Plumbing and Mechanical

PM September 2024 eMagazine cover 450px

2024 September

The September 2024 issue of Plumbing & Mechanical features our cover story on the 2024 Next Gen ALL-STARS Top 20 Under 40, additional features including air-to-water heat pumps – a game changer for the hydronics industry, and much more!

Columnists

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A geothermal installation at a home
Editorial Opinion | Nicole Krawcke

Inflation Reduction Act marks second anniversary

IRA legislation is influencing clean energy decisions.
Nicole Krawcke head shot 2024
Nicole Krawcke
September 17, 2024

Last month marked the second anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), the most significant U.S. federal action on climate change. With over $369 billion allocated to energy and climate programs, the IRA has driven unprecedented growth in renewable energy, boosting solar, wind, and battery storage, while cutting greenhouse gas emissions and lowering energy costs.


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Wooden Pinocchio doll with a leaf branch growing out of his long nose.
Guest Editorial | Jay Egg

Greenwashing and geothermal HVAC technologies

Stay vigilant and check facts.
Jay Egg
Jay Egg
September 12, 2024

Greenwashing is deceptive advertising that uses green PR to make products seem eco-friendly and desensitizes consumers to environmental claims. TerraChoice describes "seven sins of greenwashing" to help consumers spot misleading environmental claims.


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Brand name written over black paper background with white and blue wooden colored pencils. 3D illustration.
Service Plumbing Pros | Matt Michel

Six things that matter about your branding

Best practices for building a brand image in your market.
Matt Michel
Matt Michel
September 11, 2024

Developing a strong brand can significantly impact your plumbing company by making it more familiar and less intimidating to consumers. This can lead to more calls and reduced marketing costs. Here are six important factors to consider when building a brand and brand image in your market.


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Network of colorful pins connected with a line. High angle view. 3D render.
The Blue Collar Coach | Kenny Chapman

The importance of processes in the home services trades

Processes can provide the structure and consistency needed for growth and success.
Kenny Chapman
September 10, 2024

Processes are the third component of our success strategy — organizational charts, scorecards, and processes. Two months ago, I began a three-part series to focus on each of them. This month, we are going to bring that strategy full circle by discussing processes.



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Boiler Room
Heating Perceptions | Scott Secor

A grossly oversized boiler system

Always follow the heat loss calculation.
Scott Secor
Scott Secor
September 9, 2024

Last fall, we assessed a boiler replacement project for a town hall. Three out of four existing rare condensing cast iron boilers were inoperable within two years, and seven out of eight boilers failed within 10 years. During our visit, we meticulously examined various aspects to identify any potential issues.


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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 200x200 author headshot on a white background.
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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Cover Story

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0924 PM NextGen ALL-STARS hero image with badge.jpg
Plumbing & Mechanical Next Gen ALL STARS

2024 Next Gen All Stars: Top 20 Under 40 Plumbing Professionals

Plumbing & Mechanical’s third annual Top 20 young professionals to watch in the plumbing industry.
Nicole Krawcke head shot 2024
Nicole Krawcke
September 3, 2024

This month, we honor our third annual class of Next Gen All Stars. Here’s a brief introduction to the individuals 40 years old or younger that bring optimism, new skills and a hunger for success to the plumbing industry.


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Departments

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Feature Articles

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Breaking through a concrete floor.

Avoiding the pitfalls of breaking concrete with above-floor grinder pumps

Alternative plumbing solutions to fit your customers' needs.
Michael Cerna
September 25, 2024

When property owners need restroom or kitchen facilities in areas without existing plumbing, they often face the challenge of expensive and disruptive work to create below-floor drainage that usually requires breaking through concrete, which is messy, noisy, and costly. This high cost may lead clients to reconsider their projects altogether. For trade professionals, navigating concrete obstacles is just another day at the office. Yet, for others, it might be less welcome.




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Boulder, CO Job: Two Ambient Heat Pump Installation

Air-to-water heat pumps — a game changer for the hydronics industry

Traditional boiler manufacturers are entering the heat pump market with new air-to-water product offerings.
Nicole Krawcke head shot 2024
Nicole Krawcke
September 18, 2024

Air-to-water heat pumps are becoming popular in the hydronic heating industry due to their energy efficiency and sustainability. Chris Decato of U.S. Boiler Co. notes a rising demand driven by their cost-effectiveness and reduced carbon footprint.


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