A female plumber’s tale sheds light on the fulfilling career to be had in the trades As Careers in Construction Month draws to a close, Reliance Worldwide Corporation (RWC) is committed to continuing its investment in the national initiative, which recognizes talent and career development opportunities throughout the building trades. Designed to engage prospective skilled laborers as Read more
Industry News
A female plumber’s tale sheds light on the fulfilling career to be had in the trades
As Careers in Construction Month draws to a close, Reliance Worldwide Corporation (RWC) is committed to continuing its investment in the national initiative, which recognizes talent and career development opportunities throughout the building trades. Designed to engage prospective skilled laborers as well as current professionals, RWC remains focused on inspiring others to seek a career in the trades.
With a well-documented passion for this initiative – including its national partnership with the Home Builders Institute (HBI) which was announced at IBS 2021 – RWC has a continuous drive to learn as much as possible to help increase the talent pool. After recent participation in HBI’s Industry Workforce Roundtable, the biggest takeaway was clear: an undeniable need for increased industry diversity.
In a category with unfulfilled positions and untapped opportunities, RWC is doing its part to help by identifying and showcasing diverse talent, sharing their stories to inform and inspire others to start their career in plumbing. And through the partnership with HBI, RWC met Starr Delgado, a certified plumber and plumbing instructor at HBI’s Job Corps Plumbing Program.
Overcoming personal and professional challenges – including dropping out of school – led Delgado to pursue a career that could help to support her family. After researching career paths and identifying plumbing as the ultimate solution, Delgado began taking plumbing courses at HBI and was inspired by her plumbing instructor to come back years later to teach. Today, she owns her own home, her own car and supports her family through her plumbing career.
“The most rewarding thing for me is the students,” said Delgado. “You get to give back…the hardest of the hardest kids come through these doors, and they turn out to be something amazing.”
When asked about her experiences as an industry-leading woman and the advice she would give to others, she stated, “There’s always going to be challenges for women in the field. People are always going to say you can’t or you shouldn’t or don’t. But if you say I’m going to, I can and I will, you can do it. You just have to have some thick skin.”
By breaking through the stereotypes associated with plumbers, Delgado was able to achieve all that she wanted: the ability to support her family and a career she could be proud of. RWC plans to continue sharing similar stories to reach the younger generation, as well as diverse groups, in the hopes that they begin seeing the opportunities that could be had by pursuing a career in the trades.
Apple Valley, Minn. — Uponor North America announced a national distribution agreement with Winsupply to stock Uponor PP-RCT piping, fittings, and accessories at select Winsupply local companies and two distribution centers across the U.S. “We are excited to announce this new partnership with Winsupply, as they are committed to broadening polymer piping offerings into their channels Read more
Apple Valley, Minn. — Uponor North America announced a national distribution agreement with Winsupply to stock Uponor PP-RCT piping, fittings, and accessories at select Winsupply local companies and two distribution centers across the U.S.
“We are excited to announce this new partnership with Winsupply, as they are committed to broadening polymer piping offerings into their channels with strategic partners like Uponor,” said Chris Budion, vice president of Sales, Uponor North America. “We are confident this agreement will create growth opportunities for both companies, as we work together to provide customers with the convenience and efficiency of a complete polymer piping solution from one trusted source.”
“Winsupply is eager to help Uponor pioneer this product line,” added Bruce Pilbeam, product manager, Rough-In Plumbing, Winsupply. “PP-RCT has shown enormous growth potential in the commercial sector. Winsupply and our Local Companies are excited to support bringing Uponor PP-RCT to market.”
In addition to stocking Uponor’s PP-RCT piping system, Winsupply is already leveraging Uponor’s commercial training team with hands-on instruction, as well as virtual learning, through Uponor Academy Online. “We are setting Winsupply up for success by ensuring they have the knowledge and skills to confidently sell the benefits of PP-RCT and safely instruct their customers on proper installation,” says Budion.
Available in sizes from ½” to 12″, the Uponor PP-RCT piping system is ideal for use in hydronic heating hot water, chilled water, and industrial applications, including condenser water, geothermal, compressed air and vacuum, and direct-burial applications.
Uponor offers a 10-year limited warranty on all PP-RCT products. For hybrid Uponor PP-RCT and PEX-a systems, the company offers a 10-year limited warranty on PP-RCT to complement the 25-year transferable limited warranty on all its PEX-a pipe and ProPEX® fittings.
Visit online to learn more about the benefits of Uponor PP-RCT and why the polymer piping solution is becoming the choice of industry professionals across the U.S.
Recognized for his outstanding leadership and dedication to his students at Norfolk Technical Center in Virginia, Anthony Bertolino was named the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association’s (PHCC’s) 2021 Plumbing Instructor of the Year. The award – sponsored by PHCC Corporate Partner Milwaukee Tool – was presented this week during PHCCCONNECT2021, the association’s annual conference, held in Kansas Read more
Recognized for his outstanding leadership and dedication to his students at Norfolk Technical Center in Virginia, Anthony Bertolino was named the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association’s (PHCC’s) 2021 Plumbing Instructor of the Year. The award – sponsored by PHCC Corporate Partner Milwaukee Tool – was presented this week during PHCCCONNECT2021, the association’s annual conference, held in Kansas City, Missouri.
“The instructors in the p-h-c field play a crucial role in developing tomorrow’s workers,” said 2020-2021 PHCC President Hunter Botto during the award presentation. “We are fortunate to have high-caliber men and women who devote their time – both on and off the clock – to prepare students for rewarding careers in our industry.”
Bertolino is “an exceptional teacher and role model for his students,” added Botto. In addition to running Bertolino Plumbing & Heating in Virginia Beach, Virginia, with this brother, he teaches all four years of plumbing apprenticeship at Norfolk Technical Center. He has dramatically improved both the retention rate for each class and the number of students, and his program is one of the largest in Virginia.
Ironically, Bertolino did not originally plan to become a plumber but rather study business in college and become a floor trader in New York City. After his father, a licensed plumbing contractor, explained the expenses involved with that plan, however, Bertolino considered plumbing. He enrolled in an apprenticeship program, earned his journeyman’s license, and – less than two years later – received his masters’ licenses.
This is one of the first stories Bertolino shares with his students. “I tell them that I have no student debt; I own my own business; and I really enjoy what I do,” he said. “I also tell them how much I have learned and that this is the career I chose.”
As an instructor, Bertolino’s effectiveness is more than charisma and straight talk, however. He incorporates the Montessori method of education that is based on self-directed activity, hands-on learning, and collaborative play. He engages students by sharing examples of his own on-the-job challenges and encourages them to discuss their work experiences to help advance the entire class.
“Tony’s students know that he expects them to apply their classroom knowledge to the day-to-day work and that licensure is the mark of professionalism,” Botto said during the award presentation. “He reminds them of the importance of plumbing to the health and safety of the nation.”
Bertolino’s connection with his students doesn’t end when their apprenticeships are completed; he stays in touch with many of them for years and keeps a collection of stories about the good things they have done in the trade. PHCC and Milwaukee Tool proudly recognized Bertolino’s ongoing commitment to these young professionals with this Plumbing Instructor of the Year award.
Second Acquisition for Bonney in the Skilled Trades Industry Sacramento, Calif. — Bonney Plumbing, Electrical, Heating and Air (Bonney), a home services company headquartered in Rancho Cordova, CA, announced it has acquired Sacramento-based Boyd Plumbing, Inc. Boyd has been a trusted provider of plumbing services to the Sacramento area and its neighboring communities since 2006 Read more
Second Acquisition for Bonney in the Skilled Trades Industry
Sacramento, Calif. — Bonney Plumbing, Electrical, Heating and Air (Bonney), a home services company headquartered in Rancho Cordova, CA, announced it has acquired Sacramento-based Boyd Plumbing, Inc. Boyd has been a trusted provider of plumbing services to the Sacramento area and its neighboring communities since 2006.
Under the partnership, Boyd Plumbing will fold in with Bonney, expanding the plumbing team to service nine counties including Sacramento, Sutter, Placer, El Dorado, Amador, Calaveras, San Joaquin, Solano and Yolo. Customers will continue to experience great work by the region’s most trusted professionals in the industry with a minor brand uplift to fit in with the look of Bonney’s signature technicians.
“Boyd Plumbing is at the top of their game and by merging, we have assembled the best plumbing team in the Sacramento region and will continue to provide superior customer service to the communities we serve, “Jeremy Macdonald, Chief Executive Officer of Bonney. “Boyd has an excellent reputation and this purchase aligns with Bonney’s long-term goal of building the best home services company in Northern California.”
“As the need for talented technicians is on the rise, a partnership with Bonney is ideal to continue to serve this community and focus on employee growth and success.” said Michael Boyd, CEO of Boyd Plumbing. “Our companies are not only a great cultural fit, but also have both long delivered excellent results to our clients here in the Sacramento area.”
Bonney plans to invest in several founder-owned companies over the next few years to build a regional leader in home services. To that end, in September Bonney acquired Concord-based Big Air Heating & Air Conditioning, expanding their territory into the Bay Area.
Attend In-Person to See Winning Products and Technology Come to Life on the Show Floor in Las Vegas The AHR Expo (International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition) today announced the winners of the 2022 AHR Expo Innovation Awards. Each year, winners are chosen in ten industry categories to represent the most innovative products and technologies hitting Read more
Attend In-Person to See Winning Products and Technology Come to Life on the Show Floor in Las Vegas
The AHR Expo (International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition) today announced the winners of the 2022 AHR Expo Innovation Awards. Each year, winners are chosen in ten industry categories to represent the most innovative products and technologies hitting the market in the coming year.
“This past year was a challenge for everyone, and in unique ways, the HVACR industry,” said Show Manager, Mark Stevens. “Our industry was called to the front lines to put our very best products and technologies to the test. The Innovation Awards purpose is to honor those that are pushing the bar to create innovative solutions to difficult problems. We are thrilled to celebrate this year’s winners and what they bring to the industry, as well as to continue to champion innovation among our professionals. ”
The Innovation Awards encourage exhibitors to submit new products and technologies for recognition via review and selection by a panel of third-party judges made up of distinguished ASHRAE members. Entrants are evaluated based on overall innovative design, the creativity of the product or service offered, application, as well as potential market impact.
“This industry is tremendously exciting for its role in our everyday lives,” continued Stevens. “Now more than ever we have the chance to show the world just how important HVACR is. Manufacturers on the AHR Expo Show floor are in tune with their stakeholders and the greater needs of the world and are responding by developing new tools, products and services that offer safety, efficiency, and sustainable smart solutions.”
The Innovation Awards program serves as a metric to see the year-to-year growth in the industry. While the Awards officially recognize only a select few, the Show floor is a robust example of how manufacturers are growing the industry in exciting ways.
“AHR Show Management would like to formally congratulate each of our 2022 AHR Expo Innovation Award winners, as well as finalists and all our entrants, for their continued leadership and contribution to HVACR,” said Stevens. “We look forward to seeing these innovators in the marketplace in the coming year, and in-person on the Show floor in 2022.”
The 2022 AHR Expo Innovation Award Winners and finalists were selected in ten industry categories, including building automation, cooling, heating, indoor air quality, plumbing, refrigeration, software, sustainable solutions (formerly green building), tools and instruments, and ventilation.
BUILDING AUTOMATION
Winner: iSMA CONTROLLI S.p.A., iSMA-B-MAC36NL Hybrid IoT Controller powered by Niagara Framework, Booth C969
Innovation: The iSMA-B-MAC36NL master application controller family provides an all-in-one solution for mini-BMS. Created visualization can be displayed and controlled via HDMI output and 2 USB ports that enable connection of a mouse/keyboard or dedicated touch for the HMI panel. No PC, additional licenses, or additional costs are required. As MAC controllers are based on the Niagara Framework, it enables the integration of almost any existing protocol on the building network. The onboard M-Bus port, 2 ethernet ports, and the RS485 port can be integrated with just one device. Finally, the controller has an onboard dip and rotary switches that can be used as a part of the application. All of the features of the controller are managed by dedicated modules in Niagara Framework to accelerate the installation process and thus reduce labor costs.
Finalists in this category include: BrainBox AI, BrainBox AI; CUBE USA, CUBE Edge IOT
COOLING
Winner: Danfoss, Danfoss Turbocor® VTCA400 Compressor, Booth C3906
Innovation: The new VTCA400 from Danfoss offers improvements on traditional centrifugal compressor designs that are large in physical size and footprint, which ultimately lead to higher cost and space constraints for the end user. The VTCA400 solves this problem by using a patent-pending hybrid compression design that uses a combination of mixed flow and radial impellers enabling both high-performance and a compact footprint. In this design, the first stage impeller uses a mixed flow impeller with both axial and radial components while the second stage impeller uses a radial design. The hybrid
compression design allows for a compressor footprint that is half the physical size and weight of a conventional radial-only design. It also maintains high efficiency levels —a 10% improvement in full load efficiency and 30% improvement in IPLV above ASHRAE 90.1-2019 minimums when considering a three (3) compressor, 1200-Ton system.
Finalists in this category include: Copeland Compressors and Condensing Units/Emerson, Copeland™ oil-free centrifugal compressor; Teqtoniq GmbH, Teqtoniq TRC150 Oil-Free Centrifugal Compressor
HEATING
Winner: Carrier, Infinity® 24 Heat Pump with Greenspeed® Intelligence, Booth C1310 Innovation: The Infinity® 24 Heat Pump with Greenspeed® Intelligence is Carrier’s highest-efficiency and most advanced heat pump with up to 24 SEER and 13 HSPF for premium energy savings, extremely quiet performance and premium comfort features. The unique, variable speed compressor of this unit allows it to adapt its output to the needs of the home with infinite adjustments between 25 – 100% capacity. The heat pump offers excellent humidity control and is capable of removing up to 400% more moisture than standard systems. Based on Carrier testing, all data was run with the systems cycling once they met the assumed home load. The assumed load at AHAM conditions (80/70, 80) is the capacity of the variable-speed running continuously in dehumidification mode. The difficult conditions load was determined by a Wrightsoft® load calculation for a home in Florida at 69 OD 72/63 ID. This condition was provided by a customer in Florida as “worst case.”
Finalists in this category include: HVAC Manufacturing and Technology Inc., SpaceGain Air Handling Units; Addison, FrostShield Defrost-Free Heat Pumps
INDOOR AIR QUALITY
Winner: Antrum, AntrumX™ IAQ Facilities Monitoring System, Booth C1071
Innovation: AntrumX is a patented centralized sensing technology. AntrumX monitors IAQ for 32 spaces from a single location, using one sensor for every 16 rooms. Consolidating one centralized sensor for multiple spaces increases sensor accessibility while ensuring better overall control. Centralized sensing ensures better overall control because the data from 16 spaces comes from a single source, allowing building managers to optimize their ventilation strategy, and save energy without sacrificing IAQ. Additionally, the AntrumX has the ability to transport air without moving parts. Leveraging the building’s pressure differential between supply and exhaust, AntrumX is able to move air samples from each space to the Sensor Pack without adding energy to the system.
The Sensor Pack also monitors multiple data points across multiple rooms. Using over-the-air software updates and a state-of-the-art hardware design, the Sensor Pack can be customized to sense what’s required today and be easily exchanged or updated as requirements change over the life of the building.
Finalists in this category include: LG Electronics USA, Inc., LG Split Rooftop DOAS (Dedicated Outdoor Air System) with Energy Recovery Wheel; TZOA, HAVEN IAQ
PLUMBING
Winner: Franklin Electric / Little Giant, Inline SpecPAK, Multi-Pump Pressure Boosting System, Booth C4334
Innovation: With only 14.5 inches deep, its unique smaller footprint makes the Franklin Electric Inline 1100 SpecPAK Pressure Boosting System small enough to be hung in a small utility closet or wall hung to preserve critical floor space. The system’s Inline 1100 constant pressure pumps are quiet, compact, self-contained, and versatile. Powered by water-cooled motors, it delivers quieter operation versus traditional air-cooled motors.
The self-contained design delivers a “plug and play” solution that is part of a complete package centered around easy installation, operation, and durability. The ability to expand is a foundational and distinctive benefit. Both the suction and discharge headers are sized to accommodate the flow rate from the maximum speed of four pumps. Quick and easy disconnects to the main panel allow customers to disconnect each pump individually with minimal system disruption.
Finalists in this category include: Lochinvar, LLC, Lochinvar Commercial Heat Pump Water Heaters; Towle Whitney LLC, GEN-5 Platform
REFRIGERATION
Winner: ebm-papst Inc., AxiEco 630-910 Axial Fan, Booth C3324
Innovation: The AxiEco 630-910 incorporates new impeller geometry with a rotating diffuser and optimized blade design in order to reach a low noise level and high-efficiency.
The steep air performance curve provides a pressure increase of more than 700 Pa, which is extraordinary for axial fans. With a maximum air flow of up to 30,000 m³/h the AxiEco 630-910 covers a wide range of different applications, especially those where high-efficiency and high back pressure are key. The integrated commutation electronics with an active PFC (power factor correction) as an option enables the fan to be used in applications with low harmonics requirements, without any external filtering measures.
Finalists in this category include: Copeland Compressors and Condensing Units /Emerson, Copeland™ horizontal variable speed scroll compressor for refrigeration (1 to 4 HP); Johnson Controls, Inc., ZS series horizontal scroll compressors with R290 and variable speed compatibility
SOFTWARE
Winner: Bluon, Inc., Bluon Support Platform, Booth C6617
Innovation: The Bluon Support Platform is a mobile application that becomes a centralized hub for HVAC technicians. Bluon was built for technicians, by technicians, and provides detailed system information, just-in-time training, best practices and 24/7 live tech support. The app’s most important function is its ability to make the lives of technicians easier by providing a single, trustworthy source of detailed HVAC system information, along with live tech support when needed in the field. The main features of the free app include:
a comprehensive unit database of 40,000 HVAC model numbers spanning 75+ brands, with 75,000+ original manuals, troubleshooting guides, wiring diagrams, and technical specifications; best practices known as “pro-hacks” for a wide-range of situations; easy to\use calculators for SH/SC, airflow, pressure setpoints, TXV sizing, etc.; HVAC training videos and tools that techs can use on the job; a revolutionary HVAC forum that gets techs the info they need when they need it; 24/7 live tech support; and a replacement parts identification
tool cross-referenced by model numbers and compatible part numbers.
Finalists in this category include: CoolAutomation, Service Provision App; Interplay Learning, SkillMill™
SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS (formerly Green Building)
Winner: Enginuity Power Systems Inc, E/ONE Home Power System, Booth N7435 Innovation: Enginuity’s E/ONE Home Power System is a modern rethinking of a classic combined heat and power system. Using clean and plentiful natural gas, the E/ONE produces both electricity and heat for homes or businesses. Since the E/ONE is capable of making more power than the home or business requires, the additional power can be sold back to the grid, generating income for the E/ONE’s owner. In addition, the E/ONE leverages the reliability of the natural gas distribution network to replace conventional
backup generators. E/ONEs easily produce all the electricity needed to operate homes or businesses, therefore the periodic blackouts such as those recently seen in Texas and California will not affect the product’s ability to function.
Finalists in this category include: Caleffi Hydronic Solutions, Commercial domestic hot water (DHW) recirculation systems combine energy efficiency and water conservation; Danfoss, Danfoss Turbocor® TGS380 Compressor
TOOLS & INSTRUMENTS
Winner: Fluke Corporation, Fluke 378 FC Non-Contact Voltage True-rms AC/DC Clamp Meter with iFlex, Booth C2737
Innovation: The Fluke 378 FC true-rms clamp meter uses FieldSense technology to make testing faster and safer, all without contacting a live conductor. The meter measures accurate voltage and current measurements through the clamp jaw. It works by clipping the black test lead to any electrical ground and putting the clamp jaw around the conductor which results in reliable, accurate voltage and current values on the display. The 378 FC clamp meter includes a unique PQ function that senses power quality issues automatically. When making FieldSense measurements, the 378 FC will detect and display power quality issues, relating to current, voltage, power factor or any combination of the three. This allows for quick determination if an upstream supply problem exists, or if there is a downstream equipment problem.
Finalists in this category include: Climatech International S.A., F-100 Cordless Stud Welder Machine; RIDGID / Emerson, RIDGID® PCS-500 Pipe Saw
VENTILATION
Winner: Aldes, InspirAIR® Fresh, Booth C2734
Innovation: The InspirAIR® Fresh contains new innovative design features. A newly developed counterflow enthalpic core and unique fan scrolls ensure 75% sensible recovery efficiency at 32F as tested to the new CSA 439 standard required as of October 2020. Occupants can also expect to get ample fresh filtered air due to variable speed EC motors that adjust speed to changes in pressure due to stack effect and filter loading. The InspirAIR® Fresh is designed to provide optimal fresh air, regardless of filter type. Currently, ERVs are rated for use with a basic filter, and when using a MERV1 or HEPA
filter, the airflow is reduced significantly.
Finalists in this category include: Carrier, Carrier Aero® 39M with ECM Direct Drive Plenum Fans; LG Electronics USA, Inc., LG Split Compact DOAS (Dedicated Outdoor Air System)
“It’s always exciting to follow along as these products and services come to life in the marketplace,” said Stevens. “What’s more, is to see others work to keep pace with innovation and develop new solutions. We are thrilled to be back in-person and headed to Las Vegas for a return to business. We hope you’ll join us and these winners in action on the Show floor before they hit the market.”
Funds raised from the entry fees of the Innovation Awards competition will be donated to a Vegas-area charitable cause. More information to follow. Registration for the 2022 AHR Expo is free until January 30, 2021, and can be completed on ahrexpo.com.