Integrity, work ethic, dedication, community. These are the values identified when selecting Mechanical Hub’s inaugural “Person of the Year.” Please help us in saluting Jim Godbout, Jim Godbout Plumbing & Heating, Inc. and Provencher Fuels in Biddeford, Maine for this prestigious nomination. Godbout certainly represents the industry with true professionalism and class. But it’s not Read more
HVAC
Integrity, work ethic, dedication, community. These are the values identified when selecting Mechanical Hub’s inaugural “Person of the Year.” Please help us in saluting Jim Godbout, Jim Godbout Plumbing & Heating, Inc. and Provencher Fuels in Biddeford, Maine for this prestigious nomination. Godbout certainly represents the industry with true professionalism and class.
But it’s not necessarily what he does in the field that makes this honor most deserving—it’s what he does outside of the office with his free time, as well, that must be commended.
Getting Started
Godbout has been mechanically inclined since a very young age, specifically plumbing with his grandfather. “It’s hard to believe that back in the early ’70s I used to run the melting pot for my grandfather many years ago running sewer pipe out to the ocean,” says Godbout.
Godbout’s grandfather passed away, and, at the time, Godbout worked on a variety of jobs including building homes to roofing and siding work. He did not return to the trades until he was about 17 years old. “I saw a great need for professional plumbing and heating techs at which point I made my way back into the trade.”
Plumbing with his grandfather early in life, Godbout saw need to start his own company at very young age. “Times were tough in the ’80s, where the company did everything from plumbing and heating to roofing and groundskeeping, anything to keep company alive,” says Godbout.
But persevere, he did. For more than 30 years, Godbout has run a successful plumbing and heating business in southern Maine, specializing in plumbing, HVAC, geothermal, mechanical piping, heat exchangers, solar heating, thermal imaging and fuel delivery. “We have the diversity to take care of any plumbing, heating, refrigeration and mechanical problem in-house including construction services,” says Godbout.
Look at those lines! Proud of his team’s work. Shown here: Viessmann CU3 boiler and 80-gallon storage tank, 7 zones (Taco circulators and zone valves) for radiant, 3 zones for Runtal radiators and 3 zones to hydro coil for air handler.
Community is Key
Godbout is known for his community support and he is active in youth development. He has led several youth organizations and coached local sports teams. Godbout’s dedication to community and philanthropic work stems from the fact the he grew up without having much, and learned very quickly how important it is for people to take care of people. “We are only here a very short time and what we do daily can truly change people’s lives, from the smallest gift of friendship to financially helping those in need. It helps me reduce stress from our demanding profession by really stepping back, and with a little help, I can help others be the best that they can be,” says Godbout.
Godbout and his wife, Lynn. “She has been the best, putting up with my long hours, my commitment to Rotary and community, always standing beside me and supporting our endeavors. My love for 36 years,” says Godbout.
One of Godbout’s focus has been combatting drug addiction in the area. The issue is personal: he’s had dozens of friends and family members dies as a result of drug overdoses. “We’re going to lose an entire generation here if we don’t start making a difference,” Godbout has said. Godbout has been an active member in the local Biddeford-Saco Rotary Club. “I am a very active Rotarian—a group that makes an impact in the lives of so many around the world—and it is a great avenue to give back to our communities.”
Within Rotary, nearly five years ago, Godbout started the Red Ribbon program, an education committee on substance abuse and helping children make healthy choices. The committee has developed educational programming about substance abuse with schools in Biddeford. “The one thing I know that works is providing unconditional love for our youth providing them with healthy choices,” Godbout has said. “Prevention and culture change for all of us regarding use of substances works. Help our youth develop good habits as they embark on becoming young adults in this very confusing world in which we live. As role models it is the most important thing we can do in our lifetime.”
Godbout has also been busy with the renovation of Biddeford’s Waterhouse Field, where he and other volunteers worked tirelessly last year to transform the football field of which the entire community can be proud.
The volunteer crew, led by Godbout, lifts the press box into position at the Waterhouse Field project.
The field, named after Alfred Waterhouse, a clerk who worked in a hardware store in the late 1920s, is unique because it is not city owned but board run. Waterhouse bought the field for local athletes by taking quarters out of his modest weekly paycheck. “His actions many years ago, I believe, is what has help motivate me to give back and mentor our youth,” says Godbout. “All we have to do is take care of each other and good things happen,” says Godbout.
Godbout has been the current president of Waterhouse Field alumni board now for more than 10 years. “The city uses field but had no capital improvement budget, so I took bull by horns and rallied up troops to use labor and financial support of community to rebuild field. The field was closed prior to this due to condemned bleachers and it just wasn’t safe for public use. A lot of pride went into that field and I was not going to let it sit vacant,” says Godbout.
The ribbon cutting at Waterhouse Field.
The nine-month project included new bleachers, lighting, rebuilt field with AstroTurf, new storm drainage, fencing, scoreboard, sound system, press box and asphalt work.
Students never lost a year playing on the field.
A sense of pride and community—athletes using the newly-renovated Waterhouse Field.
Into the Future
Much sacrifice and hard work was put into Waterhouse field—now with its forever address 1 Godbout Way.
Godbout has 12 employees in his company under age of 25; he says he has some of the most talented employees and he needs them to share their knowledge and work ethic. Industry-wide Godbout shares the same view, “I think everyone needs to mentor our youth to help guide them through next generation of mechanical contractors.”
When asked about hanging up the wrenches, Godbout says he has no plans to slow down. In fact, the company just moved into a larger space, which positions the them to be a more sustainable company. In addition, Godbout recently acquired Provencher Fuels. When the previous owner—with whom Godbout had worked for more than 30 years—became ill, Godbout purchased it from the family “to keep small company values for our customers.”
Godbout on a recent jobsite with an incredible view. Still doing what he loves.
In addition, he’s too busy with his new project. Godbout is remodeling a historic church into a cultural community center for My Place Teen center in Biddeford. He will be building a commercial kitchen to help teach culinary arts and feed hundreds of kids aged 10-18 daily.
“I just don’t have that picture of retiring unless, of course, my health would fail. I do love to golf and be on the water so maybe I’ll try and spend a little more time doing those things,” says Godbout.
Radiant floor installation. (Crete-Heat, LLC)
Forced air is still the traditional method of heating homes, but radiant heat is gaining significant momentum as an alternative. According to HGTV, the growth rate of in-floor radiant heating systems was estimated at 30 to 50 percent per year. At the heart of this shift is not just one single benefit. It’s a variety of advantages Read more
Forced air is still the traditional method of heating homes, but radiant heat is gaining significant momentum as an alternative. According to HGTV, the growth rate of in-floor radiant heating systems was estimated at 30 to 50 percent per year.
At the heart of this shift is not just one single benefit. It’s a variety of advantages that radiant floor heating systems bring to the table, the combination of which enhance the daily lives of a home’s occupants:
Even Heat Distribution
When a house is heated by a forced-air system, it will always be warmest near the vents that distribute the air. This can lead to “hotspots” on one end of a room while the other side of the room remains cool. And because hot air rises, upstairs rooms will be warmer than those downstairs.
With radiant floor heating systems, homeowners control how heat circulates in their home. Rather than heating the surrounding air, the heat that radiates from the floor warms other objects in the room and is evenly distributed without the potential for heat loss.
Improved Air Quality
While air pollution is more often associated with the outdoors, indoor air can be dirty as well. Whether it’s dust, pet dander or chemicals from fragrances (among other sources) that pollute the air, forced-air systems exacerbate the problem for allergy sufferers. That’s because the forced, heated air will stir up and mix with these airborne particles.
Since radiant floor heating systems don’t move air to deliver heat, the circulation of indoor particles is minimized. With less pollutants blown around, indoor air quality improves, which benefits allergy sufferers.
No Ductwork
The ductwork in forced-air systems further contributes to air pollution. When it’s riddled with cracks and holes, more dust and odors can enter and circulate. Without proper insulation, these same cracks and holes can cause air to leak out of the system and hinder its overall efficiency.
With no ducts, radiant floor heating systems reduce the churn of dust and allergens while curtailing heat loss. The absence of ducts means less work for homeowners as it eliminates the need for repairs like cleaning out ducts clogged with particles or adding insulation when heat loss mounts.
Energy Savings
With their uneven distribution of heat and potential for heat loss, traditional heating systems can be energy hogs.
Depending on how well a house is insulated, radiant floor systems can save up to 30 percent compared to forced-air systems. In terms of bills, the impact is quite significant as space heating is the largest energy expense for the average U.S. home, accounting for around 45 percent of energy bills.
Noiseless Operation
Homes should be quiet, but forced-air systems can be noisy as furnaces cycle on and off, gaps in the ductwork whistle and loose parts rattle.
By comparison, radiant floor heating systems are exceptionally quiet.
As consumers learn more about the advantages of radiant heating, its popularity will continue to grow.
Josh Quint is product manager, heating and cooling, for Viega LLC.
The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors — National Association’s (PHCC) Educational Foundation is proud to announce the winners of HVAC Apprentice Contest Winners the national plumbing and HVAC apprentice contests. The contests were held October 10th & 11th in Albuquerque, N.M. on the tradeshow floor during the PHCC—National Association’s CONNECT 2018 event. A total of nineteen plumbing and ten HVAC apprentices from across Read more
HVAC Contest Winner Josiah Tiegs with PHCC Educational Foundation Chair Craig Lewis and HVAC Contest Committee Chair Scott Balmer.
The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors — National Association’s (PHCC) Educational Foundation is proud to announce the winners of HVAC Apprentice Contest Winners the national plumbing and HVAC apprentice contests.
The contests were held October 10th & 11th in Albuquerque, N.M. on the tradeshow floor during the PHCC—National Association’s CONNECT 2018 event. A total of nineteen plumbing and ten HVAC apprentices from across the nation took part in the contests.
HVAC Apprentice Contest Winners
- 1st Place: Josiah Tiegs, McDowall Comfort Management in Waite Park, Minn., Sponsored by Brasscraft Manufacturing
- 2nd: Daniel Deneve, GSM Services in Gastonia, N.C., Sponsored by NIBCO
- 3rd: Jeffrey Deuel, American Mechanical Services in Denver, Colo., Sponsored by Milwaukee Tool
Plumbing Apprentice Contest Winners
- 1st Place: James Houser, Local 27 in Pittsburgh, Pa., Sponsored by A. O. Smith
- 2nd: Kyle Mao, Lange Plumbing in Las Vegas, Nev., sponsored by AB&I Foundry
- 3rd: Steven Kroope, Deluxe Plumbing & Heating in Bethlehem, Pa., Sponsored by Reed Manufacturing
The HVAC competitors were required to complete a written test, demonstrate proper brazing techniques and perform a hands-on diagnostic on an HVAC package unit, with system errors created by the Foundation’s contractor volunteers for the competition. The competitors also had to perform a pressure and leak test, demonstrate proper refrigerant recovery procedures and the ability to accurately take a variety of instrument readings.
Plumbing Contest Winner James Houser with PHCC Educational Foundation Chair Craig Lewis and Plumbing Contest Committee Chair Jim Steinle.
The plumbing apprentices were required rough-in a bathroom system. The set-up includes a toilet, sink and shower, complete with supply, waste and vent lines, plus cleanouts and extra features designed to test the contestants’ knowledge and skills. The test set-up includes a variety of pipe materials – cast iron, copper, PVC and PEX, and corresponding joining methods.contractor volunteers for the competition.
A dedicated team of contractor volunteers arrived two days before the competitions to assemble the competitor test benches, distribute the materials and supplies and setup the testing areas. They monitor the competitions, evaluate the apprentices’ work and provide constructive feedback on each competitor’s performance following the event.
The contests are made possible by the generous support of several industry sponsors who provide monetary support and in-kind material and tool donations. Sponsors for the 2018 competition included, AB&I Foundry; A. O. Smith; Bradford White Corp.; BrassCraft Manufacturing Co.; Copper Development Association, Inc.; Daikin; Delta Faucet Co.; Emerson; Fluke, Greene and Associates; IPS Corporation; KOHLER Company; Mechanical Hub Media; Milwaukee Tool; NATE; NIBCO INC.; Oatey; R.E.C. Industries; Reed Manufacturing Co.; RIDGID; State Water Heaters; Tyler Pipe & Coupling; Uponor; Viega, LLC; and Zoeller Pump Company.
Milwaukee Tool made a major contribution to the Plumbing Apprentice Contest this year by donating twenty of their M18 Force Logic Press Tools and jaw kits, with a retail value exceeding $60,000 total. This gift allowed the competitors to gain experience and prove their skill with making press connections during the plumbing competition and will be used in future competitions as well.
Fourth year apprentice, Chris Pinette with E.H. Marchant Co., a union contractor through the local 12, based out of Quincy, Mass. was sponsored by Mechanical Hub Media.
“These contests are an incredible demonstration of the opportunities that exist because of the Foundation,” reports Foundation Chair Craig Lewis. “You have these amazing apprentices from all over the country coming here to show off their skills. The sponsors are so generous with their support. And then our volunteer committee members and staff are pulling it all together in a new exhibit hall every year. It really is quite a thing to see and I’m very proud everyone involved with these competitions.”
New compatibility allows customers to control home comfort with their voice Côr 5C and 7C thermostats now work with Google Assistant, allowing customers to more easily manage their smart home. Côr is a brand under UTC Climate, Controls & Security, a unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX). Google Assistant smart speakers, like Google Home, have integrated support Read more
New compatibility allows customers to control home comfort with their voice
Côr 5C and 7C thermostats now work with Google Assistant, allowing customers to more easily manage their smart home. Côr is a brand under UTC Climate, Controls & Security, a unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX).
Google Assistant smart speakers, like Google Home, have integrated support for home automation, letting users control smart home devices such as the Côr 5C and 7C thermostat with their voice. For example, customers can ask the Google Assistant to control the temperature set point of the thermostat; or get instant feedback about the state of the thermostat temperature and mode.
“We are pleased to be able to offer our customers the ability to control their home comfort with more popular devices from Google,” said Todd Nolte, director, product management, Côr. “This compatibility allows Côr customers the ability to monitor and change their home system settings with just their voice or via an easy-to-use app.”
Côr Series Wi-Fi® thermostats keep homeowners connected and in control. The mobile app lets customers easily create and edit their schedules, review energy usage reports and change home temperature from anywhere. Plus, they can provide instant feedback on estimated energy savings, teaching users how to better balance comfort and savings.
“With Google Assistant, you can easily control all the connected devices in your home, from lights to thermostats, all in one simple place,” said Michele Turner, director, Smart Home Ecosystem, Google. “Our compatibility with Côr advances that effort to make the home smarter to help people live comfortably.”
The Côr 5C and 7C thermostats can save homeowners an average of 20 percent on their heating and cooling costs and are available through Carrier’s nationwide dealer network. The Côr thermostat is already compatible with Amazon Echo and will work with the vast majority of 24 volt communicating heating and cooling systems.
For more information on Côr products and services, please contact your local Côr dealer or visit mycorhome.com.
Earlier this month, more than 200 deserving families across the U.S. and Canada benefited from the warmth of a free, brand-new Lennox furnace, thanks to the Lennox “Feel The Love” program (www.feelthelove.com), which awarded free home heating equipment to families in need who have been nominated in their local communities. Recipients were chosen based on Read more
Earlier this month, more than 200 deserving families across the U.S. and Canada benefited from the warmth of a free, brand-new Lennox furnace, thanks to the Lennox “Feel The Love” program (www.feelthelove.com), which awarded free home heating equipment to families in need who have been nominated in their local communities.
The Michael Hall family from Morgantown, WV, was one of nearly 200 families that received free heating equipment from Lennox Dealers across the U.S. and Canada.
Recipients were chosen based on a variety of criteria, including physical, mental, or social disabilities; financial challenges; job loss; military service; and community service, through nominations that were accepted through the Feel The Love website. Feel The Love events (in-home equipment installations) will occur on one day in markets across North America. Lennox donates all heating and cooling equipment and Lennox dealers and their employees donate the materials and labor needed to install the new, high-efficiency gas furnaces.