All PEX tubing carries one of three grades: PEX-A, PEX-B, or PEX-C. PEX stands for polyethylene (PE) cross-linked (X), and the grades are based on the various methods that manufacturers use to cross-link polyethylene molecules. PEX-A represents the highest grade. Cross-linking occurs while the po…
Sizing a Gas Regulator
Gas regulators control the flow of natural gas (NG) and liquid propane (LP) to appliances and equipment that use them as fuel. The pressure of incoming gas is often unstable and excessively high. Regulators ensure that sufficiently-low constant pressure is maintained and sent to appliances. Proper s…
How to Size a Tankless Water Heater
Tankless water heaters only heat water on demand, eliminating the standby losses associated with traditional tank-style water heaters. A Tankless water heater can provide hot water indefinitely – as long as demand does not exceed the heater’s flow capacity. There is a limit to the amount of hot …
Push-Fit Options for DIYers
Push-fit fittings provide an easy way to make piping connections. No tools are needed, making the fittings ideal for small repairs and do-it-yourself jobs. Due to the relatively high cost of push-fit fittings, investing in proper tools/training generally makes more sense for larger jobs and for cont…
PEX Crimp vs. PEX Clamp
PEX crimp and PEX clamp connections use the same fittings, normally referred to as “crimp” or “barbed” PEX fittings. Each method requires a different tool and a different type of ring, but the styles are similar enough that PEX newcomers frequently wonder which method is preferable. Crimping…
How To: Choose the Right Size Air Conditioner
Keeping cool this summer may be easier—and more affordable—than you imagined. The key to comfort is knowing what size air-conditioning unit will do the job effectively and efficiently. Temperatures are climbing. With the dog days of summer just around the corner, the perfect time to shop for …
Basic Baseboarders: A New Option for DIY Renovation
Baseboarders do-it-yourself baseboard heater covers changed the face of baseboard radiation. The original Premium design features covers filled with small perforations. This prevents small children from being able to touch hot elements, while allowing better airflow to and from a heater. The attract…
How to Connect PEX to Faucets and Toilets
PEX tubing can simplify potable water plumbing installations, while providing added freeze resistance, hot/cold color coding, and a reduced risk of pinhole leaks. PEX's flexibility reduces the need for fitting connections, which can greatly cut down on installation time. There are sever…
Control Honeywell Thermostats Online
Remote access to thermostats gives users the ability to monitor HVAC equipment and make adjustments when they are away from the home or building. This can be ideal for vacation homes, landlords, or simply people who want the ability to change heating and cooling settings before arriving home. Hon…
Methods of Heat Transfer
Although many people assume that heat simply rises, it actually travels from warmer areas to colder areas in one of three ways: conduction, convection, and radiation. Conduction transfers heat through physical contact, as warmer molecules shift their energy to colder ones. Convective heat transfer o…
Expansion Tanks: What Are They and Why Are They Important?
When water is heated, it expands, increasing the pressure in closed heating systems. Over time, these pressure fluctuations can damage the system's components. An expansion tank is designed to alleviate this pressure and extend the life of your system. Here's how it works. Homeowners looking …
Benefits of Pipe Insulation
Insulating pipes provides many advantages in a variety of fluid distribution systems. See below for a list of common applications. SupplyHouse.com carries K-Flex Insul-Lock pipe insulation. Insul-Lock comes in 6-foot lengths for pipes with outside diameters ranging from 1/2" to 4-1/8". We offer Insu…
