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Brandi Ferenc: Inspiring change
Retrofit market transformation A chat about ChatGPT Fantastic plastic revolutionizes industry How to own your story Controls bring about paradigm shift
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M e c h a n i c a l
T A B L E F E A T U R E S 6WORTH A LOOK
Healthy buildings pay off for both people and business The International WELL Building Institute has released Investing in Health Pays Back: The Business Case for Healthy Buildings and Healthy Organizations (2nd edition).
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CONTENTS O F
62 COVER STORY
Founder of Fair-Trades Toolbox, Brandi Ferenc has made WXN’s Powerful Women: Top 100 twice for her support of women and youth in skilled trades. Kerry Turner
Brandi Ferenc:
Inspiring change
42ROAD WARRIOR
ANTHONY WOO: GROWTH BUILDER Carolyn Cooper
58JOBSITE JARGON
Test your knowledge of heat pump terminology for a chance to win a YETI cooler, sponsored by NIBCO.
29 HEAT PUMP JOURNAL
Geothermal on the Hill, air to air in retrofit applications, the latest product offerings, and gas absorption and DHW – all this and more in the second 2025 issue of the semi-annual Heat Pump Journal.
F A L L
I S S U E
HEAT PUMP J O U R N A L
DECEMBER 2025
ANTHONY WOO:
70HUMAN RESOURCES
GROWTH BUILDER DEEP ENERGY RETROFITS
Let’s chat about ChatGPT What does generative artificial intelligence mean for your business, what are the risks for you and your employees, and what should you be doing to protect yourself? Sue Sodek
HIGH-PERFORMANCE DHW SOLUTION PARLIAMENT HILL’S NEW GREEN CLIMATE CONTROL PRODUCT SHOWCASE AND MORE INSIDE
A special impact supplement of:
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• • • •
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For pros on-the-go! Read the November/December issue of Mechanical Business, anywhere, anytime. Brought to you in partnership with:
On the cover: Owner of Fair-Trades Toolbox, Brandi Ferenc knew at a young age that a desk job wasn’t for her but it was a long and winding road to achieving her 313a Refrigeration Mechanic/Gas Fitter 1. Cover Photo: Michael Barrett − photos/MIKE BARRETT
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T A B L E
CONTENTS O F
D E P A R T M E N T S 4In the Next Issue
M B
S P E C I A L I S T S 24 HYDRONICS
8-23News, Movers & Shakers, People
Fantastic plastic Bob “Hot Rod” Rohr While there is no perfect pipe, plastic has arguably changed, revolutionized, or saved the hydronic/radiant industry.
80,81The Info Page 81Events 86By the Numbers
52 H IGH-PERFORMANCE HVAC
P R O D U C T S 68Plumbing
64 P LUMBING
Retrofit market transformation Tom Grochmal There is a movement underway to retrofit more homes and buildings, using heat pumps in particular.
What does the future hold? Fred Bretzke Prefab, modular, AI, robotics and 3D are altering the mechanical world.
74HVAC/R 75Stuff You Need 83Hydronic
76 R EFRIGERATION Advancements in heat pump technology Mike Squires Controls and new technology enable efficient operation in sub-zero ambient temperatures.
84 M ARKETING How to own your story: Review management and online reputation Paul Bies Reviews drive trust and discovery. Manage both, or you leave calls and revenue on the table.
84 Matthew Reid returns in January/February 2026 in his new role IN THE
as Mechanical Business hydronics columnist.
NEXT ISSUE
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T E C H N O L O G I E S AUGUST 2025
Join us for the January/February issue:
• WET HEAT Supplement – Part I • Furnace maintenance/troubleshooting • In focus: Water heaters
BEN DUNCAN:
SUCCESS ON THE NORTH SHORE • • • • DIAGNOSING SUDDEN BOILER FAULTS • PRODUCT SHOWCASE • PIPING DESIGN: RULES TO LIVE BY
THE HIDDEN FORCES INSIDE HYDRONIC SYSTEMS GET UP TO SPEED ON MOVING FLUID
SLIM SUITE: THE MECHANICAL ROOM SQUEEZE
Inquiries welcome: Sales: Kyle.Badder@mechanicalbusiness.com | 416.735.1375 Editorial: Kerry.Turner@mechanicalbusiness.com | 416.435.1193
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Content Media Group Inc. 2 Campbell Dr., Suite 807 Uxbridge, ON L9P 0A3 Tel: 905.465.2919 www.mechanicalbusiness.com November/December 2025 Issue Published 6 times per year. For All Subscription Inquiries Circulation Director: Shila Naik, C 905-272-4175 shila.naik@mechanicalbusiness.com Editor: Kerry Turner, C 416-435-1193 kerry.turner@mechanicalbusiness.com National Sales Manager: Kyle Badder, C 416-735-1375 kyle.badder@mechanicalbusiness.com Operations Manager: Caroline Bexfield, C 647-217-2076 caroline.bexfield@mechanicalbusiness.com Contributing Editor: Carolyn Cooper editorial@mechanicalbusiness.com Art Direction: Fourteen Orange Graphic Design Inc. davem@fourteenorange.com Controller: Liz Mills liz.mills@mechanicalbusiness.com Publisher: Bruce Meacock, C 416-457-9563 bruce.meacock@mechanicalbusiness.com PM:41536047 ISSN 1916-0674 MB (Print) ISSN 1906-0682 MB (Online) Proudly created and printed in Canada. We acknowledge the support of the Government of Canada.
Submissions: Copyright in material submitted to the magazine and accepted for publication remains with the author, but Mechanical Business and its licensees may freely reproduce it in print, electronic or other forms. Mechanical Business also reserves the right to edit said submitted materials to suit the editorial needs and mandate of the publication. Notice: Mechanical Business is published for owners, managers and decision makers with mechanical contracting firms and the sector’s supply chain partners in Canada. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information, Mechanical Business, Content Media Group Inc., its staff, directors, officers and shareholders (‘The Publisher’) assume no liability, obligation or responsibility for advertised claims, for errors and/or omissions, or for the results obtained from the use of this information. Manufacturers’ instructions take precedence over published editorial. The publisher reserves the right to publish a printed correction in a subsequent issue for editorial errors, omissions and oversights. Subscriptions are available for $90 plus taxes in Canada and the U.S. Single copies are $15.00. Outside Canada and the U.S., the rates are $150.00 (annual) and $25.00 (single copy).
A
LOOK
By Kerry Turner
Healthy buildings pay off for both people and business The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) recently released the second edition of its landmark report, Investing in Health Pays Back: The Business Case for Healthy Buildings and Healthy Organizations. The singular resource brings together the largest collection of research to date that links investments in health and wellbeing to measurable economic returns. The new report more than doubles the research and citations from the original, integrating academic studies, industry data and real-world case studies. This report offers a clear answer to a pressing question facing practitioners today: how should future projects be shaped to elevate human health while unlocking significant economic value? Collectively, it also makes a powerful case to policymakers, real estate leaders and institutional investors that investing in people is not just the right thing to do − it’s one of the smartest economic strategies organizations can pursue. Among the report’s key findings: • Investing in holistic employee health could generate nearly $12 trillion in global economic value and boost global GDP by up to 12 per cent, according to a McKinsey Health Institute study. • Improved ventilation can increase employee productivity up to $7,500 per person per year, according to a study led by Harvard researchers. • Certified healthy buildings command rent premiums of four to seven per cent, according to two independent studies, one from MIT researchers and another from researchers at the University of Cambridge. • WELL Certified buildings report significantly higher employee satisfaction compared to non-certified buildings, including 18 per cent more satisfied with access to sunlight, 17 per cent more satisfied with acoustical privacy, 16 per cent more satisfied with connection to the outdoor environment, 12 per cent more satisfied with lighting, 11 per cent more satisfied with thermal comfort and 10 per cent more satisfied with both IAQ and air movement. The report also explores the rising importance of social sustainability, showing how health-related metrics are being embedded into sustainable finance vehicles including green, social and sustainability-linked bonds and reshaping investment decisions at scale. wellcertified.com
The team at Mechanical Business wishes its readers, advertisers, supporters and friends a Merry Christmas, happy holidays, and a prosperous 2026.
© Copyright 2025. The contents of this magazine may not be reproduced in any manner without prior written permission of the publisher. Proud members of:
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Heat pumps continue to increase in popularity The latest data from Statistics Canada shows that more Canadians are switching to heat pumps as their primary heating systems, especially in the Atlantic provinces. According to Statistics Canada data released in September 2025 from its biennial Households and the Environment Survey (HES), nine per cent of households in Canada had heat pumps or mini-split heat pumps in 2023 as their primary heating systems, compared to just three per cent in 2013. In census metropolitan areas eight per cent of households had heat pumps in 2023, up from just two per cent in 2013, while 15 per cent of non-census metropolitan or rural areas had heat pumps, compared to four per cent in 2013. However, in New Brunswick that number jumped to 48 per cent in 2023, followed by 41 per cent in PEI, and 31 per cent in Nova Scotia, up from 10, eight and six per cent respectively. statcan.gc.ca
Report highlights unique mental health challenges of skilled trades work Canada’s Building Trades Unions (CBTU) has released a survey of building trades union members to better understand the health challenges faced by workers in the skilled trades. The report, prepared by Douglas Coldwell Layton Foundation, surveyed more than 1,000 CBTU members about their mental health concerns and substance use. While just 29 per cent of respondents said their mental health was fair, 17 per cent said it was poor, with 42 per cent of respondents citing effects from work environments. Symptoms included stress, anxiety, burnout, depression, and insomnia. At the same time, 25 per cent of respondents said they used substances daily or weekly to cope, while onethird say they have sought help. CBTU says stigma remains a barrier to accessing union-provided mental health and addiction programs. buildingtrades.ca
Appearing on Parliament Hill were (L-R) Satinder Chera, CIPH; Darryl Boyce, ASHRAE; Sandy MacLeod and Joe Muchynski, HRAI; and Brent Cornelissen, CIPH.
HVAC/R and plumbing associations urge feds to take action Representatives from three industry associations recently held a press conference on Parliament Hill to highlight the importance of the HVAC/R and plumbing sector in the lives of Canadians. Sandy MacLeod and Joe Muchynski from the Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI), Satinder Chera and Brent Cornelissen of the Canadian Institute of Plumbing & Heating (CIPH) and Darryl Boyce of the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) also recommended ways the federal government could support the industry while helping meet national housing, sustainable building and netzero goals. ashrae.org ciph.com hrai.ca
2026 Innovation Award winners include Daikin Applied, Copeland, and more AHR Expo (International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration Exposition) has announced the winners of the 2026 AHR Expo Innovation Awards. According to AHR Expo, the winners represent the most innovative products and technologies on the market. Winners in 10 categories are Honeywell, Daikin Applied Americas, Copeland, Sharp Corporation, IDC Fluid Control, Rebar, Blue Frontier, CSG Compressors and ABB Motors and Drives. The award-winning products will be on display at AHR Expo, February 2 to 4, 2026 in Las Vegas, NV. During the expo one product will be chosen as 2026 Product of the Year. ahrexpo.com
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Manitoba launches renewable energy initiatives
New collaboration will deliver OHPA program in Ontario
The province of Manitoba and the federal government have announced up to $32 million in combined funding for provincial energy programs designed to The Canadian Mennonite University is receiving $351,000 to install a reduce costs and geothermal heating and cooling system greenhouse gas that is expected to cut emissions by at emissions. The least 25 per cent. Photo: Canadian Mennonite University program will support stationary equipment retrofits for fuel switching from fossil fuels; energy efficiency upgrade projects; industrial or commercial vehicle retrofits; and renewable energy and fuel production. Projects include 11 agricultural operations, and seven initiatives in municipal buildings, social housing and academic institutions.
The Ontario government has announced a partnership with the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) to co-deliver the Oil to Heat Pump Affordability (OHPA) program in Ontario. IESO will deliver the OHPA program through its Save on Energy initiative. Ontario is the eighth jurisdiction to join the OHPA co-delivery model. Households in provinces and territories without a co-delivery arrangement can apply to the national program to receive up to $10,000 in federal funding.
canada.ca manitoba.ca
BC legislation will ensure prompt payments in the construction industry BC has tabled Bill 20, the Construction Prompt Payment Act, which will set timelines for payment on construction projects; establish a self-sustaining, fasttrack adjudication process to resolve payment disputes; As of press time the second reading and improve cash of Bill 20 had already taken place in flow for the sector. the BC Legislative Assembly, where The new system is it was approved. based on prompt payment models in other jurisdictions, including Ontario and Alberta. As of press time the second reading of Bill 20 had already taken place in the BC Legislative Assembly, where it was approved to move to the next stage of the legislative process for examination and debate in further detail. Once the legislation is passed there will be a transition period before it comes into force. 2.gov.bc.ca 10
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Employment Insurance premium rate to drop in 2026 The Canada Employment Insurance Commission has set the 2026 Employment Insurance (EI) premium rate at $1.63 per $100 of insurable earnings for employees and $2.28 for employers, a one-cent decrease from the 2025 rate. The maximum insurable earnings for 2026 will increase to $68,900, up from $65,700 in 2025. The maximum annual EI contribution for a worker will increase by $45.59 to $1,123.07, up $63.83 for employers to $1,572.30 per employee. EI premium rates are different for Quebec residents as the province administers its own parental insurance plan, which is financed by Quebec workers and their employers. The maximum annual contribution for a worker in Quebec will increase by $35.03 to $895.70, up $49.04 for employers to $1,253.98 per employee. canada.ca
Feds launch no-cost home retrofit program Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) has introduced the Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program (CGHAP) to provide eligible low- to median-income households with no-cost home retrofits. The program will use a directinstallation model so that participants do not pay for the home upgrades. The program is also available to tenants and it will offer resources to Indigenous governments and Indigenous organizations. Retrofits under the program may include insulation, air sealing, heat pumps, solar panels, windows and doors. The federal government has reached the first CGHAP agreement with Manitoba and NRCan expects CGHAP to be available in other provinces and territories over the coming year. efficiencymb.ca natural-resources.canada.ca
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Canadian cities sign on to Cool Cities Accelerator to tackle extreme heat
Ontario updates building official policy to boost recruitment As of October 27, 2025 building The Ontario Ministry of officials from anywhere in Municipal Affairs and Canada can submit a request for Housing has updated its an Equivalency Assessment for Building Officials to the ministry. Equivalency Assessment for Building Officials policy with expanded program eligibility to include applications from all provinces and territories. The ministry provides equivalency assessments to determine if an applicant’s knowledge of the Building Code Act and Ontario’s Building Code is equivalent to the knowledge needed to pass the ministry’s technical exams.
ontario.ca
Geothermal project receives ERA funding
c40.org
Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA) is investing almost $1 million in GeoSUSTAIN, a geothermal heating initiative with the potential of residential, commercial and industrial application. The initiative’s aim is to find cheaper ways to heat and cool buildings through geothermal energy from medium depths underground, without deep drilling. It will pair a geoexchange loop with a heat pump and thermal energy storage. The University of Calgary is also involved in the initiative, and will complete a techno-economic analysis of the project with the goal of having a system ready to be installed for demonstrations by August 2028. eralberta.ca
Province of Manitoba signs first jobs agreement The Manitoba Building Trades and the Province of Manitoba have signed a Manitoba Jobs Agreement (MJA), the first step in a framework to ensure public investment in infrastructure. Under the agreement prevailing wages and benefits will be guaranteed for all workers; 10 per cent of total project hours will be reserved for apprentices; and 20 per cent of hires will be from equity-deserving groups including women, Indigenous Manitobans and newcomers. The first MJA will be applied to the construction of four new schools in Manitoba. Going forward it will be a framework for all major provincial infrastructure projects. The Manitoba Building Trades represents construction and trades professionals across 13 member unions in Manitoba gov.mb.ca mbtrades.ca 12
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Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver are just three of the cities that have joined a global coalition of cities pledging urgent, coordinated action on extreme heat, one of the most dangerous impacts of climate change. The Cool Cities Accelerator was launched during the C40 World Mayors Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and is designed to help urban leaders protect residents, safeguard economies, and redesign cities in a more climate resilient manner by 2030. There are 33 founding cities to the Accelerator, representing more than 145 million people around the world. C40 Cities says extreme heat is the deadliest weather-related hazard worldwide, and is responsible for almost half a million deaths annually.
Efficiency Manitoba and Raven Outcomes partner on First Nations initiative Efficiency Manitoba will invest up to $18.9 million by 2029 through its Community Heat Pump Program for energy efficiency measures in First Nations such as installing heat pumps and supporting community-led training and workforce development. Raven Outcomes, an Indigenous-led fund manager, will bring in additional private capital through its $50-million Raven Indigenous Outcomes Fund. Brokenhead Ojibway Nation, a community partner in the initiative, will receive funding for 100 ground source heat pumps, as well as other home energy efficiency upgrades. Training opportunities in heat pump installation and maintenance will be created for 12 community members. efficiencymb.ca ravenoutcomesfunds.com
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WSIB is offering surplus rebates for eligible businesses Ontario’s Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) is distributing $2 billion in surplus rebates to eligible safe Schedule 1 businesses dealing with economic uncertainty. A surplus rebate credit can be applied to future premiums owed by eligible businesses. Businesses with up-to-date premium payment and reporting can ask to receive a cheque or credit on their account to invest in health and safety improvements or fund other investments. Rebates will be available through WSIB’s online services. wsib.ca
Nova Scotia removes red tape and costs for skilled trades professionals The province of Nova Scotia is reducing fees and eliminating certification renewal requirements for journeypersons in an effort to make it more affordable to work in the skilled trades. As well as removing the five-year certification renewal requirement (which cost journeypersons $73.53), the province has reduced the cost of certification exams from $644.15 to $350, bringing it more in line with other provinces. The changes also mean less administrative work for the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency. The move covers more than 70 occupations, including plumber and boilermaker. The province has already taken steps to streamline the system. Earlier this year Nova Scotia began automatically recognizing provincial certifications from Alberta and Quebec for Red Seal skilled trades professionals.
PPI releases revised document on PEX pipes and chlorine resistance The Plastics Pipe Institute’s (PPI) Building & Construction Division has published a revised edition of PPI TN-53 Guide to Chlorine Resistance Ratings of PEX Pipes and Tubing for Potable Water Applications. The new edition offers guidance to plumbing system designers, installers and specifiers for better understanding chlorine resistance ratings for crosslinked polyethylene (PEX) pipe and tubing. The document also explains ASTM Test Method F203 in detail, clarifies information on hydrostatic pressure and temperature ratings for PEX tubing, and describes the potential effects of using PEX in conditions beyond its recommended limits. plasticpipe.org
HVAC Designers
nsapprenticeship.ca
Toronto launches low-interest loan program for heat pumps The City of Toronto has announced a new $20-million, lowinterest loan program to encourage homeowners to replace aging furnaces with an electric heat pump. The BetterHomesTO Furnace Upgrade Program provides free energy coaching services from Toronto Hydro to help homeowners navigate home upgrades, financing and rebates. Toronto Hydro also gives homeowners access to contractors and service providers through its Cleantech Services Directory. Low-interest loans will come through the Home Energy Loan Program, which allows Toronto homeowners to borrow up to $125,000 for home energy improvements, with rates of between 3.25 per cent for a five-year term, and 4.72 per cent for a 20-year term.
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Rinnai opens Canadian warehouse Rinnai America Corporation has opened its first Canadian distribution centre in Markham, ON. The warehouse, which is within the Canada Cartage Logistics Solution distribution centre, will help shorten lead times, improve delivery consistency, and ensure availability of Rinnai’s residential and commercial water heating and heating solutions.
The Greystone team and guests recently celebrated the official opening of the company’s state-of-the-art Moncton, NB facility.
rinnai.ca
Greystone celebrates opening of new Moncton headquarters Greystone Energy Systems, Inc. has officially opened its new headquarters at 321 Desbrisay Avenue in Moncton, NB. The 78,000+ sq. ft. building features office and manufacturing space, and is double the size of Greystone’s previous Moncton facility. The Gold LEED-certified facility was designed to support increased order fulfillment needs, with 41,000 sq. ft. of manufacturing and warehousing space and the potential for an additional 41,000 sq. ft. on the same site as needed. greystoneenergy.com
CB Supplies and OPTCO announce distribution partnership CB Supplies Ltd. and OPTCO Ltd. have announced an agreement for OPTCO to distribute CB Supplies’ LYNX-PEX water service tubing across Canada. The tubing is designed for use in municipal applications. cbsupplies.ca optco.ca
Triangle Tube ceases operations Triangle Tube has shut down operations as of November 3, 2025. According to the company’s website, orders for equipment or accessories as of this date will not be processed. Spare parts will be made available for purchase by stocking distributors, as long as parts remain available. Purchases as of November 3 will have no warranty. Inquiries can be made to customerservice@triangletube.com. Triangle Tube produced fire tube and tank-in-tank technology. triangletube.com
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The Next Supply team was awarded the Corporate Cup for having the most teams and raising the most money in this year’s tournament.
NEXT Supply wins Corporate Cup at 2025 Road Hockey to Conquer Cancer event NEXT Plumbing and Hydronics Supply led the pack in the 14th annual Road Hockey to Conquer Cancer tournament, with the most teams and fundraising dollars, earning the company the Corporate Cup. The tournament to support cancer research at The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation, which took place in Vaughan, ON in September, raised a record-breaking $3.2 million this year. NEXT Supply raised more than $600,000 this year, with 30 teams and more than 400 people participating. More than 1,500 people in total participated in the event. The next tournament will take place on October 3, 2026. nextsupply.ca pmcfroadhockey.ca
Mits Airconditioning partners with Exinda Mits Airconditioning Inc. has an exclusive master distribution agreement with Exinda Eco-Energy Solutions to distribute Exinda’s residential and commercial air to water heat pumps across Canada (excluding Quebec and the Maritimes) and the U.S., as well as advanced screw chillers and heat pump energy recovery ventilators in the U.S. Exinda is headquartered in China. mitsair.com exindagroup.com
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Robotics company opens new homebuilding facility in Calgary AI and robotics provider Promise Robotics has begun full-scale production at its homebuilding facility in Calgary, AB. The 60,000+sq. ft. facility is designed to produce prefabricated homes in just a few weeks, marking a turning point for scalable, industrialized homebuilding in Canada with the use of construction AI and robotics. The Factory-as-a-Service platform is designed to support large developers, and small- to mid-sized builders, and has already been used by builders such as Mattamy Homes Alberta Division, with whom Promise Robotics has a multiyear strategic commercial partnership. The company also has a manufacturing facility in Edmonton, AB. promiserobotics.com
Gemini Hydronic Solutions launches in Ontario HVAC industry veteran Michael Breault has launched Gemini Hydronic Solutions (GHS), a manufacturer’s representative covering Southwestern Ontario. Officially Gemini Hydronics Comfort and Control Solutions Inc., the Burford, ON-based company currently represents Adey, Axiom, Pahlen, Purmo/ Myson, tekmar Controls, U.S. Boiler Co./Burnham, Zilmet, and Zentek. Breault has been in the industry for more than 30 years, and will be territory manager for hydronic systems for GHS. michael@ghs-ca.com
Lennox acquires NSI Industries’ HVAC division Lennox International has purchased NSI Industries’ HVAC division, which includes the Duro Dyne and Supco brands, from private equity firm Sentinel Capital Partners. The acquisition expands Lennox’s HVAC parts and supplies portfolio for residential and commercial customers. lennox.com nsiindustries.com
Ariston Canada manufactures gas boilers, water heaters, combi furnaces and more from its Saint John, NB facility.
NTI Boilers is now officially Ariston Canada The name NTI Boilers has officially been changed to Ariston Canada. The NTI brand remains unchanged. The name change reflects the company’s integration into Ariston Group. The Fabriano, Italy-based company acquired NTI Boilers in 2016. ntiboilers.com aristongroup.com
Daikin Applied announces two new facilities and data centre division Daikin Applied has announced plans for a new U.S. facility in 2026, allowing it to enhance production capacity and meet A rendering of Daikin Applied’s new manufacturing facility in Tijuana, Mexico. the increasing demands of the data centre market. This summer the company opened a 420,000-sq. ft. manufacturing plant in Tijuana, Mexico that supports the production of Daikin’s Alliance Air custom air handlers. The energy-efficient facility is in partnership with subsidiary Alliance Air Products (AAP) and will double production capacity for AAP. In addition, Daikin Applied has announced plans to open a 200,000-sq. ft., modular solutions manufacturing facility in Phoenix, AZ in January 2026. The new plant will offer a 300-per cent expansion in manufacturing space, focusing on modular and air-cooled modification solutions. To support the increased demands of data centres Daikin Applied has also launched a global data centre business unit led by Greg Jeffers, vice president of data centre solutions. daikinapplied.com M e c h a n i c a l
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U.S. Boiler Company expansion focuses on advanced technology
Noble event draws more than 1,000 attendees
U.S. Boiler Company, a subsidiary of Burnham Holdings, has expanded its manufacturing facility in Lancaster, PA with the grand opening of the Condensing Center of Excellence (CCE). The 45,000-sq. ft., state-of-the-art CCE features additional production and storage capacity, and a 20,000-sq. ft. engineering lab where hydronic heating appliances for all of Burnham Holdings’ subsidiaries will be designed and tested. The expansion has also allowed U.S. Boiler to consolidate operations from its other facilities into the Lancaster plant.
Noble’s annual Fall Tradeshow on October 2, 2025 drew more than 1,000 attendees to the Universal Event Space in Vaughan, ON. This year’s event featured approximately 85 exhibitors, complimentary educational seminars, and live product Attendees at Noble’s annual Fall Tradeshow had the opportunity to demonstrations. visit more than 85 exhibitors, as well Other highlights as attend educational seminars and included prizes and live product demos. giveaways sponsored by American Standard, NTI, Resideo, Liberty Pumps, Fujitsu, Hisense, and ecobee. In addition to seeing the latest technologies, attendees had the chance to network and catch up with industry peers.
usboiler.net
Burlington Pump adds new location Burlington Pump, Inc. has opened a branch at 229 Consortium Court in London, ON. The location will improve accessibility for the company’s customers in Southwestern Ontario. Based in Burlington, ON, Burlington Pump distributes industrial pumps, valves, heat exchangers, and more.
noble.ca
burlingtonpump.com
Boshart Industries marks 70 years of business
RectorSeal expands lineup with MARS Parts acquisition Houston, TX-based RectorSeal has completed its purchase of Motors & Armatures’ (MARS) Parts division from Platinum Equity, expanding its HVAC/R product lineup. The deal includes MARS Parts’ Global, the Source and MARS’ parts and accessories divisions. It does not include the MARS equipment distribution division, which will remain as a standalone business operating under the name Heat Controller, and offer residential and commercial heating, cooling and dehumidification equipment under the ComfortAire and Century brands.
Boshart Industries recently held an open house at its facility in Milverton, ON to celebrate the company’s 70th anniversary. The event drew more than 450 guests, including employees, families, industry partners and community members for tours of Boshart’s expanded warehouse. Boshart was established in 1955 by Mel Boshart. The company has more than 220 employees, and warehouses in Milverton, ON and Charlotte, NC. boshart.com
Mechanical Business has the latest Plumbing Products Have a look on page 68
rectorseal.com marsdelivers.com
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Danfoss acquires Palladio Compressors Danfoss A/S has purchased Palladio Compressors, which will join the Danfoss Commercial Compressors division. Lonigo, Italy-based Palladio manufactures high-efficiency screw compressors for HVAC/R, marine, data centres, industrial processes, and high-temperature heat pumps. The agreement also integrates Palladio’s screw technology with Danfoss’ compressors, valves, controls, heat exchangers and sensors under the newly-branded Danfoss Screw range.
CE Canada opens new headquarters, partners with Kerr Controls
(L-R) Fabio Klein, president, Danfoss Commercial Compressors, celebrates the agreement to acquire Palladio with David Candio, CEO, Palladio Compressors.
danfoss.com palladiocompressors.com
Watts purchases Superior Boiler Watts Water Technologies, Inc. has completed its acquisition of Superior Boiler. Hutchinson, KS-based Superior Boiler manufactures customized steam and hot water boilers and related equipment for commercial, institutional and industrial applications, including firetube, watertube and condensing boilers. “This acquisition is consistent with our disciplined M&A strategy and further positions Watts for growth,” says Watts CEO Robert J. Pagano Jr. “Superior’s customized, mission critical heating and hot water solutions enable us to offer expanded capabilities to our customers. We expect that the company’s complementary sales network will help drive growth and provide increased cross-selling opportunities.” watts.com superiorboiler.com
See you at the show in March 2026!
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carrierenterprise.ca kerrcontrols.ca
Atmus Filtration acquires Koch Filter Corp. Atmus Filtration Technologies Inc. is purchasing Koch Filter Corporation, a subsidiary of Air Distribution Technologies, from private equity firm Truelink Capital. Louisville, KY-based Koch Filter offers air filtration products for commercial, industrial and specialty applications, with four manufacturing facilities in the U.S. Air Distribution Technologies will focus its portfolio around engineered air distribution solutions. The acquisition is expected to close in 2026 Q1. atmus.com kochfilter.com
Navien wins IDEA 2025 Silver Award for heat pump water heater Navien has won the Silver Award at the 2025 International Design Excellence Awards (IDEA) for its NWP500 heat pump water heater. The annual competition is presented by the Industrial Designers Society of America, and recognizes excellence in design across various markets and categories.
Canadian Mechanical& Plumbing Exposition
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Carrier Enterprise (CE) Canada has moved its headquarters, including distribution centre and wholesale parts store, to 30 Resolution Drive in Brampton, ON. The new facility has a larger footprint wholesale branch, and more than 116,0000-sq. ft. of combined warehouse and office space. The warehouse has 24 bay doors and one drive-in door. CE Canada has also announced an HVAC/R exclusive distribution agreement with Kerr Controls in Atlantic Canada for Carrier’s residential and commercial products. CE Canada is a joint venture between Watsco, Inc. and Carrier Corporation.
navieninc.ca
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Navien’s NWP500 heat pump water heater.
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Raven Supply’s Room to Read campaign focuses on girls’ education Raven Hydronic Supply Ltd. has announced its 2025 Room to Read campaign has raised over $103,000, and helped more than 300 girls in developing Raven Supply recently hosted a 25th countries access anniversary celebration for its Room education. Raven to Read campaign, and to honour the company’s late founder, Brian DeJaegher. Supply has The featured artwork, inspired by one supported the of Room to Read’s storybooks, was campaign since presented to Raven Supply in recognition of its ongoing partnership and 2013, and has commitment to education. raised more than $400,000 to date for projects in seven countries. To celebrate the achievement, Raven Supply recently held a 25th anniversary event, which also remembered the company’s late founder, Brian DeJaegher. ravensupply.ca
WaterFurnace marks opening of its Fort Wayne, IN expansion WaterFurnace International, Inc. recently celebrated the grand opening of the 173,000-sq. ft. expansion of its Fort Wayne, IN headquarters. The $14-million WaterFurnace’s grand opening of its expansion almost expanded Fort Wayne, IN facility. triples the size of WaterFurnace’s facility, and will allow the company to expand its production and improve efficiencies. The stateof-the-art facility is heated and cooled by the company’s geothermal systems that draw the renewable energy of an onsite pond. waterfurnace.com
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Superior Radiant employees commemorate the company’s 30th anniversary.
Superior Radiant Products celebrates 30th anniversary Superior Radiant Products Ltd. (SRP) is commemorating 30 years of business in 2025, growing from a single location to a global company. The company was founded in 1995 in Stoney Creek, ON as a manufacturer of infrared heating equipment, and now provides a range of low- and high-intensity radiant heating solutions for industrial, commercial, agricultural and residential applications. SRP now has three operating companies: Superior Radiant Products Ltd. in Stoney Creek; Qingdao Ltd. based in Qingdao, China; and Superior Radiant Products Inc. based in Atlanta, GA. superiorradiant.com
Kasa Supply expands Edmonton location Kasa Supply Ltd. is adding a 15,000+ sq. ft. expansion to its Edmonton, AB facility. Kasa’s Edmonton location currently has a 25,000+ sq. ft. warehouse and office space. The new addition will expand the company’s capacity and ability to deliver products throughout Alberta and beyond. Based in Surrey, BC, Kasa Supply has six locations in BC, Alberta and Ontario. kasasupply.com
Reliable Parts acquires AMRE Supply Reliable Parts Ltd. has purchased Edmonton, AB-based AMRE Supply Canada Inc. Plano, TX-based Reliable Parts has a Canadian headquarters in Coquitlam, BC, with 29 Canadian branches, and distribution centres in Toronto, Montreal, Calgary and Vancouver. AMRE Supply has 12 locations across Canada. amresupply.com reliableparts.ca
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Fujitsu National Distributor Conference largest to date
Ownership change at Klimatrol Environmental Systems
Fujitsu General America, Inc. recently held its seventh National Distributor Conference in Palm Springs, CA, with more than 270 attendees from Canada and the U.S. Employees, reps and distributors gathered for the event, themed “Driven to Win,” to celebrate the company’s success, making it the company’s largest ever conference. Attendees There were 12 attendees from Canada learned about Fujitsu’s new at the Fujitsu National AIRSTAGE products, Distributor Conference, programs and initiatives in including (L-R) Alexandre Kirouac and breakout and general sessions, Alexandre Levesque as well as enjoying social and with The Master Group. networking opportunities. Topics and presentations at the conference included growth strategies to help contractors, and new tools for long-term customer loyalty.
Brampton, ON-based Klimatrol Environmental Systems Ltd. has announced a management buyout by Jack Maynard, president, and Darrell Pinsent, Ontario GM, from founder and CEO Mark Euteneier. The buyout was with support from financial services firm PE Gate. Jack Maynard will become CEO. klimatrol.com
(L-R) Jack Maynard and Darrell Pinsent have acquired Klimatrol Environmental Systems from founder and CEO Mark Euteneier.
fujitsugeneral.com
Nexstar continues support of SkillCat Nexstar Network has expanded its partnership with SkillCat to deliver training to its members and the HVAC and plumbing industries. SkillCat is a Nexstar Strategic Partner offering a mobile workforce development platform for the skilled trades. As part of the arrangement, Nexstar’s NexTech Academy training curriculum will transition to the SkillCat learning platform, which also supports Canadian contractors. nexstarnetwork.com skillcatapp.com
Kerr Controls opens new building at Moncton branch Kerr Controls and Kerr Smart Energy has opened a new building at its 35 Loostouk St., Moncton, NB location. The location has undergone a major upgrade this year, which included construction of the new building. Truro, NS-based Kerr Controls has 12 locations in Atlantic Canada and three in Ontario.
FGI/Contrac
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People in the news www.mechanicalbusiness.com Fujitsu General America has hired Bojana Prorok as director of sales – Canada. Based out of Toronto, ON, Prorok is responsible for supporting Fujitsu’s residential and commercial HVAC products across Canada.
The Canadian Institute of Plumbing & Heating (CIPH) has announced a number of employee changes. Nancy Barden 1 (1) has announced she will step down from the position of director of member services, effective December 31, 2025. She will become 2 senior advisor, special projects, effective January 1, 2026. Barden has been with the association for 33 years. Kevin Ernst 3 (2) is joining CIPH as technical advisor, effective November 1, 2025. Ernst recently retired as COO of +osb, and has launched a consultancy 4 called SKE (Strategic Knowledge Exchange) Partners to share his expertise in codes, standards, and industry strategy. Veda Narain (3) joins CIPH as coordinator, member services, succeeding Layyaba Shahzad (4) who is now specialist, events and programs, supporting the Canadian Hydronics Council. Burlington, ON-based Wolseley Canada Inc. has named Merissa Martin commercial quotations manager. Martin has been with Wolseley for seven years, most recently as branch manager in Port Coquitlam, BC. 22
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Daikin Comfort Technologies North America, Inc. has promoted Bill Davis to regional sales director for Western Canada. Davis joined Daikin Comfort as territory sales manager in March 2023, and had previously worked for the company as commercial sales specialist. Cowansville, QC-based Granby Industries has appointed Clinton Desveaux account manager for commercial storage tanks in Ontario. Desveaux will help strengthen Granby’s presence in Ontario, and support the growth of its storage solutions business. Bertrand Poirier has been elected chair of the board for the Home Ventilating Institute (HVI). Poirier is head of regulatory and technical affairs for Bouctouche, NB-based Systemair North America, and has been an active member of HVI for more than 15 years. He will serve as chair of the board for a two-year term. Victaulic has appointed Brent Burrell business development manager – Eastern Canada. Burrell has been with Victaulic for more than 12 years, most recently as mechanical HVAC plumbing sales specialist. Dan MacKenzie has joined Fredericton, NB-based Bird Stairs as HVAC account manager – Atlantic, based out of the company’s Plumbing and Electrical branch in Dartmouth, NS.
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Calgary, AB-based HeatLink Group Inc. has hired Geoffrey Holloway as vice president and general manager. Holloway will work with HeatLink co-founder and president Manfred Schmidt, who has announced he is retiring next year, and the leadership team to ensure a smooth transition. Michael Balfoort has been named director of after-market at Mississauga, ON-based Kilmer Environmental Inc. Balfoort will lead the parts, service, controls, training and technical support division. He was previously service manager/technical for Kilmer HVACR Service Inc., part of Kilmer Environmental. Rinnai Canada has hired Alysha Johnson as territory sales manager for Southwest Ontario. In this role Johnson will support Rinnai’s distribution partners and professional installers of its residential and commercial product lines in the Greater Toronto Area, and Kitchener/Waterloo region.
Briana Chan has been named outside sales representative at Winnipeg, MB-based Robinson Supply, a division of B. A. Robinson Co. Ltd. Chan has been with B. A. Robinson since March 2018, and was most recently inside sales associate at Robinson Supply.
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Cirissa Sellars has joined Vaughan, ON-based NEXT Plumbing and Hydronics Supply as an outside sales account manager.
Tyler Oakley has been named general manager at Calgary, AB-based Alggin Metal Industries Ltd. Oakley joined the company in October 2022 as sales and marketing manager. Barrie, ON-based Hercules Sealing Products Canada has hired Max Bezner as general manager, Canada.
Taco Comfort has hired Danish Shahzad as sales engineer.
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Daikin Comfort Technologies North America has promoted Christa Pehleman (1) to branch manager for Nanaimo, BC. Sean McKeigan (2) is now territory sales manager – BC Interior, BC. Javi Richmond has been named CEO of Burnaby, BC-based Refrigerative Supply Ltd. (RSL). The announcement follows the retirement of president Dermot Strong.
Jamie Whitehead has joined Zoeller Pump Co. as Western regional sales manager.
Stone Mountain Technologies, Inc. has named Brad Monaghan North American sales director. In this newly created role Monaghan will manage the company’s network of manufacturers’ representatives, stocking distributors and regional sales managers.
Oxford Energy
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HYDRONICS
B y B o b “H o t Ro d” Rohr
Fantastic plastic
Bob Rohr is a trainer with Caleffi, and was the recipient of the 2020-2022 Carlson-Holohan Industry Award of Excellence. He has 40+ years of experience as a plumbing, radiant heat and renewable energy contractor.
While there is no perfect pipe, plastic arguably changed, revolutionized, or saved the hydronic/radiant industry
I
f I could point out one product that changed, revolutionized, or saved the hydronic/radiant industry it would be plastic tube. As I recall the timeline, it was probably in the late 1970s we started to see plastic, a.k.a. polymer tubing, offered. These polymer tubes were engineered specifically for the plumbing and hydronic markets.
It looked promising, however several years into the product’s life some issues started cropping up. Some of the plastic fittings designed to be used with the PB tube were beginning to fail. This could lead to a small drip, or a catastrophic flood in some cases. The aluminum crimp rings were also one of the failures. Allegedly, they were unable to handle the expansion and contraction from the varying water temperature. While some of the failures were installer related, improper crimping techniques for example, the product pretty much disappeared by the mid to late 1990s. As PB was fading away, PE or polyethylene tubing was being promoted to the industry, around the early 1980s. This tube was promoted for both plumbing and hydronic use. PE tube was also offered as a crosslinked version known as PEX. The X indicated it was crosslinked.
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Photo: Chemfax
Polymer is from the Greek word poly, many small molecules linked together.
The polymer/plastic or composite tubes used for hydronic installations should contain an oxygen barrier. This barrier stops, or limits, the amount of oxygen, at the molecular level, that can enter the tube. The intention is to prevent corrosion and rusting of the ferrous metals. Hydronic systems often
Photo courtesy Caleffi
One of the early products was known as PB (polybutylene tube). Usually grey in colour, this tube was very flexible and installer-friendly for radiant and plumbing applications. It was offered in a variety of sizes. It could be used for radiant loops as well as distribution piping. Fitting options consisted of insert crimp, compression, and a heat/fusion weld.
Polyethylene tubing was also offered as a crosslinked, more stable version known as PEX.
PEX is also available with an aluminum layer known as PAP (pex aluminum pex). The aluminum layer gives it additional form stability and also provides an O2, oxygen barrier.
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HYDRONICS Cont’d from pg. 24 contain steel expansion tanks, iron body circulators, and possibly miscellaneous steel nipples and fittings. The barrier used to limit the O2 ingress is EVOH or ethylene vinyl alcohol. The EVOH layer will limit, but not completely stop O2 ingress. The DIN 4726 standard details the amount of O2 ingress allowed over a period of time. The ingress of oxygen is temperature related. Higher operating temperatures can allow higher rates of O2 ingress. PEX for hydronic applications will usually have an additional layer over the EVOH to protect it from scrapes.
OPTIONS FOR HYDRONICS Along the tube journey, other options were offered specifically for hydronics. An EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) product was offered to the industry. Later a more engineered version of EPDM hydronic tube with multi layers was offered. The pipe was flexible and easy to install, but ultimately oxygen issues popped up. Several more tubes have become available recently. PERT (polyethylene raised temperature) is one, though this tube is not crosslinked as PEX is. PP (polypropylene) is available as PP-R (polypropylene random copolymer), and PP-RCT (polypropylene random copolymer with modified crystallinity and temperature resistance). Blind me with science! From my many years in the plumbing/heating industry I have found that time is what often determines the long-term viability of tubing. As demonstrated, there have been wins and misses in the tube industry. Some limitations became obvious in a short time period. Some limitations may take decades to present themselves. My opinion is that all piping materials have limitations and pros and cons. I include metallic tube in this list. Many will recall the issue with copper tube failures, pin holes for example. Specialty companies formed just to re-pipe the homes and buildings with failed copper tube. Various plastic tubes are used for replacement of the copper. PEX and PERT are good retrofit options. PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride) are commonly used for plumbing and some hydronic applications. An internet search will turn up examples of premature failures of all these various metal and polymer piping materials. The PEX retrofits for failed copper systems are failing in some cases.
Galvanized steel pipe, dating back to the 1920s, continues to be a piping option. 26
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What are the reasons for these failures? In some instances, manufacturing error may have led to some tube failures. Could it be new chemical cocktails being used by water providers? Water treatment chemicals continue to be a challenge for some plastic. Continuously flowing water at elevated temperatures at elevated chlorine levels can be another issue. Installation error is one of the causes of tube failure. This can range from improper fitting installation, lack of expansion accommodation, excessive temperature, and prolonged exposure to UV. There are a number of variables that can affect the performance and longevity to any of these tubes. Perhaps a combination of all of these conditions contributes to failures. So where does that leave the designers, specifiers, and installers today? What are the criteria you would use to select the tube for an installation? Would you consider the industry track record of the product to make an informed decision? Maybe your past experiences determine your choices? Is the water quality a factor? What about manufacturers' marketing of the product? Perhaps the limit of your liability insurance is a factor? Most often the installers are the first to get involved in a product failure. In the owner’s mind, the installers are first to take the blame. This article may raise more questions than answers. If there is a tube product out there that checks all the boxes, I have yet to find it. Perhaps I never will. What is your comfort level when considering a
As plastic pipe has evolved so have the joining options. B u s i n e s s
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yet to find it. Perhaps I never will. What is your comfort level when considering a new piping product? So, I suggest you do the research to ensure the product you choose is in fact listed and approved for the application. Make sure it is accepted by your code officials. Take the time to get trained on the details of the selection, sizing, and installation of the product. Ask around, plenty of opinions are available on almost any product via the industry chat rooms. And learn to live with the reality that there is no perfect pipe.
THANK YOU HOT ROD! Bob “Hot Rod” Rohr has decided to hand over the hydronic columnist reins. He’s been writing for Mechanical Business from the inaugural issue. Thank you Hot Rod for your support and knowledge sharing. We look forward to seeing Bob on our pages as a guest columnist and wish him all the best on his next adventure (which will no doubt involve an intriguing invention). Learn more about Bob and his fascinating experiences in and out of the industry in the November/ December 2020 issue of MB at mechanicalbusiness.com.
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HEAT PUMP J O U R N A L
DECEMBER 2025
ANTHONY WOO:
GROWTH BUILDER • HIGH-PERFORMANCE DHW SOLUTION • PARLIAMENT HILL’S NEW GREEN CLIMATE CONTROL • PRODUCT SHOWCASE AND MORE INSIDE • DEEP ENERGY RETROFITS
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HEAT PUMP J O U R N A L
CONTENTS supplement
12.25
MAY JUNE 2024
36
42 32 52
FEATURES
OTHER
32
40DEEP ENERGY RETROFIT
HPJ
36 HPJ
PROJECT PROFILE GROUNDBREAKING TECHNOLOGY: CENTRE BLOCK ON PARLIAMENT HILL’S NEW GREEN CLIMATE CONTROL A network of geoexchange boreholes holds the key to efficiently heating and cooling the new Centre Block − an area of nearly 93,000 square metres.
FEATURES
VANCOUVER PILOT PROJECT INCORPORATES GAS ABSORPTION HEAT PUMPS The Manor House retrofit is the first of four commercial building pilot projects completed by FortisBC. Carolyn Cooper
42ROAD WARRIOR ANTHONY WOO: GROWTH BUILDER Carolyn Cooper
WATER HEATING GAS ABSORPTION HEAT PUMPS: A HIGH-PERFORMANCE SOLUTION GAHPs are suited for commercial and institutional facilities where hot water demand is high and energy performance is a priority. Glenn Wong
DEPART M EN T S
46-51PRODUCTS A showcase of heat pump technology.
58JOBSITE JARGON
52 HPJ
HIGH-PERFORMANCE HVAC RETROFIT MARKET TRANSFORMATION Of all energy retrofit opportunities, heat pumps are perhaps the most compelling because of their transformative potential. Tom Grochmal
Editor’s Note: Be sure to check out Michael Squires’ REFRIGERATION column on pg. 76 of this issue. Squires discusses how advancements in technology are enabling efficient operation in sub-zero ambient temperatures.
Test your knowledge of heat pump technology for a chance to win a YETI cooler, sponsored by NIBCO.
The Heat Pump Journal On Demand! Everything you need, anywhere you are – scan to open the digital edition of the Heat Pump Journal. Brought to you in partnership with:
Cover Photo: Jeremy Wilson-Bouchard − JWB Studios
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PROJECT PROFILE
Centre Block on Parliament Hill
Groundbreaking technology:
Centre Block’s new green climate control
Photos courtesy Public Services and Procurement Canada
A massive excavation pit in front of Centre Block on Parliament Hill
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n February 2019, the Senate moved to the Senate of Canada Building, a former train station built in 1912. The Senate will occupy this temporary location while Parliament’s Centre Block — the Senate’s permanent home — is rehabilitated. Centre Block’s mechanical, electrical and heating systems will be upgraded and the 100-year-old building will be brought up to current fire, accessibility, security and seismic standards. The gaping pit that has opened up in front of Centre Block is half again as big as a football field and 23 metres deep. It will eventually contain the three-storey, 32,000-squaremetre Parliament Welcome Centre where an anticipated three million annual visitors will begin their tours of the Parliament buildings and where the mechanical systems that heat and cool the complex will be housed. What you can’t see is what’s taking shape underneath: a geoexchange field one hectare in area honeycombed with 92 pipes extending 250 metres down into the bedrock, three times deeper than the height of Centre Block’s Peace Tower. This network of geoexchange boreholes holds the key to efficiently heating and cooling the new Centre Block — an area of nearly 93,000 square metres.
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Construction crews from the consortium of PCL and EllisDon drill geoexchange boreholes on Parliament Hill in November 2023.
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m
Cont’d from pg. xx
SET IN STONE Geoexchange is not a new technology, but its scale is increasing. Across the country, universities, civic centres, apartment buildings − even entire neighbourhoods − are connecting to geoexchange fields. It’s a technology that promises to turn the bedrock under Parliament Hill into what is essentially a giant air conditioning and heating unit while transforming Centre Block from one of the least energy-efficient government buildings in the country to one that meets stringent net zerocarbon standards.
HPJ
A mobile drilling rig lowers a drill into the ground. Sections of drill shaft are continuously added as the borehole deepens.
For 100 years, a nearby heating and cooling plant kept Centre Block comfortable for users. If a room was too cold, radiators kicked in and hot water drove the cold out. If it was too hot, cold water circulating through coils cooled the room. In parts of the building that lacked air conditioning, windows were simply left open. Hot and cold air were not treated as resources to be captured and reused but simply as waste to be expelled. Geoexchange technology, by contrast, offers an economical, convenient way to store and reuse what used to be waste energy. It takes advantage of the fact that, at depths of 10 metres or more, bedrock maintains a constant temperature of 10°C to 13°C year-round, unaffected by surface temperatures. “Water flowing through the system in the wintertime will be colder than the bedrock, so it will suck the heat out of the bedrock and bring it into the building,” Sing explains. “In the summertime, the water will be warmer than the bedrock, so it will lose that heat to the bedrock and store that heat energy for us.”
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CLOSED-LOOP SYSTEM Within the geoexchange field, a network of boreholes perforates the bedrock. Each borehole contains a pair of polyethylene pipes — one going down and one coming back up — connected with a U-joint at the bottom and filled with a mixture of water and glycol that circulates between the building and the bedrock. The system forms a closed loop that channels waste heat from the building to where it can be stored in the bedrock and retrieved as needed.
“We are using it as seasonal storage,” explains Martin Sing, team lead for energy and sustainability for CENTRUS, the consortium in charge of architectural and engineering design for the Centre Block rehabilitation project. “During the summertime, when we need to cool the building, we extract heat out of it. Rather Hundreds of metres of polyethylene pipe are than simply vent that fed into the borehole from large spools. heat, we’ll store it in the ground. During the wintertime, we can pull that heat out and use it to warm the building.”
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“It’s similar to sub-floor heating, just at a bigger scale,” Sing says. “Instead of heating a floor you’re heating a big chunk of bedrock.” Centre Block will be heated and cooled almost entirely with electricity, relying primarily on an industrial-scale heat pump. The heat pump will direct hot or cold water to the parts of the building that need it and redirect any surplus to the network of underground geoexchange pipes for storage.
CENTRE BLOCK’S CARBON-NEUTRAL FUTURE Even with drilling nearing completion, years of work remain. “Once the shell of the Parliament Welcome Centre starts to go up, we’ll lay out the branch piping to connect those boreholes back to central points in the building,” Sing says. “As construction continues and equipment goes in, we’ll install the heat pump along with all the pipes and pumps that connect the entire system.” With this geoexchange technology in place, Centre Block’s green future will be solidly grounded. A modernized, efficient Centre Block will demonstrate how heritage buildings can be made sustainable and even how the investment could save money over the long term. “Any surplus heating energy that’s generated in the building, rather than throwing it away, we’re going to capture it, store it and reuse it,” Sing says. “In the long run, it’s a more efficient and costeffective way of doing things, and it helps us achieve carbon-neutral status.”
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PROJECT PROFILE | Con’t from pg. x
PROJECT PROFILE
Cont’d from pg. 33
1 Cliff Plant
2 District heating
3 Centre Block
The central heating plant for the Parliamentary Precinct provided all of Centre Block’s heat and air conditioning until 2018. Once the rehabilitation project is complete, the plant will service about 40 per cent of the cooling demand for Centre Block and the Parliament Welcome Centre and act as an emergency back-up system.
A network of underground pipes connects the Cliff Plant to more than 50 buildings in the Parliamentary Precinct.
Eventually, geoexchange will produce all of the heating demand for Centre Block and the Parliament Welcome Centre and about 60 per cent of the cooling demand.
Note to readers: To see an infographic on this project see the story online at mechanicalbusiness.com. SOURCES: CENTRUS, Public Services and Procurement Canada, Pembina Institute, National Research Council of Canada, National Museum of Science and Technology.
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Built for Canadian winters Powered by LG innovation. Proven to -35°C. When temperatures plunge, performance matters most. The LG Residential Cold Climate Heat Pump delivers reliable heating down to -35°C, redefining comfort in extreme Canadian winters. •
100% heating capacity at -25°C, reliable operation at 70% capacity down to -35°C
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Built-in occupancy sensor for smarter operation
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Wireless control with LG ThinQ app
ENERGY STAR® Cold Climate Certified — engineered for efficient year-round comfort.
Winner of the 2025 Ontario Home Builders’ Association Innovation Award and the 2025 AHR Innovation Award – Sustainable Solution. LG
Copyright © 2025 LG Electronics Canada, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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WATER HEATING
Gas absorption heat pumps: A high-performance solution
By Glenn Wong Glenn Wong is technical sales representative with Canadian Aqualine, a manufacturer’s representative agency in Delta, BC.
A
s Canada advances toward a low-carbon economy, building energy consultants and HVAC professionals are increasingly tasked with identifying technologies that reduce emissions, improve efficiency, and perform reliably in diverse climates. One such solution gaining traction is the gas absorption heat pump (GAHP) − a thermally driven system that offers high efficiency, fuel versatility, and strong cold-weather performance. GAHPs are particularly well-suited for commercial and institutional facilities across Canada, where hot water demand is high and energy performance is a priority.
What are GAHPs? Gas absorption heat pumps operate using a thermodynamic cycle that moves heat rather than generating it through combustion. GAHPs use an ammonia-water absorption process, where ammonia acts as the refrigerant and water as the absorbent. A gas burner − fuelled by natural gas, renewable natural gas (RNG), or propane − drives the cycle.
GAHPs are especially effective in facilities with consistent year-round hot water demand, where efficiency gains translate into substantial operational savings.
GAHPs can achieve seasonal efficiencies of 120 per cent or more. This is because they extract additional heat from ambient air or water, delivering more thermal energy than the fuel energy consumed. This makes them suited to high-demand commercial applications such as: domestic hot water in multi-unit residential buildings; process water heating in food and beverage facilities; healthcare and hospitality hot water systems; and institutional buildings such as schools and recreation centres.
•
Renewable natural gas (RNG): RNG is produced from organic waste sources such as landfills, agricultural residues, and wastewater treatment plants. It is chemically identical to conventional natural gas but has a much lower carbon intensity, and in some cases, even carbonnegative lifecycle emissions. Several Canadian utilities are expanding RNG supply and offering it as a clean energy option for commercial customers.
•
Fuel versatility A key advantage of GAHPs is their versatile fuel compatibility, allowing them to be deployed in a range of geographic and infrastructure contexts:
• Natural gas: Widely available in urban and
suburban areas, natural gas remains a cost-effective and lower-emission fuel compared to oil or coal. It provides a stable and familiar energy source for commercial building operators.
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Propane and renewable propane: For buildings in rural or off-grid areas where natural gas infrastructure is unavailable, propane offers a reliable and efficient alternative. It can be stored on-site and delivered by truck, making it suitable for remote installations. Renewable propane, derived from sustainable feedstocks, is emerging as a low-carbon alternative with the same performance characteristics as conventional propane. This fuel optionality supports long-term energy planning, adaptability, and system resilience – all critical factors in both new construction and retrofit projects.
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2025-11-26 2:28 PM
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Learn more at www.forestair.ca or contact proservice@sunrisetradex.com
2025-10-02 4:32 PM
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WATER HEATING Cold climate performance
Incentives and technical assistance
GAHPs are engineered to perform reliably in cold climates, a crucial consideration for Canadian installations. In fact, GAHPs can produce heat in temperatures as low as -40°F (-40°C). This makes them a dependable solution for year-round heating in provinces such as Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Northern Ontario. In pilot projects conducted by FortisBC across seven commercial buildings in British Columbia, GAHPs demonstrated:
•
Up to 40 per cent energy savings compared to conventional gas boilers
• Significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions • Stable performance across seasonal temperature variations These results confirm that GAHPs are not only technically viable but also economically advantageous in real-world Canadian conditions.
Integration and design considerations For HVAC professionals and energy consultants, GAHPs offer design flexibility and compatibility with existing systems:
Some gas utilities are actively supporting the adoption of GAHPs through incentives and technical assistance programs. As an example, FortisBC offers rebates covering up to 75 per cent of project costs, capped at $200,000, along with feasibility study funding of up to $20,000. While not all utilities publicly list GAHP-specific incentives, many offer custom or high-efficiency retrofit programs that may support these systems. Energy professionals are encouraged to contact their local utility’s commercial energy efficiency or technical services team to inquire about eligibility, custom project support, or pilot program participation.
Off-grid and rural applications In remote or underserved areas, propane-fuelled GAHPs offer a practical and sustainable solution for commercial water heating. Advantages include energy independence through on-site fuel storage, reduced reliance on diesel or electric resistance heating, and improved resilience in areas with limited or unreliable grid access. These systems are particularly well-suited for Indigenous communities, remote healthcare facilities, rural schools, and tourism operations such as lodges and resorts.
• Hydronic integration:
GAHPs can be easily integrated into hydronic heating systems, making them suitable for both domestic hot water and space heating applications.
Why GAHPs make sense for your clients
•
Hybrid systems: They can be paired with existing systems or renewable technologies to create hybrid energy solutions that further reduce emissions and operating costs.
Cont’d from pg. 36
Units can be installed on rooftops or at grade, depending on space and access.
From a consulting and engineering perspective, GAHPs offer a compelling value proposition:
•
High return on investment through energy savings and utility incentives
•
Regulatory alignment with federal and provincial climate policies
•
• Infrastructure
Design flexibility for both retrofits and new builds
require standard gas piping and venting, and their electrical load is minimal − typically limited to controls and circulation pumps.
Reduced emissions without full electrification, easing pressure on the electrical grid
compatibility: GAHPs
Proper system sizing and adherence to manufacturer specifications are essential to ensure optimal performance and long-term reliability.
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Versatile fuel compatibility that enhances long-term energy planning and system resilience
GAHPs require standard gas piping and venting, and their electrical load is minimal. J O U R N A L
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2025-11-26 2:31 PM
The stars have aligned. Discover 100% capacity and 100% performance down to -30°C.
The new Orion XLTH+…a star performer in extreme weather. Like the Orion Constellation brightening the winter night sky, the Fujitsu AIRSTAGE Orion XLTH+ Series stands out as a brilliant star for heating performance...even in the harshest climates. While others fade in extreme cold, Orion shines brighter, delivering more than 100% capacity even at -30°C. Beyond 100% Performance at -30°C – No derating, just powerful, consistent heating.
No Lockout Temperature – Unlike other systems, Orion keeps running in relentless cold. ProCore™ Corrosion-Resistant Technology – Built to endure and perform.
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4/25/25 3:34 PM 2025-04-30 1:01 PM
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DEEP ENERGY RETROFIT
By Carolyn Cooper
Vancouver pilot project incorporates gas absorption heat pumps Manor House in North Vancouver, BC has undergone a deep energy retrofit that will help lower gas use, energy costs, and greenhouse gas emissions, while making the building more comfortable for residents. The project was a collaboration between Metro Vancouver Housing, Pembina Institute and FortisBC Energy Inc.
Based on project modelling, energy savings are estimated at 55 per cent, gas savings at 69 per cent, and emissions reductions at about 68 per cent. FortisBC is undertaking deep energy retrofit pilot projects in 20 residential homes and four commercial buildings in BC, including Manor House. The retrofits will take a whole building approach that improves the building envelop first to prevent heat loss and reduce heating demand.
Manor House, a 50-unit, wood The Manor House retrofit is the first of four commercial framed, non-market rental residential building pilot projects completed by FortisBC in building built in 1972, underwent a Vancouver. range of energy efficiency upgrades All four commercial buildings will including installing new air barrier install GAHPs to help improve energy and exterior wall insulation; new roof membrane with added roof efficiency. Data from the pilot projects will help establish ways to insulation; gas absorption heat pumps (GAHP) for space heating lower energy use in existing buildings, and will help guide future and domestic hot water; in-suite heat recovery ventilation units; incentive programs. in-suite units that provide heating and cooling; upgraded control systems; and new triple-glazed windows. metrovancouver.org pembina.org fortisbc.com
Affordable Comfort. Built Canadian Tough. From coast to coast, Canadian homes demand heating and cooling solutions built for year-round comfort. The LG Builder Series Heat Pumps deliver reliable performance at a price that fits today’s market—without compromising on quality or innovation. Whether for retrofits or new builds across Canada, the LG Builder Series Heat Pumps provide an affordable, reliable solution for builders and simplify installation for contractors. Available in capacities of 9,000, 12,000, 18,000, and 24,000 Btu/h.
Copyright © 2025 LG Electronics Canada, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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ROAD WARRIOR Name: Anthony Woo Company: Climatisation ACG Job title: Co-owner/Operator Born in: Edmonton, AB Lives in: Montreal, QC Age: 39
Anthony Woo: Growth builder
Photography by Jeremy Wilson-Bouchard, JWB Studios
“Consumers don’t understand the heat pump technology, so you have to be able to explain it to them as well as work on it. That’s really key,” says Anthony Woo. “A lot of contractors are still box changers. Back 10 years ago, you could put in the box, flip it on, and that’s okay. But nowadays this technology is not just an on/off thing. And if you don’t understand what you’re doing, and if you’re not commissioning the machines, they’re bound to fail eventually.” Woo is co-owner with Kar Young of Notre-Dame-de-l’ÎlePerrot, QC-based Climatisation ACG. The company was established in 2022, focusing strictly on residential heat pumps, and servicing the Vaudreuil-Soulanges area and the West Island of Montreal. Although just four years old, Climatisation ACG has grown significantly, and recently won the National Comfort Institute’s (NCI) Small Contractor of the Year award for companies earning under $2 million in annual sales. “Something that I did not even realize until this past year is how much we’ve grown. I’ve been just so boots on the ground in it,” adds Woo. “I really started recognizing it this year, how far we’ve come, especially after we won the NCI award. But it’s just because we’re consistent. We’ve got grit. We learned something, we deploy it. So the growth has been tremendous.”
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Woo believes that embracing new technology and continual training, including through manufacturers, the NCI and in-house programs, has given the company a competitive edge, especially as heat pump technology continues to advance. “With the increase in engineering of technology, it’s been crazy to see the knowledge gap, and one of our strongest things is that we are very adaptive, and we are constantly training and learning. So we’re solving issues that other contractors cannot solve because of the huge gap between technologies. Technology and electronics have advanced so fast that you need the know-how to measure sensors and understand control boards. This gap in technology has spiked, and that’s why, if we stay ahead and focus on training, we are going to survive the test of time.” Woo began his career as an electro mechanic in the foodservice industry, but found the work too repetitive. He returned to school to study refrigeration, and soon joined an HVAC company working alongside Young on everything “from air conditioning to refrigerators to commercial walk-ins.” The pair eventually moved to another company to gain experience in residential air conditioning and heat pumps while planning to open their own business, and by 2022 launched Climatisation ACG, with Young as lead installer.
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By Carolyn Cooper
Although Woo says finances were their earliest challenges, the two-man operation grew quickly thanks to their already established reputation. “I spent a lot of time building my reputation, and I think a lot of people underrate it in terms of long-term planning,” explains Woo. “At every job I’ve had I’ve treated customers with respect and as if it was my own company. It wasn’t just a job for me. And I think that is where it really helped me translate to being able to operate my own business.” Today the company has 10 employees, including six technicians on the road, and Woo says customers are now asking exclusively for cold climate heat pumps. “Definitely there were a lot of issues that we’ve had to learn with first generation cold climates, but we worked through it, we learned it. And we are very close with our distributors and they take the feedback seriously, and updates and repair modifications are constantly being deployed to update those heat pumps.” Woo also admits to enjoying the troubleshooting, as well as meeting customers and building relationships. “I love getting to know people and learning about what people do. I’ve seen some crazy homes, crazy hobbies, crazy vehicles. So those are all things that drive me – the rewards are seeing people’s satisfaction. Just getting to build relationships with our community and the people who live in our community, it’s phenomenal.” In the mechanical industry since: 2006
(L-R) NCI CEO Dominick Guarino (left) presents the NCI Awards Small Contractor of the Year award to Anthony Woo and Kar Young, co-founders of Climatisation ACG, during the NCI High-Performance HVAC Summit in Austin, TX. The awards recognize the accomplishments of NCI member contractors and their companies.
The most useful tool in your toolbox: My phone Your favourite tool in your toolbox: ChatGPT If you were granted one wish: Knowing where to invest Favourite outdoor activity: Beach volleyball Favourite performer: I’m more of a podcast guy. I listen to anything to do with personal development, HVAC skills, and more recently, business leadership and building. Last book you read: Unconformed: An Unbound and Unbridled Path to Unstuck Growth by Bryan Orr
Schools and programs: DEP in electromechanics, Rosemount Technology Centre 2006; DEP in HVAC, Dalbé-Viau, 2008 Favourite teacher: John Ellis
Best live event you ever attended: Tony Robbins’ Unleash the Power Within
Favourite class: Indoor air quality
Favourite car of all time: 1990s Acura NSX
Best advice you’ve ever received: Never stop learning
Favourite video game and preferred gaming system: Mario Kart, Switch
Advice for young people considering entering the trades: You get what you put in. You can give your minimum, but expect the minimum. You can put in more effort and get more.
Favourite food: Birria Favourite snack: Chocolate
The current work ride: 2025 Ford F-150 Lightning
Favourite restaurant or local lunch hang out: Sushi Taketa
Service area: Montreal, west suburbs
Favourite place to be: A Royal Caribbean cruise ship
Favourite part of the job: Meeting and getting to know the people in my community
Hobbies: I recently started 3D printing
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Easy add-on retrofit, maximum comfort, all year round.
DUAL FUEL. DONE RIGHT. The Moovair Central-Moov Add-On heat pump system provides an easy retrofit coil-and-condenser solution to most existing indoor furnaces. Or now also available with an AHRI-rated matched furnace systems to optimize performance and utility costs.
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Compact, quiet, and cold-climate ready.
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HEAT PUMP PRODUCTS
2025 Technology
Heat pump water heater A. O. Smith’s Voltex connected heat pump water heater achieves up to a 3.45 UEF, cutting energy use by up to 70 per cent compared to standard electric models. Designed for coldclimate operation, it maintains reliable output in ambient temperatures as low as 5°C. The unit features dual 4.5 kW backup elements, stainless-steel components, and Wi-Fi connectivity for remote diagnostics and monitoring through the iCOMM app.
www. hotwatercanada.ca
Two-wire thermostat The tekmar Invita Wi-Fi thermostat 564 is a two-wire hybrid solution for heat pumps and conventional and hybrid HVAC systems that can be installed without pulling new wires, patching walls or replacing batteries. The ENERGY STARcertified thermostat is installed using two wires from any living space, and connects to the included HVAC Interface Module. Watts Home app allows users to adjust temperature and humidity, monitor the system remotely, and control different zones and systems. Watts Home can also be linked to Alexa or Google Home for voice command operation.
Gas absorption heat pumps Anesi's Heat-Chain modular, highefficiency hydronic heating system is built around multiple Anesi HP80 gas absorption heat pumps (1.4 CoP/140 per cent AFUE), using natural or LP gas. Designed for commercial water and space heating, the system is available in two skid-mounted models – HC802x (160K BTU/hr) and HC80-3x (240K BTU/hr). Each skid includes factorymounted components and consolidated connections for gas, power, condensate, and hydronic fluid.
www. anesicomfort.com
www. watts.ca
Air to air heat pump Split system
Navien introduces NAZ Series air to air heat pumps, which automatically adjust output to match residential HVAC system load. The electric units integrate with Navien air handlers and cased coils, and include an inverter-driven compressor, sound-dampening technology, and integrated Bluetooth diagnostics with the Navien Multikit app. The units operate in environments between -20°C and 51°C, while gold-fin coil coating sheds water for efficient frost cycles. Other features include dualfuel compatibility, R-454B low GWP refrigerant, and up to 19.5 SEER2.
Amana brand S-series AZV9S split-system heat pumps are engineered for traditional ducted applications in all climates, providing indoor comfort with heat pump, gas furnace or dual fuel options. The units deliver up to 10 HSPF2, plus 21 SEER2. Features include customizable humidification, advanced watershedding drain pan, Intelligent Defrost Mode, and anti-corrosion coil coating. Units are available in 2 to 3 tons, up to 36,000 BTU/hr.
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DAIKIN OTERRA 115V
SINGLE ZONE HEAT PUMP SYSTEM
Your 115V Single Zone Heat Pump Solution The Daikin OTERRA 115V single zone heat pump is powered by inverter technology that provides an ideal solution for applications that may be unable to accommodate a 208/230V circuit. Single zone systems are designed to ease both installation and maintenance with Daikin’s SIGNA flareless adaptor, while providing excellent efficiency.
Features and Benefits: Compact and Lightweight Available in 0.75 - 1 ton sizes.
Low Ambient Cooling Cooling from 50°F -115°F
Quiet Operation Indoor units: As low as 25 dB Outdoor units: As low as 46 dB
Ambient Heating Heating from 5°F -65°F
2025 DAIKIN COMFORT TECHNOLOGIES, INC. . Houston, Texas . USA . www.daikincomfort.com
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SCAN TO LEARN MORE:
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HEAT PUMP PRODUCTS A2W monobloc Chiltrix by Unico offers the CX35 and CX50 series of smart residential heat pumps, providing optimized heating performance and capacities ranging from 2 to 3.5 tons cooling, and 3.4 to 4.8 tons heating. The CX35 has an Integrated Part Load Value (IPLV) of 23.27, and the CX50 has an IPLV of 21.2, ranking these units as highly efficient hydronic units.
www. unicosystem.com
Hybrid heat pump Rheem’s ProTerra hybrid electric heat pump water heater offers up to a 4.07 Uniform Energy Factor. Key features include universal water connections to reduce set-up times and allow for installation in tight spaces; an on-unit display to give plumbers detailed alerts; advanced diagnostics and alarm codes for faster troubleshooting; and a built-in LeakGuard system with a 360° leak detection and auto water shut-off valve (available in select models). It operates at 45 dBA.
www. rheem.ca
Multi-position airflow The MRCOOL VersaPro central ducted air handler and condenser series has a SEER2 rating of up to 18.8 and an HSPF2-4 rating up to 9.7. The system offers versatile installation options, such as multi-position airflow orientations. It can be paired with optional MRCOOL No Vac Quick Connect pre-charged line sets for faster installation and is available in sizes from 18,000 to 60,000 BTUs.
www. mrcool.com
Rooftop units The Lennox Enlight dual-fuel heat pump rooftop units are available in 3- to 25-ton models. Dual-fuel operation intelligently shifts between electric and gas heat, providing reliable performance in cold climates. Equipped with the Lennox CORE control system, units feature a lead two-speed compressor, variable-speed indoor blower, and fully modulating ECM outdoor fans. Standard BACnet MS/TP and IP and a mobile service app enable flexible integration and easy diagnostics.
www. lennox.com
anesi
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2025 Technology
Ductless heat pump Viessmann’s air to air ductless heat pump systems are suited to residential and light commercial applications, delivering energy savings, year-round comfort, and quiet operation. Inverter technology continually adjusts the compressor speed as conditions change to maintain consistent comfort while reducing energy consumption. Enjoy year-round comfort with powerful low ambient heating and cooling down to -30°C and as high as 50°C.
www. viessmann.ca
HIGH-PERFORMANCE HEAT PUMPS
Residential cold climate unit The LG residential cold climate heat pump delivers heating down to -35°C, with 100 per cent heating at -25°C. The unit offers Soft Air mode and Dual Vane design for faster comfort, wireless control with the LG ThinQ app, and has a built-in occupancy sensor for smarter operation.
www. lghvac.com
WINTER COMFORT STARTS WITH CONFORTO Conforto heat pumps keep your home cozy and comfortable even on the coldest winter days—without sacrificing energy efficiency. Choose the Cold Climate Centrally Ducted System for whole-home heating or the Maximum Ductless Mini-Split for targeted comfort in any room. Both systems are whisper-quiet, and built to perform year-round.
Intelligent sensor The Senville AURA Series heat pump is ENERGY STAR certified with SEER2 ratings up to 27.4 to deliver up to 50 per cent annual energy savings and reliable heating even in extreme -30°C temperatures. The heat pump features quiet operation, an intelligent sensor for optimal comfort, leak detection self- cleaning.
www. senville.ca mechanicalbusiness.com
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Conforto
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HEAT PUMP PRODUCTS Quiet and compact The Daikin FIT AURORA Cold Climate Certified split system is quiet and compact, with just a 4-in. clearance needed. It heats down to -23.3°C, cools up to 46.1°C, delivering up to 10 HSPF2 and 21 SEER2 efficiencies. The unit also includes a built-in drain pan heater. Available in 2 to 3 tons with up to 36,000 BTU/hr, it can use existing line sets with ducted gas furnace, heat pump or dual-fuel capabilities.
www. daikincomfort.com
Variable speed heat pump
Wall-mounted models Fujitsu General America offers the AIRSTAGE Altair wallmounted mini split models with R-32 refrigerant. The Altair single-zone series offers capacities from 9,000 to 36,000 BTU/hr and efficiencies of 30 SEER2. Select models up to 12,000 BTU/hr are also available with 115V power supply. The compact outdoor unit, slim wall-mounted indoor unit, and extended line set lengths up to 164 ft. simplify installation. Altair systems have indoor sound levels as low as 19 dB (A), and offer built-in Wi-Fi connectivity and remote monitoring via the AIRSTAGE app.
Carrier’s 27VNA3 23 SEER2 Infinity Heat Pump with Greenspeed Intelligence has a variable-speed compressor which makes tiny adjustments between 20- to 100-per cent capacity. The Quiet Mode allows homeowners to limit sound levels from the wall control. Advanced defrost technology runs only when needed and stops when the coil is frost-free.
www. carrier.com
www. fujitsugeneral.com
Smart thermostat The Honeywell Home ElitePRO smart thermostat, powered by Pro-IQ services, offers one-touch configuration templates and remote updates to reduce installation errors. Suitable for standard or advanced air source heat pumps, including multi-stage, auxiliary heat or dual fuel, the thermostats offer real-time system alerts, and the ability for contractors to add a company logo and contact details. Units include a 5-in. touchscreen with customizable displays and compatibility for indoor air quality monitoring and control, and are compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple Home for voice control.
Central ducted system The TOSOT central air ducted heat pump system is a two-stage heating system with variable speed ECM motor and 96 per cent AFUE. Offering optimal performance from -30°C to 54°C, quiet operation, and 24V AC compatibility, the high-efficiency dual-fuel system includes a small footprint and side discharge for flexible installation and easy maintenance. Two to three-ton outdoor units are available, and are onsite adjustable.
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Inverter driven Samsung’s Hylex heat pump is a universal, inverter-driven solution that replaces traditional air conditioning units without requiring a full system overhaul. It is compatible with existing coils and infrastructure. Its compact, energyefficient design makes it suited to today’s space-conscious homes.
www. samsunghvac.com
Window heat pump The Midea packaged window heat pump is suitable for high-rise buildings, offering a compact solution for 120V/15A window mounted installation. The innovative saddle shape installs in hung windows, and combines indoor and outdoor sections so no refrigerant line or electrical connections are needed. With self-contained condensate management, quiet operation, and an enhanced vapour injection compressor, the unit works in cold climates to -30°C with continuous operation. It achieves a COP up to 2, CEER of 17.6 and HEER of 11.
EVI heat pump Arctic Heat Pumps can control the entire home heating and cooling needs, including domestic hot water. Using EVI technology, performance efficiency increases by 27 to 30 per cent, while allowing the heat pump to absorb more energy from the air, even at as low as -30°C. The heat pumps use intelligent defrosting to determine exact defrosting times and start pressures required based on real ambient conditions. With the use of EVI DC inverter compressors, no starting capacitor is required – the unit can start, stop and adjust its speeds to accommodate with minimal energy draw.
www. mideacomfortna.ca
www. arcticheatpumps.com
CO₂ heat pump The Cold Climate centrally ducted heat pump with side discharge condenser from Conforto offers 100 per cent heating capacity at -20°C and operation down to -30°C. It has advanced inverter technology and is compatible with most third-party thermostats. For specific rooms or smaller zones, the Maximum ductless mini-split ensures precise comfort with advanced inverter technology. Both systems are quiet and ENERGY STAR certified.
The Simcoe2 heat pump water heater from Transom CO₂ is engineered for high performance in cold climates and for heating large volumes of domestic hot water up to 87.7°C from outside air as low as -28.8°C. The unit offers large capacities in a small footprint with sizes ranging from 20 to 40 tons, single unit capacities up to 600 MBH, and modular up to 12 units. It utilizes CO₂ refrigerant with a GWP of 1 and ODP of 0.
confortohvac.com
www. transomcorporation.com
Cold climate heat pumps
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By Tom Grochmal
Tom Grochmal, PhD, P.Eng. is founder and CEO of Trim Tab Energy Retrofits (trimtabretrofits.com), an energy contractor with a mission to renew housing and inspire better living.
Retrofit market transformation A s contractors, we live “in the weeds,” so-to-speak. Our world is a myriad of details surrounding selling, servicing and installing HVAC and plumbing systems. However, when the world around us is changing, it’s important to step back and take notice, because it’s an opportunity to stay ahead, stand out, and grow your business. In this column, I pull us out of the weeds for a moment to explain the transformation underway in our Canadian marketplace to retrofit more homes and buildings, using heat pumps in particular.
How did we get here? The retrofit transformation I speak of is the “push” and “pull” to modernize existing homes and buildings to current (or better than current) standards for energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.
The “push” – Climate Action: In 2021, the
A forecasted increase in electrical demand is driving greater focus on conservation in Ontario, and elsewhere. Commercial computing, driven by the surge in AI, is one of the causes.
Government of Canada legislated the Net Zero Emissions Accountability Act, which enshrines Canada’s commitment to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) by 2050. This is climate change policy that will ultimately require all buildings to substantially reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. Lately, the federal government is loosening its focus on some climate action measures, including repealing the federal carbon tax and ending the Canada Greener Home Loan program.
Heat pumps lead the way Of all energy retrofit opportunities, heat pumps are perhaps the most compelling because of their transformative potential. A lot has been done to advance their adoption in Canada over the last few years. Here is a quick summary of the pros, cons, and progress that has been made.
Pros: Heat pump technology has come of age for cold climates so they can perform during winter design conditions. Over a heating season, heat pumps are much more energy efficient compared to any other typical heating system.
• Compared to baseboard electric and oil, they represent a great cost savings opportunity.
The “pull” – technology disruption: The surge in
• Compared to gas and oil, they can substantially
decarbonize a home when paired with a low-emissions source of electricity.
AI use is driving growth in data centres which in turn with electric vehicles are driving major growth for electricity. Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) forecasts a 75 per cent increase in annual energy demand by 2050. The IESO has announced a $10.9-billion funding commitment to electricity conservation in the province over the next 12 years. This includes measures to make homes and buildings more energy efficient.
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• Heat pumps can introduce central cooling where it never existed before.
• Heat pumps can better match the comfort requirements of low load homes.
• Since many manufacturers of heat pumps are located
in Asia and Europe, they aren’t subject to the crippling tariffs and counter tariffs rippling across products made in the United States.
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HIGH-PERFORMANCE HVAC Cons: The switch to a heat pump, in most applications, comes at a higher up-front cost. Operating costs won’t appreciably go down in most cases where natural gas is the incumbent fuel (especially without a carbon tax).
• Heat pumps also represent load growth for the electricity
grid when fuel switching is involved unless it is combined with envelope airtightness, insulation, and high-performance windows to reduce heating and cooling loads.
• Decarbonization isn’t realized if the local grid has high GHG emission factors, such as in Alberta.
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Con’t from pg. 52
Targeted opportunities When you look at the capabilities of heat pump technology and the state of the heat pump market against the backdrop of an uncertain economy, uncertain climate policy, the push to build affordable homes, and surging electrical demand, the engineer in me sees a few possibilities:
1. Heat pumps are a great solution for electricity conservation – especially for homes and buildings heated with baseboard electric. This results in lower operating costs, grid strain, and GHG emissions (see Heat pump retrofits in rental buildings in MB’s July/August 2025 issue).
2. Heat pumps are a great solution for new construction
Progress in the Canadian marketplace Heat pumps have been at the centre of most retrofit market transformation initiatives to date. Over the last five years, there have been several government and utility programs targeting the adoption of heat pumps for existing homes. Significant progress has been made:
•
Standards now exist which clearly define what a cold climate heat pump is so contractors, homeowners and landlords can have confidence in their performance.
and low-heating-load homes because of their load matching capability. This would also be true for renovations incorporating envelope improvements to reduce the heating and cooling loads to modern standards or better.
3. Where carbon reduction is concerned, heat pumps are the obvious choice for getting off oil. Hybrid dualfuel heating solutions will continue to be the practical path towards transitioning off fossil fuels, especially for mainstream users who reject uncertainty.
• Sizing and selection tools have been established by Natural Resources Canada.
• 250,000 heat pumps were installed across Canada as a result of the Canada Greener Homes Grant.
• Ducted and ductless heat pumps are now available in stock through most large wholesalers.
• Heat pumps are now understood to be a viable alternative by many installing contractors.
• Mainstream homeowner awareness has increased thanks to marketing efforts by utility/government programs and acceptance by contractors.
A building envelope that is well insulated, has low air leakage, and high-performance windows will have low heating and cooling loads. A variable capacity, cold climate heat pump is ideal in these situations because of its load matching capability.
Natural Resources Canada has developed a sizing and selection guide for heat pumps. It is available for download, along with other tools
Can-do attitude fuels success Peter Inch and Associates (PI&A) from London, ON, serves the mainstream residential retrofit HVAC market − furnaces, air conditioners, boilers, IAQ and ventilation equipment. Not surprisingly, they have embraced heat pumps as they have entered the market and have participated in utility programs to build up their internal capacity to sell, install and service them.
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A ductless mini-split heat pump is a great solution to replace baseboard heating and an inefficient throughthe-wall air conditioner. The key to their success is a can-do attitude to gain familiarity with new equipment and work through the installation challenges. In a recent project from earlier this year, my company Trim Tab hired PI&A as its HVAC installation partner for the deployment of “all-in-one” vertical stack heat pumps in a social housing retrofit project. These heat pump units are from Italy and new to Canada. The units are now operational and turned out to be an elegant solution for this multifamily building − especially when paired with envelope upgrades − as they allowed the units to transition off natural gas. PI&A earned great credibility with me and my client after that project.
Con’t from pg. 54
The installation of “all in one” vertical stack heat pumps, which provide heating, cooling, ventilation, and dehumidification in a single package with no outdoor unit. It’s a very elegant retrofit solution for situations with limited space.
Grow your business The push of climate change policy and the pull of disruptive technology is driving change and, ultimately, greater demand for energy retrofits, with heat pumps leading the way. There is a great deal of substandard housing that needs to be addressed in the coming decades. Seek out opportunities to build up your capacity and heat pump know how so you are positioned to grow your business as the market for energy retrofits further develops.
How do I position my contracting business? Having grown up at the dinner table of a heating contractor who has seen his share of change in the industry over multiple decades, I’ll offer the following three tips on how you might capitalize on these opportunities over time.
1. Know your customers: Some are more accepting of change and a value proposition tied to long-term benefits. You don’t want to miss the opportunity of offering a better solution to these folks.
2. Know your product: Understand where heat pumps make the best sense, from an application point of view. And know their limitations. There is a great deal of technical training available for heat pumps.
3. Know the resources that are available: Be aware of existing rebate programs in your area and how to use them. But never go all in on rebates and incentives to sustain your business. As we’ve seen recently with federal heat pump grants and loans, what the government gives, the government can also take away.
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Want to learn more or be part of the movement? Efficiency Canada is Canada’s voice for an energy efficient economy. If you want to have your voice heard and be part of the movement, join its retrofit mission at efficiencycanada.nationbuilder.com/retrofitmissionsignup.
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JOBSITE JARGON
Test your heat pump knowledge! Match the terminology you hear in the field to the correct definition or function by January 7, 2026 and enter for your chance to win a YETI cooler, sponsored by NIBCO. This contest is open to Mechanical Business subscribers in Canada. Send your answers to kerry.turner@mechanicalbusiness.com or enter online at mechanicalbusiness.com.
JOBSITE JARGON
EXAMPLE: 10) CSA C656 B) Performance testing standards for ASHPs harmonized with ANSI/AHRI 210/240-2008 Answer: 10,B
1)
Low ambient limit
A) In a variable speed compressor, it allows for a full range of operation and automatically adjusts output for optimal efficiency
2)
HWS
B) Performance testing standards for ASHPs harmonized with ANSI/ AHRI 210/240-2008
3)
High ambient limit
C) Change the flow of refrigerant which determines if the interior space is cooled or heated
4) Low differential pressure
D) A reservoir that adjusts the refrigerant charge depending on seasonal needs
5)
Defrost required
E) HWS temperature the unit can produce at the minimum ambient temperature; based on the compressor and refrigeration cycle
6) Maximum lift limit
F) Equipment operational rating sets the unit’s minimum ambient temperature for operation
7)
G) Accomplished by adding either ethylene glycol or propylene glycol to the fluid
Reversing valves
8) Inverter
H) Highest hot-water supply
9) The accumulator
I) Saturated refrigerant temperature in the outdoor heat exchanger is below freezing temperature, causing humidity to collect/freeze on the heat exchanger
10) CSA C656
J) Happens when equipment operates below the minimum pressure differential specified by the equipment manufacturer
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COVER STORY By Kerry Turner
Brandi Ferenc: Inspiring change
W
hen Brandi Ferenc decided to start a consulting business after 20 years on the tools, her plan was to take everything she learned working as an apprentice and journeyperson and leverage the experience to help businesses and women in the skilled trades. “I saw a lot of women were still having a problem getting jobs. I took all my years of experience and took the negatives and thought how can I flip this into a positive? I’ve never been the person who wants to talk about problems. Let’s talk about the solutions. At this particular moment in time we’ve got this perfect storm of a labour shortage and this big need for skilled trades people. What better time to really push and try to address the issues at the employer level?”
Photo Andre @ VNR photography
Employers need support and educational tools to help diversify their teams. Ferenc had been the only woman in a classroom. She’d been the only female and the first female to join every single team she was on. “From my lived experience, I saw firsthand the struggle it caused not only for myself as the employee but also for the employer. I’ve looked back and thought there’s a better way to do this; that’s where Fair-Trades Toolbox was born from.” Being on the front lines as an educator at Georgian College in Barrie, ON Ferenc sees the next generation coming up right out of high school. She has seen a recent shift in
what the workforce of the future is going to look like and believes changes need to be made in the workplace. “Our tools have moved into this amazing Bluetooth digital world where everything is cordless and wireless, but I feel like many employers are still using analog hiring practices. The trades is a really specific niche and I’ve been working as a consultant developing a curriculum, helping employers who are more forward thinking − employers who just want the best human for the job,” says Ferenc. Currently, Ferenc is also supporting businesses with one or two female journeypersons who need a senior mentor. Ferenc also worked alongside another business to provide an eight-week skilled trades program to justice-involved women and continues to work with them through FairTrades Toolbox. “These are women serving nonviolent and short-term sentences and we’re trying to change what their future will be like. A lot of these women, they’re looking for a second chance. Skilled trades is one career path where you can be judged more on your merit and maybe less on what happened before. “That is part of the work − talking to employers and having them open their minds a bit to give a person a chance to prove themselves. Education is the key,” notes Ferenc. Whether it is through speaking at industry events
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CAREER CATALYST Ferenc did the traditional post-secondary route and quickly realized she was never going to sit at a desk. “I wasn’t someone who just knew what they wanted to do − all the traditional options, nothing really resonated with me. And I grew up in a blue-collar family, which gave me a lot of exposure to this. I just had to walk a circle to get back there. “It was into my late 20s when I started to try to get into the trades but as a female it quickly became apparent there was a barrier there,” says Ferenc. Her determination led to her getting creative. She signed on to a pre-apprentice carpentry program for women in skilled trades (known as WIST programs now) to get some experience on the tools. A major influence over her career choices was a woman she met in the program and is still close with. “My girlfriend was working for a company her husband worked at. She told me at the time, and this is obviously going back 20 years, ‘The gas fitter licence is the way in.’ I worked all day and went to school at night and I got my first G3 licence. Out of that licence, I made my first move. I actually got hired onto a construction crew with a plumbing company because I had a G3. The initial deal was he was only going to use me to firestop this building we were running piping in. He made it very clear I was not going to be offered an apprenticeship.” With a big smile on her face, she took the job. “I was the first one up from break, the last one to come down for break − I showed up ready to rock every day,” recounts Ferenc. By the time the building was firestopped her employer offered her an apprenticeship. It was a plumbing apprenticeship and while she hoped for HVAC, it was still Red Seal and she took it. Ferenc later got her G2 licence and in 2007 she was the first female to compete in the Skills Ontario Competition in the G2 category where she placed third overall. A recruiter then called her from an HVAC company and offered her a 313a refrigeration apprenticeship. Ferenc was three years into her
Photo Michael Barrett − photos/MIKE BARRETT
or one-to-one with an employer, Ferenc doesn’t expect to change everybody’s mind but says she is open to having the uncomfortable conversation about their reluctance to hire women. Employers raise issues such as disrupting the existing workforce, maternity leaves, uniforms, out-of-town accommodation, changing facilities, and profanity on the job. “Once we get more women into the trades, I think you’ll see a lot of these, what I would consider very small concerns, just disappear … diversification as everyone knows is good for the bottom line − our first selling feature. When you diversify, when you have women and men, a nice mix of people on your teams, it fills all the gaps and revenue goes up. I hope to make really measurable change for the industry,” says Ferenc.
Ferenc poses with current and grad students, (L to R) Jessica Bartlett, Julia Downard, Delaney Ramjess, Reagen Murphy and Anna Peretyatko at Georgian’s HVAC lab. plumbing apprenticeship before switching into the refrigeration apprenticeship. “I got there in a bit of a zigzag fashion, but I still got where I wanted to go.”
MOVING FORWARD After nearly two years off the tools Ferenc says, “I’m now teaching the next generation not only just how to use the tools and how to fix the equipment; I get to share all those little tips and tricks I’ve learned over two decades which is rewarding. I’m embracing the next chapter − I think I’m in the right place at a right time. As far as women go in the skilled trades, I had longevity in my career. There are not many of us out there who work on the tools for over two decades, especially because a lot of women are still getting into the trades as a second career. Today you do see young women get into the trades at 19 and 20 years old, which is amazing. That’s the dream but as someone who got into it as a second career, I’m pretty proud of my two decades on the tools.”
Ferenc’s work and leadership in the skilled trades have earned her many accolades:
• 2022 Alumni of Distinction Award, Conestoga College • 2022 & 2023 WXN Top 100 Canada’s Most Powerful Women Award, Skilled Trades Category
• 2023 NexGen Mentor Award, Toronto Community Benefits Network
• 2023 Lady of the Trade, HVAC Tactical • 2024 Rogers Women of the Year, Inaugural Skilled •
Trades Category 2024 Nominated for the Premier’s Award in the Skilled Trades Category, Conestoga College
that’s where Fair-Trades Toolbox was born from.”
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Fred Bretzke is a full-time pipe trades instructor with Calgary’s SAIT Polytechnic and the recipient of the 2024 Cadmus Teaching Chair. Fred also received the 2020-2021 Innovation of The Year Award: SAIT for digitizing the project-based learning approach apprenticeship training is known for. Fred’s new code book appendix, entitled It’s In The Code, has now been copyrighted and published with SAIT. He can be reached at fred.bretzke@sait.ca.
PLUMBING
By Fred Bretzke
WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD?
Prefab, modular, AI, robotics and 3D in the mechanical world
E
verything is in smaller packages nowadays, from food to electronic devices, to yards or homes. I do not necessarily agree with this, but I cannot ignore it. It has been said that 20 to 30 years ago approximately 50 per cent of 30-year-old Canadians had a house and a mortgage. Now, they claim that only seven per cent of 30-year-olds have a mortgage; this stat seems accurate. I know that 20 years ago I made less money and yet had more disposable income. Hence, the Canadian government has come up with the idea of building more economical modular houses. In the past what are now heritage homes in Calgary’s Mount Royal were huge with big yards. Some are still there and are very expensive. Of course, back then families tended to be bigger and women often stayed home to manage their large homes. Today the average family has two kids or less and both parents usually work, making massive homes and large lots less practical.
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affordable than a traditional home. Mind you it all depends on where you place the home as land can be quite expensive. Currently the mechanical for large projects such as major league sports arenas and hospitals are being 3D designed and prefabbed to save on costs.
A semi-automated drilling technology, Hilti Jaibot, already performs strenuous and repetitive functions robotically.
The new Taylor Campus Centre at SAIT is being built and much of the mechanical is prefabbed and tested by plumbers in the shop and later shipped to the site.
PREFAB EVOLVES With the more common use of technology (AI and 3D printing) more robotics are being used to prefab homes. Thirty years ago, my company picked up a contract to prefabricate ATCO trailers to be shipped up to northern Alberta oil fields. I basically sent plumbers over to ATCO and they plumbed in the trailers at an ATCO warehouse. It was pretty basic: a bathroom, kitchen, propane furnace, and so on. I’ve been studying companies that are developing pretty cool compact modular homes with all the amenities. They are priced from $20,000 to $200,00 which is more B u s i n e s s
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PLUMBING Cont’d from pg. 64 What do I mean by prefabbed? Let’s take a circuit vent for example. Sections of circuit venting such as three water closets (WCs) in a row are prefabbed with cast Iron, PEX and/or copper. In the future this type of thing will be done robotically instead of by humans. All we will be doing is using a 3D designed circuit vent, inserting that information into a robotic machine and it will manufacture the bathroom circuit vent for carrier WCs and pretest it in a factory. This of course will save on assembly time, as labour is the hardest part to quote on an estimate.
CHANGING ROLES Now let’s talk about houses or modular homes. Threeand four-piece bathrooms can now be wet vented or circuit vented. This can also be prefabbed in a factory and dropped into place in the modular home. Lots of plumbers and trades in general will get frustrated reading this, thinking their jobs will be taken away, but humans will still be used although their roles will be different. I always joke about administration at SAIT or all government agencies, that their jobs will be replaced by artificial intelligence. It’s already happening, this will also happen to trades.
It will take a little longer. At first your service van will be like a Waymo autonomous taxi, no human driver required. Trades people will have robotic apprentices that can be programmed to do all the labour-intensive tasks, such as carrying in plumbing fixtures and pipe. Back in the early 1900s when Henry Ford implemented the moving assembly line to build his Model T cars, he quickly out manufactured his competition. That’s why as trades people we should embrace technology and not complain about it. Education is already changing. New and current diploma programs that are 15 weeks long for two semesters will educate people about the code. However, future programs will educate trades on 3D designing as it currently takes both a 3D designer and a specific trades person to correctly design a digital blueprint. Future trades people will be 3D designing the mechanical for modular homes and commercial buildings. The 3D code appendix supplement to the 2020 NPC that I recently wrote with the help of AI will eventually be downloaded into robotic plumbing manufacturing machines and future robotic plumbers. The NPC pdf files will also be downloaded for further augmentation of the code. Hence as I always say: IT’S IN THE CODE!
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PLUMBING Products Linear drain Infinity Drain’s Disco-rectangle linear drain features smooth curved contours for a fluid, organic aesthetic while maintaining structural integrity and performance. The tile insert drain integrates with shower or wet room floor. Disco-rectangle drains are available in 24-, 36- and 48-in. sizes, 10 designer finishes to match other fixtures, and three series – Fixed Length, Fixed Flange, and FCS Flange with Schulter Kerdi – offering different waterproofing options.
Water system
www. infinitydrain.com
Sectional drain cleaner General Pipe Cleaner’s Rodrunner sectional drain cleaner can be operated either up close next to the drain opening, or as a walk-behind machine, and can be used for almost any location to handle clogs in 3- to 10-in. lines, as far as 200 ft. away. The lightweight machine features high-speed cable rotation and short, quick-coupling cables; 3/4 hp motor with capacitor and overload protection; and an adjustable slip clutch for additional safety. Cables are also available in a variety of lengths and connectors.
The Grohe Blue Chilled & Sparkling 2.0 water system provides filtered chilled, medium and sparkling water from the kitchen faucet. The system features a faucet with separate inner waterways for unfiltered tap and filtered drinking water, with a high-performance filter, pull-out spout, and push and turn control for settings. The cooling tank provides 3.2 gal/hr of chilled and sparkling water, with a cooling temperature pre-adjustable between 6.1°C and 10°C. The system can connect to WLAN and smart phones for monitoring and tracking of consumption.
www. grohe.ca
www. drainbrain.com
Heat recovery device The LHP-338-PEX 3-in. drain water heat recovery device from Legent Home Products captures heat from warm wastewater and uses it to preheat incoming cold water. The 43-in. device has a 45.5 per cent efficiency, and performs at 9.5 L/min. (2 to 5 GPM) with a 33.0 kPa/4.7 psi pressure loss. The unit complies with CSA B55.2.20 and CSA B55.1.20. Features include a PVC exterior, concealed copper interior, and 3/4-in. inlet and outlet ports. It comes with two 3-in. shielded couplings and two 3/4-in. MPT x 3/-in. brass fittings.
www. legenthomeproducts.com
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Water service grip fittings Matco-Norca lead-free bronze fittings are engineered for safety, performance and durability, and meet NSF 61/NSF 372 compliance standards. The fittings include Male X Grip Adaptors, Female X Grip Adaptors, Grip Couplings, and Grip Elbows for both CTS Tubing and IPS PE Pipe. Fittings come in nine models, in sizes ranging from 3/4 to 2 in. depending on the model.
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Higher Turndown Hydronics
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HUMAN RESOURCES
Let’s chat about ChatGPT W
hether you think it a magic portal that can provide the answers to all of life’s questions, or see it as one more sign of the downfall of western society, widely accessible, generative artificial intelligence (AI) is here. It’s impacting every aspect of our lives and it’s getting smarter by the day. Setting aside the thorny moral, ethical and environmental concerns brought on by our growing reliance on these emerging technologies, what does this mean for your business, what are the risks for you and your employees, and what should you be doing to protect yourself?
First, the good There are many reasons why many businesses of all sizes are pushing their staff to embrace the use of AI in Canada. AI tools such as Cloud Vertex, Co-Pilot, SalesForce Einstein, OpenAI API and of course, ChatGPT, can all be used to increase the efficiency and productivity of workers through the automating of repetitive tasks from data entry, the scheduling and reporting of hours or mileage, work orders, to the drafting of client letters and contracts. AI takes seconds to blitz through tasks that used to take staff hours or days to accomplish, thereby freeing employees to focus on the non-administrative (read: profitable) work. With saved hours comes a potential cost savings as direct labour costs for routine tasks should
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decrease (note the use of “potential” here – there has yet to be any long-term research on how much of that time saved translates to dollars earned – your mileage may vary). For most small- to medium-sized businesses, a real advantage of AI tools can be found in their ability to conduct analysis. In the past, companies would have to hire outside consultants at exorbitant rates to audit their operations and look for opportunities to improve. Now, that analysis can be done with little to no lag time by generative AI. We’ve already seen some incredible applications of predictive AI in medicine, leading to lower post-surgery infection rates and a shortening of time to diagnosis, to name two wonderful applications. For business, when you ask AI the right questions, it can help you find and cut operational waste, manage inventory more accurately, and help monitor spending, staffing or energy use – without adding a single staff member. AI tools can analyze huge volumes of data and highlight insights people might miss, which can help you improve sales, hiring, and supply chain planning, as well as finding potential errors or fraud. AI on your company website can provide your customers with 24/7 support, handling simple issues instantly regardless of time of day or time zone. AI can help you with HR tasks by screening resumes or providing employees with self-service tools for payroll, vacation or benefits questions. AI can build you a custom marketing plan, generate personalized social media posts, and quantify the usefulness of sales leads to improve your odds on scoring new business. AI models can
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B y S u e Sodek help you monitor compliance, workplace safety, and minimize risks, lessening downtime and potential accidents. All of which saves you time and money, helps you build your business now and helps future-proof your business for later. Sounds like every single company should be using AI every day for every facet of their work, right?
frontier. Using any AI tool without proper safeguards in place could put a business out of business. A good rule of thumb is: If this is something you wouldn’t publish on your website, don’t post it in open AI.
And finally … the ugly
Now, the bad There are some obvious issues you must overcome as you integrate AI into your day-to-day business. To start with, all AI uses sourced information – meaning by relying on it, you could (inadvertently) be crossing a line into Intellectual Property (IP) theft. Some AI tools have a nasty reputation for producing content that either resembles or outright plagiarizes copyrighted material. Courts globally are debating whether AI-created work can ever be copyrighted, and how to solve IP disputes from AI generated product designs, writing, software code, or marketing materials. Using ChatGPT to make a cute poster advertising your holiday get together? No issues at all. If you are using ChatGPT to make a cute poster advertising your company that is the time to exercise caution. Speaking of caution, all AI users must recognize that things like privacy and confidentiality are essentially moot in open-source products. Anything you as an end user input into an openly access AI tool will be stored by that tool, shared with other users that ask similar questions, and used to train AI models. If you enter any sensitive business data (contracts, financial statements, client information, any propriety information whatsoever), you have effectively just created your own data breach. And while many countries are beginning to introduce legislation to protect privacy and introduce regulations around AI tools, at the moment this is the Wild West of the internet
While everyone wants to be on the cutting edge of technology, we aren’t always so interested in reading the fine print. Let’s spend a moment on some of those pesky moral/ ethical/environmental costs we skipped over earlier, because they are not small, and they definitely are concerning. As you implement AI, you are going to have to ask yourself some tough questions (beyond how am I going to protect my sensitive information). Questions such as does my business have a moral obligation to retrain or continue to employ someone who’s job has been made obsolete by AI? Is the technology I’m relying on giving me good information? Do I know the limitations and biases of the tool I’m using so I can avoid them? AI may confidently give end users false or misleading information, so relying on AI without any outside, expert verification could lead to disastrous decisions or expose you to compliance or legal violations. All AI models directly reflect the biases of the data they were trained with, and it’s the old case of garbage in, garbage out: if bad data was entered, the model will very confidently provide you with completely useless results. Along with the incredible drain on our overtaxed power grids that’s happening daily to sustain these systems, some estimates put the power needs of just the training phase for a single AI model as equivalent to what’s needed to power hundreds of homes for a year, AI can do legal and reputational damage to your business if not approached with caution. There is some preliminary evidence that shows that when used for hiring, performance reviews or customer interactions. AI can behave in a discriminatory manner against genders, races, or the elderly, which of course could leave your business vulnerable to human rights complaints or lawsuits. And some customers and employees may be skeptical if they feel you have an overreliance on AI (we’ve all been lost in the endless loop of a less than helpful ChatBot). If you overuse or misuse AI, or spread misinformation or insensitive messaging, it can erode the trust you’ve built with clients and cause significant harm to your reputation.
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The Bottom Line If you have weighed the risks versus the rewards and still see an upside for your business, there are safer ways to use AI tools. Any business that wants to leverage AI while minimizing risks should start by purchasing what’s known as an Enterprise Version of the AI tool of their choice. Enterprise Versions come with associated costs but include privacy protections, and you can shut off the use of your data for training, which helps protect your privacy and cuts down on your carbon footprint. As always, I’m going to also advise that you immediately establish and communicate a Use of AI policy (see a sample in the online version of this article at mechanicalbusiness.com that was actually generated with the assistance of ChatGPT, just for irony’s sake). Finally, it should go without saying but you should always have an actual human familiar with your business carefully review any AI generated documents or analysis before that information is put to any business use. Once you have the pieces in place, you can start making use of this amazing tool. Happy chatting.
You should always have an actual human familiar with your business carefully review any AI generated documents or analysis before that information is put to any business uses. Susan Sodek has over 20 years of human resource and consulting experience across a variety of businesses and currently manages HR for UCEL Inc. in Uxbridge, ON. She can be reached at sue.sodek@gmail.com.
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HVAC/R Products Anti-vibration hoses
1
HVAC filter
Robertshaw’s Ranco RVA Series vibration absorber hoses are part of the company’s upgraded commercial refrigeration line. The hoses isolate and reduce system vibrations to extend equipment life and ensure uninterrupted operation in air conditioning, heat pump and refrigeration systems. Made of flexible stainless steel with copper ends, the hoses are available in 3/8- to 2 1/8-in. sizes with a length of 20 ½ in., maximum Description pressure of 650 psig, and a burst pressure of 2,000 psig.
Year Limited
The Ranco® RVA Series Vibration Absorber Hoses are the ultimate solution for reducing vibration, noise, and www. mechanical stress. Engineered for durability and flexibility, these hoses protect sensitive equipment, extend robertshaw.com service life, and ensure smooth, uninterrupted operation in HVAC, and commercial refrigeration applications.
The Aireshield from Reviveaire combinesWarranty airborne pathogen disinfection, particulate collection, and cooling coil biofilm prevention in residential and commercial HVAC system airstreams. It creates a 5,500V plasmic field that damages airborne viral and bacterial contaminants’ genetic material as they pass through the HVAC airstream. It also provides sub-micron particle collection and is available in five sizes as well as custom sizes. The filter fits all HVAC system configurations.
Made from flexible stainless steel and copper ends for easy installation.
Corner hoods Features canopy and Benefits Corner •The Sizes from 3/8Canopy to 2-1/8 Hood from Hemco is designed to capture and • Flexible stainless steel construction corrosive vapours, heat •exhaust CE Certified
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THE PERFECT R-22 DROP-IN REFRIGERANT. Customer Service +1 800 304 6563 HVACCustomerService @robertshaw.com Technical Service
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steam, and odours when mounted over areas with water baths, hot Applications plates, or portable equipment. It is made from a seamless, one-piece, • Air conditioning chemical-resistant, and flame• Heat pump systems retardant composite resin. The • Refrigeration systems hood can either be wall mounted or suspended from the ceiling, and can be equipped with optional side wall panels to prevent cross drafts from affecting the containment of fumes.
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©2025 Robertshaw 05/25 150-2981
Designed for refrigeration and A/C systems, it handles both high and low temperatures with ease. Compatible with fixed orifices, expansion devices, and both traditional and synthetic lubricants, RS-70 simplifies your work across commercial, residential, and heat pump applications.
Get to know RS-70. You’ll be glad you did. Blended and packaged in Canada
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The Agility chiller model HDWA from Trane is a compact solution for building retrofits with limited space. The unit is designed to take four hours to disassemble and five hours to reassemble, and features an oil-free, two-stage compressor with permanent magnet motor for stable operation. Onboard Uninterruptible Power Supply protects components during power outages, and Rapid Restart brings the unit online within 45 seconds of power being restored. Other features include low GWP R-513A refrigerant.
www. trane.com
www.rscool.com Refrigerant Services Inc.
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STUFF YOU NEED Modular vacuum system
Thermal imaging camera The Flir C8 next-generation thermal imaging camera has a 3.5-in. touchscreen and 450⁰C maximum object temperature, with enhanced image quality, higher accuracy and improved sensitivity compared to previous models. Other capabilities include 320x240 thermal resolution and 35-degree horizontal field of view. The unit also allows technicians to integrate FLIR Ignite Pro cloud connectivity and advanced reporting templates.
www. flir.com
The cordless M18 Fuel Nexus 6 gallon wet/dry vacuum with PACKOUT compatibility and VACLINK from Milwaukee delivers up to 44 minutes of continuous cleaning. The unit can clean up to 1,800 sq. ft. on a single charge. Features include POWERSTATE brushless motor and REDLINK PLUS Intelligence, M18 REDLITHIUM FORGE HD12.0 battery pack, VACLINK Wireless Duct Control, large highefficiency filter, and compatibility with the PACKOUT Modular Storage System.
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Storage solutions Ranger Design has introduced upfit packages for the Chevrolet BrightDrop 400 and 600 electric vans. Turnkey solutions deliver a work-ready van interior, precision engineered to the needs of the BrightDrop platform. Made of lightweight construction with drill-free mounting, the curated solutions can be explored with Ranger’s interactive 3D configurator.
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TO THE EXTREME CLEAN REAM EXTREME ® • Provides super-smooth fitting clean out for tough-to-reach PVC, CPVC and ABS fittings. • Reduce labor time and materials costs by reusing fittings.
PPR200
Training videos The Plastics Pipe Institute’s Building & Construction Division has released a series of free Training Shorts videos focused on joining CPVC, PEX, PE-RT and PP pressure piping materials. The videos address some of the most common installation techniques used for joining popular piping materials. While PPI member firms collaborated to develop the videos, they do not promote any particular brand, so they are generic and universal.
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PPR300
REED Reed Manufacturing • Erie, PA USA 800-666-3691 • www.reedmfgco.com
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REFRIGERATION
ADVANCEMENTS IN HEAT PUMP TECHNOLOGY TECHNOL OGY Enabling efficient operation in sub-zero ambient temperatures
H
eat pumps have long been celebrated for their energy efficiency in moderate climates, leveraging the principles of refrigeration to move heat rather than generate it outright. Their ability to heat a home in the winter and reverse the cycle to provide cooling air conditioning operation in the summer has made them popular. However, traditional air source heat pumps that worked well in the summer for indoor cooling historically struggled in very cold weather, with efficiency plummeting as outdoor temperatures dropped below freezing. This led to many installations relying on inefficient backup electric resistance heating, undermining the cost-saving potential.
HEAT EXTRACTION IN COLD AMBIENT CONDITIONS Indoor Unit (Evaporator) At its core, a heat pump operates on the common refrigeration vapourcompression cycle: refrigerant cycling through the system absorbs heat from the outdoor air via Drain Line an evaporator coil by Refrigerant Lines Electric Line evaporation of the refrigerant within it. The refrigerant vapour is “sucked” out of the outdoor evaporator by the compressor. As the refrigerant is compressed by the compressor the refrigerant gas molecules are forced closer together Outdoor Unit (Condensor) increasing their kinetic energy. The pressure rises Heat pump components and heat is generated. This high pressure and high temperature refrigerant will now enter a condenser, which is typically a coil heat exchanger located in an air handler. Heat is released indoors through that coil by cooling then condensing the high-pressure high temperature gas refrigerant to a lower temperature liquid refrigerant. The refrigerant is cooled and condensed to a liquid. The phase change of the refrigerant from a gas to a liquid requires a larger amount of heat to be removed from the refrigerant so this useful heat transfer is what warms the air space. The liquid refrigerant is then sent to the outdoor evaporator to re-start the cycle.
In recent years, both residential and commercial heat pumps have undergone transformative upgrades, allowing reliable operation down to -15°F (-26°C) or lower. These advancements come from sophisticated engineering solutions to tackle the challenge of providing an efficient heat pump for extreme cold weather. Some of these solutions include technologies such as variable-speed compressors, advanced electronic controls, and techniques like enhanced vapour injection (EVI) often integrated with economizer cycles. This article explores how these technologies overcome the thermodynamic challenges of low ambient temperatures, enabling year-round performance in harsher colder climates.
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Mike Squires, RSE, is a graduate of the College of the North Atlantic. Mike is manager, solution strategy and business success with Copeland. Prior to moving to roles with manufacturers, he was a service technician for a number of years.
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SIMPLE. SUSTAINABLE. CONNECTED. » Simple, stylish single-module units from 6 – 20 T and dual-modules up to 40 T » Space-saving 16 – 20 T single module units provide up to 34% footprint and up to 500 lbs./ unit weight reduction* » High energy efficiency with IEERs up to 30.0 delivers up to 30% efficiency increase* » Year-round comfort and energy savings with Daikin’s Variable Refrigerant Temperature Technology (VRT) » Heating down to -13°F as standard and high heating capacities at 17°F make it an ideal choice for all- electric heat pump solutions Daikin
» Dual-fuel ready with connectivity to Daikin communicating gas furnace or all-electric heat pump heating for optimized operational costs based on utility rates » 208 / 230 or 460V From the world’s #1 air conditioning company, discover the cloud connected benefits of VRV EMERION provided by Daikin’s HERO Cloud Services.
* Model specific: Check product specifications for details.
Additional Information Before purchasing this appliance, read important information about its estimated annual energy consumption, yearly operating cost, or energy efficiency rating that is available from your retailer.
2025 DAIKIN COMFORT TECHNOLOGIES NORTH AMERICA, INC.
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REFRIGERATION Cont’d from pg. 76 In cold weather, the outdoor air holds less thermal energy, reducing the refrigerant's evaporation rate. It’s already cold out by the outdoor coil, but now the refrigerant needs to be colder to evaporate the liquid refrigerant. This results in lower suction pressure at the compressor inlet, decreased refrigerant density, and ultimately, diminished mass flow rate of refrigerant to the compressor creating a tough task for fixed speed compressors. This is where variable speed compressors become the cornerstone of cold-climate heat pumps. A variable speed compressor replaces the binary on/off operation of common single-stage fixed speed compressors with precise modulation for the desired refrigerant mass flow rate needed.
Heat pump as applied in a home for heating and cooling
ENHANCED VAPOUR INJECTION
Powered by inverter technology, these compressors convert incoming AC to DC and back to variablefrequency AC, allowing the motor to run at speeds from 10 to 120 per cent of normal speed. Typically, brushless DC or permanent magnet motors are in these compressors, but some applications use standard AC induction motors paired with a variable frequency drive (VFD) to achieve variable speed operation.
ELECTRONIC CONTROLS FOR SYSTEM OPTIMIZATION Advanced electronic controls are required for operation of more complex heat pumps to orchestrate the variablespeed compressor with sensors for temperature, pressure, humidity, and frost detection. These microprocessors enable predictive control algorithms that optimize compressor speeds, defrost cycles, fan speeds, and expansion valve operation in real time. Frost buildup is inevitable in humid cold air, even though it is cold outside there is still some moisture in the outdoor air. This moisture can build up on the outdoor coil (evaporator) and that ice will have to be removed periodically. Fixedspeed compressor units endure long reverse-cycle defrosts. This changes the flow path of the refrigerant system and sends the hot high-pressure gas from the compressor to the outdoor coil first allowing the built-up ice to melt. The downside of this operation is that the indoor “heating” coil will become the cold evaporator briefly and will result in blowing cold air indoors. Variable speed systems use slower speeds to reduce frost formation, hot-gas bypass for brief defrosts, or partial reversal cycles thereby cutting downtime by 50 per cent and preserving indoor comfort by not cooling the indoor coil as much.
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Enhanced vapour injection (EVI), or economized vapour injection, is a technology that significantly improves compressor performance in heat pumps under low ambient conditions. As outdoor temperature drops, the refrigerant’s saturation pressure in the outdoor coil decreases accordingly. While the indoor condenser operates at a relatively constant pressure, the increasing pressure differential across the compressor results in a higher compression ratio. This leads to excessive discharge of temperatures detrimental to compressor oil and internal components, along with reduced capacity and efficiency. EVI, combined with an economizer heat exchanger, addresses these challenges by injecting intermediate-pressure vapour into the compressor mid-cycle. This counteracts high compression ratio inefficiencies and reduces motor strain. In the economizer, warm liquid refrigerant from the condenser is subcooled by transferring heat to a secondary refrigerant stream. This subcooling enhances evaporator performance. A metered portion of refrigerant is expanded, partially vaporized in the economizer, and injected as vapour into the compressor at an intermediate stage, which creates a quasi-two-stage compression process. Refrigerant mass flow and heating capacity is increased while safe discharge temperatures are maintained without excessive motor loading.
A PARADIGM SHIFT IN COLD-CLIMATE HEATING The synergy of variable-speed compressors, electronic controls, and EVI has redefined heat pump viability, slashing energy bills by 30 to 50 per cent in cold regions and reducing carbon footprints. Residential users enjoy seamless comfort; commercial operators gain scalable and resilient HVAC. As global pushes for electrification intensify, these technologies − rooted in precise physics such as mass flow restoration and two-stage compression − position heat pumps as the efficient backbone of decarbonized heating.
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CIPH GALA In Support of
Join Us for a formal evening of celebration in honour of our charitable partnership with Habitat for Humanity Canada.
Featuring
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JUNO Award & Canadian Screen Award-nominated singer-songwriter, Peter Katz.
March 24, 2026 | 6 - 11 PM Metro Toronto Convention Centre Room 718 Learn more & register at: www.ciph.com/page/CIPHCharity
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www.senville.ca
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ABMA Annual Meeting January 16 – 19 Tucson, AZ abma.com
CGA Energy Security Summit March 10 – 11 Ottawa, ON cga.ca
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MEP Innovation Conference January 26 – 28 Austin, TX mepconference.com
World Plumbing Day March 11 Worldwide worldplumbing.org
BOILER Expo March 31 – April 2 Nashville, TN abma.com
ASHRAE Winter Conference January 31 – February 4 Las Vegas, NV ashrae.org
EIA National Conference & Expo March 11 – 14 Phoenix, AZ eia-usa.org
IGSHPA Annual Conference April 13 – 15 St. Charles, MO igshpa.org
AHR Expo February 2 – 4 Las Vegas, NV ahrexpo.com
ACCA 2026 March 15 – 18 Las Vegas, NV acca2026.com
NAFA 2026 Institute & Expo April 13 – 15 Cleveland, OH nafainstitute.org
CanREA Operators Summit February 11 – 12 Toronto, ON renewablesassociation.ca
ABMA Boiler Expo March 31 – April 2 Nashville, TN abmaboilerexpo.com
FOE Conference April 21 – 22 Virtual futureofelectrification.org
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CxEnergy April 21 – 24 Chicago, IL cxenergy.com
KBIS February 17 – 19 Orlando, FL kbis.com
CIPH Gala in support of Habitat for Humanity Canada March 24 Toronto, ON ciph.com
BuildGreen Atlantic April 27 – 28 Halifax, NS https://buildgreenatlantic.ca
ECO Impact February 19 – 20 Calgary, AB ecoimpact.ca
Unless specified otherwise, events are in-person. For the most current information regarding event status visit mechanicalbusiness.com
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E MB MBRACING RACING the past RADIATOR HISTORY FOUND ON THE JOB While working on an incredibly unique radiator, Ironworks Radiators’ staff uncovered a gem − an original 1913 manual from Clare Bros. & Co. Limited in Preston, ON. Inside are diagrams and product details for Clare Bros. HydroThermic Radiators, built for both hot water and steam, in wall or floor models. “It’s always an honour to work on pieces like this − not just functional, but full of history,” says Ironworks. Ironworks Radiators Inc. is located in Toronto, ON. ironworksradiators.ca
The radiator in question? A stunning example still doing its job over a century later. Tall, elegant, and now with a fresh touch from the Ironworks team.
Original 1913 manual with diagrams and product details.
THE FUTURE OF HVAC STARTS HERE
er ur oth out o Checkproduc ts!
Snap Clamps Simple and adjustable clamps that snap in and out of place for on-the-fly adjustments. Comes in 5 different sizes to adapt to a variety of line sets.
Return Air Frames Rough in return air frames in a snap. Filtered and Windowed models keep your return system clean during construction and pair perfectly with our Snap Grilles for the easiest solution on the market.
Thermopan. A True Original.
Thimbles
Anywhere you can pan a joist, you can use Thermopan. Light-weight and machine cut for superior installation. Comes in fire-resistant and ultra fire-resistant styles for the best sheet metal alternative on the market.
Get perfect, clean looking results on exterior wall penetrations. Plus, an air tight seal and zero snags when running piping and wiring through walls.
Thermo “REIMAGINE YOUR ROUGH-IN”
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Hydronic Products Pressure booster
Zone control systems Taco’s next generation enhanced switching relays and zone valve controls deliver more speed, flexibility and energy efficiency. The upgraded lineup offers simplified wiring, external diagnostic LEDs for real-time troubleshooting, and built-in boiler relays for streamlined integration. Also new is builtin Bluetooth connectivity to pair with the Taco Control app for quick configuration, system insights, fine tuning, and optimizing performance.
Franklin Electric Co. has enhanced its SpecPAK pressure boosting systems with new VR and Inline configurations. The products are designed to deliver greater efficiency, installation flexibility, and enhanced flow ranges. The systems feature pre-programmed variable frequency drives, integrated control panels, 7-in. touchscreen control panel, and modular pump assemblies, including VR Series vertical multistage pumps and Inline Series booster pumps. The enhancements also offer better hydraulic performance, easier maintenance, and a flexible footprint from zero to compact.
www. franklin-electric.com
Residential combi boiler Nortiz introduces the Noritz residential combination boiler (NRCB), offering simultaneous residential domestic hot water and space heating, with a 95 per cent AFUE. The unit features 316 L austenite stainless steel primary and secondary heat exchangers, which have a higher corrosion resistance than traditional heat exchangers, and has a temperature range of 27°C to 82°C, and 32°C to 60°C for DHW. The NRCB is available in two models, with maximum gas input ranging from 180,000 to 199,000 BTU/ hr for DHW and 100,000 to 120,000 BTU/hr for space heating, and flow rates ranging from 9.8 to 11.1 gallons per minute.
www. tacocomfort.com
EPIV assemblies
noritz.com
Belimo introduces its fourth generation 1/2 to 1-in. 6-way electronic pressure independent valve (EPIV) assemblies, with a 1-in. valve for an expanded flow range to accommodate more applications. The assemblies are designed for chilled beams, radiant ceiling panels, and fourpipe fan coil units, and include an electronic flow sensor and control algorithm for precise flow measurement and dynamic balancing. Other features include non-fail-safe actuators, and an optional condensing management system for all valves in the series. The units can be integrated into the BMS through analog input, Modbus RTU, BACnet MS/TP, or Belimo MP-Bus communication.
www. belimo.ca
Air separator The 551005A DISCAL air separator from Caleffi offers high-performance air elimination to protect equipment and ensure systems run smoothly without noise, corrosion and wasted energy. The unit is made of brass, and features a stainless steel anti-rotation, anti-vibration float guide pin, and linkage glass reinforced nylon internal element with 1/2-in. FNPT bottom thread. A largediameter chamber with sharp-edged mesh slows flow, allowing micro-bubbles to collect and coalesce. Maximum operating pressure is 150 psi, with a temperature range of zero to 121.1°C.
www. caleffi.com
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MARKETING
How to own your story L
et’s be real. Nothing tightens your chest like a onestar rant at 7:12 a.m. right as you’re dispatching crews. And nothing feels better than a five-star that name-drops your tech, praises the clean-up, and ends with, “We’ll be calling them again.” Those swings aren’t just emotional; they move trucks, shape margins, and decide who shows up in Google’s local Map results when someone searches “HVAC or plumbing repair near me.” Here’s the point: reviews drive trust and discovery. Manage both, or you leave calls and revenue on the table.
Why reviews matter (beyond ego) For mechanical businesses, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, sheet metal, controls, most local jobs start on a phone, and most of those searches begin on Google Maps. Your Google Business Profile (GBP) ranks on proximity, relevance, and prominence. Reviews influence two of those:
Don’t aim for perfection. Aim for pattern.
• Prominence: A steady stream of reviews and a
and pricing clarity.
solid average show you’re a known quantity.
• Relevance: Customers’ own words (“mini-split install,” “backflow testing,” and “emergency boiler repair” for example) help Google understand what you actually do. Fresh, specific reviews help you get found and be chosen.
Reputation is a portfolio
• Positive: Proof of reliability and care. • Neutral: Expectation gaps such as timelines, communication • Negative: Friction points are always a signal, but not always a scandal. Win with volume, velocity, and balance. A few new reviews each week beats a quarterly blast. Recency matters − yesterday’s praise outweighs last year’s. A balanced, mixed profile looks real; too perfect looks curated.
The real talk: Use the feelings • Bad-review gut punch. It’s public, permanent, and often missing context. Use that sting to improve one thing you control today: response speed, scheduling buffers, invoice clarity, and technician coaching.
• Five-star high. Bottle it. Quote it on your site and proposals. Celebrate the technician at your morning huddle. Good reviews aren’t just marketing; they’re a reflection of culture.
Paul Bies
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Paul Bies is co-founder and president of Mystique Brand Communications (mystique.ca) in Toronto, ON. His mission is to empower businesses and to share insights that provide valuable perspectives for their success. As the son of an HVAC entrepreneur, he understands the business landscape and is committed to helping MB readers thrive.
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• Set expectations early. Pre-visit text: arrival window, safety, clean-up, and authorizations. For projects: stages, change orders, site access, and sign-off.
THE RESPONSE PLAYBOOK (BUILT FOR BUSY OPS)
• Monitor daily. Check Google and key directories, and scan local groups/forums weekly. Track response time and recurring themes.
You have two audiences: The reviewer and every future buyer who reads your reply. the same 1 Respond day. “Thanks for
CRISIS VERSUS ROUTINE: KNOW WHEN TO ESCALATE
flagging this. This isn’t the experience we aim for.”
what’s yours. If 2 Own you missed a window
Train technicians and PMs to request a review right after a save.
or dropped the ball on communication, say it plainly. Accountability converts.
for specifics without arguing online. “Could you email your 3 Ask work-order number and a contact to
[service@company.com]?”
4
Move it offline, then close the loop online. After resolution post: “Update: We spoke on [date], replaced [part], and confirmed the system is within spec.” diagnose or debate in public. Keep it calm, brief and 5 Never human.
Routine blips such as one-off complaints about timing or communication and fixable issues with clear next steps call for a response from the standard playbook. A cluster of reviews repeating the same pain such as no-shows, surprise charges, allegations touching safety, licensing, or warranty refusal, or a post catching fire in local groups, are brand alarms and should be treated as an incident. Escalation moves include publicly acknowledge you’re investigating, use one spokesperson, provide a clear path to resolution (priority inbox/ line) and fix the root cause and publish the change.
Starter you can adapt: “Hi [Name], I’m sorry we missed the mark. Our service manager is reviewing this now. If you can send your WO# to [email], we’ll dig in today and make it right.” After resolution: “Update: Connected with [Name] on [date]. Issue traced to [specific]. Completed [resolution] and confirmed performance. Appreciate the chance to fix it.”
Pitfalls to avoid
TURN FEEDBACK INTO FIXES
then decide on gestures. • Review gating. Don’t pre-screen only happy customers − platforms penalize it, and buyers spot it.
Treat reviews like quality assurance data. Tag themes may include communication, punctuality, cleanliness, invoice clarity, warranty handling, professionalism, call-backs, or parts availability. You can then tie themes to crews and sites to identify where training, inventory, or scheduling needs attention. Make one change or improvement a week. Suggestions include boot covers on every truck; “What to expect” text before arrival; line-item invoice clarity; and live ETA texts from dispatch. Finally, tell the story: “You said X. We changed Y.” Post on your GBP and service pages.
Proactive reputation: Stack the deck
• Ask at delight. Train techs and PMs to request a review right after a save (“We got you back up before shift change, mind sharing a quick review?”). • Make it effortless. Text a direct review link, add a QR code to invoices and service stickers, and keep it one tap.
• Silence. Reads as “we don’t care.” • Arguing. You won’t win on the internet. • Over-comping. Fix the issue first, and
Final thoughts You can’t stop every one-star from landing. But you can control what happens next, and that directly affects where you appear on Google Maps and how many jobs you book. Respond fast. Fix what’s real. Showcase what’s great. That’s how you own your story and keep the calendar full.
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Compiled by Mechanical Business
BY THE NUMBERS
GREEN CONSTRUCTION 25 Per cent of all buildings Canada will need by 2030 that are still waiting to be constructed, according to the June 2025 Canadian Construction Association report Building resilience: A guide to climate governance for Canada’s construction sector.
19.13 billion
AI AT WORK
Current value in dollars of the green building sector within the Canadian construction industry.
86 Per cent of data leaders worldwide who say their organizations now rely on AI agents daily, according to a Dataiku survey.
1.8 trillion Estimated dollar amount the net-zero transition of the construction value chain has the potential to unlock worldwide.
11 Per cent of leaders who say they would consider AI agents for any sensitive business function, such as hiring, compliance or ethical decisions, with 75 per cent saying trust in their AI agent deployments is a concern.
HEALTHIER BUILDINGS = HEALTHIER PEOPLE 7,500 dollars Amount that employee productivity per person per year can increase due to improved building ventilation, according to the second edition of the International WELL Building Institute report Investing in Health Pays Back: The Business Case for Healthy Buildings and Healthy Organizations.
61 to 101 Per cent enhanced IEQ improves employee cognitive function, based on the extent of improvements. Improved thermal comfort improves employee efficiency by 15 to 20 per cent.
AIR QUALITY IN THE CLASSROOM 13
ENERGY GENERATION
Per cent of Canadian teachers in a 2025 Fellowes survey who would rate the air quality in their classroom as good or excellent.
93
50 million Megawatt hours of electricity generated in Canada in 2024, according to the latest Statistics Canada data, a 3.6 per cent drop since 2023.
674.5 million Gigajoules of marketable natural gas produced in 2024, a 4.4-per cent increase over 2023.
Per cent of teachers who expressed concern that air quality in the classroom has lead to illness among students.
35 Per cent of teachers who said no action has been taken to improve indoor air quality in their classrooms, with many saying windows are painted shut.
dollar amount consumers are predicted to spend on gifts, travel and entertainment for the 2025 holiday 1,675 Average season, a 10-per cent decrease from 2024, says PwC’s 2025 Canadian holiday outlook report.
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After 50 years of helping to change the plumbing business, we decided to change our own. At osb we have been delivering quality parts with quality service to help you deliver great quality to your customers. We’ve been honoured to be a part of your team over the years and grow alongside you. As you’ve grown and evolved, so have we and that’s what our new logo is all about. Still proudly Canadian. Still the company and the people you trust. So welcome to the new +osb. and done.
osb
MB OSBjjm.indd 1 MB Ad - Sep 2025.indd 1 +osb_Launch_50years
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It’s a Win-Win with BLÜCHER You save on labour costs. Your customers get a return on their investment. BLÜCHER Stainless Steel Push-Fit Drainage Piping System reduces install time of PVC by 62% and cast iron by 71% • No primer & glue means no VOCs and no odours • No mechanical couplings, specialized tools or skilled labour needed • Lightweight pipe is easier to mobilize and hang by one person • Electric pipe cutting machine reduces messy pipe prep • Pre-cut pipe available in 9 different lengths up to 20 feet
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