The 2014 ACCA Conference, March 17-19 in Nashville, Tenn., included a radiant and hydronics track sponsored by the group’s Radiant & Hydronics Council. Topics over the three days included designing and installing mechanical systems in large homes (Dan Foley of Foley Mechanical), growing a successful hydronics business (Brian Stack of Stack Heating and Cooling), do’s and don’ts of installing modulating/condensing boilers, when not to use potable water for hydronic systems, and commercial radiant cooling systems embedded in concrete.
Jeff Personsof Geo Source One noted that potable water with a high mineral content can create high electrical conductivity. Soft water with low mineral content can cause dezincification of pipe, valves and fittings, even leaving white, fuzzy deposits on brass valves.