Pipes and Fittings News & Trends

There’s an old saying that fish don’t realize they’re wet because it’s all they know. People are the same way when it comes to thinking about the air all around them. Air is a fluid, just like water. Sure, everyone feels the wind, and since the very first shelters, humans have built buildings to block it out. When it comes to stack effect, though, it’s a bit less obvious than the wind, and users probably don’t think much about it. If they did, they woul...

mSupply, a major North American distributor of plumbing, appliance, HVAC, commercial kitchen and pool and spa repair parts, recently celebrated the opening of a combination branch location and regional distribution center in Denver, USA.  Located at 9400 E. 46th Pl., Unit 100 in Denver, the facility features a unique mixed-use concept that includes both a Comfort Air Distribution branch and 200,000 square feet of warehouse space – roughly the size of four football fields. As an mSup...

Rooter Hero Plumbing & Air, a plumbing and HVAC company serving residential and commercial locations in California and Arizona, says that the high cost of a four-year university and the ability to earn a good living quickly are two reasons graduating high school seniors should consider a career in the skilled trades industry. “A series of international trade agreements that moved factories abroad, a stigma against blue-collar workers, and authority figures pushing college over trade s...

Leaky ductwork wastes energy, overworks the HVAC system, drives up costs, and causes poor air circulation—all of which impact one’s business’s comfort and air quality. Now, through a partnership with Georgia Power, eligible small and medium-sized businesses can receive complimentary Aeroseal duct sealing—a proven, non-disruptive solution that seals leaks from the inside. With a proven track record of success in commercial duct sealing worldwide, Aeroseal brings unmatche...

Most Common Air Leak Offenders Bottom plate to subfloor connections – Framing gaps on uneven concrete or wood expansion over time. Duct and plumbing penetrations – Poorly sealed openings where mechanicals pass through walls, floors, and ceilings. Electrical panel and wiring – A major leakage point that gets overlooked. Attic hatches, can lights, and bath fans – Big weak spots that we assume are fine but usually aren’t. Dead spaces behind tubs and fireplaces &...

Multifamily energy savings are often overlooked in the pursuit of greater efficiency. Despite their scale and the growing demand for sustainability, multifamily properties are frequently overlooked in retrofit initiatives. But the tide is turning. Rising utility costs, stricter building performance standards, and tenant expectations push multifamily owners and operators to prioritize energy-saving strategies. And the most effective solutions often start in places one can’t see, like the...

The Board of Directors of GF has nominated Thomas Hary as new President of GF Piping Systems, effective 1 June 2025. He succeeds Andreas Müller who has assumed the position on an interim basis alongside his role as CEO of GF. Thomas Hary (44), a German citizen, has held various positions at GF since joining the company in 2005. He began his career in strategic planning at GF Machining Solutions and moved to GF Piping Systems in 2011. Wide range of business segments Since 1 October 2019,...

Aeroseal CEO Amit Gupta recently traveled to Saudi Arabia and the Middle East, signaling a major leap forward in the company’s mission to champion global sustainability and energy efficiency. The visit also aligns with Saudi Arabia’s vision for a net-zero future.  Creating Sustainable Partnerships One of the trip’s highlights was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Aeroseal and Aramco, one of the pioneer integrated energy and chemicals companies....

Aeroseal’s year began with an extraordinary recognition: being named Cleantech Company of the Year as part of the prestigious 2024 Global Cleantech 100. Out of 25,435 nominations spanning over 65 countries, Aeroseal stood out as the top-scoring company in North America—a remarkable achievement that earned us this distinguished award. This recognition isn’t just about Aeroseal’s proven technology; it reflects the real, measurable impact they are making on the world&rsquo...

NIBCO INC. introduces its PressACR® 1 3/8” OD jaw that is compatible with the RIDGID® and Milwaukee Tool® 32kN tools, as well as NIBCO’s PC-280 tool. The NIBCO PressACR fitting press end connection reduces installation time while the patented interior groove design and gray HNBR seal make it suitable for high-pressure HVACR applications rated up to 700 psi. PressACR 1 3/8” OD next generation jaw “At NIBCO, we are dedicated to providing the HVACR industry wi...

This Earth Day, let’s focus on simple actions everyone can take to save energy and reduce the overall environmental impact. Implementing these tips can lead to significant savings on energy bills and contribute to a healthier planet. Maximize Natural Light Utilize natural light as much as possible. Arrange the workspace near windows and consider using light-colored curtains that allow sunlight to penetrate the home while preserving privacy. Upgrade to LED Lighting If not already switch...

For Aeroseal installers, time is everything. The more efficient the sealing process, the more homes they can improve in a day. That’s why Aeroseal has introduced two new duct sealing systems: HomeSeal Advance (HSA) and HomeSeal Connect 5.0 (HSC 5.0). These next-generation solutions are designed to help installers work faster, transport equipment more easily, and complete more seals with less downtime. Faster and more efficient With HSA and HSC 5.0, installers can expect major impro...

Malco Tools, one of the nation’s renowned solution developers and manufacturers of high-quality tools for the HVAC and building construction trades, has earned the 2025 Metal of Honor Award from Metal Roofing Magazine. This is the 10th year Malco has earned the recognition, which is voted on by roofers and contractors.  Marking its 21st year, the Metal of Honor program gives metal roofers the opportunity to cast their ballot on which companies and products are the highest quality and...

Now available in print or digital formats on the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association bookstore website, the SMACNA HVAC Duct Construction Standards Manual, 4th edition, represents the state-of-the-art in sheet metal duct fabrication and installation. The technical standards and manuals developed by SMACNA contractors have found worldwide acceptance by the construction industry and are an invaluable resource to metal and air conditioning contractors everywhere. Ke...

With a wealth of experience in HVAC applications, from his years as an installer to managing positions in sales and business development at Siemens, Fabrizio Vagli will now drive innovation and sustainability in GF Piping Systems’ industrial cooling business in key segments such as data centers, marine and industrial process cooling. Growth Through Innovation Fabrizio Vagli started as an HVAC installer before switching to a planning office. This led him to a 15-year career at Siemens whe...

Many people know about the game-changing Aeroseal duct sealing. However, the real magic is in the top-secret duct sealant (liquid solution) and how it seals duct leaks from the inside of residential and commercial ductwork systems around the world. Here’s a quick summary about it. What is Duct Sealant By Aeroseal? Also known as the Magical Sealant and “Secret Sauce,” the duct sealant is a stable, non-toxic, non-flammable emulsion of water and acrylic polymer that is aerosoliz...

Not to be confused with ducks or seals (the animal), duct sealing is a way to improve the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) in homes and buildings. It’s a process of sealing visible and invisible air leaks in air duct systems. Why Duct Sealing Matters Short answer: Duct sealing makes homes and buildings more comfortable, saves energy, and improves indoor air quality (IAQ). To fully understand why duct sealing matters, it’s important to understand the purpose of air...

Federal buildings are critical to national security, public service, and disaster response. Yet, many of these essential facilities face an often-overlooked vulnerability — air leakage in ductwork. This weakens HVAC system performance, making buildings more susceptible to disruptions, reduced air quality, and increased maintenance demands. To be truly resilient, federal buildings must maintain operations during extreme weather, power fluctuations, and other unexpected challenges.&nbs...

Steam systems serve as the backbone of numerous industrial processes, providing the essential thermal energy required for a wide range of applications across various sectors. From powering machinery in manufacturing facilities to sterilizing equipment in healthcare settings, the importance of steam cannot be overstated. Improving Steam Operations American Plant Maintenance (APM Steam) offers specialized services aimed at optimizing steam systemsDespite their critical role, steam systems often...

Prima Power, a pioneer in sheet metal working manufacturing solutions, highlights its BCe Smart 2220 panel bending machine, designed to elevate productivity, ensure operator safety, and provide unparalleled flexibility for a wide range of bending applications. This innovative machine addresses the evolving needs of the manufacturing landscape, offering a perfect blend of efficiency, precision, and user-friendly operation. Benefits of servo electric technology The BCe Smart 2220 uses cutt...

The global energy landscape is evolving rapidly, driven by the need for more efficient, flexible and sustainable power generation. As energy demands increase, dispatchable generation units and innovative energy storage systems are critical to ensuring both supply security and system stability.  In this context, supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO₂) power cycles have emerged as a groundbreaking alternative to traditional water-steam cycles, offering significant advantages in efficiency a...

The second week of Big 5 Construct Saudi continues to draw visitors from all over the Kingdom, with a focus on circular economy in architecture, an important strategy for promoting sustainability in the built environment. Adopting a circular economy in architecture enables sustainable, adaptable and resource-efficient buildings, emphasized one of the speakers on the closing day of the Architect Leaders Forum Saudi. Circular design and advanced technologies Shahira Fahmy Architects stressed th...

Cool Air Products introduces the patented Sigma Cap designed for users in the HVAC industry to quickly and efficiently replace a wide variety of capacitor sizes from singles and duals. Simple to use, the Sigma Cap can be used as a standalone unit or stacked to get the MFD value needed. Individual pods are available to adjust stock for common builds. Users can rotate and stack the pods to add capacitance on the correct side to build the dual capacitor when needed. Sigma Cap starter ki...

The Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association (SMACNA) named Liz Fong, Operations Integration Manager, MacDonald-Miller Facility Solutions in Seattle, Washington, as the recipient of its 2025 SMACNA Innovator of the Year Award. The honor recognizes contractors who are pioneers of innovative approaches to industry-wide challenges and pacesetters who harness the latest construction technology to drive the industry forward, celebrating outstanding achievements by an indivi...

Aeroseal, a pioneering force in the Climate Tech industry, proudly announces its inclusion in the Cleantech Group’s 2024 Global Cleantech 100. The annual list, now in its 15th year, serves as a definitive guide to the top companies making significant contributions as a solution to the eminent global climate challenges. Buildings account for over a third of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, and a large portion of that is due to leaks in the walls and ductwork. Aeroseal’s a...

Malco Tools, one of the nation’s major solution developers and manufacturers of a variety of high-quality tools for the HVAC and building construction trades, announced that it has earned two of the state’s top safety recognitions: Minnesota STAR (MNSTAR) certification from the Minnesota Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MNOSHA), and the 2024 Governor’s Safety Award, awarded by the Minnesota Safety Council. Malco’s headquarters in Annandale is one of just 36...

Malco’s sheet metal Hole Cutters with Impact Rated Cutter Bits (HC1/HC2) won the Bronze award in the Hand Tools category, selected by an independent panel of contractors. Malco’s distinctive Gold Impact Cutter Bits quickly install into the chuck of any corded or cordless drill in just a few seconds, and unlike anything else on the market, feature a hex insert for ultimate flexibility for use on either an impact driver or a drill. When used with an impact driver, trade professionals...

Malco Tools, one of the nation’s major solution developers and manufacturers of a variety of high-quality tools for the HVAC trade, announced that it is partnering with the ServiceTitan Elite Trades Championship Series (ETCS) to sponsor the 2024 ServiceTitan HVAC National Championship. During ETCS, top tradespeople from across the U.S. go head-to-head in a series of challenging and skill-testing events throughout the year, culminating in one final round of competition for the top 10 HVAC...

Malco Tools, one of the nation’s major solution developers and manufacturers of a variety of high-quality tools for the HVAC and building construction trades, has been named a 2024 Minnesota Manufacturing Award winner from the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal. For the second time since 2018, Malco has been named Manufacturer of the Year in the medium-sized business category. The awards celebrate the successes and contributions of major manufacturers to the region’s economy.&nbs...

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the construction industry averaged 445,000 job openings per month during the fourth quarter of 2023. Building Talent Foundation and Malco Tools will work together to close this gap by facilitating joint career events to promote careers in construction and connecting job seekers, schools, and employers. BTF and Malco will also work to attract new talent into the industry, focusing on connecting youth and individuals from underrepresented groups...