education

Rinnai webinar discusses hydronic air handler features, benefits, installation, and more

The Propane Education & Research Council is offering a new webinar for construction professionals as part of its “Propane Presents Technology Series”. The webinar, created in partnership with Rinnai, will take place at 2 p.m. EDT on Sept.10.

During the webinar, Rinnai will discuss the features and advantages of hydronic air handlers, discuss installation and service fundamentals for construction professionals, and provide best practices for approaching the ideal customer. Hydronic heating systems, which can be part of new and retrofit projects, offer a smaller carbon footprint and increased efficiency than comparable products. They also provide increased comfort, backup and emergency heat with a heat pump, and improved efficiency when paired with Rinnai tankless condensing products.

“We are excited to be partnering with Rinnai for this webinar, which is jam-packed with educational, engaging content for contractors and construction professionals,” said Bryan Cordill, director of residential and commercial business development at PERC. “We hope attendees walk away with a new understanding of how propane equipment can benefit their customers — and, ultimately, their business.”

PERC’s “Propane Presents Technology Series” focuses on new and emerging propane technologies, education, and best practices to approach the ideal customer. Hosted and facilitated by PERC, in partnership with various OEMs, the series aims to showcase various propane products across multiple markets, answer questions directly from the industry and end users, and provide relevant resources and training information.

To learn more about the benefits of propane systems, visit Propane.com. Click here to register for the webinar with Rinnai.

When Forrest Anderson Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning Inc. (Forrest Anderson), a family-owned business in the Phoenix area since 1961, was asked to remove a medical gas system from a commercial building, they chose to donate it to P.I.P.E industries for training purposes. Highlighting their commitment to training and development, the company’s donation will help future industry experts learn how to manage similar situations and contracts.

Carl Triphahn, Director of P.I.P.E. (L) accepts the medical gas system training donation from Dennis Correll of Forrest Anderson Plumbing and AC (R)

Forrest Anderson was contracted to remove an oxygen gas manifold from a commercial property as the new owners were not allowed to use it. Upon removing the box, piping, thermostats, and pressure gauges, the team mounted it on a 4×8 piece of plywood to be used by P.I.P.E industries for their medical gas piping classes.

“When I went through the training, they didn’t always have these components on hand,” explained Mark Stevens of Forrest Anderson. “They would just pull pieces out of a box, so newer technicians might not understand how it was installed. By donating it this way, we hope it helps people across the industry who are brought on for similar projects.”

While removing the system would not require additional qualifications, installation could only be done by technicians with specific training. The team from Forrest Anderson was able to remove the medical gas system within a few hours, mounting it onto the board off-site.

“We are committed to supporting the plumbing and HVAC industry through training and development,” said Audrey Monell, CEO of Forrest Anderson. “This is an exciting industry with numerous opportunities for career development once individuals are trained and experienced. To continue to attract smart and ambitious people to the industry, we hope to support their education with donations like this medical gas system.”

The Piping Industry Progress and Education Trust Fund (P.I.P.E.) is a non-profit 501-C5 established in 1954. P.I.P.E. supports training programs for apprentice and journeyman crafts people to provide participating contractors with thoroughly competent workers. All P.I.P.E. certified journeymen undergo a five-year apprenticeship program to become fully trained in all aspects of the plumbing, pipefitting, and air conditioning industry.

One of the things that keeps contractors up at night is worrying about where their next qualified hire is going to come from.

The shortage of skilled workers in the trades is severe and getting worse. Seventy percent of construction companies nationwide are having trouble finding qualified workers, according to the Associated General Contractors of America.

And if Congress ever does approve a much-needed infrastructure package, the need will be even greater.

We in the trades can hope parents will stop pushing the necessity of a four-year degree to every child, regardless of interest or qualifications, but there are more practical measures we can take in the meantime.

Last year, Viega LLC launched the Viega Trades Education Network (VTEN) to boost the ranks and skills of students studying the design, installation and function of plumbing and hydronic systems. Viega is partnering with trade schools, community colleges and the UA in the United States and Canada to subsidize and provide training on mechanical systems.

VTEN is about providing a better education for those already enrolled and supporting the schools and instructors that are training the next generation of workers. Like all educational institutions, these schools don’t have the budgets and resources to deliver everything they’d like to give their students.

As members of VTEN, schools get comprehensive curriculum modules that easily integrate into existing programs. The modules include Hydronics 101, Piping & Controls, Radiant Design, Trades Math, Blueprint Reading, CAD and BIM, and more. In addition, Viega provides functional demonstration units supported by lesson plans and projects and a complete tooling package.

Educators receive admission to an annual VTEN conference in Colorado or New Hampshire, including hotel, airfare, food and admission; Viega and direct vendor support of BlueVolt^® eLearning platform; hands-on tool demonstrations and LoopCAD^® license options and instructor training.

The LoopCAD package includes on-site orientation to the network and a Zoning Demonstration Board and Mixing Demonstration Board to give students hands-on experience in troubleshooting systems.

And, of course, VTEN offers credentialed classes for Viega products, including ProPress^® and MegaPress^®.

But the program doesn’t stop there. Schools also receive a RIDGID^®  RP-340 tool or Milwaukee M18^® Force Logic Press Tool with a set of jaws for metal and PEX, as well as samples of various types of pipe and couplings for each student.

The first students in VTEN will graduate soon and we welcome them to the ranks of the trades. We invite other companies to follow suit and join us in building the workforce of the future.

Lino Santoro is Viega Trades Education Network (VTEN) Manager. 

Wilo USA, a provider of pumps and pump solutions for building services, water management, and groundwater, is pleased to announce its expanded groundwater range and NSF certified products, along with attractive pricing and dealer eXpert Program.

The full offering of Wilo 4” motors and TWI and TWU pump ends are now NSF/ANSI 61 certified, which is required for products to be used in drinking water or low lead applications.

Wilo also covers the full range of 4”-10” stainless steel submersible pumps, with additional model, material, and motor configurations in sizes up to 24”.

Wilo eXpert is an exclusive paperless dealer program which grants access to special offers, training, and branded material. “I am very excited to offer our Wilo eXpert Dealer program! It will really give exclusive access to those who register,” says Matthew Beasley, Director of Groundwater for the Americas.

Wilo’s Groundwater Division provides submersible pumps and accessories for water supply from water wells, agriculture, dewatering and industrial applications.

For more information on Wilo groundwater pricing and programs, please contact groundwater@wilo-usa.com or visit www.wilo-usa.com.  For more information on Wilo products and their employees, please visit www.wilo-usa.com.

Wilo USA LLC, 9550 W. Higgins Rd. #300, Rosemont, IL 60018

Phone: 888-945-6872, Fax: 888-945-6873

Email: info@wilo-usa.com, Internet: www.wilo-usa.com