Getting Started on Your 2011 Projects

Looking for a good DIY Projects to start over the holiday weekend? Check out our Resource Center with how-to guides and videos to help get you started, or fill out our Radiant Heat Quote form and we can help you with your radiant heat design and materials list. Happy New Year!

Keep Your Gutters Ice-Free

Easy Heat Cable is easy to install and protects your home from ice build-up all winter. To prevent ice formation in your gutters, simply run the cable up the downspot, then down the gutter and back again so you have two lines running through. It is an easily maintained and relatively inexpensive way to protect your home in the winter.

Easy Heat Cable is available at www.supplyhouse.com.

Reset Controls - Every Boiler Should Have One

Boiler Reset Controls save you money and extend the life of your boiler by preventing it from running when it's not necessary - every boiler should have one! They take the outdoor temperature into account to let your boiler know when it can run for less time to reach the desired temperature. The Tekmar 256 works with your heating system, while the Tekmar 260 works with both your heating and domestic hot water system. Both controls are worthwhile investments to save money in the long run while saving energy in your home.

You can find these Tekmar boiler reset controls at www.supplyhouse.com.

The Barrier in Barrier PEX Tubing

Radiant heat systems are typically installed with Oxygen Barrier PEX Tubing. The "barrier" in this tubing is an extra layer that ensures no oxygen gets into your heating system. This protects the components in your system from rusting and also allows you to use cast iron components, which are more affordable.

There are several choices for barrier tubing including Rifeng oxygen barrier PEX and Wirsbo hePEX. Visit SupplyHouse.com today to get your PEX tubing and everything you need for your radiant heat system.

The Radiant Mixing Block - Save Time & Space

The Taco RMB-1 Radiant Mixing Block is a complete injection mixing system, combining a variable speed injection mixing control, injection circulator, system circulator and air elimination all in a single unit. It is a powerful and versatile system that gives you unmatched performance. Think of how much space you can save by installing just one unit instead of all those separate components!

The simple installation is where the real savings come in - you save hours of work whether you are installing the system or paying for service hours. It requires only four pipe connections and does not require special piping, a balancing valve, closely spaced tees, external control or complex wiring.

The Radiant Mixing Block is on sale right now at www.supplyhouse.com.

Get Your Radiant Heat Project Started

Want radiant heat but not sure what materials you need? We can help you determine the best method of installation for your home, compile your material list, and lay out your design. We have an RPA certified radiant heat designer on staff and have helped hundreds of customer through the process of installing radiant heat. Submit a quote and you'll be on your way to having warm floors in no time!

Taco Pumps - Reliability at a Great Price

You can always save on your Taco 007 pumps by ordering from SupplyHouse.com. We have the lowest price online, and you can save even more by buying in box quantities of four. These are easy to install, and have been trusted in the industry for years. They operate smoothly and quietly so you can save on costs while providing high quality, reliable units.

Prefer Grundfos or Wilo pumps? Browse our pumps category and find almost any size and style you need from top brands.

Control Your Thermostat From Your Phone

So many things you can do with a Blackberry, even adjust the temperature in your house! New network thermostat technology from BayWeb allows you to control your thermostat from any web-enabled mobile device. Check out the standard BayWeb network thermostats in black and gray, plus other accessories at www.supplyhouse.com.

Air Filter Maintenance Made Easy

Did you know your air filters should be replaced every year? You can save a lot of money by getting your replacement filters online at SupplyHouse.com. You can usually find the exact model you need and easily make the replacement yourself. Browse our large selection or try doing a search if you know the model number you are looking for.

Attaching PEX with the RB-5 Tool

Need to attach PEX tubing to your wood subfloor? The Peter Mangone RB-5 Manual Clip Gun allows you to do this easily and is great for small or one-time jobs. It does require more effort that the automatic tool but is much more affordable and is easy to use. Be sure to apply pressure with two hands and make sure the tool is pressed all the way down to insert each staple.

The RB-5 PEX-to-Wood attachment tool and the compatible staples are available at www.supplyhouse.com.

Keep Your PEX in Place at Every Turn

Metal bend supports can make your PEX tubing installation much easier by providing a rigid 90-degree bend that will keep the PEX in place. The metal bend supports available at SupplyHouse.com are zinc-plated and made by Uponor.

Insulate Your Pipes - It's Cheap & Easy

As water runs through the pipes in your heating system, lots of heat is lost if your pipes are not insulated. This wastes energy and money, but it's an easy fix! Insul-Lock pipe insulation starts at less than $2 per foot and comes pre-slit so it's easy to install.

Insul-Lock uses a pressure sensitive adhesive seam-seal system that guarantees a strong, durable seal without using messy adhesives that could spill. Simply slide the insulation over the pipe, peel back the release liner and apply pressure to close to install your insulation in seconds.

Start saving today with Insul-Lock insulation from www.supplyhouse.com.

$1500 Tax Credit Ends With 2010

Take Advantage of the $1500 Federal Tax Credit while you still can! All products eligible for the Tax Credit are marked on our site, including select high efficiency boilers, Takagi tankless water heaters and mini-split air conditioners.

The credit is worth 30% of the item's total cost, up to a maximum of $1,500 for products placed in service between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2010 and installed in your primary residence.

Get your tax credit-eligible products at www.supplyhouse.com today to ensure you have time to install them before we ring in the new year!

Tame Unruly Tubing

The PEX Tube uncoiler is a great tool to help manage large rolls of tubing during your installation. The E6061000 works for rolls up to 1000 feet of 1/2" tubing (for large rolls of thicker tubing, you'll need the E6063000 model). It uses weighted arms to hold tubing in place while uncoiling and keeps tubing from tangling. It is easy to assemble and has a collapsible base.

These PEX uncoilers and other PEX tools are available at www.supplyhouse.com.

Minimize Disruption During Repairs

Manifolds Minimize Disruption During Repairs

Manifolds allow you to isolate an individual loop of your system, making it easy to make repairs without disrupting your household. Once you've identified the problem area, you can turn off the water supply to that area, while the water continues to flow to the rest of the loops. TrueFLOW manifolds are a great option for radiant heat systems and are one of our most popular lines. They are manufactured by Uponor and come fully assembled, ready for installation right out of the box.

You can find Uponor TrueFLOW manifolds, along with everything you need for your radiant heat system at www.supplyhouse.com.

Prevent Pipe Bursting In Any Climate With PEX

One of the great benefits of PEX tubing over copper pipe is it's flexibility, which makes it much less likely to burst in cold climates. If you are installing PEX in a cold climate where this is a concern, it is best to use PEX-a tubing such as AquaPEX (Manufactured by Uponor) because it contracts back down to its original size after expansion. This is the same reason PEX-a tubing is required for use with the ProPEX Expansion system, so that the tubing can return to form and create a secure connection around the fitting after being expanded.

You can find a large selection of PEX tubing, including AquaPEX tubing, at www.supplyhouse.com.

Why PEX?

PEX tubing has been used throughout Europe for over 30 years and is becoming more popular in the US every year. PEX tubing is less expensive than traditional copper piping and there are several options for PEX fitting systems that give you different options depending on the type of job and your experience working with PEX fittings. Whether you choose compression, crimp, clamp or SharkBite fittings, most customers find these connections easier to make than soldering.

You can learn more about making PEX connections by watching the videos in our Resource Center. When you've made your decision, you can get all the PEX tubing, PEX fittings, PEX tools and any other supplies you need at www.supplyhouse.com

Honeywell TH8110 Features

One of the many great features of the Honeywell TH8110U1003 thermostat is that you can set it to automatically circulate the air in your house by running the fan periodically. This maximizes your use of the air being used to heat or cool your home. You simply press the button in the bottom right corner of the screen and select "Circ" from the three options.

The Honeywell TH8110U1003 is a top of the line thermostat and is one of our best sellers. You won't find it for a better price anywhere on the web! Get yours from SupplyHouse.com today.

Elkay Helps Out in the Kitchen

Need help in the kitchen this Thanksgiving? We have a large selection of Elkay kitchen accessories that can help you get the job done! Cutting boards conveniently shaped to fit with your counter and with other cooking utensils, as well as models with built in strainers. We also carry sink grids and drying racks to protect your sink and counter while keeping things organized. You may not think to come to us for kitchen accessories but it's worth checking out our selection!

Keep Your Home Clean & Dry

Live in a warm humid climate? The Honeywell UV Surface Treatment Coil is a must-have to keep the air in your dry and smelling fresh. It has a unique system that reduces airborne bacteria and surface mold.

Honeywell UV Treatment Systems and replacement bulbs are available at www.supplyhouse.com.

Reliable Hot Water With AO Smith Vertex

AO Smith Vertex™ power-vent and power direct-vent gas water heaters are powerful models that work great in high demand homes to provide continuous hot water, hour after hour. Vertex has a unique fully-condensing design that offers up to 96% thermal efficiency with performance that rivals much larger water heaters.

AO Smith Vertex water heaters are available at SupplyHouse.com

Save 5% On Rifeng PEX Crimp Fittings

Rifeng is the largest producer of plastic pipe in the world and we now carry a full line of their PEX tuing and fittings. Rifeng PEX crimp fittings meet ASTM F1087 standards and work with both the stainless steel clamp system and the copper crimp ring system. They can be used in for PEX plumbing or heating applications with AquaPEX, Hepex, ThermaPEX, Zurn PEX, Watts PEX, Vanguard PEX, and Viega PEX Tubing.

You can find all styles of PEX crimp fittings at www.supplyhouse.com. Enter coupon code RCRIMP at checkout to get 5% off all Rifeng PEX crimp fittings for the next two weeks!

Wilo 3-Speed Circulator

Wilo is the leading circulator pump manufacturer in Europe today. The company was founded in 1872 by Louis Opländer as a copper and brass goods factory and is now represented in more than 70 countries around the world. Wilo employs about 6,000 personnel and has become a leader in the US market for 3-speed and variable speed pumps. The Star 21F 3-speed pump is reliable, affordable, and increasingly popular across the country. Try out the Wilo S21 3-speed pump from SupplyHouse.com.

New M12 Expander Tool

We now have a new model of the ProPEX Expander Tool, manufactured by Milwaukee. The tool features a built-in auto rotate mechanism for easy one-handed use, an LED light to illuminate the work space in dark locations, and a battery fuel gauge that displays remaining run time. The tool has a compact right angle design for use in tight locations and is built with a durable all-metal frame and gears.

As you may know, the Wirsbo Expander tool we have carried for years is extremely durable and reliable; this tool definitely holds up to the same standards with some great additional features. Find the new M12 ProPEX Expansion Tool at SupplyHouse.com, along with everything else you need for your ProPEX installation.

Aluminum PEX Holds Its Shape

One of the greatest qualities of PEX-AL-PEX is its thermal memory, which allows it to hold it's shape when bent. PEX-AL-PEX, also called Aluminum PEX, made with two layers of PEX and a 100% aluminum core. It is commonly used in outdoor heating applications, Warmboard systems and for high temperature systems like baseboard and fan coils.

Rifeng, Wirsbo Multicor, and FostaPEX are popular brands of PEX-AL-PEX that can be found at SupplyHouse.com.

Quick & Easy Joist Trak Calculator

Want to install radiant heat in your home using Joist Trak? We make it easy with our new and improved Joist Trak calculator. Just enter the distance between your joists and the square footage of the space to be heated. This will give you an immediate of the number of pieces of Joist Trak you need and the length of tubing.

You can find our Joist Trak Calculator in the Resource Center at www.supplyhouse.com.

Box-To-Wall Uponor Brass Manifolds

Uponor's TruFLOW brass manifolds are reliable, widely used, and best of all require no assembly. They mount on the wall just as they come in the box. These manifolds also feature loop isolation capability with an electronic balancing system that reads both the temperature and flow per loop. Choosing a TruFLOW manifold for your installation will make the job easier and leave you with a system you can rely on. SupplyHouse.com has any size manifold you need along with all the accessories.

Make Your ProPEX Expander Install Easier

The ProPEX Auto Rotation Adapter is a great, lightweight tool that can improve the quality of your installation while making your job so much easier. The adapter automatically rotates the expander head on each expansion to avoid creating grooves on the PEX tubing. This allows you to get in even tighter spots since you don't have to turn it manually. The tool fits on all ProPEX Expander Tools (except for the ProPEX 200 Battery Expander Tool) and is compatible with all standard expander heads.

Be sure to get the ProPEX auto rotation adapter if you use the expander system for your PEX installation, it will be well worth it for the time and effort it saves you!

Questions? Ask Us Right on the Product Page!

You can now submit your product questions right on our website directly from the product page. Get answers from our experts, technical information from the manufacturer that might be difficult to find, and and even responses from other customers who know about the product. Just click on the Q&A tab above the product description and tell us what you need to know. We hope this makes your shopping experience even easier at SupplyHouse.com

Shop by Brand at SupplyHouse!

Know what brand you are looking for? Now you can narrow your search by brand from the start. Our new brand page has all of our brands for each different category of products. One more way to find exactly what you need at SupplyHouse.com!

Insulating Your Radiant Heat System

Insulation lowers the heat loss of a Radiant Heating System and helps them to perform more efficiently, saving you money in the long run with lower energy bills. Thick Barrier Insulation is one of our most popular types and is meant for in-slab radiant heat installations. It is available at SupplyHouse.com along with several other insulation options.

Easy Installation with the Bobcat

The Slant/Fin Bobcat boiler is designed for easy handling and speedy installation. The shipping crate lifts right off and built-in lifting ports on the boiler assist in moving it from skid to floor or wall mount location. The Bobcat boiler is lightweight and features top connections for water, gas, vent and electric. There are different installation options, making it easy to adapt the unit to your home and your specific system. PVC, CPVC or stainless steel pipe can be used for intake and exhaust. Up to 100 feet of pipe can be used, allowing you to install the boiler almost anywhere.

The Slant/Fin Bobcat boiler and everything else you need for your heating system is available at www.supplyhouse.com.

PEX Fittings Made Easy

SharkBite fittings are great for jobs with a small number of connections or for replacing a fitting. No tool is required to make the connections so the job is easy and quick. Checkout the entire line of SharkBite fittings at www.supplyhouse.com for your next job.

Quiet & Comfortable Heat

Beacon Morris Kickspace heaters are a great alternative to hydronic baseboard. They save space by fitting inconspicuously under a cabinet, in the floor, on or in the wall. These heaters are ideal for hard to heat areas such as foyers, kitchens, and bathrooms.

Beacon Morris kickspace units circulate hot water from your boiler and gently fan the heated air into the room. You can simply select the fan speed and the unit turns on and off automatically according to the demand for heat.

You can find Beacon Morris Kickspace Heaters, including the popular K42 heater, at www.supplyhouse.com.

Box-to-Wall Baseboard Heaters

SlantFin Fine/Line 30A baseboard units are shipped fully assembled for easy box-to-wall installation. It is great for homes, apartments and light commercial applications, providing gentle full room convection heating that blocks chilling drafts at the outside walls.

Fine/Line 30A baseboard features a high performance heating element, a super strong galvanized steel enclosure, and high quality accessories. You can find everything you need at www.supplyhouse.com and have it shipped to your home ready for installation.

Improving Air Quality With Fantech Fans

Fantech offers a large selection of innovative residential and commercial ventilation products. These fans are designed to solve air movement problems and improve indoor air quality in homes and buildings. Popular styles include power roof ventilators, wall fans, inline fans and air circulators. These fans can be used in your bathroom, kitchen or laundry room as well as for whole house applications. You can get your Fantech fan at SupplyHouse.com and we can help you choose the right model to start improving the air quality of your home today.

Save $100 on TK-3 Takagi Heaters

Hot water on demand! Takagi tankless heaters are a great investment to save energy and save money in your home. You can now save $100 on the TK-3 natural gas and propane units by entering coupon code TK100 at checkout. Order yours today!

Do-It-Yourself Baseboard

DIY Baseboard Heater Covers fit on most baseboard systems, allowing you to easily replace a a dented piece without replacing the whole unit. They are affordable and easy to install. Endcaps and covers of various sizes are available at www.supplyhouse.com.

Embrace the Rain

Kohler's line of Rain Showerheads are great for any home. Enjoy the unique design of an oversized showerhead with the gentle force of a spring rain. These attractive and innovative units are a great complement to any bathroom and you will enjoy them for years. The MasterClean sprayface resists mineral buildup and ensures reliable performance. Rain showerheads are available at SupplyHouse.com in a variety of finishes.

Simple Savings in Your Boiler Room

Pipe insulation is a great, affordable way to utilize heat that is being wasted and reduce your energy bills. Exposed copper pipe loses a significant amount of heat to the air as the hot water passes through. Pipe insulation starts at just a few dollars for a 6' length, depending on the diameter and comes pre-slit, easy to install around any exposed copper pipe. Insul-lock is available at SupplyHouse.com.

More Than Just Sinks!

Elkay sink grids are a great accessory for your kitchen. Protect both your dishes and the surface of the sink with these raised grids. Many sizes are available so you can find the right fit for your sink. A great addition at a great price! You can find Elkay sink grids and a selection of other Elkay Kitchen accessories at www.supplyhouse.com.

Even Heating - Floor to Ceiling

Radiant heat warms your home evenly and comfortably, without the noise and the harsh ventilation of a forced air system. One issue seen with some systems is cold spots due to the way the tubing was spaced out during installation. Joist Trak aluminum heat transfer panels are a great solution for this issue, maximizing the heat transfer area between the tubing and the floor surface. This allows more of the heat to be transferred from the PEX tubing and distributes it more evenly to the floor surface above.

Aluminum heat transfer panels are available at SupplyHouse.com, on sale with special box prices today!

Stock up on Taco Pumps

Heating season is here and Taco circulators are on sale! Stock up for upcoming jobs and save even more with our special box prices.

Taco was founded in 1920 and they still operate our of their facility in Fall River, Massachusetts. Taco cast iron pumps have become an industry standard due to their quality production and reliability. Get yours today at a great price - we carry the complete line and are ready to ship yours out today!

Pure Water to Every Corner of Your Home

Aqua-Pure are built to protect against corrosive elements in both hot and cold water applications, keeping all the water in your home fresh and clean. These filters reduce sediment, rust, odor, chlorine taste and scale. They are made of heavy duty stainless steel, with shouldered seat plates that fit solidly into the cartridge core to ensure a strong seal. The exterior finish provides mirror-like finish with the highest level of resistance to corrosion on the unit itself.

Aqua-Pure Stainless Steel Water Filters are available at www.supplyhouse.com today in a large selection of sizes so you can find the right model for your home.

Silence Your System

Too much noise coming from your plumbing system? Water hammer is the loud banging or thumping you may hear coming from the pipes in your plumbing system. This noise occurs when the flow of moving water is stopped by a closing valve. The sudden stop results in a pressure spike behind the valve that reverberates throughout the plumbing system, rattling and shaking pipes until it is absorbed.

Stop the noise and protect your fixtures and appliances simply by installing a water hammer arrestor. You can find a selection of water hammer arrestors made by Watts and Sioux Chief at www.supplyhouse.com

Quiet & Reliable Fine/Line 30 Baseboard

Fine/Line 30 is one of the most popular lines of Slantfin baseboard. It comes fully assembled, ready for box-to-wall installation. The design features a strong, galvanized steel enclosure that resists rust, high strength support brackets, expansion cradles that minimize noise, a fully modulating damper, and a high performance heating element.

You can find Fine/Line 30 baseboard and other Slantfin baseboard models at www.supplyhouse.com.

Wilo 3-Speed Cast Iron Pump - Try Something New!

Wilo manufactures reliable, high quality pumps at a competitive price. Wilo pumps have been used in Europe for years and they are growing in popularity across the United States. The Wilo Star S 16F is one of the most popular models. This cast iron pump can be used in any type of hot water heating system.

The S 16F 3-speed pump and a selection of other cast iron Wilo pumps can be found at www.supplyhouse.com.

New at SupplyHouse: Hole-Hawg Power Drills

Milwaukee Hole-Hawg drills are a great addition to your tool collection. These powerful, compact tools are perfect for drilling between studs and joists. They have long pipe handles that help you control the power and execute your job perfectly. You can find several size drills along with a selection of other Milwaukee power tools at www.supplyhouse.com.

Radiant Heat Options: Subfloor Installation

The Wirsbo Quik Trak system makes it easy to install radiant heat without making major changes to your home. The 1/2 inch plywood panels are attached to an aluminum heat transfer sheet and the tubing is inserted into the U-shaped grooves in the panels. This system is installed in your subfloors to provide comfortable, even heat throughout the area.

SupplyHouse.com stocks all the components you need to install a Quik Trak radiant heat system in your home, including the panels, 5/16” hePEX tubing, and the sealant used to attach the tubing to the panels.

Spacing your Radiant Heat Loops

The layout of the PEX tubing in your radiant heat system determines how much heat a given area will produce. The space between two PEX lines is referred to as the on-center distance; the closer the tubing is spaced the higher the BTU output will be

In a moderate climate, tubing for living areas tubing can be spaced about 9" apart, and tubing for a bathroom can be about 6-7" apart. In warmer climates the tubing can be farther apart and in colder climates there should be less distance between lines.

There are several high quality brands of oxygen barrier tubing available at SupplyHouse.com, along with everything you need for your radiant heat project.

Boiler Reset Controls - The Taco PC700

There are several Outdoor Boiler Reset Controls available at SupplyHouse.com. The Taco PC700 is designed specifically to work in a system with a Taco EXP zone valve or switching relay. This control makes your boiler more energy efficient, for both your heating and domestic hot water systems, by communicating with your boiler to take the outdoor temperature into account.

Thermostats - Buy In Boxes & Save

Our thermostats are now available in boxes quantities at special box prices. Stock up and save on popular models as heating season rolls in. Honeywell, White Rodgers, Robertshaw, Lux and other top brands are all available at www.supplyhouse.com.

Weil McLain Boilers Ship Free!

Weil McLain makes a boiler for every home. Natural Gas, Propane,High-Efficiency, Steam and Oil Boilers. We have a large selection of Weil McLain boilers, and they all ship FREE! If you are looking for a model you can't find, give us a call and we can special order it for you. You can always count on SupplyHouse.com to help you get what you need for your plumbing or heating job.

Visit www.supplyhouse.com and use our Boiler finder to browse all our Weil McLain boilers.

Up $1500 Back On Your Boiler!

Many high-efficiency boilers are eligible for up to $1500 in Federal Tax Rebates through the end of 2010. The Weil-McLain Ultra 105 is one of our most popular Weil McLain models and is available in the boilers category at SupplyHouse.com. You can also use our handy Boiler Finder Tool to browse through only the boilers eligible for the rebate. The government has not yet announced whether it will renew this bill for 2011, so start shopping now if you are interested in upgrading your system and taking advantage of this opportunity!

Excess Air Be Gone

Spirovent Air Eliminators use a patented medium that “scrubs” the air from the system fluid. The Junior Series air eliminators are specifically designed for residential and light commercial applications from ¾" to 2” pipe size and have a straight, in-line design that makes them easy to install. With solid brass construction, an integral patented air release mechanism and a 20 year limited warranty, they are offer great value for a reliable product.

You can find Sprovent Jr. Air Eliminators at www.supplyhouse.com.

The Slant/Fin Bobcat

The Slant/Fin Bobcat boiler is ideal for radiant, baseboard and domestic hot water. It is made in the USA, is available in natural gas or propane, and has unique design features that set it apart from other high-efficiency boilers.

The Bobcat has a reliable spark ignition system, a low-mass heat exchanger and 1-inch water passages that help optimize velocity. The knitted metal fiber burner ensures low emissions and the metallic composition of the boiler enhances the flame detection signal for reliable performance. It can be mounted on the wall or floor and has direct and non-direct venting options.

Slant/Fin Bobcat Boilers are available at www.supplyhouse.com in the boilers category.

Innovative Protection Against Flooding

The PipeBurst Pro Jr. automatic water detection system is a great option for convenient flood protection. This professional grade system, manufactured by GreenField Direct, provides domestic flood protection while keeping you prepared for common leaks that could lead to extensive damage if left undetected. This can keep your family and your property safe while minimizing potential flood damage and cost of recovery.

The PipeBurst Pro Jr. has a unique new design that combines high tech sensors and controls. The system responds early and acts to prevent costly water damage losses such as hidden mold, ruined flooring, loss of photos and other valuables that cannot be replaced. The system is affordable and easy to install, so visit www.supplyhouse.com and protect against flood damage today!

Toasty Warm Towels

SupplyHouse.com now has the complete collection of Jeeves Towel Warmers manufactured by Amba. This line has curved and straight models available in four different finishes - Polished, Brushed, White or Oil Rubbed Bronze. These are a great addition to your bathroom, giving you the benefit of warm towels when you get out of the shower while adding a modern, stylish piece to your bathroom.

You can browse the Jeeves Collection and our other lines at www.supplyhouse.com and bring a new element of comfort into your home!

Glow Fly Fires Up

Hot surface ignitors are found on most modern furnaces to light the gas flames when the units start up. Electricity passes through the Silicon Carbide or the newer Silicon Nitride ignitor and makes it glow red hot. Operating under normal conditions a hot surface ignitor will last for 3 to 5 years. Eventually they crack and need to be replaced, similar to a light bulb.

The Honeywell Glow Fly hot surface igniter is a popular model available at www.supplyhouse.com. It is made with the newest Silicon Nitride technology and the Q3200U1004 Glow Fly kit comes with mounting brackets and detailed installation instructions.

Indirect Heaters - Getting Your Boiler to Work in 2 Ways

Indirect water heaters utilize your boiler or furnace to heat the air in your home and produce your hot water. This can save you money, especially during cooler months when your furnace or boiler runs regularly anyway.

An indirect heater uses a storage tank, combined with the heat from your boiler or furnace, to provide the hot water you need in your home. The water heater is attached to a heat exchanger, which is heated by the boiler or furnace. The water is then moved by the water heater into a storage tank, much like a traditional water heater, where the hot water is kept until it's needed.

We have a large selection of indirect water heaters at www.supplyhouse.com, including the popular Weil McLain, Burnham Alliance, and Triangle Tube Smart indirect heaters.

Keeping Your System Balanced

The EXTROL expansion tank was designed in 1954 and has since become one of the world’s most popular expansion tanks. It features a unique design with a diaphragm that will not stretch or fold. The purpose of the tank is to maintain equilibrium in your heating system as the pressure changes.

When the system is first filled with cold water, the pressure is set to equal the pressure in the system and the diaphragm stays flush against the tank. As the water in the system is heated it expands and the diaphragm creates a cushion, allowing the water to be absorbed by the tank. The tank keeps the system balanced by maintaining equal pressure.

EXTROL expansion tanks are available in a variety of sizes at www.supplyhouse.com.

How Condensing Boilers Work

All high-efficiency boilers are condensing boilers. As a boiler heats the water in the tank, it turns into steam and is vented out the flue. Condensing boilers utilize the heat in this water vapor more efficiently and, as a result, the water vapor vented through the flue is several hundred degrees cooler than traditional boilers. Due to the relatively low temperature of the exiting steam, it “condenses” back into water.

The energy a boiler produces comes from the process of removing heat from the steam, so by removing more of the heat from the water vapor, the boiler operates more efficiently. SupplyHouse.com offers a large selection of high-efficiency condensing boilers from top brands including Weil Mclain, Burnham, Triangle Tube, Lochinvar and more.

Going Tankless

Many homes today use tankless water heater to supply on-demand hot water to their showers and faucets. These systems heat water only as it is needed, providing a constant supply of hot water when it is called for (assuming your heater is sized properly). The save energy by not heating water when it is not being used. These units are compact and efficient, so while they are a bigger initial investment than traditional water heaters, they pay for themselves over time and bring additional convenience to your home.

The popular Takagi tankless water heaters and other brands are available at www.supplyhouse.com.

Boilers & Water Heaters - What's the Difference?

Many homeowners aren’t sure of the difference between their boiler and water heater. The main difference is that a boiler heats the water for your heating system, whereas a water heater is designed to supply hot water to faucets and showers in your home.

Boilers contain water which is heated and converted to steam, typically fueled by gas or oil. The steam is sent through a closed series of pipes, such as radiators or convectors, which give off heat to warm a space. As the steam cools, it returns to a water state and is returned to the boiler for re-heating. In contrast, most water heaters use either gas or electricity to heat the water and then provide it to the interior of the home for domestic uses.

This is why boilers are found in the heating supplies category on SupplyHouse.com and water heaters are found in the plumbing supplies category. We have a huge selection of both boilers and water heaters from top brands. We have many sizes and types available and our Boiler Finder tool makes it easy to choose the one that's right for you!

Boilers Consider the Weather

Don't forget to take the outdoor temperature into account when setting up your boiler for optimal efficiency. When the temperature is higher, less energy is required from your boiler to heat your water. An outdoor reset control will communicate with your boiler so that it knows when this is the case and the boiler will run for shorter period of time. This saves energy and saves you money! The Tekmar 260 is a popular model that can be installed to work with both your hydronic heating and domestic hot water systems.

The Tekmar 260 and other boiler controls can be found at www.supplyhouse.com.

One Screen To Control Your Whole System

Install Uponor's new Touch Panel Interface to control all the components of your heating system from one place. This 5" x 7" HD screen allows you change the temperature in other rooms, adjust settings, and program schedules from one central screen. You can even manage your domestic hot water and snow melt systems from the interface. This is a great tool for managing your heating system easily and efficiently.

You can find the Touch Panel Interface and everything you need for your heating system at SupplyHouse.com.

Brass Compression Fittings Now Available

We have one of the largest selections of fittings on the web, and our newest addition is a line of brass compression fittings, manufactured by Jones Stevens Corp.

Shop at SupplyHouse.com for all your fittings and use our convenient fitting finder tools to find all the sizes you need quickly and easily.

Radiant Heat Made Easy

We now offer radiant heat packages that make it easy to get the components you need for your project in one place. We have packages for Quik Trak, Joist Trak, Slab, and Suspended Pipe. There are packages for each type of installation designed for the most common size rooms.

Let us help you get started installing your heated floors and find the right radiant heat package today at SupplyHouse.com.

Did You Hear Something?

The Panasonic WhisperCeiling ventilation fan has a blower wheel with dolphin-shaped blades that move the air so quietly you might not even know it's on! It features adjustable mounting brackets for easy installation, built-in dampers to prevent backdraft, and a sturdy housing that will last for many years.

Check out the Energy Star-rated Panasonic WhisperCeiling Fans at SupplyHouse.com.

Excess Air Be Gone

Spirovent Air Eliminators use a patented medium that “scrubs” the air from the system fluid. The Junior Series air eliminators are specifically designed for residential and light commercial applications from ¾" to 2” pipe size and have a straight, in-line design that makes them easy to install. With solid brass construction, an integral patented air release mechanism and a 20 year limited warranty, they are offer great value for a reliable product.

You can find Sprovent Jr. Air Eliminators at www.pexsupply.com.

Up $1500 Back On Your Boiler!

Many high-efficiency boilers are eligible for up to $1500 in Federal Tax Rebates through the end of 2010. The Weil-McLain Ultra 105 is one of our most popular Weil McLain models and is available in the boilers category at PexSupply.com. You can also use our handy Boiler Finder Tool to browse through only the boilers eligible for the rebate. The government has not yet announced whether it will renew this bill for 2011, so start shopping now if you are interested in upgrading your system and taking advantage of this opportunity!

Weil McLain Boilers Ship Free!

Weil McLain makes a boiler for every home. Natural Gas, Propane,High-Efficiency, Steam and Oil Boilers. We have a large selection of Weil McLain boilers, and they all ship FREE! If you are looking for a model you can't find, give us a call and we can special order it for you. You can always count on PexSupply.com to help you get what you need for your plumbing or heating job.

Visit www.pexsupply.com and use our Boiler finder to browse all our Weil McLain boilers.

Spacing your Radiant Heat Loops

The layout of the PEX tubing in your radiant heat system determines how much heat a given area will produce. The space between two PEX lines is referred to as the on-center distance; the closer the tubing is spaced the higher the BTU output will be

In a moderate climate, tubing for living areas tubing can be spaced about 9" apart, and tubing for a bathroom can be about 6-7" apart. In warmer climates the tubing can be farther apart and in colder climates there should be less distance between lines.

There are several high quality brands of oxygen barrier tubing available at PexSupply.com, along with everything you need for your radiant heat project.

Radiant Heat Options: Subfloor Installation

The Wirsbo Quik Trak system makes it easy to install radiant heat without making major changes to your home. The 1/2 inch plywood panels are attached to an aluminum heat transfer sheet and the tubing is inserted into the U-shaped grooves in the panels. This system is installed in your subfloors to provide comfortable, even heat throughout the area.

PexSupply.com stocks all the components you need to install a Quik Trak radiant heat system in your home, including the panels, 5/16” hePEX tubing, and the sealant used to attach the tubing to the panels.

Watch Our PEX Crimp Fittings Video

The HydroPEX Crimp Tool is popular for installing PEX systems. It is a ratchet style tool that works by clamping around a copper crimp ring. It must be closed completely around the fitting before the jaws will release. All components for the PEX Crimp fitting system are available at SupplyHouse.com, including the PEX Crimp rings and the Crimp tool. Visit out our Resource Center to check out our on how to make crimp connections!

Shopping For A Boiler Can Be Easy!

Browsing through our hundreds of boiler models is now easier than ever! Our new Boiler Finder tool allows you to narrow down your choices by brand, fuel type, BTU requirements, and efficiency. We have popular models including Weil Mclain Ultra boilers, Triangle Tube boilers, Burnham Series 2 boilers and many more.

Shop at SupplyHouse.com and get help choosing the right boiler.

AO Smith Storage Tanks

New to SupplyHouse.com are the AO Smith Storage Tanks. They are commercial storage tanks (insulated/jacketed and uninsulated/un-jacketed) and are used for systems with large hot water draws. The capacity ranges from 80 gallon to 1,000 gallon.

You can find AO Smith Storage Tanks, as well as a large selection of other AO Smith products, at www.supplyhouse.com.

Extend Your Bradford White Warranty

Upgrade to a 10-year warranty on the tank and all parts for your Bradford White residential water heater. Each of the two available kits applies for a select set of residential models as specified in their product descriptions.

Upgrade your warranty today at www.supplyhouse.com and extend your support from Bradford White for an extra four years.

Keep Your Drinking Water Fresh & Clean

Aqua-Pure has several lines of water filtration systems that keep your water clean and tasting great. In-line Water Filtration systems are used in appliance with ice and water dispensers, such as refrigerators, icemakers, drinking fountains and coffee machines. These filters help prevent rust corrosion of the pipes in your system as well as reduce sediment, chlorine taste and odor scale.

In-line Filtration systems and other Aqua-Pure water filters can be found at www.supplyhouse.com.

Bradford White Warranty Upgrade Kits

SupplyHouse.com now offers Bradford White Warranty Upgrade Kits right on our site! Each of these kits allows the homeowner to extend the warranty on their Bradford White water heater from 6 years to 10 years! (Both tank and parts). The upgrade requires that a registration form be completed and returned to Bradford White. Each of the 2 kits applies to select Bradford White water heater models. The models to which the kit applies are listed in the product description of each kit (each kit has about 50 applicable models).

Here are the kits:
Bradford White 10 Year Warranty Upgrade Kit Level-1
Bradford White 10 Year Warranty Upgrade Kit Level-2

You can find Bradford White Warranty Upgrade Kits on www.supplyhouse.com.

Indirect Heaters Save Money & Energy

An indirect water heater uses the main furnace or boiler to heat water that is circulated through a heat exchanger in the storage tank. The energy stored by the water tank allows the furnace to turn on and off less often, which saves energy. Therefore, an indirect water heater used with a high-efficiency boiler and well-insulated tank can be one of the least expensive means of providing hot water.

SupplyHouse.com offers a large selection of indirect heaters, including the popular Triangle Tube Smart and the Burnham Alliance indirect water heaters.

Save Big With Burnham's PVG Boilers

For homeowners dreading the thought of replacing an old boiler, Burnham's series of PVG boilers is the answer you have been waiting for. Burnham's PVG boilers offer simple installation and require minimal service and maintenance (great news for wary homeowners)! Instead of installing a liner in an existing chimney (a process common in replacing an old boiler), PVG boilers use a 3 or 4-inch stainless steel vent pipe to direct flue products out of the building. This will save you several hundred dollars in installation costs, and its high efficiency will save hundreds of dollars a year in maintenance and tune-ups.

You can find Burnham's PVG Boilers at www.supplyhouse.com

100% Efficiency with Argo!

Argo Electric Boilers are 100% efficient. They can be used as the central component or a supplemental part or your heating system.

Argo Electric boilers and other energy efficient boilers can be found at www.supplyhouse.com.

Stratos Eco Pumps - Maximizing Efficiency

Stratos Eco is a line of circulator pumps manufactured by Wilo. They have variable speed controls which adjust to maintain a constant delta T and maximize the efficiency of your heating system. Variable speed pumps have been common in Europe for years and are growing in popularity in the United States. Stratos Eco pumps are a reliable choice and a worthwhile investment.

You can find Stratos Eco variable speed pumps as well as a large selection of Wilo products at www.supplyhouse.com.

Insulock

Insulock pipe insulation is a pre-slit adhesive insulation that is designed to retard heat flow and prevent pipe condensation. It is non-porous and non-fibrous to resist mold growth and guarantees a strong, durable seal without the risk of messy adhesives.

Insul-Lock's pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) seam-seal system makes it perfect for refrigerant lines, cold water plumbing, roof drains and chilled water systems. The PSA system enables the user to fit the tube over the pipe, peel back the release liner and close it off with a little pressure.

Insul-lock Seam-Seal can be found at www.supplyhouse.com in a variety of sizes along with heat tape that can be used with it

Go Green, Even With Soldering Paste!

New to SupplyHouse.com is the popular new Orange-Eco Paste, an environmentally friendly flux that is water-soluble and contains no zinc, ammonium chloride, petrolatum or metals. It works great all year long,even in extreme temperatures. It maintains a smooth consistency in all climates and dissolves even the heaviest oxide films to create a solid solder joint. Orange-Eco generates minimal smoke and leaves behind no corrosive residues after soldering.

Orange-Eco meets ASTM B813 specifications for solder paste. You can find Orange-Eco Paste and other chemicals and compounds at www.supplyhouse.com.

Get the Radiant System Control That Can Multi-task

The Taco Radiant Mixing Block is a powerful control with a unique design that allows you to combine several important components of your radiant system into one unit. It is a complete injection mixing system that combines a variable speed injection mixing control, injection circulator, system circulator and air elimination, delivering high performance and versatility. It requires only four pipe connections for complete installation and can be used as an outdoor reset control, a setpoint control or a delta T limiting control.

The RMB-1 Taco Radiant Mixing Block allows you to save time, money and space with its innovative technology and unique design. You can find the radiant mixing block and other radiant heat products at www.supplyhouse.com.
Posted by LaurenO at 4:02 PM

The Bend Radius of PEX Tubing

The bend radius of tubing refers to the inside curvature of the tubing. This measurement is the minimum radius that you can bend the tubing without kinking it. More flexible materials will have a smaller bend radius, allowing them to bend more before being damaged. Typically, with standard PEX tubing, you can expect it to have a bend radius of 6 times its outside diameter. Therefore, if you have 1/2" PEX tubing (which has a 5/8" outside diameter), the tubing will have a bed radius of about 3.75", making PEX tubing extremely flexible compared to other types of tubing.

You can find PEX tubing for plumbing and radiant heat at www.supplyhouse.com

What do Bend Supports Do?

A bend support is used in Radiant Heat and PEX Plumbing systems to make turns with PEX Tubing. The bend supports are sold in plastic, PVC, and metal. The PVC bend supports are designed for exiting concrete slabs.

You can find bend supports at www.supplyhouse.com.

Free Shipping on Rifeng PEX Tubing

Rifeng is the largest manufacturer of plastic pipe in the world, producing over 1.1 million feet of PEX tubing each day. Their large-scale production capacity allows them to produce high quality products at competitive prices. Rifeng oxygen barrier and plumbing PEX tubing meet ASTM F876 and ASTM F877 standards. Their PEX-Aluminum-PEX tubing meets the ASTM F1281-2005 standard. Rifeng also manufactures fittings, manifolds, and valves. Enjoy FREE shipping on all Rifeng products from now until August 20, 2010!

You can find Rifeng products at www.supplyhouse.com.

Tap On, Tap Off: The Single-Touch Faucet

Your kitchen faucet can be a very dirty object. Think about it... what do you do when your hands get dirty? You wash them. And where do you wash them? In the sink. How do you turn on a sink? By turning the faucet handle. The faucet handle then becomes contaminated with whatever dirt, germs, grease, and filth that you wanted to wash off of your hands. And every time you touch that handle again, you pick up some of what was left behind.

So if you are somebody who likes their hands clean or who wishes they had an extra hand in the kitchen, Delta has a solution for you! Their stylish Pilar Series faucets feature a touch-activated single handle. Just touch anywhere on the spout or the handle to turn the faucet on or off. No more turning knobs with greasy fingers. Just tap the faucet with your elbow, forearm, forehead, whatever- and the water will turn on. Tap it again to shut the faucet off. It doesn't get easier than this!

You can find Delta's Pilar Touch-Activated Kitchen Faucets at www.supplyhouse.com.

Variable Tube Spacing

When installing radiant heat in your flooring, it is common to use variable tube spacing. Variable tube spacing is a method of laying out PEX Tubing, in which the tubing is spaced closer together near high heat loss areas. For example, for the first 3 to 4 feet along an exposed wall tubing may be spaced 6" apart to compensate for heat loss. Once the tubing moves away from the wall 12" tube spacing may be used. This is to ensure that your floors and your room receive evenly distributed amounts of heat, no matter where in your home the room is located.

You can find PEX Tubing and everything else needed for your Radiant Heat project at www.supplyhouse.com.

Show Your True Colors

Let your kitchen sink be an extension of your personality! With Kohler's Executive Chef line of Iron/Tones Self Rimming / Undercounter Kitchen Sinks, you can choose from almost 2 dozen color variations to go with your true colors. Got a sunny disposition? Kohler's got a sink in Sunlight! Are you dark and brooding? Maybe the Thunder Grey is the match for you. Or how about someone who is cool and mellow? Then perhaps the sink in Tea Green would compliment you best. No matter what your true colors may be, let the color of your kitchen sink express it to the world!

You can find Kohler's colorful Executive Chef Series at www.supplyhouse.com

Clogged Soap Dispenser

A liquid soap / lotion dispenser is a sleek and contemporary alternative to an ordinary plastic bottle dispenser. It is installed directly next to the sink and is capable of handling all of your soap / lotion needs. However, after many uses, these dispensers may be prone to clogs. If suddenly, your soap dispenser is having trouble pumping soap, you may have a clog. Disconnect the device from the sink and soak the entire pump assembly in hot (not boiling) water. The hot water will loosen up any lumps and melt away some of the clots within the dispenser. Then, attempt to pump some of the hot water through the pump assembly. If nothing comes out the other end, take thin, soft piece of wire and carefully push it into the hole where the soap comes out until it can go no further. Do this carefully, as to not damage any of the pump's interior components. Remove the wire and soak the pump assembly again in the hot water. Try using the pump again. The wire should have freed any obstructions and the final soak in hot water should have helped loosen up any remaining blockages.

You can find a large array of soap/lotion dispensers at www.supplyhouse.com

Michiganites, Rejoice!

Have you ever wondered what the "M" in the beginning of some Bradford White SKUs stands for? The answer is purely geographical! Any Bradford White SKU that begins with an "M" was manufactured in Michigan. So if you are a Michiganite, be proud that Bradford White chooses to dedicate a whole series of water heater SKUs to your home state.

Find Bradford White products at www.supplyhouse.com.

The Low-Down on Loop Length

In a Radiant Heat System, the 'loop length' describes the amount of PEX tubing you can run from the supply manifold to the space being heated and back to the return manifold. To measure the length of the PEX tubing you are using, don't worry about pulling out a tape measure. PEX tubing is manufactured in lengths up to over 1,000 feet. Every 3 feet, a number is printed on the tubing indicating the length from the beginning of that roll up until the point where the number is printed (903, 906, 909, etc). Just subtract the first number printed on the roll from the last number to determine exactly how much PEX tubing you have.

You can find all the materials you need for your Radiant Heat project at www.supplyhouse.com.

Chill Out: No More Mini-Split Worrying

If a homeowner does not have central air conditioning, a good alternative would be to install a mini-split air conditioner in each room. When installing multiple mini-split units, many wonder whether the outdoor unit / condenser will be powerful enough to support the indoor units. The answer is: most likely yes. I know this is not the "definitely yes" answer you may be looking for, but please allow me to explain! Let's say you have two (2) 11,500 BTU single zone mini-split air conditioners installed in two separate rooms. However, your outdoor unit only supports 22,500 BTU. Don't worry about being short 500 BTU. What will happen is the one condenser will still work to power both indoor units, but at varying levels. It will power one unit at full blast, at 11,500 BTU, while it powers the other unit at 11,000. When the temperature of the first room is cool enough, the outdoor unit will shift more energy towards cooling the second room. It will modulate accordingly to provide for steady cooling in both rooms. Rest assured: both rooms will be cooled.

You can find a large selection of LG, Panasonic mini-splits at www.supplyhouse.com!

87.5 is the Magic Number

A common question many homeowners ask when considering radiant floor heating is exactly how warm the floors should get. The maximum temperature that a floor will reach before it becomes uncomfortable is 87.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Any higher than this, then the floors will seem hot to the touch. Any lower, and they might not be generating enough heat. Fortunately, this desired temperature can be reached no matter what sized PEX tubing you choose.

You can find Radiant Heat supplies and PEX for Radiant Heating at www.supplyhouse.com.

Cast Iron vs. Stainless Steel & Bronze

A circulator pump is necessary to circulate water in a hydronic system. Cast iron circulator pumps are typically cheaper than stainless steel or bronze pumps, but can only be used in a closed system. This is because the oxygen in an open system will corrode the cast iron components of the pump. If you are working with an open system, it is suggested that you go with the more durable, though more expensive, stainless steel or bronze pumps.

You can find Taco circulator pumps at www.supplyhouse.com.

Get A Bigger Grease Trap

The rule of thumb you should follow when deciding what size grease trap you should purchase is this: it is always better to have a bigger grease trap than one that cannot handle the amount of grease going down the sink. So if you are ever unsure, always remember that over-sized is better than under-sized when it comes to trapping grease!

To shop a large selection of grease traps, go to www.supplyhouse.com.

Get Rid Of That Old Pool Pump

A typical pool pump uses 500 watts to 2,000 watts. If your pool pump is more than 7 or 8 years old, it is probably time to find yourself a new one, since older pool pumps are less efficient than newer models. This means, a newer pool pump will use less energy to pump larger volumes of water than an older one, and in the long run, this will end up saving you lots of energy as well as lots of money!

You can find a large selection of pool pumps at www.supplyhouse.com

Taco Pre-Season Sale

Summer may be in full swing, but before you know it, the heating season will be knocking on your door. Make sure you are prepared this year with all the Taco products you need: circulators, relays, mixing valves, zone valves, valve control modules, and air separators. You can find all of these items at reduced prices in our Taco Pre-Season Sale.

You can find the Taco Pre-Season Sale, as well as other Taco Items, at www.supplyhouse.com.

Cleaning Your Shower Head

During these hot summer days, there is no better luxury than jumping into a nice cool shower. However, weak water flow may turn this relaxing experience into an annoyance. If you are finding that your shower head just isn't performing the way it used to, it may be because it is clogged with mineral buildup. To clear it of built up deposits, unscrew the shower head and soak it in a pot of simmering (not boiling) distilled white vinegar. The vinegar will work to dissolve months of mineral and grime. When you are done, rinse the shower head with warm water and it is ready to use again.

You can find a large selection of shower heads at www.supplyhouse.com.

Manifolds and Fittings

The manifold for your PEX Plumbing System acts as a hub for water transportation. When installing the manifold, it is important to remember that the fittings you buy must be of the same brand as the manifold. For example, a HydroPEX manifold requires HydroPEX fittings and a Wirsbo (Uponor) manifold requires that you use Wirsbo fittings. The PEX tubing, however, does not have to match the manifold. Feel free to use any brand PEX tubing with any brand manifold.

You can find PEX Manifolds, PEX Fittings, and PEX Tubing at www.supplyhouse.com.

In-Slab Installation Tip

When doing an in-slab installation for your radiant heat floors, it is recommended that you pour the concrete a minimum of 3/4" over the pex tubing. This is to allow enough space between the tubing and the flooring so that the heat generated will not damage your floors.

For more information about radiant heat installation, visit our Resource Center at www.supplyhouse.com.

Towel Warmers In The Summer

When I think of Summer, I think of lazy days by the water. There is nothing more relaxing than lounging in the swimming pool or going for a dip in the ocean. However, a bathing suit that is still wet from your previous swim can quickly ruin these summertime activities. Instead of simply hanging your suit on a hanger and waiting for it to dry, you can dry it on a towel warmer. A towel warmer can be used for other purposes than just warming towels! It is also the perfect solution for quickly drying wet bathing suits.

You can find Amba and Runtal Towel Warmers at www.supplyhouse.com.

Toilet Causing You Trouble?

SupplyHouse.com stocks all the bathroom plumbing specialties you need to deal with a malfunctioning toilet. For those common clogs, make sure you are prepared with a toilet plunger. For a more heavy-duty projects, shop our selection of flush valves, fill valves, flappers, gaskets and bolts and find the exact part that you need to get your throne back to running condition.

Find everything you need to maintain your toilet at www.supplyhouse.com

The Ultimate Cut

Are you having trouble cutting through thick building materials? Is your current set of shears just not 'cutting' it? Malco's TurboShear Heavy-Duty is built to make clean cuts through material thickness up to 18-gauge galvanized steel. Cut through anything from metal roofing panels to steel mesh or even the thick metal of furnace jackets. You must adjust the tool's cutting jaws to cut through differently-sized materials. To do so, just turn a screw on the back of the tool (clockwise to tighten the gap for thinner materials and counterclockwise to widen the gap for thicker materials).

You can find Malco's TurboShear Heavy-Duty at www.supplyhouse.com

Heat Pumps on Mini-Splits

The heat pumps on mini-split air conditioners work to maximize heating capacity up to an outdoor temperature of 32 degrees Fahrenheit. When the temperature outside dips under 32 degrees, the heating capacity of the unit drops.

For example, with a unit that is rated at 12,000 BTU's, if the temperature is 32 degrees or warmer, the unit will give you the full 12,000 BTU's. However, if the temperature is 20 degrees, the unit might only give you 8,000 BTU's.

Therefore, when considering a mini-split system with a heat pump, keep in mind that it would function well as a back up heat source, but not as a primary heat source (that is, unless you live in a place where the weather is warm all year-round)!

Mini-Split Systems can be found at www.supplyhouse.com.

Comfort While You Work

Do you have an HVAC project waiting to be taken care of? Malco's series of RedLine tools offer you comfort while helping you get the job done right. Distinguished by the red line on the handle, these hand tools were designed with your comfort in mind. The handle opening maximizes the power of each squeeze, while the non-slip, over-molded, soft to the touch handle is made to fit the shape of your hand. An easy open and close latch motion allows you to always have one free hand while you work. Best of all, Malco manufactures RedLine tools to cover all areas of your HVAC project, including: downspout crimper, pipe crimper, ceiling grid punch, fiber cement siding snip, hole punch, J-channel cutter, hand notcher, nail hole slot punch, punch lock stud crimper, hand seamer, and snap lock punch.

You can find Malco's RedLine hand tools at www.supplyhouse.com.

Cleaning Your Sump Pump

The sump pump is your prime defense against basement flooding. To keep it in top notch condition all-year round, it is important to clean and maintain it regularly.

1. To start with, clear any obstructions in the opening and on the screen of the pump to ensure that water can properly pass through.
2 You should also check the pump float to make sure there are no restrictions in it.
3. For parts within the pump, you will need something to dissolve any buildup. If you prefer to avoid harsh chemicals, using white vinegar is a green and eco-friendly way to clean your sump pump. Because of its acidity, it is an excellent solvent for dissolving any mineral deposits that may have accumulated within the pump. Just pour two cups of white vinegar into the drain regularly to reduce the buildup of residue.
4. Finally, fill your sump pump with water and run it frequently to make sure that it is in working condition.

You can find sump pumps at www.supplyhouse.com

Media Air Cleaners

As the temperature outside gets hotter and hotter, the heat may eventually become too uncomfortable to bear. As you start to seek solace inside the cool comfort of your home, ensure that the air quality indoors is just as fresh as it is outdoors by installing a media air cleaner. A media air cleaner is designed to capture and remove airborne particles and contaminants as air is circulated through the unit. It is beneficial for those suffering from respiratory illnesses or for those who of us with a bad case of the allergies. If you already have one installed, make sure that it is working efficiently by replacing the filter every 6 to 12 months. A dirty filter will only increase costs by forcing the media air cleaner to circulate air while pulling it through a clogged filter.

You can find Media Air Cleaners at www.supplyhouse.com.

New Videos Just Launched

SupplyHouse.com is happy to announce the addition of VIDEO to some of our product and category pages. Check out the Honeywell TH8110U1003 and Honeywell TH8320U1008 Thermostat pages for videos on how to program your Honeywell thermostat. While shopping for your next VisionPro Honeywell Thermostat, be sure to take a look at the informational video we have about VisionPro thermostats. And when browsing through our large selection of Manablocs, don't forget to check out our video on How To Shop for a Manabloc.

You can find all these videos at www.supplyhouse.com

Red, White, and Blue

Sorry to disappoint, but the red, white, and blue colors that PEX tubing is available in does not represent the patriotic colors of the American flag. In fact, there is no significance in the color of PEX tubing, other than aesthetics. Red PEX tubing is generally used to distinguish hot lines, while blue PEX tubing is used with cold lines. For those who would prefer colorless tubing, white PEX tubing is the way to go. Other than the color, there are no physical, chemical, or behavioral differences between the different colors of PEX, but for the sake of this holiday weekend, we can all pretend that the colors are meant to celebrate the spirit of Independence Day!

You can find all the different colors of PEX tubing at www.supplyhouse.com

White Rodgers Special

No matter what the temperature outside may be, keep your home comfortable with a White Rodgers Thermostat. Now, during our White Rodgers Thermostat Special, you can buy some of our most popular White Rodgers Thermostats at reduced prices. You will also enjoy free shipping with the purchase of select thermostats. Thermostats in this sale include the 1F95-1277, 1F97-1277, 1F80-0471, 1F80-361, 1F95-1291, 1F78-151, 1E78-140, 1F78-144, 1E78-144, 1F85-277, and the 1F56N-444. Don't miss out on this great opportunity!

You can find White Rodgers Thermostats at www.supplyhouse.com

Drip... Drip... Drip...

...We all know that noise. It drives us crazy and haunts us in our dreams. If you have ever lost sleep over a dripping faucet, then here are some things to consider:

1. Most dripping faucets can be blamed on damaged parts within the faucet, such as a washer within a compression faucet or an O-ring in a cartridge, drip, or ball faucet
2. Another common perpetrator is a worn-out cartridge, which can easily be replaced with a matching cartridge that fits the gap left by the original faucet.
3. Water pressure that is too high can also lead to a dripping faucet. Try reducing the pressure slightly. If the problem persists, you may need to call a plumber.
4. Cracks within pipes or fittings can affect the functioning of your faucet. When these damages start to affect the water pressure, then a drip may occur. In this situation, you may also need to call a plumber to further investigate.

You can find faucets and other plumbing supplies at www.supplyhouse.com

Exciting News!

This just in! Taco announces their new full "flange-to-flange" three year warranty on all 00 Series Circulators. Where Taco used to offer only simple cartridge replacement, they have now extended the existing three-year cartridge warranty to additionally cover the replacement of the entire circulator. Now that's something to get excited about!

Shop through our large selection of Taco 00 Series Cast Iron Pumps at www.supplyhouse.com.

Alsons Five Spray / Massage Shower Head

After a tiring day, there is nothing more gratifying than a soothing shower. If you are searching for a new way to shower, look no further. An Alsons Five Spray / Massage Shower Head will provide all the relaxation you need after long day. Replace your old shower head with this spa-like device and introduce yourself to a rejuvenating showering experience. All models feature an easy-turn dial spray and a trickle setting. Some come with multiple massage spray settings, as well as an anti-clog nozzle for easy maintenance. Just come home to one of these each day, and you will never think about your old shower head again.

You can find the Alsons Five Spray / Massage Shower Head at www.supplyhouse.com.

Keep Cool With A Misting Fan

Summertime is the season for barbecues, gardening, sunbathing, and all other things outdoors. If you are dreading being outside this weekend because of the intense heat from the sun, consider equipping your outdoor-area with one of Schaefer's VersaMist Misting Fans. These fans come with a pump base and optional cooler and cart. Just hook up its 25-foot outdoor rated power cord and attach the portable misting system to a water reservoir and enjoy a cool mist in the midday heat.

You can find the VersaMist Misting Fan at www.supplyhouse.com.