Sign up for ‘Selling Energy Efficiency in Today’s Marketplace’ roundtable session at AHR Chicago

Phc News is proud to present the brightest minds in the plumbing, heating/hydronics and mechanical industries, covering the hottest trend in the industry — Selling Energy Efficiency in Today’s Marketplace. Don’t miss the FREE session at the 2012 AHR show in Chicago, January 24 at 9 a.m. Moderated by Ellen Rohr, industry leaders Dan Foley, John Barba, Dave Yates, Bob ‘hot rod’ Rohr and Eric Aune will lend their unique perspectives and personalities to discuss how to integrate energy efficient products and technology into the lexicon of your business, and then how to successfully promote and sell energy efficiency, especially in today’s uncertain marketplace. From alternative energy sources to energy efficient system installations and applications, this FREE educational session will help attendees run a more “efficient” business.

Sign up at www.cds1976.com/ahrexpo.

RPA to join IAPMO group

Ontario, Calif. — The Radiant Panel Association (RPA) has reached agreement with the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) to work together to expand a burgeoning market, furthering the goals and objectives of an important facet of the heating and cooling industry.

RPA and IAPMO have contracted for IAPMO to acquire key RPA assets, pending ratification of the agreement by the RPA membership. The RPA board has voted to enthusiastically recommend that membership support the agreement for the expanded benefits it will promulgate on behalf of the industry. Aided by the assets acquired, IAPMO will be able to service the industry needs of the RPA membership as IAPMO does for the plumbing, mechanical, swimming pool, spa, hot tub and solar industries.

The manufacturers, distributors, designers, dealers and installers of radiant panel heating and cooling systems and components that are presently members of the RPA will have the opportunity to join IAPMO. With IAPMO, radiant panel industry members will take part in an expanded scope of activity symbolized by an updated logo created by IAPMO. The RPA seeks to facilitate communication and cooperation among those interested in the advancement of the radiant panel heating and cooling industry, primarily in North America. These efforts will now be led by IAPMO.

As the sponsor of the American National Standard-designated Uniform Plumbing Code® (UPC), Uniform Mechanical Code® (UMC), Uniform Solar Energy Code® (USEC) and Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Code® (USPC), IAPMO members are dedicated to working in concert with government and industry for safe, sanitary plumbing and mechanical systems. In addition to product testing and listing services, IAPMO also develops standards, delivers technical education in support of its codes and standards and certifies journeymen and inspectors.

Incoming members will immediately have the tenure of their RPA membership recognized in good standing by IAPMO, as well as receiving the added new advantage of becoming IAPMO members, with accompanying benefits including:

• A role in shaping the codes that govern the design, installation, methods and materials employed by the plumbing, mechanical and solar systems in our homes and businesses

• Access to a team of technical experts to provide answers and analysis

• Professional publications delivering timely news and critical technical information

• Expanded networking opportunities

• Enhanced visibility for the Radiant Professionals Alliance worldwide

IAPMO’s desire to advance the mission of the RPA members after the RPA ceases to exist and to maintain the services to which they have been accustomed is perceived as a win-win for the membership of both associations.

Rinnai conducts water heating survey

Peachtree City, Ga. — Rinnai Corporation announced the results of its recent survey on consumer water heating trends. The survey, which posed a series of water heating-related questions to homeowners from across the country, confirmed the importance of hot water to a home and revealed that 92 percent of survey respondents would be interested in purchasing a tankless water heater after learning about the benefits it offered. The survey determined that the most compelling reason to buy a tankless water heater is the energy savings associated with the unit; however, the longer lifespan of tankless models compared to tank water heaters and a tankless unit’s ability to provide endless hot water only when needed are also top purchase drivers.

Additional takeaways from the survey include the following:

Almost three-quarters of respondents stated they would view a broken water heater as very problematic, and more than 90 percent would make repairing or replacing a broken water heater their highest priority.

More than one-third of respondents stated they are most likely to run out of hot water due to increased demand (ie Showers used more than normal or multiple hot water appliances used at the same time).

The misconception that tankless water heaters provide instant hot water at the tap continues to persist -- 71 percent of respondents believed it to be true.

Many homeowners are unaware of the major benefits that tankless water heaters offer.

Although 83 percent of respondents stated that the energy savings provided by a tankless water heater would be one of their top reasons for purchasing a unit, almost half did not realize the units could offer up to 40

percent energy savings prior to the survey.

Approximately 60 percent of participants did not know that tankless water heaters have a lifespan of 20 years or more.

42 percent of respondents did not know that tankless water heaters supply ample hot water for garden tubs and high-flow showers.

For more information on Rinnai, visit www.rinnai.us.