REHAU is set to introduce the RAUPEX® SPEED Radiant Overpour Fastening System and to showcase its high-performance PEXa piping technologies at AHR 2016. In addition, REHAU Commercial Project Manager Ryan Westlund will present at the Radiant Professionals Alliance (RPA) education session “No Sweat Cooling in a High Humidity Environment Using Radiant Surfaces.” New REHAU RAUPEX® Read more
Industry News
REHAU is set to introduce the RAUPEX® SPEED Radiant Overpour Fastening System and to showcase its high-performance PEXa piping technologies at AHR 2016. In addition, REHAU Commercial Project Manager Ryan Westlund will present at the Radiant Professionals Alliance (RPA) education session “No Sweat Cooling in a High Humidity Environment Using Radiant Surfaces.”
New REHAU RAUPEX® SPEED Radiant Overpour Fastening System allows contractors to install heating pipe in overpour and concrete installations up to 30% faster. The RAUPEX SPEED O2 barrier pipe with hook-and-loop wrap is walked on to the RAUPEX SPEED mat without the use of specialized tools, not only saving time but also providing ergonomic advantages. The mat features an adhesive backer that attaches to a range of different thermal insulation, concrete and plywood materials without penetrating the surface, thus protecting thermal, vapor and sound insulation properties. Pipe can be easily detached and repositioned, saving time and reducing waste. For more information, visit http://na.rehau.com/speed.
The company will also display its industry-leading radiant heating and cooling, snow and ice melting, geothermal ground loop heat exchange, and PEXa pre-insulated and hydronic distribution piping systems.
REHAU Radiant Heating and Cooling Systems can be used in combination with downsized air-handling systems to reduce HVAC energy consumption and initial investment costs while increasing thermal comfort in commercial buildings. These systems circulate warm and cool water through RAUPEX® crosslinked polyethylene (PEXa) pipe installed in floors, walls or ceilings. Since radiant systems require moderate supply fluid temperatures, typically 100-120°F (38-49°C) in heating mode and 55-60°F (13-16°C) in cooling mode, they are ideally compatible with geothermal equipment and can deliver some of the highest coefficients of performance. For educational resources about this technology and reference projects, visit http://na.rehau.com/netzero.
REHAU Snow and Ice Melting (SIM) Systems with Smart Controls efficiently eliminates snow and ice build-up from outdoor surfaces by circulating a heat transfer fluid through REHAU PEXa pipes installed within the SIM area, increasing surface safety while lowering maintenance costs and minimizing environmental impact. The REHAU Smart Controls SIM module senses everything from slab temperature and snow/ice to boiler supply and return fluid temperatures, while also “listening” to the weather forecast. When the control anticipates a storm, it can automatically warm the surface in advance of snow or ice. For educational resources about this technology and reference projects, visit http://na.rehau.com/sim.
RAUGEOTM Geothermal Ground Loop Heat Exchange Systems exchange energy with the earth to heat and cool at a fraction of the operating costs of conventional HVAC, providing energy savings up to 50 percent and, when paired with hydronic radiant heating, the potential to reduce energy costs up to 70 percent. The REHAU RAUGEO™ ground loop heat exchange system employs a unique design and innovative materials to provide numerous advantages over traditional geothermal systems. REHAU RAUGEO PEXa piping offers superior flexibility and abrasion resistance compared to conventional HDPE geothermal systems, while pre-fabricated double U-bends exchange the same amount of energy with up to 30 percent less borehole footage than a single HDPE U-bend.
Pre-insulated and large diameter PEXa piping systems provide a cost-effective and labor-saving alternative to rigid piping for transferring hot or chilled fluid in commercial applications. INSULPEX® Pre-insulated PEXa Piping Systems are a flexible, continuous piping solution that minimizes temperature change in buried pipelines. REHAU Hydronic Distribution PEXa Piping Systems include up to 2 in. RAUPEX O2 Barrier pipe in coils and straight lengths, EVERLOC® compression-sleeve fittings and galvanized steel support channels for overhead distribution runs. Rounding out the company’s commercial line is the new PRO-BALANCE 1 in. Stainless Steel Manifold.

Franklin Electric Co., Inc. (www.franklin-electric.com – NASDAQ:FELE) now offers enhanced Little Giant® GP Series grinder pump models that operate across voltages ranging from 208 V to 230 V in one model. The GP‐A (Automatic) and GP‐M (Manual) versions’ powerful motor and construction are designed to handle the tough demands of low pressure sewage applications, utilizing Read more
Franklin Electric Co., Inc. (www.franklin-electric.com – NASDAQ:FELE) now offers enhanced Little Giant® GP Series grinder pump models that operate across voltages ranging from 208 V to 230 V in one model. The GP‐A (Automatic) and GP‐M (Manual) versions’ powerful motor and construction are designed to handle the tough demands of low pressure sewage applications, utilizing the same reliable patented cutter system at 414,000 cuts per minute. These new units incorporate a non-clogging impeller staged for efficient pumping of sewage slurries with a shut-off head of 130 feet. These pumps are equipped to handle the demands of grinding domestic sewage whether as a replacement pump or a packaged system.
Available in an automatic version for single-phase power sources and a manual version for both single-phase and 3-phase power sources, the GP-A and GP-M employ a powerful 2 hp single-phase, 3450 rpm with capacitor start/run motor with built-in overload protection to prevent over-current and over-temperature damage. Other design features include corrosion-resistant brass impellers that minimize downtime and maintenance and an epoxy-coated cast iron finish for corrosion resistance and durability.
For more information, visit www.littlegiant.com.

The CB Series of Combination (Combi) Boilers from Noritz is a year-round, whole-home solution that utilizes high-efficiency condensing technology to deliver hot water to both plumbing and hydronic heating applications, including those in colder climates. The CB Combi performs at a 95% AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency); that is, 95% of the Btuh input is Read more
The CB Series of Combination (Combi) Boilers from Noritz is a year-round, whole-home solution that utilizes high-efficiency condensing technology to deliver hot water to both plumbing and hydronic heating applications, including those in colder climates.
The CB Combi performs at a 95% AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency); that is, 95% of the Btuh input is converted into useable heat, making it an extremely energy-efficient appliance. This fuel-saving performance meets “Energy Star Most Efficient” standards, which represent the EPA’s highest efficiency rating and allow homeowners to qualify for various state energy rebates.Delivering up to 9.2 gallons per minute of domestic hot water, the CB Combi provides nearly twice as much flow as competitor models. A flow control valve, not offered by competitors, ensures a consistent temperature for domestic hot water demand, regardless of incoming water temperature. This allows greater domestic hot water flow and more precise temperature stability, translating to a higher level of customer satisfaction.On the space heating side, the Combi accommodates a host of multiple-room applications including radiators, baseboards, low- and high-mass radiant heating (i.e. in-floor, snow melt, etc.) and air handlers.Two models are available for different levels of demand:
- The CB180DV has a maximum gas input Btuh of 180,000 for hot water and 100,000 Btuh for space heating.
- The CB199DV has a maximum gas input Btuh of 199,000 for hot water and 120,000 Btuh for space heating.
Other CB Combi features include:
- A compact wall-hung package weighing only 90 pounds, making it lighter than a traditional boiler so that a single installer can do the job. Its compact size allows it to take up as much as 80 percent less space than a traditional floor-standing boiler and water heater.
- An outdoor temperature reset sensor that measures outdoor temperatures, allowing the CB Combi to constantly operate at maximum efficiency.
- Different temperature settings for the domestic hot water heating and space heating applications. For domestic hot water, temperatures range from 90 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. On the space heating side, the range is 100 to 180 degrees Fahrenheit.
- A built-in external pump control that allows for an external secondary or booster pump to be wired directly to the Combi to deliver significantly more BTU’s on the primary loop without sacrificing efficiency.
- Three Austenite stainless steel heat exchangers that deliver superior performance and a longer life and scald prevention technology that ensures domestic hot water safety.
- Condensing technology with low enough exhaust temperatures to allow venting with PVC, CPVC or PP. The use of plastic venting materials – rather than the stainless steel venting required by non-condensing water heaters – substantially lowers costs by reducing installation time as well as the cost of the materials themselves.
The compact size, ease-of-installation, high-efficiency and superior domestic hot water performance of the Noritz CB Combi add up to an all-in-one solution for a home’s heating and hot water needs.
Unico’s popular new heat pump, the iSeries outdoor unit with inverter technology, has become even more popular this fall and winter as contractors are taking advantage of a $500 rebate from the manufacturer. Unico has been sending U.S and Canadian contractors a $500 check for every unit they’ve sold this year between August 1 and Read more
Unico’s popular new heat pump, the iSeries outdoor unit with inverter technology, has become even more popular this fall and winter as contractors are taking advantage of a $500 rebate from the manufacturer. Unico has been sending U.S and Canadian contractors a $500 check for every unit they’ve sold this year between August 1 and December 31, according to Scott Intagliata, marketing director for Unico. The offer is available for both residential and commercial applications.
Intagliata says HVAC contractors like the outdoor heat pump’s high-efficiency ratings, as well as having the ability to match it to Unico’s high-wall splits or ducted units, or a combination of both, operating at the same time from one outdoor unit.
“The iSeries is the first and only multi-split product that combines the best of ducted and ductless technology,” Intagliata said. “This means you can give customers the advantages of the Unico System – even temperatures, no drafts, and small ducts for better aesthetics – along with high wall units to help solve design or construction challenges.”
The iSeries line has been well-received since its introduction a year ago. The outdoor unit achieves high SEER ratings when paired with Unico high-wall units or a combination of high-wall units and ducted units. The heat pump operates efficiently in a wide outdoor temperature range, from -25 degrees F to 122 degrees F. It features antifreeze protection and an intelligent defrost system, and is compatible with UniZone, Unico’s damper system for up to three zones.
The iSeries heat pump operates continually at various speeds, but never completely shuts down. The unit makes small, incremental changes to most efficiently meet the load request. In a traditional system, however, every time the system cycles on it must ramp up to full operating power, requiring a tremendous amount of energy.
“Standard HVAC systems are constantly cycling on and off, consuming a great deal of power. Inverter technology is so much more efficient and will really help customers reduce energy consumption and utility costs,” Intagliata said.
Unico introduced the iSeries in the U.S. in 2014 after it entered a partnership with Argoclima, an Italian manufacturer that has produced the high-efficiency HVAC line for several years. The iSeries combines the Italian-made outdoor unit with Unico’s American-made air handler and has found a strong niche in custom homes as well as retrofits in older homes.
The iSeries is available in four sizes from 1.5 to 3-ton capacities. The air handlers include the ability to heat with boiler heat as secondary heating source. No other inverter drive unit has this capability.
GEBERIT TO SHOWCASE MODERN BATHROOM DESIGN AT KBIS 2016 THROUGH SERIES OF “INSPIRE” PRESENTATIONS Geberit North America is pleased to announce the Inspire series of presentations that will be ongoing throughout KBIS 2016. The productions will illustrate the versatility, reliability, and fine design capabilities of the Geberit Concealed Tank and Carrier System. “The Inspire Read more
GEBERIT TO SHOWCASE MODERN BATHROOM DESIGN AT KBIS 2016 THROUGH SERIES OF “INSPIRE” PRESENTATIONS
Geberit North America is pleased to announce the Inspire series of presentations that will be ongoing throughout KBIS 2016. The productions will illustrate the versatility, reliability, and fine design capabilities of the Geberit Concealed Tank and Carrier System.
“The Inspire presentations will demonstrate efficiency, function, and design performing simultaneously in the bathroom,” says John Fitzgerald, Director of Marketing for Geberit North America. “The in-wall tank with a wall-mounted toilet is becoming a favored product among designers. The system saves valuable space and allows unique opportunities for architectural expression.”
The Geberit KBIS 2016 booth will showcase the Concealed Tank and Carrier System’s expanding role in water efficiency and modern bathroom design. Attendees will learn about how the system is inspiring new creativity.
During the show participants will see:
- Modern designs in classic settings
- Renovation-friendly systems
- Water and space conserving designs
- Distinguished solutions for aging in place
Geberit will be presenting in booth N3138 during KBIS 2016. The event is being held January 19-21, 2016 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV.
Geberit North America is part of the Geberit Group, a European market leader and global provider of sanitary technology. Located in Des Plaines, Illinois, Geberit North America provides concealed tank and carrier systems for wall-hung and floor-mounted toilets and fixtures. Geberit systems improve the look of any bathroom by hiding the unsightly toilet tank. Replacing a standard tank and toilet with the Geberit system results in more usable space, improved hygiene and better accessibility. The unique dual-flush valve saves water and is practically maintenance-free. Monolith is Geberit’s newest product – a unique alternative to the traditional floor-mounted toilet and tank. Geberit also offers cable-controlled bath waste and overflows in a variety of designer finishes. Critical working parts are outside the waterway, ensuring years of trouble-free operation. As European market leader, the Geberit Group is a global provider in the area of plumbing technology with sales of CHF 2.6 billion and about 12,000 employees in over 40 countries worldwide.