heating

Bosch Thermotechnology announced the release of its Climate 5000 Mini-Split Gen 2, a ductless system suitable for both residential and light commercial applications. The new, second-generation mini-split lineup expands the first generation lineup with enhanced performance, redesigned wall-mounted units; new four-way cassettes; and concealed ducted systems.

The Climate 5000 Mini-Split Gen 2 is a versatile heating and cooling option that is easy to install, easier to use, and delivers consistent temperature and humidity levels throughout desired spaces by making a series of automatic adjustments. An ENERGY STAR® rated single-zone and multi-zone system, it uses a combination of efficient technologies to achieve up to 25 SEER, significantly exceeding the 14 SEER requirement for ductless systems set by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Unique to the Climate 5000 Ductless System 2.0 Series, the mini-split offers a HyperHeat System – a heating and cooling function that does not require additional accessories to maintain comfortable temperatures even when outdoor conditions dip as low as -22 degrees Fahrenheit.

“The second generation of our Climate 5000 series provides on-demand comfort that is flexible, simple to install and easy to maintain,” said Andrew Archambault, senior product manager for Bosch Thermotechnology. “The reduced ductwork offerings comprise a smaller footprint, and some models allow for longer refrigerant piping than traditional systems. These improvements maximize contractors’ efficiency by enabling them to quickly complete new installations.”

The Climate 5000 Mini-Split Gen 2 is equipped with advanced energy-saving inverter drive technology that minimizes expenses while maintaining sound levels as low as 20 dBA when silence mode is activated. Each sunit features a turbo function that offers faster cooling and heating than traditional systems to deliver optimal comfort. The redesigned, wall-mounted Indoor units are available in new four-way cassette and concealed ducted options.

Optional wired wall thermostats and 24V interfaces are also available. The 24V interface will allow the Climate 5000 Mini-Split Gen 2 to work with 24V thermostats such as the Bosch BCC100 and BCC50, as well as various standard thermostats on the market. The wired-wall thermostat works in all indoor environments and offers a “Follow Me” feature that detects room temperatures.

The Climate 5000 Mini-Split is available to major distributors throughout North America. Visit the Climate 5000 Ductless System 2.0 Series page for more information.

Phoenix—CEO Ken Goodrich of Goettl Air Conditioning and Plumbing, a leading provider of HVAC and plumbing services in the Southwest United States, announced he is spending $1.5 million to install Ultra Violet (UV) germicidal lights in the homes of more than 600 employees.

Deemed an essential business during an unprecedented time in our nation, Goettl’s HVAC and plumbing technicians have continued to work tirelessly to ensure their community is receiving essential life systems and services throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. To show appreciation for their hard work and dedication, Goodrich is giving each Goettl employee a new UV germicidal light that will be installed into their personal HVAC system.

“Our technicians are putting their own well-being and safety second to serve their communities,” said Goodrich. “I want them to know how much we appreciate their unwavering dedication and bravery by giving them a product that will hopefully provide their own families with invaluable peace of mind during these uncertain times.”

The UV germicidal light, which mimics natural sunlight, uses ultraviolet radiation to drastically decrease indoor germs such as mold, fungi and bacteria. Additionally, the UV radiation destroys the nuclei of each contaminant preventing it from reproducing. Proven to kill viruses of many strains, this type of UV light is also used in hospitals and food processing plants nationwide.

The safety and well-being of Goettl employees is top priority for Goodrich and his executive team. As technicians are a critical resource for essential home services, Goodrich is committed to doing as much as possible to help ensure they stay safe and healthy during this public health crisis.

“At Goettl, we believe in doing things the right way, not the easy way and what’s right is keeping our employees safe and as healthy as possible so that they may continue to serve their beloved communities,” Goodrich continued.

A quick jobsite visit to the western suburbs of Chicago found hydronics guru Alan Carlson (Instagram @alan_carlson) swapping out leaking boilers at an 80-unit apartment complex.

Carlson, a plumbing and heating industry veteran has been repping the trades for the past 19 years. He entered the plumbing trade back in 2001, and for the past few years now, he has moved over to the hydronics side of the job with Ambrust Plumbing & Heating Solutions, Carol Stream, Ill., to where—back in 2014—he took his plumbing skills. Since 1918, Armbrust has provided DuPage County residents exceptional residential/commercial plumbing and heating services.

Carlson is testament to hard work and dedication to his craft. “I knew I wasn’t cut out for college and the trades has afforded me the opportunity to make a good living and provide for my family,” says Carlson.

Alan takes great pride in his work and it shows with the finished product. “I am a hard-working, goal-oriented person who specializes in problem solving, job quality and customer satisfaction.”

And don’t take his word for it, read what customers are saying about Alan and his professionalism. According to an online review, “This is the second time I have had Alan C. over to check on our plumbing. He is always friendly and very knowledgeable. He has a considerable level of experience and he has been able to answer all of my questions. When presented with options for needed services, he is honest in giving feedback with absolutely no pressure. Armbrust is a great plumbing company.”

Carlson was introduced to the trades at a very early age because his great grandfather, C.J. Erickson, started one of the oldest, and still one of the most successful, plumbing businesses in Chicago. In 1906, Carl Joseph “Joe” Erickson immigrated to America from Sweden, settling in Chicago. Joe, an accomplished plumber, signed with Plumbers Local 130 and set out to live the American dream, opening his own shop.

Although Carlson never worked at his great grandfather’s shop in the city, he got a taste early in his youth of what working in the trades would be like. “I didn’t know what career I wanted after high school. I tried the local junior college without any direction, hoping I would magically find something. I didn’t even finish a year. I decided that if my family can run a successful plumbing company in Chicago for four generations, and if my neighbor who owns his own company can make a good living, I would try plumbing,” says Carlson.

The trades have enriched Carlson’s life because he now possesses important and highly desired skills. “I also have a better understanding and much higher respect for those who work physically hard to earn their wage,” says Carlson.

Carlson stresses that there never should be a negative stereotype attached to being in the trades. “Having a career in the trades does not mean that you’re dumb or dirty or should be looked down upon. A trade is a highly skilled and highly needed job. If you want to have a career where you will always be needed, regardless of the economy, become a plumber. And if you do decide to get into it, work hard, never stop learning and never stop asking questions; be the first one there and the last one to leave,” says Carlson.

Irving, Texas—The Plastics Pipe Institute, Inc. (PPI) has renewed its commitment for financial and technical support for the 2020 U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Solar Decathlon – Design Challenge.  PPI is the major North American trade association representing all segments of the plastic pipe industry.  This is PPI’s sixth year supporting this DOE program, formerly known as Race to Zero.

The 2020 Solar Decathlon Design Challenge will take place at DOE’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in Golden, Colorado on April 17-19, 2020.  Lance MacNevin, P.Eng, director of engineering for PPI’s Building & Construction, will return as a juror.

A student from the University of Missouri – Columbia shows a scale model for the Mixed-Use/Multifamily category at the 2019 Solar Decathlon – Design Challenge in Golden, Colo. Photo credit: DOE Solar Decathlon

According to MacNevin, “Buildings in the United States represent 4o% of our country’s total energy consumption and 70% of our electricity use, so there are many opportunities to utilize existing technologies in smart ways to reduce energy costs.  At these events, we see future architects and engineers collaborate and compete to design houses and buildings that are so energy efficient that their annual energy use can be offset with renewable energy.”

DOE’s website states, “Qualifying teams complete a design project and attend the Solar Decathlon Design Challenge Weekend, where they present their designs to a panel of industry expert jurors, compare their projects to those of other teams, learn from presentations by thought leaders and collegiate peers, and engage with a variety of organizations about energy careers. Winning teams are recognized at an Awards Banquet, and winning project presentations are published on the website.” https://www.solardecathlon.gov/event/challenges-design.html

PPI President David Fink said, “PPI encourages design teams to incorporate innovative plumbing and mechanical systems to improve the health, safety and welfare of building occupants and the efficiency of buildings. This includes technologies such as hydronic radiant heating and cooling, ground source geothermal, hot- and cold-water plumbing using plastic piping solutions, and fire protection for occupant safety. These systems can benefit the entries in practically all categories of judging, including energy performance, engineering, architecture, market appeal, financial affordability, operation, comfort & environmental quality, and innovation.”

Added MacNevin, “It’s always so exciting to see the creative designs and technological ideas of the student teams from around the world. We can’t wait to see what they’ll present at the 2020 event!”

PPI has developed resources to help students design their projects available at https://plasticpipe.org/building-construction/bcd-2020-solar-decathlon.html

For additional information, also visit the Plastics Pipe Institute’s website at:  www.plasticpipe.org.