PHC News

Feature

John Akhoian Has a Better Plan B

Rooter Hero purposefully grows its business by looking out for the future of its workforce.

February 5, 2020

Considering the success John Akhoian, CEO of Rooter Hero Plumbing, has had, no one would think that a plumbing career was anything other than his plan right from the get-go.

Feature

Contractor Collaboration Publishes Safety Practices Guide

Installers and academic researchers partner to improve worker safety by preventing injuries, illnesses and fatalities.

February 5, 2020

Steve Smith

No Comments

A collaborative effort spearheaded in part by McKinstry Co. and Comfort Systems USA Northwest has published a free download designed to improve safety within the mechanical contracting industry.

Feature

Rinnai Installation Solves Resort’s No Hot Water Headaches

The job is the company’s largest commercial tankless installation and included a total of 214 appliances.

February 5, 2020

Steve Smith

No Comments

After a long day hiking Utah’s Bryce Canyon National Park, all any of the guests at nearby Ruby’s Inn want is a nice hot shower. The problem for managers of the 700-room resort was everybody wanted to take that nice hot shower at the same time.

Showroom Excellence

Evolution and Extinction

I believe that the engagement of plumbers can only help your showroom business — if it is done correctly.

February 3, 2020

Jeff MacDowell

No Comments

None of us is an island. We — and our organizations — have a much better chance of reaching our performance potential when we surround ourselves with carefully selected people and partners.

Feature

‘Reservicing’ Buckingham Palace

Or, how to spend almost half a billion dollars retrofitting woefully outdated mechanical systems in a home that dates back to 1703.

February 5, 2020

Steve Smith

No Comments

Buckingham Palace undergoes 10-year, $485 million to update aging electrical, heating in other mechanical systems.

Feature

New Ulm High School’s Hydronic System Earns an A+

New HVAC system provides comfort for 1,000 students – and even a school of fish in the new greenhouse.

February 5, 2020

John Vastyan

No Comments

The new, New Ulm High School, a modern beauty constructed at a cost of $47 million, won high praise after its completion last year.

Feature

AI Enables Service Firms to Get Ahead of the Game

Prepare for the next batch of technologies and make significant investments in field service management software.

February 5, 2020

Sarah Nicastro

No Comments

When we think of artificial intelligence (AI), we usually think of robots and autonomous systems interacting with the physical world, or a central brain that runs the entirety of business operations.

Feature

Resideo Launches Integrated Home Automation App

Honeywell spinoff looks to unify smart home market with one platform that controls HVAC, water, air quality and security.

February 5, 2020

Steve Smith

No Comments

Last December, about a thousand home professionals gathered in Austin, Texas for the launch of the Resideo Home app, one whole-home monitor to control HVAC, water, air quality and security.

Contractor Stories

The Inevitable Transition

When the physicality of the work takes its toll on your body, it’s time to start thinking about that next chapter in your career.

February 5, 2020

Stephen Minnich

No Comments

When the physicality of the work takes its toll on your body, it’s time to start thinking about that next chapter in your career

Contractor Profit Advantage

Attitude Affects Assets

Owners are responsible for laying the groundwork necessary for techs to have positive attitudes.

February 5, 2020

Richard DiToma

No Comments

Regardless of whether you are a sole owner, partner or employee of the business that pays you for your labors, your attitude is vital to your future.

Radiant Insider

Future Energy, Multifuel Options

Become the expert in your community on using renewable energy sources such as solar PV for water or space heating.

February 5, 2020

Bob Hot Rod Rohr

No Comments

I predict a big swing in energy sources in the upcoming years. Splashed across the news on a regular basis these days is the push toward electricity as the primary energy source.

Business Uncomplicated

Women in Plumbing Profile: Chasity Chipman

Positive role models and support from family and trades colleagues lead to a rewarding career for this young woman.

February 5, 2020

Ellen Rohr

No Comments

I’m committed to promoting young people and women in our fine industry. It’s why I am delighted to introduce you to Chasity Chipman.

The Future is Now

Modern Community Models

Reducing carbon footprints and increasing resiliency.

February 3, 2020

BF Nagy

No Comments

My last two columns have, instead, reviewed the critical modern technologies shaping our 2010s and 2020s built environment. It’s time to return to some actual projects.

Alternative Energy

Finding Carbon Neutral

Purchasing renewable energy certificates may not be the best way to address the issue.

February 5, 2020

Max Rohr

No Comments

Is a carbon-neutral city possible? What would a city have to do to achieve the lofty building standards? How much would it have to rely on purchasing renewable energy certificates (RECs) to get there?

Solar Solutions

‘Solar-Only’ Hydronic Heating in Buildings

Intermittent occupancy patterns give solar hydronic combisystems a chance to conserve energy and save money.

February 3, 2020

Bristol Stickney

No Comments

A simple solar domestic water heater can easily be switched into solar-only mode by turning off the conventional (backup) heat source.

FEBCO ArmorTek

December 20, 2019

No Comments

FEBCO has announced the addition of the ArmorTek advanced coating system to its ductile iron backflow preventer valves.

Weil-McLain Stainless Vertical Firetube (SVF) Boilers

September 4, 2019

No Comments

The company has added four larger sizes to its new state-of-the-art boiler line featuring industry-leading efficiency, ease of installation and maintenance.

Milwaukee Tool Torch with Nitrus Carbide for Cast Iron

January 14, 2020

No Comments

Engineered to cut up to three times longer than existing standard carbide teeth reciprocating saw blades, the new blades can tackle even the toughest applications on the job like cast iron removals.

Triangle Tube Instinct Boiler

June 20, 2019

No Comments

The new product is engineered and manufactured with reliability in mind and completes a state-of-the-art reliability validation, which includes environmental testing of sub-assemblies, stress testing, and simulated testing of appliances.

Barracuda Watertight Toilet Flanges

January 17, 2020

No Comments

The product can help stop leaking raw sewage, property damage, and disease-laden bug ingress that causes personal injury.

General Pipe Cleaners Sewerooter T-4

January 8, 2020

No Comments

The popular product clears 3- to 6-inch inside lines up to 100 feet long.

Eemax ProSeries XTP

June 12, 2019

No Comments

As a thermostatic heater, the new ProSeries XTP handles a multitude of variable or fixed-flow applications and may also serve as a booster, or within a recirculation loop.