Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration News articles from April 2005

Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration News archives from April 2005

AAON Inc.(Price Increase)(Brief Article)
April 4, 2005... AAON Inc. (Tulsa, Okla.) announced a price increase of up to 5 percent on certain models of rooftop products. The increase is effective immediately.

RHP Mechanical Systems.(2004 American Standard Outstanding Dealer of the Year award)(Brief Article)
April 4, 2005... RHP Mechanical Systems (Reno, Nev.) received the 2004 American Standard Outstanding Dealer of the Year award.

Greenheck Fan Corp.(Manufacturers)
April 4, 2005... Greenheck Fan Corp. (Schofield, Wis.) received the 2004 Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year award from the Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce.

Berg Chilling Systems Inc.(ISO 9001:2000-compliant company)(Brief Article)
April 4, 2005... Berg Chilling Systems Inc. (Toronto) has been registered as an ISO 9001:2000-compliant company.

Emerson Motor Technologies.(new facility)(Brief Article)
April 4, 2005... Emerson Motor Technologies (St. Louis) opened a new warehouse in Aurora, III.

Staco Energy Products.(manufacturer's representatives)(Brief Article)
April 4, 2005... Staco Energy Products (Dayton, Ohio) appointed Joe Bertsch Sales Co., R.S. Industrial Sales, and Steven Sales Co. as manufacturer's representatives.

Air Systems Distributors Inc.(Distribution agreements)(Brief Article)
April 4, 2005... Air Systems Distributors Inc. has been named a distributor of Luxaire in North Carolina.

Johnstone Supply Inc.(Distribution center)(Brief Article)
April 4, 2005... Johnstone Supply Inc. (Portland, Ore.) opened a new distribution center in Breiningsville, Pa.

The training programs at Isaac Heating and Air Conditioning Inc. (Rochester, N.Y.) and Monmouth County Vocational School (Freehold, N.J.) received national accreditation.(Schools)(Brief Article)
April 4, 2005... The training programs at Isaac Heating and Air Conditioning Inc. (Rochester, N.Y.) and Monmouth County Vocational School (Freehold, N.J.) received national accreditation through the Partnership for Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration...

Town Fosters homegrown talent: Grand Forks rebuilds by focusing on the local workforce.(focus: Compressors & Condensers)(HVAC career education )
April 4, 2005... GRAND FORKS, N.D. -- When The News visited Grand Forks in 1998, the community was just beginning to pull itself together after the devastating Red River flood of April 1997. The big concern was rebuilding the damaged homes and businesses and...

Don't bury the compressor before it's dead.(focus: Compressors & Condensers)
April 4, 2005... Here's a statistic that should give contractors and technicians pause before they condemn a compressor at a jobsite: One-third of all compressors pulled from the field, returned to manufacturers, and torn down for failure analyses do not have...

Beware of high pressure drops.(reader MAIL)(Letter to the Editor)
April 4, 2005... The Feb. 14 issue of The News had two articles that I had to comment on. The first was "Make More Money With What You Have" by Terry Nicholson. In the article, Terry makes the point that if you do more on your service calls, you can make more...

PHCC launches Marketing Research Center.(Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors--National Association)(Brief Article)
April 4, 2005... FALLS CHURCH, Va. -- An online marketing resource center, a new resource for members of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors--National Association (PHCC), is the latest in a series of strategies designed by the association to improve the...

Executive writes book.(Josh Costell's 'The Science of Sales Success')(Brief Article)
April 4, 2005... NEW YORK -- Josh Costell, a 25-year veteran of the HVAC industry, has written a book titled The Science of Sales Success. The book, with its roots in the HVAC industry, provides a proven, step-by-step selling system that shows you how to...

ACCA financial report available.(The Air Conditioning Contractors of America's 'Financial Analysis for the HVACR Contracting Industry')(Brief Article)
April 4, 2005... ARLINGTON, Va. -- The Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) has released its 2005 edition of "Financial Analysis for the HVACR Contracting Industry," based on a recent survey of ACCA members. It provides an in-depth analysis of...

Comfort Systems announces changes.(resignations and promotions)(Brief Article)
April 4, 2005... HOUSTON -- Comfort Systems USA Inc. announced J. Gordon Beittenmiller is resigning his roles as executive vice president, chief financial officer, and director. Beittenmiller will depart on April 15. William George, the company's general...

GE ECM poised for growth after sale to Regal-Beloit.(industry NEWS)(Brief Article)
April 4, 2005... BELOIT, Wis. -- Regal-Beloit Corp (RBC) completed the purchase of GE's HVAC/Refrigeration Motors and Capacitors businesses, which includes GE's ECM products. Now named GE ECM by Regal-Beloit, the company has announced that it is making...

PHCC Foundation to award $100,000 in scholarships.(Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors)(Brief Article)
April 4, 2005... FALLS CHURCH, Va. -- This year more than $100,000 in scholarships will be awarded through the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors (PHCC) Educational Foundation. These scholarships are designed to provide educational opportunities to...

Lochinvar launches tour of the Southeast.(industry NEWS)(Brief Article)
April 4, 2005... LEBANON, Tenn. -- Lochinvar Corp. is ready to begin a six-state tour of the Southeast. The Hot Water Solutions Tour will wind its way through Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, and Florida. Lochinvar's 27-foot...

Coastline distribution offers EPA certification.(industry NEWS)(Environmental Protection Agency)(Brief Article)
April 4, 2005... ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. -- Coastline Distribution is offering Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certification to all students, technicians, and contractors in the HVACR industry. Coastline Distribution is aware that the EPA...

Chiller Company uses R-417A.(industry NEWS)
April 4, 2005... INDIANAPOLIS -- Continental Chillers LLC has developed the E-Line of chillers and condensing units that use refrigerant R-417A, an HFC refrigerant that advocates say can work with mineral oil. The refrigerant is being supplied to Continental by...

Environmental sensors.(what's NEW)
April 4, 2005... The IAQ Sentinel is a cordless tool that measures temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide, and HVAC system operation in up to four zones simultaneously. In addition, the unit gathers outdoor baseline data for the same parameters. When the sensors...

Heat exchangers.(what's NEW)
April 4, 2005... The line of standard and custom heat exchanger products has been expanded to include units designed for liquid-to-liquid applications. The Hydronic Series has a highly efficient counterflow design that includes an enhanced heat exchange surface...

Electric heater.(what's NEW)
April 4, 2005... The Lynergy Comfort Control proportional electric heater eliminates the overheating and underheating of the zone by providing as much heat as is needed to satisfy the zone, the manufacturer says. The heater uses rapid-responding solid-state...

Vehicle storage design software.(what's NEW)
April 4, 2005... The Weather Guard[R] Vehicle Solutions[TM] software assists end and vehicle outfitters to design van storage. The Web-based software tool allows users to custom design work vans with shelving, cabinets, racks, and accessories. The 3-D software...

Thermal expansion valves.(what's NEW)
April 4, 2005... Several upgrades have been made to the TFE line of commercial-grade thermal expansion valves, The company says the valves can be used for a wide range of applications and with higher-pressure refrigerants such as R-410A. Enhancements to the TFE...

Adhesive.(what's NEW)
April 4, 2005... NKF-720 contact adhesive is designed for sealing seams and butt joints in elastomeric and polyolefin pipe and sheet insulation. The company says this amber adhesive's viscosity allows it to be brushed on easily without running. NKF-720 forms a...

Air conditioner.(what's NEW)
April 4, 2005... The Ruud Ultra Series[R] UASL can achieve efficiency ratings of 18 SEER. It has a two-stage Copeland compressor. The air conditioner is PrOzone[TM] certified, which means it exceeds world environmental standards and features R-410A, which...

Remote temperature monitor.(what's NEW)
April 4, 2005... The three FreezeAlarm models have been updated to accommodate the increased demand for freeze protection and temperature monitoring, the company says. Each model allows end users or contractors to monitor indoor temperature remotely via...

Hydronic system air eliminator.(what's NEW)
April 4, 2005... The SuperVent[TM] is a device designed to eliminate air from hydronic heating systems without bleeding. Unlike conventional automatic air vents, this unit breaks up air bubbles with a patented functional principle, claims the company. The air...

Measuring compressor's motor coil temp.(focus: Compressors & Condensers)
April 4, 2005... For safe, long-term use of a compressor, the motor winding temperature must be kept below certain limits, in all conditions in which the appliance may operate. For example, compressors from AC Compressors, whose motors are approved according to...

Troubleshooting with compressor amperage.(focus: Compressors & Condensers)
April 4, 2005... Here is a question to ponder: What should the amperage draw be of a compressor in which the nameplate says the RLA (rated load amperage) is 59.6, but the compressor is only pulling 45 amps? Is there a problem here? Do we need to change the...

The challenges of chiller compressors.(focus: Compressors & Condensers)
April 4, 2005... The purpose of a compressor in a chiller is to lower the pressure and temperature of liquid refrigerant to a point below the temperature of the brine in order to allow heat to flow from the brine to the refrigerant. The compressor then...

Compressor switch improves vending machine efficiency.(focus: Compressors & Condensers)
April 4, 2005... When global beverage manufacturer Coca-Cola announced an initiative to optimize its vending machines in order to achieve a 40-percent reduction in energy, it raised the bar for vending equipment suppliers. In general, vending machine...

The condemned compressor.(refrigeration zone)
April 4, 2005... In this issue, consultant Shawn Lee offers some thoughts on premature condemnation of compressors ("Don't Bury The Compressor Before It's Dead," page 1). It's not a strictly technical presentation. He shares some thoughts on how the industry...

Three-phase motor voltage unbalance.(refrigeration zone)
April 4, 2005... Compressor overheating is one of the industry's most serious field problems today. Compressor overheating is usually caused by high compression ratios. High compression ratios can be caused by a combination of high condensing pressures...

Right ways to defrost evaporators.(refrigeration zone)
April 4, 2005... A common refrigeration Equipment service problem occurs when an evaporator or its drain pan becomes completely engulfed in ice, and the technician needs to de-ice them. Normally this is a relatively easy but time-consuming task. However, the...

Grand Forks' educators raise the bar.(Training & Education)(Grand Forks Vocational Technical Consortium)(Northland Community & Technical College)
April 4, 2005... EAST GRAND FORKS, Minn. -- Giving students a taste of the real business world is a key to the success of two technical training programs in the Grand Forks area. Divided by the sometimes tempestuous Red River are the communities of Grand Forks,...

Leo's HVAC tip: lock out/tag out/block out.(Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning )(Brief Article)
April 4, 2005... Whenever you work on fans or other machinery, be positive that the machinery can't start when you are not ready. Save your fingers. * Be positive the power is off. * Be sure it can't start until you start it. Locking Out On Large...

If you don't have a web site ...(HVAC industry)
April 4, 2005... One way of guaranteeing that you won't get a slice of the pie from the next generation of HVAC equipment buyers is to avoid the Internet. More specifically--avoid maintaining and promoting your business Web site. Don't have a Web site?...

Employee training includes empowerment.(our INSIGHTS)
April 4, 2005... I'm a fanatic about providing excellent customer service. I'm also a fanatic about receiving excellent customer service. As a method to provide excellent customer service, I want to emphasize the importance of training and empowering your...

Comprehensive Energy Services Inc.(Contractors)(Brief Article)
April 11, 2005... Comprehensive Energy Services Inc. (Orlando, Fla.) has opened a new office in Pembroke Pines, Fla.

Joseph Needham and Scott Needham of Princeton Air Conditioning Inc. (Princeton, N.J.) have been selected.(awards)(Brief Article)
April 11, 2005... Joseph Needham and Scott Needham of Princeton Air Conditioning Inc. (Princeton, N.J.) have been selected as United States Small Business Association's 2005 New Jersey Small Business Persons of the Year.

Fawcett Oil.(appointment)(Brief Article)
April 11, 2005... Fawcett Oil (Cambridge, Mass.) hired Celicia Fuccillo as an account manager.

Bradford White Corp.(appointment)(retirement)(Brief Article)
April 11, 2005... Bradford White Corp. (Ambler, Pa.) announced the retirement of Joseph Boscoe. Herbert Foster has been appointed to vice president of administration to replace Boscoe.

Siemens Building Technologies Inc.(Manufacturers)(Brief Article)
April 11, 2005... Siemens Building Technologies Inc. (Buffalo Grove, III.) appointed Randall Hughes, Michael Stark, and Kelley Graham as HVAC products division account executives. Hughes will cover the Northern California area, Stark will cover the New Jersey...

Honeywell.(awards)(Brief Article)
April 11, 2005... Honeywell (Morristown, N.J.) received the 2004 Frost & Sullivan Technology Leadership Award.

Trane.(Manufacturers)(Brief Article)
April 11, 2005... Trane (Clarksville, Tenn.) introduced a new large rooftop replacement program, which offers contractors a 5percent rebate on IntelliPak[TM] and Voyager III[TM] commercial air conditioning rooftop systems being used as replacements for...

Milwaukee Valve.(Manufacturers)(Brief Article)
April 11, 2005... Milwaukee Valve has relocated to New Berlin, Wis. Its new address is 16550 W. Stratton Dr., New Berlin, WI 53151.

Distribution center offers drive-through service.(Distribution)
April 11, 2005... Many, if not most, McDonald's and White Castle fast-food restaurants now accept plastic. The minimum standard for air conditioning systems will soon be 13 SEER. Martha Stewart is scheduled to host her own "Apprentice"-type TV show when she...

COSA aims to heighten CO awareness.(Industry News)(Carbon Monoxide Safety Association)(carbon monoxide)
April 11, 2005... EASTLAKE, Colo. -- An unfortunate argument used regarding carbon monoxide (CO) testing is that "it's not my job." From HVAC service technicians to emergency personnel, some employees may be reluctant to put themselves on the line and measure CO...

Temp and humidity.(EXTRA EDITION)(Brief Article)
April 11, 2005... To measure temperature and humidity properly, the technician must be able to use a variety of instruments. For information on utilizing instruments such as digital thermometers and sling psychrometers, read the technical article "Measuring...

Correction.(Correction Notice)
April 11, 2005... In the March 21 issue's IAQ Product Snapshots, an incorrect Web site was listed for Indoor Air Products. The correct Web site is www.iapairhawk.com. Please visit http://www.achrnews.com/CDA/ Article Information/features/BNP_Features_...

A closer look at ultraviolet light.(reader MAIL)(Letter to the Editor)
April 11, 2005... Barb Checket-Hanks' recent article, "The ABCs of UV Light" (March 21, 2005), incorrectly reports that "UVV is one of the best weapons in the arsenal against poor IAQ." The article notes that [Sanuvox president Normand Brais, Ph.D., said], "both...

Responding to concerns about UVV Light.(reader MAIL)(Letter to the Editor)
April 11, 2005... Allow me clarify a few points regarding Steril-Aire's letter [left]. Steril-Aire is absolutely right in the health concerns regarding elevated ozone levels associated with ozone generation in high levels or when used as a germicide. As was...

Rheem introduces training network.(industry NEWS)(Brief Article)
April 11, 2005... FORT SMITH, Ark. -- Rheem Manufacturing Co.'s Air Conditioning Division redesigned its HVAC training programs to provide enhanced training products and services to professionals who may be strapped for time, but who are committed to having...

Forrester, Nersesian join ABC's Government affairs.(Associated Builders and Contractors)(appointments)(Brief Article)
April 11, 2005... WASHINGTON -- The Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) named two new members to its government affairs division: Sue Forrester, ABC director of political affairs, and Carin Nersesian, ABC director of legislative affairs. "We are...

Cimetrics and Lantronix form alliance.(industry NEWS)(Brief Article)
April 11, 2005... BOSTON -- Cimetrics Inc. has formed a technology and marketing alliance with Lantronix Inc. to bring new IP and Web service solutions to the building automation market via the Lantronix XPort[TM] module. Cimetrics said it will implement the...

ARI updates standard of performance.(Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute)(Brief Article)
April 11, 2005... ARLINGTON, Va. -- The Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI) has revised and approved for publication ARI Standard 340/360-2004, "Commercial and Industrial Unitary Air Conditioning and Heat Pump Equipment." The standard...

HVAC excellence turns up HEAT.(Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning)(Heating, Electrical, Air Conditioning Technology )(Brief Article)
April 11, 2005... MOUNT PROSPECT, III. -- HVAC Excellence released its Heating, Electrical, Air Conditioning Technology examination (HEAT), a student outcome assessment exam based in part on the national Skill Standards. The program is designed to help HVACR...

Coleman mobile display hits the road.(industry NEWS)(Brief Article)
April 11, 2005... NORMAN, Okla. -- The Coleman mobile display unit is traveling across the United States again this year, introducing homeowners and HVAC dealers to the latest Coleman heating-cooling products while teaching them the essentials of energy...

PHCC offers long-term care insurance.(Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors National Association )(Brief Article)
April 11, 2005... FALLS CHURCH, Va. -- The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors--National Association (PHCC) announced the approval of a plan that provides discounted long-term care insurance to members and their families. This new benefit is part of PHCC's...

Coleman Heating and Air Conditioning.(Manufacturers)(Brief Article)
April 11, 2005... Coleman Heating and Air Conditioning (Norman, Okla.) has a Cash Back Now promotion offering HVAC customers a choice of rebates up to $1,500, a 12-month no payment financing, or a 10-year warranty plan on qualifying equipment purchases made...

Reliable Controls.(appointment)(Brief Article)
April 11, 2005... Reliable Controls (Victoria, British Columbia) hired Will McNeill as regional sales manager for the Western United States.

Noland Co. (Charlotte, N.C.) purchased certain assets.(Distributors)(Brief Article)
April 11, 2005... Noland Co. (Charlotte, N.C.) purchased certain assets of Heat-Cool Specialties.

First Supply.(Distributors)(Brief Article)
April 11, 2005... First Supply (Madison, Wis.) has added Kevin Multhauf as the HVAC manager at the corporate headquarters.

Sid Harvey Industries Inc.(promotions)
April 11, 2005... Sid Harvey Industries Inc. (Garden City, N.Y.) promoted Terry Gossman to regional sales manager for the Rocky Mountain region.

The HVACR program at the North American Heating and Air Conditioning Training Center (Redlands, Calif.) was granted national accreditation by HVAC Excellence.(Schools)(Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning and Refrigeration )(Brief Article)
April 11, 2005... The HVACR program at the North American Heating and Air Conditioning Training Center (Redlands, Calif.) was granted national accreditation by HVAC Excellence. It is the first program of its kind in California to receive the accreditation.

Easy Street.(Online Services)(Brief Article)
April 11, 2005... Easy Street (Lenexa, Kan.) announced the company Web site Mr.HVAC.com produced more than 500,000 hits during the first three months of 2005.

Chiller Systems Group.(Associations)(Brief Article)
April 11, 2005... The spring meeting of the Chiller Systems Group will be held in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., on April 22-23. For more information, visit www. chillergroup.com.

Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association (SMACNA).(Associations)(Brief Article)
April 11, 2005... Guy Gast was elected to serve a two-year term as president of the Iowa Chapter of the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association (SMACNA).

Construction Contractors' Alliance (CCA).(Associations)(Brief Article)
April 11, 2005... Art Dexter has been elected chairman of the Construction Contractors' Alliance (CCA).

Drain pan treatments.(what's NEW)
April 11, 2005... Dynamic time-release drain pan treatments prevent condensate drain pan clogs, the company states. Available in six sizes, for window units to 50-ton rooftop units, the product stays dormant when the pan is dry. The strip activates and...

Furnaces.(what's NEW)
April 11, 2005... The Echelon line of furnaces from Coleman includes the variable-speed V Series, two-stage T Series, and single-stage S Series. All three model segments incorporate convertible upflow, horizontal, and downflow configurations. The furnaces are...

GPS vehicle tracking system.(what's NEW)
April 11, 2005... The StreetEagle GPS Vehicle Tracking system allows the user to run a complete history report, which shows all stops, parks, speeding events, and driving habits. Summary reports allow users to review vehicles' location history for the entire...

Adhesives catalog.(what's NEW)
April 11, 2005... A catalog featuring the company's new line of duct insulation adhesives is available. With color photos to identify products, the catalog includes technical data sheets, part numbers, application instructions, precautions, approvals, and...

Maintenance software module.(what's NEW)
April 11, 2005... The ProTeus Alarm Interface (PAl) is at the center of ProTeus IV, the latest version of the company's computer maintenance management software (CMMS) for facilities maintenance. PAI facilitates instantaneous activation of work orders based on...

Foam insulation.(what's NEW)
April 11, 2005... The thicker AP/Armaflex elastomeric foam insulation is suitable for the extreme temperatures and humidity associated with commercial refrigeration and some cold-water systems. The insulation conforms to National Fire Protection Association...

Temperature controllers.(what's NEW)
April 11, 2005... The hot and cold temperature controllers offer highly accurate electronic temperature control for hot, cold, or cold/defrost cycling for a variety of refrigeration and heater control applications, the manufacturer says. Typical applications...

Steam trap.(what's NEW)
April 11, 2005... The LEX3N-TZ temperature control steam trap is ideal for use in tracing applications where low-temperature heating is required, including winterization, instrument, and low-temperature tracing; freeze control on manifold drains; condensate...

Reduce motor downtime with testing.(Motors, Drives & Variable-Speed Products)
April 11, 2005... SAN FRANCISCO -- Insulation resistance tests are a key to troubleshooting motor problems. Part of that key is having the right test instruments, too. We at Buzzell Electric Works know that very well. Buzzell serves clients throughout the...

A-1 Components.(product SNAPSHOTS)
April 11, 2005... www.a-1components.com The company has added a new line ofI direct-drive, condenser fan, unit bearing, and skeleton motors from Rotom Motors of Canada. "Having been a long-time distributor of GE Motors, our customers expected us to continue...

ABB Inc.(product SNAPSHOTS)
April 11, 2005... www.abb-drives.com The company's drive line has been extended to 600 V. Its new ACH550 AC drive family combines simplicity, convenience, fieldbus connectivity, harmonic mitigation, and programmability. Extension of the voltage rating in a...

A.O. Smith Electrical Products Co.(product SNAPSHOTS)
April 11, 2005... www.aosmithmotors.com The manufacturer's ECM Comfort Speed motor has been upgraded to deliver reliable performance and the enhanced comfort and improved efficiency of a variable-speed product, according to the company. The motor is...