Hydronic

Mickelson Plumbing & Heating, Missoula, Montana, specializes in plumbing, HVAC and boiler service, and high-efficiency systems. Starting his own business out of necessity, or perhaps the illusion of it, Andy Mickelson (@mick_plumb) launched Mickelson Plumbing & Heating New Year’s Day, 2011. I guess you could say it’s all part of Mickelson’s fabric and mental make-up—there Read more

Mickelson Plumbing & Heating, Missoula, Montana, specializes in plumbing, HVAC and boiler service, and high-efficiency systems.

Starting his own business out of necessity, or perhaps the illusion of it, Andy Mickelson (@mick_plumb) launched Mickelson Plumbing & Heating New Year’s Day, 2011. I guess you could say it’s all part of Mickelson’s fabric and mental make-up—there is no end result other than success. “I am a terrible loser; I hate not winning daily,” says Mickelson.

Mickelson Plumbing & Heating, Andy Mickelson, plumbing, heating, HVAC, hydronic, boilers, Missoula Montana

Turning the clock back to where it all began, Mickelson was eight years old when he got his taste of real hard work, helping out his father, a remodeling contractor. “It was easy to have my brothers and me helping out, and at that time, we were eager to get dirty and learn how to build things, and THAT has never stopped,” says Mickelson.

Soaking up knowledge whenever he had the chance, Mickelson has had many great mentors in his first shop, and the UA produces an incredible brotherhood of knowledgeable folks. “Dick Darne was one of the Journeyman that I learned the most from; he had a hip replacement, and a few weeks later I began my service career, carrying his tool bag and being his hands in the field when he couldn’t. All I had to do was listen to directions and retain the methods of his madness. The troubleshooting tactics I learned in a roundabout way were invaluable.”

Today’s Landscape

Nearly 10 years after venturing on his own, who could’ve ever foreseen the situation we are faced with today? “The first quarter was one of the best we’ve ever seen, but April produced only 68% of the average business produced in the first three months of the year,” says Mickelson.

Mickelson Plumbing & Heating, Andy Mickelson, plumbing, heating, HVAC, hydronic, boilers, Missoula Montana

Thankfully, Montana has seen fewer COVID-19 cases than the rest of the country, and the state has re-opened for business. But that’s not to say Mickelson isn’t taking the necessary PPE precautions, and Mickelson is screening all customers at this time. “For the most part, we are not taking on work that can be postponed.”

In general, needless to say, Mickelson loves what he does—creating solutions for his customers. “Service work allows me to do that several times a day. It’s a good thing.”

Mickelson Plumbing & Heating, Andy Mickelson, plumbing, heating, HVAC, hydronic, boilers, Missoula Montana

But thinking of going out on your own? A heavily-involved Boy Scout leader, Mickelson suggests taking its motto to heart—Be Prepared. “Plan, Plan, Plan. There are fantastic resources available to help people prepare to start a business. USE THEM! Also, you have to answer the simple question, am I ready to be a business owner first and a plumber second? If yes, then proceed. If no, rethink the approach get your mind right. Businesses hire good plumbers, not the other way around.”

Mickelson Plumbing & Heating, Andy Mickelson, plumbing, heating, HVAC, hydronic, boilers, Missoula Montana

And those who are thinking of getting into the trades? “Do it, unless you have a better plan that actually pays,” says Mickelson, but he stresses that we need to kill the stigma that the trades are all about hard work. Concerning to Mickelson, those who discourage others from entertaining the idea of becoming a tradesman based on the work being too tough or man’s work. “Anyone who indulges in this tactic is merely afraid of their own deficiencies and nervous about being replaced by someone who may work smarter or harder.”

Mickelson Plumbing & Heating, Andy Mickelson, plumbing, heating, HVAC, hydronic, boilers, Missoula Montana

Sure, there are aspects that are hard, continues Mickelson, but with continued education and exerting oneself, reaching a higher level of employment in the trades is a real possibility. Good work ethics and attitude are noticed—one may not hear about it—but it doesn’t go unnoticed. And, share the knowledge others have shared with you. “I have always found that it is far easier to share knowledge with a willing listener than it is to intentionally with hold it,” says Mickelson.

Mickelson’s career has afforded him a good life with his wife and two kids. “Family time is my favorite. Second would be exercising my 2nd Amendment rights. Both of which usually occur outdoors.”

Mickelson Plumbing & Heating, Andy Mickelson, plumbing, heating, HVAC, hydronic, boilers, Missoula Montana

Yet balancing work/family life is a careful endeavor for Mickelson. “It’s really easy for family to take a back seat and be lost in the hustle. I traditionally try to make sure that work is done during the day and that my ‘Night Shift’ doesn’t start until everyone has begun to wind down for the night. All in all, business has taught me to use my time efficiently, and set priorities, Family, friends, money, seems to be a good flow.

All in all, waking up every day is a blessing for Mickelson. “I’ve told my kids for years that they are the only person who can make their day a bad day, so go into battle and aim for a great day, and worst-case scenario it’ll be OK.”

Designed for sustainable underground or under-slab fluid transfer in a variety of hydronic heating, cooling and potable-water systems, Uponor Ecoflex® is an easy-to-install, dependable, energy-saving solution for any residential or commercial application. Available with service pipe from 1″ up to 4″ and insulation thicknesses up to 2″, Ecoflex can help comply with ASHRAE 90.1-2013 and Read more

Designed for sustainable underground or under-slab fluid transfer in a variety of hydronic heating, cooling and potable-water systems, Uponor Ecoflex® is an easy-to-install, dependable, energy-saving solution for any residential or commercial application. Available with service pipe from 1″ up to 4″ and insulation thicknesses up to 2″, Ecoflex can help comply with ASHRAE 90.1-2013 and International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) requirements.

Visit uponorpro.com to learn more.

While PEX has been used for more than 40 years in radiant heating applications, it’s now getting more traction in commercial hydronic heating and cooling applications as well. Contractors and engineers are beginning to spec and install PEX for distribution piping to various terminal units, such as fan coils, reheat coils, heat pumps, baseboard radiators Read more

While PEX has been used for more than 40 years in radiant heating applications, it’s now getting more traction in commercial hydronic heating and cooling applications as well. Contractors and engineers are beginning to spec and install PEX for distribution piping to various terminal units, such as fan coils, reheat coils, heat pumps, baseboard radiators and chilled beams.

However, while PEX is thoroughly tested and proven in the field, it can sometimes be misunderstood. Many wonder if a plastic pipe can really compete with, let alone outperform, metallic piping in these types of applications.

So, to make it easy, I’ve outlined a few important facts you should know before installing PEX in a hydronic distribution piping application.

All PEX is not the same

Professional PEX products fall into three categories: PEX-a, PEX-b and PEX-c. Of those three, PEX-a, manufactured using the Engel Method, has the highest degree of consistent crosslinking — at 80 percent. This produces a pipe that is more flexible and more durable with thermal and elastic memory properties.

Understanding thermal and elastic memory

Thermal memory is the ability to repair accidental kinks in the PEX-a piping with a controlled heating source, such as a heat gun. The controlled heat quickly eliminates the kink in minutes, while the pipe is restored to its original durability.

Elastic memory refers specifically to how PEX-a piping will quickly return to its original dimensions after expansion. This allows the use of the exceptionally strong, ASTM F1960 fitting connection.

In creating a PEX-a connection, the installer uses a specially made expansion tool to enlarge the diameter of the pipe, so that a fitting with a slightly larger internal diameter can be inserted. The pipe quickly compresses over the fitting, creating a durable connection that actually strengthens over time.

Just as important: Because the fitting diameter is a bit larger than the pipe diameter, “dry-fit” pipe connections are physically impossible. This eliminates the problem when an installer neglects to solder or glue a fitting in a copper or CPVC system, resulting in costly leaks inside the walls of a completed project. An ASTM F1960 fitting requires the connection be fully made, permitting quick visual confirmation.

The difference with expansion fittings

Unlike with metallic pipe, an expansion fitting is actually the strongest part of a PEX-a system. It will not leak. In fact, pull testing shows that even 3,000 pounds of force with over 13 inches of displacement does not compromise the integrity of the ASTM F1960 PEX-a connection. In all likelihood, there would be a catastrophic failure of the building structure before enough force is applied to break that connection.

Using hangers and supports

PEX-a pipe can be hung at similar intervals as metallic pipe. It’s true that other plastic piping systems typically require supports every 32 inches. Some manufacturers, however, offer PEX-a pipe supports — a galvanized steel channel that provides continuous support in suspended-piping applications. This support allows PEX-a to behave just like a metallic piping system in many ways, including hanger spacing: ½-inch and ¾-inch PEX-a pipe can be hung at 6-foot intervals; 1-inch through 3-inch pipe, at 8-foot intervals.

Addressing expansion and contraction

The PEX-a pipe support controls the natural expansion and contraction that occurs as the piping heats and cools. Used in conjunction with manufacturer-recommended installation practices, the pipe support allows PEX-a to undergo an expansion rate equal to or, in some cases, less than that of copper.

Temperature and pressure considerations

PEX-a is rated for continuous operation at 200°F at 80 psi. Any hydronic application with water temperatures at or below this value is perfectly applicable for the product.

Fire-resistant construction ratings

PEX-a is ASTM E84-rated for flame- and smoke-resistance inside a non-ducted, return-air plenum. This also applies to fire stopping. For more information regarding these listings, please contact the manufacturer.

Codes and standards compliance

PEX-a is compliant with all codes and standards that pertain to it, be they in the International family (IBC, IRC, IMC, IPC) or the Uniform family (UMC, UPC, CPC) of U.S. Codes.

To learn more about Uponor’s solutions, visit uponor.com.

Kim Bliss with UponorKim Bliss is the content development manager at Uponor. She can be reached at kim.bliss@uponor.com.

https://youtu.be/CrAUeDaCZVQ The ideal fluid in a hydronic heating or cooling system is a fluid without any impurities, air bubbles or dissolved gases. But how is that accomplished? Watch and listen as Caleffi’s Bob “Hot Rod” Rohr hosts “Coffee with Caleffi” and shares the technical duties for this segment with Kevin Freidt, Director of Product Management Read more

The ideal fluid in a hydronic heating or cooling system is a fluid without any impurities, air bubbles or dissolved gases. But how is that accomplished? Watch and listen as Caleffi’s Bob “Hot Rod” Rohr hosts “Coffee with Caleffi” and shares the technical duties for this segment with Kevin Freidt, Director of Product Management and Technical Support. They will discuss the importance of air elimination and explain the differences in functionality between air vents and air separators in hydronic systems.

  Scheels All Sports is the newest addition to the Apache Mall in Rochester, Minn. The North Dakota-based, employee-owned retailer was founded in 1902 as a hardware & general merchandise store in Sabin, Minn. by German immigrant Frederick Scheel using earnings from his first potato harvest. Transitioning into a sporting goods retailer in 1954, Scheel’s Read more

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Scheels All Sports is the newest addition to the Apache Mall in Rochester, Minn. The North Dakota-based, employee-owned retailer was founded in 1902 as a hardware & general merchandise store in Sabin, Minn. by German immigrant Frederick Scheel using earnings from his first potato harvest. Transitioning into a sporting goods retailer in 1954, Scheel’s currently operates 25 stores in 10 states.

The Apache Mall store is a showcase for the Rochester area’s largest selection of sports, fashion and footwear under one roof and comes with Scheel’s special features like sports simulators, service and repair shops and even its own coffee and treats concession.

The Hydronic System

The 144,000-sq.-ft. superstore comes with a hydronic fan coil system powered by eight Buderus GB162 gas-fired condensing boilers in cascade configuration, vented with PVC extending through the store’s roof for exhaust and intake air.  Superior Mechanical of Rochester was selected to accomplish the hydronic heat installation based on a design provided by Trogstad Engineering of Fargo, N.D.

bosch condensing

 

The Buderus GB162 in cascade can provide up to a full output of 2.24 MBH while having a high turndown ratio of 40 to 1 when full output is not required. They are controlled by two Buderus MCM 10 (Multi-Cascade Module) controls designed specifically for GB162 multiple boiler systems. MCM10 commercial controls allow the GB162 boilers to operate in cascade in either a series or parallel mode, allowing flexibility and the highest operational efficiency.

Fan coils provide space heating throughout the store and around its floor perimeter. In addition, Superior Mechanical installed radiant snow melting to the store’s entranceway and rear loading dock.

Scheels #1
Installation of the hydronic radiant heat-fan coil system commenced in the first part of 2015 and was completed this past April. Installation, boiler commissioning and functional testing, to include testing the boilers’ communications with the store’s BMS, went smoothly, according to commissioning agent Outcome Construction Services of Lenexa, Kan.

Information supplied by Bosch Thermotechnology.