Radiant & Hydronics

RSS

Two identical air-to-water heat pumps deliver nearly twice the expected output when operating together, but when either unit runs alone, its measured output falls well below its rating. What’s causing the performance drop, and how can the system be corrected?

September brings another relatively light round of PHCP-PVF price increases, with adjustments affecting pumps, valves, piping products, and other plumbing-related product categories, with increases from 3% to 30%.

Non-pressurized storage systems have advantages and limitations. In applications where cost per gallon of storage is critical, or where it’s otherwise impractical to bring in one or more pressure-rated tanks, a non-pressurized tank combined with the piping and control concepts discussed represents a viable solution to leverage the combination of time-of-use electrical rates, heat pumps, and the unsurpassed comfort made possible by modern hydronics technology.

 Radiant floor heating is expanding rapidly into commercial environments and early-stage project specifications, defying broader housing and remodeling market headwinds through strong “stay-put” renovation and trade labor efficiency trends.

Many air-to-water heat pumps are combined with boilers. In retrofit projects, it’s likely an existing boiler; in new projects, it’s likely a mod/con boiler. The boiler can provide supplemental heat during very cold weather. It can also serve as a backup heat source should the heat pump become inoperable.

Federal standards may set the timeline, but state policies, building owner expectations and new technologies are accelerating commercial water heating’s high-efficiency transition.

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.

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.