Energy from the Ground

Whether snow is falling or it is the hottest day of the summer, the earth’s temperature remains the same. Geothermal technology takes advantage of this situation to provide clean and renewable energy. Temperature readings several feet into the earth hover near 50 °F. Residential geothermal systems can use this energy to heat or to cool your house, circulating water that flows through pipes buried deep in the ground. Geothermal systems do not release waste gases to the environment and you will no longer need to pay a fluctuating monthly fuel bill to heat your home. You can find geothermal pumps and valves at SupplyHouse.com.

Holiday Thermostat Schedules

Programmable Thermostats give you the ability to set daily schedules tailored to your lifestyle. They provide maximum convenience and can result in big savings whether installed in a home or place of business. In a typical residence, you can set a programmable thermostat to adjust room temperatures based on the time of day and day of the week. Generally, programmable thermostats have 4 daily periods in which different settings can be made. This lets you program desired temperatures based on your family's work and sleep schedules. Programmable thermostats guarantee that you will save energy when no one is home and feel comfort immediately upon returning home.

Programmable thermostats work on several weekly schedules. 7-day models can only accommodate the same schedule for every day of the week. 5-2 units accept one schedule for weekdays and another one for weekends, while 5-1-1 programmable thermostats allow Saturday's schedule to differ from Sunday's. On days that you must deviate from your normal routine, you can simply turn off the programming schedule and control the thermostat manually. Many programmable thermostats give users the ability to store temporary holiday schedules - perfect for long weekends. SupplyHouse.com stocks programmable thermostats from Honeywell, White-Rodgers, Robertshaw, and Lux.

Don’t Oversize Your AC

Air conditioners must be sized by the number of BTUs they can remove from the air in the space they cool. Ratings are commonly measured in tons (1 ton = 12,000 BTUs). When selecting a properly-sized air conditioner, room size is not the only relevant factor. Amount of sunlight exposure, insulation quality, and the number of room occupants should also be taken into account.

While it may be tempting to oversize an air conditioner to make sure there will always be enough cooling power, there are downsides to this approach. An air conditioner that is too large will cycle on and off more frequently. It will not permit optimal energy efficiency and won't allow the unit to remove as much humidity from the room. Air conditioners will dehumidify most effectively when they run for longer periods of time. Visit SupplyHouse.com for all your air conditioning and mini-split needs this summer.

New Tool Improves ProPEX Expansion

The ProPEX expander tool from Milwaukee is the only tool currently available for making expander fitting connections. Compatible with Uponor’s PEX-A tubing and ProPEX fittings, the new tool improves upon previous designs. It weighs less and fits into tighter spaces than older models. The tool may be ordered in two different sizes (M12 and M18). The batteries from these tools work with Milwaukee’s wide-range of other M12 and M18 products. Milwaukee packages lithium-ion batteries, a charger, and expander heads with the tool as part of Expansion Tool Kits. Kits also come with grease and a convenient carrying case. For those who already have these accessories, they offer the tool as a stand-alone product.

M12 tools work with heads ranging from 3/8” to 1”. 1/2", 3/4", and 1” heads are included in the M12 kit. The M18 kit includes the larger 1", 1-1/4", and 1-1/2" heads. It can accommodate the smaller M12 heads, but they must be purchased separately.

Sizing Circulator Pump Flanges

Most circulator pumps require flanges to connect to the piping in a hydronic system. For standard-sized pumps, flanges have a universal size. They may need to be purchased separately from the pump. Flanges are sold in pairs and include the nuts, bolts, and gaskets necessary for connection.

Pumps do not always come with flanges because of variances in pipe size. Standard 3/4” and 1” flanges fit on the same pump. They match up with 3/4” and 1” pipes, respectively. SupplyHouse.com offers shut-off flanges from Taco and Isolation Flanges from Webstone. Bronze flanges are ideal for use in open systems.

Art Cool Mini-Splits Blend Right In

Mini-Split Air conditioners are becoming more and more popular as people see these sleek-looking units in action. They are typically white and are installed above eye-level so they are discrete while keeping the room at a comfortable temperature. Art Cool mini-splits, made by LG, are a unique line that actually uses artwork to completely hide the unit. They come with a picture inside that can easily be replaced. The cool air is vented out the sides and, like all mini-splits the system is powered by the outdoor unit so it is quiet even when it is running.

Art Cool mini-splits and other LG mini-split air conditioners are available at www.supplyhouse.com.

Disconnecting SharkBite Fittings

SharkBite fittings connect to PEX, copper, and CPVC tubing. They do not require any tools for installation, making them perfect for small, DIY projects. SharkBite fittings lock directly onto tubing for a secure and leak-free link. The connections are so strong that simply pulling the fittings off is impossible.

Disconnecting Shark-Bite fittings requires a small, inexpensive tool. A properly sized clip or set of tongs must be used to remove SharkBite fittings from any kind of piping. The process is as easy as the installation. Just push the tool against the fitting’s release collar and twist the tube out of the fitting. Full instructions and a helpful diagram can be found on Page 4 of the SharkBite Installation Guide.

Measure Pipe Temperature w/ Mr PEX

If you need to monitor the temperature of pipes, a strap-on thermometer from Mr. PEX will give you maximum flexibility. The thermometer displays temperatures between 70°F and 200°F, making it perfect for hydronic systems. The included spring fits all standard pipe sizes: 1/2” – 4”. Best of all, the MP748 can be moved or taken off the pipe by simply unlatching the spring. Mr. PEX strap-on thermometers are available at SupplyHouse.com.

Tank Tee Packages

Installing a well tank? Make the job easier with a tank tee package from SupplyHouse.com. Available in brass or bronze with solid or union construction, tank tee packages include everything you need. In addition to the tank tee, Boshart tank tee packages come with a sediment faucet, pressure gauge, pressure switch (30-50), nipple, relief valve, and (in select packages) a check valve. Boshart’s tank tee packages work with WELL-X-TROL pre-pressurized tanks from Amtrol.

Insinkerator Food Waste Disposers

Insinkerator Food Waste Disposers set the industry standard in garbage disposal technology. Insinkerator products offer an easy-to-install, affordable way to reduce garbage and help the environment. Insinkerator Evolution Series disposers operate up to 60% more quietly than traditional units. Their multiple grinding stages and powerful motors ensure that even vegetable peels and bones will be nearly liquefied.

Combination MANABLOC from Viega

Viega’s MANABLOC manifold makes plumbing with PEX easy. Models are available with 3/8" or 1/2" ports and either crimp, compression, or PEX Press port connections. With color-coded ports for simple identification of hot and cold lines, the MANABLOC also allows individual fixtures to be shut off without disrupting flow to the rest of the house. SupplyHouse.com offers MANABLOC packages that include the most common accessories.

For those who need different port sizes on the same MANABLOC, Viega produces Combination Compression MANABLOCs. They combine 3/8” hot and cold ports with 1/2” hot and cold ports. Port adapters must be used to create multiple port sizes on PEX press and crimp MANABLOCs.

Dryer Need a Boost?

Does it seem like it takes forever for your clothes to dry? The solution may be easier than you think. With a Fantech Dryer Booster Exhaust Fan from SupplyHouse.com you can cut down on clothes drying times and slash your utility bills.

Dryer Booster Fans are perfect for homes with long runs between the dryer and final venting point. Depending on the number of bends in the ductwork, booster fans may be necessary for runs longer than 15 feet. Mounted in-line, the fans automatically turn on when the dryer operates. Fantech’s Dryer Booster Fans carry a 5-year warranty. They counter the resistance of long duct-runs to speed up the venting of warm, moist air produced by dryers. Accounting for bends and elbows, most of Fantech’s Dryer Boost products work with runs of up to 130 feet.

High Altitude Products

In areas with high elevation, standard appliances may not be able to function properly. Before installing a boiler or water heater in a location with an altitude higher than 2,000 feet, it is a good idea to check the unit’s ratings. Depending on the manufacturer, standard boilers or water heaters can operate up anywhere up to 5,000 feet above sea level.

Models designed specifically for high altitude applications are available from certain manufacturers. Others require special parts or unique settings for units to work at full capacity in elevated locations. With some manufacturers, high altitude parts do not exist. Their units may operate at high altitudes, but at less than full capacity.

SupplyHouse.com can order high altitude models and parts from many manufacturers. For information on specific boilers or water heaters, consult their specifications. Contact our customer service department at 1-888-757-4774 for assistance ordering high altitude parts.

Another Advantage of Mini-Splits

Mini-split air conditioning systems operate on a simple concept: indoor units connected to outdoor condensing units with refrigerant line-sets. This creates some key advantages over traditional air conditioning systems. With mini-splits there is easy temperature control among zones, no ductwork, and no noisy units blocking windows.

The fact that indoor mini-split units receive their electrical power directly from the outdoor unit can be easy to overlook. But, when it comes to designing a room, this may be the biggest plus of installing a mini-split. Outdoor units usually require a dedicated circuit for power. Wiring will run, alongside the line-set, to each indoor unit. This means no plugs or wires will be visible in the living space.

SupplyHouse.com carries mini-split systems from all the top manufactures: Sanyo, LG, Fujitsu, and Panasonic.

Floor Sucking Pumps from Zoeller

Zoeller’s Utility Pumps are designed for non-continuous operation. They can be the perfect fix for basements or floors that only flood occasionally. Unlike sump pumps, utility pumps are immediate-use devices that should be unplugged after each use. Zoeller’s Floor Sucker Series Utility Pumps are lightweight and compact. They come in a variety of capacities and can be used indoors or outdoors. Users may stand the pumps on a flat surface or submerge them in water.

The LM44, Zoeller’s automatic Floor Sucker pump, adjusts its operation to the water levels around it. The pump turns on automatically every three minutes and runs for five seconds. If it senses water during those five seconds, it will pump the water down to 1/8”. If it does not, the pump will shut off.

Increase Efficiency with an OVD

With a Field Controls Oil Vent Damper (OVD), you can improve the efficiency of your heating system. The dampers, available in 4” – 8” sizes, can give you huge savings on your heating bill. Installed in vent piping between the draft control and chimney, the OVD opens automatically when your boiler runs. With two safety switches to ensure proper operation, the OVD remains open for 3 minutes after a call for heat ends. This allows all combustion gases to vent before the damper closes to prevent drafts and reduce heat loss. You can be sure that less heat will escape through vents and more will end up in the living space where it belongs.

Since it stops residual heat in the burner chamber from escaping through the chimney, the OVD can yield a 5% to 10% savings in energy costs, and up to a 2% gain in AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency). A seven-foot wiring harness is included. Oil Vent Dampers cannot be used with direct vent systems, sealed combustion systems, or vaporizing type burners.

Lift Gate Service for Heavy Items

If you order an unusually large or heavy item from SupplyHouse.com, it will likely ship via a freight carrier. These shipments bring the order straight to your home and are free for orders over $300 within the continental United States.

It can be difficult to take your water heater or boiler off the truck. If the truck is not equipped with a lift gate, getting the part to the ground can be impossible without a group of helpers. With lift gate service added to your order, we will make sure that the freight carrier arrives at the delivery site equipped with equipment to make it easy to place your new product on the ground.

A Special Guest at SupplyHouse.com

New to SupplyHouse.com, John Guest plastic Twist & Lock Speedfit Fittings offer lots of advantages. Composed of high-quality engineered plastic with EPDM o-rings, these fittings are lead-free and ideal for use with potable water. Twist & Lock fittings connect to PEX, copper, or CPVC without the need for any tools, making them perfect for small DIY jobs. As an added bonus, no tools are needed to disconnect the fittings.

The secret is Twist & Lock technology, which provides a secure seal. Just follow the manufacturer’s easy and detailed instructions to create leak-proof connections. For safe, strong, and easy-to-install fittings look no further than John Guest from SupplyHouse.com.

Sizing Copper Fittings

When selecting copper fittings for plumbing and heating applications, the inside diameter of the copper pipe is the only dimension to take into consideration. Copper classified as 1 inch pipe, for example, has an inside diameter of 1 inch. This means that if you must connect two pieces of 1 inch pipe with an elbow, you should use a 1” x 1” elbow. The elbow does not measure exactly 1 inch, but it accepts 1 inch copper.

The inside diameter (ID) and outside diameter (OD) of a piece of copper (pipe or fittings) differ by 1/8”. Therefore the 1” pipe will have an OD of 1-1/8”. In order to fit over the pipe, the 1” x 1” elbow will have an ID of slightly over 1-1/8”. Its OD, as a result, would be 1-1/4".

Keep in mind that these rules only apply to copper used for plumbing and heating. In air conditioning and refrigeration situations, copper is sized by outside diameter.

Stay Cool with Art from LG

With LG’s Art Cool mini-split air conditioning system, you can transform your air conditioner into a piece of art. Art Cool offers all the advantages of standard mini-split systems (quiet operation, no ductwork, zoning efficiency), while giving users unmatched design flexibility. All Art Cool systems control a single zone. Inverter indoor units are available with four different stylish finishes and capacities of up to 24,000 BTUs.

Picture frame models, with 9,000 and 12,000 BTU options, display a painting or photograph of your choice. The days of noisy, ugly air conditioners are over. With an Art Cool system from LG, your air conditioner will enhance the appearance of your room.