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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.