Snips articles from March 2006

Snips archives from March 2006

Corrections.(Correction notice)
March 1, 2006... In the February feature "Fit and Trim," the wrong sketch was printed on page 19 under the heading "'C-D' edge." This is the correct sketch. Also in the February issue, on page 35 of the Metalcon feature, the name of sheet metal distributor...

Ducts in the 'big D': NADCA heads to Dallas for 17th annual meeting.
March 1, 2006... "Texas size" usually means the biggest and best when it comes to beef, cowboy hats and seemingly just about everything that happens in this 269,000-square-mile state. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The National Air Duct Cleaners Association...

Trapped inside a box: are you selling products or service? Providing indoor air quality can make all the difference--and some profit.(air conditioning system marketing)(Air Conditioning Contractors of America's meeting)(Cover story)
March 1, 2006... For some customers, buying a new air-conditioning system is like buying a car: If one dealer doesn't give you the lowest price, somone down the street will. That's the analogy Glenn Hourahan uses to describe how too many mechanical contractors...

The road to San Jose: ACCA heads to California's Silicon Valley for convention.
March 1, 2006... The Air Conditioning Contractors of America is hoping many members find their way to San Jose, Calif., for this month's convention. The group will hold its 38th annual conference March 28-30 at the San Jose Convention Center. The slogan for...

Taking the plunge: designer uses 3-D imaging for indoor pool project.(James Harrison Jr. used Dectron 3-D)
March 1, 2006... After 18 years of experience in consulting engineering, James Harrison Jr. says that mechanical work on natatoriums is still one of the most challenging design applications in the HVAC industry. According to Harrison, a mechanical engineer with...

Decks and seams available for use on metal roofs.(tech tips)
March 1, 2006... The following is taken from the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association's Architectural Sheet Metal Manual. Figure 6-2 illustrates some of the many sections of metal-roof deck available from manufacturers. Decks...

Arizona research facility meets efficiency goal.(applications in the field)
March 1, 2006... The U.S. Arid-Land Agricultural Research Center in Maricopa, Ariz., needed a cooling system for not one, but for nine buildings totaling 98,000 square feet. The facility, which included greenhouses, laboratories and offices, not only found...

Company cools London's new soccer stadium.(applications in the field)
March 1, 2006... The new Emirates Stadium in London, home of the Arsenal soccer team, needs a great deal of cooling. The 60,000-seat facility houses communications rooms, restaurants and many other facilities. Modine Manufacturing Co. is supplying...

New HVAC units keep customers shopping.(applications in the field)
March 1, 2006... The director of engineering at South Coast Plaza shopping center in Costa Mesa, Calif., didn't want to wait for HVAC systems to break down before replacing them. "Our 1986-vintage Trane rooftop units gave us outstanding service, but as...

Insulation group sponsors energy-saving campaign.(association news)
March 1, 2006... ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- The North American Insulation Manufacturers Association is sponsoring "Power is in Your Hands," a campaign designed to promote energy efficiency. The program, from the Alliance to Save Energy and the American Gas...

RIMA elects board of directors.(association news)
March 1, 2006... Michael Boulding of TVM Building Products was elected as board president for the Reflective Insulation Manufacturers Association. The association held elections during its recent biannual membership meeting in Dallas. All elected board...

ASHRAE awards recognize sustainable design.(association news)
March 1, 2006... CHICAGO -- A circus big top, a more energy-efficient school building, and a Chicago education center all received first place in the ASHRAE Technology Awards. The awards, which acknowledge achievement from members for design in the areas...

ABC president meets with President Bush.(association news)
March 1, 2006... WASHINGTON -- Kirk Pickerel, president and CEO of the Associated Builders and Contractors, joined President George W. Bush and construction officials to discuss rebuilding hurricane-stricken areas of the Gulf Coast. This closed-door...

CertainTeed plants excel in safety, environmental management.(supplier news)
March 1, 2006... VALLEY FORGE, Pa. -- CertainTeed Corp. has announced that two of its fiberglass insulation plants have met safety milestones, while another plant has achieved environmental management standards. CertainTeed's Chowchilla, Calif., plant has...

Johnson Controls completes purchase of York Corp.(supplier news)
March 1, 2006... MILWAUKEE -- Johnson Controls Inc. has officially completed its acquisition of York International Corp., one of the largest suppliers of HVAC equipment services. The Johnson Controls board of directors elected former York CEO and President...

Centria starts second phase of upgrades.(supplier news)
March 1, 2006... MOON TOWNSHIP, Pa. -- Centria Coating Services has started phase two of its coil-coating operations in Ambridge, Pa. The company will upgrade drives, motors, programmable logistic controls and accumulator towers, and install new coater...

Companies announce price increases.(Carrier Corp. and Hansen Technologies Corp.)(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... Carrier Corp. and Hansen Technologies Corp. are the latest manufacturers to announce price hikes for 2006. Carrier has placed a 6 percent price increase on most residential HVAC equipment. The increase applies to Carrier, Bryant and Payne...

Onset data logger named top product.(Onset Computer Corp.'s Hobo FlexSmart Data Logger )(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... The Hobo FlexSmart Data Logger from Onset Computer Corp. was one of the top products of 2005, according to Buildings magazine. Hundreds of products were reviewed by the magazine's editorial staff and facilities professionals, and evaluated...

Illinois Tool Works buys sealant business.(supplier news)
March 1, 2006... DANVERS, Mass. -- Adhesives and sealants maker Schnee-Morehead Inc. has been acquired by ITW Performance Polymers, part of Illinois Tool Works. Terms of the sale were not disclosed. The Irving, Texas-based Schnee-Morehead sells...

Hypertherm reports successful United Way campaign.(donated $94,000)(Workplace Campaign Council was started by United Way )(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... HANOVER, N.H. -- Hypertherm Inc. donated over $94,000 to its United Way campaign in 2005, a 16 percent increase over last year's donations. Contributions from individual employees, plus proceeds from raffle and bake sales were matched by...

Emerson celebrates 50 years of Mexico operations.(Emerson Motor Technologies)(Company overview)(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... Emerson Motor Technologies' operations in Monterrey, Mexico, has reached 50 years of service. Founded in 1955, the Motores U.S. de Mexico facility started with just 18 employees and now employs over 1,000 people. "We are extremely proud of...

Industry hits record AC shipments in November.(supplier news)
March 1, 2006... ARLINGTON, Va. -- In the first 11 months of 2005, the HVACR industry shipped over 8 million central air conditioners and air-source heat pumps--a record, according to ARI. The Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute also reported that...

Bryant teams up with radio personalities.(supplier news)
March 1, 2006... INDIANAPOLIS -- The Carey Brothers, famous for sharing home improvement tips on their syndicated radio program, will partner with Bryant Heating and Cooling Systems. According to Bryant, the two will help educate consumers on the company's...

MCAA announces initiatives and goals for 2006.(contractor news)
March 1, 2006... ROCKVILLE, Md. -- A "next generation" labor-estimating manual and a pipe-specification Web site are two of the new initiatives that MCAA will tackle this year. The Mechanical Contractors Association of America released a list of projects...

Contractors earn RSES designations.(contractor news)
March 1, 2006... DES PLAINES, Ill. -- The Refrigeration Service Engineers Society announced 16 members who earned certificate-member or certification-member-specialist status during October 2005. In order to become a certificate member, applicants must...

Contractor holds open house for service seminar.(contractor news)
March 1, 2006... Brasington Plumbing, Heating & Air in Columbia, S.C., was to welcome HVACR business owners who wanted to learn the fundamentals of running a service business Jan. 13-14. The event was part of Money Masters, a program from contractor...

Carrier Web site handles employee recruitment.(internet news)
March 1, 2006... INDIANAPOLIS -- Carrier Corp.'s new Carrier Career Center allows job applicants to search and apply for work positions with the manufacturer and its dealers. The center is available by clicking on the employment link at...

Roof auction site comes online.(internet news)
March 1, 2006... SEMINOLE, Fla. -- A new site, www.roofauction.com, allows buyers and sellers of roofing products, equipment and services to come together online to do business. The idea for the site was developed in 1999 as part of the Roofing...

Koger Air site showcases products, components.(www.kogerair.com)(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... MARTINSVILLE, Va. -- The new Web site from Koger Air Corp. highlights the company's custom-designed dust-collection systems. It also features a complete listing of Koger component parts. The site, www.kogerair.com, includes a full display...

ARI launches product performance info.(Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute introduced online directory)(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... ARLINGTON, Va. -- A new online tool from the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute will enable contractors and the public to access information on product performance. The ARI's Directory of Certified Product Performance will allow...

Insulation manuals available.(internet news)
March 1, 2006... ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- Three air-handling duct insulation manuals from NAIMA will be available free of charge at www.naima.org/ductmanuals. According to the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association, the available manuals are the...

The Sheet Metal Shop adds new directory.(internet news)
March 1, 2006... Visitors to TheSheetMetalShop.com can now access a directory that will lead them to various products and services, including distributors, manufacturers, training and more. By logging on to www.thesheetmetalshop.com/directory, users can...

AHR Expo officials honor Innovation Award winners.(meetings & conventions)
March 1, 2006... CHICAGO -- Nine companies were recognized Jan. 24 at the AHR Expo in Chicago. These companies were chosen from a record 131 entries for the exposition's annual Innovation Awards competition. The product submissions were among thousands on...

ASHRAE meeting seeks input on risk management.(meetings & conventions)
March 1, 2006... CHICAGO -- The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers used its winter meeting to seek input on a proposed risk management guideline. The meeting for proposed guideline 29P, "Guideline for Risk Management...

York sends territory managers to 'boot camp'.(York International Corp. Unitary Products Group)
March 1, 2006... NORMAN, Okla. -- Territory managers with York International's Unitary Products Group recently completed the first in a series of company "boot camps," Nov. 6-11 in Norman, Okla. The training program highlights resources available to York...

Emcor Group subsidiary Hillcrest appoints new president and CEO.(Jim Barker)(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... Jim Barker has been named president and chief operating officer of Bakersfield, Calif.-based Hillcrest, a subsidiary of Emcor Group Inc. and a provider of HVAC, controls, plumbing and pipe-fitting services. Barker has over 20 years of...

Munters.(Munters Moisture Control Services promoted Mickey Lee)(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... Mickey Lee has been promoted to vice president of global technology for Munters' Moisture Control Services worldwide. Lee's primary responsibility will be developing global training and certification programs. He also will provide technical...

A.O. Smith Corp.(people in the news)
March 1, 2006... A.O. Smith Corp. announced that Albert E. Medice, the company's European vice president, has retired. Medice held the position since January 1995. In that role, he had responsibility for management and direction of the company's European...

Modine Manufacturing Co.(people in the news)
March 1, 2006... Modine Manufacturing Co. promoted Margaret "Peggy" Kelsey to the position of corporate treasurer and assistant secretary. Kelsey, currently senior counsel and assistant secretary, will take over the new duties and report to Brad Richardson,...

Lenox.(people in the news)
March 1, 2006... Power tool manufacturer Lenox named Rich Mathews as its new vice president of marketing. Mathews comes to Lenox from Graco, a Newell Rubbermaid company, where he had been vice president of marketing and new business development since 2001. At...

Jackson Systems LLC.(people in the news)
March 1, 2006... Indianapolis-based Jackson Systems LLC has appointed Dave Moor as its new engineering manager. Moor will focus his efforts in the commercial controls division on system design, custom drawings and commercial operations. He is a graduate of...

AMS Controls.(appoints David Whitten)(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... AMS Controls hired David Whitten as a design engineer in its engineering group. Whitten comes to AMS Controls after a five-year stint with Crane National Vendors, where one of his key accomplishments was designing a patented, guaranteed...

Greeneheck Fan Corp.(people in the news)
March 1, 2006... Pete Neitzel of Greeneheck Fan Corp. was named international president of the Air Movement and Control Association board. AMCA also appointed several others to its board for the 2005-2006 year. The outgoing association president, Lee Buddrus of...

Twin City Fan Companies Ltd.(people in the news)
March 1, 2006... Also elected to the board of directors for AMCA were Michael Berry of Twin City Fan Companies Ltd., Art LaPointe of Construction Specialties Inc., Robert Van Becelaere of Ruskin Co., and C.F. Yang of Kruger Asia Holding.

Mestek.(people in the news)
March 1, 2006... Brian D. Benard has joined Mestek as marketing manager. In his new post, Benard will be responsible for developing and implementing initiatives for Sterling HVAC and SpacePak. Sterling manufactures and supplies gas-fired unit heaters, duct...

Get service technicians in the habit of selling.(sales & marketing)
March 1, 2006... Many company owners wonder if HVAC service technicians should also sell products. Some ask if they should be paid for what they sell. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] My answer to both questions is yes. Who is better qualified to sell to...

A cell phone store visit leads to lessons on customer service.(contractor cents)
March 1, 2006... I often write about customer service, but this month I'm writing about disservice. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] During the Christmas holidays, I went into a cell phone retailer to pick up a new phone. While I was there, a customer was in a...

Times are a-changin' in the HVAC industry (part I).(mind your business)
March 1, 2006... Independent HVAC service contractors are losing market share to competitors that didn't exist a decade ago. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] I was reminded recently of the consolidation storm that hit the HVAC industry in the late 1990s. We all...

CertainTeed rolls out 'Triple Play' program.(wholesaler news)
March 1, 2006... CertainTeed Corp. distributors can earn money for selling insulation products as part of the "Triple Play Payback," a seasonal sales-incentive program that rewards distributor sales representatives and their contractor customers. Running...

Sid Harvey's celebrates 75 years.(Sid Harvey Industries Inc.)(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... Long Island, N.Y.-based national wholesaler Sid Harvey's marks its 75th anniversary this year. The company was founded by Sidney W. Harvey in 1931. Harvey rented a second-story office in Hempstead, N.Y., and his inventory consisted of 10...

Tool consumption up 8 percent over last year.(wholesaler news)
March 1, 2006... Machine tool consumption for November 2005 brought the year-to-date total to $2.7 billion, up 8.3 percent compared with 2004, according to associations that track the data. The American Machine Tool Distributors' Association and the...

Bronx, N.Y., fish market gets new look.(Fulton Fish Market moved to new location)(Girandola & Shutkind Construction Corp. did installation works)
March 1, 2006... In business since 1835, New York's Fulton Fish Market, one of the nation's oldest and largest wholesale fish markets, recently moved from its Manhattan site to the Bronx. The move to a new 400,000-square-foot facility at the Hunt Point...

Salvation Army project incorporates new, existing structures.(roofing news)
March 1, 2006... A new Salvation Army facility in Tyler, Texas, presented a challenge for architects and contractors. Not only did it need maintenance-free materials, it also had to seamlessly incorporate several new buildings with the renovation of...

'Cool' roof line meets Energy Star guidelines.(roofing news)
March 1, 2006... ONTARIO, Calif. -- The new "cool roof" metal tile-panel roofing system from Met-Tile Inc. has met the U.S. government's Energy Star guidelines, company officials said. The updated roofing lines feature a Super Series 4800 Super Cool...

Visitors center looks to past for new appearance.(by Follansbee Steel Corp.'s TCS II material roofing)
March 1, 2006... The visitors center at Rockwood Park in Wilmington, Del., may be new, but its look was inspired by 19th century architecture. The park renovated an existing carriage house and barn for the project, and officials wanted the visitors center...

Roofing association presents Award of Excellence.(roofing news)
March 1, 2006... Steve Schwab of Johns Manville Roofing Systems was the recipient of the Award of Excellence from the Chicago Roofing Contractors Association. According to the association, the award, presented at the annual dinner Dec. 1, recognizes an...

SMACNA-Arizona board.(Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors National Association's Arizona board of trustees organizational planning)(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... Members of the SMACNA-Arizona board of trustees, including Kathy Kingsland (left) of Kinetic Systems, Terry Flood of Terry Flood of Q.C. Analytical Systems, John Sapien of Bel-Air Mechanical Inc., Nick Ganem of Metro Mechanical Inc., and Carlos...

Outreach Heating and Cooling Inc.(CALIFORNIA)
March 1, 2006... Outreach Heating and Cooling Inc. in San Jose, Calif., has entered its 10th year of providing heating and cooling services to low-income individuals and nonprofit organizations. The company is able to provide free and reduced cost heating and...

The Colorado Roofing Association.(COLORADO)
March 1, 2006... The Colorado Roofing Association announced a $313,800 dividend for 19 members of its Colorado Roofing Association workers' compensation program. The amount is $99,000 more than last year's dividend. The program, in partnership with Moody...

Another Plumbing Co. LLC.(ILLINOIS)
March 1, 2006... John Bali of Another Plumbing Co. LLC in Minooka, Ill., was elected president of the Plumbing and Mechanical Contractors Association of Northern Illinois. Gary Rippentrop Sr. of G'Rs Plumbing & Heating Inc. was elected first vice president...

Easy Street Inc.(won 25 Under 25 Award from the Kansas City Small Business Monthly)(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... Lenexa, Kan.-based Easy Street Inc. was chosen for the 25 Under 25 Award from the Kansas City Small Business Monthly. The award is given to 25 businesses in the Kansas City metro area. There were 350 applicants for the award, which is in its...

The International Code Council Foundation.(given construction code manual to Louisiana government)(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... The International Code Council Foundation donated code manuals to help the Louisiana government in its efforts to carry out the state's new construction code law as it rebuilds in the wake of hurricanes Katrina and Rita. "We certainly...

The Massachusetts Oilheat Industry Guidebook.(National Oilheat Research Alliance funded for the project)(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... The Massachusetts Oilheat Industry Guidebook is now available as a downloadable PDF file. The guide was created with funding from the National Oilheat Research Alliance. This PDF file, available at www.massoilheat.org, has been prepared as a...

"Save Energy With Ease" program.(MICHIGAN)
March 1, 2006... Low-income utility customers in the state of Michigan could receive free energy-saving thermostats, as well as free installation, under the new "Save Energy With Ease" program. The program is designed to offset high-energy costs in the state....

The Mechanical Inspectors Association of Michigan.(MICHIGAN)
March 1, 2006... The Mechanical Inspectors Association of Michigan will holds its annual spring conference March 23-25 at the Doherty Hotel in Clare, Mich. The three-day event will offer educational sessions. Topics will cover automatic sprinklers, geothermal...

The ACCA's Greater New York Chapter.(Air Conditioning Contractors of America donated to hurricane relief)(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... The ACCA's Greater New York Chapter announced contributions to two charities. The group voted to donate $2,500 to hurricane relief. Of that amount, $1,000 was sent to the Air Conditioning Contractors of America's National Hurricane Relief Fund,...

Henning Software.(OHIO)
March 1, 2006... Hudson, Ohio-based Henning Software has moved to its new corporate offices at 581 Boston Mills Road. The new headquarters includes a training center for new and current users of Henning software. According to the company, the facility is in a...

The state of Pennsylvania unveiled a new loan program to promote energy conservation and reduce home heating bills.(PENNSYLVANIA)
March 1, 2006... The state of Pennsylvania unveiled a new loan program to promote energy conservation and reduce home heating bills. At a news conference Jan. 12 in Harrisburg, Pa., state Treasurer Robert P. Casey Jr., explained how homeowners could borrow...

Holaday-Parks Inc.(general manager David Parks appointed for Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association's Western Washington chapter)
March 1, 2006... David Parks, president and general manager of Seattle-based Holaday-Parks Inc., was installed as president of the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association's Western Washington chapter. Parks will serve for the...

Hand tool catalog.(books software & lit)
March 1, 2006... Midwest Tool and Cutlery Co. has revised its catalog covering the company's full line of Midwest Snips brand aviation, tinner and specialty snips, and sheet metal hand tools. Features include unbreakable hot-drop-forged blades, a threaded...

Dealer newsletter.(books software & lit)
March 1, 2006... Comfortmaker Air-Conditioning and Heating has released a new Comfort Zone newsletter. The dealer-oriented newsletter details training through International Comfort Products, including its Mobile Training Center courses, sales and management...

Air movement info.(catalog introduced by Greenheck Fan Corp.)(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... Greenheck has released a new catalog that details the company's latest air movement and control products. The catalog highlights a number of product lines, including fans and ventilators, centrifugal and vane axial fans, dampers, louvers,...

Laser scanning.(books software & lit)
March 1, 2006... With the touch of one button, the LPX-600 desktop 3-D laser scanner will sample an object, scan it, and automatically generate a detailed model with a watertight surface. The device comes with LPX ES Studio reverse engineering software. This...

Heat exchanger CD.(books software & lit)
March 1, 2006... Alfa Laval has released an interactive CD catalog for brazed heat exchangers. The catalog is designed as a selection guide for brazed heat exchangers for applications such as DX evaporators/chillers, water-cooled condensers,...

Customer literature.(books software & lit)
March 1, 2006... This company has released a new series of literature explaining its customer service levels. The literature details parts, service and training agreements available to Sullair customers. The company's "Team Care" service level provides...

Air testing info.(books software & lit)
March 1, 2006... The latest indoor air measurement technology from Alnor Products is featured in this new catalog. This publication highlights the company's line of air volume and velocity instruments. Information is also provided on the latest air and water...

Brochure-writing program.(of Luxaire Heating and Air Conditioning)(Build-A-Brochure program)(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... Luxaire Heating and Air Conditioning has added new features to its Build-A-Brochure program. The program allows Luxaire dealers to download product brochures from the Web and print brochures locally or e-mail them to customers. The program...

Data logger catalog.(books software & lit)
March 1, 2006... This supplier of battery-operated data loggers and weather stations has released its 2006 product catalog. The catalog offers detailed product descriptions, specifications and prices for its full line of PC and Mac-based Hobo data loggers,...

Venting products.(books software & lit)
March 1, 2006... The latest catalog from Z-Flex details the company's venting products, including those for gas, oil and all-fuel applications. The company offers aluminum chimney gas liner kits, oil- and solid-fuel liner kits, connector systems for flexible...

Training book.(SolidWorks for the Sheet Metal Guy Course 1: Part Creation by Sheet Metal Guy LLC)(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... SolidWorks for the Sheet Metal Guy--Course 1: Part Creation provides information on how to use SolidWorks and its sheet metal tools. According to the company, this series of training books demonstrates how to create real-life sheet metal parts...

Tools brochure.(of Testo Inc.)(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... This company has released a brochure on its latest temperature, humidity and airflow technologies. The literature supplies details on the Testo 435, which analyzes and diagnoses indoor air quality problems. The device can be used with a number...

Gas vent details.(books software & lit)
March 1, 2006... This company has released information on its Corr/Guard special gas venting. The product features one-step connection and snap-locks. The venting slides together with a locking system and tools are not required. The new catalog also highlights...

Garage heater.(new products)
March 1, 2006... The Hot Dawg separated combustion garage heater is an extension of this company's Hot Dawg garage heater product line. The new design offers improved efficiency, greater durability and less maintenance, according to the company. Officials also...

Remote accessories.(new products)
March 1, 2006... The MSR-100 Series Advanced Remote Accessories work with this company's duct smoke detectors to indicate problems, perform tests and alert users to alarm conditions using special features. APC packages visual indication of detector pilot,...