Snips articles from September 2005

Snips archives from September 2005

Learning how to 'KISS': symmetry makes sheet metal layout easier.(Keep it simple, stupid)
September 1, 2005... Many people have heard the old acronym "KISS," or "Keep it simple, stupid." [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] For sheet metal workers, perhaps a more appropriate meaning might be "Keep it simple (and) symmetrical." A big part of most...

Changing seasons: contractors, suppliers prepare for January move to higher efficiency equipment.(Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio in equipment )(Cover Story)
September 1, 2005... Installing a 13 SEER air-conditioning unit in northern Michigan is like forcing a homeowner in Florida to buy a high-efficiency furnace. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] That's what a customer recently told Ken Ashton, a salesman for MacGregor...

Cutting, drilling, sawing or testing: HVAC industry brings out its latest inventions.
September 1, 2005... Whether they're for cutting sheet metal, detecting leaks in ductwork or just tightening some bolts, several suppliers have introduced a number of new tools and pieces of equipment to help contractors and technicians out in the field or in their...

Web locator.(Directory)
September 1, 2005... This special advertising section is designed to provide our readers with up-to-date Web site information about companies that offer products and services pertinent to the sheet metal and HVAC industries. To have your company included in this...

ASHRAE, ACCA will cooperate on load-calculation standard.(ASSOCIATION News)
September 1, 2005... ARLINGTON, Va. -- After the ACCA objected to a proposed ASHRAE standard on load calculations, both associations have announced that they will work together to devise a new one. The Air Conditioning Contractors of America will cooperate with...

RSES members earn certification.(ASSOCIATION News)
September 1, 2005... DES PLAINES, Ill. -- The Refrigeration Service Engineers Society awarded certificate member and certificate-member-specialist status to members in February and March. In order to become a certificate member, an RSES member must first pass...

Machinery association elects directors.(association news)(appointments)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- Joseph R. Kraemer of Wisconsin Metalworking Machinery was elected president of the Machinery Dealers National Association. The new board of directors for the group was elected during the 64th annual convention May 12 in...

Venture Tape achieves ISO 9001:2000 certification.(supplier news)(certified)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... ROCKLAND, Mass. -- Specialty tape manufacturer Venture Tape Corp. has received ISO 9001:2000 certification from the International Organization for Standardization. According to Venture Tape, the objective of ISO 9001:2000 is to provide a...

April shipments down 11 percent.(supplier news)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... ARLINGTON, Va. -- Combined U.S. factory shipments of 678,833 central air conditioners and air-source heat pumps for April were down 11 percent, compared to the same month last year, according to the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute....

Carrier University continues to grow.(supplier news)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Carrier Corp. has announced that its Carrier University, which offers training on pricing, selling and marketing, now has a bigger student body. "So far in 2005, we have had a total of 2,568 participants in one or more of our Carrier...

Lincoln Electric partners with racing school.(SUPPLIER News)
September 1, 2005... CLEVELAND -- Lincoln Electric Co. has announced plans to partner with the Jeff Gordon Racing School to supply welding and cutting equipment, as well as technical training and welding application support. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The...

Stride Tools marks 25 years.(SUPPLIER News)
September 1, 2005... GLENWILLOW, Ohio -- Hand tool manufacturer Stride Tool celebrated its 25th anniversary recently. Stride is the parent company of Imperial, which celebrated its 100th anniversary in March. "When we started, we only had one product and...

Coleman equipment cools golfers at tournament.(SUPPLIER News)
September 1, 2005... Coleman Heating and Air Conditioning helped visitors escape the heat during the 48th annual FedEx St. Jude Classic benefit golf tournament, May 22-29 in Memphis, Tenn. The company sponsored the "Cool Zone," which was the location for an 8-...

Fedders announces 24-hour service.(SUPPLIER News)
September 1, 2005... LIBERTY CORNER, N.J. -- Fedders Corp. has expanded its customer-service operations to provide 24 hours a day, seven days a week service, for North American consumers. In addition to operating a call center in the United States, Fedders...

Comeq celebrates anniversary.(supplier news)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... 2005 marks the 25th year in business for White Marsh, Md.-based machinery importer Comeq. Since 1980, Comeq has been importing Geka iron workers and punching machines in the United States. According to Comeq, the 25-year partnership...

Groups call for work force improvements, training.(contractor news)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... The Construction Users Roundtable and the Associated Builders and Contractors are calling on the industry to promote training, recruitment, retention and career development. "CURT and ABC members recognize that training, education,...

ACCA honors Jackson Systems founder.(CONTRACTOR News)
September 1, 2005... INDIANAPOLIS -- Ron Jackson, founder of Indianapolis-based Jackson Systems LLC, was inducted into the 2005 ACCA Hall of Honor June 29. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The honor recognizes those who have made significant contributions to the...

Unified Group adds new members.(CONTRACTOR News)
September 1, 2005... Innovative Service Solutions, R & S Mechanical and Straus Systems are the newest members of the Unified Group, an alliance of HVAC independent contractors. Innovative Services Solutions in Orlando, Fla., specializes in HVAC service and...

Welding shop wins Piranha iron worker.(contractor news)(Rob Pleas)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... HUTCHINSON, Kan. -- Rob Pleas, owner and sole employee of the Welding Place in Puyallup, Wash., was the recipient of a free Piranha Model P-50 iron worker. The giveaway was the company's way of celebrating its 10,000th machine. Contractors...

SMACNA members attend political dinner.(contractor news)(Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... CHANTILLY, Va. -- SMACNA's Political Pacesetters group attended President George W. Bush's annual dinner June 14 in Washington. The Political Pacesetters are individual contractors in the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors'...

ACCA names companies as best Web-savvy contractors.(internet news)(Air Conditioning Contractors of America)(AAA Indoor Air Quality and Performance Building Services)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... ARLINGTON, Va. -- AAA Indoor Air Quality and Performance Building Services were the winners of the 2005 ACCA "Best Contractors on the Web" contest. "The caliber of entries was outstanding," said Kevin Holland, ACCA vice president for...

Klein Tools site offers contest.(INTERNET News)
September 1, 2005... CHICAGO -- As a tie-in to its sponsorship of auto racing driver Dan Weldon, Klein Tools has brought back its race car promotion, where participants will randomly be selected to win prizes. Contest participants can enter to win by visiting...

Online training available to Coleman dealers.(INTERNET News)
September 1, 2005... NORMAN, Okla. -- Coleman Liberties dealers can now access Net.Prophet, an online learning tool that offers a business library, including training and evaluation systems. When contractors use the Business Evaluator, they complete a detailed...

Firepower Quick Guide available online.(INTERNET News)
September 1, 2005... ST. LOUIS -- Cutting and welding product manufacturer Firepower has released a new Quick Guide on its recently launched A-Series plasma-cutting systems. The guide is available online at the company's revamped Web site at...

ARI issues online consumer brochure.(internet news)(Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute)(www.ari.org to get brochure)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... ARLINGTON, Va. -- The Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute is offering a consumer brochure that answers 42 questions about central air-conditioning systems. The free brochure, "How to Keep Your Cool and Save Cold Cash," is...

ACCA releases 4th members-only Web bulletin.(internet news)(www.acca.org/tech/bulletins)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... ARLINGTON, Va. -- The last in a four-part series of technical bulletins on balancing residential air-distribution systems is available at the ACCA's Web site. This edition of the series discusses return- and supply side balancing...

Grainger develops contractor Web portal.(INTERNET News)
September 1, 2005... CHICAGO -- Facilities maintenance supplier Grainger Inc. has launched a contractor Web portal, which includes its contractor publication, "On the Job." "We're excited to offer contractors tailored solutions for their specific needs," said...

2005 TABB conference looks ahead at changing industry.(meetings and conventions)(Testing, Adjusting and Balancing Bureau)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Over 100 HVAC professionals attended the Testing, Adjusting and Balancing Bureau's fourth annual Conference May 19-21 in Chicago. According to TABB officials, the conference highlighted the past year and laid the groundwork for challenges...

Contributors' meeting to be held during convention.(MEETINGS & Conventions)
September 1, 2005... CHANTILLY, Va. -- The Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association's Industry Fund of the United States annual contributors' meeting will be held Oct. 19, during the group's annual convention. The meeting will take...

Hypertherm to visit German show.(meetings and conventions)(product show)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Hypertherm Associates will demonstrate its new HyPerformance HPR260 at the 2005 Schweissen & Schneiden Welding and Engineering Show Sept. 12 in Essen, Germany. The HyPerformance is the next generation in mechanized metal cutting technology...

Danfoss head discusses climate change at EPA meeting.(MEETINGS & Conventions)
September 1, 2005... Technology will solve many of the Earth's environmental problems, the president of Danfoss Turbocor said at a May 4 energy-conservation forum. Danfoss Turbocor President Joe Orosz made the remarks during the keynote speech of ClimaTech....

Emerson schedules compressor seminars.(meetings and conventions)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... ST. LOUIS -- Emerson Climate Technologies announced its 2005-2006 seminar schedule, which includes the Copeland Scroll Air Conditioning Training Seminar and Compressor Operation and Service Seminar. The courses have recently been enhanced...

Luxaire offers dealers 14 workshops.(MEETINGS & Conventions)
September 1, 2005... NORMAN, Okla. -- Luxaire Heating and Air Conditioning's Business Training University will offer 14 different workshops to dealers as part of its 2005 curriculum. Each of the hands-on workshops will tackle changes in the way HVAC dealers...

ASHRAE researches mice and ventilation.(meetings and conventions)(the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... DENVER -- Mice and their indoor environment was the focus of a new research project presented as part of the technical program at ASHRAE's annual meeting June 25-29 in Denver. According to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and...

Roofing expo predicts large numbers.(MEETINGS & Conventions)
September 1, 2005... DALLAS -- The 2006 International Roofing Expo has sold 70 percent of its exhibition space, with 250 companies under contract, according to show organizers. The total available square footage for the event has increased from 91,000 to...

Greenheck names new chairman of the board.(PEOPLE in the News)
September 1, 2005... Dwight Davis has been elected chairman of the board and CEO of Greenheck Fan Corp. Former chairman Robert C. Greenheck will remain on the board as chairman emeritus. In his new position, Davis will continue to oversee the company's operations,...

Rheem.(people in the news)(appointments)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Rheem's air-conditioning division appointed two management positions. Mike Barnes will act as manager of sales and distribution for the company's Builder Group. He will be responsible for managing all builder sales support programs. The...

CTA Acoustics.(appointment of Gregory W. Mattix as vice president)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... CTA Acoustics named Gregory W. Mattix as vice president of building products. Mattix is a veteran of the building materials market with more than 25 years of experience with major installation manufacturers. In his new role, he will oversee the...

Armstrong.(PEOPLE in the News)
September 1, 2005... Armstrong announced the appointment of Karl Kang as development manager for China-sourcing work.

A.O. Smith Electrical Products Co.(PEOPLE in the News)
September 1, 2005... A.O. Smith Electrical Products Co. announced two executive promotions in its sales and marketing organization and the creation of a new senior-level sales position. Louis C. Rasmussen was named vice president of North American sales and Steve...

Milwaukee Valve.(PEOPLE in the News)
September 1, 2005... Milwaukee Valve promoted John Labellarte to chief operating officer. He has been with the company since joining the firm as general manager in 1999. Labellarte came to Milwaukee Valve after serving 13 years in the valve industry.

Mitsubishi Electric HVAC.(PEOPLE in the News)
September 1, 2005... D. Michael Smith was promoted to senior marketing manager for the Mitsubishi Electric HVAC advanced-products division. Smith has been employed with the company for nine years and has held the position of marketing manager. Prior to joining...

The Gustave A. Larson Co.(appointments)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... The Gustave A. Larson Co. announced several new appointments. Scott Larson was named executive vice president and chief operating officer of the wholesale company. Frank Mirocha was named senior vice president and chief information officer, Sue...

Johns Manville.(PEOPLE in the News)
September 1, 2005... Johns Manville appointed James Pickren as director of marketing for the performance-materials business. Prior to joining Johns Manville, Pickren was vice president of sales for eBusiness Risk Solutions with American International Group, where...

Easy Street Inc.(PEOPLE in the News)
September 1, 2005... Software and book-publishing company Easy Street Inc., named Keith Laubscher as technical support specialist. Laubscher has a bachelor's degree in computer information systems from Southwest Missouri State. "I am excited to have the...

Lincoln Electric Co.(PEOPLE in the News)
September 1, 2005... Damian Kotecki, technical director for the Lincoln Electric Co. consumable division, was elected president of the American Welding Society. Kotecki, the 79th person to lead the society, will serve an extended term of 19 months, due to a change...

South Shore Sheet Metal and Let It Rain Roofing.(Obituaries)
September 1, 2005... Patricia Ann Browne, the owner of South Shore Sheet Metal and Let It Rain Roofing, died May 11, 2005, from heart failure, Ms. Browne, 73, was a native of Chicago. Her parents, John and Rose Browne, started the family sheet metal and roofing...

Climatemp Inc.(Obituaries)(Victor Comforte of Climatemp Inc)(Obituary)
September 1, 2005... Victor Comforte, founder and chairman of Climatemp Inc. in Chicago, died of pneumonia June 20, 2005. He was 89. Mr. Comforte started his modest, one-truck business in 1950 with a friend. The business later employed 350 people and contributed to...

Dependable Sheet Metal Co. Inc.(Obituaries)
September 1, 2005... Charles Lee Scott died March 20, 2005. He was 81. Mr. Scott was the founder and president of Dependable Sheet Metal Co. Inc. in Mobile, Ala.

Vogel & Associates.(Obituaries)
September 1, 2005... Victor Vogel, 84, one of the founders of Vogel & Associates, has died. Mr. Vogel started the company, a manufacturer's representative firm in Chicago, with his late brother Joseph. Mr. Vogel's son Dennis took over the firm's operations after...

No matter what you do, you're in sales.(business management)
September 1, 2005... Have you ever heard someone say, "I'm not a salesperson; I'm a technician"? Perhaps you've said it yourself. The fact is everyone is involved in sales, especially if you are self-employed. Salespeople help their customers--some people...

Yours is the only 'brand' that really matters.(SALES & Marketing)
September 1, 2005... In order to be a success, some say you need to get the "best" brand name. They say you need to have the most respected and best-known company's products. But there is another way: make yourself the best indoor comfort specialist in town....

A customer a day will keep business troubles at bay.(contractor cents)
September 1, 2005... In many parts of the country, it was a hot summer. Hopefully, you were busy. But we all know how quickly the weather can change. Last year, the Midwest had a very cool summer, which did not help air-conditioning sales and service. ...

Making the best out of 'reverse' auctions.(MIND YOUR Business)
September 1, 2005... Most everyone hates "reverse" auctions, except the buyers who set them up--and even some of them have doubts they end up with a good deal. The protests from mechanical contractors have been among the loudest of all, and with good reason,...

Company employees, family rebuild home.(wholesalers news)(Meier Supply Co. Inc. insights)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... JOHNSON CITY, N.Y. -- Staff and family members of Meier Supply Co. Inc. pitched in to assist the Broome County Habitat for Humanity with a recent home restoration project in Endicott, N.Y. Crews worked two consecutive Saturdays, with a team...

Trane opens 14 parts centers.(wholesaler news)(opening the facility in many areas)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... PISCATAWAY, N.J. -- Trane has opened 14 new parts centers across North and Latin America. The new locations include Birmingham, Ala.; Cancun, Mexico; Daytona, Fla.; Elmsford, N.Y.; Grand Rapids, Mich.; Indianapolis; Jonesboro, Ala.; Little...

Tool consumption for 2005 up 18 percent.(WHOLESALER News)
September 1, 2005... ROCKVILLE, Md. -- Tool consumption in the United States for April totaled $257.39 million, according to a report by the Association for Manufacturing Technology and the American Tool Distributors' Association. The total for April is down...

Johnstone Supply now carries Emerson products.(WHOLESALER News)
September 1, 2005... PORTLAND, Ore. -- Through a new partnership, Johnstone Supply's national network of stores will offer the complete line of Emerson's ventilation products. The Emerson products are currently showcased in the 2005 Johnstone catalog. ...

Firestone buys metal roofing company Copper Sales Inc.(ROOFING News)
September 1, 2005... Firestone Building Products has purchased Minnesota metal roofing maker Copper Sales Inc. Terms were not disclosed. The stock-based purchase marks Firestone's first foray into the metal-roofing market. It includes the entire Copper Sales...

Bourbon distillery restores metal roof.(roofing news)(Labrot & Graham Visitor Center under renovation)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... The Labrot & Graham Visitor Center in Millville, Ky., is one of the oldest operating bourbon distilleries in the United States. Recently, the center completed a renovation with Follansbee KlassicKolors to restore the roof to its original...

Petersen products used to protect fire station.(ROOFING News)
September 1, 2005... The Boca Grande, Fla., Fire Department installed a roofing system to protect its fire station during the 2004 hurricane season. "We had winds in excess of 110 mph and (we) were within five miles of the eye," said Dave Edmunds, fire chief....

Arizona.(REGIONAL News)
September 1, 2005... Five members of the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association of Arizona were recognized for their work on the state's top projects in 2004, as decided by Southwest Contractor magazine. University Mechanical was...

Colorado.(regional news)(Colorado Roofing Association on National Rebuilding Day )(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... The Colorado Roofing Association donated $55,000 in material and labor during National Rebuilding Day April 30. The CRA teamed up with the Denver chapter of Rebuilding Together to help rehabilitate the homes of low-income workers, the elderly...

Louisiana.(regional news)(accreditation to training program)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... All HVACR training programs on the college level in Louisiana have now finished the accreditation process from HVAC Excellence. In May 2005, six technical programs in Louisiana were granted HVAC Excellence accreditation: Sidney N. Collier...

New York.(REGIONAL News)
September 1, 2005... The Greater New York chapter of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America was scheduled to hold its annual "Take me Out to the Mets Game" event July 22. ACCA members were invited to watch the New York Mets take on the L.A. Dodgers at Shea...

Ohio.(REGIONAL News)
September 1, 2005... Alliance, Ohio-based Robertson Heating Supply has acquired some of the assets of Rheem Supply and taken over the operation of Rheem Air Conditioning factory branches in Grand Rapids and Warren, Mich. The two branches were only focused on the...

Oklahoma.(REGIONAL News)(Moore Norman Technology Center)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... The HVACR training program at Moore Norman Technology Center in Norman, Okla., has received approval from the Partnership for Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Accreditation. It certifies that the program has exceeded industry...

Pennsylvania.(regional news)(Home Energy Loan Program)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Allentown, Pa.-based AFC First Financial will offer low-interest rate loans to homeowners making improvements that promote clean energy. The corporation teamed up with West Penn Power Sustainable Energy Fund to form Keystone HELP, the Home...

Texas.(REGIONAL News)
September 1, 2005... State housing developments in Texas have been approved to use the Intellicon line of energy economizers manufactured by Intellidyne LLC. The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs approved the use of the product. Two state-funded...

Virginia.(REGIONAL News)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Hoffman & Hoffman-Chesapeake has been named the McQuay sales representative in Norfolk and Virginia Beach, Va. Branch manager Greg Prose opened the Chesapeake office in 2000. Previously, he was sales manager with Hoffman & Hoffman in Columbia,...

Washington.(regional news)(standards to construct)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Publicly funded buildings in the state of Washington must now meet U.S. Green Building Council environmental standards. Washington is the first state to enact the requirement. Five other states currently have executive orders for public...

Wisconsin.(REGIONAL News)(Sheet Metal Contractors Association)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... The Wisconsin Fox Valley chapter of the Sheet Metal Contractors Association raised $2,800 for local charities during its June 7 golf outing at the Thornberry Creek Country Club in Green Bay, Wis. Charities that benefited from the outing...

Canada.(regional news)(Easy Street Inc in marketing program of its product )(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Easy Street Inc., through a joint marketing program, will begin offering its products and services in Ontario. David Sheldon recently became a member of the alliance program, and will offer Easy Street products in the province. According to...

Estimating software.(BOOKS, Software & Lit)
September 1, 2005... This HVAC and piping estimating system automatically extracts data from CAD drawings to produce a bill of materials and labor costs. According to the company, design engineers, facility engineers, architects and subcontractors are able to...

Trucks.(BOOKS, Software & Lit)(catalog)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... To celebrate its 25th anniversary, Highway Products Inc. has published a 20-page catalog with more than 100 color photos of its line of heavy-duty welded aluminum products and accessories for pickup and semitrailer trucks. The line includes...

Contractor profit guide.(BOOKS, Software & Lit)
September 1, 2005... The Contractor's Guide contains information to help contractors gain a competitive advantage and reduce their project labor cost overruns, according to Semco. The guide references surveys conducted by the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning...

Calculations.(BOOKS, Software & Lit)
September 1, 2005... An abridged version of the eighth edition of Manual J has been released by the Air Conditioning Contractors of America. The abridged edition provides instructions for estimating heat loss and heat gain for single-family, single-zone residential...

Welding catalog.(BOOKS, Software & Lit)
September 1, 2005... A 16-page Strong Hand tools catalog features a selection of multifunction clamps and magnets for the welder, metalworker or fabricator. The catalog features the company's line of utility clamps, including Siding Arm Clamps with a removable and...

Product selection.(BOOKS, Software & Lit)(Armacell LLC)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Armacell's new eight-page product-selection guide condenses all pertinent selection criteria for mechanical insulation into one organized chart. From HVAC to solar applications, engineers can reference their particular application and find the...

Calendar of events.(Calendar)
September 1, 2005... SEPTEMBER 1 The Building & Fire Code Academy will offer "Understanding the 2003 International Residential Code--Mechanical" in Hoffman Estates, Ill. The course is devoted to code requirements for furnaces, combustion air, gas piping...

Wholesalers & Mfr. Reps. Directory.
September 1, 2005... The following is a paid directory of distributors, wholesalers and manufacturers representatives, listed by state. To have your company included in this list, please call Sally Fraser at 248-244-6240. We urge our readers to contact these...

Contractors have a story to tell homeowners: SEER.(EDITOR'S Page)
September 1, 2005... A new SEER is here, like it or not--or at least it will be come January. James J. Siegel, SNIPS' associate editor, wrote our cover story this month about the federally mandated change in the seasonal energy-efficiency rating, commonly...