2024 August

The August 2024 issue of PM Engineer features our cover story on expectations of decarbonization versus reality. Also, read our feature on rebuilding a city with fire safety in mind, this month's columns, new products, and much more!

Sustainable glass office building with tree for reducing heat and carbon dioxide. Office building with green environment. Corporate building reduce CO2.

Building decarbonization — expectation vs. reality

What the PHVAC industry should know about decarbonization trends.

Nicole Krawcke

August 5, 2024

The U.S. Department of Energy released a plan to decarbonize buildings by 2050, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase energy efficiency. This is a crucial step toward achieving a net-zero emissions economy.

California K-12 school campus conveys high-tech, futuristic appeal — even in restrooms

Aesthetically pleasing restroom fixtures meet design goals.

Cassie Keeler

August 19, 2024

The Agnews Campus in the Santa Clara Unified School District worked with LPA Design Studios, a California-based integrated architectural and engineering design firm, to design the schools with a high-tech aesthetic.

A. O. Smith's the Mechanical Marvel, the world’s first fully automated automobile frame assembly plant.

A. O. Smith celebrates 150 years

From automobiles to water heaters.

Natalie Forster

August 14, 2024

A. O. Smith, celebrating 150 years in 2024, began in 1874 as a metal components supplier for baby carriages and bicycles. Arthur O. Smith designed a lightweight pressed steel car frame and became a major supplier to car manufacturers like Packard, Cadillac, and Ford.

Rebuilding effort in Paradise, California focuses on fire-safe buildings

Rebuilding Paradise

Mike Flenniken

August 12, 2024

The Camp Fire in Butte County, California, started in 2018, destroying over 18,000 structures and causing 85 deaths. Paradise, a town 90 miles north of Sacramento, lost about 95% of its buildings, but It is on the road to recovery.

PME 0824 Editors Note GettyImages-2152386308.jpg

Editor's Note | Nicole Krawcke

Can AI aid in decarbonization initiatives?

As technology continues to advance, the role of AI in promoting energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions becomes more critical, paving the way for a greener, more sustainable future.

Nicole Krawcke

August 8, 2024

Decarbonization remains a major topic in the plumbing and HVAC industries in 2024. Our cover story this month addresses this growing trend.

Stylized sound wave in front of a copper-colored gradient.

Plumbing Essentials — Design Approaches, Codes and Everything in Between | Lowell Manalo

Water hammer arrestor — simply install one and be done with it

Design considerations to avoid potential pitfalls.

Lowell Manalo

August 7, 2024

Water hammer arrestors absorb the shock from changes in water flow in hydronic systems. They are commonly found in restroom plumbing fixtures. While there is a lot of information available about water hammering and its solutions, let’s explore this topic further.

Exterior image of the La Kretz Innovation Center. ASPE LA chapter.

Strategic Plumbing Insights | Christoph Lohr

Witnessing an Energy Water Nexus

LADWP La Kretz Innovation Center, ASPE LA Chapter and IAPMO’s Water Demand Calculator in California.

Christoph Lohr

August 6, 2024

On May 8th, I presented at the LADWP La Kretz Innovation Center for the ASPE LA Chapter on California’s adoption of the Water Demand Calculator. I spoke about the intersection of water and energy, emphasizing their crucial link in modern civilization.

Water flowing out of a kitchen stainless steel tap into the sink. Wasting water by leaving a chrome faucet tap running. Water misuse in domestic duties and activities. Overusing household water.

Guard on Compliance | Misty Guard

Understanding U.S. state-level PFAS legislation

Answering questions regarding per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances.

Misty Guard

August 5, 2024

A client recently asked about PFAS legislation in the U.S. You can find more information in my columns "PFAS: A Growing Concern" and "Forever Chemicals in the News." I'm also looking into state-level PFAS legislation for my readers.

Man is Adjusting a temperature using a tablet with smart home app in modern living room.

Renewable Heating Design | John Siegenthaler

Do hydronics systems need internet connectivity?

Forget passwords...

John Siegenthaler P.E.

August 2, 2024

If your office routine is like mine, you probably type passwords into your devices all day to access essential websites and software. Sometimes you forget complex passwords and have to go through the hassle of resetting them. Financial websites may require monthly password updates.

Watts marks 150 years with celebration of legacy and innovation

August 15, 2024

Watts celebrated its 150th anniversary on Monday, August 5, 2024, at its global headquarters in North Andover, MA, with a gathering that included employees, the Watts Board of Directors, local and state officials, local community partners, and members of the trade media.

New Products

Zurn Elkay Water Solutions announces pressure reducing valves

August 9, 2024

The Zurn Wilkins 600XL3 and 625XL3 Pressure Reducing Valves use venturi technology to keep ideal water pressure at higher flow rates, so you get more consistent pressure.

New Products

Taco Comfort Solutions announces commercial HVAC productivity tool

August 8, 2024

By design, Taco Comfort Solutions’ new Project Builder 2.0 design tool helps commercial hydronic engineers and designers to quickly select the right products and assemble all related documents into one complete project file.

New Products

NTI Boilers unveils Compass floor-mount boiler

August 6, 2024

The NTI Compass boiler features independently reversible plumbing connections, as well as a built-in ECM pump.

New Products

Daikin Applied adds air-source heat pumps to Premier Rooftop Systems

August 6, 2024

The new Rebel Applied and Rebel air-source heat pump packaged rooftop systems units will help building owners optimize comfort and cost while decarbonizing their facilities.