Hydronics advocates join forces to develop long-term strategy

On May 7-9, the Canadian Hydronics Council (CHC), met to discuss the current state of the industry and to develop a strategy for moving forward. Forty members and industry guests with an interest in the advancement and sustainable growth of hydronics gathered for the 2013 Hydronics Forum at the Nottawasaga Resort Inn in Alliston, ON. In addition to considering feedback to surveys, discussing the current and future state of hydronics and opportunities to grow the Canadian hydronics market, the event was an opportunity for members with a common interest and goal to come together and agree on how to move forward. Participants tackled issues such as market data and research, codes and standards, education and value in CHC membership. Over the next few months, the Council will be meeting to review all of the insights and feedback received, and to develop an action plan. Key highlights from the Forum include: 

• Market Data & Research: Collect more regionally-based statistics and share information, data and feedback from the contractor to wholesalers; 

• Comprehensive Inspection Process: Develop a clear guide that inspectors can follow from start to finish to ensure the correct installation of hydronics in residential and commercial buildings. 

• Profitability: The hope is that by 2023 hydronic heating will make up 20 per cent of total Canadian heating market share. 

• Certification / Training: Grow certification across the country for hydronics installers and designers, highlight certification received through CHC as the best of the best. In the near future, the hope is that all hydronics installers will be certified through CHC and most importantly, certification across all jurisdictions will mean something. 

• Awareness: Educating consumers to be more aware of what hydronics is and requesting it as the preferred method of in-home heating. 

• The Norm: Hybrid solutions will become the norm and all home builders will be required to rough-in hydronics for new home builds 

The Canadian Hydronics Council (CHC), a council within the Canadian Institute of Plumbing & Heating (CIPH), has represented Canada’s hot water heating industry for over 40 years.