Boilers are closed pressure vessels that are used to heat fluids -- either water or steam. They range in size, fluid to be heated, temperature of fluid, and design configurations. This paper is the first in a series to explain total system efficiency with a focus on condensing hot water boilers used for space heating, process applications, and/ or domestic hot water heating.

In the 1970s VAV (Variable Air Volume) systems replaced CAV (Constant Air Volume) systems. Concurrently, the 8-bit microprocessor with 4500 transistors was introduced. In the field of commercial HVAC systems, VAV systems became the first choice and were used as baselines for energy standards.

Variable frequency drives (VFDs) save energy, increase the life of mechanical systems, and offer valuable control features in a wide range of building management applications.

While the barriers to technology investment are already well explored, what specific challenges do firms face in getting value from existing technology? And what can facility managers learn from their peers who are succeeding in this area?

The reactive metals by classification are zirconium, titanium and beryllium. We also include here tantalum and columbium (niobium), being from the refractory class and which also present similar challenges to the welding engineer.

The case for using PEX instead of plumbing materials like copper and CPVC has continually gained traction over the past number of years in both residential and commercial settings.

The concept of “net zero building,” a building which produces as much energy as it uses over the course of a year, in recent years is becoming more of a reality than simply theory.

This white paper explains how to determine if a ceiling damper is approved for use in a specific fire-rated floor/ceiling or roof/ceiling assembly.

The Continental Automated Building Association (CABA) is an international not-for-profit industry association, founded in 1988, and dedicated to the advancement of intelligent home and intelligent building technologies.