Keep PEX Out of the Sun

PEX tubing gives users more options in their plumbing and heating systems. It costs less than traditional piping, bends around corners and obstructions without fittings, and comes in different colors to make identification easier. PEX resists freezing more effectively than other types of piping, retains its original shape, and gives users choices when they select fitting systems.

One of PEX’s limitations comes to mind during the bright days of spring: it cannot be exposed to direct sunlight. The ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun break PEX tubing down and make it brittle. PEX that runs outside should normally be buried. If this is not an option, we recommend sleeving the PEX in PVC.

Hot Water in an Instant

Are you tired of waiting for hot water to reach your shower every day? Do you shake your head as wasted cold water flows down the drain? SupplyHouse may have the solution: a hot water recirculation pump. These pumps allow you to get instant hot water at the turn of the faucet and can result in big savings on your water bill. When you turn off a shower or faucet, the water sitting in the pipes gradually loses its warmth through a process known as standby loss. This is the first water released for the next usage. Recirculation pumps cycle this water back to the water heater to ensure you get hot water right away.

Circulator pumps with high head and low flow rates (a Taco 009, for example) work for this type of application. But if you’re looking for a product designed specifically for the job, SupplyHouse recommends a Grundfos Comfort Series Hot Water Recirculation Pump. These pumps include a timer that forces water back to the heater through the cold water line at set times. This easy-to-install product uses less energy than a 25-watt light bulb, and can save up to 16,000 gallons of water per year.

IAQ Made Easy from Honeywell

If you want the latest in home comfort technology, look no further than a Honeywell Prestige IAQ system. Controlled by a state-of-the-art Equipment Interface Module, these systems enable wireless control of up to 3 indoor air quality devices with only 2 wires at the thermostat. This makes installation easy and significantly reduces the amount of wiring running through the living space. With one of these systems, you can control humidification, dehumidification, and ventilation right at your thermostat.

Prestige IAQ thermostats (THX9421R5005) feature a high definition touchscreen, intuitive controls, customizable service reminders, and a USB port. You can take the Portable Comfort Control (REM5000R1001), better known as the remote control, anywhere in your home. Whether you are in your bedroom or watching a movie in the living room, it allows you to sense and control temperature wirelessly at any location. Honeywell’s RedLINK enabled wireless outdoor sensor (C7089R1013) measures temperature and humidity. It provides frost protection when used with a humidifier.

Honeywell’s YTHX9421R5010 kit includes all these parts. If you don’t need every component, we also offer more basic kits at SupplyHouse.com.

Miles of PEX Tubing

Most of us know that PEX tubing is used for plumbing and heating homes and buildings, both large and small. Another PEX application that may not be as well-known continues to grow in popularity: heated playing fields. Among the venues with radiant heat beneath the surface are Soldier Field in Chicago, Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, and Target Field in Minneapolis.

Why do sports franchises install these systems? The warmer turf helps grass stay greener, makes freezing temperatures easier to deal with, and reduces the chance of injuries. Heated fields also prevent snow from piling up during the big game. With an outdoor snow melt system from SupplyHouse.com you can make sure you will never miss a minute of the action while you shovel your driveway. Amazingly, Football field installations require about 30 miles of PEX tubing. Just as in home installations, the water flowing through the PEX must not get too hot. In this case it is the grass (not your bare feet) that must be protected.

Lots of Options w/ Bradford White

Did you know that most of the Bradford White electric water heaters listed on SupplyHouse.com may be ordered in several different configurations? Take the M-2-50S6DS model, for example. It is available in 120V, 208V, 240V, 277V, or 480V voltages (single phase or three phase), with a single or double element. Double element units can operate simultaneously (for increased output) or non-simultaneously (for the security of having a backup element already installed). Elements range from 1,500 W to 6,000 W. The best part is that your price will usually be the same no matter what set-up you select.

SharkBite Fittings - Great for DIY

SharkBite fittings are easy to use and great for small jobs. They are push-fit style fittings that you can push right onto either PEX or copper to create your connection. They are more expensive by piece than other fittings, but they also don’t require you to invest in a tool. If you are doing a one-time DIY project or just making some repairs, SharkBite fittings may be a great choice. You can find all sizes and styles of SharkBite fittings at www.supplyhouse.com in the PEX fittings category.

Therm-X-Trol Expansion Tanks

Therm-X-Trol tanks keep the water pressure in your plumbing system at a safe level, preventing relief valve discharge and other potentially unsafe conditions. These tanks feature stainless steel system connections and molded polypropylene liners. They meet low lead laws and satisfy the requirements of water heater manufacturers. They also meet plumbing codes, which require the installation of an expansion control device if a backflow preventor, pressure reducing valve or check valve is installed in the domestic supply line.

You can find a large selection of Therm-X-Trol tanks at SupplyHouse.com. If you need help determining the correct size tank for your system, try out our expansion tank calculator!

Get Ductless AC & Save Energy

Mini-splits air conditioners can save a significant amount of energy when sized properly. Because they have no ducts, they can reduce energy consumption by up to 30% compared to traditional air conditioning systems. Many mini-split air conditioners are Energy Star-rated and eligible for a federal tax credit.

SupplyHouse.com offers mini-split units from Sanyo, Panasonic, LG and Fujitsu. Units that are eligible for the tax credit are featured in a separate category, which makes it easy for you to find the right unit for your home.

Easier Install w/ Flared Line Sets

A line set is a conduit that consists of a liquid line and a suction line, used to connect the indoor and outdoor units of a mini-split air conditioner.

Until the system is fully installed and operating, the refrigerant will be contained in the outdoor unit. Once the system is running, the refrigerant will flow through, making it critical to have secure flared connections. Flared connections are made with a special tool and must be extremely accurate to prevent leaking. If you do not have the flaring tool, or would like to save a step in making the connections, you can get flared refrigerant line sets, which are flared during production by the manufacturer.

Both standard and flared refrigerant line sets of various lengths are at www.supplyhouse.com. Visit SupplyHouse to find all the components you need for your mini-split air conditioning system.

Thermostat or Picture Frame?

The Venstar ColorTouch thermostat is both a programmable temperature controller and piece of wall art. It has customizable backgrounds, color schemes, holiday themes, and even allows you to use your own photos. Other features include screensavers, holiday and nature sounds, an adjustable background with a nighttime dimmer, and security options for locking the thermostat.

The Venstar T5800 thermostat is a multi-purpose unit with many different features. It is available at SupplyHouse.com along with a selection of different color face plates and other accessories.

Takagi Heaters-Hot Water On Demand

Save on all Takagi heaters through the end of April! Hot water on demand, best price when you add to cart. With tankless heaters, you will have endless hot water for when you need it because the water will be heated as you need it. You will save energy by heating the water only when you need it rather than heating a full tank of water all day, every day. You can expect a 10-14 second delay when you start the hot water since there is not a tank of hot water waiting to be used, but ultimately it will save a significant amount of energy and you will not have to worry about running out of hot water mid-shower.

Takagi is our most popular brand of tankless heaters and has recently released a completely updated line of new models. This new line offers separate indoor and outdoor models for each size heater, so you can one more specific to your needs.

Choosing the Right Expansion Tank

Need help determining what size expansion tank you need? Whether you need a tank for your heating system, plumbing system, or a system that uses a well, our new Extrol calculator can tell you which model you need with just a few simple questions. For a heating system, you will need to provide the BTU load of your boiler and information on what type of heat you have, such as baseboard, radiators, or radiant heat. With this information, we can calculate which Extrol tank you need. For a plumbing system, you will need to know the size and temperature setting of your water heater to find out what Therm-X-trol tank will fit your system. Well-x-trol tank size depends on the GPM and horsepower of your circulator pump.

A large selection of Amtrol expansion tanks can be found at SupplyHouse.com. Feel free to try out our calculator in the Resource Center if you need help making your selection.

Sump Pumps & Effluent Pumps

There are three main categories of plumbing pumps available at www.supplyhouse.com. Sump pumps remove only water and should be installed underground, such as in a hole dug out in your basement. The pump will automatically turn if the float device senses the water has reached a certain level. An effluent pump has a similar construction but can handle small amounts of debris mixed into the water, such as leaves. Both types of pumps can be connected to a garden hose or PVC pipe, which is used to transport the water out to a disposal area.

Little Giant and Zoeller are our most popular brands for these pumps and can be found in the plumbing category.

AC Season is Around the Corner!

Mini-split air conditioners are becoming more and more popular as people see these attractive, quiet units in action. There are many different styles available from Sanyo, LG and Fujitsu. They produce a smooth, even stream of cool air to maintain a comfortable environment without blasting cold air throughout the room. These units are energy efficient and can you save on your energy bills, however it is important to size them properly to take advantage of this. Be sure to consider the climate and the construction of your home when choosing a unit.

Mini-split air conditioners, all the system components and other HVAC supplies are available at www.supplyhouse.com.

Spring is in the Air

Spring is a great time to finally venture out and get a breath of fresh air for people living in colder climates. However, we don't always want to experience the great outdoors in the comfort of our homes during allergy season. For optimal air purity and clear breathing, check out our air cleaners category, including Honeywell Ventilation systems and Whole-house air cleaners.

SupplyHouse.com has a large selection of HVAC systems, replacement parts and air filters available to help you get your home ready for the season!

Easy Clean-up From April Showers

If the rain is causing unexpected flooding and you need a sump pump for a one time clean-up, Zoeller Floor Sucker pumps can come to the rescue. They are easy to use and have a threaded connection for a standard garden hose. They also have an automatic shut-off so the pump will turn off when the water is cleared rather than burning out. Simply plug in your pump and submerge it in the flooded area to remove water from an area down to 1/8 inch.

These Floor Sucker utility pumps are great for a one-time clean-up in your home. Larger sump pumps and effluent pumps are available for preventative installation if you live in an area at high risk for floods. These pumps are designed for installation underground, such as a pit dug in your basement. They work with a float device that tells the pump to activate if water reaches a certain level.

Visit SupplyHouse.com for a large selection of sump pumps, effluent pumps, sewage pumps and utility pumps, and remember the utility pumps are your best bet if you get hit with an unexpected flood and don't want to invest to much in a pump for one-time use.