science and technology

BoilerMag magnetic filter

Installing the magnetic filter will increase energy efficiency, significantly prolong boiler life, protect pipework and considerably reduce maintenance calls, the company notes.




science and technology

The Glitch & The Fix: Share, and share alike

An installer is asked to pipe up two larger commercial air handlers supplied by a dual boiler setup. 




science and technology

Adventures in Hydronic Heating Volume 4

We are proud to present the fourth of the four-part eBook series that chronicles Dave's "Adventures in Hydronic Heating."




science and technology

Happy as a pig? PP-R pipe excels in tough agricultural application

A happy sow is a better sow. If you didn’t know that, don’t worry: The people who need to know it do. 




science and technology

The Glitch & The Fix: Busy backup

A heating designer is asked to create a three zone radiant floor heating system using a 5-ton (60,000 Btu/h) geothermal heat pump as the primary heat source, and a mod/con boiler as the auxiliary heat source. 




science and technology

The Glitch & The Fix: Inadvertent flows

An installer recently read about the benefits of piping a buffer tank in a “2-pipe” configuration.  




science and technology

The Glitch & The Fix: Heat, heat everywhere

Figure 1 shows the piping layout for an actual installation. It uses two boilers, fired in stages, to supply three areas of a building. 




science and technology

VRF versus hydronics

With a considerable volume of contradictory information in circulation regarding the application of different technologies for HVAC systems, this article seeks to explain some of the technical aspects of variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems, and offer comparisons on the basis of cost and performance to more standard hydronic systems. 




science and technology

The Glitch & The Fix: Mixed results

An installer is asked to connect a single speed geothermal water-to-water heat pump to a highly-zoned low temperature hydronic distribution system.




science and technology

John Siegenthaler: What I look for

I've had lots of opportunities to review plans for pending hydronic heating systems. I've also been on "forensic" visits to sites with improperly performing systems. Of the two, I much prefer plan review over forensics.




science and technology

Hydronic heat pumps ride the tide of electrification

According to the United Nations, 2019 was the second warmest year on record at the end of the warmest decade (2010-2019) ever recorded.




science and technology

The real value of snow-melt systems

There’s a saying in the environmental health and safety industry: “There are no accidents.” Basically, the idea is this that all accidents can be avoided.




science and technology

John Siegenthaler: Game changer

With systems dating back into the 1800s, hydronic heating has been around a long time. As with many technologies, a modern hydronic heating system bears little resemblance to one based on the earliest design techniques and hardware.




science and technology

Hydronic contractors becoming control consultants

For decades, changing out a thermostat for a retrofit hydronic heating system was a simple task for a service technician. From Bangor, Maine, to Breckenridge, Colorado, the mere two, 18-gauge thermostat wires running through a home was not a concern (short of the random nail or mouse taking one of the two out).




science and technology

Circulator pump reliability in extreme conditions

On a military base in east-central Alaska — where the average winter temperature is 16° F with lows that fall well below minus 50° at times — dependable, low-maintenance winter heating systems are critical for the active-duty military families and Department of Defense civilians who live on the military post.




science and technology

The gold standard: Protection from dissolved oxygen and debris in hydronic systems

Water is the life-blood of hydronic systems. Just as we strive to maintain the health of our own circulatory systems, it’s important to maintain the health of the water-based solutions that circulate through the hydronic systems we construct and maintain.




science and technology

Hydronic retrofit brings utility and style together

The age-old question of function versus form has confounded experts in every field for countless decades.

Jeff Sweenor, president and CEO of Sweenor Builders in Wakefield, Rhode Island, looks at it differently. He asks, why not both? Function certainly comes first, but when the dust settles, his projects look as good as they work.




science and technology

The Glitch & The Fix: Combining geothermal heat pumps and radiant




science and technology

Today’s Technology to Market (T2M) – the bidirectional thermal district

District systems, which have been around for centuries, provide buildings with a product created with technology beyond what an individual can either afford or apply. The primary advantage is the delivery of more cost-effective heating or cooling to the building.




science and technology

Retrofitting radiant in residential

With homes now doing dual duty as both a residence and a workplace, many people are spending double the time in the same space. This lifestyle shift has launched a home-renovation trend for people who are looking to change their current living spaces to better align with the needs of life and work in one place.




science and technology

Hugo Aguilar: What's on the horizon for the Radiant Professionals Alliance

Ever since the RPA was formed, members have taken advantage of the great benefits the alliance has to offer, such as codes and standards advocacy, a job center network, obtaining and creating valuable education, the annual Radiant Flooring Guide, newsletter subscription, discounts for IAPMO products and services, access to webinars and more. RPA members are professionals from all facets of the radiant profession, including manufacturers, installers, engineers, architects, students, apprentices and inspectors.




science and technology

Lochinvar commercial boiler

Lochinvar’s CREST with Hellcat Combustion Technology commercial boiler is available in eight models ranging from 999,000-6,000,000 Btu/h.




science and technology

MrPEX intelligent control system

Integrated Dynamic Control (IDC) is a PC-based intelligent control system delivering optimized comfort and maximized efficiency by coordinating HVAC, IAQ and hydronic systems in one control.




science and technology

Radiant retrofit transforms factory into luxury hotel

The luxurious Wythe Hotel in Brooklyn, New York, was once a waterfront barrel and rope factory. This renovated structure now has 72 boutique guest rooms. As part of the update, it was important to retain the character of the original turn of the century building, which opened in 1901. In order to convert the cold, utilitarian factory space into comfortable rooms, a major mechanical update was required. By adding radiant floor heat, they were able to meet and exceed the comfort benchmark of a modern-day hotel while balancing for energy efficiency.




science and technology

REHAU manifold connectors

REHAU’s EVERLOC+ R-20 manifold connectors for hydronic applications support leak-free reliability in a one-piece assembly including an EVERLOC+ insert with a pre-installed O-ring and swivel nut.




science and technology

U.S. Boiler Co. Bluetooth smartphone app

The new USB-Connect smartphone app streamlines installation, service and troubleshooting for condensing and combi-boilers.




science and technology

WarmlyYours towel bar accessories

These towel bar accessories are meant to be paired with Ember radiant panel heaters to turn the devices into towel warmers as well as sources of supplemental heat.




science and technology

SunTouch electric floor warming kits

SunTouch ConnectPlus WarmWire Kits provide heat to warm floors and help keep bathroom, kitchen and entry way floors dry and safe.




science and technology

Weil-McLain residential boiler

The Weil-McLain ECO Tec Series 2 features integrated control software that allows for multiple boiler configurations.




science and technology

The USHGC: Putting the pieces together

The Uniform Solar, Hydronics and Geothermal Code (USHGC) includes provisions for alternative energy sources for the transfer of energy in a hydronic system for space heating and cooling, or for other purposes such as snow and ice melting.




science and technology

Steering clear of snow

The first snowflakes hit the ground in Park City, Utah, in late October, before a single peanut butter cup hit the bottom of the Halloween bag. The first snow of the 2022 season dumped 10 inches of fresh powder on the town on Oct. 23, giving skiers and winter sports enthusiasts an early start to their activities.




science and technology

There has never been a better time to join the RPA

There has never been a better time to be part of the RPA. If you are not a member, you should join.




science and technology

The underground movement toward radiant cooling and future-proof building

Radiant heating and cooling systems are not new to the North American market, but there’s a strong trend toward incorporating both, especially for tightly controlled environments such as commercial spaces.




science and technology

A radiant revolution: Innovations illuminating the future of hydronics

Within the halls of our recent meetings, the RPA community witnessed a defining moment. Committees were not just formed; they were crafted as engines of change.




science and technology

MrPEX announces Integrated Dynamic Control system

MrPEX’s Integrated Dynamic Control (IDC) is a PC-based intelligent control system which delivers optimized comfort and maximized efficiency.




science and technology

NextGen Boiler announces electric boiler

The NextGen Boiler is a hydronic appliance that when installed, allows the homeowner to have peace of mind about their radiant heat applications.




science and technology

New Hampshire home turns to hydronics

A home in New Hampshire offers a glimpse of how the landscape might be changing within the next decade.




science and technology

Viega releases Hydronic Mixing Block mixing device and boiler control

Viega’s Hydronic Mixing Block is a mixing device and boiler control with a built-in circulator and microcontroller.




science and technology

Contractor gains multiple benefits installing radiant in his own home

When Jason Gaspard, owner and project manager at Select Mechanical Services, was looking to finish the basement of his Maple Grove, Minnesota-based home, he knew he wanted radiant heating in the space.




science and technology

Advancing the radiant and hydronics industry

In 2024, the RPA held educational sessions at the ASHRAE/AHR Expo in Chicago, welcoming new members and setting goals to advance the radiant and hydronics industry.




science and technology

MrPEX announces radiant foam panels

Save time and money with easy-to-install panels that seamlessly integrate into any radiant flooring system.




science and technology

Uponor announces multizone wireless control system for radiant heating and cooling

Smatrix Pulse is the industry’s first multizone wireless control system for both radiant heating as well as forced-air heating and cooling.




science and technology

Ecowarm announces insulated radiant floor panels

Ecowarm RadiantBoard EPS Premium Ply Panels are integrated with EPS foam and available in standard R-2.7 or R-5.6 models for use over concrete and over under-insulated subfloors.




science and technology

How radiant heating and cooling can help achieve decarbonization goals

In a radiant heating and cooling system, water circulates through PEX pipes in the concrete slab to control the slab's temperature for heating or cooling.




science and technology

Thermal Energy Networks for HVAC&W

Circulating ground-temperature water in a Thermal Energy Network (TEN) provides efficient heating and cooling, reducing costs and mitigating climate change through decarbonization. The water must be kept within a specific temperature range, known as the performance zone.




science and technology

Martha's Vineyard mechanical contractor incorporates radiant heating into his own Net Zero strategy

Matt Millard, owner of Performance Mechanical in Edgartown, Massachusetts, loves to experiment with new technologies. Recently, Millard wanted to step up to hydronic radiant heating for his own home addition using an air-to-water heat pump.




science and technology

Protecting what matters most in your radiant system — the water

Boiler systems are essential for residential heating and hot water. Their efficiency and longevity depend on good water quality. Poor water quality causes corrosion, scale buildup, and higher costs. Maintaining high water quality ensures smooth operation and durability.




science and technology

Holland Michigan's 35-year-old snow-melt system makes it a year-round destination

In 1988, Holland, Michigan’s downtown needed revitalization. Merchants were leaving for a nearby indoor mall. Local industrialist Ed Prince proposed installing a snow-melt system for the streets and sidewalks after seeing a similar system in Europe.




science and technology

Eastern Pacific Hurricane Roslyn Tropical Cyclone Update


000
WTPZ64 KNHC 231124
TCUEP4

Hurricane Roslyn Tropical Cyclone Update
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL EP192022
520 AM MDT Sun Oct 23 2022

...ROSLYN MAKES LANDFALL IN WEST-CENTRAL MEXICO...

Satellite imagery indicates that Roslyn has made landfall in
west-central mainland Mexico near Santa Cruz in northern Nayarit
around 520 AM MDT (1120 UTC). The maximum sustained winds are
estimated to be 120 mph (195 km/h), and the minimum central pressure
is estimated to be 960 mb (28.35 inches).

SUMMARY OF 520 AM MDT...1120 UTC...INFORMATION
---------------------------------------------------
LOCATION...22.0N 105.6W
ABOUT 55 MI...90 KM NW OF TEPIC MEXICO
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...120 MPH...195 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT...NNE OR 25 DEGREES AT 16 MPH...26 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...960 MB...28.35 INCHES

$$
Forecaster Bucci/Brown





science and technology

Bradford White to purchase Keltech line of tankless electric water heaters

The Keltech acquisition will also begin a new partnership between Bradford White and Bradley.