Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration News articles from December 2004

Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration News archives from December 2004

Taco Inc.(Price Increases)(Brief Article)
December 6, 2004... * Taco Inc. (Cranston, R.I.) announced a 3-percent to 12-percent price increase for its residential and commercial line of products and related parts. The increase went into effect Dec. 1.

York International Corp. Unitary Products Group.(Price Increases)(Brief Article)
December 6, 2004... * York International Corp. Unitary Products Group (Norman, Okla.) announced a price increase of up to 9 percent on all residential and commercial products, effective Feb. 1, 2005.

Heat Controller Inc.(Price Increases)(Brief Article)
December 6, 2004... * Heat Controller Inc. (Jackson, Mich.) announced an 8-percent price increase on its water-source products and accessories for both the Comfort-Aire and Century brands. The increase took effect Dec. 1.

Atlas Butler Heating & Cooling.(Contractors)
December 6, 2004... * Atlas Butler Heating & Cooling (Columbus, Ohio) received a finalist award in the 5th Annual Family Business Award in the over 50-employee category from the Family Business Center of Central Ohio.

PowerCold Corp, (Largo, Fla.) signed a five-year sales and distribution agreement with WFI Global Commercial Solutions Group.(Contractors)
December 6, 2004... * PowerCold Corp, (Largo, Fla.) signed a five-year sales and distribution agreement with WFI Global Commercial Solutions Group for the marketing and sales of water-source heat pumps and geothermal technologies with PowerCold's HVAC systems.

Emerson.(Manufacturers)
December 6, 2004... * Emerson (St. Louis) announced the winner of its "Get in the Driver's Seat" promotion was Peter Doane. Doane won the Rusty Wallace customized 2004 Dodge Hemi Ram SLT Pickup.

Fedders Corp.(Manufacturers)(Brief Article)
December 6, 2004... * Fedders Corp. (Liberty Corner, N.J.) appointed David Schumacher president, Fedders Commercial HVAC.

Consumers name air conditioning top innovation.(New Poll Sums Up 75 Years Of History)
December 6, 2004... An online poll conducted by The Henry Ford historical institution and America Online (AOL) has revealed that the most influential innovation in the past 75 years is residential air conditioning. More than 2.5 million votes were cast during the...

Chillers and the environment.(reader Mail)(Letter to the Editor)
December 6, 2004... I am writing in response to the story that ran in the Nov. 22, 2004, issue of The News and on www.achrnews.com titled, "York Transitions From HCFC-123." I'd like to clarify a few points for your readers, particularly R-123 availability,...

NAR opens new environmentally advanced building.(Energy matters: a compendium of energy facts and information.)(National Association of Realtors)(Brief Article)
December 6, 2004... WASHINGTON --The National Association of Realtors (NAR) opened for business in Washington, D.C.'s most environmentally advanced commercial building expected to receive "green" certification. The building will be the first newly constructed...

Tour Andover controls formed from merger.(industry News)(Brief Article)
December 6, 2004... BOSTON -- Andover Controls and TAC have combined to form Tour Andover Controls, a new entity in the building automation industry. Schneider Electric, which purchased TAC in June 2003 and acquired Andover Controls in August 2004, has merged the...

Morris mechanical recognized by NATE.(industry News)(North American Technician Excellence)(Morris Mechanical Inc)(Brief Article)
December 6, 2004... DALLAS, N.C. -- Morris Mechanical Inc. has been recognized by North American Technician Excellence (NATE) for having 100 percent of its HVAC technicians certified by NATE. There are currently more than 21,000 NATE-certified technicians...

U.S. Green Building Council endorses AHR Expo.(industry News)
December 6, 2004... WESTPORT, Conn. -- The United States Green Building Council is the latest association to endorse the 2005 Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition (AHR Expo), Feb. 7-9 in Orlando, Fla. The association joins 20 other endorsing...

NAOHSM announces management seminars.(industry News)
December 6, 2004... EAST PETERSBURG, Pa. -- As exhibitors set up for one of the world's largest oil heating expos in May in Hershey, Pa., managers and owners alike will have an opportunity to participate in management workshops on Monday, May 23. It's all part of...

Frank David Higgason.(Obituary)(Obituary)
December 6, 2004... LIBERTYVILLE, III. -- Frank D. Higgason, founder of National Plumbing & Heating Supply Co., Chicago, died Nov. 7. He was 82. Mr. Higgason was a former Marine Corps veteran who served in Guadalcanal. He is survived by his wife Valerie; children...

How Dry I Am.(industry News)
December 6, 2004... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Caption: How Dry I Am: After Kamm Consulting Inc., an engineering firm in Boca Raton, Fla., moved its 70 employees into a new 22,000-square-foot facility, managing principal Art Kamm (above) realized the building was...

AERCO offers discount on boiler maintenance kits.(industry News)
December 6, 2004... NORTHVALE, N.J. -- To encourage customers to perform the recommended annual maintenance on their KC1000 and Benchmark boilers, AERCO is offering specially priced maintenance kits until Dec. 28. Each kit includes a flame detector and spark...

NAOHSM benefit seminar nets $5,000.(industry News)(National Association of Oil Heating Service Managers)(Brief Article)
December 6, 2004... BALTIMORE -- Oil Heat Cares, a charitable endeavor sponsored by the National Association of Oil Heating Service Managers (NAOHSM), established an impressive foothold by raising $5,000 at the first seminar held in Baltimore. The proceeds...

Brochure helps contractors offer heating help.(industry News)(Brief Article)
December 6, 2004... ARLINGTON, Va. -- The Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) has released a new ComforTools flyer for consumers featuring tips to lower heating costs this winter. "Using Less Energy Won't Leave You Cold" is part of a series of...

MEPatWork rolls out winter job fair.(industry News)
December 6, 2004... DES MOINES, Iowa -- In response to growing industry concerns about the shortage of qualified HVACR industry professionals, MEPatWork.com has announced a winter job fair for job seekers and companies in the Florida and Georgia regions. ...

York featured in TV show.(Industry News)
December 6, 2004... NORMAN, Okla. -- York International Corp.'s Unitary Products Group (UPG) has been named the exclusive HVAC vendor for Fox's new makeover show "Renovate My Family." York will provide heating and cooling products, as well as a reputable...

Condensing unit.(what's New)
December 6, 2004... The Rheem Prestige Series 16-SEER condensing unit is rated up to 16.8 SEER and uses R-22. It is equipped with an Emerson Climate Technologies Comfort Alert[TM] onboard diagnostics system, which detects system and electrical problems, allowing...

Furnace.(what's New)
December 6, 2004... The Ruud Super Quiet 80 gas furnaces have an AFUE rating of 80 percent. The line's input rates range from 50,000 to 150,000 Btu. Features include solid upper and lower doors, a robust ignition system, four-speed blower taps, unique combustion...

Duct liner.(what's New)
December 6, 2004... The natural fiber duct liner is designed for use in HVAC sheet metal ducts to absorb unwanted noise from multiple sources, to reduce heat loss or gain, and to provide low air resistance. This duct liner is now available in blue. Each natural...

Circulator flanges.(what's New)
December 6, 2004... The company's new circulator isolation flanges (CIF) are utilized in pairs to connect circulating pumps in hydronic systems. These devices rapidly isolate a circulator to be serviced and eliminate the need to drain and refill the entire system,...

Air purification system.(what's New)
December 6, 2004... The BreatheClean[R] whole-home air purification system is an ultraviolet (UV) light device designed to destroy the pathogens that infect indoor air and can aggravate asthma, allergies, and other respiratory maladies. According to the...

Duct cleaning system.(what's New)
December 6, 2004... The Super RBS Brush & Air Wash System features the RBS-1500 rotary brush system, which has a redesigned cleaning tool. The redesign includes a new guide system that lets the user adjust the height of the brush from 3 inches up to 11 inches off...

Cast aluminum fans.(what's New)
December 6, 2004... The company says it is converting ferrous/nonferrous parts to precision cast aluminum parts. HVAC products made by the manufacturer include fan hubs, fan blades, assemblies, and housings. Items made to the customer's specifications are...

Environmental Monitoring.(what's New)
December 6, 2004... The Environmental Monitoring Solution (EMS) is an end-to-end temperature and humidity monitoring system. Designed to use the company's sensor networking platform and SensiNet networking software, the EMS includes support for multiple...

Margin management book.(what's New)
December 6, 2004... A book on pricing and margin management, Price for Success: A Practical Guide for Improving Margins in Wholesale Distribution, is a resource guide on pricing for distributors interested in driving higher margins, says the association. The book...

Plastic is gaining popularity.(Grilles, Registers & Diffusers)
December 6, 2004... When you think of registers and grilles, typically you think of the standard products made of metal. That may be changing, however, thanks to manufacturers that have been experimenting with plastic for the last seven to eight years. They have...

Airguide Manufacturing LLC.(product Snapshots)
December 6, 2004... www.airguidemfg.com The CBHML curved-blade supply register, made of 6063 extruded aluminum alloy, features all-aluminum construction with no steel. The frame has a wall thickness of 0.050 inches and is separated from the blades with...

Airtec.(product Snapshots)
December 6, 2004... www.airtecproducts.com The new Model MVA reproduction grille is available in white or black with authentic cast iron texturing. Durable, lightweight polymer construction and an easy, quick-mounting system are sure to excite installers...

Decor Grates.(product Snapshots)
December 6, 2004... www.decorgrates.com The company has introduced new decorative registers including Art Deco, Oriental, and Arts & Crafts designs. These registers are available in solid brass with finishes of brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, bright brass,...

Hart & Cooley.(product Snapshots)
December 6, 2004... www.hartandcooley.com The SCBPS ceiling diffuser has a design that provides an even 360-degree airflow pattern. The SCBPS features a one-piece stamped core with fixed blades that offer superior airflow, according to the company. Providing...

International Diversified Marketing.(product Snapshots)
December 6, 2004... www.idmnow.com The Comfort 1st filtered diffuser addresses the two biggest complaints in today's offices: drafts from overhead diffusers and illness and allergic reactions from polluted ductwork. Comfort 1st combines four-way adjustable...

Jackson Systems.(product Snapshots)
December 6, 2004... www.jacksonsystems.com The Comfort System VAV diffuser is used to vary the supply air volume from a wall-mounted thermostat. The diffuser is designed to maintain draft free discharge air along the ceiling providing a sustained discharge...

KEES Inc.(product Snapshots)
December 6, 2004... www.kees.com KEES Inc. ribbed bar security grates can be fabricated from virtually any bar material, size, and spacing including round and ribbed bars per ASTM A-627, and flat bars per ASTM A-629. The ribbed bar grates are constructed of...

Nailor Industries Inc.(product Snapshots)
December 6, 2004... www.nailor.com The Twister Model TWR ceiling swirl diffuser is a new generation diffuser, which brings together a contemporary architectural radial vane design with a high-performance diffuser. The result is a high induction, 360-degree...

Ruskin.(product Snapshots)
December 6, 2004... www.ruskin.com Ruskin has developed and been granted a patent on two innovative new louvers that incorporate an air measuring station. The EAML6625 and EAML3625 require only a few inches of installation depth and perform the same function...

Selkirk.(product Snapshots)
December 6, 2004... www.selkirkinc.com The new AirMate TB 170 FF-4 T-bar filter frame is designed to accommodate 1-, 2-, or 4-inch filters. The TB 170 FF-4 is constructed of stamped steel for long life, has a removable face for easy cleaning, and has a...

Thermo Manufacturing.(product Snapshots)
December 6, 2004... www.thermopan.com New Snap-Grilles make installing return air frames literally a snap, the company said. The sturdy, precision-molded, white ABS grilles are designed for use with standard 1/2- or 5/8-inch drywall, and snap right into the...

Unico Inc.(product Snapshots)
December 6, 2004... www.unicosystem.com This manufacturer of mini-duct central heating and air conditioning systems has announced the addition of chrome and brass finishes to the Unico System outlet line, expanding the total number of outlet styles and...

In search of a quiet place.(refrigeration zone)(today's technician constant contact with the home office)(Editorial)
December 6, 2004... Many service technicians like their jobs because they can work on their own at their own pace--and usually the person looking over their shoulder hasn't the slightest idea what they are doing. But today's techs are not quite the soloists...

Electronic sensing of oil levels.(refrigeration zone)
December 6, 2004... By their very design, parallel systems have a lot of advantages. Low evaporator loading on these systems, however, can lead to low oil conditions. A new sensor helps detect and, to some degree, correct the problem--at least until you can get to...

Honeywell settles patent issue.(refrigeration zone)(Honeywell Genetron refrigerants)(Brief Article)
December 6, 2004... Honeywell has announced that it has settled out of court with a United States-based company that imported and sold refrigerant products that infringed on Honeywell patents. Amount of the settlement and the name of the infringer were not...

Leak detection methods.(refrigeration zone)
December 6, 2004... It's a very common service call: A leaky system has lost refrigerant. Normally this problem is quite simple to diagnose. However, locating the source of the leak can be difficult. Technicians can use several methods to find these leaks....

Hussmann trains the trainers.(Refrigeration Sector News)(Brief Article)
December 6, 2004... Earlier this year, Hussmann (a business unit of Ingersoll-Rand) sponsored a one-week training program for HVACR technical college instructors at the IR Climate Control Technical Learning Center in Minneapolis. Twenty-four instructors attended...

DuPont starts plant production.(Refrigeration Sector News)(Brief Article)
December 6, 2004... As part of its strategy to support the fast-growing air conditioning and refrigeration industry in Asia, DuPont Fluorochemicals has started up HFC production at its joint venture facility in China's Jiangsu province. The venture, in which...

Maintaining head pressure control.(refrigeration zone)
December 6, 2004... [Editor's note: This is the second installment of a two-part series on head pressure control.] In part 1 of this article, on the fundamentals of head pressure control ("Fundamentals of Head Pressure Control," Nov. 1), we made the case that...

If you won't toot your own horn, who will?(our Insights)(Column)
December 6, 2004... Sharpen the pencils, change the typewriter ribbon, make sure the liquid paper isn't a solid block of white goo, leaf through your Rolodex file, and check your sticky notes. Time to crank up the P.R. machine and send out some mimeographed...

Cropp-Metcalfe Air Conditioning & Heating (Cincinnati) partnered with the Excellence Alliance Foundation (EAF) to award a $2,000 scholarship.(Contractors)(Brief Article)
December 13, 2004... * Cropp-Metcalfe Air Conditioning & Heating (Cincinnati) partnered with the Excellence Alliance Foundation (EAF) to award a $2,000 scholarship to the Woodbridge Campus of Northern Virginia Community College.

VenVest Inc.(Contractors)(appointments)(Brief Article)
December 13, 2004... * VenVest Inc. (St. Louis) announced the hiring of Denise Swafford as training director.

Emerson Climate Technologies.(Manufacturers)(appointments)(Brief Article)
December 13, 2004... * Emerson Climate Technologies (St. Louis) appointed David Dunbar as president of Copeland Refrigeration.

Danfoss Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Division (Baltimore) reached a new representative agreement with Coast-to-Coast Sales (Carrollton, Texas).(Manufacturers)(Brief Article)
December 13, 2004... * Danfoss Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Division (Baltimore) reached a new representative agreement with Coast-to-Coast Sales (Carrollton, Texas) to provide coverage in the southern region for New Mexico, Texas, and Arkansas.

Mike Whitehurst has been promoted to OEM sales manager for Marvair (Cordele Ga.), a division of Airxcel Inc.(Manufacturers)(Brief Article)
December 13, 2004... * Mike Whitehurst has been promoted to OEM sales manager for Marvair (Cordele Ga.), a division of Airxcel Inc.

Siemens Building Technologies Inc.(Manufacturers)(appointments)(Brief Article)
December 13, 2004... * Siemens Building Technologies Inc. (Buffalo Grove, III.) appointed Larry Sandlin to account executive of components sales group, HVAC products.

Nvent LLC.(Manufacturers)(PermaLynx )(Brief Article)
December 13, 2004... * Nvent LLC (Allentown, Pa.) announced its PermaLynx, a permanent push-to-connect copper pipe joining system, won best overall product at the International Sanitation and Heating (ISH) North America trade show.

Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors--National Association (PHCC) awarded the Association Executives Council Spectrum Award to Brenda Dant.(Associations)(Brief Article)
December 13, 2004... * Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors--National Association (PHCC) awarded the Association Executives Council Spectrum Award to Brenda Dant, executive director of the Indiana Association of Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors.

Tech's checklist is a lifesaver.
December 13, 2004... YORK, Pa. -- Sean Smith was just doing his job. He was wrapping up a no heat call in a rental unit, answering a call made during the middle of the night. The service tech for F.W. Behler Inc., York, Pa., had just replaced the thermocouple and...

Distributors brace for 2006 deadline.(air conditioning equipment phase out)
December 13, 2004... As the Jan. 23, 2006 deadline for manufacturers the to produce minimum 13-SEER equipment comes closer, many distributors are still uncertain about how they will handle the transition. Some say they'll definitely stock some units with ratings...

Testing electricity.(Extra Edition)
December 13, 2004... The pressures of getting a job done on time or getting equipment back on-line can result in mistakes by even seasoned technicians. For a reminder of what not to do regarding electricity, read the Service & Maintenance article "Ten Dumb Things...

Many in industry aid the needy.(reader Mail)(Letter to the Editor)
December 13, 2004... I think it is commendable that The News features community service programs such as [the one covered in the article] "Contractors 'Heat The Country'" in your Nov. 15 edition, but I would also recommend that The News make sure those that have...

A solution to the early startup issue.(reader Mail)(Letter to the Editor)
December 13, 2004... I read with interest the article ["SMACNA Plans To Address Early Startup"] concerning early startup of HVAC equipment in the Nov. 29 issue of The News. Having spent the last 33 years in the temporary air management field, I have witnessed...

HEI releases new edition of standards.(industry News)(The Heat Exchange Institute)(Brief Article)
December 13, 2004... CLEVELAND -- The Heat Exchange Institute (HEI), released the 7th edition of Standards for Direct Contact Barometric and Low Level Condensers. The edition contains practical information on nomenclature, dimensions, construction, and testing of...

Installation contest planned.(industry News)(third annual installation photo competition)(Brief Article)
December 13, 2004... EAST PETERSBURG, Pa. -- The National Association of Oil Heating Service Managers (NAOHSM) will sponsor its third annual installation photo competition recognizing the most exemplary, innovative, and efficient work of oil heat service managers...

Chiller systems group holds fall meeting.(industry News)(Brief Article)
December 13, 2004... ATLANTA -- The Chiller Systems Group held its fall meeting in Atlanta. The two-day meeting was filled with presentations and group discussions on the resources and technologies available to more effectively service large hydronic chiller...

ASHRAE stamps commissioned.(industry News)(American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers)
December 13, 2004... ATLANTA -- Clarence Birdseye, Willis Carrier, Mary Pennington, and Gardner Voorhees are being honored on postage stamps commissioned by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) as part of ASHRAE's...

The news names Mike Murphy editor-in-chief.(industry News)(The Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration News)(Brief Article)
December 13, 2004... TROY, Mich. -- Mike Murphy has been appointed editor-in-chief of The Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration News, as well as manager of conferences, announced News Publisher John Conrad. Murphy began his HVAC career in 1986 with Lennox...

Bradford white publishes consumer guide.(industry News)(Bradford White Corp)(Brief Article)(Buyers Guide)
December 13, 2004... AMBLER, Pa. -- Bradford White Corp. recently published a new brochure designed to help professional installers explain to prospective customers the virtues of different water heater types. With more technologically advanced water heater...

Web site launched for Middle East, Africa region.(industry News)(Brief Article)
December 13, 2004... ST. LOUIS -- Emerson Climate Technologies launched its Web site specifically designed for the Middle East and Africa region. The site, www.emersonclimate.com/mea, provides contractors and customers in the region with a single online destination...

LonMark plans open systems seminars.(industry News)(LonMark International)(Brief Article)
December 13, 2004... SAN JOSE, Calif. -- LonMark International is planning the Building Open Systems Seminar Series to help facility professionals making the transition from proprietary to open systems. Industry leaders Circon Systems, Distech Controls, Echelon,...

NAW Executive Summit set for January.(industry News)(National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors)
December 13, 2004... WASHINGTON -- The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW) will host its 2005 Executive Summit in Washington D.C. The meeting is scheduled for Jan. 24-26. Its theme is "Exploring Value: Real Tools For Success." The program features...

Ticona introduces engineering thermoplastic fuel cell.(Energy matters: a compendium of energy facts and information.)(Brief Article)
December 13, 2004... FLORENCE, Ky. -- Ticona, the technical polymers business of the Celanese Group, has introduced the first fuel cell prototype made solely of engineering thermoplastics, an advance that lowers fuel cell cost at least 50 percent versus those...

Contractor introduces system for detecting cracks in heat exchangers.
December 13, 2004... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Caption: Contractor Introduces System For Detecting Cracks In Heat Exchangers: Steve Miles (pictured here), service manager for Jerry Kelly Co., St. Charles, Mo., and a Contractor Consultant for The News, recently...

Nordyne president sees bright future.(Industry News)
December 13, 2004... ST. LOUIS -- After a year of rapid and challenging realignment of manufacturing processes, and now dealing with regulations regarding higher efficiencies and a new refrigerant, Nordyne president and CEO David LaGrand is predicting a bright...

Steam humidifiers.(what's New)
December 13, 2004... Two new steam humidifiers, Model 1150 and Model 1160, are designed for the light commercial market. Each unit includes a steam humidifier control, airflow proving switch, steam distribution tube, and 10 feet of flexible steam hose. According to...

Blower.(what's New)
December 13, 2004... The GPI blower is the logical choice for applications where superior pressure and low-flow characteristics are required in a tiny package, the company says. The fan is available in diameters of 8 to 15 inches, with 4- to 8-inch inlets. This fan...

Ceiling diffuser.(what's New)
December 13, 2004... The SCBPS ceiling diffuser has a design that provides an even, 360-degree airflow pattern. It features a one-piece, stamped core with fixed blades that offer superior airflow, states the manufacturer. Made of steel, the diffuser has a white...

Clamp meters.(what's New)
December 13, 2004... The 1000A and 800A clamp meters feature a large 4,000-count LCD with bright backlighting. Meters in both series measure resistance, capacitance, frequency, and continuity, and they offer a Fast Peak Hold, which captures inrush currents and...

Smoke emitter.(what's New)(Brief Article)
December 13, 2004... A Smoke-Bottle is ideal for the required periodic checks of negative pressure for hospital isolation rooms, states the manufacturer. Each bottle contains a glass ampul containing titanium tetrachloride in a protective plastic shield. To...

Crimpers.(what's New)(Brief Article)
December 13, 2004... These new crimpers squeeze the copper rings used on brass fitting PEX systems for radiant heating, melt systems, or potable waterlines. The design of the crimpers does not leave tool marks or distort the rings, states the manufacturer. Each...

Desuperheater.(what's New)(Brief Article)
December 13, 2004... The AC (4P) desuperheater handles R-134a for use either in commercial or industrial applications. These AC Series heat recovery units reduce operating costs by heating potable water from recovered waste heat generated from air conditioning and...

Thermostats.(what's New)(Brief Article)
December 13, 2004... Two new compact electronic thermostats are available for central electric air conditioners as well as gas, oil, or electric furnaces and hydronic heating (with or without pump). Available in nonprogrammable (TH147) and programmable (TH147-P)...