Snips articles from January 2009

Snips archives from January 2009

A mighty project: making a miter to go between a round fitting and cone.
January 1, 2009... A recent article described how to develop a fitting using a layout method known as "parallel line development." It was a simple method and demonstrated how to develop the intersection of two round pipes to form a tee. [ILLUSTRATION...

Heating up a cool city: show expected to attract thousands to Chicago this month.
January 1, 2009... Where is the AHR Expo being held this year? If you answered "Chicago," you're right. Actually, if you always answer "Chicago," you have a one-in-three chance of being correct, because the world's largest annual heating and air-conditioning...

Viva Las Fabtech: metal-forming show finds success with Western U.S. location.(Fabtech International )
January 1, 2009... LAS VEGAS -- Fabtech International is possibly the only trade show that is louder during the actual event than its setup. Wandering the halls of the Las Vegas Convention Center Oct. 5, the day before the start of the three-day show, the only...

No more myth: five misconceptions of the green building movement.
January 1, 2009... New technology is leading many contractors, builders and architects into the next phase of the green building revolution. At the same time, others aren't so sure this green trend is here to stay or can't figure out how to make money from...

Molecules, spores and more: NAFA brings annual convention to San Francisco.(National Air Filtration Association)(Conference news)
January 1, 2009... SAN FRANCISCO--This year's National Air Filtration Association meeting wasn't just about air filters. The group covered everything from climate change to changing your business strategy during the Sept. 17-19 event at the Holiday Inn...

Surf & up: despite down economy, association draws to Hawaii convention.(Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors National Association)(Conference news)
January 1, 2009... WAILEA, Hawaii--Recession? What recession? If you were expecting signs that the nation's economy was entering--or already in--a slowdown, you wouldn't have found them Oct. 19-22 at the Sheet Metal and Air-Conditioning Contractors' National...

Don't worry, make money; The impact of the financial crisis on selling your company isn't so bad.
January 1, 2009... The United States may be in the midst of its biggest financial crisis since the Great Depression. Congress approved a $700 billion bailout package for the financial industry Oct. 3. This infusion of capital is the most massive governmental...

Medical center saves energy with total-systems approach.(applications in the field)
January 1, 2009... With large central utility plants, overtaxed HVAC systems and ever-increasing utility costs, many hospitals face the dual problems of high-energy costs and compromised environmental air quality. Some hospitals, such as the Methodist Dallas...

Has the economy got you down?(SPIDA)
January 1, 2009... As president of the Spiral Duct Manufacturers Association, I want to thank Snips magazine for again giving us the opportunity to share with its readers a little about our organization and the successes of our members. [ILLUSTRATION...

Double-wall duct connectors make project easier; Facilities where people can meet for physical and mental recreation are vital for the health and growth of any community. Salt Lake City is no exception as the city embarked on an expansion of its Sorenson multi-cultural center.(SPIDA)
January 1, 2009... On Dec. 13, 2006, Salt Lake City broke ground on the Sorenson Unity Center made possible through the generosity of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and James LeVoy Sorenson, using $6.5 million in funds donated by the Alliance for...

Machinery maker has new location.(SPIDA)(Spiral-Helix Inc.)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... Spiral ductwork machinery maker Spiral-Helix Inc. recently completed its move into a new updated facility in Elk Grove Village, III. "The new facility has exceeded all of our expectations, while maintaining convenience to Chicago's O'Hare...

Spiral was best fit for dome-shaped Colorado church; Mile Hi Church, located in Lakewood, Colo., opened the doors to a new 44,000-square-foot, 1,500-seat sanctuary April 6, 2008.(SPIDA)
January 1, 2009... Mechanical Technologies Group Inc., also known as MTech Group, was awarded the mechanical contract for the new sanctuary, which included the supply and installation of all HVAC equipment and ductwork. MTech Group provides comprehensive...

Modern spiral duct installed at New Hampshire antique furniture center; In the fall of 2007, New Hampshire-based Atlantic Air Products manufacturing LLC received a request for quotation to fabricate a duct system to be installed in a facility located in Salem, N.H.(SPIDA)
January 1, 2009... An existing 220,000-square-foot building was being redeveloped to house a high-end antique furniture distribution business and as such required strict temperature and humidity controls. The HVAC system used two 888-ton air-handling units,...

New products keep round duct market growing.(SPIDA)
January 1, 2009... Spiral duct manufacturers are adding innovation to a product that has been around for years. one manufacturer, LaPine Metal Products inc. of Kalamazoo, Mich., has created a whole new line of self-sealing spiral duct with gaskets and duct...

Illinois steel company reaches 10-year anniversary.(SPIDA)(Company overview)
January 1, 2009... Many businesses don't last a year. A few are lucky enough to survive for two or three years. But most experts will tell you it's hard to stay profitable and successful over the long term. Perf-Etc. Steel Corp. has beaten those odds. The...

Alaska contractor provides spiral for high-rise building; Alaska Sheet Metal recently provided the spiral duct and fittings in the new JL tower in Anchorage, Alaska.(SPIDA)
January 1, 2009... This 14-story, 280,000-square-foot building located in midtown Anchorage, is situated on approximately seven acres. The building frame is structural steel with a composite concrete floor. The exterior walls consist of an aluminum "curtain" and...

Cincinnati sheet metal firm offers new spiral products.(SPIDA)
January 1, 2009... Sheet metal fabricating company Langdon Inc. has been making ductwork and related products since 1966. The company operates out of a 50,000-square-foot sheet metal facility in Cincinnati, with capacity for quarter-inch plate up to 26-gauge...

Convention center shines with spiral duct: if you were to look at many of the promotional materials or web sites or other information regarding the new convention center in Raleigh, N.C, you would see the slogan "you shine here".(SPIDA)
January 1, 2009... This has certainly proven to be true for the project's spiral duct provider, Hamlin Sheet Metal Co. Based in Garner, N.C., Hamlin worked with a Raleigh contractor, Newcomb & Co., to provide the spiral duct for this 500,000-square-foot facility....

Spiral duct reaches to rafters in Midwest arena: in 2003, Waldinger Corp. received a $24 million mechanical contract for the new construction and partial renovation of three Iowa Events Center properties in Des Moines.(SPIDA)
January 1, 2009... The events center, a four-property arena and exhibit hall located on the banks of the Des Moines River, presented a complex job to its contractors. Two of the key structures--a new sports arena and an exhibition hall--were to be built from the...

System brings new approach to high-rise ventilation; Close cooperation between architects, engineers and contractors is needed to ensure ventilation systems function properly. For the health of the building and its occupants, a building's ventilation system must remove contaminated air from occupied spaces and replace it with outside air.(SPIDA)
January 1, 2009... In concrete-filled high-rise buildings, designing ventilation systems becomes very challenging. Indoor air is removed by kitchen, bathroom, and dryer exhaust systems. Vertical shafts are common but the sellable floor space they occupy is very...

'Lean' training helps Oregon company work; Metu-Streimer, the duct and fitting manufacturing division of Streimer Sheet Metal Works Inc. of Portland, Ore., has learned firsthand that lean production is not just a matter of training a few people in various techniques, cleaning up your work space and hoping for the best.(SPIDA)
January 1, 2009... The division has spent months implementing lean for an entire value-stream from the customer to collecting the cash. Here are some examples. Value stream; spiral duct The problem: Metu-Streimer had continued to sec its margins...

Groups hail bill's passage.(association news)
January 1, 2009... The Air Conditioning Contractors of America and the National Association of Home Builders were elated at news of the Oct. 3 passage of the $700 billion bailout of the nation's financial industry. The bill allows the government to take over...

Oilheat education scholarships available for 2009.(association news)
January 1, 2009... The National Association of Oil Heating Service Managers will be awarding 10 t education scholarships in 2009. These scholarships are awarded in memory of Dave Nelsen, a service manager and industry educator who passed away in 1998. They...

ASHRAE, NEBB to promote common causes.(association news)(American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers)(National Environmental Balancing Bureau)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... ASHRAE and NEBB have agreed to work together to promote mutual interests in the areas of design and construction. The two groups signed an agreement at the 2008 National Environmental Balancing Bureau annual meeting, Oct. 30-Nov. 1 in...

NAHB announces green-building awards.(association news)
January 1, 2009... The National Association of Home Builders is accepting applications for its 2009 NAHB National Green Building Awards. The annuel awards honor home builders, remodelers, builders associations and other organizations for advancing green...

Midwest metal products.(Cartoon)
January 1, 2009... WE'RE RUNNING TO ALL THE TRADE SHOWS THIS SEASON! SMACNA MAUL, HAWAII METAL CON BALTIMORE FABTECH LAS VEGAS AHR CHICAGO ... WE CAN BE IN TWO PLACES AT THE SAME TIME! MAY BE IF WE HUSTLE ENOUGH... ANGLE RINGS...

Tax incentives available for geothermal systems.(supplier news)
January 1, 2009... Home and commercial building owners who install geothermal heating and cooling systems are now eligible for federal tax incentives under the Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008. Congress passed the legislation Oct. 3 as part of the...

Emerson auction benefits U.S. soldiers.(supplier news)
January 1, 2009... Proceeds from an Emerson silent auction are going to Operation Homefront, a nonprofit organization that provides emergency assistance to U.S. troops and their families. At a silent auction held in conjunction with Emerson's annual...

'Extreme Makeover' features fans.(supplier news)(Tim Hill )(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... The Nov. 2 episode of "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" on ABC-TV featured a home renovation for a former boxer who now trains kids for free. Manufacturer Big Ass Fans was prominently featured in the episode. Tim Hill was an aspiring...

Palmer thermostats to aid F-16 jets.(supplier news)
January 1, 2009... Thermostats from Palmer Instruments will take to the sky as part of a new contract with Lockheed Martin. The company received a contract for a special thermometer for the F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft built by Lockheed Martin. Palmer...

RHP Mechanical ranked in regional survey.(contractor news)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... RHP Mechanical Systems is among the Southwest region's top specialty contractors, according to Southwest Contractor magazine. The publication ran a survey released in August ranking subcontractors based on total revenue generated from work...

ACCA reaches out to Obama.(contractor news)
January 1, 2009... In a letter sent Nov. 20 to President-elect Barack Obama, ACCA President Paul Stalknecht said that the organization's members are uniquely positioned to help achieve energy independence and jump-start the economy. The letter from...

Dwyer Group receives workplace honor.(contractor news)( Dwyer Group Inc.)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... For the second year in a row, the Dwyer Group has been named as one of the "Best Companies to Work for in Texas." The Dwyer Group operates six different franchises, including HVAC company AirServe. The ranking, promoted by Texas...

QSC recognized for charitable work.(contractor news)
January 1, 2009... The Quality Service Contractors organization was recognized recently for raising more than $125,000 for the Challenge Air for Kids and Friends organization. QSC received an Outstanding Supporter Award at the annual Challenge Air for Kids...

AirTight earns APC partner designation.(contractor news)
January 1, 2009... Approaching its 10-year anniversary, AirTight Mechanical has earned a Premier Partner designation with American Power Conversion Corp. "AirTight has successfully achieved the Premier Partner level of partnership with APC. This level of...

Daikin launches dealer Web locator function.(internet news)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... The new Web locator at Daikin's Web site allows users to find authorized Daikin Network Alliance dealers, known as DNA dealers. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] By clicking on any page in the Web site users can access the "Where to Purchase"...

Superior Boiler Works enhances Web site.(internet news)
January 1, 2009... Superior Boiler Works Inc. has upgraded its Web site in an effort to better serve those who conduct business with the company. The enhanced Web site provides features that allow current and new customers to find the information they need on...

New Trane site inspired by ad campaign.(internet news)
January 1, 2009... Trane Residential Systems unveiled a new consumer Web site inspired by its recent campaign: "Heating. Cooling. And Beyond." Trane officials said that the campaign embodies the company's goal of being a resource for energy efficiency,...

NRCA Web site features new layout, logo.(internet news)
January 1, 2009... The National Roofing Contractors Association has launched a new site at www.nrca.net featuring a new layout, logo and restructured navigation. The Web site's content and navigation are customized for NRCA's members, roofing professionals...

Roofing Expo to feature NBA Hall of Fame member.(meetings & conventions)
January 1, 2009... Legendary NBA player Bill Walton will deliver the keynote address during the 2009 international Roofing Expo. The Feb. 3-5 meeting will take place at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. Held immediately prior to the...

Dexter & Chaney plan 2009 users conference.(meetings & conventions)(Conference news)
January 1, 2009... Dexter & Chaney will showcase new features in its Spectrum Construction Software at the company's 13th annual users' conference April 23-24. The conference at the Bell Harbor Conference Center in Seattle will offer a new, four-part...

ASHRAE opens new sustainable headquarters.(meetings & conventions)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... Over 200 people gathered Oct. 23 for the official opening of the new sustainable ASHRAE headquarters in Atlanta. The guests included industry partners who donated nearly $2 million in equipment and services for the $7 million renovation....

QuickPen names new CAD product manager.(people in the news)
January 1, 2009... QuickPen International has hired Brett Stacks as its CAD product manager. Stacks brings years of CAD industry experience to QuickPen and knows CAD software from the point of view of application provider and customer, company officials said. ...

Tips on running meetings that work.(business management)
January 1, 2009... Most meetings last longer than needed and accomplish less than expected. Take this true/false test about your meetings: 1. T/F The meeting's agenda is known only to the person running it. 2. T/F Meetings are held at the...

Firing employees is sometimes necessary.(contractor cents)(Viewpoint essay)
January 1, 2009... Firing an employee is the thing that I hate to do most in business. However, there are times that it has to be done and as an owner or manager you have to do it. If a person is not working out or commits one of the "may be fireable offenses,"...

Making sense of the eco-building movement.(mind your business)
January 1, 2009... Consumer interest is conspiring with government initiatives to spark the green building movement as the most exciting trend now touching the HVAC industry. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Not a month goes by when this magazine doesn't report...

Sales Engineers receives Nordyne award.(wholesaler news)
January 1, 2009... Nordyne honored Mike Dungan of Sales Engineers Inc. with-its 2007 Regional Sales Manager of the Year Award. The award was presented during Nordyne's sales meeting Oct. 3-4 in St. Charles, Mo. Dungan received the honor due to his...

Johnstone manager honored at Coleman meeting.(wholesaler news)
January 1, 2009... Ken Webb, Johnstone Supply brand manager, was presented Oct. 15 with the Distinguished Technical Service Lifetime Achievement Award from Johnson Controls. The award was given to Webb during a Coleman service managers meeting in St. Louis....

APR Supply chairman receives Leadership Award.(wholesaler news)(Randy Tice)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... Randy Tice, chairman of APR Supply Co. in Lebanon, Pa., was recognized by North American Technician Excellence with the 2008 Ted Rees Leadership Award. "The Ted Rees Leadership Award, named for the former president of the Air-Conditioning...

Arizona.(regional news)
January 1, 2009... The Arizona Chapter of the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association presented University Mechanical of Tempe, Ariz., with the national 2008 Safety Excellence Award. University Mechanical was recognized as the...

Florida.(regional news)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... The Florida Department of Education has selected HVAC Excellence as the certifying agency for the state's HVACR programs. Federally mandated legislation requires that career and technical programs such as HVACR must use industry-recognized...

Indiana.(regional news)
January 1, 2009... Indianapolis-based Jackson Systems was a finalist in the innovation category of the Indiana Entrepreneurial Leadership Awards in 2008. "We are truly honored to be a finalist in this category," said CEO Tom Jackson. "We work hard to create...

Kentucky.(regional news)
January 1, 2009... Greenheck Fan Corp. of Schofield, Wis., broke ground on a 22,000-square-foot addition to its Frankfort, Ky., manufacturing facility. This is the second addition since the plant opened in 1997. The added space will increase the plant...

Michigan.(regional news)
January 1, 2009... Utility company Detroit Edison has raised the amount it will pay for information leading to the arrest of copper thieves. Copper thieves in the Detroit area have not only targeted live power lines, but have taken transformers from Detroit...

Management system.(books, software & lit)
January 1, 2009... Intac International has released Wintac Pro 2009. This latest release expands upon Wintac Pro's all-inclusive design by combining the functionality of several programs into one integrated system. This includes customer relationship management,...

Energy software.(books, software & lit)
January 1, 2009... Emerson Climate Technologies introduced an extension to its ProAct suite of software and services that allows retailers to monitor and target energy usage. Emerson officials claim that these new tools have the capability of lowering a...

Vent catalog.(books, software & lit)
January 1, 2009... The B-Vent Product Catalog is a complete listing and description of Metal-Fab Inc.'s 3-inch through 30-inch diameter vents. The vents are for residential, light commercial, institutional and industrial installations. B-Vent is evaluated and...

Duct Design software.(books software & lit)
January 1, 2009... The ACCA has released another title in its series of computer-based training packages known as "HVAC Essentials." The latest package is entitled "Understanding Manual Q: Low Pressure, Low Velocity Duct Design in the Real World." Manual Q is the...

Air filter catalog.(books, software & lit)
January 1, 2009... Camfil Farr has released a new 150-page catalog of air filters, filter housings and various items related to maintaining air quality. The products are available for commercial, institutional and industrial buildings. The catalog also includes...

Commemorative book.(books, software & lit)
January 1, 2009... In honor of its recent 150th anniversary, Klein Tools has released Forging Endurance. The new book chronicles the history of Klein Tools from the founding of the company to the present day as a manufacturer in the electrical industry, and as...

Business software.(books, software & lit)
January 1, 2009... Dexter & Chaney has enhanced the service management capabilities in its Spectrum construction software. The company reports that is has updated the work order and service contract modules to provide contractors with more flexible, fully...

IAQ guideline.(books, software & lit)
January 1, 2009... A new residential ventilation and indoor air quality guideline is now available from ASHRAE. "Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality in Low-Rise Residential Buildings" is the companion guideline to "Ventilation and Acceptable Indoor Air Quality in...

Tool catalog.(books, software & lit)
January 1, 2009... Ridgid has released a new 234-page color catalog that includes a variety of new products, as well as expanded product information. New products highlighted include: stainless steel cutters, plastic pipe and tubing cutters, a combination roll...

Water heater brochure.(books, software & lit)
January 1, 2009... A brochure is now available for Lochinvar Corp.'s new Shield commercial water heater. The heater is designed with 96 percent thermal efficiency, inputs up to 500,000 Btu per hour and storage up to 125 gallons. The color brochure features a...

CAD software.(books, software & lit)
January 1, 2009... SmartCAM V15.5 is now available and offers a variety of new enhancements and capabilities to the SmartCAM suite of computer-aided manufacturing system software. The new version includes usability improvements such as verification control to new...

Spiral duct.(new products)
January 1, 2009... The Sure Seal Spiral is a single wall self-sealing spiral ductwork system designed to reduce installation cost. Sealer is not required. The user slides the pieces together and secures them with Vs-inch self-tapping gasketed screws. The patented...

Borescope.(new products)
January 1, 2009... The Model DCS1500 is the latest handheld borescope system from General Tools & Instruments. The device uses a flexible fiberoptic cable connected to a video screen and camera. The unit enables real-time observations, recording and remote data...

Monitoring kits.(new Products)
January 1, 2009... Onset Computer Corp. released three new Hobo LEED monitoring kits designed to help improve building energy performance while generating credits as specified in the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental...

Thermostat control.(new products)
January 1, 2009... The TK-400 universal twinning/paralleling kit is designed to allow a single thermostat to control two separate HVAC units. The TK-400 can also be expanded to control a total of tour HVAC units. The device can be used on common or separate...

Laser meters.(new products)
January 1, 2009... The new Fluke 416D and 411D are designed to measure distances up to 200 feet using advanced laser technology. Faster and less cumbersome than traditional tapes or wheels, the manufacturer claims that these pocket-sized, professional-grade tools...

Ladder lock.(new products)
January 1, 2009... The Ladders Lock is a patented, portable ladder safety device that meets Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards for hands-free climbing and securing a ladder. It is designed to help prevent extension ladder slide-offs,...

Heat & smoke vents.(new products)
January 1, 2009... Milcor is now manufacturing heat and smoke vents pre-painted in low-volatile organic compound-producing white to help designers meet current Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design requirements. In addition to the white color, these vents...

Environmental monitor.(new products)
January 1, 2009... This company has introduced a new range of DirectSense Ultra-Mini PC-based advanced environmental monitors. The measurement kits include USB-enabled multi-sensor probes and a new mobile PC platform. The new Fujitsu Ultra-Mini Visto OS mobile PC...

UV lights.(new products)
January 1, 2009... Hart & Cooley introduced two new germicidal ultraviolet light system models to help control airborne germs, viruses, bacteria, mold, odors, gases and allergens commonly distributed by residential and light-commercial venting systems....

Calendar of events.(Calendar)
January 1, 2009... JANUARY 2009 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 26-28 The 2009 AHR Expo returns to McCormick Place in Chicago. The show will offer over 1,800 exhibitors from around the world showing off their latest HVACR and sheet metal technologies. Over...

Wholesalers & Mfr. reps. directory.(Directory)
January 1, 2009... The following is a paid directory of distributors, wholesalers and manufacturers representatives, listed by state. To have your company included in this list, please call Sally Fraser at 248-244-6240. We urge our readers to contact these...

2009 will be a year to watch closely.(editor's page)
January 1, 2009... It appears 2009 is going to be an interesting year, with a new political party in control of the White House and Congress, and a recession that experts say is likely to stick around for a while. Already, it's causing the administration of...

Learning 'lean' should be new year's resolution.(Letters)(Letter to the editor)
January 1, 2009... I liked your points in the Editor's Page of the December Snips ("Optimism is the correct economic plan for 2009"). We need to be optimistic about dealing with the economy. What I find interesting, as you stated, is that some contractors are...

Results of snipsmag.com November poll.
January 1, 2009... Now that Barack Obama has won the U.S. presidency, do you think the economy will improve? Yes 34% No 66% Note: Table made from pie chart. [GRAPHIC OMITTED]