Tuesday, March 31, 2009

PEX to copper connections

When connecting PEX Tubing to copper tubing, you can either connect directly to the copper pipe or to the copper pipe through a copper fitting. If you are using a fitting as a go-between, you will need a PEX Copper Fitting Adapter. A copper fitting and copper pipe have different inside diameters, so a PEX Copper Pipe Adapter will not work if you are connecting via a fitting and a PEX Copper Fitting Adapter will not work if you are connecting straight to the pipe.

PEX Fittings and other supplies for PEX Plumbing can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Monday, March 30, 2009

Can programmable thermostats really save energy?

Yes, programmable thermostats can save energy and save you money on utility bills. According to the the U.S. Department of Energy, a programmable thermostat can reduce heating costs by up to 35% and cooling costs by up to 25%. Your savings will largely depend on the length of your energy saving program periods and the temperatures set. For example, an energy saving period of 10 hours with the temperature set back 10° will save more than a 5 hour energy saving period with the temperature set back 5°. Source: Lux

Lux thermostats including Lux programmable thermostats can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Friday, March 27, 2009

How do you attach flanges?

Flanges will attach to your pipe through the threads by simply screwing them into place. Flanges have female thread, so you will need a pipe with male thread or a male connector on the end of your pipe. Any brand flanges will fit any brand pump, so you can use Grundfos flanges on a Grundfos pump such as the UPS15-58FC, or on a Taco pump. Flanges come in pairs, so when you purchase one set, you get flanges for both sides of your pump.

The Grundfos UPS15-58FC pump (part number 59896341) and other Grundfos pumps and Taco pumps can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Thursday, March 26, 2009

What tool for AquaPEX?

When using AquaPEX Tubing, you can use any tool for connections. The only thing to make sure of is that the fittings match the tool. With AquaPEX, you can use the HydroPEX clamping tool, the Watts crimping tool, the Wirsbo expander tool, the Viega PEX Press tool or no tool at all using SharkBite Fittings. Since AquaPEX is a PEX-a quality material, all tools will work, creating secure connections.

PEX Tubing and other parts for PEX Plumbing can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Replacement aquastat for kickspace heater

The Beacon Morris 2024 is a Low Temperature (120°F) Aquastat Assembly which is a replacement part for the Beacon Morris Twin-Flo III KickSpace Heaters. Temperature source water, cut in is at 120°F which makes it ideal for solar or radiant heat.

Beacon Morris Kickspace heaters and kick space heaters can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Refrigeration lines for line sets

When purchasing refrigeration lines, measure the length of line set needed to connect your outdoor condenser to the indoor forced air equipment. Based on that length, the correct size diameter line set can be selected which will ensure your system meets the listed SEER rating and capacity. Once you have accurately measured the length needed, use our chart below to find the diameter best for your system.

Line sets and other air quality products can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Monday, March 23, 2009

Can the wiring for two circuits touch in a zone valve?

Even if two circuits touch at a transformer, they still do not communicate or interfere with each other in any way. As long as there is only one point of contact between the two circuits, they will act independently and will not be affected by each other.

Zone valves and other zone controls and heating supplies can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Friday, March 20, 2009

How to install a floor sensor

Use PEX as a conduit for floor sensors in radiant heat: Take a small piece of extra PEX and slide the sensor into it. When you pour the concrete, make sure that the PEX sticks up so that that area will not be filled. This way, if you ever need to replace the sensor, you don't need to break your slab.

Wirsbo Floor Sensors and other other parts for hydronic radiant heat can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Measurements of the HFT1200 Manifold

The HydroPEX HFT1200 12 outlet 1" Manifold with 1/2" PEX Outlets and 3/4" PEX Inlets is a copper manifold to be used with radiant heat systems. This part is approximately 26.75 inches long and has 1.5 inches of space between outlets.

Radiant heat manifolds and other heating supplies can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Controlling your humidifier

Honeywell TrueSTEAM Humidifiers are controlled either manually or with a Honeywell thermostat. All of the TrueSTEAM models with "w/VisionPro IAQ Control" in the product name come with a Honeywell VisionPro Thermostat, ready to connect to and control your humidifier. You can use this thermostat to change both the temperature and the humidity of a room to find your optimal comfort level.

Honeywell humidifiers and Honeywell thermostats can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Taco 1400 Series High Capacity Green Pumps

For heating jobs requiring more than a standard heat pump, Taco offers the 1400 Series High Capacity Pumps. These pumps feature a flow range of up to 147 GPM, and a head range of up to 51 ft.

Heating pumps including Taco 1400 Pumps can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Monday, March 16, 2009

Installation Instructions for the DT-2

To install your Bell & Gossett DT-2 Drain-O-Tank Air Charger, follow these easy steps:
1. Isolate the compression tank in which the Drain-O-Tank is to be installed with shut of valves or drain the system.
2. Apply pipe joint compound conservatively to the male 1/2" NPT threads only.
3. Screw Drain-O-Tank into Compression Tank fitting on bottom of tank and tighten securely.
4. Repressurize the system.

Expansion tanks including the Bell & Gossett Drain-O-Tank can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Friday, March 13, 2009

Changing cast iron pipe sizes

To go from one size cast iron pipe to another size, you will need a cast iron reducer. Reducers are available in many different sizes from 1/2" to 3".

Cast iron reducers and other pipe fittings can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Thursday, March 12, 2009

HydroPEX for plumbing

HydroPEX tubing is typically used for plumbing applications. Blue tubing is used for cold water and red water is used for hot water. This makes looking at your plumbing system and knowing exactly which tube goes where easy.

PEX Plumbing supplies and PEX Tubing can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

The HydroLevel Water Feeder VXT-120V comes set with a 2 minute delay before feed, a feed setting of LWCO, maximum steam pressure of 15 PSI, maximum water supply pressure of 150 PSI, maximum amp draw of .2 amp (120 VAC), and water flow of 1 GPM.

HydroLevel products and other water feeders such as McDonnell Miller Water Feeders can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Which backflow preventer do I need?

Your local water company will determine which backflow preventer is required for your home. For a general guideline, if there are any chemicals entering your water or if your home is located near a pond, river, lake, or ocean, you will need an RPZ Assembly Backflow Preventer. If you are using a sprinkler system with no chemicals, you will need a Double Check Backflow Preventer. If you need to isolate an internal element (such as a coffee machine, ice maker, etc) you can use a Pressure Vaccuum Breaker. Note: Pressure Vaccuum Breakers do not protect external water supplies.

Backflow preventers can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Monday, March 09, 2009

The Everything 'Stat Compatibility

The Lux non-programmable Everything 'Stat is compatible with most 24v Gas, Oil, Electric Heating and Air Conditioning Systems, Single and Multi-stage Heat Pumps, 2 Wire Hydronic Systems, Hydronic Air Handlers, and Millivolt Systems. This thermostat is NOT compatible with 3 Wire Hydronic Systems or Line Voltage Systems (Without Transformer.

Lux Thermostats and other thermostats can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Friday, March 06, 2009

How often should I clean a grease trap?

A grease trap should be cleaned whenever it gets around half full. Depending on the size of your grease trap and your grease usage, the time that it will take to fill will vary. To be sure that everything will function properly, it is recommended that your grease trap gets fully emptied once per month.

Grease traps and other plumbing supplies can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Thursday, March 05, 2009

What is a vacuum breaker?

A vacuum breaker is a less complex version of a backflow preventer. It is a small anti-siphon device used to prevent contaminated water (or any other unwanted water supply) from entering your water supply.

Vacuum breakers and other plumbing supplies can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Wednesday, March 04, 2009

Grille for Kickspace Heaters

Beacon Morris Kickspace heaters do not come with a grille. The grille covers the face of the heater, and is the part that is seen from your room. Grilles are available in several patterns and colors, so you will be sure to find one that fits your decor.

Kickspace heaters and kickspace heater grilles can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Tuesday, March 03, 2009

What is a flange union?

A flange union is a pair of flanges used to hold two pieces of pipe together. The flanges get screwed together and the pipe is attached through threads on the flange. To complete a flange union connection, you will need two flange unions, screws, and your pipe to be connected.

Flange unions and other pipe fittings can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Monday, March 02, 2009

How to properly size a tankless water heater

To calculate how many GPM (gallons per minute) you need your tankless water heater to accommodate, you can add the GPM usages of the worst-case scenario for how many appliances you will be using at one time. Bathroom Faucets use 1 GPM, Bathtubs 4-10 GPM, Showers 2 GPM, Kitchen Sinks 1.5 GPM, Dishwashers 1.5 GPM, and Washing Machines 4 GPM.

So, if your worst-case scenario would be two showers and a washing machine operating at the same time, you would need your tankless heater to give 2 + 2 + 4 or 8 GPM.

Tankless water heaters including Takagi Tankless Water Heaters can be found at www.supplyhouse.com