Visit Our New On-site SupplyHouse.com Blog!

Thank you for following our blog and we hope you are enjoying our content. Please check out our new SupplyHouse.com Blog live on our site for all future posts!

You can look forward to exciting new content including how-to tips, video releases, information on new products, inside looks at our company events, and our webisode series, PexTV!

- The Supply House Team

Anode Rod Replacement

Most tank-style water heaters contain a sacrificial anode rod to extend the lifespan of the tank. Water gradually eats away at the magnesium or aluminum rod, rather than the tank lining. Anode rods should never be permanently removed from water heaters, even to eliminate rotten eggs smells. The usable life of anode rods depends on water quality, but they should be inspected approximately every two years. Rods that have worn away or are covered in mineral deposits should be replaced.

Replacement anode rods are relatively universal depending on length, but the manufacturer’s recommended replacement part should generally be used. In order to inspect or replace an anode rode, start by removing it from the tank. Make sure all water, fuel, and power supplies to the unit have been turned off. Most anode rods have hex heads. All anode rods are located at the top of the tank, but accessing some of them may require the removal of the top of the water heater. Insert and tighten the new rod if replacement is necessary. Height restrictions may necessitate repositioning of the water heater prior to insertion. Flexible anode rods are also available for such situations. Find these and more water heater parts on SupplyHouse.com.

Radiant Heat Retrofits

In-floor hydronic radiant heating systems function most effectively when PEX tubing is embedded in the slab of a building. Since this is only possible in new-construction applications, SupplyHouse.com offers several options for retrofit jobs. Use Uponor’s PEX Rails to attach tubing prior to a concrete overpour. Uponor’s Quik Trak panels also go above slabs or subfloors. 

Below-subfloor options exist for upper floors in new and retrofit projects. In suspended-pipe installations, PEX tubing hangs in the joist cavity. Ultra-Fin plates enhance the efficiency of suspended-pipe systems. Stapling PEX directly to the bottom of the subfloor without any heat transfer plates is not usually recommended. Heat transfer plates, such as Uponor’s Joist Trak, provide more even surface temperatures. 

New Prestige IAQ from Honeywell

Honeywell’s reconfigured and redesigned Prestige IAQ thermostat improves on the top-of-the-line thermostat which was originally released in 2008. Prestige thermostats can still combine with RedLINK wireless devices and connect to smartphones and computers remotely via Honeywell’s Internet Gateway. They are still available with high-definition color touchscreens, and still have USB ports to load saved settings and speed up repeated installations for contractors.

Current Prestige IAQ thermostats are 60% smaller than their predecessors and feature high-gloss acrylic bodies. Equipment Interface Modules now include two additional universal inputs. Honeywell plans to release three new color combinations for the thermostat frame on June 1 (in addition to the standard white already on the market). These options, along with customizable color settings for the touchscreen, allow the Prestige to match the color scheme in virtually any room. Go to SupplyHouse.com to buy the Prestige IAQ or any other Honeywell thermostat.

Mini-Split Line-Sets

You need to consider three sizes when you select a refrigerant line-set for a ductless mini-split system: the liquid-line diameter, the suction-line diameter, and the length. The necessary diameters of the liquid and suction lines depend on the requirements of the indoor mini-split unit. Liquid lines bring refrigerant back to the outdoor compressor. Suction lines supply refrigerant to the indoor unit, while preventing overheating at the compressor. SupplyHouse.com offers pre-flared, insulated JMF line-sets.

The length of your line-set should be based on the distance between the indoor and outdoor units, but make sure to look at the distance limitations of each mini-split system. All systems have maximum distance and height differences between the units, as well as a maximum refrigerant pre-charge. A typical system comes pre-charged with sufficient R-410A refrigerant for a 25-foot run, and is rated for runs up to 50 feet.  Such systems would require additional refrigerant for line-set lengths between 25 and 50 feet.

Benefits of Home-Run Plumbing

Home-run piping systems are a popular option in PEX plumbing. Home-run systems typically include single hot and cold manifolds, from which a dedicated line runs to each fixture. This configuration decreases wait times for hot and cold water and provides more balanced water pressure when multiple fixtures operate simultaneously. No fittings are needed between the manifolds and fixtures in most PEX home-runs systems. This decreases the likelihood for leaks, minimizes flow reduction, and speeds up installation. Viega’s MANABLOC manifolds combine hot and cold home-run manifolds into a single physical unit. Its valves provide centralized shut-offs for each line, and the included labels can help mark the lines. Find the MANABLOC and more PEX plumbing products on SupplyHouse.com. 

Tank vs. Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters present an alternative to conventional tank water heaters. Tankless units generally take up less space, can be mounted on a wall, and only heat water on demand. Although tank-style water heaters expend extra energy to keep their storage tanks warm at all times, they are the preferable option in many applications. Tankless heaters can provide hot water indefinitely – but only if the maximum per-minute flow rate of a unit at the required temperature rise is not exceeded. This makes them an ideal choice for homes and applications in which extended use at relatively low flow rates is the norm. Since conventional tank water heaters have a pre-heated reserve of hot water, they function more effectively when heavy bursts of simultaneous hot water usage can be anticipated. Find out more about these two methods of water heating in SupplyHouse.com’s new video, “Choosing Between Tank and Tankless Water Heaters.”

A Picture-Frame Thermostat

The Venstar ColorTouch thermostat takes customization to a new level, making it easy to customize its touch screen display. Use the default nature and holiday themes or add personal photos. With the included SD card, load a single picture to serve as the background or a slideshow with up to 100 images for the screensaver. White, black, silver, and wood grain faceplates can further enhance the décor of any room. Find more thermostats and Venstar products on SupplyHouse.com.

Use a Tankless with an Indirect Water Heater

Indirect water heaters take advantage of an existing hydronic heating system to provide large amounts of domestic hot water very efficiently. An indirect tank serves as a priority zone on a heating system. When water in the tank drops below the setpoint temperature, fluid from the heating system flows through the tank. This fluid heats domestic water, but does not touch it or contaminate it. Energy from the heating system is transferred to domestic water through a coil in most cases, although some indirect water heaters feature a tank-inside-of-a-tank design.

Since boilers must run throughout the heating season anyway, they can heat domestic water without expending much additional energy during this period. A boiler must also operate over the summer months in order to power an indirect water heater, which can be less efficient. Using a tankless water heater when the boiler is not needed to heat the building may be worth considering, especially for those who live in areas that have relatively short heating seasons. Tankless heaters offer an ideal solution thanks to their small size and ability to produce more hot water in times of year during which supply water temperatures are higher. Find indirect water heaters, tankless water heaters, and more on SupplyHouse.com.

Underground Pipe Insulation

K-Flex Insul-Lock pipe insulation, available online at SupplyHouse.com, provides freeze protection and minimizes heat loss and heat gain in pipes. A pre-slit adhesive strip makes installation easy. Watch our installation video here. Insul-Lock comes in six-foot lengths for a variety of pipe sizes, with wall thicknesses ranging from 3/8” to 1”.

The insulation can be buried underground if you take proper precautions. To prevent water absorption, bury insulation that is above the water table in 3" to 5" of sand. Below the water table, encase the insulation in a conduit (concrete, PVC, etc.). This method is optimal for all installations. In order to guard against compression of the insulation, the manufacturer recommends using insulation a size thicker than would be needed for above-grade applications.

Watch: Baseboarders Installation

Baseboarders do-it-yourself baseboard heater covers work with most hydronic and many electric baseboard heaters. They provide a unique, modern look, while protecting against rust and preventing small children from burning their hands. The semi-gloss white powder coated surface can be spray-painted to match any design. SupplyHouse.com offers the full-line of Baseboarders products with fast and easy delivery. Best of all, Baseboarders covers are simple to install. Watch our new video to find out just how simple and is and pick up installation tips.

Underground Pipe Insulation

K-Flex Insul-Lock
pipe insulation, available online at PexSupply.com, provides freeze protection
and minimizes heat loss and heat gain in pipes. A pre-slit adhesive strip makes
installation easy. Watch our installation video here. Insul-Lock comes in
six-foot lengths for a variety of pipe sizes, with wall thicknesses ranging
from 3/8” to 1”.

The insulation can be
buried underground if you take proper precautions. To prevent
water absorption, bury insulation that is above the water table in 3" to 5" of sand. Below the water table, encase the insulation in a conduit (concrete, PVC, etc.). This method is optimal for all installations. In
order to guard against compression of the insulation, the manufacturer
recommends using insulation a size thicker than would be needed for above-grade
applications.

Use a Tankless with an Indirect Water Heater

Indirect water heaters take advantage of an existing hydronic heating system to provide
large amounts of domestic hot water very efficiently. An indirect tank serves
as a priority zone on a heating system. When water in the tank drops below
the setpoint temperature, fluid from the heating system flows through the tank.
This fluid heats domestic water, but does not touch it or contaminate it.
Energy from the heating system is transferred to domestic water through a coil
in most cases, although some indirect water heaters feature a
tank-inside-of-a-tank design.

Since boilers
must run throughout the heating season anyway, they can heat domestic water without
expending much additional energy during this period. A boiler must also operate over the summer
months in order to power an indirect water heater, which can be less efficient. Using a
tankless water heater when the boiler is not needed to heat the building may be
worth considering, especially for those who live in areas that have relatively
short heating seasons. Tankless heaters offer an ideal solution thanks to their
small size and ability to produce more hot water in times of year during which
supply water temperatures are higher. Find indirect water heaters, tankless
water heaters, and more on PexSupply.com.

Honeywell Adaptive Intelligent Recovery

Programmable thermostats can provide energy savings by automatically reducing temperature settings overnight and during unoccupied periods. They function most effectively in heating systems with rapid heat-up and cool-down times, such as forced-air systems. In-floor hydronic radiant heat systems present a particularly difficult challenge for programmable thermostats. Such systems take a long time to heat up, and can even overheat the space as temperatures continue to rise after the set point has been reached and the system turns off.

Honeywell’s Adaptive Intelligent Recovery thermostat feature can help solve these problems. VisionPRO 8000, FocusPRO 6000, PRO 4000, and BasicPRO 2000 programmable thermostats all have this feature, which determines the length of time it takes for systems to achieve set point temperatures. They start systems early enough for them to reach their settings by the scheduled time, without overshooting the temperature. Find these thermostats and other Honeywell products on SupplyHouse.com.

hePEX: Now NSF Approved

Oxygen barrier PEX tubing is generally used in closed-loop heating systems to prevent oxygen diffusion and corrosion of ferrous metal components. Most brands of oxygen barrier PEX are not code-approved for use with potable water.

Now, all Uponor hePEX oxygen barrier pipe meets the necessary NSF codes for domestic water systems. Use extra hePEX tubing from a heating job on your next plumbing project, or buy hePEX coils to meet all your needs. Current hePEX tubing carries cNSFus pw-rfh ASTM F876/877 and PEX 5006 ratings stamped on the tubing. Older hePEX was manufactured using the same formula and would be safe in potable systems. Visit SupplyHouse.com for more Uponor products and PEX tubing.

Nest Wifi Learning Thermostat

Heating and cooling account for approximately 50% of a home’s yearly energy usage. The Nest Programmable Learning Thermostat adds efficiency right at the control for these systems, combining the best features of traditional thermostats with new technology. Its round body makes it easy to adjust settings by turning the dial right or left, and a color screen automatically adjusts brightness levels based on the amount of light in the house.

Initially, the Nest thermostat operates like a standard, non-programmable thermostat. Occupants change the temperature as they normally would, perhaps turning the heat up when they wake up and turning it down when they leave for work. Within a week, the Nest thermostat learns these habits and creates a customized program schedule to maximize comfort and efficiency. As an added bonus, Nest thermostats can be controlled remotely –- online and through the Nest mobile app, which each provide energy usage reports.

The Nest thermostat is rated at 24 volts and includes a lithium-ion battery, meaning that no common wire is needed in most applications. Occupancy sensors, an “away” mode, auto-changeover, system match capability, and a five-year warranty further enhance operation. Find the Nest thermostat at SupplyHouse.com.

Burnham Alpine Boilers

Burnham’s Alpine Series of condensing gas boilers offers Energy Star-rated 96% efficiency. Featuring a high-grade stainless steel heat exchanger and an included PVC vent kit, Alpine models work with natural or LP gas. Most Alpine boilers can be wall-mounted or floor-mounted.

The built-in Sage 2.1 control provides a touchscreen display, outdoor reset control, warm weather shutdown, domestic water priority, multiple circulator connections, and the ability to link up to eight boilers. Diagnostic assistance and over a hundred help screens aid troubleshooting. Visit SupplyHouse.com today to browse our selection of Burnham boilers and watch our video on the Alpine.

Triangle Tube High Efficiency Boilers

Triangle Tube offers high efficiency gas boilers for a wide array of hydronic heating applications. The Prestige Series includes two models. Prestige Solo boilers feature Fire Tube self-cleaning stainless steel heat exchangers and compact bodies. The new Trimax control speeds up system setup and connects to multiple circulators, controls, and boilers.

Prestige Excellence models combine all these features with domestic hot water. A built-in indirect water heater eliminates the need for a separate water heater, which saves on space and simplifies venting and installation.

Challenger Combination boilers provide domestic water with dual-purpose heat exchangers. They are one of the most compact boilers on the market today.

All of the boilers use condensing technology and can reach efficiency levels in excess of 95%. Find these and more Triangle Tube products at SupplyHouse.com.

Lots of Options with the Multi/Pak

Slant/Fin Multi/Pak 80 baseboards only come with a single baseboard per package. The series derives its name from the fact that the covers work with multiple elements. Only the standard 3/4” H-3 element can be purchased as part of a complete assembly with cover. The high capacity 3/4” H-1, 1” H-4, 1-1/4” H-5X, and 1-1/4” steel H-6X elements are available individually to be installed with cover-only models.

With higher BTU output potential than standard baseboards, the Multi/Pak 80 is an ideal choice for rooms with limited wall space. The covers feature rust resistant nu-white galvanized steel and the H-6X element functions in either steam or hot water systems. Visit SupplyHouse.com to find more Slant/Fin baseboards and accessories.

Expansion Tank Mounting Positions

Expansion tanks can be installed in any direction. Whether oriented uprightly, horizontally, or even upside down, the expansion tank will function properly without any adverse effects. When putting an expansion in an abnormal position (specifically sideways or horizontally), make sure to support the tank. Without proper support, the expansion tank could break off its mounting pipe -- especially if the tank fails and fills with water. Find Amtrol expansion tanks at SupplyHouse.com.

Floor Sensor for Radiant Heat

Floor sensors are a great add-on for in-floor hydronic radiant heating systems. Installed directly in the slab or in a conduit, the sensors can be connected to compatible thermostats to establish high and low limits for the surface temperature, which take precedence over the room air setting. Use floor sensors to protect wood flooring, prevent rooms with dual heat sources from overheating, and to make the floor comfortable for small children or pets. Visit SupplyHouse.com to find Tekmar's 511 and 519 thermostats with floor sensor.