As with furnaces and heat pumps, many of the hydronics issues are due to installation faults and a lack of proper commissioning. Some issues also arise due to a lack of hard skills, which highlights the need to master the fundamentals to be successful.
Caleffi’s training covers basics, including boiler piping, but it also focuses on the accessories beyond the actual appliance and piping. The training focuses on best practices and the “why” behind the structure and science of hydronics.
Three-way mixing valves, which mix hot and cold water to yield the desired water temperature in hydronics and plumbing applications, are common sources of confusion for techs. The location of circulators and the sizing of these mixing valves are crucial for proper operation in hydronics applications, as pressure drops due to improper sizing or circulator location matter a lot more in hydronics than in plumbing. Improperly sized solenoid valves in various HVAC/R applications also pose similar challenges.
Decarbonization is driving innovation at Caleffi, especially as the demand for heat pumps and alternative fuels has skyrocketed. There has also been quite a bit of innovation on the plumbing side, especially when it comes to backflow prevention, pressure backing breakers, pressure-reducing valves, and more. On the hydronics side, Caleffi has been focusing on pressure-independent control valves, especially for commercial operations.
You can learn more about Caleffi, its products, and its educational resources at https://www.caleffi.com.
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