Hot & cold frost proof hydrants are not new but the TrueTemp by PRIER is a totally different faucet compared to any I’ve ever worked with in the past. The TrueTemp is a single handle frost proof with the styling of an indoor fixture available in two finished, Satin Nickel Plated & Oil Rubbed Bronze Read more
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Hot & cold frost proof hydrants are not new but the TrueTemp by PRIER is a totally different faucet compared to any I’ve ever worked with in the past. The TrueTemp is a single handle frost proof with the styling of an indoor fixture available in two finished, Satin Nickel Plated & Oil Rubbed Bronze.
Focus: True Temp Installation
As part of a larger review process, ProStaff’er Andy Mickelson, owner of Mickelson Plumbing in Missoula, MT and I are each installing one. Andy has a spot for it at his own home, I’ve got it going in at the #duluthbuild project for my little sister’s new home.
I took delivery of the Oil Rubbed Bronze finish 12″ model #P-118L12-ORB last week and took it out of the box minutes before the video to get it mounted.
One of the things that stands out immediately with this faucet is the lack of visible mounting hardware, I like that. As you’ll see in the video there is a stainless steel mounting plate/ring that when attached to the mounting surface is completely hidden. Furthermore, this gives the faucet a totally different look than other hot/cold models.
The faucet ships with Phillips head stainless screws and the mounting plate. There were no instructions in the box, although its pretty simple to figure out, I think it may have just been forgotten in packaging. Here’s a link to the install instructions.
Mounting Prep for the True Temp
I had a PRIER 12″ model frost proof faucet roughed-in already. This required me to enlarge the existing 1″ hole in the mounting block to accommodate the new TrueTemp. I simply traced the hole in the mounting plate and cut the mounting block with my M12 jig saw. The correct hole saw size would be 1-3/4″ if installing at a new location. Step two was to align the mounting plate hole with the newly cut hole and attach using the stainless screws. This step requires the installer to level the tabs on the mounting plate, the tabs are the connection point between the faucet and mounting plate and need to be level to ensure the faucet is plumb.
Finally, the TrueTemp body is inserted and a half-turn clockwise engages the tabs and body to securely position the faucet, the final step is to install the remaining stainless screw in the very bottom of the body.
Watch for more info, next time I’ll cover the piping connection options and hot I installed it on my job.
Navien’s official entry into the commercial boiler market We caught up with Brian Fenske, Director of Commercial Sales to learn about the Navien NFB-C commercial boiler while at AHR Expo. First let us acknowledge that no official press info has been released with delivery date, technical specifications etc at this time. As soon as we Read more
Navien’s official entry into the commercial boiler market
We caught up with Brian Fenske, Director of Commercial Sales to learn about the Navien NFB-C commercial boiler while at AHR Expo.
First let us acknowledge that no official press info has been released with delivery date, technical specifications etc at this time. As soon as we receive that information from Navien, we will be the first to share here and on our social media.
Now for all the details
Here’s what we do know about the Navien NFB-C boilers:
There will be two models available, the NFB-C-301 and 399. Each number corresponding to the Btu input rating. The model name [NFB-C] translates to Naven Firetube Boiler – Commercial. Each boiler will have at its core Navien’s unique in-house design and manufactured stainless steel heat exchanger. For more info on their new firetube click here.
These boilers will have the usual negative pressure gas system and as stated in the video, can be adjoined in cascade [up to 4 units] with common venting. Brian Fenske does a great job explaining all this and more in our video from AHR Expo, please watch below.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9keiiCEUgjQ Lochinvar’s new Cogeneration Heat & Power System Lochinvar and EC POWER, the top European producer of residential and commercial combined heat and power products, announced the launch of XRGI25, one of the most cutting-edge cogeneration products to ever be released in North America. Lochinvar originally announced the strategic partnership with EC POWER in April 2018 Read more
Lochinvar’s new Cogeneration Heat & Power System
Lochinvar and EC POWER, the top European producer of residential and commercial combined heat and power products, announced the launch of XRGI25, one of the most cutting-edge cogeneration products to ever be released in North America. Lochinvar originally announced the strategic partnership with EC POWER in April 2018.
Using an internal combustion natural gas engine, Micro CHP (< 50 kW/hr), is designed to be an efficient and easy-to-install system intended for light commercial use. Using natural gas as a fuel, a commercial facility with a cogeneration system like the XRGI25 can produce both energy-efficient heat for domestic hot water and electricity to reduce energy consumption from external power sources.
More information from Lochinvar about the Cogeneration Heat & Power System is available here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xm4f9bB_U_w Taco announced their newest pump at AHR Expo, the Taco 0018e ECM circulator with Bluetooth connectivity. John Barba, Taco’s head trainer, shows us how the Taco 0018e pump works when connected to the accompanying mobile app. Press info direct from Taco “The circulator features Bluetooth communication to a mobile app. This provides real time Read more
Taco announced their newest pump at AHR Expo, the Taco 0018e ECM circulator with Bluetooth connectivity. John Barba, Taco’s head trainer, shows us how the Taco 0018e pump works when connected to the accompanying mobile app.
Press info direct from Taco
“The circulator features Bluetooth communication to a mobile app. This provides real time control, diagnostics and reporting, such as installation history, power consumption, performance and runtime. The installer can select between multiple constant speed, proportional pressure, and constant pressure modes as well as activeADAPT™, Taco’s self-adjusting proportional pressure mode.”
You can read the entire press release here in our Product Spotlight
Will the 0018e be the go-to pump for installers?
For the first time here in North America we are looking at a hydronic system pump that can show us what’s happening inside the system. That’s not only cool but, ultimately its one of the most useful employments of modern technology.
With four modes of operation this pump can be optimized for almost any residential hyrdronic system. Operating modes include infinitely variable fixed speed to fine tune any zone, constant pressure for zone valve applications, proportional pressure for panel radiators with thermostatic radiator valves (TRV) or the self-adjusting activeADAPT™ auto mode.
The 0018e, however, is not suitable for chilled water or potable water applications.
Operation modes explained: Taco 0018e Pump
The Taco 0018e is factory programmed for MAX SPEED setting out of the box, initial connection via the mobile app is required to adjust the settings.
Fixed Speed mode:
Fixed speed mode (Zone Circ) allows the installer to fine tune the circulator flow rate to precisely match design load conditions. It is infinitely variable between MIN/MAX settings. This setting is ideal for zoning with circulators.
Constant Pressure mode:
In constant pressure mode (ZV), the circulator maintains a constant pressure differential (Δp-c) in the system as heating load increases or decreases. Selections options are Medium or High. This mode is best option for zoning with zone valves.
Proportional Pressure mode:
In proportional pressure mode (TRV), the circulator maintains a proportional pressure differential (Δp-v) in the system as heating load increases or decreases. Flow will change in relationship to the change in pressure differential. Selections options are Medium or High. This is the best option for panel radiators with thermostatic radiator valves (TRV).
For more info on the Taco 0018e circulator and more products from Taco please visit their site: tacocomfort.com
A totally new venture for the pump making giant: Air to Water Heat Pump System Taco’s new prototype heat pump was front and center. Imagine our surprise when first learning of Taco’s venture into the home heating appliance market through partnership with GlenDimplex. Taco has been a leader in the hydronic system component and pump Read more
A totally new venture for the pump making giant: Air to Water Heat Pump System
Taco’s new prototype heat pump was front and center. Imagine our surprise when first learning of Taco’s venture into the home heating appliance market through partnership with GlenDimplex.
Taco has been a leader in the hydronic system component and pump manufacturing industry since 1920. To our knowledge this is a first for the US pump giant. According to Wikipedia, GlenDimplex is an Irish based consumer electrical goods firm headquartered in Dublin, Ireland. The company is privately held. Has manufacturing and development centers in the Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom, China and many other locations around the world.
We had no previous knowledge of this system prior to the show. Our interview with Taco Canada’s Mike Miller is below. All the technical details we know are included in the video.
Our thoughts on the new Heat Pump system
First, I’m told Taco had the new heat pump on display in their booth as sort of a “soft” reveal for their affiliated reps and interested vendors. This seems about right. Next, even the deepest Google searches and requests for official technical info from our contacts at Taco have come up short. Nonetheless it looks like a very exciting prospect for contractors, especially plumbing contractors not equipped to install refrigeration piping. In short, this is a hydronic system making it very attractive to a much larger crowd of potential installers.
AHR Expo 2019
First, we realize you may have missed attending AHR this year. However you can get a recap of the show from The Hub’s John Mesenbrink.
John’s latest blog touches on the city of Atlanta, some things that impressed him most [and some things that were a little less than impressive]. To clarify, please don’t get us started on our Uber/Lyft experiences while staying in the city. Check out John’s blog here.
Overall, if you found this and John’s blog useful please let us know! You can send us an email or post a comment below. In addition, you can see more of our coverage from the show by following us on Facebook or Instagram. Furthermore, you can watch the many videos we have on our Facebook page under the “AHR Expo 2019” playlist -OR- follow the #ahrhub tag on Instagram to see existing posts with more to come.