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Home » Topics » Columns

Columns
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Workers Laying Geothermal Coils in an Underground Trench.

Geothermal heat pump systems with manifolded earth loops offer advantages

Coming together.
John Siegenthaler, P.E.
John Siegenthaler, P.E.
September 5, 2024

Geothermal systems use HDPE tubing for closed-loop earth heat exchangers, buried several feet below the surface.



Read More
Domestic water heat pump
Hydronics Workshop | John Siegenthaler

Switching heat pumps between domestic water heating and cooling

Switching space heating to cooling, and vice versa.
John Siegenthaler, P.E.
John Siegenthaler, P.E.
September 5, 2024

Air-to-water heat pumps and water-to-water geothermal heat pumps provide warm water for space heating, domestic water heating, and chilled water for cooling. Switching a hydronic heat pump system from space heating to cooling and vice versa seasonally is relatively simple. The system operating mode is changed at the thermostat or a dedicated system mode switch with heat, off, and cool settings.



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Hand holding sad face wooden block with one-star rating below.
Editorial Opinion | Nicole Krawcke

Ensure clear, effective communication with customers and your team.

Communication breakdowns
Nicole Krawcke head shot 2024
Nicole Krawcke
August 15, 2024

I reached out to some of the best coaches in the industry for some perspective on communicating clearly and effectively with customers and each other and best practices for how contractors should handle communication breakdowns.


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Happy team of architects hugging in a circle at a construction site smiling and wearing helmets.
Guest Editorial | Kevin Hill

Leadership tips and best practices

Build your best team.
Kevin Hill
Kevin Hill
August 14, 2024

When we hear about a 'dream team,' our minds envision the perfect basketball team or a group of highly skilled attorneys assembled for a high-profile legal matter. But creating a team that consistently delivers great results shouldn't be limited to sports or legal teams.


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Drain being cleared by worker in navy overalls.
Guest Editorial | Al Fagundes

Must-have tools for sewer line repairs or replacement

The correct equipment makes all the difference between a straightforward repair and a complex project.
Al Fagundes
August 13, 2024

Sewer line repairs and replacements require precision, expertise, and the right tools. In this article, we will explore the essential tools for efficient sewer line work.


Read More
A stack of PVC pipes at a construction site, in the foreground. A group of construction workers are out of focus, having a meeting in the background.
Codes Corner | Rich Anderson

International Plumbing Code provides critical guidance on handling chemical waste

Contractors should work closely with local building departments to understand the local building codes, which can vary widely by municipality.
Rich Anderson CBO
August 12, 2024

Corrosive liquids can harm DWV piping systems not designed for chemicals. The IPC requires dilution, neutralization, or treatment of chemical waste before discharge. Vents must also use rated piping to avoid harm from vapors.


Read More
Close up of saleswoman doing the checkout using a credit card reader and smartphone at a garden center. **DESIGN ON CREDIT CARD WAS MADE FROM SCRATCH BY US**
Service Plumbing Pros | Matt Michel

How should you handle merchant service fees?

Quit looking at merchant service fees as an expense.
Matt Michel
Matt Michel
August 9, 2024

Some customers prefer using credit cards, but accepting them means paying merchant service fees. Contractors may offer cash discounts or add an upcharge, so consider how to handle merchant services.


Read More
Traffic Light Trails at George Washington Bridge
Heating Perceptions | Scott Secor

When (and when not) to work outside your service area

There are always exceptions to every rule.
Scott Secor
Scott Secor
August 8, 2024

We occasionally receive requests from commercial customers located over 30 minutes away to replace heating systems. For commercial repairs, we may extend our service area. However, for residential heating systems, it's generally not cost-effective for us to travel more than 30 minutes for a repair call. There are exceptions to these rules, and one recently came up.


Read More
Business concepts, evaluation and assessment

How scorecards help level-up your team.

Scoring for success
Kenny Chapman
Kenny Chapman
August 7, 2024

Last month, I introduced the core elements of our training: organizational charts, scorecards, and processes. These form the foundation of your business, providing clarity and accountability. This month, we'll focus on scorecards and how they contribute to team success.


Read More
Newborn chick with the cracked shells to the side.
Contractor's Corner | Dave Yates

Do the actual heat loss calculation

Chicken or egg?
Dave Yates
Dave Yates
August 6, 2024

Ah, the age-old question of which came first – the chicken or the egg. If you watch “Loudermilk” on Netflix, you know the answer!


Read More
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      • Dave Yates: Contractor’s Corner
      • John Siegenthaler: Hydronics Workshop
      • Kenny Chapman: The Blue Collar Coach
      • Matt Michel: Service Plumbing Pros
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  • ENGINEERS
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    • PME COLUMNS
      • Christoph Lohr: Strategic Plumbing Insights
      • David Dexter: Plumbing Talking Points
      • James Dipping: Engineer Viewpoints
      • John Seigenthaler: Renewable Heating Design
      • Lowell Manalo: Plumbing Essentials
      • Misty Guard: Guard on Compliance
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