Plumbing Engineer

In the month’s issue, we have an array of articles where our contributors provide practical insights on topics and issues to look out for in the new year.

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Feature

Multitenant Building Owners Upgrade Wireless Water Submetering

Long-range, wide-area network water meters and flood prevention devices add cost-effective detection in tenant billing applications.

January 6, 2025

LoRaWAN provides long-range, wireless communication that is more effective than Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, simplifying installation and reducing costs.

Feature

Navigating a Job Change: How I Did It and What Worked Well

When it’s time to move on, don’t settle for a job that doesn’t adequately satisfy or reward you.

January 6, 2025

Plumbing engineer Aaron Bock offers tips for seeking a new job and personal anecdotes about his experiences. Make sure you know why you want a new job and what you won’t accept in an offer.

Feature

2025 AHR Expo Preview

The annual HVACR event heads to sunny Orlando to learn about new industry products and trends.

January 6, 2025

Amalia Deligiannis

The heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration industries descend on Orlando in February to view innovative products from the more than 1,800 exhibitors.

Feature

‘The More Things Change, the More They Stay the Same’

As technology evolves, one thing remains constant: the engineer’s mission to solve problems and build solutions that stand the test of time.

January 6, 2025

The engineer’s mission is to solve problems and build lasting solutions with evolving technology. Balancing foundational engineering principles with technological innovation is crucial for effective problem-solving.

Feature

The Plumbing Industry’s Central Role in an Uncertain World

AI, climate change and forever chemicals are driving a shift toward precise, resource-conscious and regenerative plumbing design.

January 6, 2025

Sean Turner, Brian Alessi and Warren Rosenbrook of Henderson Engineers highlight the plumbing industry’s evolving role in addressing environmental challenges through advanced technologies and sustainable practices.

Feature

Engineering Safety on the Baseball Field

In construction, the concept of a Batter’s Eye relates to having a clear and undistracted working knowledge of the safety program and culture.

January 6, 2025

In construction, the concept of a Batter’s Eye relates to having a clear and undistracted working knowledge of the safety program and culture.

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Feature

2025 Construction Outlook

Factors resulting in 2024’s challenging conditions may soon give way to others working to bolster future construction spending.

January 6, 2025

Economist Michael Guckes provides a 2025 outlook on the construction industry, highlighting factors that may boost future construction spending such as falling interest rates, easing environmental and financial regulations and lower taxes, as well as hurdles such as the labor shortage.

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Collaborative Health Care Design

Addressing Nitrous Oxide as a Greenhouse Gas, Part 1

Given its significant environmental impact, N2O will likely be phased out in health-care settings.

January 6, 2025

John Gregory

The environmental impact of nitrous oxide as a greenhouse gas is emphasized by its long-lasting presence in the atmosphere and significant contribution to global warming.

Thought Leadership

The Search for Work-Life Balance

By setting our boundaries and creating healthy habits, we are creating more of a balance between work and home.

January 6, 2025

Jill Imig, PE, EDAC

Columnist Jill Imig suggests that instead of striving for perfect work-life balance, individuals should focus on setting boundaries and creating healthy habits.

Geothermal HVAC

An Update on the IRA and Geothermal Systems

The legislation made the Investment Tax Credit and Production Tax Credit more valuable and expanded the types of qualifying projects.

January 6, 2025

Jay Egg

The Inflation Reduction Act offers significant incentives for geothermal HVAC projects through 2032, including tax credits and direct funding.

The Future Is Now

New Year, New Fuel: A Hydrogen Story

With every advancement and safety standard, we’re preparing for a future where hydrogen and other water-sourced energy solutions play central roles.

January 6, 2025

John Mullen

Hydrogen fuel can significantly reduce carbon emissions, improving air quality and health; hybrid systems combining hydrogen with other energy sources could enhance grid stability and flexibility.

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FPE Corner

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Sprinkler Protection of Storage Occupancies, Part 1

Though it may seem intimidating at first, sprinkler protection for storage occupancies can be quite simple if you break it down into a few easy steps.

January 6, 2025

Plumbing engineer Jack DeVine simplifies the process of designing sprinkler systems for storage occupancies by breaking it down into manageable steps.