Snips articles from July 2006

Snips archives from July 2006

HVAC & LEED: what sheet metal contractors heed to know about the environmental-building program.
July 1, 2006... What do HVAC and sheet metal contractors need to know about LEED "green" building projects? LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is a "sustainable" design-rating system developed in March 2000 by the nonprofit...

Windy city winner: Chicago high-rise attracts interest with LEED 'gold' rating.(Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)
July 1, 2006... Chicago may be known as the "Second City," but it's the first to have a skyscraper with a "gold" rating from a major environmental group. The 51-story office building at 111 S. Wacker, in the heart of the city's West Loop business district, was...

Seeing red over 'green building': program mandates cause frustration for some contractors.
July 1, 2006... Tim Wentz believes "green" is the future. So much so that students in the professor's mechanical construction course at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln are learning about sustainability and environmental building design. The work of Wentz's...

Going for 'gold': HVAC system helps university center achieve LEED certification.(Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design )
July 1, 2006... With a name like the Michigan Alternative and Renewable Energy Center, you might expect the building to be a leader in resource-preserving or "sustainable" building. So it may not be a surprise that the 3-year-old center, in Muskegon, Mich., is...

Fans solve plant's big cooling problems.(applications in the field)
July 1, 2006... The 70,000-square-foot Perfection Spring and Stamping plant in Mount Prospect, Ill., always had the challenge of trying to cool workers during hot summer days. The brick building with a tar roof was built in 1965, before contractors were...

Government picks spiral duct for Pentagon project.(applications in the field)
July 1, 2006... ARLINGTON, Va. -- By the time the $1.2 billion Pentagon renovation is completed in 2010, the entire electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems will have been completely removed and replaced. With energy efficiency a top priority in the 20-year...

York dealer donates time for TV's 'Extreme Makeover'.(Air Conditioning and Heating Specialists Inc.)
July 1, 2006... Air Conditioning and Heating Specialists Inc. in Hollywood, Fla., was chosen to install the cooling system for an "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" winner. The ABC-TV show provides home renovations for individuals in need. In this case, the...

Roper Whitney to supply tools for racing team.(supplier news)
July 1, 2006... HILLIARD, Ohio -- Roper Whitney of Rockford Inc. will be the official supplier of sheet metal fabricating tools to Rahal Letterman Racing. The deal is a multiyear partnership with the open-wheel race teams. "We are pleased to begin...

March central ac shipments down.(supplier news)
July 1, 2006... ARLINGTON, Va. -- Combined U.S. factory shipments of central air conditioners and air-source heat pumps for March totaled 725,286, a decrease of 7.1 percent compared with the same month last year, according to ARI. The Air-Conditioning and...

Denso receives Climate Protection Award.(supplier news)
July 1, 2006... The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency presented its 2006 Climate Protection Award to Denso Corp. for its Ejector Cycle. According to the company, the new technology reduces energy use and greenhouse gas emissions of vehicle air...

Trane offers overnight access program.(supplier news)
July 1, 2006... PISCATAWAY, N.J. -- Trane has amassed an $8 million stock of temperature and building-automation products and is offering them for overnight delivery nationwide. These products will be provided by Kele Inc. of Memphis, Tenn., a supplier of...

In-O-Vate sells 1 million Dryerbox units.(supplier news)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... JUPITER, Fla. -- In-O-Vate Technologies announced the sale of its 1 millionth Dryerbox unit. The product is an Underwriters Laboratories-approved metal receptacle that allows clothes dryers to be pushed back against the wall of a laundry...

International Environmental raising prices.(International Environmental Corp increases prices on most products)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... OKLAHOMA CITY -- Hydronic fan coil manufacturer International Environmental Corp. increased prices on all units and accessories June 1. "The increased cost of copper and steel materials has led IEC to increase prices up to 7.5 percent on...

Total Comfort acquires mechanical contractor Downey Inc.(contractor news)
July 1, 2006... PEWAUKEE, Wis. -- According to Total Comfort of Wisconsin Inc., its latest purchase makes it the largest locally owned and managed mechanical contractor in southeastern Wisconsin. The company has acquired key operating divisions of Downey...

HVAC Excellence launches hands-on certification.(contractor news)
July 1, 2006... HVAC Excellence introduced its new Master Specialist certification for HVAC technicians, requiring them to pass a written test and a hands-on exam. According to HVAC Excellence, the hands-on exam proves that a technician has more than just...

AGC supports stronger border security.(contractor news)
July 1, 2006... WASHINGTON -- The Associated General Contractors of America says it supports increased border security and a guest-worker program for immigrants. "The first step to enacting effective immigration reform legislation is enforcing our...

Tweet/Garot surpasses safety record.(contractor news)
July 1, 2006... Green Bay, Wis.-based Tweet/Garot Mechanical worked 2.5 million safe hours without a lost-time accident, a milestone for the company. The achievement occurred April 23 and spanned a 46-month period starting in June 2003. Tweet/Garot...

Refrigeration Service Engineers Society redesigns Web site.(internet news)
July 1, 2006... DES PLAINES, Ill. -- The newly revamped RSES Web site includes additional content, downloadable resources and interactive tools. According to the Refrigeration Service Engineers Society, its new Web site includes information about the...

Star program goes online.(internet news)(www.mscastar.org.)(The Mechanical Service Contractors of America)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... ROCKVILLE, Md. -- Information about The Mechanical Service Contractors of America's Star-Qualified contractor program can now be found at www.mscastar.org. The Web site is designed to provide information about the program to contractors...

Online survey helps AHR Expo plan ahead.(internet news)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... WESTPORT, Conn. -- An online survey recently conducted by the AHR Expo will help plan the 2007 event, officials said. The survey, which collected 800 responses from around the world, found that HVACR professionals are interested in learning...

Trane Web site invites 'Extreme Team' members.(internet news)
July 1, 2006... PISCATAWAY, N.J. -- Trane is inviting contractors and building owners to join its Extreme Team by logging onto www.servfirst.net. According to Trane, its Extreme Team is comprised of heating and cooling professionals committed to service...

Seismic specifications available online.(internet news)
July 1, 2006... The Vibration Isolation and Seismic Control Manufacturers Association has made its "Seismic Specification" document available at its Web site, www.viscma.com. According to the association, the intent of the document is to offer specifiers...

Steel service center partners with online trader.(Denman and Davis contracts with Tools4Mfg.com)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Independent steel service center Denman & Davis is working with Tools4Mfg.com, an online trading community for steel manufacturers, suppliers and purchasers. The Web site is a materials pricing and sourcing resource for the steel industry,...

Mitsubishi conference honors top distributors.(meetings & conventions)
July 1, 2006... Mitsubishi Electric HVAC named Long Island City, N.Y.-based Abco Refrigeration Supply its Distributor of the Year during the manufacturer's annual distributors conference. The conference, Feb. 15-17, welcomed more than 350 distributors and...

AHR Expo 2007 to occupy all of Dallas Convention Center.(meetings & conventions)
July 1, 2006... To meet the growing demand for more space from HVACR exhibitors, show management has reserved the entire Dallas Convention Center for the 2007 AHR Expo. According to Clay Stevens, president of the International Exposition Co., which...

Conference seeks papers.(meetings & conventions)
July 1, 2006... Clima 2007, scheduled for June 10-14, 2007, in Helsinki, Finland, is looking for papers focusing on creating well-being indoors in an environmental, sustainable manner. The conference is organized by the Federation of European Heating and...

Oil conference to confront high prices.(meetings & conventions)
July 1, 2006... The upcoming Visions Conference will aim to help fuel dealers tackle challenges associated with record prices, high temperatures and cash flow. The Aug. 22-23 conference at the Rhode Island Convention Center in Providence, R.I., will also...

Metalform to tackle Mexico manufacturing.(meetings & conventions)(Metalform Mexico)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... The 2006 Metalform Mexico trade show, Nov. 7-9 in Mexico City, will address the needs of Mexico's manufacturing base. According to show organizers, new features have been added. One includes a tooling technology pavilion. The pavilion will...

HVACR, plumbing instructors discuss challenges.(meetings & conventions)
July 1, 2006... The latest classroom challenges, instructional techniques and technology updates were discussed by attendees of the HVACR and Plumbing Instructor Workshop April 5-7 in Lansdowne, Va. More than 270 people attended the three-day event, which...

Thermadyne names new vice presidents, managers.(people in the news)
July 1, 2006... Terry Downes has been named executive vice president of corporate development for Thermadyne, a maker of cutting and welding products. He was also named to the company's executive leadership team. Downes has held a variety of positions...

Modine Manufacturing Co.(people in the news)
July 1, 2006... Modine Manufacturing Co. named Gregory T. Kinder as vice president of global purchasing, a new position. Kinder has 21 years of experience in global purchasing. He spent 19 years with Johnson Controls Inc. where he led international assignments...

MegaFab.(people in the news)(appointed Cliff Ankersen)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... MegaFab appointed Cliff Ankersen as regional sales manager representing the Whitney and Bertsch product lines. Ankersen will cover the Western U.S., including Colorado, Wyoming, western Montana, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, Nevada, California,...

SpacePak.(appointment of Jeff Woods in Spacepak as national sales manager)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Jeff Woods has joined Mestek as national sales manager for its SpacePak division. In his new post, Woods is responsible for managing SpacePak's daily sales activities. He comes to SpacePak with five years of sales experience in the HVAC...

Emcor Services Trimech Corp.(Donald Newell receives accreditation with the U.S. Green Building Council)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Donald Newell, senior project engineer with Emcor Services Trimech Corp., has received accreditation with the U.S. Green Building Council as a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design professional. Newell's accreditation is part of...

Meier Supply Co. Inc.(people in the news)
July 1, 2006... Meier Supply Co. Inc. promoted Steve Post to a new position and added Robert J. Tomaka to its finance department. Post recently held the position of HVAC product specialist at the Binghamton, N.Y., branch. He will now move to the company...

Gustave A. Larson Co.(people in the news)
July 1, 2006... Pewaukee, Wis.-based Gustave A. Larson Co., a heating and air-conditioning equipment wholesaler, has named Michael Braun as director of marketing. Braun has 10 years of industry experience, most recently as vice president of the residential...

David B. Wagner.(former president of the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association)(Obituary)
July 1, 2006... David B. Wagner, former president of the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association, died Jan. 5, 2006. He was 74. Mr. Wagner served as association president from 1980 to 1981. He was also the retired president of J.F....

Frank J. Weiland.(Obituaries)
July 1, 2006... Frank J. Weiland died Dec. 17, 2005, in McHenry, III. He was 60. Mr. Weiland was well-known in the Chicago HVAC industry, and served for more than 20 years as a Chicago territory manager for Lennox Industries Inc. At the time of his death, Mr....

SEER, other building standards affect energy codes.(business management)
July 1, 2006... Up-to-date building energy codes are a key strategy for fighting the high costs of heating and cooling America's homes. The U.S. government recently released a new standard requiring the manufacture of more efficient heating and cooling...

Standard could lower energy costs, ASHRAE says.(American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers )(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... ATLANTA -- Use of ASHRAE's new ventilation procedure in the International Mechanical Code would reduce start-up and energy costs, according to the society. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers has...

New technology may simplify mold detection.(indoor air quality)
July 1, 2006... ARLINGTON, Va. -- New radar technology may replace more expensive and destructive mold-detection methods, according to the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology Institute. In a feasibility study, Atlanta-based Georgia Tech Research...

Duct sealants receive certification.(indoor air quality)
July 1, 2006... The Miracle/Kingco line of HVAC duct sealants from ITW TACC has received certification from the Greenguard Environmental Institute. According to program officials, the products were the first certified in their category. "ITW TACC is...

Florida company survives, thrives after Hurricane Wilma.(wholesaler news)
July 1, 2006... POMPANO BEACH, Fla. -- Flying into Florida's fabled Gold Coast--named for the treasure-filled sunken ships offshore--you might think the region should be called the Blue Coast. Seven months after being battered by Hurricane Wilma in October...

Steel distributor celebrates anniversary.(wholesaler news)
July 1, 2006... CHICAGO -- Second City Metals is celebrating six years of business this year. The national steel distributor sells 60-inch coil for rectangular duct and slit coil for spiral duct manufacturers in galvanized, "galvannealed," perforated,...

Make-A-Wish honors Abco Refrigeration.(wholesaler news)
July 1, 2006... The CEO of Abco Refrigeration Supply Corp. was recently honored for his service to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Metro New York. Michael Senter was honored at the annual "When You Wish Upon A Star" gala May 11 in New York City. More than...

Manufacturing consumption up 22 percent in March.(wholesaler news)
July 1, 2006... Manufacturing technology consumption in the United States totaled $351 million in March. This total, according to the American Machine Tool Distributors' Association and the Association for Manufacturing Technology, was up 28.1 percent...

Fort Mifflin chooses Follansbee for renovation.(roofing news)
July 1, 2006... A Follansbee terne-coated, stainless steel, standing-seam roof was used for the most recent restoration project at Fort Mifflin. Known as "The Fort That Saved America," Fort Mifflin is located in southern Philadelphia and was originally...

Firestone donates to roofing institute.(roofing news)
July 1, 2006... Firestone Building Products Co. donated $10,000 to the Roof Consultants Institute Foundation to help fund education and research initiatives. Firestone presented the check to Joe Hale, RCI Foundation chairman, during the foundation's 21st...

Centria panels earn environmental certification.(roofing news)
July 1, 2006... MOON TOWNSHIP, Pa. -- Centria's Formawall Dimension Series insulated metal-composite panels have been certified as an environmentally healthy product. The company received Cradle to Cradle certification, administered by Design Chemistry,...

Roofing Expo officials planning 2007 event.(roofing news)
July 1, 2006... The International Roofing Expo is offering additional exhibit space in order to accommodate growing demand. The event will be held March 6-8 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas. "The 2006 International Roofing Expo was a...

SMACNA's Arizona chapter visited Urban League Manor in May with box fans for residents of the senior center.(Sheet Metal and Air-Conditioning Contractors' National Association )(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... SMACNA's Arizona chapter visited Urban League Manor in May with box fans for residents of the senior center. The Sheet Metal and Air-Conditioning Contractors' National Association chapter donated 100 fans to the Area Agency on Aging for...

Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors.(CALIFORNIA)
July 1, 2006... The Sacramento Valley chapter of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors helped repair houses April 29 in Sacramento, Calif. The services were performed as part of a Rebuilding Together project. "There were 18 houses slated for repairs,...

Sheet Metal and Air-Conditioning Contractors' National Association-California presented Tani Poe with the 2006 Ed Banks Memorial Award.(CALIFORNIA)
July 1, 2006... The Sheet Metal and Air-Conditioning Contractors' National Association-California presented Tani Poe with the 2006 Ed Banks Memorial Award. Poe is employed by Western Allied Mechanical and is a member of the SMACNA-Los Angeles chapter. With...

Colorado Roofing Contractors Association.(COLORADO)
July 1, 2006... The Colorado Roofing Contractors Association presented a seminar on communicating with the Hispanic work force May 18 in Denver. It featured Nina Colburn, a corporate cultural liaison between the United States and Mexico. Colburn discussed how...

North East Roofing Contractors Association.(CONNECTICUT)
July 1, 2006... The North East Roofing Contractors Association held its 80th convention and trade show March 21-23 at the Foxwoods Resort and Casino in Mashantucket, Conn. The event was attended by over 2,000 members and featured more than 200 booths on the...

Plumbing & Mechanical Contractors Association.(ILLINOIS)
July 1, 2006... The Plumbing & Mechanical Contractors Association of Northern Illinois honored 18 of its members with the annual Commitment to a Safe Workplace Award. The award recognizes improvements in safety made by the contractors over the last three...

HVAC Excellence.(KENTUCKY)
July 1, 2006... HVAC Excellence conducted test-administrator training for its master-specialist hands-on performance certification in March at the Koch Air-Carrier HVACR Training Center in Louisville, Ky. According to HVAC Excellence, instructors in attendance...

Six HVAC.(NEW YORK)
July 1, 2006... Six HVAC companies affiliated with the Greater New York ACCA chapter were part of the ABC-TV program "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition." The Air Conditioning Contractors of America members included All HVAC Service Co. Inc., Total Climate...

Meier Supply Co. Inc.(PENNSYLVANIA)
July 1, 2006... Meier Supply Co. Inc. opened a new branch location in Harrisburg, Pa. The HVAC wholesaler and distributor's new location was opened April 17, and can be found on Woodlawn Avenue. Barry Kepner, who previously served Meier Supply in...

Scholarships.(TEXAS)
July 1, 2006... Scholarships totaling $17,000 were awarded to students through the Associated Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors of Texas Charitable and Educational Foundation. Students receiving scholarships for the 2006-2007 year include: Linette...

Ames Metal Fabricators 82 Ltd.(CANADA)
July 1, 2006... Al Benning of Ames Metal Fabricators 82 Ltd. was named president of SMACNA's British Columbia chapter. The Sheet Metal and Air-Conditioning Contractors National Association chapter elected its new board of directors April 27-30 in Kelowna,...

Fire damper info.(books, software & lit)(Greenheck's catalog)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... A new 16-page catalog features Greenheck's complete line of dynamic and static-rated fire dampers and ceiling radiation dampers. Available on multiblade damper models, Greenheck's variable symmetrical blade design maximizes the free area at any...

Test-tool catalog.(books, software & lit)
July 1, 2006... Fluke Corp. has released the 2006 edition of its test-tools catalog. The catalog provides information on features and specifications for the full line of Fluke products, as well as selection guides and ordering information. The test tool...

State law books.(books, software & lit)
July 1, 2006... Three new state law books are available to help construction contractors, architects and owners understand the law in their states. Construction law books covering Virginia, Mississippi and South Carolina are available. Topics covered in each...

Grilles brochure.(books, software & lit)(Metal-Fab Inc. introduced brochure)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... This new full-color brochure features the latest grilles, registers and diffusers manufactured by Metal-Fab. The products are made with heavy-gauge steel and finished with powder-coated, non-sharp surfaces. The grilles, registers and diffusers...

Duct standard.(books, software & lit)(Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors National Association introduced standards)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... The Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association's third edition of HVAC Duct Construction Standards--Metal and Flexible has been approved by the American National Standards Institute. According to SMACNA, the approval...

Mechanical hanger details.(books, software & lit)
July 1, 2006... The 286-page Caddy Mechanical Hangers and Supports for Plumbing, HVAC and Fire Protection catalog includes a pictorial table of contents, full product details and a technical information section. The technical reference section includes...

Roofing products.(books, software & lit)
July 1, 2006... The 2006 Pac-Clad Petersen Aluminum catalog features architectural metal for roofing, mansards and fascia. The 40-page catalog details numerous applications that have used Petersen products, as well as full-color photos. The catalog also...

Duct product literature.(books, software & lit)
July 1, 2006... Ward Industries has released the second edition of its product catalog, featuring duct connection products. The catalog also includes information on the company's duct hangers and strapping, duct-component products, spiral-duct connectors,...

Insulation brochure.(books, software & lit)
July 1, 2006... This brochure provides information on the company's insulation products for plumbing and HVAC ducts and pipes, and duct liner. Products are also available for radiant floor applications, attics and crawl spaces, as well as water heater jackets...

Plasma-cutting package.(new products)
July 1, 2006... The PowerCut 650 plasma-cutting package combines durability and low-operating cost in a lightweight package, according to the company. The PowerCut 650 weighs only 53 pounds and comes with a composite case. It also tolerates poor power lines,...

Dehumidification units.(new products)
July 1, 2006... The new 3- to 6-ton Sunline MagnaDry units complete the York Sunline MagnaDry Series, which now offers nine different sizes, ranging from 3 tons to 25 tons. The MagnaDry Reheat Series packaged units remove moisture and use a reheat mode that...

Truck boxes.(new products)
July 1, 2006... These new Weather Guard low-profile aluminum truck boxes provide contractors with more visibility through the rear window, according to this company. The boxes are especially beneficial for newer pickup truck designs that feature higher bed...

Digital multimeters.(new products)
July 1, 2006... This company has introduced its family of 12 multimeters. The 300 Series features three separate models with built-in AC voltage detection. According to the company, this series allows users to check for the presence of a live circuit prior to...

Air-stop dampers.(new products)
July 1, 2006... This company has released new air-stop dampers with a gasket. The dampers are available in 4-inch through 24-inch sizes. The company's 6-inch damper is mounted with 1/4-inch diameter economy hardware. The Underwriters Laboratories-approved...

Transducer.(new products)
July 1, 2006... This company is calling its new product a "one size fits all" low-differential pressure transducer. The Model 260 offers user-selectable pressure ranges. According to the company, the transducer is the only multirange transducer to provide...

PTAC UVC Kit.(new products)
July 1, 2006... This new Packaged Terminal Air Conditioning UVC Kit provides energy savings, mold and IAQ control, and reduced maintenance, according to the company. Each kit contains one UVC Emitter and power supply, plus all necessary hardware components to...

Thermo-Hygrometer.(new products)
July 1, 2006... The DM-535 Handheld Thermo-Hygrometer provides simultaneous display of relative humidity, temperature, dew point and absolute humidity. The device is equipped with a humidity and temperature transmitter that provides an RS-232 signal to the...

Calendar of events.(Calendar)
July 1, 2006... AUGUST [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 18-20 The National Environmental Balancing Bureau will offer its "TAB Supervisor Review Seminar." The seminar will be presented at the NEBB Training & Education Center in Tempe, Ariz. The training...

Wholesalers & Mfr. Reps. Directory.(Directory)
July 1, 2006... 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...

Sales expected to rise with temperatures this season.(editor's page)
July 1, 2006... While midsummer is a somewhat slower time for SNIPS, with most trade shows taking the season off, it should be prime air-conditioner sales season for many contractors. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] I've heard several radio commercials in the...

Likes magazine's new look.(Letters)(Letter to the editor)
July 1, 2006... I have been wanting to send you a note to congratulate you on the great new look of Snips. I know of the reluctance to change the format of something like your magazine, but I believe the changes really are an improvement. Keep up the...