5 Heating Myths You Thought were True, but Actually Aren’t

 

Letting Hot Air In

We’ve all been there haven’t we? It’s hot outside, but the inside of your home is nice and cool. Then someone comes along and leaves the door open, thus allowing all the cool air to escape. As it turns out, that isn’t actually true. Heat travels from a warm space into a cooler area, never the other way around and the greater the temperature difference, the faster heat transfers. So during the winter months if you left your door open, you’re not letting the cold air in, you are in fact letting the heat out. Meanwhile in the summer, when you have the door open you are not letting the cool air out, you’re letting the heat in.

The Larger the System, the Faster My Space will Heat & with Greater Efficiency:

The old saying comes to mind, “bigger is always better”- not so when it comes to heating. Your system needs to be sized correctly in order for it to heat correctly; it’s as simple as that. If your system is oversized, the unit will short cycle or it will turn on and off rapidly. This actually causes the unit to use more energy and fuel than normal due to the motor’s start up amps and its firing rate, adding to premature parts failure.

Thermostat Location has no Effect on the System

In real estate the mantra is “location, location, location” – the same applies to the placement of your Thermostat. Let’s suppose that the thermostat was placed in the direct line of sunlight, say across from a window with the drapes pulled back. With the sun shining directly on it, the process of solar heat transfer takes effect, causing your thermostat to think it’s warmer in the room then it actually is.

Another bad place for your thermostat is the kitchen. Why you ask? Well, as your cooking the room becomes warmer, this also tricks the thermostat into thinking that it’s satisfying the demand for heat.

My Home will Heat up Faster if the Thermostat is Turned Way Up

Not so, once the unit is running turning up the thermostat will not make it run any harder. It’s important to remember that your thermostat is the equivalent of a light switch; it turns the unit on and off. Turning the temperature all the way up will only make you want to turn it back down later.

Turning the Heat down when you’re not Home Saves Money

This one is tricky because it seems to be so sensible, why not lower the temperature when you’re gone? I’d have to be saving some money right? Sadly this idea is simply not true, especially with condensing boilers. The temperature of the boiler is set according to the temperature outdoors. This means that you may actually waste more fuel and energy trying to reheat your space, than you would have if you left the temperature alone. So in reality this practice could increase your energy costs not reduce them.

5 Ways to Prepare for the Busy Season

Workbench at ACV Triangle Tube Headquarters 

Know what’s in your service truck

If you have been working in this industry for any amount of time, you probably look back and realize that every fall season is similar. Make sure that you have the key tools, meters, test equipment and service parts necessary to properly take care of your customers; complete the job and get paid. Not sure where to start? As you start taking on jobs, begin compiling a list.

Use the early season wisely

The late summer and early fall are great opportunities for you and your team to brush up on new products as well as on merchandise that your already using.  Wholesale distributors and manufacturers are more than willing to go over the features and benefits of the products that they offer and how those features can benefit both you and your clients. Dedicate time to participating in the training opportunities that are offered. Whether they’re factory trips, local training sessions, or product demonstrations; all are of great benefit.

Look back on last Winter

We have all had what I like to call “the last service call”. Towards the end of winter, you applied the final band-aid to an ageing boiler just to nurse it through the season.  Then spring and summer came. With the warm weather, vacation plans and air conditioning calls, those busted boilers’( Also known as potential sales) are pushed way back on the priority list. Now is the time to drag them all forward. Reach out to those customers before the heating season really picks up, and explain the importance and benefits of updating their boiler. An 11:30pm service call in November is not the time to pitch a sale.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions

For the most part, it wasn’t that long ago that all boilers were all very similar. They were a cast iron or a steel kettle of water, with a simple burner setup below it.  Gas valves and operating controls, though from different manufacturers, were all alike. However, with all the technological changes such as heat exchanger design, proprietary operating controls, and distinctive piping arrangements; everything is a little more unique. While these are all wonderful advances, it’s much more challenging, even for the best technician to remember all the specifics of any given product line. If you have a question, make a phone call. Manufacturers would much rather talk you through getting it right the first time than having repeat issues later on. Problems reflect poorly on you as the contractor and equally as negative on the name that’s on the product.

Think about efficiency

Not just boiler efficiency, but efficiency towards job performance. As an owner of a company, productivity equals profitability.  As an employee, efficiency can mean the difference between seeing your child’s game or working late (again). Not to mention that if you’re quick, you’re valuable.  Another mode of efficiency that is beginning to emerge is “Pre-building”.  Modern wall hung equipment is small and light enough to mount onto plywood in your shop where  the piping and wiring process can be started in an environment with the proper space, tools and parts necessary. With the correct use of unions, the boiler can then be removed from the assembled panel and transported in its original packaging, then re-hung once the panel itself is securely mounted in the client’s home. This not only saves time on the job, but also maintains a consistent quality build.

Making the best use of your time early in the season can keep you efficient and profitable throughout the year. Get the most out of your time and develop some good habits that will ease your work load and drive business.

Why Continuing Training for Plumbing/HVAC is Important

 

The inter-workings of the Prestige ACVMAX at Triangle Tube’s Training Facility in Blackwood, NJ

The Trends in Plumbing & HVAC

Today the market for reduced energy usage, higher efficiency, lower CO2 emissions and smaller footprints has turned the new equipment market place into an overhaul of technology. A change not seen in the U.S. since the early 80’s with the development of the sealed natural gas combustion chamber. In an effort to combat the rising costs of living, homeowners are exploring new ways to cut costs and increase savings. Standing pilot, naturally aspirated, and chimney vented options are all becoming obsolete, and replaced with negative pressure, modulating, and condensing appliances. With the ever changing shifts in technology, Plumbing and HVAC professionals must continually learn how to properly install, maintain, and service this equipment.

The Value of Continuing Training  

Ongoing training is a necessary overhead that helps professionals continue to learn and understand the product. Technicians that have a better understanding of what they’re selling are naturally more productive in servicing and troubleshooting equipment. A contractor who is comfortable with a product can thoroughly educate their customer and answer any questions they may have. This is a confidence builder for clients; it makes it clear that YOU KNOW what you’re talking about—resulting in increased sales, satisfied buyers, and repeat business.

The Traditional Classroom

Outside of trial and error, classroom training is arguably the best foundation for producing knowledgeable service professionals. It arms you with the tools necessary to quickly troubleshoot any issues you may encounter in the field. This is also a great way for Contractors to get to know the manufacturers and distributors behind the product. It’s information, guidelines, tips and tricks directly from the source. While you can get a simple overview from a product brochure, that information is meant to complement the hands on experience you get in a training classroom.

An added benefit is that skilled instructors know that no two classes are alike. This allows the Product Specialists to mold their training courses to fit the needs of audience. That’s something a product pamphlet just can’t do.

The Virtual Training Center

The internet has become a useful tool for training. The fact that most people carry smart phones and tablets with them everywhere they go means that information is readily available 24/7. For Field Technicians, tools like a frequently asked questions section for troubleshooting or product training videos are a must. While these are no substitute for the classroom, certain circumstances may prevent a contractor from attending a traditional training session. In a world where everything is quote “instantaneous”, professionals cannot be limited to training just in classrooms.

Whether your Young or Old, Amateur or Pro; everyone can benefit from a little training.

Preseason Contractor Kick-off

Yes it’s that time of year again. Fall is upon us. With that comes an overwhelming number of service calls, product installations, and angry homeowners who don’t understand why their unit has stopped working.(When was the last time you actually DID some maintenance Mr/Mrs. homeowner?) This is arguably the busiest (and the most stressful) time of year for anyone in the heating and HVAC industry. However, service professionals make due with the season by enjoying the simple things, pumpkin flavored everything, cooler weather, and most of all-Football.

At Triangle Tube, installers and contractors are the real MVP’s. So we’re giving you a chance to score 2 tickets to an NFL game of your choice in our Best Install Video Contest! 

For rules & entry details please see below.

OFFICIAL RULES

CONTEST PERIOD: “Show Us Your Best Install Contest” begins 12:01pm Eastern Standard Time (EST) on 08/10/16 and ends at 11:59pm EST on 9/30/16.

ELIGIBILITY: Contestant must be a licensed contractor who is affiliated with one of our wholesale partners; homeowners, “handymen”, unlicensed contractors and etc. do not qualify. Contestant must first like/follow us on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn to be eligible to win.

METHOD OF ENTRY: The contestant must post a short video, 2 minutes or less, of their Triangle Tube product installation on either one of our social media pages. Videos CANNOT contain, depict or make mention of competitor’s products regardless of the application. Sponsor reserves the right to remove any videos that contain crude content, nudity, profanity, negative publicity, or false information in reference to Triangle Tube as an entity or any of its products. Poor quality videos are also subject to removal.  Any removed videos will result in automatic disqualification from the contest. Videos posted outside the entry period will also not be accepted. Limit one entry per person.

WINNER SELECTION: On or about 10/05/16, panel of judges will select a potential winner.

WINNER NOTIFICATION: Potential winner will be notified via message through the social media channel the contestant used to make a submission. Once notified, the potential winner has 10 days to respond.  In the event that the Sponsor is unable to establish contact with potential winner or potential winner is not in compliance with these Official Rules, the prize will be forfeited and, at Sponsor’s discretion, an alternate winner may be selected.

PRIZE:  The winner will receive 2 tickets (valued at up to $100 each, $200 total) to a local NFL game of their choice (excluding playoffs, Superbowl, holidays or special events). Sponsor will contact winner and will gather details to conduct ticket purchasing and make reception arrangements. Upon receipt of prize, winner will be required to send confirmation in the form of an email acknowledging reception of prize. In the event that tickets are unavailable or the ticket price exceeds allotted value, the winner will receive a gift card in lieu of tickets in the amount of $200.00 Winner is responsible for all applicable federal, state and local taxes, if any, as well as any other costs and expenses associated with prize acceptance and use not specified herein as being provided.  All prize details are at Sponsor’s sole discretion.

OTHER: Contest is sponsored by ACV Triangle Tube.  No Purchase Necessary. Purchase does not enhance chances of winning. Subject to all federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Void where prohibited. All disputes arising or connected with the Contest shall be governed by New Jersey law and will be resolved individually, without resort to class action.  All entry materials become the property of Sponsor and will not be acknowledged or returned. The copyright in any Submission shall remain the property of the entrant, but, in exchange for the possibility of publication of the Submission on Triangle Tube’s website or social media channels, entry in this Contest constitutes entrant’s irrevocable, perpetual permission and consent to Sponsor and others authorized by Sponsor, without compensation or attribution, (i) to use, reproduce, print, publish, transmit, communicate to the public, distribute, perform, adapt, enhance, or display the Submission and the entrant’s name and city and state for editorial, advertising, commercial, and publicity purposes, in any and all media now in existence or hereinafter created, throughout the world; (ii) to do (or omit to do) any acts in respect of the Submission which may otherwise constitute an infringement of the entrant’s moral rights; and (iii) to edit, adapt, and modify the Submission. Except to the extent prohibited by law, Sponsor excludes from these official rules all conditions, warranties, and terms implied by statute, general law, or custom. Each entrant releases and discharges the Sponsor, the judges, any party associated with the development or administration of the Contest, their employees, agents, or representatives, or any of their parents, subsidiaries, or affiliates from any and all liability in connection with the Contest, including, without limitation, legal claims, costs, losses or damages, demand, or actions of any kind. Sponsor retains the right to make changes or additions as seen fit.