Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration News articles from August 2005

Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration News archives from August 2005

Small contractors have big concerns.(Industry News)
August 1, 2005... Do these concerns sound familiar? "The competition is cutting prices too low, quoting low-end equipment, and creating an environment of low profit margins." "Insurance is the single highest monthly operating expense and continues to rise."...

Instructor combines principles, experience.(Training Education)
August 1, 2005... HOCKLEY, Texas -- Andrew Potter admits that nearly everything about the trade school he founded three years ago, HVAC Training Center (HTC), is unconventional, but that's what makes the institution special. The HTC curriculum was custom...

Rheem Manufacturing, Air Conditioning Division.(appoints Mike Barnes and Adam Schuster)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... Rheem Manufacturing, Air Conditioning Division (Fort Smith, Ark.) appointed Mike Barnes to manager of sales and distribution for the company's Builder Group and Adam Schuster to manager of product marketing and development.

McQuay (Minneapolis) has named Hoffman & Hoffman--Chesapeake as sales representative.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... McQuay (Minneapolis) has named Hoffman & Hoffman--Chesapeake as sales representative in Norfolk and Virginia Beach, Va.

Mitsubishi Electric HVAC.(Mitsubishi Electric Corp. HVAC Advanced Products Div.)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... Mitsubishi Electric HVAC (Suwanee, Ga.) has extended the parts warranty on Mr. Slim[R] to two years, doubling the current standard one-year parts warranty.

Modine Manufacturing Co. (Racine, Wis.) employee Norm Mattson received the 2005 Technical Service Award.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... Modine Manufacturing Co. (Racine, Wis.) employee Norm Mattson received the 2005 Technical Service Award from the Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association (GAMA).

Thermo King Corp.(appointments)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... Thermo King Corp. (Minneapolis) appointed Bobby Greene, John Mac Dougall, and Dave Forsmark sales managers and Mike Roberts as national account manager.

AirAdvice Inc.(appoints John Griffith and Gary Frayn)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... AirAdvice Inc. (Portland, Ore.) named John Griffith chief financial officer and Gary Frayn vice president of sales.

Ultraviolet Devices Inc.(appoints Marty Albert )(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... Ultraviolet Devices Inc. (Valencia, Calif.) appointed Marty Albert to Midwest regional sales manager.

Ferguson.(Distributors)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... Ferguson (Newport News, Va.) has new locations in Lancaster, Pa., and Sierra Vista, Ariz.

Condensate leak.(Public Notice)
August 1, 2005... In this edition of Btu Buddy series, Bob's customer has a major problem with a condensate leak. Btu Buddy assists in solving the problem and suggests what to do to prevent a reoccurrence. For details, read the Service & Maintenance article "Btu...

Easy Street Inc.(hosting Total Business Solution Seminar)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... Easy Street Inc. (Lenexa, Kan.) is hosting a Total Business Solution Seminar in Kansas City, Mo., Oct. 18-20. For more information, visit www.easystreet inc.com/seminar.

Internet reverse auctions can make things worse.(reader MAIL)(Letter to the Editor)
August 1, 2005... I just read Mike Murphy's column, from the June 27 issue, about reverse auctions ["If It Walks Like A Duck..."]. From a contractor's perspective, there is a huge difference between a public bid, where all the envelopes are opened in public at...

Refrigerants to switch in 2006.(Letter to the Editor)
August 1, 2005... I recently read Mike Murphy's editorial titled "13 SEER Affects New Construction" [March 14] and thought it was missing one major piece of info. When I'm out talking to builders about moving to 13 SEER, I convert them to R-410A also. When...

Court issues amended opinion on CEC regulations.(California Energy Commission)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... ARLINGTON, Va. -- The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals issued an amended opinion on June 3, which upheld its prior decision to overturn the U.S. District Court's permanent injunction against the California Energy Commission's (CEC's) Title 20...

Suppliers recognized at Heatcraft 2004 Summit.(Heatcraft Refrigeration Products LLC)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... ATLANTA -- Heatcraft Refrigeration Products LLC (HRP) recently presented the 2004 Summit Awards. The HRP Summit Awards recognize excellence in supplier performance. The three levels of awards, Premier, Superior, and Most Improved, were...

Emerson announces training seminar schedules.(Emerson Climate Technologies)
August 1, 2005... ST. LOUIS -- Emerson Climate Technologies announced the 2005-06 schedules for its Copeland Scroll[TM] Air Conditioning Training Seminar and Compressor Operation and Service Seminar (COSS). Emerson's Educational Services division offers both...

Airxcel ownership to change hands.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... WICHITA, Kan. -- Airxcel Inc., a designer, manufacturer, and marketer of air conditioners, furnaces, water heaters, and cooking appliances for the RV industry and HVAC equipment for the telecommunications, school, modular structure, and marine...

Government can look to ASHRAE for help.(American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers )
August 1, 2005... ATLANTA -- The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) has launched an advocacy program to provide technical guidance to government in developing programs related to the built environment. The new...

Purafil protects the National Gallery of Art.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... DORAVlLLE, Ga. -- Purafil Inc., a manufacturer of air filtration systems for the removal of odors and gaseous pollutants, recently provided the National Gallery of Art (NGA) in Washington, D.C., with numerous Purafil Corrosion Classification...

Filter.
August 1, 2005... The [V.sup.4]-bank filter, manufactured by Engineered Filtration Systems (EFS), is made of synthetic material. Designed to withstand high velocities and turbulence, the filter can be used for all types of air-handling systems. It has a unique...

Evaporative condenser.
August 1, 2005... In the Nauticon[R] evaporative condenser, the pump circulates water from the sump to the water distribution system, which sprays the water on the coil surface. Refrigerant/fluid enters the unit and is dispersed into the coil bundle, cooled, and...

Cold storage doors.
August 1, 2005... The Barrier[R] Glider is a thermal air sealing, high-speed cold storage door. Applications include refrigerated warehouses, food manufacturing/processing plants, and grocery distribution centers. The Thermal Air[TM] sealing system inflates...

Product catalog.(what's NEW)
August 1, 2005... Version 10.0 of an interactive electronic catalog is available on CD-ROM. It contains technical information on over 6,500 of the manufacturer's motors, drives, and generators. Product information includes nameplate data, dimension drawings,...

Pressures, states, and conditions.(refrigeration system components)
August 1, 2005... Systematic troubleshooting requires discipline in mastering the functions of all the refrigeration system's components. However, being able to recognize what pressure, state, and condition the working fluid (refrigerant) is in throughout the...

Inside the supermarket.(refrigeration equipment maintenance management)
August 1, 2005... Technicians skilled in refrigeration technology and in search of more challenges may want to look at the supermarket sector if they are not already there. Change--and change on the cutting edge--is almost a constant in the supermarket...

Using your senses.(technician tool accessories)
August 1, 2005... In our industry, technicians use many specialty tools to diagnose and repair system problems. These tools are necessary to accurately troubleshoot and repair malfunctioning systems. However, there is a set of tools technicians should always...

The service truck of the future.(focus: Tools, Trucks & Technology)
August 1, 2005... In the future, HVAC service trucks may have a whole new look to them--or they may not. To the naked eye, the trucks may look similar on the outside, but there might be a radically different appearance on the inside. The fit and functionality of...

Biltwel: www.biltwel.com.(product SNAPSHOTS)
August 1, 2005... Biltwel Boss Series II duct truck utilizes a top-mount dirt box and compressor-forward design to provide the maximum storage space in every compartment. The truck features a hose storage compartment that is 7 feet deep, 41 inches high, and 7...

CopyRider: www.copyrider.com.(product SNAPSHOTS)
August 1, 2005... CopyRider is a turnkey system that includes ad creation, production, and printing specific to each client. The weekly, monthly, bimonthly, or quarterly updating ensures that messages are never stale or out-of-date. The CopyRider lettering is...

Highway Products: www.800toolbox.com.(product SNAPSHOTS)
August 1, 2005... The design of the new Gorilla Slide from Highway Products provides a faster and easier way to load and unload heavy items in work vehicles. It diminishes the possibility of physical injury. The heavy-duty slide glides on sealed roller bearings...

Knaack Manufacturing: www.knaack.com.(product SNAPSHOTS)
August 1, 2005... Knaack Manufacturing Co. is introducing its revolutionary Weather Guard[R] Vehicle Solutions[TM] software that assists end users and vehicle upfitters to interactively design van storage solutions. The Web-based software tool allows users to...

Knapheide: www.hhsalescompany.com.(product SNAPSHOTS)
August 1, 2005... H&H Sales Company Inc. is now offering at three models of the new Knapheide KUV[R] Series service bodies. This offering is made in cooperation with Knapheide and Ford Commercial Pool, for Ford's popular E-Series utility vans. Bodies are...

M.K. Morse Co: www.mkmorse.com.(product SNAPSHOTS)
August 1, 2005... The M.K. Morse Company introduced its new series of titanium-nitride coated step drills. The super-hard titanium-nitride surface treatment reduces friction and increases drill life, up to six times over uncoated step drills, according to the...

Reading Truck Body: www.readingbody.com.(product SNAPSHOTS)
August 1, 2005... In celebration of the company's 50th anniversary, Reading Truck Body announced its new C2-50, an options package that emphasizes convenience and durability and is to be used in conjunction with Reading's Classic II[TM] service body. The focal...

Ready Products: www.ready-tools.com.(product SNAPSHOTS)
August 1, 2005... Ready Products announces a new line of self-storing Ready Tools including the Retract-A-Bit[TM] screwdriver in standard, mini, and hex-head configurations, and the Ready Ratchet in 1/4-inch or 3/8-inch standard or metric configurations. All...

Ridgid: www.ridgid.com.(product SNAPSHOTS)
August 1, 2005... The new 12-volt Right-Angled Impact Driver (R82233) from Ridgid[R] is designed to deliver versatility and high torque. Equipped with a high-torque motor (2,150 rpm) and a die-cast gearbox, the R82233 offers more than 650 inch-pounds of torque....

SOG Trident: www.sogknives.com.
August 1, 2005... The SOG Trident blade uses a patent-pending Arc-Actuator[TM], which makes the lock stronger and the release easier. There is also a built-in safety to lock the blade closed. When it shows red, you are ready to go. What also makes the Trident...

Supreme Corp: www.spartanservicevan.com.(product SNAPSHOTS)
August 1, 2005... Supreme Corp. announced the launch of its latest Spartan Service Van, which boasts many improvements and all-new features designed to help owners work more efficiently and conveniently. Among the new-and-improved features include durable,...

Service techs suggest tools and inventory.(tools necessary for HVAC equipment repair work)
August 1, 2005... Did you ever begin a handyman job and forget to bring the right tool? Now imagine a service technician at a customer's home, diagnosing the problem with the homeowner's HVAC equipment, and then not being able to make the repair because a tool...

Refrigerants among conference topics.(Conference Update/ FMI)
August 1, 2005... Ask those who work on refrigeration equipment to list their top concerns, and finding qualified technicians and dealing with new refrigerants are sure to take a couple of digits on one hand. Refrigeration technology is a different animal...

Profit shouldn't be a dirty word.(HVAC industry customer service and profit management)
August 1, 2005... The "P" word--profit. Don't say it too loud. HVAC contractors aren't supposed to make a profit. They are supposed to provide service out of the goodness of their hearts. That's what a lot of finicky customers believe. But those customers...

Informing customers about 13 SEER changes.(13 seasonal energy efficiency rating )
August 1, 2005... It appears that contractors are beginning to take seriously the change coming in our industry to 13-SEER minimum air conditioning units. We had tremendous response to our recent article regarding notifying home buyers through their builders...

Our inclusive industries.(GAMAzine issue content)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... Welcome to this issue of GAMAzine, just in time for the onset of the heating season. GAMAzine is published by GAMA, the national trade association representing manufacturers of appliances, components, and related products used in space and...

A few good men and women are needed: contractors asked to be integral piece in the standards and codes puzzle.
August 1, 2005... Puzzled by the standards-making process? Cannot seem to piece together how a certain gas application design requirement or installation code specification ever became reality? You are not alone: Then again, the Gas Appliance Manufacturers...

GAMA prepares to launch new certification program: commercial furnace program will level playing field.
August 1, 2005... The Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association (GAMA) is expanding its highly successful certification programs to incorporate commercial furnaces. GAMA anticipates that its Commercial Furnace Certification Program will be up and running by...

New gas supplies will affect appliance service: changes are coming through the pipeline.
August 1, 2005... The natural gas supply in the United States is changing. As the volume of liquefied natural gas (LNG) imported into the United States increases over the next five to 20 years or so, the characteristics of the natural gas supply will change even...

Farwell steps down; Huntington new GAMA chairman.(Ian Stewart Farwell retires)(Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association)(Thomas F. Huntington appointed)
August 1, 2005... The 70th meeting of the Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association (GAMA) opened with poignant comments from Ian Stewart Farwell of Rheem. The 2004-2005 chairman of GAMA recapped some accomplishments of the past year and gave the incoming board...

Reinvigorating the commercial food service division: cooking up ways to serve members better.
August 1, 2005... Consolidation of manufacturers can have implications throughout the industry. Consider the case of the Commercial Food Service Division of the Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association (GAMA). A wave of consolidations several years ago...

Seismic certification shakes things up: code questions surface regarding who is responsible: manufacturer or designer?
August 1, 2005... Preparing and protecting HVAC equipment from earthquakes, floods, and other natal disasters has always affected some states more than others. However, Sept. 11, 2001, opened up new doors to preparing for disasters and earthshaking events...

GAMA member directory.(Directory)
August 1, 2005... GAMA Member Directory A. 0. Smith Water Products Company www.hotwater.com A. W. Mercer, Inc. www.awmercer.com AbsolutAire, Inc. www.absoluteaire.com Adams Manufacturing Company ...

HVAC solutions for schools: how much does your state spend on system upgrades?(focus: School Market)
August 8, 2005... It's hardly news that America's school buildings are aging. In many areas of the country, school HVAC systems range from the inefficient to the decrepit. HVAC systems are now widely recognized as having a big impact on IAQ problems among...

New system designed to save money, energy.(New Technologies)(Brief Article)
August 8, 2005... A new technology developed for use in California could become an attractive option for homeowners in many parts of the country. According to the California Energy Commission (CEC), keeping the approximately 100,000 new homes built in California...

Motor tips.(EXTRA EDITION)
August 8, 2005... For tips on how to tell when a motor is overloaded and what can be done with a new replacement direct-drive fan or blower motor when little or no speed change can be detected from one connection to the next, read the technical article "Motor...

AHR Expo 2006 on record-setting pace.(industry NEWS)(Brief Article)
August 8, 2005... WESTPORT, Conn. -- Based on the number of companies that have already reserved space for the 2006 International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition (AHR Expo) in Chicago, Jan. 23-25, as well as a number of planned new show...

CCA plans Business Fitness Forum.(industry NEWS)(Construction Contractor' Alliance)(Brief Article)
August 8, 2005... FALLS CHURCH, Va. -- The Construction Con tractors' Alliance (CCA) will talk about how to get businesses into shape at a "Business Fitness Forum" Oct. 12-14 meeting in Atlanta. Lean construction expert Dennis Sowards will begin the meeting...

Linc Service Network.(Contractors)(Brief Article)
August 8, 2005... L&L Mechanical Services Inc. (Springdale, Ark.) has joined the Linc Service Network.

Hays Fluid Controls.(Manufacturers)(appointments)(Brief Article)
August 8, 2005... Hays Fluid Controls (Dallas, N.C.) named Matthew Lilly manager of information technology and personnel administration.

Uponor Wirsbo.(Manufacturers)(Brief Article)
August 8, 2005... Uponor Wirsbo (Apple Valley, Minn.) hosted nearly 200 contractors for its first-ever Contractor Appreciation Days.

Bradford White Corp.(Manufacturers)(appointments)(Brief Article)
August 8, 2005... Bradford White Corp. (Ambler, Pa.) hired Eric Cytrynowicz as product manager.

Munters.(Manufacturers)(appointments)(Brief Article)
August 8, 2005... Munters (Selma, Texas) hired Paula Concannon as national account sales and regional sales manager and Steve Pargeter as engineering manager for Munters Commercial Dehumidification.

Semco.(Manufacturers)(awards)(Brief Article)
August 8, 2005... Semco (Columbia, Mo.) received the Top 100 innovative Products Award for 2005 from R&D Magazine.

Eclipse Inc.(Manufacturers)(customer relations)(Brief Article)
August 8, 2005... Eclipse Inc. (Rockford, Ill.) is offering two new warranty programs, supplementary warranty and extended warranties, to offer customers protection from unplanned repair expenses beyond the standard one-year product warranty. For more...

Friedrich Air Conditioning Co.(Manufacturers)(appointments)(Brief Article)
August 8, 2005... Friedrich Air Conditioning Co. (San Antonio) appointed David Benjamin and Razvan Jurca as HVAC division zone managers.

Mitsubishi Electric HVAC Advanced Products Division.(Manufacturers)(appointments)(Brief Article)
August 8, 2005... Mitsubishi Electric HVAC Advanced Products Division (Suwanee, Ga.) promoted D. Michael Smith to senior marketing manager.

Ridgid.(Manufacturers)(Ridgid Tool Co.)(Brief Article)
August 8, 2005... Ridgid announced it is extending its offer to sign up for the Lifetime Service Agreement on all power tools and pneumatic nailers and staplers to Sept. 30, 2005.

United Rentals Inc.(Distributors)(opened new facility)(Brief Article)
August 8, 2005... United Rentals Inc. (Greenwich, Conn.) opened a new distribution center in Brampton, Ontario.

Richards-Zeta Building Intelligence Inc.(Technology Development)(awards)(Brief Article)
August 8, 2005... Richards-Zeta Building Intelligence Inc. (San Antonio) received the 2005 Customer Value Enhancement Award from Frost & Sullivan.

Associated Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors of Texas (APHCC-Texas).(Associations)(Brief Article)
August 8, 2005... The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation recently approved the Associated Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors of Texas (APHCC-Texas) as a provider for the new HVAC Continuing Education Program. For more information, visit...

Nexstar Network.(Associations)(appointments)(Brief Article)
August 8, 2005... Nexstar Network (White Bear Lake, Minn.) hired Laura O'Rourke as a membership consultant.

Honeywell refrigerant receives broader approval.(industry NEWS)(Honeywell Inc.)
August 8, 2005... MORRIS TOWNSHIP, N.J. -- Honeywell has announced its HFC-245fa refrigerant (which it markets under the Genetron brand) has been approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The notification is part of the EPA's Significant...

Rheem A/C Division reaches milestone.(industry NEWS)(Rheem Manufacturing Co.)
August 8, 2005... FORT SMITH, Ark. -- Rheem Manufacturing Co., Air Conditioning Division recently announced a historic product development achievement--the company's "Innovation Team" developed and introduced 24 new products in an 18-month period. The company...

ACCA offers load calculation course.(industry NEWS)(Air Conditioning Contractors of America)(Brief Article)
August 8, 2005... ARLINGTON, Va. -- The Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) has added new dates to the training schedule for its Fundamentals of Load Calculation and System Design course. The three-day course teaches the concepts behind load...

June shipments hit record.(industry NEWS)(Brief Article)
August 8, 2005... ARLINGTON, Va. -- Combined U.S. factory shipments of central air conditioners and air-source heat pumps hit a record in June with 1,089,872 units shipped, up 1 percent compared to shipments from the same month last year, according to the...

BACnet testing addendum includes new tests.(industry NEWS)(data communication protocol for building automation and control)(Brief Article)
August 8, 2005... ATLANTA -- New tests for features of BACnet and refinements to existing tests will be available under an addendum approved for publication at American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE's) 2005 Annual...

Fall conference set for HARDI.(industry NEWS)(Heating, Airconditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International's conference)(Brief Article)
August 8, 2005... COLUMBUS, Ohio -- In the midst of the heat wave being experienced throughout most of the country, the Heating, Airconditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI) is working to provide a world-class conference for distributors of...

BuilConn and M2M Expo organizers join with OASIS.(industry NEWS)(Machine-to-Machine Expo)(Organization for the Advancement of Structured Information Standards )(Brief Article)
August 8, 2005... IRVING, Texas -- Clasma Events Inc. announced that the Organization for the Advancement of Structured Information Standards (OASIS) will develop and host a standards track for the BuilConn Europe and M2M Expo and Conference Europe being held...

Custom air-handling units.(what's NEW)
August 8, 2005... Access[TM] is a new manufacturing option for customers with aging air handlers installed in small spaces with very limited accessibility. It is a process for custom engineering and manufacturing air-handling units that are factory-fabricated...

Oil furnace.(what's NEW)
August 8, 2005... The OH6 highboy oil furnace stands 45 inches high. The low profile provides additional space for installation in low-ceiling basements and gives more room for the taller A-coils. The furnace can achieve an efficiency rating of up to an 87.9...

Radiant estimating program.(what's NEW)
August 8, 2005... The Construction Maestro[R] building system estimating program has a new Basic Radiant[TM] heating system component. This new software module allows building contractors and others to select all the structural components and a radiant heating...

Valve.(what's NEW)
August 8, 2005... The SMv2 sealed motor valve is an industrial-grade motor-operated valve. The hermetic design eliminates valve stem seal leakage because the nonelectric rotor is enclosed in a stainless steel can, which contains the fluid pressure, the company...

Steam, fluid control book.(what's NEW)
August 8, 2005... The third edition of Steam & Fluid Control Designer's Guide is available. The free handbook helps the reader design, specify, and purchase steam pressure reducing and fluid control devices. Written for engineers, facility managers, maintenance...

Variable air volume controller.(what's NEW)
August 8, 2005... The Talon Predator single duct/dual duct low flow HVAC variable air volume controller is designed for applications where tight flow accuracies must be maintained, such as in pressurized rooms. The unit is best suited for flow ranges between 150...

Moisture prevention book.(what's New)
August 8, 2005... The manual Preventing Moisture and Mold Problems in Hot, Humid Climates: Design and Construction Guidelines provides a series of guidelines on ways to avoid moisture and mold problems. It takes a comprehensive look at why moisture and mold...