John Siegenthaler: iPads are no replacement for hands-on experience
Over the last few months, I’ve had several inquiries from people eager to get into the hydronics industry.
View ArticleJohn Siegenthaler: A geothermal comfort solution
The geothermal heat pump market is headed for another strong year in 2019. The 30% uncapped federal income tax credit on EnergyStar-rated geothermal heat pumps remains in full effect.
View ArticleThermal excess flow valve from Brasscraft Mfg. Co.
Brasscraft Mfg. Co. continues its legacy of innovation with an enhanced version of its patented Safety+Plus Excess Flow Valve (EFV).
View ArticleJohn Siegenthaler: A geo turnaround
I recently helped install a closed-loop geothermal heat pump system for my daughter, her husband and their 1-year old son, Henry.
View ArticleJohn Siegenthaler: Tracking energy flows in a geothermal heat pump
Geothermal (a.k.a. ground-source) heat-pump systems continue to be a popular topic in HVAC discussions. Many state and federal agencies are now offering generous incentives for installation of...
View ArticleRheem hybrid electric water heater
The Prestige Series hybrid electric water heater from Rheem is Energy Star-rated and its high 3.55-3.70 UEF reduces operating cost.
View ArticleThermostatic mixing valve: Temperature control for solar heat
Webstone, a brand of NIBCO, introduces the new Thermostatic Mixing Valve for high-temperature solar heat sources.
View ArticleJohn Siegenthaler: Why geothermal earth loops need expansion tanks
There are sorted opinions about using expansion tanks within closed geothermal earth loops.
View ArticleJohn Siegenthaler: Combining heat pumps with buffer tanks
Whenever a hydronic system is divided into several zones, it’s worth considering a buffer tank between the heat source and distribution system.
View ArticleGeothermal offers win-win solution for the environment and commercial...
There is an increasing awareness — among consumers and governments alike — that climate change and greenhouse gas emissions have a severely harmful impact on the environment.
View ArticleJohn Siegenthaler: “Solar DWH+” systems
It’s been a while since this column addressed solar thermal applications.
View ArticleGeothermal offers clean path forward to meet energy efficiency goals
Geothermal energy has been making big headlines recently, and the consensus is clear that geothermal offers a path toward clean energy goals.
View ArticleJohn Siegenthaler: Piping options for multiple thermal storage tanks
Nearly all systems using cordwood gasification or pellet-fueled boilers perform best when the system includes a thermal storage tank.
View ArticlePart 2: Piping options for multiple thermal storage tanks
Last month, we looked at ways to connect two or more thermal storage tanks into an array with sufficient volume to meet the needs of a biomass boiler — or other thermal storage requirement.
View ArticleCold on the right; hot on the left
“Cold on the right; hot on the left” is a jab that is not particularly endearing to plumbing engineers. If it were ever uttered, it’s usually in the context that the task at hand is very easy.
View ArticlePellet boiler meets modern hydronics
Over the last several years, I’ve been reviewing submittals for proposed heating systems using pellet-fired boilers. The submittals come from heating professionals ranging from contractors to...
View ArticleJohn Siegenthaler: Part 2: Pellet boiler meets modern hydronics
Last month, we looked at a piping approach for adding a pellet boiler and panel radiators to an existing two-zone baseboard system. The system’s original oil-fired boiler was being retained as an...
View ArticleJohn Siegenthaler: Paying for heat
Apartment buildings and condominiums are home to families with different comfort preferences or attitudes on energy use. Similarly, many commercial buildings are divided into spaces where tenants have...
View ArticleJohn Siegenthaler: Radiators for renewables
Modern panel radiators are one of my favorite hydronic heat emitters. They’re easy to install, emit radiant and convective heat, and have high-quality powder coat finishes.
View ArticleEthan Grossman: Between a rock and a hard place
Getting stuck “between a rock and a hard place” is something that happens to most all of us as we navigate through life. It’s that sinking feeling you get in your gut when you must make a tough decision.
View ArticleJohn Siegenthaler: What you don't pay for
Heat pumps move heat from low-temperature sources to higher temperature loads. There are many types of heat pumps, but they all perform this basic thermodynamic mission.
View ArticleJohn Siegenthaler: Peaking ahead
As interest and incentives build to transition space heating and domestic water heating systems away from fossil fuels and toward electricity, a somewhat predictable but only marginally quantified...
View ArticleGeothermal heat pumps: The solution for residential developments
What does a looming housing shortage, a significant increase in energy prices and 52% of home buyers ready to heat and cool their homes with electricity have in common? They’re all remedied in the same...
View ArticleJohn Siegenthaler: Important differences between head and Delta-P
This month I want to deviate a bit from a purely renewable energy topic to one that’s important across the entire spectrum of hydronics technology. It’s a topic that likely gets exercised on a daily...
View ArticleDOE invests $6M in geothermal heating and cooling technologies at federal...
New technical assistance capacity will help the federal government lead by example in demonstrating benefits and potential of decarbonizing buildings with geothermal energy.
View ArticleGeothermal — the way forward to decarbonization and electrification
While it may feel like the other side of the world, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine will have lasting effects — including sparking the European Union’s hasty transition to energy independence. Last month,...
View ArticleSolar water heating systems
There is no doubt that issues with natural resources and conservation of energy will continue to make daily news headlines. The concerns around exploiting our depletable resources and sensitivity on...
View ArticleHigh-rise multi-family apartments to pioneer first-ever geothermal/wastewater...
Two apartment buildings in the Bronx will soon get their heating, cooling and hot water from wastewater and geothermal energy. No more money down the drain, literally!
View ArticleIRA reduces cost barriers for geothermal heating and cooling
Geothermal heat pumps (GHPs) tap into the constant temperature of the Earth to provide both heating and cooling in a highly efficient manner. As concerns about climate change and the need for...
View ArticleClimate Control Group celebrates 75 years
IEC, a subsidiary of Climate Control Group, celebrated its 75th anniversary in October.
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