Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration News articles from February 2005

Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration News archives from February 2005

HVAC Portable Systems Inc. (Houston) has changed its company name.(Contractors)(Brief Article)
February 7, 2005... HVAC Portable Systems Inc. (Houston) has changed its company name to Carrier Rental Systems.

ABC Plumbing, Heating & Cooling.(Contractors)
February 7, 2005... ABC Plumbing, Heating & Cooling (Buffalo Grove, Ill.) will host the Money Masters program April 15-16 Visit www.nexstarnetwork.com for more information.

Steril-Aire Inc.(Manufacturers)(Appointments)(Brief Article)
February 7, 2005... Steril-Aire Inc. (Burbank Calif.) appointed David Kueneman to food industry sales manager.

BBT Thermotechnik.(Manufacturers)(Appointments)(Brief Article)
February 7, 2005... BBT Thermotechnik (Wetzlar, Germany) announced the 100 percent takeover of Controlled Energy Corp. (Waitsfield, Vt.).

DESA LLC.(Manufacturers)(Appointments)(Brief Article)
February 7, 2005... DESA LLC (Bowling Green, Ky.) appointed Randy Schickert president, Indoor/Outdoor Heating Products.

International Comfort Products.(Manufacturers)(Brief Article)
February 7, 2005... International Comfort Products (Lewisburg, Tenn.) said it has strengthened its residential warranty on key Hell, Tempstar, Comfortmaker, Arcoaire, and KeepRite products installed on or after Jan. 1, 2005.

Dectron Internationale.(Manufacturers)(recieved International Standardization Organization (ISO) 9001:2000 certification)(Brief Article)
February 7, 2005... Dectron Internationale (Montreal) has achieved International Standardization Organization (ISO) 9001:2000 certification.

Cfm Distributors Inc.(Distributors)(Arzel Zoning Technology Inc. )(Brief Article)
February 7, 2005... Cfm Distributors Inc. (Kansas City) has been named the exclusive distributor of Arzel Zoning products in western Missouri, central Iowa, and Kansas.

Staco Energy Products Co.(Distributors)(Dave McElvein promoted as regional sales manager)(Brief Article)
February 7, 2005... Staco Energy Products Co. (Dayton, Ohio) promoted Dave McElvein to eastern regional sales manager.

Indiana Supply Corp.(Distributors)(Todd Lugar appointed as vice president)(Brief Article)
February 7, 2005... Indiana Supply Corp. (Indianapolis) hired Todd Lugar as vice president-corporate development.

The National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER).(Associations)(Brief Article)
February 7, 2005... The National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) elected J. Doug Pruitt as its 2005 board of trustees chairman.

Here's to the winners: the News salutes 'the Best Contractors To Work For.'.(Brief Article)
February 7, 2005... Despite less than ideal weather and economic conditions, 2004 was a good year for many HVACR contractors, and it was a great year for the "elite eight" who were selected as winners in The News' 2004 "Best Contractor To Work For" contest. The...

Meet the winners at AHR Expo in Orlando.
February 7, 2005... Representatives from the winning companies in the "Best Contractor To Work For" contest will participate in a special session titled "Ways to Find & Retain Qualified Technicians/Employees" at the International Air-Conditioning, Heating,...

Proctor receives contract to improve efficiency.(industry News)(Brief Article)
February 7, 2005... SAN RAFAEL, Calif. -- Proctor Engineering Group (PEG), sponsored by the California Energy Commission (CEC), will participate in a research project designed to reduce the energy consumption of central air conditioning systems. The project will...

NEBB sets program.(industry News)
February 7, 2005... GAITHERSBURG, Md. -- The 2005 National Environmental Balancing Bureau (NEBB) Annual Meeting and Educational Conference will be held at the Hyatt Regency in San Antonio Nov. 3-5. The program will feature technical sessions and prominent guest...

Aprilaire recalls Model 5000 electric air cleaners.(industry News)(Brief Article)
February 7, 2005... MADISON, Wis. -- Aprilaire, working with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), announced a voluntary recall of Aprilaire Model 5000 electronic air cleaners. The company has determined that the plastic inner housing and chipboard...

N.C. Mechanical Contractors plan expo.(industry News)(Brief Article)
February 7, 2005... CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- On Feb. 17-18, the Mechanical Contractors of North Carolina will hold their convention and expo in Charlotte. Football legend Lou Holtz will be the guest speaker. A roundtable discussion will include Pete Alexander,...

BDX focuses on green building.(industry News)(Building & Design Exchange conference on green buildings)(Brief Article)
February 7, 2005... CHICAGO -- Building & Design Exchange (BDX), the new conference and exposition designed to foster collaboration between the design and construction sides of the commercial building industry in the Great Lakes region, is offering a conference...

Rectangular Industrial Duct Standards available.(industry News)(Brief Article)
February 7, 2005... CHANTILLY, Va. -- The Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association (SMACNA) has published the second edition of its Rectangular Industrial Duct Construction Standards. The updated 446-page manual expands the scope of...

Nebraska school district wins Energy Star Award.(Energy matters: a compendium of energy facts and information)(Brief Article)
February 7, 2005... OMAHA, Neb. -- The U.S. Department of Energy issued an Energy Star Award to two schools of the Millard Board of Education, the first public schools in the state of Nebraska to receive the energy efficiency recognition. Both schools--Wheeler...

ACCA announces contractor finalists.(Energy matters: a compendium of energy facts and information)(Air Conditioning Contractors of America)(Brief Article)
February 7, 2005... ARLINGTON, Va. -- The Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) has announced the finalists for the association's 2005 Contractor Excellence Awards. The winners will be honored at ACCA's 2005 Annual Conference & Indoor Air Expo in Austin,...

NAOHSM convention set for May.(Energy matters: a compendium of energy facts and information)(National Association of Oil Heating Service Managers)(Brief Article)
February 7, 2005... EAST PETERSBURG, Pa. -- The National Association of Oil Heating Service Managers (NAOHSM) will hold its annual convention and trade show May 22-26 in Hershey, Pa. "Management Day" will kick off the week's events on May 23, with a series of...

HVAC Excellence accredits programs.(Energy matters: a compendium of energy facts and information)(Brief Article)
February 7, 2005... MOUNT PROSPECT, Ill. -- HVAC Excellence granted 24 additional programs accreditation in 2004. These programs include Advanced Technology Institute, Virginia; Caddo Career Center, Louisiana; Southeast Technical Institute, South Dakota; F. Donald...

ASHRAE updates ventilation standard.(Energy matters: a compendium of energy facts and information)(American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers)(Brief Article)
February 7, 2005... ATLANTA -- Lessons learned from 30 years of ventilation practices, as well as user input and developments in research, led to key changes to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers' (ASHRAE's) 2004...

Intelligent building pros host seminar.(Energy matters: a compendium of energy facts and information)(Brief Article)
February 7, 2005... IRVING, Texas -- The OASIS (Organization for the Advancement of Structured Information Standards) Open Building Information Exchange (oBIX) Technical Committee will host a one-day educational track March 22 dedicated to the standardized use of...

Aligo acquires H2 Technologies.(Energy matters: a compendium of energy facts and information)(H2 Technologies)(Brief Article)
February 7, 2005... SAN FRANCISCO -- Aligo Inc., a global leader in mobile field force software solutions, has completed the acquisition of H2 Technologies, a developer of service management, dispatching, and mobile field service software specifically designed for...

Experts present data on building security.(Energy matters: a compendium of energy facts and information)(Building security systems Symposium in New York City)(Brief Article)
February 7, 2005... RESTON, Va. -- Building security systems, including site planning and threat analysis, are a critical part of infrastructure security and a new reality for future building designs. The Architectural Engineering Institute (AEI) of the...

Contractor wins Dodge Truck.(Energy matters: a compendium of energy facts and information)
February 7, 2005... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Caption: Contractor Wins Dodge Truck: Emerson Climate Technologies announced the grand prize winner of its "Get in the Driver's Seat" Promotion. Peter Doane, from Southern Comfort of Charlotte in Charlotte, N.C., won...

Truck boxes.(what's New)
February 7, 2005... The Weather Guard[R] diamond tread aluminum truck box line includes 38 models. The boxes are available either with a clear or black Armor-Tuf powder-coat finish to maintain a new appearance for years, says the company. The boxes have a lock...

Pump motors.(what's New)
February 7, 2005... A new line of commercial-duty pump motors is available. The positive positioning snap-fit actuator ensures proper alignment and long life, the company says. The actuator is approved for more than 500,000 cycles. Switch contacts are protected...

Thermostat.(what's New)
February 7, 2005... The T7350M is a commercial programmable thermostat designed specifically for air-handling units with modulating heating and cooling. Features include dehumidification control, occupancy sensors, two 0-20mA modulating outputs, and Palm[TM]...

Venting design manual.(what's New)
February 7, 2005... A free, 32-page commercial venting systems design manual contains design and installation information for the company's pressure-rated venting systems that are design engineered and safety tested for a variety of applications such as boilers,...

Damper control catalog.(what's New)
February 7, 2005... The new damper control catalog details the manufacturer's damper design and construction features and damper options and accessories. The benefits of the variable symmetric blade design (VSB), which include a high damper free area, lower...

Tangential fans.(what's New)
February 7, 2005... A series of tangential fans utilizes a wide format design that achieves high-volume outflow with a minimum footprint, the company states. The fans provide airflow volumes from 30 to 56,000 cfm. The units are available in 25 to 50 millimeter...

Pressure controller.(what's New)
February 7, 2005... The CPC-3 constant pressure controller regulates fan speed for draft and/or combustion air for energy savings and optimum efficiencies, states the company. Typically, it controls the operation and speed of an Auto-Draft[R] inducer and/or the...

Design, documentation software.(what's New)
February 7, 2005... Revit[R] 7 is the latest version of this building design and documentation software. According to the company, architects and other building industry professionals can use the software to create, manage, and share designs and incorporate...

Fan motor.(what's New)
February 7, 2005... An aftermarket C-frame evaporation fan motor with kit, stock No. C01700, is a single-speed 1/100-hp motor. The one-speed motor performs at 120 volts and 3,000 rpm. Mechanically reversible, the 0.45-amp motor has a clockwise-shaft end rotation....

Infrared tube heater.(what's New)
February 7, 2005... The low-intensity SunTube infrared tube heater line offers three models. The reflectors on Model GQ (global quality) rotate independently and all reflectors are in a fixed overlapped position. The SunTube IV Model has rugged, heavy-duty...

Rooftop curb.(what's New)
February 7, 2005... Multi-Zone Retro-Mate self-contained units with zone and bypass dampers are designed to mount on top of the existing Multi-Zone curb and mate to the existing Multi-Zone ductwork and zones. It converts a single-zone constant-volume rooftop to a...

Bypass package, inverter.(what's New)
February 7, 2005... The HiPass bypass package is designed for use in crucial applications so that no system downtime will occur. In HVAC applications, this allows heating or cooling to be maintained at all times, the company says. The package's terminal strip...

Dehumidifier.(what's New)
February 7, 2005... The Santa Fe HC free-standing dehumidifier is designed to provide particulate filtration and humidity control. The unit is capable of removing more than 17 gallons of water per day. It maintains indoor humidity levels below 50 percent. The...

Commercial vent system.(what's New)
February 7, 2005... The FasNSeal[R] W2 AL29-4C double-wall direct vent system is designed as a commercial and light industrial vent system for high-efficiency Category III and IV gas- or propane-fired appliances. The airspace between the flue gas conduit and...

Infrared thermometer.(what's New)
February 7, 2005... The digital infrared thermometer can be used to identify heat loss from a room, find air-locked circuits, measure pipe temperatures, and for other radiant heating uses, the manufacturer states. The display can be switched back and forth between...

Heat pump.(what's New)
February 7, 2005... The Y-Series heat pump is an addition to the City Multi[R] line of variable refrigerant flow zoning (VRFZ) systems. According to the manufacturer, this energy-effective heat pump adds flexibility to and provides zoning options for City Multi...

Weather meters.(what's New)
February 7, 2005... Six handheld weather meters take environmental readings including wind speed, temperature, relative humidity, barometric pressure, altitude, wet bulb temperature, density altitude, wind chill, heat stress index, and dew point. According to the...

Heat exchanger brochure.(what's New)
February 7, 2005... An eight-page brochure is available on the AlfaNova, a 100-percent stainless steel plate heat exchanger. Made with AlfaFusion, a revolutionary innovation in material design and manufacturing, the AlfaNova offers 10 times better fatigue...

Pressure transducer.(what's New)
February 7, 2005... A new, low-cost, customizable transducer is ideally suited for industrial applications requiring special port and electrical configurations, the manufacturer states. This transducer features an accurate and reliable ceramic sensing element, as...

Thermostats.(what's New)
February 7, 2005... Thermostats in the Pro-Series ProTech[TM] line come with the ProTech logo printed on the thermostat cover plate. However, contractors can choose to substitute that logo with the Rheem, Ruud, or Weather-King brand logo. Contractors can have...

Condensate pump.(what's New)
February 7, 2005... The Pivotrol[R] pressure-powered condensate pump is engineered for dependable steam system condensate recovery in rapid-cycling process environments and under all pressure and temperature conditions. The pump is designed as a solution to...

Refrigeration flooring.(what's New)
February 7, 2005... A technically superior walk-in refrigeration structural flooring panel is made to withstand extreme weight loads, says the company. According to the manufacturer, the results of independent testing indicate that the new structural floors are...

How to overcome your sales fears.(Business Management)
February 7, 2005... I was 10 years old when I tumbled off the garage roof and fell some 20 feet. The doctor told me that I had been very lucky since I only ended up with numerous stitches in my forehead. Physically, I wasn't injured too severely. Psychologically,...

The industry continues its upward climb: optimism abounds in 2005 after a record-setting 2004.(Industry Outlook)
February 7, 2005... According to statistics released by both the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI) and the Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association (GAMA), the industry as a whole has been on the economic upswing during the past few years, and the...

The critical nature of cap tubes.(refrigeration zone)
February 7, 2005... The capillary tube has been used as a refrigerant metering device for many decades. Many HVACR manufacturers are still successfully employing capillary tube metering devices in their latest equipment. Cap tubes are mainly used because of...

Servicing commercial machines.(refrigeration zone)
February 7, 2005... Examining the evaporator during the freeze cycle can aid in identifying many common problems associated with commercial ice machines. How the ice is formed or not formed on the evaporator can allow a technician to easily determine several...

Everything about refrigerants.(refrigeration zone)
February 7, 2005... One of my most appreciated annual arrivals is simply titled "Refrigerant Report." It comes from Bitzer International and in the print version it is 36 pages of the most up-to-date, objective technical information on refrigerants. The 13th...

The right tools for the best productivity.(refrigeration zone)
February 7, 2005... In these times of labor shortages and more complex HVAC equipment, finding ways to make fewer people even more productive is critical to your success. Teaching your staff the proper use of all the tools available to you can save your...

Restricted airflow.(the Hotline)(residential air conditioners minimum acceptable clearance distances )
February 7, 2005... Question: From John Muller Boca Raton, Fla. Manufacturers' instructions supplied with residential central air conditioners require, or recommend, the minimum acceptable clearance distances between the air-cooled condenser and...

Creating a secure future for techs: they do it the right way at Atmostemp LLC Service Experts.(Best Contractor / Atmostemp LLC Service Experts)(Atmostemp LLC Service Experts)
February 7, 2005... EAST BERLIN, N.J.-- How many people can say they work for a reasonable, empathetic person who also has good business sense? The employees at Atmostemp LLC Service Experts can. The owner's primary purpose is to keep everybody working and...

Fun is the operative word for employees: Pat's Heating and Air Conditioning invests in its workforce.(Best Contractor / Pat's Heating And Air Conditioning)
February 7, 2005... OCONOMOWOC, Wis. -- Try saying the word Oconomowoc 10 times real fast. It might be fun. But it probably won't be as much fun as working for Pat's Heating and Air Conditioning Inc. That's the main reason why the contractor was chosen as...

First Friday feast helps build teamwork: Morris-Jenkins provides friendly environment where employees can grow.(Best Contractor / Morris-Jenkins)
February 7, 2005... CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- On the first Friday morning of each month, a portion of the warehouse at Morris-Jenkins becomes a cookout corner. Frying pans and kettles are set atop gas-fired grills. General manager Alton Powell, service manager Mike...

All-for-one attitude makes for productive company.(Best Contractor / Bradley Mechanical Services)
February 7, 2005... MISSISSAUGA, Ontario -- Keeping a family culture while continuing to grow your company is one of the toughest things to achieve in the business world. Bradley Mechanical Services has been able to accomplish that feat. The 20-year-old...

Contractor retains family feel as it grows: "everybody pulls together as a team," employees at Calvert-Jones say.(Best Contractor / Calvert-Jones Co. Inc.)
February 7, 2005... ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- When a company starts out with a handful of employees, everyone has to struggle together in the trenches, doing whatever it takes to be successful. A strong camaraderie can quickly develop. As the company grows and prospers...

Dream becomes reality--25 years later.(Best Contractor / Comfort Tech Service Now!)
February 7, 2005... DEL RIO, Texas -- Wolfman Jack had great success in the city of Del Rio. The disc jockey saw an opportunity to broadcast his show around the world from nearby radio station XER, in Mexico. The city of Del Rio has another showman in Dan...

'The Wall' represents common bond: MacDonald-Miller Facility Solutions shows dedication to employees.(Focus / Best Contractor Winners)
February 7, 2005... SEATTLE -- There are many things that are associated with the word "wall." The Great Wall of China, the former Berlin Wall, "The Wall" album by Pink Floyd, and the MacDonald-Miller Facility Solutions wall. What? You haven't heard of the...

Chanting, clapping before the day begin: Gallagher's Heating & Air Conditioning prospers after owner makes changes.(Best Contractor / Gallagher's Heating & Air Conditioning)
February 7, 2005... LOS MOLINOS, Calif. -- It was just a little after 7 a.m., and here were a bunch of service techs and installers clapping hands and singing in unison: "I am alive. I'm awake. And I feel great..." Never mind that Simon Cowell would have had...

Be the contractor of choice.(Service & Maintenance)
February 7, 2005... A quality installation is an investment that can enhance your customer's comfort while saving the customer money over the life of the system. Help ensure the ongoing benefits of your customer's initial investment. The federal government's...

Mexican food factory converts to R-404A.(Field Solutions)
February 7, 2005... PHOENIX -- If you're a fan of Mexican food, then you're probably familiar with Mission Foods. The company is renowned for its flour and corn tortillas, taco shells, and tortilla chips. Less well known is the fact that Mission Foods is taking a...

HVAC [R.sub.x] for an aging building market.(Service & Maintenance)(how to plan for retrocommissioning )
February 7, 2005... ATLANTA -- Steve Wiggins, a senior associate with Newcomb & Boyd, knows about a commercial service market where things are done right, top to bottom; where all problems are traced back to their root causes and fixed; where occupants wind up...

Contractor revitalizes old building.(Field Solutions)
February 7, 2005... LUBBOCK, Texas -- You truly never know where you will find new business. For contractor Bruce Thornton, the lead for one project lead came to him while he was on a plane. Thornton and Jay Eagan were members of the Lubbock Rotary Club and...

There goes California.(Standards & Legislation)
February 7, 2005... As California goes, so goes the nation. Isn't that the old saying? As trite as it may sound, it may be wise for the HVAC community to take a look at California's Title 24 revisions, which will go into effect Oct. 1 of this year. The...

AirAdvice releases IAQ findings.(Indoor Air Quality)(AirAdvice Inc surveys)
February 7, 2005... PORTLAND, Ore. -- AirAdvice Inc., developer of the AirAdvice Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Program, has released IAQ findings based on test data from more than 10,000 North American homes and businesses, conducted throughout 2004 using the AirAdvice...

Beating the HVACR technician shortage: contractors reveal their strategies for finding good techs.(Business Management)
February 7, 2005... The tech shortage affects contractors nationwide, but some feel the sting more than others. Location and the local economy play a part, but so do contractors' approaches to recruiting and retaining employees. To find out what attracts...

Two-pipe fan coils get four-pipe benefits.(Hydronic Technology)
February 7, 2005... Occasionally, significant breakthroughs are a matter of simply applying new thoughts to old solutions--looking at the situation with a new and clearer vision. Today's economic realities force all building owners to challenge old notions of...

Minnesota High School improves with age.(Field Solutions)
February 7, 2005... As is sometimes the case, when a new building opens, everything is running very well and the owner is happy with the new facilities. However, it isn't long before the mechanical systems are taken for granted and more or less forgotten. Not so...

A little trade show advice.(our Insights)
February 7, 2005... If you're sitting down in the Orlando, Florida Orange County Convention Center reading this magazine, it might be that you needed a $7 hot dog to re-energize your aching feet and lower back. Or, it could mean that you can't wait to find out...

Is it a good idea to teach your own Techs?(our Insights)
February 7, 2005... When contractors tell me that they train their own people, I cringe. Isn't there an art to teaching? Just because a contractor has the technical knowledge upstairs, does that make the contractor a good teacher? Look back at your high...

The Air Conditioning Division of Rheem Sales Co. (Fort Smith, Ark.) announced a price increase of up to 8.5 percent on all products and accessories manufactured under the Rheem, Ruud, and WeatherKing brands.(Price Increase)(Brief Article)
February 14, 2005... * The Air Conditioning Division of Rheem Sales Co. (Fort Smith, Ark.) announced a price increase of up to 8.5 percent on all products and accessories manufactured under the Rheem, Ruud, and WeatherKing brands. The increase is effective March...

Emerson Climate Technologies (St. Louis) honored 12 wholesalers with the Peak Performance Award for 2004.(Manufacturers)(Brief Article)
February 14, 2005... * Emerson Climate Technologies (St. Louis) honored 12 wholesalers with the Peak Performance Award for 2004. Receiving the honors were Aireco Inc. (Savage, Md.), American Refrigeration (Phoenix), The Bell-Simons Co. (Hartford, Conn.), Crescent...

A.O. Smith Corp.(Manufacturers)(Appointments)(Brief Article)
February 14, 2005... * A.O. Smith Corp. (Milwaukee named Mark Petrarca vice president of human resources and public affairs.

Manitowoc Ice Inc.(Manufacturers)(high volume ice machines)(Brief Article)
February 14, 2005... * Manitowoc Ice Inc. (Manitowoc Wis.) has a new line of high-volume ice machines including the $1400 and S1800 models.

Ritchie Engineering Co.(Manufacturers)(Promotions)(Brief Article)
February 14, 2005... * Ritchie Engineering Co. (Bloomington, Minn.) announced Tom Ritchie has been promoted to president.

Spirax Sarco.(Manufacturers)(Appointments and Promotions)(Brief Article)
February 14, 2005... * Spirax Sarco (Blythewood, S.C.) hired Roger Barnes as vice president of marketing and technology. The company promoted Patrick Tillisch to vice president of sales and Richard Gavlin to vice president of energy services.

Service Experts Inc. sells ISL; three ISL members combine to purchase contractor group.(International Service Leadership)
February 14, 2005... BRENTWOOD, Tenn. -- Ownership of International Service Leadership (ISL) changed hands on Feb. 1 as Service Experts Inc. sold the group of independent HVACR contractors to three existing ISL members. Service Experts Inc. is a subsidiary of...

Pulling the plug on 10-SEER parts: manufacturers face tough decisions.
February 14, 2005... Air conditioning component manufacturers are trying to gauge the demand for new 10-SEER and 12-SEER systems. On the surface, it would seem to be a simple matter of decreasing production; after Jan. 23, 2006, system manufacturers must meet the...