Industry News

Attendees gathered to learn and engage with the industry at PHCC CONNECT 2024

October 2024 – Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors National Association (PHCC) recently hosted CONNECT 2024 from October 7-10, where forward-focused plumbing and HVAC contractors came together for an engaging experience. This year’s theme, “Authentic Connections,” highlighted the importance of building trust and fostering relationships within the industry.

The event featured a packed schedule filled with more than 20 education sessions and multiple networking opportunities, allowed participants to gain valuable insights, share best practices and create lasting connections within the plumbing and HVAC industry. A total of 24 plumbing and HVAC apprentices from across the country took part in the competition, and the winners were Logan Cunningham, plumbing, and Dane Gonser, HVAC.

The 2024 Colonel George D. Scott Award was presented to Keith Bienvenu of Bienvenu Brothers, recognizing his years of service and devotion to the association and the industry. This award honors those whose efforts have significantly benefited other plumbing, heating, and cooling contractors.

At CONNECT, 94-year-old James Lindsey of Lindsey Brothers Plumbing and Heating in Norfolk, Virginia, was recognized for his contributions to PHCC and the industry. Starting his plumbing career at 16, he founded his own business, which will celebrate its 60th anniversary in 2026.

“CONNECT is a powerful reminder of how vital our connections are in this industry,” said Joe Cornetta, PHCC National President. “By coming together, we not only share knowledge but also strengthen the foundation for our future success in the plumbing and HVAC industries.”

Save the date for next year’s conference in Grand Rapids, Michigan, scheduled for October 27-30 at the DeVos Place and Amway Grand Plaza. Don’t miss the opportunity to continue building connections and enhancing your business.

For more information on future events, visit phccweb.org/CONNECT. Thank you to our 2024 CONNECT sponsors for their support.

Drawing on its nearly 100 years of expertise, Rheem®,  a worldwide leader in the water heating industry, will showcase its comprehensive suite of consulting services and wide range of products at the 2024 ASPE Innovations in Plumbing Trade Show in Columbus, Ohio from Friday, Oct. 18 – Wednesday, Oct. 23.

At booth 825, Rheem will take center stage highlighting its Applications Consulting Team. This expert team offers invaluable services such as sizing, crossover, and piping guidance, making them an essential resource for consumers, contractors and engineers.

Throughout the show, Rheem will provide insights into its capabilities using cutting-edge simulation technology for attendees of ASPE. Using a virtual reality system, Rheem will deliver an immersive experience, allowing participants to understand installation processes and learn about heat pump operations, including operational modes of Rheem’s Light Duty Commercial Heat Pump Water Heaters. This engaging experience highlights the company’s commitment to its approach which is “Every Step of the Way, From Design Through Commissioning, We’ve Got You Covered.”

“Having an opportunity to connect directly with plumbing engineers, designers, specifiers, and contractors is invaluable,” stated Annette Finnigan, Senior Marketing Manager with Rheem Commercial Water. “We are looking forward to taking advantage of all that the 2024 ASPE Expo will have to offer while reinforcing our role in shaping the future of plumbing engineering.”

Beyond offering attendees an opportunity to meet with Rheem spec specialists and the Applications Team, Rheem will have a trio of innovative products on display at the show, which include:

Rheem® Air to Water Commercial Heat Pumps: Offered in a variety of install options, the line of Rheem Commercial Heat Pump Water Heaters reduces energy use and operating costs for businesses, while delivering dependable hot water. Unlike gas, the heat pump can draw air from and discharge within the surrounding area, so it is not limited by venting. With the ability to be installed both indoors and outdoors, Rheem’s Commercial Heat Pump Water Heaters provide the flexibility necessary to cater to the needs of all commercial properties. On average, commercial heat pump water heaters (HPWH) equal to 25% of the operating cost of an electric water heater and increase a building’s efficiency, as well as offering an opportunity to qualify for LEED points. Additionally, Rheem Commercial HPWH’s are a sustainable solution suitable for most mild climates and the units contribute to decarbonization goals. Rheem’s HPHD135 models are ENERGY STAR^® certified and many commercial HPWH are applicable for rebates, incentives and tax credits. Visit the Rheem booth (825) at the ASPE show to explore details on Rheem’s next generation heat pump.

Rheem® Commercial Hybrid Electric Heat Pump Water Heater: Available in 40, 50-, 65-, and 80-gallon models, the Commercial Hybrid Electric line features built-in Rheem EcoNet® Wi-Fi (on select models) for real-time alerts, leak detection, access to energy and water usage reports and more. Additionally, there is the ability to program the water heater to match demand throughout the day, meaning higher production during high use times to ensure there is never a lag in hot water available. Uses 75% less energy than a standard electric water heater to help minimize impact on the environment and reduce overall energy consumption. Additionally, all models are ENERGY STAR^® certified.

Rheem® Triton® Light Duty: Perfect for small businesses that need a smarter, more robust solution than standard units. As part of the Triton Family, Triton LD offers built-in smart monitoring technology and the industry’s most accurate leak detection and prevention system. Business owners can now manage and prevent water heater problems before they occur – and avoid costly downtime. Guided and influenced by plumbers and perfected by Rheem Engineers, Triton Light Duty provides more durability, more hot water per hour, and more intelligence to keep any business up and running.

Eemax Pro Series XTP: ProSeries XTP™ tankless electric water heaters are designed for applications that require superior thermal performance and stability. Using breakthrough Adaptive Stability Technology™, ProSeries XTP models provide exact thermal performance in demanding conditions. ProSeries XTP is an ideal solution for diverse commercial and industrial applications requiring water temperatures up to 180°F and specified flow rates from 0.5 to 20 gallons per minute. The units’ range in power from 16 to 54 kilowatts and operate on three phase delta power. The series is comprised of 10 models in either three or six heating chamber configurations.

“We’re excited to engage with ASPE attendees, offering them in-depth insights, live demonstrations, and personalized consultations to ensure they leave with a comprehensive understanding of how Rheem solutions can enhance their projects,” added Ryan Atherley, Application Consulting Manager with Rheem Commercial Water. “We look forward to delivering an immersive and well-rounded trade show experience.”

For more information on Rheem Commercial Water’s comprehensive portfolio and commercial water heating solutions, visit www.rheem.com/commercial-hot-water/.

The Fed’s recent interest rates cut could be just the beginning of a downward trend 

Ed Sullivan, the Chief Economist and Sr. Vice President of Market Intelligence for the Portland Cement Association (PCA) — which represents America’s cement manufacturers — says the Federal Reserve’s recent move to lower interest rates coupled with easing inflation signals a significant retreat in interest rate levels by the end of next year … all to the benefit of construction activity.

At PCA’s annual Fall Meeting held in Aurora, Colorado last week, Sullivan shared the industry’s economic forecast for 2025 with cement company leaders. Key points highlighted include:

• It will take time for the impact of the Fed’s policy pivot to materialize in the economy and construction. Near term, construction activity is expected to be burdened by oppressively high interest rates. As more rate cuts transpire, construction loan rates are expected to decline — spurring new life into the construction market. This is expected to begin by mid-2025.
• Mortgage interest rates are expected to decline to 5.5% by mid-2025 and to 5.0% by year-end 2025. This is likely to usher in favorable home affordability and a surge in consumer demand.
• Lower rates will also usher in a significant increase in the supply of existing homes on the market. This is expected to more than offset the increase in demand and lead to a reduction in new and existing home prices. This further enhances affordability.
• Nonresidential construction will also benefit from lower interest rates. Unfortunately, it will take time to improve occupancy rates and a higher Net Operating Income. These will come as the economy gains momentum next year. Given this, nonresidential is not expected to see recovery until 2026.

Public construction activity is expected to benefit from increased spending associated with the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

The Portland Cement Association (PCA), founded in 1916, is the premier policy, research, education, and market intelligence organization serving America’s cement manufacturers. PCA supports sustainability, innovation, and safety while fostering continuous improvement in cement manufacturing, distribution, infrastructure, and economic growth. For more information, visit www.cement.org.

Watts is excited to announce its next big step in their smart & connected journey with the launch of Nexa, the intelligent water management solution for facilities. This system’s advanced sensing technology and robust software platform are designed to uncover hidden water system insights and risks, empowering building managers to enhance building performance and occupant experience. Nexa is system agnostic with many facilities experiencing a 3x return on their initial investment in the first year of usage.

Nexa offers real-time monitoring, alerts, and insights to prevent costly water-related incidents and reduce water and energy consumption. Its intuitive interface features a system schematic, customizable alerts, and detailed analytics, enabling teams to quickly identify and address issues.  When used in conjunction with Nexa compatible equipment, like water heaters, digital mixing valves, or shutoff valves, facility managers can get even more insights into their water system and remotely manage specific equipment operations. Nexa is available in desktop and mobile app format.

For more information, visit NexaPlatform.com.