Taco After Dark

Class Details:

Attendees may register for each session individually, and each program will be recorded and archived for repeated viewing. Each session qualifies you for one PDH credit. YOU MUST ATTEND ONE OF THE THE LIVE WEBINAR SESSIONS (NOT THE RECORDED SESSION) IN ORDER TO RECEIVE YOUR PDH CERTIFICATE. The link to the PDH certificate, along with a link to the recorded webinar session, will be emailed to you approximately 24 hours after the end of each webinar session.

Part 1: Heat Loss for Hydronics – 1 PDH

We’d like to help you use this time to sharpen your skills. Together we’re offering Taco’s full-day field training class to you one hour at a time.

In Part 1, join Taco’s John Barba, Jason Kockx, and Dave Holdorf as they discuss the importance of a heat loss analysis, what information you’ll need, and the very simple math behind it all. A heat loss is important for everything from a simple boiler replacement to a major remodel or new construction. This fast-paced, hour-long overview will give you the basics for simple heat loss as well as the resources to conduct your own heat loss calculations.

Topics will include:

• Calculating infiltration
• Heat loss through windows and doors
• R-value vs. U-value
• Ceiling and floor loads
• What the totals mean

We’re looking forward to seeing you in Part 1 of Taco After Dark.

Part 2: Heat Emitters – 1 PDH

Join us for Part 2 of Taco After Dark as we discuss Heat Emitters. In Part 1, we learned about simple heat loss calculations. In Part 2, we’ll use that information to size various heat emitters, including fin-tube baseboards, cast iron radiators, and radiant floor heating. We’ll also look at boiler selection and learn the difference between a boiler’s DOE output and its net I-B-R/AHRI output.

You won’t want to miss this fast-paced, fact-filled hour of non-stop hydronics.

Part 3: Pipe Sizing, Air Control & Pumping Away – 1 PDH

Join us for Part 3 of Taco After Dark as we build on lessons learned in Parts 1 and 2 and discuss how to size boiler piping based on load, how and why different kinds of air separators work, and what all the fuss is about on circulator location and pumping away.

You’ll learn one of the cornerstones of our shared business: the Universal Hydronics Formula. This formula is kind of handy, and you’ll learn how to use it to size pipes, size circulators, and troubleshoot.

You won’t want to miss this fast-paced, fact-filled hour of non-stop hydronics.

Part 4: Figuring Flow & Head, and the Finer Points of Circulator Selection – 1 PDH

Join us for Part 4 of our ongoing series, Taco After Dark. In our first three segments, we learned about heat loss, heat emitters, and boiler selection—all building blocks for the next phase of the program. In Part 4, we’ll use all that knowledge to determine flow and head loss and then use that information to make the best circulator selection possible.

You’ll also learn where pump performance curves come from, the importance of system curves, and how those two little items will determine the overall performance of your hydronic systems.

Make sure to sign up! You won’t want to miss this fast-paced, fact-filled hour of wall-to-wall hydronics.

Part 5: Zone Pumps, Zone Valves & The Great Debate – 1 PDH

Since the first amphibians crawled out of the slime, this debate has been raging: Which is better, zone valves or zone pumps?

In Part 5 of Taco After Dark, we’ll examine that question by looking at the pros and cons of each. Whichever way you choose, you’ll learn how to make sure you have the right circulator (or circulators) for the job, and we’ll start looking at the wild and wonderful world of variable speed circulators.

You won’t want to miss this fast-paced, fact-filled hour of wall-to-wall hydronics!

Part 6: Controlling your Hydronic Systems- 1 PDH

Following up on our debate from last week regarding the best way to hydronically control zones, zone valves, or zone circulators (if you still don’t know which one is the best, make sure you register for Part 5), this session will explore the best way to wire those systems, control them properly, and make your system as efficient as ever.

Part 6 will also show you the next generation of the new control platform. Join us for one of the quickest hours of the week for this episode of Taco After Dark!

Part 7: DHW Indirect Sizing and Mixing Valves – 1 PDH

The previous six sessions of Taco After Dark were all about making sure your systems are supplying the heat effectively and efficiently your customers expect. But do they have enough hot water? DHW tank sizing can be taken for granted, but is it piped properly, and do you have the right circulator?  

In Part 7 of Taco After Dark, we will discuss many small factors that will ensure that you keep your customers out of hot water and keep you out of it!

You won’t want to miss the fast-paced, fact-filled event!

Part 8: Mod-Con Boilers, Buffer Tanks and Zoning – 1 PDH

The right approach to piping a multi-zone system with a mod-con boiler can make all the difference. Do it effectively, and you have a system that purrs like a kitten and provides your customer with years of optimal efficiency, performance, and comfort. Do it wrong, however, and you may have just planted a time bomb in your customers’ basement — and an inefficient one at that.

In Part 8 of Taco After Dark, you’ll learn the finer points of piping a mod-con boiler, including when to use a primary-secondary “moose-antler” piping arrangement, when to use a hydraulic separator and when to use a buffer tank (you’ll also learn how to size one!).

Join us Wednesday night for another fast-paced, fact-filled episode of Taco After Dark.

Part 9: DHW Recirculation Systems – 1 PDH

From last week’s webinar, we discussed making sure you are creating enough hot water, but do your customers have to wait for it?

That’s a golden opportunity to solve a problem your customers thought was just a fact of life. But Domestic Hot Water Recirculation is more than just sticking in a pump, plugging in, and going home. Oversized pumps can destroy a plumbing system in no time, whether it’s a PEX or copper system.

In this program, Taco will show you the right way to size a DHW recirculation pump (here’s a hint – bigger is NEVER better!). You’ll learn the dangers of over-pumping and how, in most cases, the circulator you need will be surprisingly small. You’ll learn strategies for retrofit installation, smart control strategies, and how to make sure your customer gets hot water when they want it.

John Barba

Director of Training, Taco, Inc.

John is Director of Training for Taco Comfort Solutions, the leading manufacturer of commercial and residential circulators, controls and accessories for plumbing and heating systems. He is the 2012-2014 recipient of the Carlson-Holohan Industry Award of Excellence, and was recently named the industry’s Best Trainer for 2015 by AHRI News Magazine.

David Holdorf

Residential Trainer, Eastern Region, Taco, Inc.

Mr. Holdorf has been in the hydronic industry for 25 years, specifically in the radiant heating side of the business for the better part of his career. Starting out in the technical support/design role and then took over as Engineering Manager overseeing the Technical Support and Design Department. Later he took a position as a Field Technician; supporting training, designing, installing and troubleshooting.

Jason Kockx

Western Product and Application Instructor, Taco, Inc.

Mr. Kockx is a seasoned professional with a wealth of experience in the wholesale distribution sector, specializing in Plumbing and Hydronics. Over the years, he has honed his expertise in managing supply chain operations, building strong relationships with both manufacturers and clients, and delivering top-tier hydronic and plumbing solutions. Having worked for prominent companies in the industry, Jason spent a significant portion of his career with Cal-Steam, a well-established regional distributor in California known for its excellence in plumbing and mechanical hydronics. Most recently, Jason served as a Product Specialist within the Hydronics department at Ferguson Enterprises, where he continues to leverage his in-depth knowledge to offer specialized solutions.

Richard Medairos

Director of Engineered Products and Systems Training

Mr. Medairos is a Senior Systems Engineer and Director of Commercial Training at Taco Comfort Solutions. He has over forty years of experience with demonstrated expertise in engineering, project management and planning. Throughout his career, he has worked on projects with major clients such as NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, Disney World, Universal Studios Florida, Boston University, Rhode Island School of Design, First Data Corporation, and Taco’s Innovation & Development Center.

Brett Zerba

Applications Engineer, Taco, Inc.

Mr. Zerba is an Application Engineer at Taco Comfort Solutions with over twenty years of experience at the company. He graduated with his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of New Hampshire in 1981, and in 2003 he earned his Master of Business Administration from Johnson & Wales. Mr. Zerba has demonstrated his skill and expertise in the field of hydronic systems as an ASHRAE and Hydraulic Institute member.

Tony Furst, MSEd, CPD, LEED AP

Sr. Systems Engineer, Commercial Training, Taco, Inc.

Mr. Furst is a Senior Systems Engineer – Commercial Training at Taco Comfort Solutions. He brings over 40 years of experience in the commercial HVAC and Plumbing fields. Throughout his career he has been actively involved in the design and start-up of large central utility plants for Northwestern University, The Ohio State University, and John Deere along with numerous hospitals and educational facilities around the country. Mr. Furst holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and a Master of Science in Education. He is also an active member of ASHRAE and ASPE.