The Air Conditioning Contractors Association has added several radiant and hydronic sessions to its roster of Learning Labs at its 2013 convention, Feb. 26-March 2 in Orlando, Fla., including Dan Holohan, who will introduce attendees to the men behind the origins and science of radiant heating.

The Air Conditioning Contractors Association has added several radiant and hydronic sessions to its roster of Learning Labs at its 2013 convention, Feb. 26-March 2 in Orlando, Fla. On Feb. 28, Plumbing & Mechanical hydronics columnist Dan Holohan will present “Radiant Roots,” where he will introduce attendees to the men behind the origins and science of radiant heating.

Other sessions include:

• “Selling the Wet and Dry Sides Together” - Dan Foley, Foley Mechanical. HVAC and hydronics are two sides of the same coin requiring different skill sets. So, how do you take these two distinct business formats and combine them? It may be easier than you think. Join contractor Dan Foley to find out.


• “Sun, Earth, Water & Fire” - Bob “Hot Rod” Rohr, Caleffi NA. A recent poll shows nine out of 10 voters think it is important for the United States to develop and use solar. Progressive contractors should embrace this awareness. Geothermal is another popular option and can integrate nicely with combined systems. John Bob Rohr to learn the ins and outs of these systems, and position your company to be a multi-energy leader in your area.


• “Integrating Hydronics Into a Forced Air HVAC Business” - Brian Stack, Stack Heating & Cooling. In his session, contractor Brian Stack will guide you through using boilers to provide heating not only for radiant floor but integrating hot water coils into duct systems, ease of zoning, providing domestic hot water and how this affects the overall design including money and space savings.


• “Estimating Fuel & Electrical Costs in Residential Hydronic Systems, and the REAL Value of Variable Speed Circulators” - John Barba, Taco. Residential customers always ask one thing when considering a new hydronics systems: What’s my payback?  It’s a common question but one with no easy answers.  In this fact-filled and fast-paced session, John Barba will show you how to estimate - as accurately as possible - annual fuel costs for an upgraded system and how to compare those costs to the alternatives. You’ll also learn how to estimate electrical costs associated with operating a residential hydronic system, and the growing phenomenon of energy-saving variable-speed circulators in residential hydronics.

For more information and to register, go to www.accaconference.com.

Source: Air Conditioning Contractors of America