Plumbing & Mechanical Top Stories

RSS

One concept that’s getting increasing attention among HVAC engineers is “resilient design.” It refers to approaches that - ideally - allow systems to remain operational under very abnormal conditions, or minimize effects that could cause major damage to systems when and if they are otherwise rendered inoperative.

If a customer complains about an air conditioning odor, mention bacteria in condensate drain pans and lines, which is bacterial zoogloea. It thrives in dark, moist, warm settings and can infest the indoor evaporator coil in extreme neglect. The bacteria feed on dust and organic matter not caught by filters.

In a hydronic snow and ice melting (SIM) system, warm water/glycol circulates through pipes embedded in concrete slabs to melt snow and ice above. With sensors, the system automatically activates based on temperature and moisture, effectively melting snow on contact by evaporating it or directing water to drains.

As radiant heating and cooling systems continue to grow in popularity for their superior comfort, energy efficiency, and quiet operation, the importance of proper system installation cannot be overstated. A poorly installed system—no matter how advanced its components—can fall short of expectations, leading to hot and cold spots, energy waste, or costly callbacks.

Too many plumbers overlook the opportunities presented by home and garden shows. Attendance at shows has been increasing every year since the pandemic. Up to 90% of attendees are homeowners. Attendees are typically 35-64 years old and affluent. They attend the show because they want to make improvements in their homes and yards.

The Radiant Professionals Alliance (RPA) provides superior comprehensive educational activities and innovative product awareness. This was evident at the 2025 AHR conference held in Orlando Florida. The RPA hosted eight sessions providing education to professionals and students. From the eight sessions, I would like to highlight five that deal with industry patterns, installation practices and innovative design.

Radiant heating and cooling systems integrated with geothermal ground source heat pumps (GSHPs) offer an energy-efficient, comfortable, and sustainable approach to indoor climate control. This combined system leverages the stable temperatures of the Earth to provide heating and cooling through radiant surfaces, most commonly on floors but also on walls or ceilings.

Plumbing and mechanical professionals bear more responsibility than often recognized. They ensure building safety, function, and peace of mind for occupants. Every installation, service, or check involves managing expectations, reducing risks, and building trust.

Advances in hardware and software open the door to future-proof projects, maximize resources and unlock new efficiencies. Here are three ways plumbing and mechanical contractors can use technology to get more done despite the industry’s shortage of skilled labor.

As the building industry shifts to electrification, decarbonization, and high-efficiency infrastructure, radiant heating and cooling professionals lead the change. At this year’s AHR Expo in Orlando, FL, Greg Cunniff of Egg Geo presented 'Future of BEST – Net the Energy with Community Thermal Energy Networks'.