Plumbing and Mechanical

When I first started working for Plumbing & Mechanical’s sister publication, The ACHR NEWS in 2014, I was often the only woman in the room at industry events. Those first few conferences were just a bit intimidating. In fact, it wasn’t until a HARDI annual conference that I first met other women in the industry — shout out to Colleen Keyworth, director of sales and marketing for Online-Access and immediate past president of Women in HVACR, for her immediate friendship then and for all the years since!

 As 2022 comes to a close it is now time to review my predictions from last year as well as predict ten more trends I see as we enter 2023. Just like last year, I will stay away from prognosticating about where the stock market will be at this end of the year; instead, I will stick to identifying trends that supply houses will find important in this upcoming year. With all that being said, let's jump right in and review my 2022 predictions.

If the country is not already in recession, it appears likely one will arrive in 2023. Here are six ways to turn the downturn into an opportunity.

Mike Rowe, the “Dirty Jobs” guy, caught a bunch of flak for saying, “safety third.” Seems folks took that to mean Rowe did not consider jobsite safety a priority when, in fact, he was attempting to point out the absurd notion that posted “safety first” signage was a farce. No one is really going to be constantly looking out for an individual’s safety and Rowe was simply trying to convey the message that everyone has to be responsible for their own safety on jobsites.

Businesses are facing major changes in the way they operate and the way they interact with clients, partners and suppliers. These changes, which are rooted in uncertainty, often challenge our business confidence as leaders at the highest level.

I love all the advances taking place in the world of hydronics, but I’m still seeing plenty of steam systems out there in our older cities, so knowing about dry steam will help you if you’re replacing a steam boiler. The dryer the steam is, the better you’re going to look to your customers.

Many legacy hydronic heating systems use a fossil fuel boiler to supply fin-tube baseboard heat emitters in some areas of a building and lower-temperature radiant panels in other areas. 

With increasing awareness on energy efficiency, natural gas bans, decarbonization and indoor air quality, the world has been undoubtedly changed, and the plumbing and HVACR industries continue to be on the frontlines of these challenges.

A recent inquiry involved a heating system for a school in which two electric boilers were being added to supplement the output of a gas-fired cast-iron boiler, and take advantage of low “off-peak” electrical rates.

The company showcased 64% growth from 2021 to 2022.

Viega’s ongoing commitment to advancing the trades is showcased through its strategic sponsorships along with a full roster of training provided in person and online to students and contractors through Viega’s Training and Seminar Center and online learning platform.  

The site offers information on the benefits of modern hydronics technology, as well as links to publications and training.

Plumbing & Mechanical Chief Editor Nicole Krawcke sat down with longtime PM Columnist Ray Wohlfarth, president of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania-based Fire & Ice, to discuss his experience as a contractor specializing in boilers, what the boiler market looks like today, and what to expect in this space moving forward.

Each year, Plumbing & Mechanical editors receive thousands of product releases from industry manufacturers.

Have you remodeled a bathroom recently? If so, maybe you’ve noticed problems with the toilet.
To get more specific: Is it rocking noisily when the homeowner takes a seat? Or maybe they've noticed water pooling at the base. Perhaps the flooring surrounding the toilet feels soft. Or water spots have appeared on the ceiling located directly below the toilet.

As businesses and homeowners across the nation wrestle with inflation and stretching their dollars for maximum value, one area that can’t be overlooked is the heating system.

RectorSeal’s Outset Seal, an adjustable lineset protection system for ducted and ductless HVAC installations, is designed to protect indoor areas by blocking air leakage, moisture penetration and rodent intrusion and hiding unsightly wall penetrations where HVAC linesets enter or exit structures.

NIBCO introduced jaws that are compatible with the NIBCO PC-280 tool for use on the PressACR product line.

NTI Boilers announced the latest evolution of the TFT line, the new TFTN series delivers trademark dependability with a new, industry-leading touchscreen design and robust new control designed for improved precision and efficiency, the company says.

Hercules Boiler Solder makes strong lasting repairs on leaks in steam boilers caused by leaking joints or sand holes during installation, or older installations where corrosion, vibration or settling causes leaks and cracks.

Emerson announced two new technologies for the Crosby J-Series pressure relief valve (PRV) product line.

TotalFit is the professional-grade, engineered polymer (EP), push-to-connect fitting solution that provides greater value for residential projects with the same versatility and speed as brass push-to-connect fittings, the company says.

The EasyIO controller platform is completely customizable. Use it with the full range of smart, connected devices; create your own dashboards, applications, views and reports, and take advantage of open protocols and APIs for adaptable system connections.

The Electron electric tankless heat pump water heater for commercial use runs on electricity and heats water from energy stored in a thermal battery.

The MUZ-FS H2i plus heat pump from Mitsubishi Electric keeps homes warm and cozy in the winter and cool in the summer.

Introducing the newest dimension of smart home technology that offers wireless control of radiant heating and cooling along with forced-air heating and cooling in multiple zones throughout a home.

AMT’s S.O.S. series of packaged systems incorporate multiple elements of emergency domestic water supply systems into one comprehensive package, as a turnkey solution for your facility.

REME HALO®Zero utilizes RGF’s proprietary aGHP-Cell™ technology to create low-level, airborne Gaseous Hydrogen Peroxide (aGHP™) throughout the air-conditioned space reducing bacteria, viruses, odors and mold along with allergens and dust at the source.

The System M consists of a sleek, quiet, inverter-driven outdoor heat pump that can be up to 4 times more efficient than a gas furnace, the company says.

The PresCal HP family ensures stable, high-precision water pressure control while withstanding severe inlet pressure or punishing downstream water hammer.

The Bell & Gossett TechnoForce HVAC Package System is an all-in-one package consisting of end suction pumps, valves and control drives, which come fully assembled for single job site delivery, faster lead time and turnkey installation.

Introducing the new Ascend Air-Water Heat Pump Model ACX from Trane (140-230 tons cooling, 1500-2500 MBh heating) – a perfect fit for meeting sustainability and efficiency targets for heating or cooling from one electric source, the company says.

CeramiCircuit radiant electric heating panels include lay-in panels for 2’ x 2’, 2’x 4’ and 1’ x 4’ drop ceiling applications, wall-mounted cove panels, and units for hard surface ceiling and suspended installations.

Powered by natural refrigerant R744, better known as refrigerant-grade CO2, Lync’s Aegis commercial heat pump is non-toxic, non-flammable, has an ODP (Ozone Depletion Potential) of zero and a low GWP (Global Warming Potential) of 1. R744 also outperforms other common refrigerants, like R134a and R410a, making Aegis a better, longer-lasting and more sustainable solution.

BoilerMagXL is a high-performance filter for light commercial, retail or large residential properties.