Product Spotlight

For a more cost-effective ball valve option for ASTM F1960 PEX-based hydronic heating and cooling applications, look to Uponor’s ProPEX^® brass ball valves. These commercial-grade, full-port ball valves are available in ½” to 2″ sizes and are appropriate for non-potable PEX piping systems containing up to 50 percent propylene glycol. The valves feature blow-out-proof stems and are available with stem extension kits to accommodate up to 2″ of insulation. They are code-compliant and listed to ANSI/NSF 14 and cNSFus-rfh and tested to ASTM F877, ASTM F1960, CSA B137.5 and NSF 359.

Visit uponorengineering.com to download CAD and BIM design files for fast and easy specification and design.

Johnson Controls has released the newest addition to their premium line of residential systems, the YORK® Affinity™ Series YZT two-stage Heat Pump. The ENERGY STAR® rated heat pump delivers advanced efficiencies and smart home capabilities.

The 19 SEER, 10.0 HSPF efficiency can save homeowner’s up to 47 percent on energy use. Even greater efficiency can be achieved when installed with the Alexa® compatible, Wi-Fi®-enabled Affinity™ Hx3™ Touch-screen smart Thermostat. When connected, the combination offers top-of-the-line features for both homeowners and contractors.

Homeowners can now control and monitor their home comfort system by voice command using an Amazon Alexa® device or, remotely using the Hx® app. Contractors can expect easy setup and support thanks to near field communication, a set of short-range wireless technologies and a dedicated distributor app.

“With the addition of the YZT heat pump, we offer a truly comprehensive package of energy-efficient solutions to help contractors meet the needs of homeowners at any budget,” said Liz Haggerty, vice president and general manager, Ducted Systems, Johnson Controls.

Several additional innovations enhance the system’s performance:

• QuietDrive™ incorporates a sound-reducing swept-wing fan blade, composite base pan and sound containment cloak to reduce typical outdoor operating sound levels.
• ClimaTrak™—allows further fine-tuning of the blower for specific applications, whether to compensate for arid environments or maximize the use of additional air quality accessories including system-matched humidifiers, germ-killing UVC lights and high-efficiency MERV 16-rated filtration, for reduced dust and contaminants.
• A two-stage compressor for quiet and efficient operation.
• A compact footprint without sacrificing performance.
• An automotive-grade powder coat finish rated at 1,000 hours of salt spray to ensure the unit can withstand harsh weather conditions.
• Auto configuration and auto system updates via Wi-Fi® when installed as a communicating system.
• YZT can be sold as a complete Affinity™ residential system or as a premium upgrade to an existing system.

Designed, engineered and assembled in the United States, system components are backed by the manufacturing expertise of Fortune 100 parent company Johnson Controls and an unmatched limited one-year labor warranty, lifetime compressor and 10-year parts limited warranties on registered products. Highly Accelerated Life Testing (HALT) facilities aid in the systematic testing of components, including more than 20 years of accelerated operation testing for weather, humidity and temperatures as high as 125° F and as low as -10° F to ensure lasting performance and world-class quality.

In addition, units meet AHRI Standard 210/240 and 340/360 at AHRI conditions and meet relevant ASHRAE 90.1, ENERGY STAR® and EPAct2005 standards.

To learn more about YORK®, visit www.YORK.com. Also follow on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and @YORKHVAC on Twitter.

Cold-Shot® Pipe Freezing Kit from General Pipe Cleaners lets you repair an operating water system without draining water lines before cutting pipe or tubing.  The Cold-Shot freezes liquids in steel, copper, cast iron, aluminum or plastic pipes, 1/8” through 2” in diameter, using Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) in dip-tube cylinders.  It can create an ice plug in copper tubing within five minutes – and in steel pipe within three minutes. The Cold-Shot is faster, more compact and less expensive than “refrigerator-type” or “bag-type” units.

For details, contact General Pipe Cleaners at 800-245-6200 or 412-771-6300, or visit www.drainbrain.com/coldshot.

Taco Comfort Solutions’^® new Optimized Efficiency (Oe) high performance package for commercial pumps sets new standards for performance, efficiency and lifecycle cost.

By adding a permanent-magnet ECM motor and VFD to pumps in Taco’s commercial line, efficiency and service life are increased while exceeding upcoming DOE regulations.  Pumps between three and 30hp are available with the Oe Package.  Combined with the company’s extensive line of residential ECM circulators, Taco now offers the broadest range of high-efficiency, ECM-powered pumps and circulators.

Taco’s Oe Package reduces total cost of ownership through advanced motor technology and decreased energy consumption.  Longer service life, more uptime and higher reliability are all benefits of pairing permanent magnet motors with VFDs.  Performance is increased, motors operate more quietly, smoother and cooler than equivalent induction motors, and maintenance is decreased.

The Oe Package is available with Taco’s factory-programmed SelfSensing technology and ProBalance drives.  This reduces or eliminates the need for controls and balancing contractors in the commissioning and start-up process.

As the commercial construction market is continuously driven toward higher efficiency, the Oe Package keeps Taco on the leading edge.

For more information, visit www.TacoComfort.com