Snips articles from December 2003

Snips archives from December 2003

Distributors on the dock of the bay: wholesaler group heads to San Francisco for first convention.(HARDI)(Heating, Airconditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International)
December 1, 2003... The name might be new, but HARDI's convention will have many of the same programs that made the former NHRAW's annual meetings so popular: indepth discussions on sales, suppliers and everything related to the wholesale industry. The...

Read all about it; when it comes to marketing, there's nothing disposable about newsletters.(Newsletters)
December 1, 2003... It may seem like just another piece of "junk" mail, but a newsletter can be an important communication tool between you and your customers. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] According to the Direct Marketing Association, consumers read more than...

Are we there yet? Some construction markets are already recovering from recession; others wait.(2004 Forecast)(Illustration)
December 1, 2003... Many contractors are hoping 2004 is the year the sheet-metal industry finally recovers from the U.S. economic slowdown. Many companies have been grappling with layoffs and overcapacity for the last three years. No publicly available...

Smooth transitions: making ductwork elbows with a curved heel and throat.
December 1, 2003... (Editor's note: This is the second in an occasional series of how-to articles on manual sheet-metal layout by Wisconsin contractor Thomas "Bud" Goodman, author of The Forgotten Art of Sheet Metal Layout. Goodman's book was highlighted in the...

Anger management: dealing with problem employees can be difficult, but there is a right way to handle them.
December 1, 2003... A bad workday is when a vehicle or key piece of equipment breaks down. A horrendous workday is when something goes haywire with the most complex machinery you work with--the human mind. Technical problems can be hard to diagnose, but you can be...

Testing, adjusting, balancing procedures can vary.(Variable-air-volume systems information)(Excerpt)
December 1, 2003... (The following is taken from the third edition of HVAC Systems Testing, Adjusting & Balancing, published by the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association.) The TAB procedures for basic air systems found in Chapter...

Heat-recovery dehumidifier helps cool New York YMCA.(Applications in the Field)
December 1, 2003... NEW YORK -- A new YMCA hasn't been built in Manhattan for 70 years, but city officials say the new $35 million McBurney building has made it worth the wait. The 67,000-square-foot facility features a health and wellness center, paddleball...

PHCC foundation awards 6 scholarships in Las Vegas.(Association News)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... DES PLAINES, III. -- The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors National Association Educational Foundation announced its 2003 scholarship award winners and recognized them during the Sept. 29-Oct. 3 PHCC annual convention in Las Vegas. This...

ASHRAE evaluates building-energy protocols.(Association News)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- It seems logical that the development of a standard method to compare energy performance in buildings should result in improved energy efficiency. Now, an evaluation of existing building energy performance rating...

RSES elects committee.(Association News)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... DES PLAINES, III. -- Elections for new officers were held as part of the Refrigeration Service Engineers Society annual business meeting at the group's 66th annual conference, Oct. 1-4 in Nashville, Tenn. RSES new executive committee...

ASHRAE developing supplemental guide to Standard 90.1.(Association News)(American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers)
December 1, 2003... KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Three sets of proposals are being developed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers to provide energy savings from 30 percent to 75 percent over the group's current Standard 90.1,...

RSES members awarded CM status.(Association News)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... DES PLAINES, III. -- The Refrigeration Service Engineers Society announced two members were awarded certificate status in August. In order to become a certificate member, applicants must first pass an exam on the knowledge required to...

AmeriVent, J&J Register to share distributors.(Supplier News)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... HOLLAND, Mich. -- American Metal Products' AmeriVent gas vent and chimney systems and J&J Register products will now use the same distribution network, according officials from parent company Hart & Cooley Inc. According to company...

Reflectix products certified.(Supplier News)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... MARKLEVILLE, Ind. -- Reflectix Inc.'s line of HVACR insulation products has been certified by ETL Semko. A manufacturer of reflective insulation for the residential, commercial, agricultural and industrial markets, Reflectix used Intertek...

Mitsubishi's Mr. Slim line has perfect ARI success rate.(Supplier News)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga -- The Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute has given Mitsubishi Electric & Electronics USA Inc.'s HVAC Advanced Products Division its third consecutive 100-percent success rate for its Mr. Slim product line. ...

Unico holds board of advisors meeting.(Supplier News)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... ST. LOUIS -- Unico Inc., manufacturer of a miniduct central heating and cooling system for custom and renovated homes, recently held its annual board of advisors meeting in St. Louis. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The meeting included a...

CertainTeed selects site for new plant.(Supplier News)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... VALLEY FORGE, Pa. -- CertainTeed Corp. is proceeding with plans to install a new facility to manufacture HVAC textile duct liner in Sherman, Texas. "We have selected the site and have ordered the equipment," said Jorma Toivonen, president...

Hamlin names Ward-Boland as rep.(Supplier News)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... North Carolina-based spiral duct and fittings maker Hamlin Sheet Metal recently named Ward-Boland Associates of Owings Mills, Md., as its exclusive manufacturer's representative. Ward-Boland has served the Baltimore area since 1974.

Unico announces fall promotion.(Supplier News)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... ST. LOUIS -- For each order placed until Dec. 31, contractors can earn a free varsity-style fleece coat for each purchase of Unico System heating products. Qualifying product purchases include all Unico heat pump coils, hot water coils,...

Laser technology wins award.(Supplier News)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... FARMINGTON, Conn. -- Trumpf Inc. received a Connecticut Quality Improvement Award gold-level Innovation Prize at the 16th annual Conference on Quality and Innovation. The award recognizes the development and results of Trumpf's Sprint Axis...

PHCC elects new officers, raises funds for foundation.(Contractor News)
December 1, 2003... FALLS CHURCH, Va. -- Steve Carder, president of Carder Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Co in Sand Springs, Okla., assumed the presidency of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors-National Association during the group's Sept. 29-Oct. 3 annual...

ACCA launches campaign.(Contractor News)
December 1, 2003... ARLINGTON, Va. -- The Air Conditioning Contractors of America is campaigning for a legislative program that they say would have a tremendously positive impact on the nation's economy and energy usage. "American Living: The Campaign for...

Fla. commission requires updated Manual J.(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... ARLINGTON, Va. -- The Florida Building Commission will require the use of the eighth edition of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America's Manual J residential-load calculations, effective Jan. 1, 2005. At an Oct. 13 public hearing,...

Illinois contractor group's Web site wins award.(Internet News)(Plumbing and Mechanical Contractors Association of Northern Illinois wins Apex Award of Excellence )(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... DOWNERS GROVE, Ill. -- The Plumbing and Mechanical Contractors Association of Northern Illinois Web site has won the Apex Award of Excellence for the third year in a row. The awards are sponsored annually by the editors of Writing That...

Site highlights roof penetration system.(Internet News)(Chem Link Inc.)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... KALAMAZOO, Mich. -- The "Contractor Training Center" has been placed online by Chem Link Inc. The company said it was created to help contractors find ways to secure more business and increase profits by replacing traditional pitch pans with...

ABC helps members find workers.(Internet News)(The Associated Builders and Contractors JobInsite)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... WASHINGTON -- The Associated Builders and Contractors now offers "JobInsite," a part of the group's Web site designed to help members find the best employees for their firms as well as coach existing employees. "This online, job-specific...

Rheinzink America upgrades site.(web site upgradation)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... CAMBRIDGE, Mass. -- Metal-roofing products maker Rheinzink America Inc. recently upgraded its Web site. An online bulletin board now gives customers the opportunity to buy or sell machines to Rheinzink. Information on standards and ordering can...

ARI puts performance ratings online, available for download.(Internet News)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... ARLINGTON, Va. -- Visitors to www.ariprimenet.org can now search and download individual listings of performance ratings for all equipment certified by the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute, at no cost. "These downloadable PDF...

ACCA promotes thermal-energy storage.(Internet News)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... ARLINGTON, Va. -- The ACCA Educational Institute, an affiliate of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America, has placed a special section devoted to thermal-energy storage on the group's Web site. This information is provided as part of...

Controls explained on Web site.(Internet News)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... MINNEAPOLIS -- Varidigm Corp. has updated its Web site to provide more specific information on its controls and applications. Varidigm manufactures variable-speed motor controls and modulating combustion controls for commercial, industrial...

Benefits of radiant heating.(Internet News)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... PERKASIE, Pa. -- Orbit Manufacturing Co., which produces electric radiant heating products for residential, commercial and industrial uses, has upgraded its Web site. The site describes the company's products and provides product...

Heatcraft now has online sales-reps locator.(Internet News)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... ATLANTA -- Heatcraft Refrigeration Products has a new Web site that includes a sales-representative locator, technical product literature, technician training session information and current industry news. Future plans for the site include...

ASHRAE offers password-free access for .(Internet News)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... ATLANTA -- Access to technical information from the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers has been expanded through a new Web-based service. The program provides private and public libraries, government...

YorkNet available to UPG members.(Internet News)(Unitary Products Group)
December 1, 2003... NORMAN, Okla. -- The Unitary Products Group of York International Corp. has created the York Business Network or YorkNet, for its partners. Designed to improve efficiencies and enhance communication while saving time and money, the system...

Technical representative wins two Rheem awards.(People in the News)(Rheem Manufacturing Co.'s David Garceau)
December 1, 2003... FORT SMITH, Ark. -- Rheem Manufacturing Co.'s Air Conditioning Division has awarded its 2002 "Man of the Year" and "Top Gun" awards to district technical representative David Garceau of Concord, N.C. Garceau provides training and technical...

Obituaries.(People in the News)(Obituary)
December 1, 2003... Lillian Marie Duhe Lambert, 79, president of Lambert's Heating and Air Conditioning Inc. in Baton Rouge, La., died Aug. 17, 2003.

Obituaries.(People in the News)(Obituary)
December 1, 2003... Wallace E. Kernell, former owner of K&K Heating & Air Conditioning of Justice, Ill., died in late August. He had been an inspector for the city of Justice for 18 years.

Obituaries.(People in the News)(Obituary)
December 1, 2003... Francis W. Schnell, 89, owner of Chicago-based E. Schnell & Son Sheet Metal Works, died Aug. 9, 2003. Mr. Schnell and his four brothers all worked in the business started by their father in 1926. The company ceased operations 10 years ago.

Obituaries.(People in the News)(Obituary)
December 1, 2003... Andy Bernardi, 79, died Sept. 11, 2003. Mr. Bernardi was the founder of A.E. Bernardi Associates in St. Charles, Ill. An independent roofing manufacturers' representative, Mr. Bernardi won an award of excellence from the Chicago Roofing...

Obituaries.(People in the News)(Brief Article)(Obituary)
December 1, 2003... Paul Purnell, 83, retired district sales manager of Koppers Co. Inc. in Pittsburgh, died Sept. 14, 2003. In 1977, Mr. Purnell received the Man of the Year award from the Chicago Roofing Contractors Association.

Obituaries.(People in the News)(Obituary)
December 1, 2003... Donald A. Harrington, founder and past president of Redi Heating Co. Inc. in Palatine, Ill., died in early September.

Listening involves your ears and your mind.(listening tips)
December 1, 2003... In order to have a two-way conversation, you must be an effective listener. Most of us have not given much thought or concern to the art of listening. When it comes to "listening," we think of "hearing," which is only part of effective...

The 'Mercedes-Benz syndrome' cure.(Contractor Cents)(using business cash for personal desires)
December 1, 2003... A colleague had an acquaintance who was looking for funding for his business. My colleague introduced him to a potential investor. The next day, the potential investor called my colleague and told him that he would never invest in his...

Standards institute denies smoking addendum appeals.(Indoor Air Quality)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... ATLANTA -- Attempts to change the ASHRAE ventilation standard for smoking spaces have been denied by the American National Standards Institute Board of Standards Review. The addendum was approved for publication at the American Society of...

Leases available on equipment.(Aerotech Instruments)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... PHOENIX -- Aerotech Instruments, the product division of Aerotech Laboratories Inc., is offering equipment leasing. The company said this would allow businesses to acquire equipment without making a significant capital investment. Five...

ADP to make anti-microbial drain pans.(Indoor Air Quality)(Advanced Distributor Products)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... RICHARDSON, Texas -- Advanced Distributor Products, a division of Lennox International Inc., has signed a three-year North American licensing agreement with Microban to become the exclusive provider of evaporator coils using Microban...

New duct liner uses natural fibers.(Indoor Air Quality)(Bonded Logic Inc. and Reflectix Inc. are marketing partners)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... MARKLEVILLE, Ind. -- Reflectix Inc. has signed an exclusive agreement with Bonded Logic Inc. to market a new natural-fiber duct liner. The Reflectix duct liner was designed for use in HVAC sheet-metal ducts to absorb unwanted noise from...

Outdoor-air intake locations proposed.(Indoor Air Quality)(American National Standards Institute/ American Society of Heating, Refrigerating & Air Conditioning Engineers propose ventilation standards )(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... CHICAGO -- Requirements for the location of outdoor-air intakes are specified in a proposed addendum to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers' ventilation standard. American National Standards...

ASHRAE to study student performance.(Indoor Air Quality)(American Society of Heating, Refrigerating & Air Conditioning Engineers researches short-term absences )(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... ATLANTA -- Did you ever breathe stale air in classrooms and get sleepy while the clock seemed to tick backwards? Some pupils would get sick and miss school entirely. According to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and...

Link between cabin air, health probed.(Indoor Air Quality)(American Society of Heating, Refrigerating & Air Conditioning Engineers research)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... ATLANTA -- Common sense says that sitting in an airplane cabin for hours, sharing the same dry air with two hundred hacking, sneezing people could make you sick. Commercial aircraft passengers and crew have reported symptoms such as eye, nose...

HARDI donates vintage magazines to ASHRAE.(Wholesaler News)(Heating, Airconditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International's donation to American Society of Heating, Refrigerating & Air Conditioning Engineers library)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The Heating, Airconditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International has donated the 1932-1969 bound volumes of American Artisan magazine to the history section of the ASHRAE library in Atlanta. American Artisan was a...

Rheem adds Alabama distributor.(Wholesaler News)(Rheem Manufacturing Co.)(Wittichen Supply Company Inc.)
December 1, 2003... FORT SMITH, Ark. -- Rheem Manufacturing Co. recently announced that Birmingham, Ala.-based Wittichen Supply Co. will distribute Rheem products throughout Alabama and west Georgia. As part of the agreement, Rheem products will be Wittichen's...

California.(Regional News)(the 10 most-common misconceptions about workers' compensation)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... According to the California Chamber of Commerce, quoted by the California chapter of the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association in its weekly fax newsletter, these are the 10 most-common misconceptions about workers'...

Colorado.(Regional News)(Colorado Roofing Association's exhibition)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... The Colorado Roofing Association held a metal-roofing mini-tabletop exhibition in October in Denver. Included were metal shake and shingle products, portable roof-panel roll formers and standing-seam roof-panel systems and coil products.

Florida.(Regional News)(Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors Association Educational and Research Foundation recieved donation)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... The South Florida Air Conditioning Contractors of America chapter held a "Broward (County) Inspectors Night" during September, to hear the inspectors' interpretations of code enforcement. In October, the group held the South Florida Air...

Illinois.(Regional News)(Sheet Metal Workers union's graduation dinner dance)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... The Sheet Metal Workers union Local 73 held its 39th Apprentice Graduation Dinner Dance in September in Rosemont, Ill. Shown in the photograph are the members of the Joint Apprentice Training Center, training coordinators, instructors and...

Michigan.(Regional News)(Association of Service & Mechanical Contractors's seminar)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... The Association of Service & Mechanical Contractors of Southeastern Michigan held a seminar on "The Real World of Homeland Security" in Oakland County. According to the group, "Neither excessive fear nor cavalier indifference is the appropriate...

Missouri.(Regional News)(Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors National Association's trade show)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... The St. Louis SMACNA chapter's October trade show began with a seminar conducted by James E. Woods, Ph.D., P.E., called "Under-floor Air Distribution Systems: Design Issues, Principles and Practices." Woods is the executive director of the...

New York.(Regional News)(importance of proper uniforms for company employees)(Brief Article)(Reprint)
December 1, 2003... The following editorial on uniforms by Anthony N. Carbone is reprinted from the Greater New York (ACCA Chapter) Contractor News: September is here and the transitional time period from the havoc of summer's service and installations is...

Ohio.(Regional News)(Air Conditioning Contractors of America Central Ohio Chapter holds review class)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... The Air Conditioning Contractors of America Central Ohio Chapter held a review class in October for North American Technician Excellence program's core- and gas-heat tests to help technicians prepare. The review was held about a week before the...

Pennsylvania.(Regional News)(Air Conditioning Contractors of America Association gives free safety inspections to furnaces)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... Sixty Pittsburgh-area homeowners received complimentary furnace inspections courtesy of Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania, Dominion Peoples, Equitable Gas and the Western Pennsylvania chapter of ACCA. This was the 15th time this partnership has...

Service testing CD.(Books Software & Lit)
December 1, 2003... The "HVAC Personnel Assessment" CD, developed by Prokup Media Inc., was created for contractors and service managers to allow them to test the knowledge of their service staff and prospective employees on real-life topics. They will be able to...

Fan performance info.(Books Software & Lit)
December 1, 2003... The revised Air Movement and Control Association's publication No. 808 is available, titled Industrial Process--Power Generation Fans: Establishing Performance Using Laboratory Models. The publication outlines present methods used by fan...

In-line fan details.(Books Software & Lit)
December 1, 2003... A 40-page brochure describes the benefits and features of the company's new belt-driven mixed-flow in-line fans. It also provides information on 16 available sizes from 15 to 73 inches, as well as Class I and Class II construction. The design...

Flexible duct brochure.(Books Software & Lit)
December 1, 2003... A 28-page brochure celebrates the company's 50th anniversary with descriptions of its Thermaflex residential and commercial lines of flexible duct for HVAC applications. The advantages of flexible duct are discussed, as well as the company's...

Duct-liner data.(Books Software & Lit)
December 1, 2003... Textile duct liner with Hydroshield technology is explained in a four-page product-data sheet. The flexible, matfaced insulation is made from textile-type glass fibers bonded by a thermosetting resin with an encapsulant edge coating. According...

Low-pressure duct pages.(Books Software & Lit)
December 1, 2003... A 12-page brochure describes the company's duct products, including galvanized steel spiral ducts, low-pressure galvanized fittings, AccuFlange connections, Ductmate end connections, companion flange connections, and Keating Koupling...

Copper Shingles explained.(Books Software & Lit)
December 1, 2003... The benefits of Revere Bennington Shingles are explained in a four-page brochure. According to the company, the copper shingles require no special installation skills, tools or materials, as well as no underside venting or extra structural...

Industry catalog.(Books Software & Lit)
December 1, 2003... This catalog includes flat-rate pricing, management materials and consulting help for the HVACR, plumbing and electrical industries. Flat Rate Plus products include software, books, books on CD, databases, binders, portfolios and training. The...

Roof product details.(Books Software & Lit)
December 1, 2003... The ColorGard S-5 snow retention system prevents rooftop avalanches from damaging property or causing injury. Snow can easily weigh 15 pounds per cubic foot or more. A 20-foot by 40-foot roof with an 18-inch deep blanket of snow can send as...

Fans booklet.(Books Software & Lit)
December 1, 2003... The MultiWing 8W series fan specification sheets detail product features, applications, specifications, blade dimensions and materials, choices, design matrix, selection guide and provide an ordering example chart. The products are available...

R410A air conditioner.(New Products)
December 1, 2003... The Comfortmaker SoftSound 1400R split-system air conditioner has a 14 seasonal energy-efficiency ratio and capacities of 2 tons through 5 tons. A special fan motor enclosure reduces noise and blocks dirt and debris. A compressor sound jacket...

Commercial heaters.(New Products)
December 1, 2003... A line of commercial-grade Kapton-insulated heaters are said to provide the benefits of thin-etched foil element at a lower cost. The heaters are less than 0.01 inch thick and can be formed to a 0.03-inch radius. Standard size options from 0.5...

16-Gauge stat wire.(New Products)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... A line of 16-gauge thermostat wire virtually eliminates the possibility of voltage-drop issues and makes the wire more resilient to physical damage, according to company officials. The wire is constructed using a PVC jacket and conductors...

Spot cooling.(New Products)(Unispot introduces industrial air condition)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... Industrial spot-cooling eliminates the need to air-condition an entire factory floor or workspace. Airflow is targeted to workers and can easily be reconfigured as workers move within their stations or as the production line is modified. The...

Tube-cutting tools.(New Products)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... Tube-cutting tools are offered for a variety of uses. The line includes midget cutters, enclosed-feed cutters, screw-feed cutters, quick-acting cutters, plastic-pipe cutters, internal-tubing cutters and cutter wheels. The five midget-tubing...

Manifolds.(New Products)
December 1, 2003... Redesigned and enhanced 400 Series two-valve, forged-brass manifolds have been expanded to more than 20 different configurations. A dynamic full-flow dual O-ring valve design allows for faster evacuation and charging, and angled hose hangers...

Calendar of events.(Calendar)
December 1, 2003... DECEMBER 7-9 The Heating, Airconditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International will hold its first conference at the San Francisco Marriott Hotel. Council meetings and educational sessions are planned. For information, write...

Wholesalers.(Wholesalers & Mfr. Reps. Directory)(Directory)
December 1, 2003... Nationwide ADVANCE CUTTING SYSTEMS 112 Hilltop Business Dr. Pelham, AL 35124 PH: 205-985-8801 FAX: 205-985-8804 CNC Plasma Cutting Systems & HVAC Coil Lines E-mail: info@advancecutting.com Webpage: http://www.advancecutting.com ...

Manufacturers representatives.(Wholesalers & Mfr. Reps. Directory)(Directory)
December 1, 2003... Nationwide New England MAINE NORTHERN VICON PLASMA CUTTING SYSTEMS, InteliCad, New and Used Machinery Call Robert Curry, PH: 207-490-3442, FAX: 207-490-3469 Email: northernplasma@cyberwc.net Serving MA, NH, VT,...

U.S. economy may finally be turning the corner.(Editorial)
December 1, 2003... Pundits and commentators all have their views on where the U.S. economy is headed, but predictions don't mean much to most people. If your industry is still suffering, the fact home builders are busy or the jobless rate fell last month is a...