Snips articles from July 2005

Snips archives from July 2005

Gas pains: high prices make contractors search for ways to save.(Cover Story)
July 1, 2005... The high price of gas forced Steve Graves to put his company on a diet. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The 49-year-old president and co-owner of the Du-Mont Co., a commercial sheet metal contractor in Peoria, Ill., wants employees to watch...

Cutting to the chase: length, direction and materials are key factors in choosing tools.
July 1, 2005... No matter whether you regularly install ductwork or metal roofing, tools are probably a vital part of your work. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Choosing the right product depends on the specific application, the material being cut and to some...

Walk a mile in my shoes: how to make an intersecting cylinder and 'boot'.(shoe boot)(ventilation equipment fitting methods)
July 1, 2005... The "shoe boot" (Figure 1) is typically found in ventilation work, primarily in the exhaust (suction) side, removing fumes or debris from worksites. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Practical Design of Exhaust and Blower Systems, written by E.W....

Taking the plunge: software helps Alaskan sheet metal company add commercial plumbing division.(Klebs Heating and Air Conditioning)
July 1, 2005... ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- In 1999, Klebs Heating and Air Conditioning took a risk that many sheet metal contractors think about trying: they dropped the "heating and air conditioning" from their name and launched a commercial plumbing department....

Digging in their heels: air-conditioning contractors learn, relax at convention in Texas' capital city.
July 1, 2005... AUSTIN, Texas -- There weren't too many cowboy boots or 10-gallon hats on Air Conditioning Contractors of America members assembled here for the group's 37th annual convention. But even if those Lone Star State trademarks weren't in...

Gym uses wire-rope hanging system to support ducts.(Portsmouth High School)
July 1, 2005... PORTSMOUTH, N.H. -- After close to 50 years in service, Portsmouth High School is undergoing renovations to enlarge the facility from 240,000 square feet to 324,000 square feet. School board officials approved a budget of more than $36...

Engine factory averts costly repair with sealant.(Ford Motor Co.'s Essex Engine Plant)
July 1, 2005... WINDSOR, Ontario -- The Ford Motor Co.'s Essex Engine Plant in Windsor, Ontario, had a leaking chiller. That forced the plant's HVACR engineer to decide between a costly production shutdown and using a $60 can of refrigeration sealant. ...

Arena uses Metl-Span panels.(Bayfront Arena in Corpus Christi)(CF36A polyurethane foam-insulated panels usage)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... The new Bayfront Arena in Corpus Christi, Texas, uses 53,000 square feet of Metl-Span's CF36A polyurethane foam-insulated panels. The 2-inch panels, which are finished in bright silver metallic, were installed in horizontal and vertical...

Shop uses fabric duct.(Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World in Myrtle Beach)(Fabric Duct Systems Inc)
July 1, 2005... The new Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World in Myrtle Beach, S.C., boasts 102,000 square feet of sports products, an 11,000-gallon saltwater aquarium, a freshwater pond that runs the length of the store, and Q-Sox brand fabric duct from Fabric Duct...

ACCA opposes proposed ASHRAE standard.(Air Conditioning Contractors of America)(American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and AirConditioning Engineers)(Procedures for Performing Peak Heating and Cooling Calculations in Buildings)
July 1, 2005... ARLINGTON, Va. -- The Air Conditioning Contractors of America has announced its opposition to a proposed ASHRAE standard on commercial-load calculations. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and AirConditioning Engineers'...

HVAC Excellence approves six schools.(ASSOCIATION NEWS)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... MOUNT PROSPECT, III. -- Six HVACR programs were recently awarded accreditation from HVAC Excellence. According to the group, each school has aligned its HVACR program with national standards. The accredited schools are: Lively...

SMACNA supports restoration act.(Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors National Association)(Community Restoration and Revitalization Act of 2005)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... CHANTILLY, Va. -- The Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association is backing the Community Restoration Revitalization Act, which is designed to clean up the nation's historic buildings and neighborhoods. SMACNA...

NAIMA completes worker protection program.(North American Insulation Manufacturers Association)(Health and Safety Partnership Program)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- The North American Insulation Manufacturers Association has completed the sixth year of a comprehensive, voluntary work practice program developed in conjunction with OSHA and key contractor organizations. Adopted in May...

PHCC to award $100,000 in scholarships.(Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Education Foundation)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... FALLS CHURCH, Va. -- More than $100,000 in scholarships will be awarded through the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Education Foundation. According to PHCC, the scholarships are made possible by donations from A.O. Smith, Bradford...

FMA to match foundation contributions.(Fabricators and Manufacturers Association International)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... The Fabricators and Manufacturers Association recently voted to match the first $1 million in gifts donated to its foundation. For every contribution made to the foundation, the FMA will make a matching gift to the foundation's general...

Legislation backed by SMACNA.(Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... CHANTILLY, Va. -- SMACNA is urging senators to cosponsor legislation that would permanently extend a 15-year depreciation life for leasehold improvements to commercial facilities, including energy-efficiency retrofit projects. According to...

ABC applauds OSHA reform bills.(Associated Builders and Contractors)(Occupational Safety and Health Administration)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... WASHINGTON -- The Associated Builders and Contractors recently commended the U.S. House of Representatives' Committee on Education and the Workforce for approving four bills it says will improve safety and reduce regulatory burdens on small...

Survey: most Americans concerned about mold.(SUPPLIER NEWS)
July 1, 2005... VALLEY FORGE, Pa. -- One in four Americans has experienced mold in their home or knows someone who has. That's according to a national survey of 1,040 people released by CertainTeed Corp. and conducted by Opinion Research Corp. According...

Luxaire raises $1 million for Make-A-Wish.(Make-A-Wish Foundation of America)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. -- Luxaire Heating and Air Conditioning has renewed its three-year partnership with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The foundation raises funds to help grant the wishes of children suffering from...

York receives award from EPA.(York International Corp)(Environmental Protection Agency)(Climate Protection Award)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... YORK, Pa. -- York International Corp. has received a 2005 Climate Protection Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. York is the only HVACR company to receive the honor. The company was recognized at a May 4 award presentation...

Preparation slow for 13-SEER transition, survey says.(CONTRACTOR NEWS)
July 1, 2005... ST. LOUIS -- According to a recent survey, only one-third of contractors are taking steps to prepare for the upcoming transition to the 13 seasonal energy-efficiency rating standard. The survey, the first in a series of 13-SEER market...

Bassett Mechanical makes Sept. 11 memorial.(Bassett Mechanical Contractors and Engineers Inc)(memorial to the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... KAUKAUNA, Wis. -- A group of Bassett Mechanical employees are making a stainless steel replica of the World Trade Center for a memorial to the victims of the terrorist attacks. The memorial to the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist...

Grunau Co. to name its biggest 'losers'.(competitions to improve health of employees)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... OAK CREEK, Wis. -- Employees at mechanical contractor Grunau Co. have lost more than 230 pounds since Jan. 17 as part of a weight-loss challenge. Twenty-seven employees formed teams called "Weight and See," "The Fat Pack," "Been There,...

ACCA member testifies before Congress.(Air Conditioning Contractors of America)(Richard Dean)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... WASHINGTON -- ACCA senior Vice Chairman Richard Dean told members of Congress that too many schools turn students away from vocational education in testimony April 21. In addition to his work with the Air Conditioning Contractors of...

ARI hosts instructors at annual workshop in Va.(Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute)(ninth annual instructor workshop)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... ARLINGTON, Va. -- Approximately 150 HVACR instructors attended the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute's ninth annual instructor workshop March 8-9 at Marymount College in Arlington, Va. Technical presentations included: "Digital...

Welding show boosts attendance.(American Welding Society)(53rd annual welding show)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... MIAMI, Fla. -- The American Welding Society is calling its 53rd annual welding show Apr. 26-28 in Dallas a success. The show attracted more than 5,600 attendees and total exhibitor space surpassed 90,000 square feet. "We are extremely...

Whitney open house showcases new technology.(W.A. Whitney Co)(ProBend series of press brakes)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... ROCKFORD, Ill. -- W.A. Whitney Co. gave the first public demonstration of its new ProBend press brake during its 2005 open house April 20-21 in Rockford, Ill. More than 250 visitors attended the event. The ProBend series of press...

QSC to say 'Yes, you can' at event.(Quality Service Contractors meeting)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... The theme for the Quality Service Contractors' 23rd Power Meeting July 28-30 in St. Louis is "Yes, you can." Whether the goal is profits or providing excellent customer service, QSC says that it is possible for all contractors to succeed,...

Roofing show to emphasize education.(roofing industry trade show)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... WINTER PARK, Fla. -- The Florida Roofing, Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors Association will focus on education during its 83rd annual convention and trade show, the Southeast Roofing and Sheet Metal Spectacular, July 20-23 at the...

Association to lead 'Revolution'.(MEETINGS & CONVENTIONS)(Association for Manufacturing Excellence)(Leading the Revolution)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... The Association for Manufacturing Excellence will sponsor "Leading the Revolution" Oct. 31 to Nov. 4 at the Westin Copley Place Hotel in Boston. The conference will bring together business leaders and feature six keynote speakers, tours of...

ACCA elects new slate of officers for 2005-2006.(Air Conditioning Contractors of America)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... The Air Conditioning Contractors of America elected Richard Foard, Stan Johnson and Bruce Silverman as vice chairmen March 11 at the association's annual conference in Austin, Texas. Foard is president of Blue Dot Services of Maryland in...

Sheet Metal Workers.(Luther Medina)(Joe Hill Organizing Award)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... Luther Medina, business representative for the Sheet Metal Workers union Local 105 in Glendora, Calif., was selected to receive the Joe Hill Organizing Award for his leadership and organizing-drive contributions. Medina was presented with the...

Emerson Climate Technologies.(PEOPLE in the News)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... Emerson Climate Technologies promoted Steve Santy to the position of vice president of sales and marketing for its computer process controls division. Santy has been with the division for over six years. In his new position, Santy will be...

Power- and hand-tool manufacturer Lenox has appointed Bob Heisner as the new company president.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... Power- and hand-tool manufacturer Lenox has appointed Bob Heisner as the new company president. Heisner, the former vice president of marketing for the company, replaces Bill Burke, who has been promoted to group president of Newell...

Bosch Power Tools North America.(Frank Carroll)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... Frank Carroll was named president of Bosch Power Tools North America. Carroll has played a role in the company for the past 17 years, and led the rotary tool business as president and general manager. He will continue to oversee the brands...

Hays Fluid Controls.(PEOPLE in the News)(Albert G. Juhl)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... Albert G. Juhl, division controller of Hays Fluid Controls in Dallas, N.C., has been named president effective Aug. 1. Juhl, a certified public accountant, succeeds Joe Warner, Hays president since 1986. From 1985 to 2000, Juhl held top...

Rheem Manufacturing Air Conditioning Division.(appointments)(Joe Procopio)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... Rheem Manufacturing Air Conditioning Division appointed Joe Procopio to business manager of its replacement-parts operations. Procopio served as controller for Rheem's components and distribution division in Baltimore before moving to the...

Jackson Systems.(appointments)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... Indianapolis-based Jackson Systems has several new employees. Dustin Peddycord will serve as field-operations manager and Ryan Feyerabend as sales engineer. Sabrina Capps was named office manager and Mike Shoulders was named warehouse manager....

C & R Mechanical Co.(appointments)(Glen Carter)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... Glen Carter has been appointed to the project-sales team of Bridgeton, Mo.-based C & R Mechanical Co.'s Service and Building Solutions Group. Carter first joined C & R Mechanical as a pipe fitter foreman in 1984.

Tweet/Garot Mechanical.(PEOPLE in the News)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... Tweet/Garot Mechanical has hired Mike Weiting as a mechanical engineer and chief estimator for the company's northern Wisconsin and Michigan office in Menominee, Mich. His responsibilities will include estimating and project management of...

Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors.(Merry Beth Hall as technical director)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... Merry Beth Hall, a former Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors state executive manager, has joined the national PHCC as apprenticeship and technical director. Hall will supervise PHCC's national technical- training programs, including HVAC and...

Easy Street Inc.(PEOPLE in the News)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... Easy Street Inc., parent company of Mr.HVAC.com and a software and book publishing company in Lenexa, Kan., has announced that Ray Ruecker has joined the company to handle all aspects and phases of its new business-development division. Ruecker...

Lyle G. Gundlach died May 18, 2005.(Obituaries)(Obituary)
July 1, 2005... Lyle G. Gundlach died May 18, 2005. Mr. Gundlach started his career in the sheet metal trade in 1949 at Gundlach Sheet Metal Works in Sandusky, Ohio. The company was established in 1889 by his grandfather, Charles Gundlach. Fourth and fifth...

John Van Wagoner, 79, died April 19, 2005.(Obituaries)(Brief Article)(Obituary)
July 1, 2005... John Van Wagoner, 79, died April 19, 2005. Mr. Van Wagoner was a native of Detroit and a Michigan State University graduate. In 1961, he joined Scott Periodicals, where he served as an advertising sales representative for more than 40 years....

There are very few secrets to a successful company.(SALES & Marketing)
July 1, 2005... Every contractor wants to have enough profit to afford the things in life that make a difference. There are very few secrets in the world of business. The first thing contractors need to know is how to ensure profit for their companies....

Fuel costs are rising--so should your profits.(how to make profits)(Column)
July 1, 2005... The HVAC industry has been given a gift: fuel prices are skyrocketing. This is an opportunity. Take advantage of it. Change your marketing activities to include "awareness and fear" messages. Before you have a fit over including fear...

Mechanical ventilation aids natural airflow, institute says.(Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology Institute report)(ventilation systems evaluation)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... ARLINGTON, Va. -- Natural airflow is OK sometimes, but HVAC systems that also include mechanical ventilation work best in offices. That's according to a recently released report on ventilation systems by the Air Conditioning and...

Worry about mold first, energy use second, ASHRAE says.(American Society of Heating, Refrigerating & Air Conditioning Engineers )(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... ATLANTA -- Due to widespread problems with mold in buildings, sound moisture management should take precedence over energy-cost savings, according to a new ASHRAE position document. "Considering energy conservation and moisture-management...

Steril-Aire receives ISO registration.(INDOOR Air Quality)
July 1, 2005... BURBANK, Calif. -- Steril-Aire Inc., manufacturer of ultraviolet germ-killing devices for HVAC and food-processing systems, has met the International Organization for Standardization 9000 Series standards. Underwriters Laboratories Inc. has...

Meier Supply to certify technicians to NATE standards.(North American Technician Excellence standards)(Meier Supply Co)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... JOHNSON CITY, N.Y. -- As a partner in the North American Technician Excellence program, Meier Supply will begin to offer the test to local HVAC technicians. "NATE certification is a win-win for everyone involved throughout the service...

Software companies announce partnership.(WennSoft)(ePartners Inc)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... WennSoft and ePartners have formed an alliance, which both companies say will help equipment dealers better manage operations, overhead costs and more. The partnership means WennSoft will provide "Equipment Dealership" software designed...

Machine tool consumption up 25 percent.(WHOLESALER News)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... ROCKVILLE, Md. -- March U.S. machine tool consumption totalled $300.59 million, a 25.7 percent increase from the previous month, according to the American Machine Tool Distributors Association and the Association for Manufacturing Technology....

NRCA advocates shorter roof-depreciation period.(National Roofing Contractors Association)(Realistic Roofing Tax Treatment Act of 2005)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... The National Roofing Contractors Association is supporting a bipartisan bill that would change the current tax-depreciation period for commercial roofing systems from 39 years to 20 years. The Realistic Roofing Tax Treatment Act of 2005 was...

Hotel's roof challenged contractors.(Mandarin Oriental Hotel of Washington)(roofing installation)(Progressive Services Inc)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... WASHINGTON -- The new Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Washington, D.C., is a five-star, 400-room hotel with views of the U.S. Capitol and other city landmarks. It is also part of Washington's largest development project, known as the Portals...

Public Works highlights sustainable design.(Public Works Department of california)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... The Windsor, Calif., Public Works Department recently expanded its facilities for both personnel and equipment. The new building features several environmentally friendly or "sustainable" design elements, such as recycled steel for metal...

Arizona.(15th Annual Evaporative Cooler Start Up program)(Arizona chapter of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... Members of the Arizona chapter of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America pitched in to help families stay cool this summer with its 15th Annual Evaporative Cooler Start Up program March 12. ACCA-AZ and Heat Pump Council members and their...

California.(California chapter of the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors National Association)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... Members of the the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association Orange Empire chapter recently met with Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez on Capitol Hill to voice their concerns on several issues, including multi-employer...

Illinois.(REGIONAL News)(Plumbing, Heating and Cooling Contractors Association of Lake and McHenry counties)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... Dave Ariano of Ravina Plumbing and Heating Co. in Highland Park, Ill., was named president of the Plumbing, Heating and Cooling Contractors Association of Lake and McHenry counties for 2005. Tom Swartz of Swartz Plumbing Inc. of Gurnee, Ill.,...

Iowa.(Jack Bonnell)(Colonial Heating & Sheet Metal Co)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... Jack Bonnell of Colonial Heating & Sheet Metal Co. in Fort Dodge, Iowa, was the recipient of the Distinguished Legislative Service Award from the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association. The award was presented during...

Kansas.(Gov. Kathleen Sebelius)(Fairness in Private Construction Act)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... Gov. Kathleen Sebelius signed the Fairness in Private Construction Act into law, legislation that deals with various problems on construction projects, such as slow payment, nonpayment and out-of-state litigation. The law, which applies to...

Massachusetts.(New Horizons Foundation)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... The Boston chapter of the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association recently made a financial investment in the New Horizons Foundation. The foundation conducts studies for the sheet metal and HVAC industry. "Our...

Tools brochure.(BOOKS, Software & Lit)(Buyers Guide)
July 1, 2005... "Affordable Tools for Today's Fabricators" offers information on W.A. Whitney's Pro-Series tools. The Pro-Series includes machines and tooling for plasma cutting of plate and hydraulic punching of plate and structural shapes. Each machine...

Acoustics Program.(BOOKS, Software & Lit)
July 1, 2005... The Trane Acoustics Program is an analysis tool to help designers model the sound level that will reach building occupants' ears. TAP version 3.0 automates ASHRAE-endorsed algorithms with a Windows interface, has updated product sound data,...

Tool guide.(BOOKS, Software & Lit)
July 1, 2005... The newest version of Dynamic Fastener's tool and fastener guide is now available. The free 116-page color publication offers answers to questions on fastener applications and engineering data. It also provides information on availability of...

TAB book.(BOOKS, Software & Lit)
July 1, 2005... The seventh edition of Procedural Standards for Testing Adjusting Balancing of Environmental Systems has been released. The 120-page manual provides information and procedures for those involved with design, operation, servicing and balancing...

Spec sheet.(BOOKS, Software & Lit)
July 1, 2005... CertainTeed CrimpWrap crimped pipe and tank wrap, designed to insulate vessels and large-diameter pipes with service temperatures from 35[degrees]F to 850[degrees]F, is illustrated and described in a spec sheet in Construction Specification...

Air system literature.(AirMetrix program systems approach)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... Literature outlining the AirMetrix program, a systems approach that examines individual components of an air system and how they work together, is available. The new literature describes the seven components of Sullair's AirMetrix's program:...

Nylon straps.(NEW Products)(Buyers Guide)
July 1, 2005... The MightyStrap is a 1-inch-wide woven nylon strap that provides 3,500 pounds of linear strength and is non-sparking, waterproof and salt resistant. Fully adjustable, the strap has a Delrin buckle that snaps into place, is 40 inches in length,...

Automation torch.(NEW Products)(Buyers Guide)
July 1, 2005... The new XT-300, a high-precision plasma-cutting torch, is an upgrade for existing HD3070 plasma systems. The XT-300 provides half-inch cutting for all metals including stainless steel, mild steel, aluminum and nonferrous materials. According to...

Access door.(NEW Products)(Buyers Guide)
July 1, 2005... The Type J-AL door is made of aluminum and available in single- or double-leaf design, suited for access to areas located underground or between floors. A special counter-balanced design allows for one-hand operation, regardless of the door...

Fabric duct.(NEW Products)(Buyers Guide)
July 1, 2005... The matte finished Sedona-Xm microbial fabric duct is designed for office buildings, schools, hospitals, retail stores and many other commercial facilities. The active anti-microbial agent protects the fabric from mold, fungus and other...

Coil up-enders.(NEW Products)(Buyers Guide)
July 1, 2005... A new line of coil up-enders is available. Weight capacities range from 4,000-pound to 20,000-pound coils. A handheld pendent with 10-foot curled-cord controls the up-ender rotation. The coil up-enders are driven by an electric motor with a...

Makeup-air unit.(NEW Products)(Buyers Guide)
July 1, 2005... The new Model IG-HV indirect gas-fired makeup-air units for commercial and institutional use features a power vented 80 percent-efficient indirect gas-fired furnace with post-purge cycle. The units are supplied with double-width, double-inlet...

Calendar of events.(Calendar)
July 1, 2005... AUGUST 29-31 "Mechanical System Design for Green Buildings" will be offered by the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Department of Engineering Professional Development in Madison, Wis. The course will cover mechanical system design...

Wholesalers & Mfr. Reps. Directory.(Directory)
July 1, 2005... 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...

Fuel costs just the latest to hit sheet metal industry.(EDITOR'S Page)
July 1, 2005... First it was the economy, then steel prices, and then it was $2.25 a gallon for gas. It seems like sheet metal and HVAC contractors are experiencing their share of challenges these days. During the last few years, businesses have had...