RPA Newsletter | Fourth Quarter 2023

Q4 2023

OUR PURPOSE

The RPA is established for the purpose of providing superior leadership and fostering the awareness of innovative technology through comprehensive educational activities, products, codes and standards, and public awareness initiatives. In addition, the RPA will serve as a clearinghouse of experience, ideas, and information to further the objectives and sustain interest on behalf of the RPA membership.

FROM THE TECHNICAL DESK

Radiant Professionals,

As we approach the final stretch of 2023, I want to extend my warmest wishes for a Happy Holiday season and a prosperous, healthy New Year to each of you. This year has been an incredible journey in reactivating the RPA alongside all of you. Whether it's been through phone calls, virtual meetings, or in-person interactions at the 2023 IAPMO Annual Conference, getting to know each one of you has been a true highlight.

Our collaborative efforts, both in-person and virtual, are more crucial than ever as we delve deeper into our initiatives. This year, we aim to revitalize and construct remarkable projects with your invaluable assistance. As the RPA’s Technical Liaison, I am thrilled about initiating our key committees. This role allows me the unique privilege of staffing each committee and aiding our membership in making significant advancements in our industry. I eagerly anticipate organizing and providing the resources requested by the professional’s alliance and joining each of you in these endeavors with my full support.

As our diverse group expands, we want to start recognizing our newest members in our newsletters, ensuring that everyone knows who is supporting them within The Alliance. In recent months, we have been fortunate to welcome Closed-Loop, Viega, and Keller Supply to our ranks. A heartfelt thank you to these organizations for joining The Alliance!

We are thrilled to announce that nominations for committee positions within the RPA are now open!

This is a unique opportunity for members like you to contribute your expertise and skills to advance intelligent hydronics and radiant systems. By joining a committee, you will directly influence the industry's future, promote sustainability, and contribute to decarbonization efforts.

Available Committees Positions Include:

Advisory Committee – Chair

Advisory Committee – Volunteer Member(s)

Hydronics Industry Alliance Committee (HIA-C) – Volunteer Member(s)

Policy Committee – Chair

Policy Committee – Volunteer Member(s)

Click here to sign up for committee positions. Your active participation will help us shape the future of our industry and make a positive impact on the world.

RPA Goes to AHR EXPO

As we gear up for our education sessions for the 2024 AHR show in Chicago, IL the RPA is making a big presence with six (6) very distinguished speakers, giving presentations on behalf of our membership. The show starts on Monday January 22nd 2024 and runs through Wednesday January 24th 2024 in Chicago, Illinois and has FREE registration for visitors through January 20th 2024.

We encourage you to seize this opportunity to connect with fellow members, industry leaders, and experts. Utilize your member benefits by registering at a discounted member rate and be a part of the vibrant discussions and networking opportunities.

Can’t make it to AHR?

Mark your calendars for our Q2 Virtual Meeting on April 5th, 2024, at 12pm EST.

Thank you for your continued support and dedication!

John A. Mullen

RPA Technical Liaison

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BECOME A MEMBER

Do you or someone you know want to make a difference and become part of the Alliance?

Contact Tricia Megee at [email protected] or John Mullen at [email protected] to learn more about becoming a member of RPA or the HIA-C

MEMBER BENEFITS

EDUCATION & TRAINING

RPA offers complete education on radiant and hydronics available anywhere in the industry. From contractors, installers, engineers or distributors who are installing and designing the systems, RPA provides engaging and practical courses taught by experts who will help all become better radiant and hydronics professionals. Turn to RPA for training that is cost effective, interactive, and presents the most up-to-date information. For more information on how to contract a seminar or any other education-related inquiries, please contact [email protected].

The RPA held a meeting during the 2023 ASHRAE/AHR show in Atlanta, Georgia. The focus of the Alliance was discussed, and the details of that meeting have been provided to the RPA and HIA-C membership. The RPA hosted 5 educational sessions during the ASHRAE/AHR show which can be viewed below.

View Session

Lowering Owner Cost Fighting Climate Change or Fighting Against It-Presented by Rick Bostain (WaterFurnace) during AHR show in Atlanta Georgia

Description: Give the owner choices versus just legislation away from choice. Owners have to want it. If you have central wastewater, you can get it. Plumbers can install the heat pump where one WSHP can fit through a 34” door opening and can heat and cool up to 15,000 sq ft. zoned as required.

View Session

Geothermal Coupled Piped Infrastructure Upgrades are Balancing our Energy Budget-Presented by Jay Egg (Egg Geo) during AHR show in Atlanta Georgia

Description: This abstract shares the methodology that validates pipe trades as the primary entities that will interconnect the heating and cooling energy in our communities throughout the US and the world. This is demonstrated by:

Examining existing piped infrastructure
Reviewing current piped upgrade efforts and challenges
Identifying energy carrying potential of hydronic pipelines
Defining diversified loads in our communities
Identifying hydronic programs to layout and estimate costs of Thermal Energy Networks
Demonstrating how replacement of aging infrastructure provides a path for Thermal Energy Networks

View Session

Plastic Pressure Piping Materials for Mechanical Applications-Presented by Lance MacNevin (Director of Engineering – Building & Construction Division as Plastics Pipe Institute) during AHR show in Atlanta Georgia

Description: Specifiers and designers of mechanical systems have several options when selecting the optimal pipe and fitting material for each application. Considerations include temperature and pressure capabilities, materials durability, convenience of handling and joining, cost, and long-term reliability. Other practical selection factors include sound, vibration, and heat transfer. There is also the aspect of sustainability and the environmental cost for producing various piping materials.

This course will demonstrate that plastic pressure pipe and fitting materials deliver reliable and sustainable solutions for many mechanical piping purposes and will help the audience to select which piping material or materials is best for various applications such as:

Hydronic heating and cooling (including radiant systems)
Snow & ice melting (for outdoor surfaces)
Geothermal ground loops (ground loop heat exchangers)
District heating applications (buried pipelines)

View Session

Resilient HVAC Systems Meet Today’s Demands and Tomorrow’s Needs-Presented by Richard L. Medairos, P.E. (Sr Systems Engineer and Director of Commercial Training at Taco Comfort Solutions) during AHR show in Atlanta Georgia

Description:

What is a Resilient HVAC System
Why Are Hydronics Leading the Resilient Charge
How Hydronics Meet Today’s Demands and Tomorrow Needs
Resilient HVAC Systems and Carbon Footprint Reduction
Resilient System Flexibility
The Resilient Role in Electrification

Hydronics University

Personnel Qualifications

Certification to ASSE 19110 and/or 19210 shows that you are knowledgeable of industry best practices, state of the art installation techniques, and compliance with applicable codes and standards has been tested and certified – helping you stand out in a growing workforce. Increase your skills, credibility, and marketability within the hydronics heating and cooling industry by becoming a ASSE 19110 Solar Water Heating System Installer and/or ASSE 19210 Hydronic Heating and Cooling System Installer – a credential that demonstrates your expertise, professionalism, and dedication to clients and employers.

Click here for more information on ASSE Personnel Qualification.