It’s tempting to chase new work without fully evaluating whether the project aligns with operation capacity or financial structure. We’ve all heard, “bigger is better,” after all. However, contractors need to establish clear criteria before pursuing additional work. That includes evaluating a few key factors.
Although lower flow rates and higher energy factors remain central, the bills pending in Arizona, Illinois, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Virginia reveal a more profound structural shift.
Figure 1 shows a hydronic system that’s intended to supply four panel radiators, each with their own thermostatic radiator valve and an indirect water heater from a gas-fired sectional cast-iron boiler. The system is designed using primary/secondary piping. The primary circulator operates whenever the space heating load or the indirect water heater call for heat.
The upward pricing trend that carried into the new year is continuing through February and into March, with a steady stream of plumbing, hydronic, HVAC and PVF manufacturers announcing increases. While many adjustments are landing in the low- to mid-single-digit range, several manufacturers are implementing category-specific or “various” increases, with select product lines moving higher.
