43 episodes

Welcome to the Ask Caleffi podcast series featuring our tech support wizards, Greg Tubbs and Dan Firkus! They will discuss tricky heating and plumbing system problems they are tasked with solving daily and share insights from the field to help contractors discover the best way to work through tough jobs. Count on this dynamic duo to keep the series fun as they mingle in their own entertaining and relatable stories.

Ask Caleffi Caleffi North America, Inc.

    • Education
    • 5.0 • 8 Ratings

Welcome to the Ask Caleffi podcast series featuring our tech support wizards, Greg Tubbs and Dan Firkus! They will discuss tricky heating and plumbing system problems they are tasked with solving daily and share insights from the field to help contractors discover the best way to work through tough jobs. Count on this dynamic duo to keep the series fun as they mingle in their own entertaining and relatable stories.

    #43 Air-Tight-Logic with Posi-Stop (with Matt DeLuca)

    #43 Air-Tight-Logic with Posi-Stop (with Matt DeLuca)

    What happens in the field when you need to loosen a union to service a valve?  Do you always need to replace the sealing elements?  How can the Posi-Stop™ embedded O-ring union system help?  Which products are shipping now with Posi-Stop?
     
    Former service plumber and current Caleffi tech. support ace Matt DeLuca joins the guys today to talk about Posi-Stop as a first-time guest on the podcast.  There are many tips and tricks that plumbers use in the field to get fittings to seal.  No need for creativity or guesswork with Posi-Stop.  An EPDM O-ring seal compresses to a controlled value by way of a positive metal-to-metal stop. 
     
    Want to hear YOUR QUESTION on Ask Caleffi, take this quick 4 question survey for your chance to hear your question in a future episode.

    Survey:
    https://forms.gle/fRfnU8Px3B1Lq7K69

    • 10 min
    #42 Get In the Zone! (with Mike Schreiner)

    #42 Get In the Zone! (with Mike Schreiner)

    In this episode, Greg and Dan talk to "the man, the myth, the legend" of zone valves, Mike Schreiner, Caleffi CTO.   Mike has been working with zone valves for his entire career and is pleased to share his wealth of knowledge to help our Ask Caleffi audience learn:
    What's important when considering a zone valve?  How do you properly size?  What is the flow coefficient (a.k.a. Cv or differential pressure) and why is it important?  BTW:  there is a BIG difference between close-off pressure and system pressure!  Zone valves and actuators... say what?  In which application is a 2-way valve best used?  A 3-way?  How are end switches applied?  What's the difference between a micro-switch and a Reed switch?  Normally Opened.  Normally closed.  Why Z-one? (one valve for ALL!)  Valve versatility with union connections.  How about relay boards?  (you CAN'T wire a zone valve wrong with a relay board!)
    All this and MORE when you Get in the Zone with Mike!

    • 27 min
    #41 When does solar thermal make the most sense? (with Bob Rohr)

    #41 When does solar thermal make the most sense? (with Bob Rohr)

    What drives the adoption of solar hot water systems?  Are there specific factors that signal the beginning or end of a spike in system installations?  Which applications are always a good fit?  What qualifications do you need to work on these systems?  How do you evaluate a site to know if the location is good for solar?


    In this episode, Greg and Dan are joined by Carlson-Holohan Industry Award of Excellence winning Caleffi Training Manager Bob Rohr.  Over his career, Bob has been all over North America to help install, commission and educate about solar thermal systems.  The team will talk about when and where financial incentives have helped offset the cost of these systems.  They also discuss resources to help evaluate potential sites for solar.  For rebates specific to you zip code, check https://www.dsireusa.org/
        
    Want to hear YOUR QUESTION on Ask Caleffi, take this quick 4 question survey for your chance to hear your question in a future episode.

    Survey:
    https://forms.gle/fRfnU8Px3B1Lq7K69

    • 25 min
    #40 The Future of BIM is Bright (with Woody Dickinson)

    #40 The Future of BIM is Bright (with Woody Dickinson)

    Why should installers care about BIM (building information models)?  Could BIM help you avoid working around other trades in a crowded chase?  What efficiency gains are there with prefabrication? Can the files detect errors, before the product is even purchased? What is a digital twin?


    In this episode, the guys are talking to Woody Dickinson.  Woody knows Caleffi's technical details like the back of his hand.  With BIM, he is able to take a career's worth of engineering knowledge and integrate it into three-dimensional construction files.  While BIM is often only used to make sure everything will fit into a room, there is so much more.  Hear how this technology is solving problems on drafting tables and in actual mechanical rooms.   


    Want to hear YOUR QUESTION on Ask Caleffi, take this quick 4-question survey for your chance to hear your question in a future episode.

    Survey:
    https://forms.gle/fRfnU8Px3B1Lq7K69

    • 22 min
    #39 The Great Debates: Hydronic Topics That Will Start an Argument in the Shop

    #39 The Great Debates: Hydronic Topics That Will Start an Argument in the Shop

    Do I leave the air vent cap open or close it?  Do you leave the AutoFill(TM) open or closed?  Where should you put the expansion tank?  Do you pump into the boiler or pump out of it?  Hydro separator or closely spaced tees?  Where should you put the air separator?     


    In this episode, the guys have put together a few of the trickiest topics that come up often on the tech. support lines.  The questions are simple, the answers are more complex.  Dan and Greg will help put the questions into context, so you can understand yes, no or maybe for each project you work with.  Listen in to see where they agree or disagree.  Will this episode ruin a longstanding friendship or can the guys keep it professional?      


    Want to hear YOUR QUESTION on Ask Caleffi, take this quick 4 question survey for your chance to hear your question in a future episode.

    Survey:
    https://forms.gle/fRfnU8Px3B1Lq7K69

    • 18 min
    #38 An Industry Insider's Perspective (with Steve Smith from PHCPPROS)

    #38 An Industry Insider's Perspective (with Steve Smith from PHCPPROS)

    What has Steve Steve learned about the plumbing and heating industry since 1990?  What happens at the MCE Mostra Convengo trade show in Italy? What part of the Caleffi factory reminded Steve of Raiders of the Lost Ark? How do you, "automate for the best?"  What was Steve's favorite meal? Why has nobody interviewed this guy before?  


    In this episode, Dan and Greg sit with Steve Smith to hear more about his recent trip to Italy to visit the Caleffi factory and visit Mostra.  He details some of the most memorable sections of the tour, on the topics of manufacturing, company culture, and even coffee culture.  Find out how manufacturers and contractors can learn from each other and find the right information at the right time.  


    Want to hear YOUR QUESTION on Ask Caleffi, take this quick 4-question survey for your chance to hear your question in a future episode.

    Survey:
    https://forms.gle/fRfnU8Px3B1Lq7K69

    • 31 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
8 Ratings

8 Ratings

SAAlex1 ,

Great info!

These guys really know their stuff!!

HydronicsFan9 ,

Great answers

Helpful troubleshooting tips from Dan and Greg for hydronics and plumbing.

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