REHAU is set to introduce two new products at AHR Expo 2015, including a weather-sensing controls module developed for its hydronic snow and ice melting system as well as the REHAU RAUMATTM radiant heating mat system. In addition, REHAU engineers are presenters for education sessions including “The Path to Net Zero Through Hydronics,” and “Integrating Read more
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REHAU is set to introduce two new products at AHR Expo 2015, including a weather-sensing controls module developed for its hydronic snow and ice melting system as well as the REHAU RAUMATTM radiant heating mat system. In addition, REHAU engineers are presenters for education sessions including “The Path to Net Zero Through Hydronics,” and “Integrating with Home Automation Systems – Hydronics in a Connected World.”
The company will also display its industry-leading radiant heating/cooling, snow and ice melting, geothermal ground loop heat exchange and pre-insulated PEXa piping systems.
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.
RAUMATTM Radiant Heating Mat System is RAUPEX O2 Barrier pipe pre-assembled onto mats which are rolled out on the jobsite to speed installation. RAUMAT is intended for radiant heating and is an ideal solution for commercial building projects with large open slab areas such as distribution centers, “big box” stores and production halls. It offers all the high-performance advantages of a REHAU radiant heating system while reducing the on-site time and costs associated with a typical installation. RAUMAT is customized to each project for exact mat and tail configurations and delivered ready to roll out on the jobsite.
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.
RAUGEOTM Geothermal Ground Loop Heat Exchange Systems exchange energy with the earth to heat and cool at a fraction of the operating costs of traditional HVAC, with potential energy savings up to 70 percent. REHAU RAUGEO PEXa piping offers superior flexibility and abrasion resistance compared to conventional HDPE geothermal systems, while pre-fabricated double U-bends require up to 30 percent less borehole footage than a single HDPE U-bend.
INSULPEX® Pre-Insulated PEXa Piping Systems are specially designed for the efficient transfer of hot or chilled fluid through buried pipelines, offering a continuous piping system that minimizes temperature change. When compared with rigid piping systems, INSULPEX reduces installation costs and time thanks to its increased flexibility and longer coil lengths.
For additional information on REHAU’s complete line of mechanical solutions, visit their AHR Expo booth 1535 or visit their website at http://na.rehau.com/mp
As a PHVAC professional, you need to carry a lot of tools and parts with you to each jobsite and keeping everything organized is key to the success of your business. You don’t want to show up to a client’s home just to fumble around in the back of your van looking for Read more
As a PHVAC professional, you need to carry a lot of tools and parts with you to each jobsite and keeping everything organized is key to the success of your business. You don’t want to show up to a client’s home just to fumble around in the back of your van looking for a specific wrench. Not only does that level of disorganization decrease your efficiency, but it can potentially harm your reputation as a professional, reliable PHVAC service provider.
With Adrian Steel’s Ford Transit Upfit Package for PHVAC Professionals, you don’t have to worry about a disorganized work van. Designed with PHVAC professionals’ needs in mind, the upfit package provides innovative cargo management solutions to keep all of your tools and equipment organized and secure during transportation.
PHVAC Upfit Package Features
By investing an upfit package, you can be sure that you’re getting an upfit that is tried-and-true by hundreds of professionals in your industry. The PHVAC Upfit Packages vary depending on the Transit model that you’re upfitting, however all packages include the following elements:
- Three ADseries adjustable shelving units measuring 44″ wide, 59″ tall, 14″ deep and an accompanying rail kit
- Divider kit to create even more organization options within your shelving
- Door kit to transform a shelf into a secure, lockable cabinet
- Multiple drawer units featuring Adrian Steel’s exclusive Lock ‘N Latch system to keep your tools stored away safely
- A Partition with door and wing kit separates the cab from the cargo area, increasing passenger safety, organization, and improving climate control
- The welded tank rack and tank rack adapter is the perfect solution for storing those tough-to-transport tanks
- A three hook bar can be utilized to store cords and other wires that may get tangled
View PHVAC Packages for all 2015 Transit Models
130” Wheelbase Low Roof | 148” Wheelbase Low Roof
130” Wheelbase Medium Roof | 148” Wheelbase Medium Roof
148” Wheelbase High Roof | 148” EXT Wheelbase High Roof
About Adrian Steel Company
Established in 1953, Adrian Steel Company designs and manufactures cutting-edge, reliable cargo management solutions for cargo vans, trucks, trailers, and walk-in vans. Adrian Steel prides itself in producing the most innovative and durable upfit products on the market. To order your upfit, contact one of Adrian Steel’s trusted distributors today!
The GripLine is the first tape measure specifically designed to grip round surfaces, such as metal conduit, rebar, threaded rod, PVC pipe – from a significant distance, saving users’ time. Ideal for plumbing, electrical and framing pros, the patented GripLine has the ability to hold rounded corners and round objects up to two-inches in diameter Read more
The GripLine is the first tape measure specifically designed to grip round surfaces, such as metal conduit, rebar, threaded rod, PVC pipe – from a significant distance, saving users’ time. Ideal for plumbing, electrical and framing pros, the patented GripLine has the ability to hold rounded corners and round objects up to two-inches in diameter.
The ProScribe tape measure features a retractable 1-1/2-inch rigid scribe guide and centering pin to help contractors measure and mark to cut lengths or a radius. The ProScribe integrates several valuable marking functions, including the compass-like ability to measure and scribe circles and bisect angles, as well as the chalk-line-accuracy to measure and mark/score straight lines. Users can also easily position a case knife or carpenter’s pencil against the tape’s metal tip to cut/score or mark the desired width.
For more information on the GripLine and ProScribe, including press releases in several formats, as well as high resolution photography, please visit:
GripLine: http://swanson.media-resources-ordp.com/2014/gripline-holds-round-surfaces.shtml
ProScribe: http://swanson.media-resources-ordp.com/2014/proscribe-increases-accuracy.shtml
By Jim Hinshaw Just heard of a hamburger joint that is known for developing the skills of the employees to unheard of levels. In fact, their training is so good they have won the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, putting them in the same group as Ritz Carlton, Cadillac and Federal Express. The CEO, Thomas Read more
By Jim Hinshaw
Just heard of a hamburger joint that is known for developing the skills of the employees to unheard of levels. In fact, their training is so good they have won the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, putting them in the same group as Ritz Carlton, Cadillac and Federal Express. The CEO, Thomas Crosby, who has been with the chain since 1981 tells us that they are in the education business, and they want their employees to be the equivalent of valedictorians. That is the goal they set to beat the competition.
Their training program starts with how to iron the uniform (really?), and moves on to each process they work with in the restaurant. Each employee is certified and recertified on each machine. When they are re-tested, if they don’t score 100%, they are off that machine. Each person in a leadership role spends 10% of their time helping another employee master a skill, it is a well-defined system.
They took the dedication to a new level a few years ago, when they were awarded the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, given by the President Bush in 2001. Part of the tradition that goes with that award is that the recipient agrees to share their business practices with others to help them improve quality. So out of that the Pals Business Excellence Institute (BEI) was born. It is a school where the participants pay from $350 for a half day to $900 for 2 days. In the 2 days they visit a real operating Pals restaurant, go behind the counter to watch the crews work, see how a team can make a difference in speed and delivery. The school is run on a break-even basis, many attendees return year after year to refresh. One of those returnees is Ken Shiller from K & N Management (Rudy’s “Country Store” & Bar-B-Q and Mighty Fine Burgers, Fries, and Shakes, located in Texas), who has brought his management team to BEI many times. They attribute over $10 million dollars in annual sales growth to the techniques learned from BEI, and won the Malcolm Baldrige award themselves.
Pals was started in 1956 by Pal Barger, they now employ over 900 people, have only gone through 7 general managers in the last 33 years, has a turnover rate that is half their nearest competitor, and average a customer complaint once in every 3500 transactions. Crosby says he wants the experience that each employee has at Pal’s to last them a lifetime, and no matter if they are a doctor or chemical engineer, the things they learned at Pal’s still apply today.
My question (and you knew it was coming) is this: does your company have a training program for each employee? Are they tested and re-tested on their specific job? Do they help the other employees as part of their duties? Do they know how to iron their uniforms? What are you doing different than the competition to train and keep employees, and help them succeed in a competitive environment. Hamburgers are somewhat of a commodity: some meat, a bun, mustard and relish. Commodities are bought and sold at the lowest price. What makes the difference at Pal’s is the service and quality control they bring to a commodity.
Our business is, and should be, completely customized. We have to buy plumbing fixtures, water and sewer lines, water heaters and install them with all manufacturer, state and local codes complied with, then and only then will they get the health, safety and performance they paid for in the system. No two systems are exactly alike, even if the homes are the same. A different family lives in the home, so things like hot water needs, fixture details, decorating tastes and utility bills pay different roles in what the customer wants and needs. In fact, we offer some of the best looking fixtures in the home, no one ever shows off their new furnace, it may be in the attic.
One of the topics that come up all across the nation is how do we find and attract good employees to join our team. The answer, make the team better than the competition, train them better, let them know more is expected, pay them better, they will come. So set up a training program for your company, follow the example of Pal’s. and if you get into Tennessee or Kentucky, stop by a store, get a meal, watch them perform.
The new NRCP line of residential tankless water heaters from Noritz America combines the high efficiency of condensing technology with the comfort and savings of hot-water recirculation. A circulating pump inside the water heater keeps hot water close to the outlet, minimizing the wait and, therefore, the waste of unused potable water down the drain Read more
The new NRCP line of residential tankless water heaters from Noritz America combines the high efficiency of condensing technology with the comfort and savings of hot-water recirculation. A circulating pump inside the water heater keeps hot water close to the outlet, minimizing the wait and, therefore, the waste of unused potable water down the drain. Saving water, in this case, is doubly beneficial, because recirculation also avoids wasting the energy used to heat that water.
Using the integral digital display on the front of the water heater, homeowners can program the recirculation system to operate only when needed, with a precision down to the hour. An alternative, “auto” setting allows the system to quickly “learn” a household’s water-usage routines and automatically control the recirculation loop activation times, allowing for immediate hot water when it is needed most.
High efficiency for larger homes: Part of the Noritz ecoTOUGH™ Series of gas-fired residential tankless water heaters, the NRCP98-DV and the NRCP1112-DV have an Energy Factor of 0.95 for both natural gas and LP gas. These ratings are more than 10 points higher than that of a comparably sized, conventional tankless unit, and approximately 30 points higher than a standard, tank-type gas-fired water heater.
- With a maximum input of 180,000 BTU per hour (BTU/hr), the NRCP98-DV has a maximum flow rate of 9.8 gallons per minute (gpm), making it generally suitable for homes with up to two-and-a-half baths.
- The NRCP1112-DV, with a maximum input of 199,900 BTU/hr and a maximum flow rate of 11.1 gpm, is suitable for homes with up to three and a half baths.
Each unit delivers water from 100°F to 140°F, with a minimum flow rate for activation of 0.5 gpm.
How recirculation works: Recirculation is accomplished through a combination of an integral pump and temperature sensor and the home’s water-distribution system. The recirculation control works by monitoring the temperature of the water exiting the heat exchanger inside the water heater.
- When exiting water reaches the maximum cutoff temperature, the recirculation pump shuts off, which also shuts down the burner.
- Both remain off until the water temperature falls to the minimum cutoff — or there is demand for hot water — at which point they reactivate until the maximum cutoff level is attained again. Homeowners can choose whatever minimum cutoff temperature best meets the comfort and energy-saving needs of their households.
Warm water returns to the tankless unit from the various outlets in a home via one or more recirculation loops. The maximum loop run from the tankless unit is 200 feet for 1/2-inch pipe; 500 feet for 3/4-inch pipe.
Easier, less costly venting: Using a half-inch gas line up to 120 feet in length, the NRCP98-DV and the NRCP1112-DV can be vented with PVC or CPVC pipe. With two-inch PVC, vent lines can extend up to 50 feet; with three-inch, 100 feet. (See adjacent box.)
“Condensing technology results in lower flue gas temperatures, permitting the use of plastic piping, which is less expensive than the Category III Stainless Steel venting required by conventional tankless units,” explains Noritz marketing manager Jason Fleming. “The zero-clearance plastic piping provides greater installation flexibility, as well as a lower installation cost, for the plumbing installer.”
Two other key features further simplify and speed installation:
- Two units can be quick-connected and then vented through a common termination point, saving installation material as well as time.
- There is no need for extra dipswitches to accommodate different vent runs.
No buffer tank needed: Unlike some condensing units, the NRCP98-DV and the NRCP1112-DV do not need a built-in buffer tank to stabilize water temperature at the outlet. Not having to maintain a reservoir of hot water inside the unit further saves energy. “Hot water on demand with no storage whatsoever is what tankless technology is all about,” says Fleming.
Measuring 17.3 inches wide x 27.6 inches high x 14.8 inches deep, both units are equipped with a gas leak detector and a water leakage cutoff. Other key features include:
- BUILT-IN DIGITAL DISPLAY: In addition to controlling operations, the integral digital display permits basic servicing without the need for a remote device. Located on the front panel, this readout assists in the troubleshooting by indicating flow rates, tem-perature and common error codes.
- 12-YEAR WARRANTY: Like other ecoTOUGH models, the NRCP98-DV and the NRCP1112-DV protect the environment by heating water strictly on demand, while offering a longer product life cycle than storage tank-type models. The warranty for each unit is 12 years on the two heat exchangers, made of long-lasting, high-grade stainless steel; five years on parts; one year on labor.
- ECO-FRIENDLY OPERATION, COMPONENTS: Both models promise lower emissions, reduced electrical consumption, smaller amounts of potentially hazardous construc-tion materials, and easier recyclability of those materials and components once the product is removed from service.
For more information on the NRCP98-DV and the NRCP1112-DV condensing tankless water heaters, visit www.noritz.com.