Snips articles from November 2004

Snips archives from November 2004

More than just surface appeal: improving the value of architectural-metal services.
November 1, 2004... Today, metal as a surfacing material for architectural projects is more an initial-design material than simply an acceptable substitute. Metal can be shaped, folded, polished and colored in forms to which no other material can compare. Add...

Line 'em up: using parallel patterns can help in many situations.
November 1, 2004... One of the simplest forms of sheet metal layout is known as parallel-line development. It can be used in laying out rectangular ductwork, round ductwork, tees, intersecting tees and other fittings. In addition, parallel-line development is...

A monumental project: this contractor worked on--and even slept in--the State of Liberty.(Cover Story)
November 1, 2004... SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Sheet metal work and acting. The two don't seem to go together, unless you're Dennis Heaphy. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Some people know the 45-year-old Syracuse, N.Y., resident as a fourth-generation tinsmith who has...

Trying to heat hangar brings multiple challenges.(APPLICATIONS in the Field)
November 1, 2004... SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- When the new 23,500-square-foot hangar for the Springfield-Branson Regional Airport was constructed, plans called for an in-floor radiant system. But when the price tag for equipment and installation surpassed $100,000,...

ACCA continues push for 'association' health plans.(ASSOCIATION NEWS)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... ARLINGTON, Va. -- The number of Americans without health insurance rose from 43.6 million in 2002 to 45 million in 2003, according to numbers from the U.S. Census Bureau. The statistic was mentioned in a press release from Paul T....

ANSI names ASHRAE 'audited designator'.(ASSOCIATION NEWS)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... ATLANTA -- An "audited designator" designation has been given to ASHRAE by the American National Standards Institute. Audited designators are those who have demonstrated a "consistent record of successful voluntary standards development,"...

HRAI recognizes industry leaders.(ASSOCIATION NEWS)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... KELOWNA, British Columbia -- The Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada recognized several individuals and organizations for their contributions to the HVACR industry during the Aug. 21 HRAI Annual Awards Luncheon. ...

ASHRAE to check market needs.(ASSOCIATION NEWS)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... ATLANTA -- The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers will launch a market-research program, which the association said it believes will help better serve members of the HVACR industry. "It's vital that...

ACCA manual receives ANSI OK.(ASSOCIATION NEWS)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... ARLINGTON, Va. -- Manual S, Residential Equipment Selection, has received approval as an industry standard by the American National Standards Institute. The manual/was developed by the Air Conditioning Contractors of America and is a guide for...

Man given posthumous award.(ASSOCIATION NEWS)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... ATLANTA -- Frank Coda, longtime executive vice president of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, was posthumously recognized with the George S. Wham Leadership Medal from the American National Standards...

CertainTeed Corp. opens Texas insulation plant.(SUPPLIER NEWS)
November 1, 2004... SHERMAN, Texas -- Gov. Rick Perry was among the guests on hand Aug. 24 for a celebration marking the opening of CertainTeed Corp.'s new insulation plant. Company officials dubbed the event a "Texas housewarming," inviting the mayor of Sherman,...

Honeywell names 'Program to Win' contest winner.(SUPPLIER NEWS)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... MINNEAPOLIS -- Christian Popa, a design engineer for Lewisville, Texas-based Advent Air Conditioning Inc., was able to program an online version of Honeywell's new VisionPro 8000 thermostat in eight seconds, making him the winner of the...

Contractor takes grand prize in promotion.(SUPPLIER NEWS)(Cape Fear Air Conditioning and Heating Co)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... DENVER -- James L. Staub, a foreman at Cape Fear Air Conditioning and Heating Co. in Fayetteville, N.C., was the recipient of a $5,000 entertainment center, courtesy of Johns Manville. Staub won the prize by taking part in the company's...

W.A. Whitney merges with Piranha, Bertsch.(SUPPLIER NEWS)(Mega Fabrication Inc)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... HUTCHINSON, Kan. -- Mega Fabrication Inc. has purchased W.A. Whiteny Co. from Bellvue, Wash.-based Esterline Technologies. Terms were not disclosed. W.A. Whitney will still operate from its location in Rockford, Ill. The purchase puts...

Unico announces fall promotion.(SUPPLIER NEWS)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... ST. LOUIS -- Unico System contractors can earn a free Unico reversible nylon and fleece coat for each qualifying heating product purchase. The company's fall heating promotion runs through Dec. 3. Qualifying product purchases include all...

York units get Benchmark compressors.(SUPPLIER NEWS)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... BRISTOL, Va. -- York, Coleman and Luxaire air-conditioning units now use Benchmark-brand compressors from Bristol Compressors. The Benchmark product was applied in two- through 5-ton systems for the newest premium air conditioning and heat pump...

Titus partners with South African company.(SUPPLIER NEWS)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... RICHARDSON, Texas -- Grilles and registers maker Titus has launched a technology alliance with Rickard Air based in South Africa, a supplier of variable-air-volume equipment. Rickard Air Diffusion also offers modular electronic control and...

York dealer helps on TV's 'Extreme Makeover' show.(CONTRACTOR NEWS)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... LIVERMORE, Calif. -- The ABC television show "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" received a helping hand from Rick Falke, owner of Turlok, Calif.-based Wally Falke's Air Conditioning. The series provides a complete home remodel to families in...

ABC member meets with President Bush.(CONTRACTOR NEWS)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... WASHINGTON -- Associated Builders and Contractors member Kenneth Holmes had the opportunity recently to discuss the need for small-business owners to band together for cheaper health care costs with President George W. Bush. Holmes, vice...

Contractor celebrates 100 years with Lennox.(CONTRACTOR NEWS)(Kramer Plumbing and Heating )(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... MEDFORD, Wis. -- Kramer Plumbing and Heating has been around since 1901, founded as a small sheet metal business in downtown Medford. Today, the company is owned and operated by Dave and Mary Zimmerman, and has now reached another milestone:...

July construction jumps 5 percent.(CONTRACTOR NEWS)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... NEW YORK -- New-construction starts for July climbed 5 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $595.1 billion, according to McGraw-Hill Construction. For the first seven months of 2004, total construction on an unadjusted basis came to...

White-Rodgers expands private-label program.(CONTRACTOR NEWS)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... ST. LOUIS -- White-Rodgers has added new thermostats to its private-label program, which allows dealers to display their name and contact information directly on thermostats. The 90 Series, 80 Series and 70 Series thermostats now join 24 other...

Black market refrigerants land distributor in prison.(CONTRACTOR NEWS)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Roger Whitaker, a former refrigerant distributor, has pleaded guilty to illegally selling and obtaining a variety of refrigerants. In Kentucky's Jefferson Circuit Court, the man pleaded to criminal syndication and dozens of...

CSI develops training for MasterFormat 2004.(CONTRACTOR NEWS)(Construction Specifications Institute)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- The Construction Specifications Institute released an outline for an industry-wide education program to help the commercial and institutional construction industry's transition to the 2004 edition of MasterFormat. ...

Contractor job board employs new name.(CONTRACTOR NEWS)(Industry People Group)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... DES MOINES, Iowa -- MECHdata Inc., a provider of job-positing and resume-board services for the HVAC and sheet metal industry, has changed its name to Industry People Group. Along with the name change, the group has created a new division,...

Focus on adding 'value' to increase profits.(BUSINESS MANAGEMENT)
November 1, 2004... Want to increase your profit margins? Raise your prices. Many people say, "But we can't raise our prices because of our competition." Wrong. Does your competitor set your prices or do you? If you are letting the competition set your prices,...

Performance-based estimating project interests contractors.(BUSINESS MANAGEMENT)
November 1, 2004... Responses to the performance-based estimating project are increasing daily. More and more sheet metal shop owners, estimators and shop managers are responding to this opportunity to dramatically improve the accuracy of their sheet metal...

Develop new--and old--leads for the sales staff.(SALES & Marketing)
November 1, 2004... Last month, I wrote about marketing and selling, and the importance of buying properly as a way to increase profits. Now that you are buying right and your purchases are based on projected sales for the coming year, you had better develop...

What type of an HVAC business owner are you?(CONTRACTOR Cents)
November 1, 2004... My father recently reminded me of something my grandfather said about business owners. He said that there were three types: The first make mistakes and repeat them. The second type, which represents the majority of business people, make...

Service with a snarl is a way of life for many.(MIND YOUR Business)
November 1, 2004... A small Middle Eastern restaurant in my community recently closed. My wife and I were sorry to see it go. We enjoyed its distinctive cuisine and takeout service. But we could see it coming. In fact, we saw it the first day we patronized the...

Contractor jump-starts United Way center's air quality.(INDOOR AIR QUALITY)
November 1, 2004... FORT MYERS, Fla. -- The staff of the Lee County United Way had a feeling that their building's indoor air quality was less then adequate. Many employees who worked at the juvenile correction facility-turned-community center were not breathing...

ASHRAE funds ventilation rate research.(INDOOR AIR QUALITY)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... ATLANTA -- Research to assist in correctly determining ventilation rates for HVAC systems serving multiple spaces has been approved by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers for funding. The project,...

Flight passengers find cabin IAQ acceptable, study says.(INDOOR AIR QUALITY)
November 1, 2004... ATLANTA -- The majority of passengers and crew on four flights found the plane's indoor air quality to be adequate, according to a survey from the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers. ASHRAE surveyed...

Johnstone Supply adds 18 stores to cooperative.(WHOLESALER News)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... PORTLAND, Ore. -- Johnstone Supply Inc. has added an additional 18 locations during the past 12 months, including three independent store owners who joined the national cooperative as members. According to Johnstone officials, the national...

Machine tool consumption up 39 percent.(WHOLESALER News)
November 1, 2004... ROCKVILLE, Md. -- Year-to-date U.S. machine tool consumption for 2004 has totaled $1.5 billion, up 39 percent from 2003, according to the American Machine Tool Distributors' Association and the Association For Manufacturing Technology. The...

Home Solutions to distribute FlexGuard.(WHOLESALER News)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... GREENVILLE, S.C. -- Indoor air quality products distributor Home Solutions Depot Inc. was named the exclusive distributor of FlexGuard Environmental Duct, manufactured by HES of Greenwood, S.C. The flexible ductwork product contains...

Design adds distinction to box-shaped building.(ROOFING News)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... MANKATO, Minn. -- Civil and environmental engineering firm Bolton & Menk Inc. wanted a unique design for its new headquarters. The firm used Petersen roof, wall and soffit panels to create what it calls an "engineering" look. "We were...

New roof leads to LEED certification.(ROOFING News)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... WASHINGTON, Pa. -- The installation of Metl-Span roofing products has helped a building used by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection obtain a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design award from the United States Green...

California.(REGIONAL NEWS)(Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association Los Angeles)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... The Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association Los Angeles chapter reminded its members to prepare for changes to local area codes, and to update phone records for customers and vendors. According to SBC Pacific Bell,...

Colorado.(REGIONAL NEWS)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... According to the Colorado Roofing Association, out of 100 accidents, 80 are the fault of the person involved. With this in mind, the CRA published some common accident causes in its recent newsletter. Some of the causes include taking...

Florida.(REGIONAL NEWS)(South Florida Air Conditioning Contractors Association )(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... The South Florida Air Conditioning Contractors Association held its Miami-Dade Inspectors Night Aug. 24 in Miami Lakes. Members had the opportunity to ask inspectors questions and clear up confusion on how the Florida Building Code is being...

Illinois.(REGIONAL NEWS)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... The Chicagoland Better Heating-Cooling Council has elected Andrew Usher of Ideal Heating as the organization's president for 2004-2005. Don Howley of Affilated Steam Equipment Co. was elected as first vice president, while John Stern from Bert...

Louisiana.(REGIONAL NEWS)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Instructors from the Louisiana Technical College system were the first to successfully complete the "Train the Trainer Program" on carbon monoxide, offered by the Bacharach Institute of Technical Training. The training included CO awareness,...

Massachusetts.(REGIONAL NEWS)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... The Quincy, Mass.-based North/East Roofing Contractors Association has announced its part in a coalition of 150 organizations supporting passage of association health plans. In 2003, the U.S. House passed H.R. 660, which gives small businesses...

Minnesota.(REGIONAL NEWS)(Sheet Metal Connectors)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Sheet Metal Connectors, manufacturers of rectangular, round and flat-oval duct and fittings, celebrated its 35th year in business. A company picnic was held July 24 at Cantebury Park horse track in Shakopee, Minn. More than 100 employees came...

Missouri.(REGIONAL NEWS)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Oct. 16, the Mechanical Contractors Association of Eastern Missouri and the Plumbers and Pipe Fitters Local Union Local 562 launched its 18th annual "Heat's On" program. Each year, the two organizations donate time, resources and materials to...

New Jersey.(REGIONAL NEWS)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... The Air Conditioning Contractors of America's New Jersey chapter welcomed Dan Holohan Sept. 21. He presented "The European Approach to Hydronic Heating," and showed attendees photos of products on display at the recent ISH Fair in Frankfurt,...

New York.(REGIONAL NEWS)(Joint Apprentice Training Center )(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... The Sheet Metal Industry's Joint Apprentice Training Center in New York has received "gold" accreditation from the International Training Institute. The center, which was started in 2001, is jointly funded and operated by the Sheet Metal...

North Carolina.(REGIONAL NEWS)(Southern Piping Co)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Southern Piping Co. in Wilson, N.C., is part of a program called "Operation Comfort," which will help the 16th Military Police Brigade in Iraq. The company has already sent a 425-pound shipment to the troops, consisting of toothpaste, books,...

Leak detection info.(BOOK SOFTWARE & LIT)
November 1, 2004... A brochure contains information on the company's fluorescent leak-detection products that help technicians. It provides information on four tools for adding Ar-Glo fluorescent dye to HVACR systems. The brochure gives full details about Titan...

Product catalog.(BOOK SOFTWARE & LIT)
November 1, 2004... A catalog describes SuperArc and SuperGlide MIG wire, and introduces a variety of products. It describes both mid-steel and low-alloy wires. It describes each product's mechanical properties, wire composition, diameters in small and bulk...

Water systems report.(BOOK SOFTWARE & LIT)
November 1, 2004... The final report on a research project, "Variable Primary Flow Chilled Water Systems: Potential Benefits and Application Issues," is now available. The study compared variable primary-flow chilled-water system energy use with that of other...

Review CDs.(BOOK SOFTWARE & LIT)
November 1, 2004... Two review presentations for the North American Technician Excellence certification program have been released by the Refrigeration Service Engineers Society. The "Core Service Review" and "Air Conditioning Service Review" presentations are...

Exam guide.(BOOKS, SOFTWARE & LIT)
November 1, 2004... The "HVAC Technician Certification Exam Guide" was written by York UPG senior training specialist Norm Christopherson. Released by Pal Publications, the guide aims to prepare technicians with material that most often appears on HVAC...

Curt publication.(BOOKS, SOFTWARE & LIT)
November 1, 2004... The Construction Users Roundtable has released "Confronting the Skilled Construction Workforce Shortage. "The publication aims to provide results from research on employee shortages, what the industry can do to recruit skilled labor, and...

ASHRAE Handbook.(BOOKS, SOFTWARE & LIT)
November 1, 2004... The 2004 ASHRAE Handbook, HVAC Systems and Equipment, is now available. The 48-chapter book includes information on the different types of system equipment, as well as sections on antimicrobial ductwork, fabric ducts and duct construction. The...

Insulation blankets.(NEW PRODUCTS)
November 1, 2004... The RapidWrap line of thermal-insulation blankets is designed for a multitude of equipment pieces, including diesel-exhaust systems, gas turbines, compressors, steam turbines, pumps and flanges. According to the company, the product can reduce...

Psychrometer.(NEW PRODUCTS)
November 1, 2004... The Superheat Psychrometer RH350 allows for the display of three parameters: relative humidity with ambient air temperature, plus dew point or wet bulb or external temperature. Built-in memory allows for the storage of 99 data points. Minimum,...

Aviation snips.(NEW PRODUCTS)
November 1, 2004... The Upright Snips from Midwest Tool and Cutlery Co. are available in right- and left-cutting models, and incorporate a patentpending right angle 90-degree handle to blade design. According to the company, the design offers a push-or-pull...

Duct pincher.(NEW PRODUCTS)
November 1, 2004... Made of 16-gauge, smooth-formed galvanized steel, the Klenk duct pincher is rust-resistant and adapts to ductwork gap sizes up to 1-inch wide. One end of the tool has a tapered, Y-shaped opening. The channel formed by this opening draws the...

Ceiling diffuser.(NEW PRODUCTS)
November 1, 2004... The SCBPS Ceiling Diffuser is designed to provide an even 360-degree airflow pattern. The diffuser features a one-piece, stamped core with fixed blades. According to the company, the product provides a low-cost alternative to its CBPS,...

Tachometer.(NEW PRODUCTS)
November 1, 2004... The Mini Speed Pro-CT50 tachometer offers optical and contact measurements in one instrument. The meter can display two parameters simultaneously, while the dual display continuously shows measurements, data hold, and min and max values. E...

Air filters.(NEW PRODUCTS)
November 1, 2004... Mini-Pleat air filters are available in minimum-efficiency reporting value Nos. 13, 14 and 15, and in 1-inch, 2-inch and 4-inch sizes. The panel filters are made from 100 percent plastic with rigid frames that can be used with gaskets to...

Tube heater.(NEW PRODUCTS)
November 1, 2004... The STS-JZ commercial and industrial infrared tube heater has been designed for uniform heat distribution for a number of applications that require space heating, such as ware-houses, industrial plants, loading docks and more. The STS-JZ series...

Rooftop condenser.(NEW PRODUCTS)
November 1, 2004... The RoofPak evaporative condenser rooftop system is sized from 75 to 150 tons, and has been designed to save up to 40 percent on energy costs, according to the company. In addition to factory-installed variable frequency drives, blow-through...

Calendar of events.(Brief Article)(Calendar)
November 1, 2004... NOVEMBER 2-3 The Canadian Institute of Plumbing & Heating will present CIPHEX West 2004 in the Roundup Centre at Stampede Park in Calgary, Alberta. Also taking place will be the Construct Alberta, Homebuilder & Renovator Expo, Buildex...

Wholesalers & Mfr. Reps. Directory.(Directory)
November 1, 2004... 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...

What happens in D.C., affects HVAC, sheet metal.(EDITOR'S Page)
November 1, 2004... By the time many of you read this, Americans should know if they'll have a new president effective Jan. 20. That is, of course, unless the election is as close as it was in 2000 and results in recounts, in which case I might be able to...

Contractors without GPS aren't looking ahead.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2004... I thought some of the comments on why not to install GPS ("Somebody's watching," September) were typical of "old school" contractors. Some owners just don't want to rock the boat. To them, the (business) environment has not changed....