with locations in Mission, Maple Ridge, Surrey (Port Kells), Coquitlam, Vancouver, Sechelt and now Kelowna.

noblebc.ca

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Armstrong celebrates 90 years

Thu, 04 Apr 2024 18:58:37 +0000

Founded in Toronto in 1934 by Samuel Allan Armstrong, this year marks the 90th anniversary of Armstrong Fluid Technology and the company is recognizing this milestone in April.

Growing from the challenges of the Great Depression, by 1952 under the leadership of James Allan Cary Armstrong the company adopted a series of strategic initiatives that reshaped its operations and facilitated international growth. Today, Armstrong operates eight manufacturing facilities across four continents.

“Innovation and a focus on customer experiences remain at the heart of what we do,” says Charles Armstrong, the current Chairman.

Armstrong is also committed to sustainability and social responsibility, working towards reducing the carbon footprint of its operations and those of its customers.

Over its 90-year history, Armstrong has contributed to numerous iconic buildings and projects worldwide.

The company celebrated its anniversary at its offices globally, with events reflecting the diverse cultural traditions of its international teams. These celebrations were a nod to Armstong’s rich history and its future aspirations.

“As Armstrong Fluid Technology looks to the future, it remains dedicated to advancing intelligent fluid-flow technology, maintaining high standards of customer service, and promoting sustainability in its practices,” notes Chairman, Charles Armstrong.

armstrongfluidtechnology.com

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3 Types of Electronic Air Cleaners You Should Know for Better Home Air Quality

Tue, 02 May 2023 00:02:02 +0000

One common question we frequently receive when visiting people’s homes is about air purifiers. Regarding air purification, there are options for both single-room and whole-house systems. However, at our company, we specialize in whole-house air purifiers. We believe that every room in your home deserves clean and fresh air. We can install our purifiers alongside your central heating and cooling system so that the air they purify is distributed evenly throughout your entire home. And as a reminder, these only work when the blower fan is on. These cleaners need air to pass through them to do their job actively. There is a function on every thermostat that allows the fan to run continuously. Some even have a feature that, for instance, allows it to only run 20 minutes of every hour.

To be upfront, though, we use the iWave-R air purifier, an ionizer that effectively removes pollutants from the air. Additionally, we like to install electronic air cleaners with 4″ or 5″ media filters combined with an electrostatic grid. We’ve also used the Air Scrubber Plus and the APCO UV light, which use ultraviolet light and a photocatalytic oxidizer to improve air quality. With these advanced whole-home air purification products, you can breathe easily and comfortably in every room in your home.

As someone who is passionate about technology, I often find myself having conversations about different brands and products. While some people are quick to declare allegiance to a particular brand, I always try to approach these discussions with an open mind. It’s important to me to remain neutral and view each type of air cleaner objectively, considering their strengths and weaknesses. This allows me to have well-rounded conversations and make informed decisions about the products I use.

Ionizers

These devices produce millions of negative ions that cling onto positive ions – aka all of those pesky air pollutants – and cause them to fall to the ground, where they’ll be swept up in your regular house cleaning routine. Plus, while the initial installation cost may seem steep, you’ll be set for 10 to 15 years – the lifespan of these self-cleaning machines – and won’t be paying any extra compared to other UV lights on the market. So, if you’re looking for a long-term solution to improve your home’s air quality, consider investing in an ionizer.

This is an image of the iWave-R Whole Home In-Duct Air Purifier. A very popular air purifiaction product. Visit www. iwaveair.com.

This is an image of the iWave-R Whole Home In-Duct Air Purifier. A very popular air purifiaction product. Visit www. iwaveair.com

http://www. iwaveair.com

Now that I’ve had an iWave in my house for a couple of years, I wonder how good the self-cleaning function is. A plastic T-shaped arm swivels back and forth every few days and sort of flicks off any dust accumulated on the fuzzy tips. I assume the more dust that accumulates on the tips reduces the effectiveness of the iWave over time.

I will tell you, though, my co-worker Keith has had his installed for a couple of years now, and he swears his son, with asthma and allergy issues, has experienced better breathing since.

Photocatalytic Oxidizer

UV lights like the Air Scrubber Plus and APCO air cleaner have recently gained popularity in purifying the air in our homes and offices. They first devised an option for increased “ozone” production to sterilize the air. Now they sell “non-ozone” air scrubbers. They still produce a very small amount, though. While these oxidizers can break down particles in the air, the process can increase breathing problems for those exposed to the ozone. Manufacturers have started putting coatings on the oxidizers to mitigate this issue to limit ozone production.

Figure 2 Remy Halo Whole Home In-Duct Air Purifiers are one of the most popular photocatalytic oxidizers on the market. Visit https://rgf.com/ for more info.

One of the downsides of using UV lights in air purification systems is the need to change the bulb every year or two. This can be costly, especially when you’re already shelling out a considerable amount of money for the air cleaner itself. Representatives may argue it’s a great way to keep customers returning for more. Still, at Fox Family, we believe in building long-lasting relationships based on trust and quality products. We don’t want to attach ourselves to our customers by relying on them to come back and purchase replacement parts constantly. Instead, we strive to provide affordable and reliable solutions for all your air purification needs.

Electronic Media Filters

If you’re in the market for an air cleaner, you may want to consider electronic media filters. These filters come in 4″ and 5″ sizes, making them perfect for targeting a wide range of airborne particles. Even better, they are some of the most efficient air cleaners on the market.

But why stop there? By adding an electrostatic grid, the filtration process becomes even more effective, resulting in statically charged particles that stick better to the media filter. If you’re looking for the best results in purifying the air in your house, the Aprilaire 5000, the Trane CleanEffects, Carrier Infinity, and the Honeywell F300 are top-notch options to consider. Check out this study on electronic air cleaners to help with your research.

The Trane CleanEffects is excellent. It can capture the tiniest particles of them all. But, you MUST keep it clean because its effectiveness decreases sharply within a few months.

The Aprilaire 5000, Carrier Infinity, and Honeywell F300 capture almost as much as the CleanEffects but continue to clean the tiniest particles longer than the Trane unit.

Ultimately, the choice of air cleaner type is based on personal preference and individual needs. It’s always best to do the research – compare models, familiarize yourself with the pros and cons. With the right knowledge and some time spent pondering your options, you can make an educated decision that will serve you well. As for me, I’m sold on iWave-R not just because I have it in my home, but also because of its effective performance and nearly maintenance-free design. And as we all know, breathing clean air is essential to our health, so it’s worth investing in quality products that are dependable, fast, and efficient at cleaning your indoor air!

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The Importance of Capacitors in HVAC Systems: A Homeowner’s Guide

Thu, 13 Apr 2023 11:00:23 +0000

As a homeowner, you rely on your heating and air conditioning system to keep your home comfortable year-round. However, you may not realize the crucial role that capacitors play in keeping your HVAC system running smoothly. Capacitors in HVAC Systems re electronic components that store energy and regulate the flow of electricity in your HVAC motor. In this article, we will explain why capacitors in HVAC systems are important, how they work, and how replacing them can extend the life of your HVAC system.

How Important are Capacitors in HVAC Systems?

First and foremost, capacitors are crucial for the proper operation of HVAC systems. When the motor of an HVAC system is switched on, it requires a large burst of energy to start up. Capacitors store this energy and release it to the motor in precise, regulated doses. This helps to ensure that the motor runs smoothly and efficiently. Without capacitors, the motor could run at higher amps, run backwards, or even stop running altogether. This is why it is important to make sure that your HVAC system’s capacitors are working correctly.

How Long to Capacitors in HVAC Systems Last?

The lifespan of capacitors is usually 5-10 years, but they can last longer if they are well-maintained. However, over time, capacitors can begin to lose power and eventually fail. This can be caused by a variety of factors, such as exposure to heat or moisture. When a capacitor fails, it must be replaced in order for the HVAC system to function properly.

A specific charge of electrons must be maintained for the system to work properly. This is referred to as the “microfarad rating” of the capacitor. This rating must match the requirements of the HVAC system’s motor. If the rating is too low, the motor may run sluggishly or not at all. If the rating is too high, it could cause the motor to overload and fail. This is why it is important to have a licensed HVAC technician replace your capacitors as needed.

Replacing HVAC Capacitors

Replacing capacitors when needed can significantly extend the lifespan of your HVAC system. When capacitors fail, the motor may be forced to work harder than it should. This can put a strain on other components of the HVAC system, such as the compressor or fan. Over time, this strain can cause these components to fail as well. By replacing capacitors as needed, you can avoid these costly repairs and prolong the life of your HVAC system.

Capacitors may seem like a small and insignificant part of your HVAC system, but they are a vital component that is essential for the proper functioning of your heating and air conditioning. By understanding how capacitors work and the importance of replacing them when needed, you can ensure that your HVAC system runs smoothly and efficiently for many years to come. Be sure to have a licensed HVAC technician check your capacitors during your annual maintenance inspection, and don’t hesitate to have them replaced if necessary. Investing in the health of your HVAC system will save you time, money, and stress in the long run.

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Spring Season Means Sting Season

Wed, 08 Mar 2023 17:55:20 +0000

As spring quickly approaches, those of us in the technical world must be prepared for what’s to come: Sting Season. Local news channels have their eyes peeled and will be on the lookout for unsuspecting technicians who could get tripped up with tune-ups that uncover nothing more than a loose wire. With such serious implications at stake, we must stay informed and vigilant to respond accordingly and keep ourselves safe from potential harm or damage. In this blog post, we’ll discuss what measures should be taken during sting season to protect yourself while still performing the high-quality services your customers expect from you!

Examples of Sting Operations

Imagine being a technician heading out for a simple tune-up at a home. You have no ill intentions. You’re an HVAC tech who does right by people! It’s a good thing that you have not only the training and expertise to evaluate a customer’s air conditioning system but you have collected all of the tools you need to do it. You get paid to do a good job. You work for a company with a good moral compass, and there’s no pressure on you to make extra sales to boost the company’s profits.

Now imagine working for the opposite type of company. You get paid for the parts you sell. Or you get a bonus for any amount sold over $10,000 per week. That type of company can fall prey to sting operations like the ones NBC’s Chris Hansen or our local NBC affiliates KCRA3 Rossen Reports do. These investigators will contact a few HVAC companies and have their “best tech” come out and go over the system. Once they give it a clean bill of health, the TV investigators have the homeowner call several HVAC companies to have them come out and perform an AC Tune Up. Cameras will be set up to monitor what the tech is actually doing. On the other side of those cameras, the “best tech,” the homeowner, and the investigator are watching to pick apart everything the unassuming technician is doing.

What Types of Traps are Set up for HVAC Sting Operations?

The investigator will have a “good” contractor set up the AC with a loose wire at the contactor. Something like that won’t even allow the air conditioner to turn on. But any experienced and good-hearted tech would see it and reconnect for no additional charge. Then the tech would just finish the tune-up as normal.

Another bait investigators will use is a rusty capacitor. Now, the “good” technician that initially evaluated the system has already seen that the capacitor shows minor rust on what looks like an old capacitor. However, the test we perform to see if a capacitor is still good requires measuring the microfarad rating with our meter and comparing that result with what the manufacturer of the capacitor prescribes. If the microfarads are within that specification, the capacitor is good. Period. An experienced, greedy technician can use their knowledge against unassuming customers to get the sale and pad their sweet commission from the boss.

What to do if Chris Hansen Shows Up at Your Service Call

One Chris Hansen episode I saw showed the technician going out to the air conditioner, not really checking anything, but more like eating up time, making it seems to the homeowner that he was. Then the technician calls the customer out to the unit to discuss suggested repairs – a new fan motor and a capacitor. Our “good techs” already noticed the fan had some rust, and the capacitor was good. Yes, the system was old! But it still met manufacturer specifications. So, Chris comes around the corner and confronts the scandalous technician about his findings. The tech immediately starts to head out the door, ashamed or embarrassed by his actions.

In the same episode, an honest technician came out and noticed a wire was disconnected from the contactor. This was done by the investigative team. The tech reconnected the wire, checked the rest of the system, and collected his tune-up fee. Before heading out the door, the investigators confronted him and thanked him for the excellent service.

I feel very comfortable with my technicians and how they represent our company’s morals and ethics. I’ve hand-picked them and strongly feel they are not greedy individuals. In fact, those who come to Fox Family are usually the ones who are tired of that game. If a part needs to be changed, recommend it by all means. And I want my techs to stick to their guns when they feel something else could be done to optimize the system. That way, after we leave, I don’t get a call from a customer asking why we didn’t check ____ after we replaced ____. That’s not a fun conversation to have.

I think Chris Hansen or Jeff Rossen wants every tech to find that one thing and move on. But in our industry, we feel like it’s our duty to mention other things that stand out – like oil around a motor’s bearings or a duct that looks like it may have been stepped on and crushed. Would it be wrong to see oil leaking out of a motor’s sealed bearings cap and suggest, “Hey, we can change that out today while I’m here, or wait until it goes out and replace it then?” After all, the motor may run within factory specs, but oil leaking out of the bearings doesn’t meet that standard. And that’s when I want my techs to mention it to customers. I’d hate to hear them say, “Well, you never mentioned that oil was leaking out of my motor, and now it’s burned out on the 4^th of July when I have my whole family over!”

Damned if we do, damned if we don’t.

Are all HVAC Companies Scammers?

Unfortunately, some unscrupulous companies and technicians manipulate customers to make money. The customer is often taken advantage of and sold repair parts they don’t even need. While money drives all of us to do our job, by in large, our industry is full of people who are genuinely hard-working and trying to do the right thing. As professionals, we face a difficult decision every day – often between what’s best for our business and what’s best for our customers. We are constantly walking a fine line between providing great service, optimizing the customer’s system, and doing the right thing, while also making money, so it’s important always to remember why we got into this field – that it requires money. Still, at its core, it should be about improving our customer’s quality of life.

In Conclusion

Springtime brings a buzz around the HVAC industry, with technicians gearing up for much-needed work and customers eagerly looking forward to the first comfortable days of warmth. However, at the same time, technicians should remain aware that it is also “Sting Season.” This is where having integrity shines in the field – always working as if being recorded – ensuring detail to each job, and respecting customers. In this way of doing business, trust builds between technician, company, and customer alike, which can be hard to find in a competitive HVAC landscape!

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Is a Manual J Load Really Necessary on Residential Retrofits?

Tue, 28 Feb 2023 05:22:01 +0000

Why is it essential to provide a load calculation before retrofitting a new heating and cooling system in an older house? To make sure the right size systems get installed, use Manual S. To design the proper distribution system, use Manual D. Neither of these, though, can be performed without having done a Manual J calculation first.

Why does everything have to be so progressive? An industry full of real-world, detached experts tells residential installers that we should perform load calculations anytime we change a system. Sure, I can understand new construction mandates. Everything is drawn out and perfectly planned. But ask anyone who installs retrofit HVAC systems in 20- to 50-year-old homes and we’ll tell you nothing ever goes as smoothly as the salesperson told the customer it would.

Let’s discuss a few things:

I have been in the industry since 2010. Been through a few load calc classes and I still can’t get it right!
The 1% summer design temperature was 8% in 2022. Customers don’t care about a 30-year average.
Who has a design specialist at the average “mom-and-pop shop”?
The five questions to ask to bridge the gap between design software and the way that house will perform after the new system goes in.
Like this article, I have limited time to get in, present, and get out.

It’s Not Just Me

Three times, I attended a course from our local utility company on how to perform load calcs with popular design software. Over two days, we learned to draw the house, input R-values, U-values, insulation levels, shading, and other building envelope details needed to perform a Manual J.

I’ve run a successful, double-digit net profitable business that has grown year-over-year by 15% to 20% each year since it started. So I’m pretty savvy at learning, understanding, adapting, and executing tasks. But for the life of me, I cannot figure out how the numbers they have me enter in class compute to a 2.5-ton system for a 2,000-sqare-foot home.

Cooling Design Temperature

Manual J is designed on the premise that its calculation will condition the home 361 days a year. (OK, it’s based on hours.) What about the other four days? Is it not important to install a system that will “keep up” on the hottest days of the year? So in Sacramento, we’re supposed to design around a 102° design temperature. According to ACCA, that should condition the house just fine 99% of the year based on a 30-year average. That equals 102° in Sacramento County.

On average, we have 22 days a year over 100° and five days a year over 105. Take a look at 2022’s numbers:

Twenty-nine days over 100°F
1. May – 3
2. June – 5
3. July – 4
4. August – 8
5. September – 9
Eighteen days over 102°F (design temperature) — 5% of the year, not 1%.
Three days over 110°F

As much as Manual J does for adequately conditioning the house 99% of the year, it’s that 1% of days, or in 2022’s case, 5%, when that homeowner is going to call you or go online to vent because their system can’t keep up. And 2022 wasn’t an anomaly. It’s only getting hotter each year.

Customers don’t care about 30-year averages. They care about today. I refuse to try to explain that I installed the correct system for 95% of the year to someone who spent $20,000.00 with us.

Usually, the first thing I hear back from the design experts is that we have to “educate” them that this is OK and why it’s so. In my opinion, that’s not logical. Mr. Jones wants to be cool in his house. That’s why he spent good money with us to buy a new system.

Another thing I hear is to go ahead and nudge the 102° design temperature to reflect real-world conditions more adequately. If I do this, I’m manipulating the numbers to just put in the size system I want to install anyway. Then why all the extra time, money, and energy spent on training on proper load calculations?

A Fine Line to Walk

Here’s what I know for sure: Of all our online reviews on Google, Yelp, Nextdoor, and Facebook, none say anything about us installing a system that can’t keep up on those 105 to 110° days. Does that mean I oversized it per ACCA specifications? Yes. But who’s getting the review, ACCA or me? Me.

Let’s say I did buy into the ACCA-approved Manual J, S, D method for sizing up and installing the right unit and air delivery system. How can I expect any ol’ salesperson to join my team and grasp it before their first sale?

I was once chosen by a company I worked for to take the BPI certification class — a week-long course! But it did teach me everything about the home’s envelope, tests to perform, building leakage tests, R-values, U-values, and how to make it perform better. Am I supposed to be able to teach this to every new salesperson who works for me?

Adding to that, the majority of residential HVAC companies around America are your average “mom and pop shop”; who really has a design specialist around at? Someone who is basically an expert at using the software to perform not only the Manual J but the S, D, and T as well?

Have you ever heard of the game “Telephone”? How much detailed information will be lost between the notes of the salesperson and the person incorporating them into the Manual J software program and on to the installers at the house?

Just getting my salespeople in and out of a house in around 90 minutes is tough enough without having to come up with the following details:

Heat gain through exposed walls.
Conduction through doors and windows.
Sensible and latent gains for lights, people, and equipment.
Sensible and latent infiltration gain at all of the windows, doors, and cracks.
Ceiling gain.
Gain through attic knee walls.
Sensible and latent appliance loads.
Fresh air ventilation.
Solar gain at windows around the house.

We Have to be Practical.

Five practical questions bridge the gap between design software and the house’s performance after the new system goes in.

We can actually ask people these questions instead of assuming the following will be done anytime soon:

When this last system was in its prime, did it heat and cool your home to your desired temperatures?
Are you happy with the airflow to all of your rooms?
Do you plan on blowing in some insulation anytime soon?
Have you recently or are you planning on upgrading your home’s windows?
Are you planning on cutting that big tree in front of your house anytime soon?

Then we can measure the house room-by-room and get the actual conditioned square footage of the house. While doing that, we can visually assess the windows and orientation of the house. We can determine the house’s age, the house’s siding, and the roofing type. We can pop into the attic and assess the ductwork and insulation levels. This data, plus the questions we’ve asked the homeowner, make it very easy to accurately determine the size system we will install.

Time Constraints

Like this article, I only have a limited time to get in, present, and get out. Industry experts say it’s about 90 minutes for an HVAC sales presentation. We are trying to build value into our proposals and the whole time can’t be spent explaining why Manual J is so important and why we are better off doing it. This customer faces a real-world dilemma: “Do I pay for these repairs today or just buy a new system?”

While in the home, we are also trying to build value in our proposals by telling the customer:

Who we are;
Why we choose the brand we install;
Any extras that will come with their job;
The reason why we need to enlarge their return air system;
The benefits of indoor air quality products we sell;
The importance and value of insulation;
The importance and value of whole house fans we install;
How the installation process goes;
Our Bronze, Silver, and Gold system options;
Financing options; and
Other general questions that arise from someone who is trying to decide between a single-stage, two-stage, or variable-speed system. Or whether they should be switching over to a heat pump to get that rebate or tax credit, or stay with that natural gas design they already know and have been comfortable with for the last two decades.

Do you really want a salesperson in your home for three hours, inundating you with information you hardly grasp? Probably not.

I’m naturally drawn to playing devil’s advocate on topics I’m passionate about. I truly want to do what’s right for the customer. Does that mean performing a Manual J load calculation is needed in residential retrofit applications? For the industry energy experts sitting behind a desk, yes. For those of us in the real world, it doesn’t make sense. I have way more to do with my 90 minutes.

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The 2023 Bosch Heat Pump Package Unit

Sat, 04 Feb 2023 09:35:16 +0000

The only thing better than coming home to a stable and comfortable indoor climate is knowing you won’t have to worry about it for a long time. With Bosch, that’s what you get – superior quality engineering, whisper-quiet performance, and a great warranty. Bosch Inverter Ducted Split systems and Bosch Inverter Packaged Heat Pumps both use electricity only, bypassing the use of fossil fuels. In a time where Sacramento County and Roseville rebates are plentiful, if you’ve considered taking advantage of them, Bosch systems are the way to go. That’s why Fox Family Heating & Air installs these Bosch Inverter Systems. Let me tell you a little more about 2023 Bosch heat pump package unit.

Heat Pumps 101

A heat pump HVAC system is an energy-efficient, cost-effective way to both cool and heat your home. It cycles refrigerant through a compressor, condenser, expansion device and evaporator coils to transfer warm air from inside the home out during the cooling season or draw warmer outside air into the house when it’s cold. 2023 Bosch Heat Pump Package Unit use less electricity than conventional heating systems because they operate by utilizing variable speed technology.

Just like their split system counterparts, Bosch Inverter Heat Pump Packaged units are located outside of the home. They are either mounted to the roof of the home or they sit on the side of the house on the ground. The major benefit of this kind of system is its compact size, as it reduces the need for separate indoor and outdoor units thereby freeing up more living space.

Modulating Compressor and Multi-Speed Blower

Bosch Inverter Packaged Units provide a modulating compressor that evenly ramps up and down instead of abruptly like previous versions of packaged units that have one speed – on and off. Bosch systems come in a 2-to-3-ton version, the 3T, and a 4-to-5-ton version, the 5T. The 3T has a four-stage blower that pushes the air through your duct system. The 5T has a two-stage blower. Both models are approved for use on mobile homes too since they can withstand the higher static pressure that’s common with them.

Self-Adjusting Mode

Conventional heat pumps are susceptible to temperature fluctuations due to their cycle on/off feature. These unexpected changes in temperature can make rooms uncomfortable, especially during extreme outdoor temperatures. Fortunately, Bosch inverter-driven pumps have a resolution to this issue. With its self-adjusting feature, these appliances can maintain consistent temperatures even when the outdoors reach 125°F. This provides customers with a reliable and comfortable room climate – no matter how hot it gets outside!

Energy Efficiency Exceeds All Other Packaged Units

Bosch’s inverter modulated systems use only the precise amount of air needed to achieve your desired temperature, leaving you with a comfortable and stable climate, all while offering maximum energy efficiency. Proving to be one of the most cost-effective models in the industry, Bosch Inverter Ducted Packaged Systems come with SEER ratings of up to 19 and high HSPF ratings, allowing you to save big on your next energy bill. Although they may come at an initial higher cost than traditional unit models, these units create a much more efficient environment, paying off your investment in no time.

Super Quiet Operation

If you’re looking for a unit that will keep your home as quiet and peaceful as possible, the Bosch Inverter Ducted Packaged Unit is definitely worth considering. It harnesses silent blade technology and sound isolating mounts to drastically reduce outdoor operation noise – in some cases up to 59 dBA, which is significantly quieter than the typical standard units out there.

Boosted Compressor Speed When It’s Needed

Bosch Inverter systems represent a significant step forward in home heating and cooling solutions. By employing a boosted compressor speed, they are able to quickly reach the exact temperature set by the homeowner. In comparison, traditional systems take far longer to reach the same level of precision. This makes inverter systems significantly more efficient as they require less energy input to achieve maximum output. As such, these cutting-edge devices offer not only rapid heating and cooling, but also smoother performance and reduced energy costs over time.

Eliminates Damaging Energy Spikes

Long-term wear and tear on a system can greatly reduce its life cycle and cost big money in repairs in the end. The frequent on and related to traditional units creates an unexpected surge in energy usage that not only wastes energy but can significantly shorten the lifespan of your system over time. The Bosch inverter unit starts up operations smoothly, eliminating the large surges or spikes that contribute to extra energy use, while protecting your system from damage caused by continuous wear and tear. Investing in a Bosch inverter unit ensures you’re taking measures to make your system last longer and save energy in the long run.

Can I Use My Smart Thermostat with Bosch Systems?

Yes, you can use any third-party thermostat like the popular Nest, Honeywell, and Ecobee brands. Many variable speed systems require the use of their proprietary communicating thermostat to operate it, limiting your selection. The control board inside the Bosch unit recognizes what any third-party thermostat is telling it to do. Then, the 2023 Bosch Heat Pumps Packaged Unit does its thing, seamlessly integrating your thermostat with your newly found comfort.

How are the Warranties?

In California, with the Bosch residential warranty, homeowners have 10 full years of peace-of-mind knowing they have complete replacement parts protection. This comprehensive warranty covers all components that were manufactured as part of the heat pump system, and any other parts or components purchased from Bosch and installed by Fox Family Heating & Air are covered for a full year after installation. Plus, you’ll get the unique Labor Warranty that comes with all Fox Family-installed systems. So, you can rest assured that your heating system is in good hands with the trusted components and expertise of Bosch.

Conclusion

Bosch Inverter Drive Technology has revolutionized the residential industry and provides a superior level of efficiency that was previously unheard of in packaged units. The technology uses sensors to monitor how much energy your home is using, which allows for unparalleled intelligent control of climate systems. This ensures that heat or air conditioning is only used when absolutely necessary, resulting in maximum savings on operational costs. Now, this groundbreaking technology is available in a compact, self-contained, airtight packaged unit for convenient installation. With Bosch Inverter Drive Technology, homes can benefit from powerful climate control options with improved efficiency at an affordable price point.

Contact us today and one of our outstanding technicians will come out to your home and discuss these 2023 Bosch Heat Pump Package Unit systems with you. Then, you can compare the package unit of older technology with what is available now.

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Why do heat exchangers fail?

Wed, 21 Dec 2022 13:28:43 +0000

Why do heat exchangers fail? I have been called out to many homes to troubleshoot why a homeowner’s furnace isn’t working. I’ll get in there and find a part that has failed and needs to be replaced. As an experienced technician, I always make sure I inspect the firebox or heat exchanger inside the furnace. The reason why every good technician does this is to make sure the furnace is safely operating to factory specs. The manufacturer would never send out a cracked heat exchanger, so we want to identify to homeowners when we see something like a cracked heat exchanger.

So, how & why do heat exchangers fail? It can be a bunch of different reasons. Operating a furnace in any of these conditions can cause a heat exchanger to fail because it puts a lot of stress in the form of expansion and contraction over several years. Knowing that, you can surmise that cracks and breaks will form over time because of the constant bending of the metal.

Furnace is Oversized – It’s normal for the cool metal firebox, or heat exchanger, and a hot flame to temporarily create a bit of condensation inside the tubing or chamber of them. An oversized furnace will not evaporate that condensation completely because oversized furnaces tend to short cycle. They turn on and off more frequently than they should because they’re so powerful they warm the house up very quickly. Too quickly! Too much rust over time will drill a hole in the tubing or chamber, and you’d have a failed heat exchanger.
Not Enough Return Air – The system wants to give you a certain amount of air to warm your home. The furnace will only give you what it gets from the return duct (the duct or plenum attached to the grill where you change your filter). Those of us in the industry know that a lot of systems installed before, let’s say, 2015, were installed with return ducts that were too small. The heat exchanger is designed to see a certain amount of air pass over it with the correct amount of gas input and heat the heat exchanger emits. Too small of a return duct will restrict the amount of air that can enter the furnace and cause the firebox to expand and contract too much, causing it to break sooner than it should.
Dirty Filters – Another way to slow down the proper amount of air flowing across the heat exchanger is to have a dirty filter. Filters come in several thicknesses. 1″ all the way to 5″. You can have any size and thickness for a filter. But if it becomes impacted with dirt, dust, skin, hair, and whatever else clings to it, the filter restricts airflow like the return duct we discussed in number two.
Check out our blog on how the newer MERV 13 filters can cause problems for your heat exchanger and the rest of the system
Household Chemicals – Believe it or not, corrosion can form on the heat exchanger. Things like hair spray, fabric softeners, and bleach can enter the air stream, pass the filter, and attach to the heat exchanger for good. Over time, the chemicals bore a hole through the metal and cause it to fail.
Off-Gassing – Let’s say you have a home remodel or new construction. Running the furnace during the construction and even afterward will expose the heat exchanger to off-gassing. What is off-gassing? Like the smell of that fresh paint? Off-gassing. New carpet smell? Off-gassing. And many of those new products keep off-gassing long after that new smell wears off. It’s just more subtle. And just like household chemicals, it will contribute to the overall degradation of the furnace heat exchanger. Frozen Evaporators Coils – Ever had a refrigerant leak cause your air conditioning system to freeze up? Vertical furnace/evap coil combos leave the heat exchanger below the evap coil drain pan. When a frozen evap coil melts, it tends to melt rapidly enough that it overflows or straight drips right down onto the metal heat exchanger. And that causes corrosion over time.
Poor Manufacturing Design – There are clamshell, serpentine, and tubular heat exchanger designs.
1. Clamshells tend to fail in the back of the chamber. But it’s tough to get an inspection mirror back there for inspection purposes. A process called hydro-scan is used to identify cracks in these types of heat exchangers. And it’s very effective if done right and if the professional is looking in the right spots. It takes a trained eye!
2. Serpentine designs are pressed together with the middle areas held together with rings or eyelets. The eyelets on serpentine designs tend to deform, pop off, and crack. And if the manufacturer wouldn’t send a heat exchanger out into the field with cracked or missing eyelets, a technician who later finds them like that should fail your heat exchanger for not meeting the manufacturer’s specs.
3. Tubular designs are a newer design and, in my opinion, superior to clamshell and serpentine designs. They are usually made with stainless steel and bent into form at the factory. The ends of those tubes are stamped into the collector box and faceplate of the burner compartment. At that connection is where some tubular designs fail. Corrosion plays a big part in tubular heat exchangers failing. Eventually, that moisture, condensation, chemicals, and gasses we discussed earlier can infiltrate the tubes and cause them to fail. And 90% of the time, those failures happen at the back of the tubes on the first bend.

Gas furnaces are very safe. Most people prefer the warmth emitted by gas furnaces. They’re cozy! Ensuring the furnace is installed correctly is almost 100% of the battle. Choosing a reputable contractor is important because they will read the manuals and abide by the building codes that mandate a proper installation. Homeowners need to make sure those filters are replaced regularly.

Hopefully, this helps you understand more on “Why do heat exchangers fail?”

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Best Gas Furnace for 2023

Mon, 28 Nov 2022 18:47:02 +0000

One of the most common questions I get as an HVAC contractor in Sacramento is, “Which gas furnace systems are the best?” Or more specifically what are the best gas furnace for 2023? I see a ton of articles online about this topic – many that someone who’s not even in the HVAC industry wrote! Some compensated blog writer wrote it or gave you a list of top-rated systems. Systems they’ve never even touched. These bloggers are telling people that nationally recognized economy line systems are better than those that will truly last you a long time.

Best HVAC Systems

Just like my summer post in 2022 on Which AC Systems are the Best, I have always felt like three manufacturers have had the best reputation for the last few decades. And in no particular order, they are:

Trane/American Standard
Carrier/Bryant
Lennox

A Special Note:

Before I list the rest of the systems, I want to mention furnace systems come fully assembled at the factory and are ready to work. However, it takes experienced technicians to modify the unit per the manufacturer’s instructions to conform to your specific home’s demands. The last step of installing it “in the field” and adding whatever additional parts to bring it up to the proper building code in your area is up to the contractor you choose.

That’s an important point because buying a Trane, Carrier, or Lennox includes buying it from a professional, detail-oriented, reliable contractor you trust and are comfortable with bringing to life. If someone is going to install it for you, but you can’t find them after the installation because they sell systems so cheap they’re out of business, or they simply won’t pick up the phone, that’s not going to help you when you need some follow-up.

You can buy any system, but if the blower settings, gas pressures, static air pressures, high and low voltage wiring, fuse sizes, a precision refrigerant charge, airflow, water drainage, gas piping, intake air, exhaust system, thermostats, and other safety codes aren’t set up correctly, you’ll find your new system not lasting nearly as long as it could have. It can be the difference between your system lasting ten years or 20 years.

Consumer Reports

So, Consumer Reports asked over 36,000 gas furnace owners who had their system installed between 2005 and 2021. Their owner satisfaction ratings are based on the percentage of members who are extremely likely to recommend their gas furnace brand to friends and family.

The manufacturers of today’s residential heating and cooling systems are:

Rheem, who also makes:
- Ruud
Daiken, who makes:
- Goodman
- Amana
- Daiken
- Janitrol
Bosch recently started making their own systems. Pretty good ones too. We sell their inverter split systems and package units.
Nortek, who makes:
- Intertherm
- Maytag
- Frigidaire
- Nordyne
Johnson Controls, who makes:
- York
- Coleman
- Luxaire
International Comfort Products (ICP) who makes several brands. The most prominent are:
- Day & Night
- Tempstar
- Comfortmaker
- Heil
- Keeprite
Lennox also makes:
- Armstrong
- Ducane
- Aire-Flo
- Concord
Carrier also makes:
- Payne
- Weathermaker
Trane also makes:
- Ameristar
- RunTru
- Oxbox

Isn’t it crazy the limited number of true manufacturers but the 30+ brands we have to choose from? No wonder it’s hard to determine the best gas furnace for 2023!

Here is where they fall as far as owner satisfaction. And keep in mind that some of these brands like Bosch, Daiken and others didn’t make the Consumer Reports survey results due to their obscurity and low number of installations during that 2005 to 2021 timeframe.

Highest Rated for Owner Satisfaction:

Trane rated 5/5
American Standard rated 5/5

Second Place for Owner Satisfaction:

Carrier rated 4/5
Bryant rated 4/5
Lennox rated 4/5

Mid-Tier HVAC Systems

Rheem rated 3/5
Ruud rated 3/5
Armstrong rated 3/5
Concord rated 3/5
Ducane rated 3/5
Amana rated 3/5
Comfortmaker rated 3/5
Day & Night rated 3/5
Heil rated 3/5
Keeprite rated 3/5
Tempstar rated 3/5
Payne rated 3/5
Goodman rated 3/5
Coleman rated 3/5
Luxaire rated 3/5
York rated 3/5

Lower-Tier HVAC Systems

Frigidaire rated 2/5
Maytag rated 2/5
Westinghouse rated 2/5

Conclusion

When it comes to deciding which gas furnace systems are the best, you have three systems perennially at the top of the list. Trane, Carrier, and Lennox. While their single-stage and two-stage systems have the same capabilities, efficiencies, and life spans, it’s the higher-tier variable speed systems where you’ll start seeing the differences.

When you start looking for a vehicle, you pretty much have a brand name in mind. You might get a higher or lower-end model with fewer bells and whistles, but maybe you’ve always felt comfortable driving a GMC truck over a Toyota truck.

In another post, let’s talk about the other heating systems in homes across America – Best Heat Pumps for 2023

Let me know what you think about this in the comments below. I see a ton of articles online about this topic – many that someone who isn’t even in the HVAC industry wrote. Some paid blog writers wrote it. You’ve got to take it from someone who actually installs them and services the equipment out in the field.

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Thanks so much for watching, and we’ll see you on the next video.

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What to do When Your Heater Stops Working After a Storm

Mon, 14 Nov 2022 23:54:09 +0000

It’s that time of year again when severe weather is a possibility. One of the dangers of thunderstorms is the potential for lightning strikes. A lightning strike can cause all sorts of problems for your home, including knocking out your furnace or heat pump. If you find yourself in this situation, don’t panic! Here are some troubleshooting tips to help you get your heater up and running again when your heater stops working after a storm.

Is Your Thermostat Displaying Properly?

It doesn’t mean your furnace should be working properly if it does still display right; it’s just where I always start. Some thermostats only run on the 24 volts provided by the furnace, and some thermostats have AA battery backup. (I just want to know if the system is calling for heat or not.) You’ve probably already tried this, but if you haven’t, observe what condition the stat is in. Is it blank, looks normal, and calls for heat? If it’s blank, the thunderstorm could have taken out the low voltage to your furnace. But before opening up the furnace or air handler, let’s check the high-voltage power source. This can also be a reason your heater stops working after a storm.

Check the Main Electrical Panel

Your furnace is supposed to receive 120 volts from the breaker panel on the side of the house. (Some people have high voltage panels located inside the house.) Heat pumps have 240-volt power supplied to them. As a reminder, the air handler or furnace will be located in a closet, the garage, the attic, or maybe you have a package unit on the roof or side of the house. But the first thing you’ll want to do is check to see if the power to your furnace is turned off at the breaker box.

If the breaker is “Tripped,” flip the switch to the “Off” position, then to the fully “On” position. Wait a few minutes to see if the furnace turns on. If it doesn’t, there may be an issue with the power supply to your home. In this case, you’ll need to contact your HVAC contractor to investigate and make any necessary repairs.

Inspect the Furnace for Damage (Charring, Soot)

A bolt of lightning hitting near your home can send an enormous amount of damaging heat and energy through your home’s electrical system. If the breaker is still on, but there doesn’t seem to be any power flowing to the furnace, the next step is to inspect the unit itself for damage. Start by looking for any signs of damage to the exterior of the furnace, such as burns or melted plastic. If you see any black charring or soot, it’s possible one of the components inside the unit blew, like a control board, relay, or safety switch. If you see any damage, it’s probably best to call in a professional heating and cooling technician to take a look and perform any necessary repairs. Fox Family can always help finding out why your heater stops working after a storm.

Check for Error Codes

While you’re checking the unit, see if there is a sight glass, maybe an inch wide, on the front cover. Without opening the cover, see if any red or yellow LEDs are flashing. Count those flashes and make a note of it. Your HVAC contractor will thank you for having that flash code. Maybe it blinks three times long and two times quickly. That would be an error code of 32. Maybe you just see five steady flashes. The error code would be 5. Each brand is different in how they display error codes, but once the outer panel is removed, a sticker is usually attached to the inside that identifies what those error codes mean. You should really know what you’re doing before removing any panels, though. You have to think about your safety first.

Reset the Furnace

If you’ve checked both the power supply at the main panel and the furnace itself for damage and error codes, and everything seems to be good, the next step is to reset the furnace itself. The easiest way to reset the furnace is to unplug it from the outlet, wait for 30 seconds and then plug it back in. While you’re doing that, observe the condition of the outlet cover and plug. If it has burning and soot around it or on the plate, the wiring inside of it could be charred. If you feel comfortable, take a small screwdriver and take the cover plate off to inspect the wiring. If it looks clean, it’s probably okay, but I would still replace the plug and cover plate as soon as possible. The cord that leads to the plug should not be melting or discolored either. If it is, that’s another thing I would consider having replaced soon.

After you plug the furnace back in, make sure the thermostat is still calling for heat and wait up to five minutes to see if the furnace turns on. Some types of systems have protection that forces the system to lock out for up to five minutes. To us technicians, this can be the longest five minutes EVER!!!

DIY Troubleshooting

Some people are brave enough to move on with troubleshooting their heat pump or heater is not working after a storm, but I have some pretty good articles and videos already posted about how to do that.

Lightning strikes can cause all sorts of problems for your home—including knocking out your furnace or heat pump. If this happens, don’t panic! Follow these troubleshooting tips, and you might be able to safely get your furnace up and running again in no time. And remember, if you’re ever unsure about what to do or how to fix something, it’s always best to call in a professional who can help. Stay safe!

If this is your first time watching our channel, please click subscribe down here on the bottom right, and if you click that little bell next to it, you’ll be notified of all of our videos as they come out.

Thanks so much for watching, and we’ll see you on the next video.

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SEER-2?? What Happened to SEER-1??

Mon, 17 Oct 2022 19:09:57 +0000

The Department of Energy has adjusted their SEER testing on air conditioners and heat pumps to more accurately reflect what’s going on inside homes across America. New M1 testing procedures will force today’s 2022’s 14 SEER system down to 13.4 in 2023, rendering it inadequate for use in America. What’s being amended with SEER-2?

Fan-off delays for the air handler blower motors
Limiting the surface area of the evaporator coils being tested
Raising the external static pressure level to (almost) “real-world” levels
The method for how they test and calculate heating performance (heat pumps)
And a better testing methodology for variable speed systems

The term M1. You know how you make a multi-level list for a document like an AHRI Standard? Like:

We are the DOE and we have the authority to blah, blah, blah
1. Blah, blah, blah
2. All the way down to M – The style of testing before 2023
  1. And then M has a number under it – M1, the new style of testing we are moving to.

The Department of Energy has regulated residential central air conditioning and heat pump efficiencies since 1992. An average sized home can use over 2,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity each year causing the average power plant to emit around 3,500 pounds of carbon dioxide and 31 pounds of sulfur dioxide into the air.

We finally got everyone to realize that systems today use 25% to 50% less energy than those installed just 20 and 30 years ago. The DOE did that by increasing the required minimum SEER ratings of systems and doing so through a strict testing process. Just since 1992, we’ve gone from a minimum 10 SEER mandate, to 2006 upgrading that minimum rating to 13 SEER. Ten years later, in 2015 every state in the southwest and southeast were required to step up to 14 SEER minimum efficiency since the summers are more intense there.

So here we are 7 years later, faced with higher standards. Actually, it’s understandable that the DOE wants to bring the standard of testing to meet “real world” situations and the upgraded technology of the equipment being used in today’s systems. After all, doing this increases overall efficiency again by another 7% by switching to M1 testing.

Which is why distributors with today’s 14 SEER systems will not even be able to sell those units after January 1^st, 2023. Heat pumps have a little different rule as far as what can be used and for how long, but they will have to meet 15 SEER2 after they all sell off. It’s just that 14 SEER air conditioners will dwindle away probably by September or October because distributors can’t just send back the old units. They have to time their inventory just perfectly so that they DON’T have any 14 SEER units left by January 1, 2023.

From what I can see, In the southwest and southeast, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, and 3.5 ton split systems will be required to have a 15 SEER2 minimum. Northern states that are 13 now, will be 14 SEER2.

While southern 4- and 5-ton unit minimums will be 14.5 SEER2 – Northern units will still require 14 SEER2.

All heat pump efficiencies will be required to meet 15 SEER2 after January 1, 2023.

So, what you’re going to see is 2022’s, M standard 16 SEER systems and technology become the new minimum standard since they’ll be rated 15.2 under the new M1 style of testing.

That means the new minimum tier system is going to become even more expensive, than the current 14 SEER’s which increased about 25% since the beginning of COVID in 2020.

Let me know your thoughts on this.

Thanks so much for watching, and we’ll see you on the next video!

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The Unrivaled Power of YouTube

Sat, 15 Oct 2022 18:59:49 +0000

I remember the first video I ever made for my YouTube channel. It was a complete disaster. The audio was terrible, the video was a grainy desktop computer camera, and I had only the slightest bit of knowledge of what I was doing. But I posted it anyway, and to my surprise, a few people actually watched it! Encouraged by this, I kept making videos and got a little better with each one. I learned how to use editing software to improve the quality of my videos, and I became more comfortable in front of the camera. As my skills improved, so did my popularity; today, my channel has thousands of subscribers and I have learned the power of YouTube.

With the Power of YouTube, I have:

Tapped into the billions of people watching monthly.
Gotten found on Google more organically.
Created content that will never disappear from the internet.
Earned trust from people without having gone into their homes yet.
BONUS: Make monthly pocket change from Google.

I can honestly say that making these videos has been the single most cost-effective thing I have done for our marketing and branding presence. Not only are a ton of people in our immediate service area watching and learning from our videos, but they are also learning who we are and our business ethics. We have developed a lot of trust from people all over the country too. Ask my admin team, and they’ll tell you the funniest part of their day is when people call from the other side of the country, and even Canada, asking if we service their area. People are watching overseas too. It’s amazing. Just 6 to 8 hours per video has made us an industry name. In my service area, I have optimized them to stand out when people search for what may seem like mundane things like, “Why is my air conditioner so loud?” I am also creating a buzz amongst technicians in my area looking for a better workplace. I can stand at the food truck at Home Depot in the mornings, and a tech will come up to me and express how much our videos have helped him in the field. That’s powerful!

I have found that the more transparent we are while making my videos, the better response we get from them. Showing someone how to replace a compressor isn’t going to lose you business. It is actually going to demonstrate your expertise and what is involved in the process. I remember one comment from that compressor video: “Nope! When I saw the torches come out, I knew I was in over my head.”

I just continued making a video once a week or two and uploaded them to the second most popular search in the world, YouTube. I have oodles of topics to talk about. Every little facet of the HVAC world, from how a pressure switch works to starting a business from the ground up, may seem trivial to you, but to others trying to learn something, it isn’t.

Early adopters of content creation on the niche of HVAC were “grayfurnaceman,” “Dr. Zarklov,” “Zack Psioda,” “Lex Vance,” and “NorCal Refrigeration & H.V.A.C..” These guys were simply sticking a camera in front of their faces and chatting about what they were doing that day. Guys would hit the record button and say, “Hey guys, how are you doing? Today I wanted to bring you along as I troubleshoot a gas furnace.” And then, they would take their camera along, sit it down, and point it at the furnace with them in front of it. Now, these types of videos are still being produced by HVAC business owners and service techs all over the country.

What started out as a few guys putzing around making videos showcasing their personal lives and the life of an HVAC technician out in the field ended up being thousands upon thousands of views a month. Content creation is about repetition. Even if one video flops and you realize no one cares about that topic, you keep pressing on. More videos mean more views. I found myself making a video about something I thought was vague, “The Facts About Condensate Drain Lines.” Three years later, that video has over 72 thousand views! Are they all from my service area? Not likely. In fact, I can see from my YouTube analytics that not only people from Sacramento have watched it, but Houston, Los Angeles, Dallas, Melbourne, Australia, and Long Beach are the most popular cities the video has been watched in.

I had one lady from Phoenix, Arizona, call us in Sacramento and ask if she could fly me down there and put me in a hotel for the night, would I fix her system? In her search for a good company, she only trusted Fox Family from watching our videos. That was surprising, but I knew a company in her area and referred her to them. The problem got fixed, and at the same time, I bolstered my HVAC network by referring that company, which I know now, will refer me likewise.

HVAC is a niche that we are already passionate about. Why not demonstrate that passion and start building trust and familiarity for your company too? YouTube is the second largest search engine in the world, and it is easy to see why. YouTube’s search algorithm is very effective, allowing users to find the exact content they are looking for. It’s also a great platform for businesses and creators. By uploading engaging content, businesses can reach a large audience of potential customers. There is no doubt that the unrivaled power of YouTube has helped grow my business.

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What Comprises Your Residential Plumbing Service?

Wed, 27 Sep 2017 01:43:03 +0000

Everyone knows about the components that make up your residential plumbing service—right? Each morning after you wake up, the first thing you might do is visit the bathroom, after which you shuffle out to the kitchen to start the coffee-maker. Then, while catching up on the news that happened overnight, you turn on the lawn-watering system, sip your coffee, and have a bagel with cream cheese.

Then it’s time to brush your teeth and shower before dressing for work, and you’re off in the family car to put in another day at the office. Did you catch at least five instances where your residential plumbing service came into play in that scenario—before you even started your work day? Most people don’t think about plumbing very often unless it’s unavailable for some reason.

It’s a good idea to actually give some consideration to your hard-working residential plumbing system and how it provides comfort to family members when everything is functioning smoothly. Below you’ll find a brief description of what’s involved in your residential plumbing service. To keep every component in that system working at its best, why not contact the Knoxville plumbing experts at The Plumbing Authority?

Your interior water supply network

Included in the interior water supply network are all the pipes and fixtures that deliver water to faucets, showers, bathtubs, toilets, and sinks. The water itself will either come from a public water supply and is delivered via main water lines or your own private well, which requires some additional equipment like a submersible pump. Problems can develop from any of the hardware pieces involved in this network, often due to old age, improper installation, or weathering.

The distinction with interior supply is made in contrast to outside water supply systems, such as for lawn-watering or garden irrigation. When you arrange for Knoxville residential plumbing services from The Plumbing Authority, all these components can be inspected regularly, and any issues can be identified long before they develop into problems.

Drainage, Waste, and Venting (DWV)

This part of your residential plumbing system performs an equally critical function for the entire household in that it removes waste water from your residence and keeps drain lines clear of debris. Drain pipes are normally hooked up to showers, baths, sinks, and toilets, and they transport all liquid materials away from the home. You can imagine the kinds of problems that might arise at home if waste material is not properly conducted off the premises as it should be.

Residential Plumbing Services in Knoxville

When you stop to think about your residential plumbing services in Knoxville, there really are a number of pieces that all have to work just right in order for all household members to be kept comfortable—and to pay no attention to the plumbing system functioning perfectly in the background. To make sure that all the various components of your interior water supply, exterior water supply, and DWV system are kept in tip-top shape, contact us at The Plumbing Authority to set up regular maintenance service.

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Leak Detection and Repair in Knoxville TN

Thu, 31 Aug 2017 02:59:27 +0000

Even the best plumbing work eventually needs to be repaired, because materials simply can’t last forever, especially under frequent usage. But before they can be repaired, leaks in your plumbing system have to be identified and located precisely. In Knoxville, TN, the company you should call first for leak detection and repair is The Plumbing Authority, when you want expert service and reliable handling of all plumbing issues in your home or place of business.

Expertise and Customer Service

Other companies might be able to do a decent job at Knoxville plumbing leak detection and repair in your plumbing system, but one of the things that really makes The Plumbing Authority stand out from rivals is the superior customer service provided on each and every job. Master Plumber Bryan Dotson is the proud owner/operator of this outstanding Knoxville business, and each of the specialists working at The Plumbing Authority has the same commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction that Bryan himself does.

Being a part of the community for more than two decades has helped The Plumbing Authority specialists become recognized as technicians who care about their fellow Knoxville residents, their businesses, and their residences. That sense of community and shared experience is one of the components that motivates The Plumbing Authority employees to do whatever it takes to provide the most professional, reliable plumbing services in the region.

Contact The Plumbing Authority

To find out for yourself why we’re the best at leak detection and repair in Knoxville plumbing, contact us at The Plumbing Authority at your earliest convenience. If you need emergency service, we can respond quickly to analyze and resolve your issue promptly and efficiently. And if you’d simply like to have your plumbing system reviewed to determine how secure and water-tight it is, we can do that as well, to help avoid more costly repairs at some point in the future.

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Knoxville Plumbing Contractor

Tue, 08 Aug 2017 01:41:02 +0000

Choosing the right plumbing contractor in Knoxville might seem to be a difficult task, given the fact that there are quite a few. One of the best ways to make such decisions, though, is to rely on the reviews of other homeowners and business owners who have already had plumbing service from specific contractors. We at The Plumbing Authority are very proud to let our reputation stand on the collection of positive reviews we have accumulated over the years, which are the best testimony to the fact that we provide 5-star service to the Knoxville community and beyond.

Customer opinion

More than anything we might tell you about ourselves, our satisfied customers can tell you how pleased they have been with the kind of high-quality, professional work we’ve performed for them. In fact, a high percentage of our customers have appreciated the work we’ve done for them so much that they have become repeat customers.

It says a lot when people are so happy with the service they’ve been given that they turn to you again and again for any other related work. That’s exactly what we aim for at The Plumbing Authority. We strive to use the best products, to deliver the most friendly, professional plumbing service, and to offer it all at the most affordable price of any contractor in the area. Every job we undertake is a matter of personal and professional pride with us, and that kind of commitment shows up in the kind of service we provide for all our clients.

Contact us for Knoxville Plumbing

When you have need of any kind of plumbing work, whether it’s an emergency repair or a whole bathroom remodeling project, contact us at The Plumbing Authority before calling anyone else. We’d like to show you why so many other homeowners in the Knoxville community have chosen us as their go-to contractor when it comes to any kind of plumbing work.

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Plumber Wilton CT - Now Offering Emergency 24 Hour Same Day Plumbing Service!

Wed, 02 Aug 2017 17:56:48 +0000

Emergency 24 Hour Plumbers in Southbury CT - Licensed and Insured

Wed, 26 Jul 2017 17:04:36 +0000

Plumber Litchfield CT

Tue, 25 Jul 2017 07:34:17 +0000

The Best Plumber for Your Remodeling Job

Tue, 25 Jul 2017 03:09:46 +0000

Remodeling your kitchen or bathroom is one of the very best ways of adding resale value to your home, with both of these projects ranked near the top of the list in resale considerations. While you’re still living in your home, they can also be very advantageous to your family, including some of the newest efficiency products, such as touch-activated faucets and instant hot water dispensers. On top of all that, you may want to renovate one of these rooms simply because you’d like to make them over in a way that’s more a reflection of your own tastes and personality.

Your local service company

When you’re thinking about any kind of makeover for the kitchen or bathroom, the TN best plumber for your remodeling job is The Plumbing Authority. Headquartered in Knoxville, TN, our company has a broad service area in and around Knoxville and Sevierville, but if you have any question about whether you’re included in our service area, please give us a call so we can discuss it.

Why our remodeling services are superior

First of all, we offer far more than remodeling services to area clients—we also do brand new construction projects, residential and commercial repairs, piping overhauls, new installations of plumbing equipment, and emergency repairs as needed. We are very proud of our remodeling services, though, and everyone in our company takes great personal satisfaction from providing the very best service and products when we work on your remodeling project.

Because all our specialists are employees and not outside contractors, they understand that every job is a reflection on our company and on their professional abilities. With that kind of commitment and attitude of responsibility, we have earned more 5-star reviews from our clients than any other plumbing and remodeling company that we know of. That’s why we can say with confidence that when we take on a remodeling project in collaboration with you, it will be completed to your satisfaction, and you’ll love the finished version.

What you can expect

When you contact us about your remodeling project, we’ll come visit you at your home to see what you have in mind for a makeover. That will give us an idea of the dimensions and available space for the room being renovated, and we’ll be able to make some suggestions that might work well with your ideas. From there, we’ll begin the design process and consult with you when a workable layout is arrived at.

Once you approve, work can begin and you can literally watch your kitchen or bathroom being transformed before your eyes. The vision that you’ve been dreaming of will slowly take shape, and after we’ve cleaned up our dust, you’ll have exactly what you wanted—a more modern, more efficient, more YOU kind of bathroom or kitchen. And for our part, we hope to have another very happy customer who will keep our phone number on the refrigerator as the first remodeler/plumber to call when the need arises.

Who should you contact?

The best plumber for your remodeling job in TN is The Plumbing Authority, and the reason we can say that with confidence is because we will work with you, from design to completion, to ensure that your ideas are fully realized in the final product. Insured and licensed in the state of Tennessee, The Plumbing Authority has been recognized by Angie’s List as worthy of the Super Service Award. Call us when you’re thinking about remodeling your kitchen or bathroom, and we’ll make you glad you chose us!

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