Field evaluation: PEX vs. copper piping Gerber launches ‘75 years of  Professional Performance’ campaign MCAA to provide technical and implementation assistance to Clinton Climate Initiative Emcor Group expands presence of fire protection services NAOHSM event  draws record crowd

Field evaluation: PEX vs. copper piping

The rising cost of copper has recently boosted the appeal of plastic piping alternatives like cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) among builders. In a field study of copper and PEX water supply systems, the NAHB Research Center and the Partnership for Advancing Technology in Housing (PATH) partnered with builder Fernando Pages to provide a definitive comparison of the installation time, material cost, and performance of each in single-family homes. 

Testing began in June 2005 at Liberty Village, an urban infill community developed by Pages’ Brighton Construction in Lincoln, Neb. Five test homes shared the same architectural plan; 1,500 sq. ft. with two full baths on the second floor, a kitchen sink, powder room, two hose bibbs on the first floor and clothes washer hookups in the basement. Plumbing systems were installed by the same plumbing general with experience in both PEX and copper. A traditional trunk and branch system was used with 1/2-inch and 3/4-inch copper and a home-run system with 1/2-inch and 3/8-inch PEX.

A time-in-motion study was conducted to assess the time required for various tasks associated with each system. PEX’s home-run system of flexible sweeps and limited joints offered significant installation time savings over copper, which required additional man-hours for fittings to be sweated. Since both systems had comparable flow rates, performance results were marked by PEX’s faster hot water delivery, an average of 30% for the lavatory furthest from the hot water heater. Comparisons of materials costs at the time of this study revealed that copper was somewhat less expensive primarily because of the added cost of the central manifold for PEX and the limited availability of PEX materials in the local plumbing supply. Overall, installation and material costs for PEX were 26% less than copper on average in identical houses.

The final report detailing field results, costs and a full listing of time-in-motion factors is now available. For the full report, visit the Field Evaluation section of the ToolBase Services website, at www.toolbase.org/Field-Evaluations/Brighton-Construction-Liberty-Village.

Gerber launches ‘75 years of  Professional Performance’ campaign

During 2007, Gerber Plumbing Fixtures llc is celebrating its 75th anniversary and launching a national search for plumbing contracting firms who have reached or exceeded the same 75-year milestone. Gerber plans to honor these firms as part of its “75 Years of Professional Performance” campaign, and as a gesture of gratitude to the entire plumbing trade…the real source of Gerber’s longevity and success.

“Reaching our 75th Anniversary is truly a significant achievement and a testament to the plumbing trade, which provides so many important, professional services to communities nationwide,” said Ila Lewis, Chairman of the Board and granddaughter of founder Max Gerber. “There’s no doubt in my mind, my grandfather would have wanted us to celebrate our own momentous achievements side by side with those plumbers achieving the same impressive mark, especially because he built the company on relationships with and loyalty to plumbing contractors and wholesalers,” continued Lewis.

75 years -- say it loud and proud

Gerber is asking all plumbing contracting firms that have been in business for 75 years or more to participate in the campaign, regardless of whether they have ever been Gerber users. To do so, eligible firms can complete a brief entry form by logging on to www.gerber75years.com between May 15, 2007 and September 15, 2007. Contractor firms can also provide information about their company by completing a simple printed entry form throughout the duration of the campaign, available from their nearest Gerber wholesaler or rep.

Every plumbing contracting firm that submits company information to participate in the “75 Years of Professional Performance” campaign will be contacted by Gerber for additional facts, interesting anecdotes, photos and/or other information on the proud heritage and history of their company.

75th Anniversary Sweepstakes Prizes and Recognition

All eligible plumbing contracting firms participating in the campaign will be entered into a drawing for a grand prize of $2,500 in Gerber product purchased through a Gerber wholesaler. They will also be featured in a national press announcement to all trade publications, including a photo of the $2,500 check presentation. Five additional prizes of $250 in Gerber product will be awarded to participating contractors.

All “75-Year” plumbing contracting firms that enter will receive a commemorative gift from Gerber. In addition, Gerber will send a press release to newspapers and other media outlets in each company’s hometown to generate positive local publicity and pay tribute to the firm’s accomplishments and endurance in the industry and their community.

For more information, call 630/754-0278 or visit www.gerberonline.com.

MCAA to provide technical and implementation assistance to Clinton Climate Initiative

The Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Clinton Climate Initiative of the William J. Clinton Foundation to provide technical assistance for the development and implementation of the Energy Efficiency Building Retrofit Program. MCAA president David J. Kruse joined former President Bill Clinton, mayor of New York Michael R. Bloomberg, and mayor of London Ken Livingstone for the announcement of the landmark Energy Efficiency Building Retrofit Program, designed to reduce energy consumption in existing buildings and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Under the Memorandum of Understanding, MCAA will lend its expertise and experience to the Clinton Climate Initiative as it endeavors to provide large cities with world-class technical assistance on an array of actions that cities might implement to lower greenhouse gas emissions.

“Climate change is a global problem that requires local action,” said President Clinton. “The businesses, banks and cities partnering with my foundation are addressing the issue of global warming because it’s the right thing to do, but also because it’s good for their bottom line. They’re going to save money, make money, create jobs and have a tremendous collective impact on climate change all at once. I’m proud of them for showing leadership on the critical issue of climate change and I thank them for their commitment to this new initiative.”

“MCAA  views our work with the Clinton Climate Initiative as a great opportunity to show the world what mechanical contractors can do to help solve one of the most pressing issues of our time,” said MCAA president David J. Kruse.

Urban areas are responsible for approximately 75% of all energy use and greenhouse gas emissions in the world. Buildings account for nearly 40% of global greenhouse gas emissions, and in cities that percentage is even higher. In newer cities buildings can account for 50% of greenhouse gas emissions and in older cities 70%.

The Energy Efficiency Building Retrofit Program will provide both cities and private owners access to the necessary funds to retrofit existing buildings with more energy efficient products, typically leading to energy savings between 20 and 50%. In the United States, where the market for energy retrofits for municipal buildings has existed for 25 years, less than 1% of the potential market is being tapped.

The Energy Efficiency Building Retrofit Program, a project of the Clinton Climate Initiative, brings together the world’s four largest energy service companies (ESCOS) with five of the world’s largest banks to retrofit buildings initially in sixteen of the world’s largest cities. The banking partners have committed to arrange $1 billion in financing each for a total of $5 billion for this program, more than doubling the current market for building retrofits. The financing will be repaid from the energy savings that the retrofit projects will achieve.

Initial participating cities in the United States and Canada are Chicago, Houston, New York and Toronto.

The energy service companies will compete to do audits of municipal and large private buildings in participating cities and identify opportunities to make them more energy efficient. They will also guarantee the energy savings that will come from the retrofit projects that they manage. Other ESCOS, contractors, manufacturers and suppliers will participate as the retrofits move forward.

MCAA  serves the needs of approximately 2,300 firms involved in heating, air conditioning, refrigeration, plumbing, piping and mechanical service. MCAA  includes the Mechanical Service Contractors of America, the Plumbing Contractors of America, the National Certified Pipe Welding Bureau, and the Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Emcor Group expands presence of fire protection services

S.A. Comunale, one of the leading fire protection, inspection and service providers in the country has opened an office in Washington, D.C., increasing its presence throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.

Based in Akron, Ohio, and with offices in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Michigan and West Virginia, Comunale is a wholly owned subsidiary of EMCOR Group Inc., a Fortune 500 leader in mechanical and electrical construction, energy infrastructure and facilities services for a diverse range of businesses globally. S.A. Comunale is a key component within EMCOR’s “Fire Protection Solutions” offering which helps protect two of the most important components of any business: people and physical assets.

“At Comunale, we have developed a full-service culture that provides tailored solutions for individual customers,” said Stephen A. Comunale, president and chief executive officer of Comunale. “By establishing a permanent presence in the Washington, D.C. area, we are ensuring that EMCOR clients in the region are able to fully benefit from our technical expertise.”

Comunale provides a full array of fire protection and mechanical services including design, installation and maintenance services for fire protection, alarm detection and special hazard systems as well as mechanical construction services for hvac, plumbing, process piping and design build applications. It has established a long-standing reputation as a premier construction and services company, with leading positions in the commercial, healthcare, government and higher education markets.

The new D.C. office of Comunale will be under the direction of Mike Hughes, who has been named branch manager.  With over 20 years of experience within the fire projection industry, Mr. Hughes previously served as a Sales and Project Manager in Comunale’s Philadelphia office where he was responsible for numerous major projects across a range of market sectors such as retail, healthcare, education, and commercial, and for clients such as for The National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasure Center, and The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease.

Founded in 1940, S.A. Comunale is one of the nation’s premier fire protection and mechanical services providers, with leading positions in the commercial, healthcare, government and higher education markets. The company provides a full array of fire protection and mechanical services including design, installation and maintenance services for fire protection, alarm detection and special hazard systems as well as mechanical construction services for HVAC, plumbing, process piping and design build applications. Based in Akron, Ohio, S.A. Comunale maintains main branches in Columbus, Ohio, Philadelphia and Reading, Pa., and Washington, D.C., as well as nine other branch offices. EMCOR represents a combination of global reach with local execution, combining the strength of an industry leader with the knowledge and care of 27,000 skilled employees at 140 locations worldwide. Additional information on EMCOR can be found at www.emcorgroup.com.

               

NAOHSM event  draws record crowd

The National Association of Oil Heating Service Managers (NAOHSM) annual convention  held its 54th annual event May 20-24. 

The first day began with a full day of events. There were management classes throughout the day; and the 2nd Annual Care to Ride Event that benefits Oil Heat Cares raised $75,000. A motorcycle division was added to the event. Later that evening, an opening reception was held, and the officers were recognized with a reception and a cocktail party sponsored by Wilo.

Attendees had an opportunity to attend a variety of educational classes. There were technical classes, AC classes, customer service classes and a class just for students and their instructors. Most of the classes earned valuable nora ceus for attendees. 

The halls and two exhibit areas, as well as the outdoor areas, were packed with the latest in oil heating equipment, supplies and services.  Attendance at the event was up by 6% over the previous year. 

Tuesday evening the association hosted its annual Awards Banquet.  The 2007 winners included:  Instructor of the Year -- Nick Domiano, hvac instructor at the North Montco Career Technical Center, Lansdale, Pa.; Associate of the Year -- Mark Collins, New Haven Chapter, Oxford, Conn. is a regional technical representative for Burnham Hydronics Corp. Manufacturer of the Year -- Buderus; Service Manager of the Year -- Ralph Adams, Mid-Atlantic Chapter, employed by Parker Fuel and a vice president of NAOHSM and Hugh McKee Award -- Bob Plante, Rhode Island Chapter and a special Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to John Griffin, Nassau-Suffolk Chapter. 

The Dave Nelsen Scholarship awards were announced, and three of the eight winners were present to receive the $2,000 award.

The final day closed with more of the trade show and the closing finale, co-sponsored with Spirotherm.