Topic
Controls
IoT permeates market, contractors pushed to get on board
August 26, 2019 by Curtis BennettI literally remember hearing that 9600 baud modem squeal for the very first time. Reerascheeeram, yes that is how you actually spell it, so do not try to look it up. It was weird – I thought why the heck…
Is the Internet of Things an HVAC thing?
August 20, 2019 by Ian McTeerI developed an intense interest in science and technology while watching the adventures of Captain Kirk and crew on the starship Enterprise on an old black and white television as a kid in the 1960s. Cruising through the heavens at…
Mechanical industry sees rise in wireless technology
March 25, 2019 by Mike MillerWireless technology has been around in our businesses for at least three decades, or perhaps even longer. The first wireless devices I recall were thermostats that eliminated the wiring between the thermostat location and the mechanical equipment it controlled. Using…
How to solve the top three electrical problems in mechanical systems
March 4, 2019 by Curtis BennettWhen I was asked to do an article on three common electrical problems, I thought “What, only three?” Keep in mind that I do come at this from a slightly different angle than an installer might. At my “day job”…
Tulsar projects job creation at Brantford, ON facility
December 31, 2018Control system manufacturer Tulsar Canada has attributed “unprecedented growth” in 2018 to the company’s relocation to Brantford, ON. “It has unquestionably been a good time for Tulsar since moving to the Brant County,” George Micevski, president of the company, said.…
The keys to optimal radiant system performance
November 9, 2018 by Mike MillerControls play an integral role in ensuring today’s hydronic radiant systems operate as energy efficiently as possible while still providing ultimate comfort to the consumer. Every system should, at the very least, be employed using outdoor weather compensating controllers or…
What you need to know about electrical resistance
November 6, 2018 by Curtis BennettThere are some facts about thermistors and resistance that cause confusion. Luckily that lines up with our topics on electricity. How you wonder? Once again it is all physics. V = I R, where the R is resistance. A story…
Make the right choice: An overview of new plumbing and hydronic valves
October 26, 2018 by Kevin Freidt and Mark OlsonSeveral manufacturers have introduced new balancing valve technologies into the market. Familiarity with these new valves, as well as traditional balancing valves, will assist you in selecting the correct one for specific hydronic and plumbing system applications. MANUAL BALANCING VALVES…
Acquisition affirms Johnson Controls’ commitment to thermostat portfolio
October 10, 2018Johnson Controls recently announced it has acquired the assets of Lux Products Corporation (LUX), a manufacturer of residential thermostats and smart home products. LUX markets several residential and commercial lines ranging from timers to smart home thermostats, including Kono and…
Measure, Test, Send with the Wohler A450!
September 18, 2018The Wohler A 450 combustion analyzer is an affordably priced flue gas analyzer with rugged yet compact housing, a touch screen monitor and advanced sensor technology. The Wohler A 450 provides the flexibility needed for applications such as checking furnace…
Change of vision with differential temperature control
August 29, 2018 by David ConnorsOver time the hydronic industry has changed the approach to system piping designs and temperature control as equipment efficiency and technology has evolved. In the late 1960s and early 1970s out-door air reset was utilized. This allowed for better temperature…
How to align expectations of hydronic systems with reality
August 29, 2018 by Mike MillerIt is not uncommon for contractors, and sometimes consumers, to call me to complain about the performance of a hydronic system. Many of these times, if it is not system settings related, it is because the consumer is expecting different…
Sorting through the finer points of AC and DC voltages
May 30, 2018 by Curtis BennettWe all know, young or old, what comes to mind when we see the word Thunderstruck: AC/DC. This serves two purposes here, one is that the band is awesome and two, it is a good segue into the next Electricity…
Common issues and installation errors in control systems – Part III
May 15, 2018 by Mike MillerAs noted in Part I and Part II of this series (see HPAC February and March 2018), control systems are often blamed when something is not operating as expected. More often than not, if control systems do not perform as…
Taking the mystery out of electricity in HVAC
March 2, 2018 by Curtis BennettHow many times have you heard someone say “Who let the smoke out?” in a mechanical room. You see the infamous “black smoke” come out of a piece of electronics and everyone starts pointing fingers. We have all done it.…
Getting it right – part II: Troubleshooting hydronic controls
March 1, 2018 by Mike MillerAs it was noted in Part I of this series (see HPAC February 2018), control systems are often blamed when something is not operating as expected. More often than not, if hydronic controls do not perform as needed, something happened…
Getting it right – part I: Troubleshooting hydronic control systems
February 23, 2018 by Mike MillerControl systems are often blamed when hydronic systems are not operating properly. While that may sometimes be the case, always look at what else may be influencing performance. While control systems are not flawless, consider that they are developed in…
Event to host largest ever education program
December 20, 2017 by Kerry TurnerThe 2018 ASHRAE Winter Conference takes place January 20-24 at the Palmer House Chicago with the co-sponsored AHR Expo being held January 22-24 at McCormick Place. The AHR Expo seminar program features over 120 sessions, including over 70 free one-…
Ruskin adds 5,000 square feet to Kansas plant
December 5, 2017Ruskin – air controls solutions manufacturer – has expanded its Parsons, KS manufacturing plant. The 5,000 square foot addition supports the production of the TDP05K thermal dispersion air measurement system. “As we developed the TDP05K, we realized the product requires…
Ontario rolls out smart thermostat program
September 4, 2017Homeowners or renters living in single-detached, semi-detached, townhome or row home are eligible to take part in the GreenON Installations Program. The $40-million program includes the installation of a smart thermostat for free in 100,000 households. Residents living in multi-residential…
LEAPing ahead in sustainability
August 31, 2017 by Michael PowerThe Coquitlam Centre’s new heat recovery chiller (HRC) system wins HOOPP’s LEAP award, helps cut GHG emissions by 35 per cent. Sustainability has transformed from a “nice-to-have” aspect for businesses to a core component of operations for many organizations, both…
Caleffi invites contractors to showcase hydronic projects
June 20, 2017Caleffi is once again running its Excellence contest, beginning June 1 and continuing through November 30, 2017. Designers, contractors and engineers can showcase hydronic projects that incorporate Caleffi products. Each month the company will select contenders who will be voted…
Uponor merges sales and marketing with distribution
June 2, 2017Uponor Ltd. held an open house on June 1, 2017 at its new Canadian headquarters in Mississauga, ON. Officially completing the merger of its sales and marketing headquarters with its eastern distribution centre, the innovative space supports the growth and…
Tulsar aims for expansion at its new Brantford facility
May 28, 2017Tulsar Canada is hoping to quadruple both its production and its workforce, adding up to 150 new jobs at its 135,000 square foot facility in Cainsville in the industrial area east of Brantford, ON. There are currently 50 people…
A positive vibe at MCEE with more exhibitors and higher attendance
May 12, 2017The aisles were packed again for the 2017 edition of MCEE trade show and conference for the plumbing, hydronics, HVAC/R, electrical and lighting industries. The sold out trade show took place in Montreal on April 26 and 27. At 6,286,…
Hydronic controls: A look ahead
March 19, 2017 by Mike MillerWhen I started my career some 25 years ago hydronic controls were pretty rudimentary. At best, they could control what they were designed for, but they were pretty much standalone. There were little application controllers and were often only good…
Stelpro develops smart thermostat with IoT leaders
February 7, 2017Stelpro, a manufacturer of integrated heating solutions, has teamed up with three Internet of Things (IoT) partners to develop and bring to market Maestro – Smart Thermostats, a smart home solution for electric heat that enables users to customize home…
Pro Kontrol distributes Facility Explorer in Atlantic provinces
February 3, 2017Pro Kontrol has been appointed by Johnson Controls to distribute the Facility Explorer line of digital controls in the Atlantic provinces (including Newfoundland and Labrador). The wholesaler, which is dedicated to HVAC control parts for commercial buildings, is promoting the…
Schneider Electric and Panasonic partner to simplify energy management
January 27, 2017Schneider Electric, a global specialist in energy management and automation, and Panasonic Corporation recently announced an integrated HVAC equipment and building management solution. Both companies have developed an interface wireless solution, which enables direct serial communication between Schneider Electric’s building…
Troubleshooting pointers for commercial pumps
December 18, 2016 by Mike MillerWhen troubleshooting commercial pumps it is always important to note the type of symptoms, the point at which the symptoms began and the time period over which the symptoms developed. In particular, consider whether something changed in the system prior…