Switching to FlowGuard® CPVC for HVAC Projects

Thinking ahead to your next HVAC piping project? Did you know there’s a code-compliant non-metallic option that:

• Will never pit, scale or corrode
• Resists biofilm growth
• Is lightweight
• Can cut your labor costs in half?

That’s just a partial description of thermoplastic FlowGuard^® CPVC, the versatile material used in the pipe and fittings for domestic plumbing, but also increasingly for the chillers in building hydronic systems. Engineered to outperform metal in harsh environments, FlowGuard CPVC easily withstands the temperature and pressure requirements of most hydronic HVAC systems, and fully conforms to International Mechanical Code and Uniform Mechanical Code requirements.

The Advantages of CPVC in HVAC

Take, for instance, a recent hotel project in St. Augustine, Florida: it converted to CPVC its HVAC system. One of the reasons was because it was plagued by corrosion to its metal piping components in its seaside location. Even over the course of a few months, the team could see how the metal components that were part of the hotel’s HVAC system were already experiencing corrosion, as compared to the CPVC pipes, which were not.

• CPVC pipes have smooth internal surfaces that never pit, scale or corrode, system diameter can be designed for flow without concern for pressure drops from the friction caused by corrosion buildup as the system ages.
• Those same smooth, nonporous surfaces can withstand ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 188 decontamination procedures, which means CPVC carries the lowest potential for the biofilm growth that can lead to health risks from Legionella.
• Weighing significantly less than metal, CPVC provides great flexibility because there are more options for where the pipe can be run and easily installed without undue stress and with less equipment.
• With only simple handheld tools required for solvent cement welding of a joint, the absence of specialized labor requirements saves project time and money compared to the heat welding required in a metal installation.

“Prior to this job we were not familiar with installing CPVC,” says Jason Scott, project manager for CCS Mechanical, in charge of the St. Augustine hotel project. “After learning the proper methods, the team found CPVC pipe and fittings easy to work with. We are also planning to use it on future jobs.”

These advantages only tell part of the story. Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page to learn more. Then, because we offer dedicated field and technical training and support for our systems, contact a FlowGuard CPVC representative to get started on your next project.