Heating Help

Code on insulation required for heated slab

@ March 10, 2013 6:56 PM in Garage Slab Thermal Break

We have very strict code compliance here in Maine building code requires R15 foam
We use 3 inch .Crete Heat and 2" for thermal breaks for radiant floor installs
This is actually National code

Wall hung

@ February 24, 2013 7:25 PM in Off-topic: wall-hung toilets

Look at Geberit residential wall hung system, we use them often for wall hung applications with Toto toilets
They are very versatile in piping approaches

Press

@ February 24, 2013 12:54 PM in Question about pro press

We have used press since 2005 with no problems with any size
Used it with copper, black iron, water, gas, air, solar, steam, and about 80 boilers a year are pressed with ease.
Clean safe and labor saving
As far as pulling action once you learn the tool you become accustomed to make adjustments as you press
Good luck in decisions

Taco sentry zone valves

@ February 15, 2013 1:17 PM in taco zone sentry

we install 50-75 per month with great results
we have been using them since introduction with no product failures
Taco is great company with tremendous offerings, always ready to support the contractor and the industry.

Check code

@ February 12, 2013 7:39 PM in Eternal GU195 for radiant and DHW

Check local code, we cannot combine heating and DHW without heat exchanger in our geographic area.
So eternal is only DHW for us which they do work well

Find a good tech and see what he supports TT is a nice product

Vitodens

@ February 11, 2013 7:51 PM in The white Stuff

Only gas boiler I know that can do this but not recommended on regular basis is Viessmann Vitodens 200
We have seen it operate in many neighborhoods where other equipment would not during exactly what you are talking about

Utility infrastructure is big problem in northeast

aquatherm

@ February 4, 2013 4:58 PM in AQUATHERM

we use it often on potable and heating great product best of all keeps systems very clean.

it has its applications

just difficult to work with by yourself if working off staging of any kind

Viessmann

@ January 21, 2013 4:57 PM in Viessman Tech

Just email or Call Viessmann they have many qualified staff covering your area
I am sure local Viessmann rep in area will be able to give you a few names
Heat Tech Associates, Inc.
P.O. Box 1181
176 Hayden Hill Road
Torrington, CT
06790

Tel. (860) 482-6321
Fax (860) 482-9601
or
info@viessmann-us.com
good luck
jim

Not sustainable

@ January 18, 2013 9:01 AM in Shark Bite or no Shark Bite

I agree with Hot Rod
Crimp system is permanent
We have seen many failures over the years from these fittings
I believe they are made for DIY
make a professional, sustainable installation using crimp system
there are many systems to choose from

heat pumps

@ January 18, 2013 8:54 AM in Your thoughts on combining my new Mitsubishi mini split heatpump with existing hydronic.

We are in maine with much colder climate than DC
Air source heat pumps have come a long way, they are working extremely well in our climate
the only caution i have is there is a difference in comfort heating with air vs hydronics.
Our company offers a blend of systems when doing air source to provide optimum comfort levels.
Some air source units are 26-27 seer, super efficienct and you will love the ac in hotter months.
good luck,
find a great contractor to guide you.
jim

Expansion tank

@ January 15, 2013 8:27 PM in Pressure Relief undersized on European Boilers?

Definitely internal expansion tank they are small and usually fail after a few years of service
Easier to add one then replace
Good luck

Refractometer

@ January 15, 2013 7:30 PM in Anti- freeze test strips

We use refractometer to test freeze protection and pool water ph test kits which work rally well on anyone's product
Good luck
Jim

Eternal

@ January 7, 2013 8:33 PM in Eternal brand, advanced hybrid water heater

We have installed many
Early on when they just came to market they had issues with gas valves, they have worked through issues
These units ar much different than any other tankless water heater on the market
High producers extremely efficient built to last
Cost a bit more but you get what you pay for
Good luck
Jim

Heat emitters

@ December 26, 2012 8:21 PM in Propane or Oil

Most important piece when deciding fuel is how energy is being delivered to space
Condensing gas is great with proper design
Oil vs gas is always economics and figuring this out requires many pieces, cost of fuel, btu of fuels, efficiency of boilers, and efficiency of heat emitters with specific appliance
Get competent contractor and work with them
Good luck

Stocking repair parts

@ December 26, 2012 8:15 PM in Who installs Vitodens 100s? question on parts you stock

Our company stocks every wearable part on every Viessmann boiler we have installed in last 25 plus years including new Vitodens 100 and 200
Service to our customer is by far the most important element in the success of our business.
I am not relying on someone else to stock basic repair components.
We actually stock a couple of other boiler manufacturer parts as well because they are hard to attain when most needed.
Very few acting up parts on Viessmann boilers, they have by far best track record of any boiler I have seen
What to stock igniters flow switch, and flame sensors would the wearable items I would suggest
Take care
Jim

Very well written

@ December 11, 2012 8:07 PM in Dear Customer,

Can I use this
Not often this happens but this hits nail on head
Thanks for humor

Wow

@ December 11, 2012 8:01 PM in Lack of support from Navien 10th callback in 14 months

What ever happened to professional respectful debate?

So much more can be achieved by working together to build a stronger more professional industry from both sides of counter

sales staff costing job

@ December 10, 2012 6:32 AM in labor hrs

The only way a sales person can have a actual awareness of any project is to work along sude tech occasionally so the can value the time placed on any installation
Every install is different, and sometimes communication between sales and field techs is important when costing jobs
I guess what i am saying is communication is best solution for your problem with boss.
good luck
jim

sustainable

@ December 8, 2012 8:09 AM in labor hrs

It not about the short term make a buck
its about long term relationships that build a company
money will come if work is done in professional manner.
hold yourself to highest standards and you will always succeed
jim

noise

@ December 8, 2012 8:03 AM in loud return duct

Is your new furnace variable speed, if it is dial down fan speed
if not either increase duct size and return air.
duct should be lined as well to reduce noise especially on such a short run
get your installer back to make changes if you are not happy with final product
good luck

prefab

@ December 8, 2012 7:58 AM in prefab

yes we prefab but do this ourself in shop
save tremendous time on site.
unfortunately our jobs all differ so we build them to spec, no real templating that can be done.
jim

Insulation

@ November 27, 2012 7:22 PM in Condensing furnace in attic

We build a room around them and make sure installs are close to floor system
Mostly use foam panels very frugal and effective way to protect in unconditioned space if we have to go that route
Take care
Jim