Water filtration systems should always include a bypass.
With the bypass valves closed or opened correctly, you can service filters or softeners without shutting off water to the entire house. It's a easy detail that makes maintenance so much easier.
Architect: @nicholaeffarchitects
Mechanical: @t.jheating@te2engineering
#plumbingdesign #waterfiltration #buildingperformance #buildingscience
What the heck is this?
This system pressurizer might not look like much, but it plays an important role. It maintains system pressure while limiting how much water could enter the system during a leak. Instead of unlimited water from an automatic fill valve, only the volume in the tank is available. It's a simple way to reduce risk and maintain the correct fluid mixture in hydronic systems.
Architect: @nicholaeffarchitects
Mechanical: @t.jheating@te2engineering
#hydronics #buildingperformance #buildingscience #mechanicalengineering #hvacdesign #highperformancehomes
Most homes in cold climates struggle with dry winter air.
This steam humidifier generates steam inside a canister and injects it directly into the ductwork, where the air handler distributes that moisture throughout the house and makes a big difference in comfort. The condensate drains back to the unit and out to the drain, keeping everything controlled and clean.
Architect: @nicholaeffarchitects
GC: @kennethvonaandsonconstruction
Mechanical: @t.jheating
Electrical: @jj_galvin_electrical@te2engineering
#hvacdesign #buildingperformance #buildingscience #humidification #mechanicalengineering #highperformancehomes
Radiant floor heating works a bit like a Ferris wheel.
Warm water leaves the manifold, circulates through the floor loops, gives up its heat, and returns to be reheated again. In this system the water is only about 110°F but it comfortably heats the entire home. When properly designed, low temperature hydronic systems can be incredibly efficient and comfortable.
Architect: @nicholaeffarchitects
GC: @kennethvonaandsonconstruction
Mechanical: @t.jheating
Electrical: @jj_galvin_electrical@te2engineering
#radiantfloorheating #hydronics #buildingperformance #buildingscience #hvacdesign
These controls manage the heating and cooling systems throughout the house.
Different radiant zones run at different temperatures depending on the flooring type, all controlled with outdoor reset so the system adjusts automatically as outdoor temperatures change. Weather-compensated controls like this help hydronic systems run really efficiently.
@te2engineering
#radiantheating #hydronics #buildingperformance #buildingscience #hvacdesign
Registration is still open but spots are limited! If you can get yours before end of business Thursday we’ll get you a professionally printed nametag - yes, I’m serious.
#valueadd #elitemarketing #buildingscience #buildingsciencesymposium #saltlakecity
Buildingsciencesymposium.com
Mechanical rooms can get complicated fast.
This one combines boilers, radiant manifolds, pool heating equipment, ventilation, humidification, domestic hot water and more in one very organized space. Careful design, clear labeling, and excellent execution make these complex systems easier to operate and maintain.
@te2engineering
#mechanicalroom #buildingperformance #buildingscience #mechanicalengineering
Know where your main water shutoff is!
Here the incoming service is clearly organized with a pre-meter shutoff, water meter, and secondary shutoff feeding the house and exterior connections. Everything is labeled and easy to trace. Good mechanical design like this makes systems simple to understand when you need it most.
@te2engineering
#plumbingdesign #buildingperformance #buildingscience #mechanicalsystems #highperformancehomes
Infrared cameras can show you things you can't see with your eyes.
Looking at this mechanical room through thermal imaging makes it easy to identify hot and cold piping, spot heat loss, and catch details that might need insulation or adjustment. Tools like this help diagnose problems and improve system performance.
@te2engineering
#infrared #buildingperformance #buildingscience #mechanicalengineering #hvacdesign
Most people never think about what's under a floor register.
This flush floor register uses a removable wood lattice grille that looks really good and allows the sealed and insulated boot below to be accessed, maintained, and performing the way it's designed to.
@te2engineering
#hvacdesign #buildingperformance #buildingscience #mechanicaldesign #highperformancehomes #ductdesign
This bathroom was always a couple degrees behind the rest of the house. Not broken, just not right. The main level of the home is heated with only one ductless mini-split and it doesn’t wash this room well. I built the house for my 2018–2020 and this is a good example of how small comfort gaps show up over time.
I added a Kelvin radiant heater, install took about 45 minutes.
Radiant heat is different. It’s not just air temperature, it’s how the space actually feels. Quiet, steady, comfortable, and constant.
Sometimes the best solutions are targeted, not complicated.
#radiantpanel #radiant #aarowbuilding #comobuilds #kansascitybuilder solutions
Trethewey. Ross Trethewey.
I'm definitely no 007, but pop open this "trap door" and you're looking down into the elevator shaft with the elevator motor and the cab down below. Just another hidden system being integrated into more and more modern homes.
@te2engineering
#buildingengineering #buildingperformance #mechanicalsystems #constructiondetails #highperformancehomes
