Snips articles from June 2007

Snips archives from June 2007

Building up speed: atlanta-area shop invests $3.5 million to quickly start sheet metal operation; When it comes to starting up a duct-fabrication business, there are usually two ways to do it. You can be slow and steady, starting in a small shop with limited equipment and growing as the company receives more orders.
June 1, 2007... The other option--if you can afford it--is to build a big building, fill it with new equipment and wait for the orders to come in. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] That was the business plan for Alliance Supply and Piping, based in Lavonia, Ga....

HVAC programs get 'snipped': education should stress sheet metal, instructors say.(Bob Feathers)(Cover story)
June 1, 2007... As part of his HVAC instructor training class, Bob Feathers shows a cartoon with different types of "ducks," including "flat," "branch," "flexible" and "spiral." The humorous attempt to use webbed feet and feathers while explaining duct and...

Dust and ducts: workers make materials for university filter-testing facility; The next time you purchase a furnace filter for your home or change one for a customer, you may want to think of employees at Schiller Park, III.-based R.B. Hayward Co. They may have had a hand in judging its effectiveness.(R.B. Hayward Co. )(University of Illinois at Chicago)
June 1, 2007... Hayward completed a $140,000 contract to make and install the ductwork for an air filter-testing laboratory at the University of Illinois-Chicago. The project is part of a major investigation of air-cleaning technology also involving New York's...

Pressing their bets: roofing expo attracts 9,000 for second Las Vegas convention.
June 1, 2007... LAS VEGAS -- Holding back-to-back shows here didn't seem to keep attendees or exhibitors away from the International Roofing Expo, as plenty of both turned out for the March 6-8 event. Official attendance released by organizers Hanley Wood...

Breaking through: study urges SMACNA, union work harder to attract women, minorities to industry.(Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors National Association)(Meeting the Workforce Needs of the Unionized Sheet Metal Industry)
June 1, 2007... The 1979 newspaper ad for sheet metal apprentices said women and minorities were "encouraged to apply." Not knowing much about sheet metal workers except that many made good money, that was enough to attract Beth Szillagyi. But when the...

Guidelines on residential air distribution design.(tech tips)
June 1, 2007... The following is based on information contained in the Air Conditioning Contractors of America's Manual RS: Comfort, Air Quality and Efficiency by Design. Air distribution design work consists of selecting routes for the duct runs,...

Hospital protects HVAC vents from bird infestations.(applications in the field)
June 1, 2007... For 26 years Frank Sorentino has managed the outside structures and grounds of Beaumont Hospital's 106-acre complex in Royal Oak, Mich. Bird control is an ongoing project for Sorentino and his crew. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "The...

Performing arts center keeps quiet with duct liner.(applications in the field)
June 1, 2007... When the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in Atlanta celebrates its grand opening Sept. 15, administrators are aiming to have pitch-perfect acoustics. To minimize unwanted noise, CertainTeed ToughGard2 duct liner was specified to line...

American embassy installs energy-efficient chillers.(applications in the field)
June 1, 2007... The world's first large-tonnage magnetic-levitation-bearing air-cooled chiller for air conditioning is being installed in the American Embassy in Tokyo. Multistack, manufacturer of the chiller, says the embassy could expect power savings...

California university upgrades aging equipment.(applications in the field)
June 1, 2007... When Loma Linda University officials decided to upgrade their HVAC systems, they looked for a provider that could help them meet California's high standards for energy efficiency. The university aimed to do more than simply replace old,...

Reflective insulation group announces new members.(association news)
June 1, 2007... The Reflective Insulation Manufacturers Association welcomed several new platinum members to the organization. They are: Astro-Foil/Innovative Energy, Martco Limited Partnership, Reflectix Inc., Fi-Foil Co., TVM Building Products, KdB...

ARI names president.(association news)
June 1, 2007... Stephen R. Yurek was appointed as the new president of the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute. He previously served as chief operating officer and general counsel. Yurek joined ARI in 2002 as general counsel and was promoted in...

Restoration group members announce name change.(Association of Specialists in Cleaning and Restoration changes its name to Restoration Industry Association)(Brief article)
June 1, 2007... The Association of Specialists in Cleaning & Restoration is "re-branding," which includes a name change. The trade group will now be known as the Restoration Industry Association. "The new name, Restoration Industry Association,...

Balancing bureau wins award.(association news)(National Environmental Balancing Bureau)(Brief article)
June 1, 2007... The National Environmental Balancing Bureau received its seventh consecutive Golden Circle Award from ASHRAE. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers' honored NEBB at its Jan. 29-31 winter meeting in...

Carrier joins green council.(association news)
June 1, 2007... Carrier Corp. has joined the recently founded Green Mechanical Council. The council says its mission is to educate the public about the benefits and value of environmentally conscious mechanical systems. The group also aims to bring these...

Gripple to open new U.S. factory outside Chicago.(supplier news)(Brief article)
June 1, 2007... Hanging systems maker Gripple Inc. broke ground in April on a U.S. manufacturing plant in Batavia, III. Officials with the American division of the United Kingdom-based wire-rope systems manufacturer said the company's growth in the U.S....

Trumpf opens facility in Mexico.(supplier news)(Trumpf America Inc.)(Brief article)
June 1, 2007... Fabrication machinery company Trumpf has opened a new sales, service, demonstration and production facility in Monterrey, Mexico. The facility will use Trumpf equipment and manufacturing techniques to produce frames for Trumpf machinery....

Klein Tools renews racing sponsorship.(supplier news)
June 1, 2007... Klein Tools will return as a sponsor of the 2007 American Le Mans Series motor sports racing program. As a part of its sponsorship, Klein Tools is the official hand tool of the series. The sponsorship will again include the Klein Tools Pit...

DeWalt expands agreement.(supplier news)(Thomson Corp. Thomson Delmar Learning)(DeWalt Trade Reference Series book)(Brief article)
June 1, 2007... Thomson Delmar Learning will manufacture all DeWalt Trade Reference Series book titles under a new agreement. The agreement also makes the company the exclusive distributor of all DeWalt titles across all U.S.-based sales channels. ...

Kirk & Blum marks 100 years.(supplier news)
June 1, 2007... In May, sheet metal contractor Kirk & Blum celebrated 100 years in business. The company got its start when two Cincinnati men partnered in 1907 with $610 to found one of the nation's first companies dedicated to controlling air pollution....

Grainger honors Klein Tools for performance.(supplier news)
June 1, 2007... Klein Tools was presented with Grainger's Partners in Performance Award for 2006 at the supplier's conference March 14 in Rosemont, Ill. Facilities maintenance supplier Grainger presents the award annually to a select group of suppliers...

Bryant presents Dealer of the year award.(contractor news)(Bryant Heating and Cooling)(Angell Aire Inc. )(Brief article)
June 1, 2007... Bryant Heating & Cooling Systems named Angell Aire Inc. of Burnsville, Minn., its 2006 Dealer of the Year. Angell Aire Inc. achieved remarkable sales growth, sales mix and customer satisfaction ratings to earn the award, Bryant officials...

Group to celebrate awareness week.(contractor news)(Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors-National Association)(Brief article)
June 1, 2007... The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors-National Association will celebrate "Professional PHC Contractor Awareness Week" June 24-30. The week coincides with the June 27, 1883, anniversary of the founding of PHCC. National, state and...

American Standard dealer wins Ford truck.(contractor news)
June 1, 2007... Dave Patterson was the winner of a 2007 Ford F-150 King Ranch truck and $1,000 from American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning. Patterson, a salesman with Academy Air in O'Fallon, Mo., won by taking part in American Standard's annual...

PHCC 2007 scholarships total $100,000.(contractor news)
June 1, 2007... The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors-National Association says it will award more than $100,000 in scholarships this year through its educational foundation. The scholarships are made possible through several sponsors, including...

Lochinvar awards handheld computers to contractors.(contractor news)
June 1, 2007... Lochinvar Corp. awarded Hewlett Packard "pocket PCs" to 15 members of its VIP Contractor Program. The winners were chosen as part of a weekly giveaway. Participating contractors were entered in the giveaway with each registered...

Fedders employees earn NATE certification.(contractor news)
June 1, 2007... Fedders Corp. field-service technical managers Dennis Blievernicht, Bill Biggs, Tom DiGiacomo and Bob McIvor recently earned NATE certifications. The certifications were earned in air conditioning, heat pumps and gas furnace installation...

War problems impact meeting; installing batten roofs; and closing the fabrication shop.(Turning back the pages)(National Warm Air Heating and Air Conditioning Association conference)
June 1, 2007... As part of our continuing celebration of SNIPS' 75th anniversary, we are debuting a "new" department, Turning Back the Pages. Longtime readers may remember an occasional department with the same name when Edward Carter published the magazine. A...

Precision Coils introduces new Web site.(internet news)(Website overview)
June 1, 2007... Precision Coils, a manufacturer of custom heating and cooling coils, has redesigned www.precision-coils.com. The site provides links to download and activate the company's patented coil-selection software. The company says that this...

PMA launches Spanish technical forum.(internet news)
June 1, 2007... The Precision Metalforming Association has created an online Spanish technical forum for Mexican companies involved in stamping and sheet metal fabrication. The forum was created by suggestions from attendees of Metalform Mexico trade...

Women most often control home thermostat, says online poll.(internet news)
June 1, 2007... A ServiceMagic.com poll shows that when it comes to the household thermostat, it's usually a woman's world. ServiceMagic.com, a Web site that connects homeowners to pre-screened home service professionals, polled more than 1,500 of its...

J. F. Ahern unveils redesigned Web site.(internet news)(Website overview)
June 1, 2007... Fond du Lac, Wis.-based mechanical and fire protection contractor J. F. Ahern Co. recently unveiled a completely redesigned company Web site. The new site, www.jfahern.com, offers customers and potential employees several new features. ...

Invensys Controls launches FireX.(internet news)
June 1, 2007... Invensys Controls has launched a revamped Web site for its FireX line of products at www.firexsafety.com. The site features the latest additions to the FireX family, including Monox carbon monoxide- and smoke-sensing products. The...

Emerson creates Copeland Scroll site.(internet news)(Copeland-Scroll.com)(Emerson Climate Technologies)(Brief article)
June 1, 2007... Emerson Climate Technologies recently launched Copeland-Scroll.com, a Web site where HVACR contractors and customers can find information on Copeland Scroll compressors. Key features of the site include animations of Copeland Scroll...

Contractor group offers training.(internet news)(www.qsc-phcc.org)(www.safety.blr.com)(Quality Service Contractors)(Brief article)
June 1, 2007... The Quality Service Contractors have developed two Web-based training programs addressing safety compliance and human resources. The programs are available to QSC contractor and industry partner members through the QSC Web site,...

Everhard develops roofing site.(internet news)
June 1, 2007... Everhard Products Inc. has introduced a new product Web site at www.EverhardRoofingTools.com. The Web site presents the company's entire product line, featuring brands such as Everhard, Klenk and Fairmont. Registered distributors can order...

Emerson partners with education group.(internet news)
June 1, 2007... Emerson Climate Technologies has partnered with HVACREducation.net to offer pretesting certification courses for North American Technician Excellence. Contractors already signed up for distance-learning programs through Emerson can sign up...

ACCA offers online training.(internet news)
June 1, 2007... The Air Conditioning Contractors of America recently launched a new series of live online training seminars. Contractors and other experts on topics chosen by ACCA's members teach these 90-minute online seminars. Participation in each...

Knaack introduces new brand Web sites.(internet news)(Website overview)
June 1, 2007... Knaack Manufacturing Co. redesigned its Web sites for its Knaack and Weather Guard brands. The company says the new Web sites have easy-to-use navigation, interactive tools and easy-to-find product information. The Weather Guard Web...

Sheet Metal Guy offers ductwork calculators.(internet news)
June 1, 2007... Sheet Metal Guy LLC announced two Web-based calculators to help sheet metal designers develop transitions and cones. The calculators create DXF files that include a 3-D wire-frame model as well as the flat pattern. The file may then be...

Danfoss meeting discusses global warming, energy.(meetings & conventions)
June 1, 2007... Danfoss held its fourth EnVisioneering Symposium, called "Energy Efficiency Investment and the Emerging Global Cost Paradigm." The April 17 event at the Hotel Washington in Washington, D.C., touched on a variety of energy issues--global...

American Standard to keep name on HVAC products.(meetings & conventions)
June 1, 2007... American Standard Cos. Inc.'s recent decision to sell its kitchen and bath division will not affect the company's HVAC distributors. That announcement was made by Fred Poses, chairman and CEO of American Standard, in response to a question...

Welding society event tackles worker shortages.(meetings & conventions)
June 1, 2007... The American Welding Society's district No. 10 advisory council met March 14 in Parma, Ohio, to discuss concerns about the current work force. In response to the shortage of skilled welders, the district, which covers parts of Ohio and...

Teacher workshop draws 300.(meetings & conventions)
June 1, 2007... The 2007 HVACR and Plumbing Instructor Workshop welcomed 300 HVACR and plumbing instructors March 28-30 to Lansdowne, Va. The yearly event is sponsored by the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute along with the Air-Conditioning...

Kaliburn appoints two to new sales, director positions.(people in the news)
June 1, 2007... Plasma cutting systems manufacturer Kaliburn named Brian E. O'Hara vice president of sales and marketing, and hired Allan H. Holst as business development director. O'Hara has been with the company for four years and previously served as...

Emerson Climate Technologies.(people in the news)
June 1, 2007... Emerson Climate Technologies promoted Rafael Castillo to general manager of its Design Services Network. In this new position, Castillo will be responsible for overseeing business development, marketing, sales, engineering and operations. ...

Begneaud Manufacturing Inc.(people in the news)(appointment of Don Begneaud at Fabricators and Manufacturers Association Foundation)(Brief article)
June 1, 2007... Don Begneaud, CEO and owner of Begneaud Manufacturing Inc. in Lafayette, La., was appointed board chairman of the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association Foundation. He will serve a one-year term as chairman of the board. The foundation...

Kapro.(people in the news)
June 1, 2007... Hand tools manufacturer Kapro named Mike Farrell North American sales and operations vice president. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Farrell, a former board member of the American Hardware Manufacturers Association, is incoming president of the...

Mechanical Inc.(people in the news)
June 1, 2007... Mike Cullinane is the new vice president of Freeport, Ill.-based Mechanical Inc. Cullinane is the immediate past-president of the Mechanical Contractors Association of America. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] In his new role, Cullinane will...

Fabricators & Manufacturers Association Foundation.(people in the news)
June 1, 2007... Tom Connell, Michael "Mick" Nallen and Roger Steel were appointed to one-year terms on the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association Foundation board. Dan Dechamps and John Winch were re-elected to second-year terms. Connell, who was named...

International Code Council.(people in the news)(appointment of Michael Armstrong)(Brief article)
June 1, 2007... The International Code Council named Michael Armstrong as senior vice president of its member services division. The division includes membership, training and education, certification, and meeting and travel services. "The new member...

PHCC Educational Foundation.(people in the news)
June 1, 2007... Marilyn J. Humm has joined the PHCC Educational Foundation as the director of communications and marketing. Humm's primary role will be to develop and implement a communications and marketing plan to support foundation fundraising, apprentice,...

Quality Service Contractors.(people in the news)
June 1, 2007... The Quality Service Contractors hired John O'Connor as its second business management coach. O'Connor will offer business support for members of QSC and the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors National Association. His focus will be...

Potential workers value benefits over money, survey says.(business management)
June 1, 2007... When it comes to hiring, many HVAC business owners value experience over all other qualifications on a prospective employee's resume. Not only does employing a veteran of the industry improve the quality of the company's craftsmanship and...

10 ways to take customers from the competition.(sales & marketing)
June 1, 2007... There may have been a time when there was enough business for everyone. But for many companies, that isn't true anymore. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The easiest people to sell your products and services to are those who are already buying...

A 'big' idea works very well for one company.(contractor cents)(Big Ass Fan Co.)( International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition )
June 1, 2007... I recently attended the AHR Expo trade show in Dallas. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] As always, some of the industry's largest manufacturers and suppliers exhibited. One was called Big Ass Fan Co. That isn't a typo. People were talking...

Doing a little can make a big difference in sales.(mind your business)(HVAC industry)
June 1, 2007... A couple years ago, I visited a Rheem water heater plant in Montgomery, Ala. Inside a training room were displays of memorabilia from the company's history. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Included were a mannequin of Edwin Ruud, credited as...

University selects steel finish for student union.(roofing news)(contracts of Roger Williams University and Contrarian Metal Resources)(Brief article)
June 1, 2007... Contrarian Metal Resources' InvariMatte stainless steel finish was selected for use as wall cladding and roofing on the Commons, the new student union at Roger Williams University in Bristol, R.I. The company's InvariMatte is a...

Library top made to meet architectural requirements.(roofing news)
June 1, 2007... When the Manhasset Public Library in Manhasset, N.Y., was looking to expand the facility, it wanted to blend in with the surrounding community. The new 38,700-square-foot library replaced the previous 16,500-square-foot building, which was...

Roofing foundation receives donations.(roofing news)
June 1, 2007... Firestone Building Products Co. and Eastern Architectural Representatives recently pledged to continue donating $10,000 per year to the North/East Roofing Educational Foundation. This year, the two companies achieved their goal, first...

NRCA announces program grads.(roofing news)
June 1, 2007... The National Roofing Contractors Association has announced the 24 newest graduates of its Future Executives Institute. The three-year educational program is designed to develop the management and leadership skills of roofing company...

Association names technical director.(roofing news)
June 1, 2007... The Florida Roofing, Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors Association hired Jim Carducci to fill the newly created position of director of technical services. Carducci's primary responsibility will be responding to technical...

The Arizona chapter of the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association.(ARIZONA)
June 1, 2007... The Arizona chapter of the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association is sponsoring its third annual 100-degree contest. The contest asks the public to guess the first 100-degree day of 2007. The winner will...

Target Sales.(FLORIDA)(Financial report)(Brief article)
June 1, 2007... Target Sales, with offices in Key Largo and Tampa, Fla., have been appointed sales representatives for EZ-Trap. The company will represent EZ-Trap's full line of traps and switched traps, as well as overflow switches for condensate, Aspen...

Mechanical Contractors Association of Indiana.(INDIANA)
June 1, 2007... The Mechanical Contractors Association of Indiana has pledged $25,000 to the Mechanical Contracting Education & Research Foundation. The contribution will be made in five, $5,000 annual installments beginning this month. In presenting...

Four Iowa State University.(IOWA)
June 1, 2007... Four Iowa State University students will be sharing $3,000 in scholarships from the Ed Lord II/Sheet Metal Contractors of Iowa Scholarship fund. The students are majoring in construction engineering with a mechanical emphasis. The...

Luxaire.(OKLAHOMA)(Make-A-Wish Foundation)(Brief article)
June 1, 2007... Johnson Control's company Luxaire presented a $12,707 check to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Oklahoma. The check, which was presented prior to the start of the March 3 hockey game between the Oklahoma City Blazers and the Wichita Thunder,...

Plumbing, Heating and Cooling Contractors Association.(TEXAS)
June 1, 2007... Jo Rae Wagner, national president of the Plumbing, Heating and Cooling Contractors Association, was honored with a resolution Jan. 30 presented by Texas Sen. Eddie Lucio Jr. "Ms. Wagner is a fine example for other women to emulate," said...

Mechanical Contractors Association of Metropolitan Washington.(WASHINGTON, D.C.)
June 1, 2007... Matt Hahr has been named 2007 president of the Mechanical Contractors Association of Metropolitan Washington. Hahr is vice president of John J. Kirlin LLC, a full-service mechanical and fabrication contractor, specializing in large heating,...

EGI Mechanical.(WISCONSIN)
June 1, 2007... Donald Tennie of EGI Mechanical in Seymour, Wis., was named president of the Mechanical Contractors Association of North Central Wisconsin. David Seitz will continue to serve as executive vice president, while Mark Loper of Azco Inc. in...

Intellidyne LLC.(CANADA)
June 1, 2007... Intellidyne LLC has expanded its operations with the opening of Intellidyne Canada Ltd. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] General manager John Poirier will head the new entity. Intellidyne is an energy-saving controls maker for refrigeration...

Duct-sealing brochure.(books, software & lit)
June 1, 2007... This company is offering a brochure describing its duct-sealing system called FlexClad-400. According to the company, the product is a self-adhering, sheet-type membrane designed to protect both interior and exterior pipe and duct applications....

Air-barrier systems.(books, software & lit)
June 1, 2007... An educational brochure titled "Air Barrier Systems" provides information on vapor-permeable and nonpermeable, self-adhered or liquid-applied air-barrier systems and accessories. The brochure was produced by the building science team at Henry...

Tool guide.(books, software & lit)
June 1, 2007... Dynamic Fastener recently released the newest version of its tool and fastener hand guide, with answers to many issues--common and uncommon--that arise in the sheet metal industry. The free 124-page full-color publication offers answers to...

Geothermal software.(books, software & lit)
June 1, 2007... GeoCalc is a Windows-based program for sizing geothermal HVAC systems. The software manufacturer claims that GeoCalc will size closed-loop heat exchangers, calculate pump requirements, estimate annual operational costs and calculate heat losses...

Business software.(books, software & lit)
June 1, 2007... This company has released Wintac Pro 2007, an enhanced version of its all-in-one program software. Wintac Pro combines the features of service management software, contact management software and accounting software in one integrated program....

Tape catalog.(books, software & lit)
June 1, 2007... Venture Tape Corp. has released an electronic version of its new HVAC product catalog. The catalog, which is produced in CD format, features all of the elements of the print catalog, including product photos, specifications and testing...

CAD software.(books, software & lit)
June 1, 2007... The Cadman offline programming software can be used for punching, bending and laser cutting applications. The CAD/CAM system is PC-based, operating in a Windows environment. The software's automatic functions help with programming and increase...

Zoning catalog.(books, software & lit)
June 1, 2007... HVAC manufacturer and wholesaler Jackson Systems has released its 2007 catalog. The new catalog showcases the company's residential and commercial Comfort System zone control line complete with technical data sheets, installation guides and...

Leak-detection catalog.(books, software & lit)
June 1, 2007... This company has published a new six-page, color brochure on Spectroline leak detection products. The brochure provides details about the company's cordless, high-performance Optimax and Optimax Jr. LED leak detection flashlights. Also covered...

Compressor guide.(books, software & lit)
June 1, 2007... Danfoss has released a new reference catalog, "Residential and Light Commercial Scroll Compressors." The eight-page, color brochure details dimensions, performance data and product ranges for the company's scroll compressors using R-22, R-407C...

Dust-collection guide.(books, software & lit)
June 1, 2007... This company announced the availability of a new, complete product catalog on compact disc. This 348-page catalog can be used for general dust-collection equipment. The CD contains the company's complete line of bag-house and cartridge dust...

Load-calculation standard.(books, software & lit)
June 1, 2007... A new standard that establishes minimum requirements for performing load calculations has been published by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers. The standard was developed in conjunction with the Air...

Carbon monoxide meter.(new products)
June 1, 2007... The DCO 10001 carbon monoxide meter is a battery-operated device that features an electromechanical CO sensor with three points of auto calibration. The meter has a backlit LCD display and simultaneously exhibits dual readings of carbon...