Image courtesy of: onurdongel (iStock / Getty Images Plus) The information resource for contractors engaged in hydronic heating, radiant heating/cooling, geothermal heating/cooling, and solar thermal. https://www.pmmag.com/rss/6400 en-us The conversation around heat pump water heaters is far from settled. In this letter, a retired plumbing contractor shares why he believes the industry should continue the debate. The conversation around heat pump water heaters is far from settled. In this letter, a retired plumbing contractor shares why he believes the industry should continue the debate.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107805 Fri, 09 Oct 2026 08:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107805-letters-to-the-editor-the-heat-pump-water-heater-debate By understanding the benefits, limitations, and installation requirements of tankless technology, plumbing professionals can guide homeowners toward a water heating solution that aligns with their budget, lifestyle, and hot water demands. By understanding the benefits, limitations, and installation requirements of tankless technology, plumbing professionals can guide homeowners toward a water heating solution that aligns with their budget, lifestyle, and hot water demands.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107803 Thu, 08 Oct 2026 08:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107803-tankless-101-what-to-know-about-on-demand-water-heating Kylegargaro@achrnews.com (Kyle Gargaro) A proposed bill could allow qualifying plumbers and other workers in physically demanding careers to receive full Social Security retirement benefits at age 60. The legislation outlines two potential paths to qualify and could have implications for skilled trades workforce recruitment and retention. A proposed bill could allow qualifying plumbers and other workers in physically demanding careers to receive full Social Security retirement benefits at age 60. The legislation outlines two potential paths to qualify and could have implications for skilled trades workforce recruitment and retention.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107802 Wed, 07 Oct 2026 10:31:41 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107802-bill-would-lower-social-security-retirement-age-for-qualifying-plumbers bellolih@bnpmedia.com (Hannah Belloli-Oster) PHCP-PVF price increases slowed in October, with adjustments affecting select heating, geothermal, controls, and industrial product lines. See which manufacturers announced increases and when they take effect. PHCP-PVF price increases slowed in October, with adjustments affecting select heating, geothermal, controls, and industrial product lines. See which manufacturers announced increases and when they take effect.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107801 Tue, 06 Oct 2026 09:00:23 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107801-phcp-pvf-price-increases-october-2026 The current landscape with hydronics and heat pumps feels like an important time to adapt. Changing long-held opinions within the industry is not easy. The current landscape with hydronics and heat pumps feels like an important time to adapt. Changing long-held opinions within the industry is not easy.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107788 Fri, 02 Oct 2026 07:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107788-hydronic-and-heat-pump-hybrid-solution-presents-path-for-efficiency-progress hydronicpros@gmail.com (John Siegenthaler, P.E.) Improper piping sends heated fluid backward through an idle boiler in this hybrid hydronic system. Improper piping sends heated fluid backward through an idle boiler in this hybrid hydronic system.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107785 Wed, 30 Sep 2026 07:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107785-the-glitch-and-the-fix-when-a-heat-pump-retrofit-causes-reverse-boiler-flow baylesk@bnpmedia.com (Kristen R. Bayles) The PHCP-PVF industry has been fighting stereotypes for decades. Though the world seems to be coming around, and more people are recognizing the opportunities available in the trades, it hasn’t happened without a fight. And it certainly hasn’t happened overnight. That makes this contest, recognizing the people who decided to dedicate their careers — their life — to this industry, all the more important. The PHCP-PVF industry has been fighting stereotypes for decades. Though the world seems to be coming around, and more people are recognizing the opportunities available in the trades, it hasn’t happened without a fight. And it certainly hasn’t happened overnight. That makes this contest, recognizing the people who decided to dedicate their careers — their life — to this industry, all the more important.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107709 Wed, 16 Sep 2026 15:30:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107709-2026-next-gen-all-stars-top-40-under-40-phcp-pvf-professionals baylesk@bnpmedia.com (Kristen R. Bayles) After nearly two decades in PHCP-PVF, Matthew Liber has learned that successful distribution comes down to more than having the right products. It takes technical knowledge, dependable service and relationships built to last. After nearly two decades in PHCP-PVF, Matthew Liber has learned that successful distribution comes down to more than having the right products. It takes technical knowledge, dependable service and relationships built to last.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107746 Wed, 16 Sep 2026 08:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107746-2026-next-gen-all-star-patrick-mclaughlin baylesk@bnpmedia.com (Kristen R. Bayles) Robert Derrico entered plumbing at just 14 years old. More than two decades later, he’s still learning, solving problems, and helping technicians develop the skills and confidence to build careers of their own. Robert Derrico entered plumbing at just 14 years old. More than two decades later, he’s still learning, solving problems, and helping technicians develop the skills and confidence to build careers of their own.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107735 Wed, 16 Sep 2026 08:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107735-2026-next-gen-all-star-robert-derrico baylesk@bnpmedia.com (Kristen R. Bayles) Curiosity about solving everyday problems drew Jose Camacho into PHCP-PVF, where he has built an eight-year career around innovative solutions, teamwork, and improving the systems people rely on every day. Curiosity about solving everyday problems drew Jose Camacho into PHCP-PVF, where he has built an eight-year career around innovative solutions, teamwork, and improving the systems people rely on every day.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107728 Wed, 16 Sep 2026 08:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107728-2026-next-gen-all-star-jose-camacho hydronicpros@gmail.com (John Siegenthaler, P.E.) 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? 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?

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107704 Wed, 09 Sep 2026 09:21:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107704-the-glitch-and-the-fix-checking-details bellolih@bnpmedia.com (Hannah Belloli-Oster) 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%. 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%.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107701 Fri, 04 Sep 2026 11:19:51 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107701-phcp-pvf-price-increases-september-2026 hydronicpros@gmail.com (John Siegenthaler, P.E.) 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. 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.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107654 Wed, 26 Aug 2026 07:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107654-an-open-and-shut-case-part-2 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.  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.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107675 Fri, 21 Aug 2026 11:50:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107675-warmlyyours-q2-sales-report-shows-floor-heating-drove-growth The Radiant & Hydronics All-Stars eBook brings together practical guidance, system design strategies, and real-world applications for professionals working in today's evolving hydronics market. http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107652 Fri, 14 Aug 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107652-ebook-radiant-and-hydronics-all-stars hydronicpros@gmail.com (John Siegenthaler, P.E.) 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. 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.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107657 Wed, 12 Aug 2026 09:30:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107657-setting-up-a-failproof-system-with-an-air-to-water-heat-pump-and-boiler Federal standards may set the timeline, but state policies, building owner expectations and new technologies are accelerating commercial water heating’s high-efficiency transition. Federal standards may set the timeline, but state policies, building owner expectations and new technologies are accelerating commercial water heating’s high-efficiency transition.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107643 Wed, 05 Aug 2026 08:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107643-navigating-the-shift-innovation-in-commercial-water-heating 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. 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.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107624 Wed, 29 Jul 2026 10:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107624-expanded-training-center-prepares-the-next-generation-of-technicians hydronicpros@gmail.com (John Siegenthaler, P.E.) Upcoming DOE regulations and rising energy costs are creating new opportunities to improve hydronic distribution efficiency through smarter circulator strategies. Upcoming DOE regulations and rising energy costs are creating new opportunities to improve hydronic distribution efficiency through smarter circulator strategies.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107620 Mon, 27 Jul 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107620-improving-hydronic-efficiency scottsecor@comcast.net (Scott Secor) 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. 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.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107617 Thu, 23 Jul 2026 16:30:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107617-old-faithful-inn-yellowstone-national-park hydronicpros@gmail.com (John Siegenthaler, P.E.) As utilities and building owners look for new energy storage solutions, hydronic thermal storage presents an efficient alternative to batteries in many applications. As utilities and building owners look for new energy storage solutions, hydronic thermal storage presents an efficient alternative to batteries in many applications.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107568 Wed, 01 Jul 2026 07:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107568-an-open-and-shut-case-part-1 The transition to automated production aims to deliver performance and installation benefits. The transition to automated production aims to deliver performance and installation benefits. 

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107493 Tue, 02 Jun 2026 11:39:51 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107493-rehau-introduces-automated-production-of-raumat-prefabricated-mats hydronicpros@gmail.com (John Siegenthaler, P.E.) An installer is planning a multi-zone floor heating system supplied from a single stage non-modulating geothermal heat pump. Can you identify at least four design flaws or operational issues that are likely to develop if the system is installed as shown? http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107410 Tue, 05 May 2026 07:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107410-the-glitch-and-the-fix-grounded-errors hydronicpros@gmail.com (John Siegenthaler, P.E.) Can you identify some problems that are likely with this set up, and propose an alternative design to eliminate any such problems? http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107331 Tue, 31 Mar 2026 17:00:23 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107331-can-you-find-the-problems-with-this-space-heating-set-up hydronicpros@gmail.com (John Siegenthaler, P.E.) Figure 1 shows a hydronic system that’s intended to supply four panel radiators, each with their own thermostatic radiator valve and an indirect water heater from a gas-fired sectional cast-iron boiler. The system is designed using primary/secondary piping. The primary circulator operates whenever the space heating load or the indirect water heater call for heat. Figure 1 shows a hydronic system that’s intended to supply four panel radiators, each with their own thermostatic radiator valve and an indirect water heater from a gas-fired sectional cast-iron boiler. The system is designed using primary/secondary piping. The primary circulator operates whenever the space heating load or the indirect water heater call for heat. 

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107259 Wed, 04 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107259-the-glitch-and-the-fix-troubleshooting-hydronic-piping-mistakes-in-panel-radiator-systems forstern@bnpmedia.com (Natalie Forster) The upward pricing trend that carried into the new year is continuing through February and into March, with a steady stream of plumbing, hydronic, HVAC and PVF manufacturers announcing increases. While many adjustments are landing in the low- to mid-single-digit range, several manufacturers are implementing category-specific or “various” increases, with select product lines moving higher. The upward pricing trend that carried into the new year is continuing through February and into March, with a steady stream of plumbing, hydronic, HVAC and PVF manufacturers announcing increases. While many adjustments are landing in the low- to mid-single-digit range, several manufacturers are implementing category-specific or “various” increases, with select product lines moving higher.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107252 Tue, 03 Mar 2026 10:24:47 -0500 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107252-plumbing-heating-cooling-and-piping-products-increase-february-march-2026 hydronicpros@gmail.com (John Siegenthaler, P.E.) Panel radiators operated at low water temperatures, and with minimal fins attached to the rear of the water plate, can emit upwards of 50% of their total output as radiant heat. http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107236 Wed, 25 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0500 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107236-how-to-use-h-pattern-bypass-valves forstern@bnpmedia.com (Natalie Forster) AHR Expo 2026 made it clear that hybrid systems are no longer an emerging idea; they are the answer to the ongoing balancing act of meeting decarbonization goals while remaining realistic about the grid's capacity for electrification. Manufacturers emphasized systems that combine electric technologies, gas-fired equipment, and advanced controls. AHR Expo 2026 made it clear that hybrid systems are no longer an emerging idea; they are the answer to the ongoing balancing act of meeting decarbonization goals while remaining realistic about the grid's capacity for electrification. Manufacturers emphasized systems that combine electric technologies, gas-fired equipment, and advanced controls.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107187 Fri, 06 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107187-ahr-expo-2026-hydronics-innovation-focuses-on-practical-execution hydronicpros@gmail.com (John Siegenthaler, P.E.) In hydronic systems, the circuit usually passes through the boiler, which adds heat. When using a block heater and the boiler is off, it dissipates heat from the circuit. This heat loss must be considered when measuring the circuit's true "net" heating output. In hydronic systems, the circuit usually passes through the boiler, which adds heat. When using a block heater and the boiler is off, it dissipates heat from the circuit. This heat loss must be considered when measuring the circuit's true "net" heating output.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107177 Wed, 04 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107177-whats-it-capable-of-part-2 hydronicpros@gmail.com (John Siegenthaler, P.E.) Figure 1 shows the piping layout for an actual installation. It uses two boilers, fired in stages, to supply three areas of a building. One of those areas is sub-divided into three zones. The other two areas are handled by individual zone circulators. The "primary circulator" operates whenever any load circuit is on. All circulators are fixed speed. There's a partially closed ball valve at the end of the "primary loop." Figure 1 shows the piping layout for an actual installation. It uses two boilers, fired in stages, to supply three areas of a building. One of those areas is sub-divided into three zones. The other two areas are handled by individual zone circulators. The "primary circulator" operates whenever any load circuit is on. All circulators are fixed speed. There's a partially closed ball valve at the end of the "primary loop."

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107175 Wed, 04 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107175-bewitched-btus-understanding-the-hydraulic-consequences-of-improper-primary-loop-design