The 2024 Uniform Mechanical Code's Chapter 17 introduces Thermal Energy Networks (TEN), enabling buildings to independently manage heating and cooling sustainably, reducing environmental impact and enhancing energy efficiency across communities.
In Ottawa, a homeowner's dream of a luxury clubhouse with an outdoor pool comes to life with True North Mechanical's innovative heating system, ensuring a perfect New Year’s Eve party despite the freezing temperatures.
The Radiant Professionals Alliance (RPA) is enhancing energy efficiency through innovative hydronic systems under new leadership, focusing on collaboration, education, and strategic partnerships.
The Radiant Professionals Alliance (RPA) enhances the radiant industry through education, advocacy, and member support. It offers training, networking, and updates like a new website and geothermal partnerships. Members can participate in committees and events such as the 2025 AHR Expo.
A review of a flawed hydronic heating system uncovers critical errors, such as improper circulator placement and restrictive mixing valves, leading to uneven warmth and corrosion issues. This underscores the need for proper design and installation in hydronic systems.
A hotel’s aging hot water system faces upgrades as leaking tanks are set to be replaced with smaller units. While a full redesign is desired for efficiency, budget constraints may limit the project scope, causing temporary hot water disruptions.
Hydronically-heated concrete floor slabs offer comfort but can be slow to warm up. A proposed solution uses a heat pump and variable-speed circulators to provide rapid heating through air handlers, ensuring quick warmth during cool days while maintaining energy efficiency.
The photo in Figure 1 shows a non-pressurized outdoor wood-fired furnace connected to a floor heating subsystem via two PEX tubes. It includes a cast iron circulator, a thermostatic 3-way valve for mixing, a bypass linking supply and return tubes, and an "expansion zone" for another floor heating circuit. This setup is in a multi-million dollar home. Are there any potential issues with the installation?