Trades Talk

The entire Plumbing & HVAC team is now fully vaccinated; that is to say that all three of us are. Yet, it wasn't required as a company rule, mostly because companies are not allowed to mandate vaccinations in the workplace here in Canada. I discovered this fact by chatting with Humera Rehman, an associate with Rodney Employment Law. She explains that, here in Canada, it is very unlikely that employers will be able to mandate the COVID-19 vaccine. Although, this entire pandemic is unprecedented, so really anything is kind of game at this point. 

Topic change. 

Have you always wondered why the water heater you just installed develops this little pool of water over time? Well, the solution might just be condensation. I thought this was just something that formed on my beer before I was able to finish it. Take a listen in our Tech Talk segment as Paul Tomlin of AO Smith teaches me about condensation management in water heaters. You truly do learn something new every day; why not make today's fun fact about water heaters.

Training in the pandemic has increased largely due to the fact that contractors or technicians have the ability to complete courses on their own time. No longer do they have to take work off to learn a new skill.

This is just one of the lessons learned by Darrin Best, HVAC manager with Doyle Home Services, during the pandemic. “If you want to learn; this is the best time to do so.” Why not also take a listen to your favourite podcast, Trades Talk, while you are at it?

In each episode, I am joined by a technical expert to discuss a bit more technical aspect of the industry. This was one of the more difficult interviews I have had on the show due to the truly complicated nature of the discussion. Take a listen as he attempts to teach me more about “Pressure Drops in Water Heaters"; and I’ll have to say, he does a pretty fantastic job.

Behind the scenes, trade associations are consistently working with the various levels of the Canadian government to ensure that the interests of the mechanical trades are met. Ken Lancastle, chief operating officer with the Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada (MCAC), and Ralph Suppa, president and general manager with the Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating (CIPH), join us to discuss the latest advocacy work that has been done on the behalf of their members. 

For the latter half of the episode, our technical expert, Sean Giberson, residential regional sales manager with Taco Comfort Solutions, explores the technology that goes into ECM circulators. Check it out as he teaches us about constant pressure mode in relation to circulators. 

What are you waiting for? Have you listened yet!  

For over a year now, we've heard these rumblings about this "new normal." But what exactly does this mean to HVAC/R contractors? Although it'd be easiest to say that ALL contractors have gone through the same experiences in this pandemic, life as a contractor just isn't that simple.

We spoke with two commercial contractors as part of this Contractors' Roundtable — Tim Padfield of Pad-Car Mechanical and Scott Munro of Opus Mechanical. The former from Alberta;  whilst the latter from Ontario. Talk a listen as both talk about their experiences through the pandemic and their best practice suggestions to their fellow contractors. As Scott eloquently puts it — "culture cannot be created remotely."

In the second half of the episode, our hosts chat with Paul Tomlin of AO Smith about thermal expansion. As the temperature of a hot water heater rises, this is when thermal expansion occurs. Listen to Paul discuss ways to combat this issue, including the well-known expansion tank. Did you know that they need to be charged? Our expert will tell you how.

Go check it out, already!

"We need to talk." When you hear this from a spouse or friend, you might think the worst has come. You think back to everything that you've done wrong in the past, and might even make up things that you haven't done but just aren't so sure. 

Well, today we are saying this with the best of intentions. But, we do still need to talk.

We need to attract more people to the trades. It's as simple and complicated as that. With the current ageing workforce, we are on the precipice of not having enough tradespeople. One solution is to take a look at the younger generation. We need to have the next crop of students think about the trades as a viable career. It provides an exciting and challenging opportunity for those looking to enter the workforce.

Take a listen to some industry leaders and their best approach to how we can attract more people to the trades. Enjoy!