Technology for Contractors

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Tasked with protecting valuable artwork while controlling operating costs, the Tacoma Art Museum upgraded its heating system with Lochinvar Crest with Hellcat boilers. The retrofit has delivered energy savings of more than 10% while helping the nonprofit secure grant funding for the project.

Backflow can compromise potable water systems and pose serious public health risks. Learn how the 2024 International Plumbing Code, proper backflow prevention, routine testing, and cross-connection control strategies work together to help protect drinking water.

Data centers, AI infrastructure, and large commercial construction are fueling demand for industrial PVF products, even as tariffs, commodity volatility and labor shortages force manufacturers and distributors to rethink supply chain strategies.

Plumbing is one of the largest and most essential specialty trades in construction, with the U.S. plumbing industry projected to reach $191.4 billion in 2026 and include roughly 129,000 businesses nationwide, according to IBISWorld. At the same time, the construction industry continues to face a major labor shortage, putting more pressure on contractors to do more with their existing teams. 

PPATEC’s course offerings are specifically tailored to train HVAC/R, energy industry, and hydronic technicians in Pennsylvania and surrounding states. PPA member companies contribute to coursework to help design training programs that offer students a direct, hands-on learning experience that results in strengthening the professional skills of their employees.

From AI-powered leak detection to smart faucets, water heaters, and bottle filling stations, connected plumbing is reshaping how water systems are managed. Learn how intelligent plumbing technology is reducing maintenance costs, conserving resources, improving hygiene, and creating new opportunities for contractors and distributors.

Upcoming DOE regulations and rising energy costs are creating new opportunities to improve hydronic distribution efficiency through smarter circulator strategies.

What happens when a heating contractor spends three nights in one of America's most iconic historic hotels? Scott Secor shares observations on the Old Faithful Inn's hydronic heating system, from ornate cast-iron radiators to noisy TRVs and the questions they raised.

At a time when supply chains, workforce development and economic resilience remain top concerns, many manufacturers are reaffirming their commitment to producing products in the United States. Beyond supporting local jobs, domestic operations can offer greater quality control, shorter lead times, closer collaboration between engineering and production teams, and stronger connections to customers and distribution partners.