Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration News articles from February 2006

Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration News archives from February 2006

Carrier Corp.(Price Increases)
February 6, 2006... Carrier Corp. (Farmington, Conn.) increased prices up to 7 percent on commercial unitary and applied equipment for Carrier and Bryant brands, effective immediately.

Venmar CES Inc.(Price Increases)
February 6, 2006... Venmar CES Inc. (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan) increased prices by an average of 3 percent for unitary and applied energy recovery ventilation products, effective March 1.

SPX Cooling Technologies.(Price Increases)
February 6, 2006... SPX Cooling Technologies (Overland Park, Kan.) increased prices 3 percent on all Marley and Recold branded factory assembled products and options, effective immediately.

Environmental Technologies Inc.(Price Increases)
February 6, 2006... Environmental Technologies Inc. (Tampa Bay, Fla.) increased prices 18 percent to 40 percent on copper risers for stacked fan coil units, effective immediately.

Mestek Inc.(Manufacturers)
February 6, 2006... Mestek Inc. (Westfield, Mass.) rehired Brian Benard as marketing manager for its Sterling HVAC and SpacePak companies.

Solar Integrated Technologies Inc.(Manufacturers)
February 6, 2006... Solar Integrated Technologies Inc. (Los Angeles) completed 39 industrial solar roofing projects in 2005.

Bradford White Corp.(Manufacturers)
February 6, 2006... Bradford White Corp. (Ambler, Pa.) appointed Dennis Travisano as director of business development.

The ECO Group of Companies.(Manufacturers)
February 6, 2006... The ECO Group of Companies (Singapore) purchased Astro Air Inc. (Jacksonville, Texas).

Autodesk Inc.(Software)
February 6, 2006... Autodesk Inc. (San Rafa el, Calif.) promoted COO, Carl Bass, to CEO. Bass was also appointed to the board of directors effective immediately.

HVAC grows with builder show.(International Builders' Show)
February 6, 2006... ORLANDO -- The Orange County Convention Center was the site of the International Builders' Show (IBS) 62nd Annual Convention & Exposition. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) brought the convention to Orlando for the second...

Young service tech is seasoned pro.(Aaron grace)
February 6, 2006... TAYLOR, Mich. -- At age 11, Aaron Grace was installing HVAC systems. He was also taking, and passing, NATE exams. Now he is a seasoned veteran at age 14, expanding his knowledge of HVAC service and installation in both the commercial and...

Associations cover complex issues in plain English.(newsline)
February 6, 2006... ROCKVILLE, Md. -- Because of the complexity of the collective bargaining relationship in the specialty construction industry, the Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA) and the Mechanical Service Contractors of America (MSCA)...

Tecumseh enters Winter Olympics.(Tecumseh Products Co.)(Brief Article)
February 6, 2006... TORINO, Italy -- Tecumseh, like many major consumer companies that often display their environmentally progressive products at Olympic venues, will be showcasing its new generation of C[O.sub.2] (R-744 designated) capable compressors at the...

Show and tell.(Refrigeration Service Engineers Society held trade show)(Brief Article)
February 6, 2006... SHOW AND TELL: The Indianapolis chapter of the Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES) held its 2005 "Show & Tell" mini-trade show on Dec. 7 at ICOR International, Indianapolis. RSES members as well as nonmembers and local contractors...

Troubleshooting the refrigeration cycle for mechanical problems.(EXTRA EDITION)
February 6, 2006... Troubleshooting The Refrigeration Cycle for Mechanical Problems: This article describes how to troubleshoot a compressor and the associated problems that can cause a system to fail prematurely. It discusses the proper methods of diagnosing and...

Heat transfer.(EXTRA EDITION)
February 6, 2006... Heat Transfer: As a quick reference on heat transfer, the equations are designed for quick and easy application in the field and are intended to help a tech determine if a system or component is performing correctly.

Breaking news.(newsline)
February 6, 2006... For the latest news about--and impacting--the HVACR industry, check our Breaking News section every weekday morning.

Training track.(newsline)
February 6, 2006... Looking for upcoming training seminars that you and/or your technicians can attend? Check out Training Track for a detailed list of events, including contact information.

Editorial archives.(newsline)(Editorial)
February 6, 2006... Search The NEWS' archives for past features and columns dating back to 1999. Click on Editorial Archives for a list of issue dates. Click on the date for a list of that issue's articles.

Circular inline duct fan.(what's new)
February 6, 2006... The CK Series of circular inline duct fans includes 12 models in six duct diameters, from 4 to 12 inches. The fans feature pro-wired, factory-installed electrical cords for ease of installation. Their performance levels range from 120 to 1,000...

Ductboard tool.(what's new)
February 6, 2006... The SqueegBlade is a two-in-one ductboard tool. It is a squeegee on one side and a blade on the other. It cuts ductboard and tape. Also the tool smoothes out tape when applied to ductboard. The SqueegBlade is constructed of durable nylon...

Heat pump.(what's new)
February 6, 2006... The Climasure[TM] heat pump has a SEER rating of 13+ and an HSPF of up to 9.0. When matched with one of the company's compatible variable-speed air handlers or gas furnaces, the heat pump can achieve efficiency levels above 14 SEER and up to...

Universal defrost timer.(what's new)
February 6, 2006... The Paragon universal defrost timer enables contractors to address most commercial refrigeration applications with a single, multivoltage direct-connect timer. The timer can be wired directly to power supply voltages of 120, 208, or 230VAC...

Geothermal works in school upgrades.(FOCUS: GEOTHERMAL MARKET REPORT)
February 6, 2006... Geothermal technology, or that related to the heat of the earth, has gained greater attention when it comes to creating comfort heating and cooling in residential and commercial applications. "It continues to grow," said Robert Fogarty, a...

Colorado River Resort goes geothermal.(FOCUS: GEOTHERMAL MARKET REPORT)
February 6, 2006... At the Sorrel River Ranch Resort in Moab, Utah, nestled amid red rocks and along the banks of the Colorado River, geothermal technology is creating indoor comfort for guests who spend their days surrounded by the outdoor grandeur. Original...

Common geothermal configurations: answers to your geothermal questions.(by ClimateMaster)
February 6, 2006... OKLAHOMA CITY -- Geothermal heating and cooling can be achieved with at least four different configurations. ClimateMaster, an Oklahoma City-based manufacturer of water-source heat pumps, has provided details on those configurations, as well as...

Are R-404A and mineral oil incompatible?(refrigeration systems)
February 6, 2006... There's a simple rule in the industry that HFC-404A refrigerant needs to be used with POE oil. Yet there are reports of refrigeration systems that had been running on HCFC-22 being converted to R-404A, but without changing out the mineral oil...

Seeking more knowledge.(technicians of HVAC industry )
February 6, 2006... Refrigeration technicians are required to be knowledgeable of many different technologies and system designs. At times this can be quite an overwhelming task. With the various technologies and system designs in our industry, it is quite...

Technology aims to reduce defrosts.(ice breaker)
February 6, 2006... New defrost technology! has been introduced by Heatcraft Refrigeration Products LLC (HRP) as a means to reduce refrigeration operating costs and increase product integrity. "In the past it has been difficult to discern when a refrigeration...

What causes high compressor discharge temperature?
February 6, 2006... The compressor's discharge temperature is often an overlooked temperature when troubleshooting a refrigeration or air conditioning system. However, it is very important because it's an indication of the amount of heat absorbed in the evaporator...

New global chiller group formed.
February 6, 2006... LINDAU, Germany -- Axima Refrigeration, Lindau, Germany; Smardt Inc., Montreal, Canada; and Boronia Technologies Party Ltd. (PowerPax), Melbourne, Australia; have formed a new chiller engineering and manufacturing group. "The partnership...

Sometimes the good techs find you.(in HVAC industry)(Editorial)(Column)
February 6, 2006... A recurring theme in the HVACR industry is finding good technicians. But then there are those good technicians who come to the industry pretty much on their own. Such a person is Kevin Wenciker, who this spring completes the two-year...

High-tech customers ease your pain.(hvac equipments with high technology make the life easy)(Column)
February 6, 2006... Having just returned from two major trade shows--the International Builders' Show (IBS) and the International Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigerating Exposition (AHR Expo)--it was obvious that home automation is ubiquitous. (First time...

Stars come out in Chicago: expo highlights include record attendance and evening events.
February 13, 2006... CHICAGO -- After a three year hiatus, the 2006 International AirConditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition (AHR Expo) came back to Chicago with a flurry. As is common to the Windy City venue, the 1985 Chicago Bears, NFL Super Bowl...

York, a Johnson Controls Co., (Milwaukee) increased prices 5 percent to 7 percent on its large commercial HVAC products.(Price Increase)
February 13, 2006... * York, a Johnson Controls Co., (Milwaukee) increased prices 5 percent to 7 percent on its large commercial HVAC products, effective March 1.

Worthington Industries.(Suppliers)
February 13, 2006... * Worthington Industries (Columbus, Ohio) named former vice president of human resources Harry Goussetis as president of Worthington Cylinders.

Meier Supply Co.(Distributors)
February 13, 2006... * Meier Supply Co.'s (Johnson City, N.Y.) finance department hired Robert Tomaka, a certified public accountant, and promoted Steve Post to assistant HVAC divisign manager.

Sid Harvey.(Distributors)
February 13, 2006... Sid Harvey's (Garden City, N.Y.) is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year.

Wolseley plc.(Distributors)
February 13, 2006... * Wolseley plc (Reading, England) appointed Larry Stoddard as senior vice president of business development for the Wolseley Group.

One Hour Air Conditioning and Heating.(Online Services)
February 13, 2006... * One Hour Air Conditioning and Heating (Sarasota, Fla.) signed a recruiting agreement with HVAC Agent.

Autodesk Inc.(Software)
February 13, 2006... * Autodesk Inc. (San Rafael, Calif.) was named one of Fortune Magazine's "Best Companies To Work For."

LonMark International.(Codes & Standards)
February 13, 2006... * LonMark International (San Jose, Calif.) announced Charles Holland, technical manager of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, will join the company's board of directors.

Johnson controls and York are 'doing more' for HVAC.(newsline)
February 13, 2006... CHICAGO -- "Look for things to go up." That's how David Myers sees the merger of Johnson Controls and York International, which became effective Dec. 9, 2005. Even though the two companies are still ironing out roles and duties, Myers,...

Emerson acquires drive company.(newsline)(Emerson's Control Techniques Division)(Saftronics Inc.)
February 13, 2006... CHICAGO -- Emerson's Control Techniques Division announced the acquisition of Saftronics, Fort Myers, Fla. Saftronics is a leading provider of drives and drive systems for both industrial and commercial applications. The company's products are...

www.achrnews.com.(newsline)(Brief Article)
February 13, 2006... EXTRA EDITION * The Importance of Phone Scripts: All employees responsible for answering the phone should have a basic approach that gets all the information needed. Al Levi provides insight into creating phone scripts. MANUFACTURER...

Certification in the works.(newsline)
February 13, 2006... CHICAGO -- If all goes according to HVAC Excellence's plan, there will be another certification program available before the end of the year. This new certification program will have a different twist. Not only will there be a written test for...

Obituaries.(Mark J. Lien)(David M. Debien)(Obituary)
February 13, 2006... Mark J. Lien COON RAPIDS, Minn. --Mark J. Lien, 45, formerly of Grenada, Miss., died in an automotive accident Jan. 25, 2006, immediately after attending the AHR Expo in Chicago. He had been with Outokumpu Heatcraft in Grenada, Miss., for...

Danfoss offers EnVisioneering.(newsline)
February 13, 2006... CHICAGO -- Danfoss officials talked about ways product development and other aspects of the industry can be incorporated into what was described as an integrated approach at the annual International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating...

Desert Aire dehumidifies with MSP technology.(newsline)(Brief Article)
February 13, 2006... MILWAUKEE -- Desert Aire announced that it is partnering with fellow HVAC company MSP[R] Technology to build energy-efficient dehumidifiers for the big box and natatorium markets. As a manufacturer of industrial refrigerant-based dehumidifiers,...

Contractors gain recycling incentives.(newsline)
February 13, 2006... BOSTON -- The Product Stewardship Institute (PSI) and the Thermostat Recycling Corp. (TRC) have partnered with the states of Indiana and Oregon, along with Portland General Electric, to offer contractors a financial incentive for recycling...

Products throw everything at biologicals: technologies bundled for your health and convenience.(FOCUS: AHR EXPO POST-SHOW ISSUE * NEW PRODUCTS: IAQ * NEW PRODUCTS: UNITARY)
February 13, 2006... CHICAGO -- The indoor air quality (IAQ) product manufacturers are getting touchy when it comes to killing germs and destroying biological contaminants. Just look at some of the products shown at the 2006 International Air-Conditioning, Heating,...

13 SEER equipment takes a bow: newest unitary products combine both flash and substance.(FOCUS: AHR EXPO POST-SHOW ISSUE: NEW PRODUCTS: UNITARY)
February 13, 2006... CHICAGO -- As can be expected, there were numerous 13-plus SEER product introductions at the 2006 International AirConditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition (AHR Expo). Show attendees crowded into booths to see the latest high-efficiency...

HFCs, mineral oil make happy marriage.(FOCUS: AHR EXPO POST-SHOW ISSUE * NEW PRODUCTS: REFRIGERANTS)
February 13, 2006... CHICAGO -- HFCs that work with mineral oil--rather than POEs--formed the main refrigerant story line at the 2006 International AirConditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition (AHR Expo). DuPont used the expo to officially launch to the...

Blowers, drives, motors take to the aisles.(FOCUS: AHR EXPO POST-SHOW ISSUE * NEW PRODUCTS: BLOWERS, DRIVES, AND MOTORS)
February 13, 2006... CHICAGO -- Bigger and better mousetraps? Maybe not, but makers of blowers, drives, and motors had a lot of new products to share with attendees of the 2006 International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition (AHR Expo). Here is a...

New monitors, test instruments on display.(FOCUS: AHR EXPO POST-SHOW ISSUE * NEW PRODUCTS: MONITORS & TEST INSTRUMENTS)
February 13, 2006... CHICAGO -- Like most manufacturers of monitoring and test instruments, Testo (www. testo.com) did not come empty-handed to the 2006 International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition (AHR Expo). The Flanders, N.J.-based...

In the zone.(FOCUS: AHR EXPO POST-SHOW ISSUE * ZONING)
February 13, 2006... CHICAGO -- Zoning product manufacturers showed off their new wares at the 2006 International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition (AHR Expo). Airzone USA Corp. (www. airzone.es), a subsidiary of the Spanish company Airzone...

Chicago's Expo crowds warm to furnaces.(FOCUS: AHR EXPO POST-SHOW ISSUE * FURNACES)
February 13, 2006... CHICAGO -- The Windy City was the perfect place to showcase gas furnaces and heaters, as it was a little chilly at the 2006 International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition (AHR Expo). The crowds soon warmed, though, to the new...

80v oil furnace.(FOCUS: AHR EXPO POST-SHOW ISSUE * FURNACES)
February 13, 2006... CHICAGO -- Armstrong Air (www.armstrongair.com) announced at the 2006 International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition (AHR Expo) that it has recently added the Enhanced 80V variable speed oil furnace to the line of Armstrong...

Ductless products showcased at Expo.(FOCUS: AHR EXPO POST-ISSUE * NEW PRODUCTS: DUCTLESS)
February 13, 2006... CHICAGO -- Numerous companies brought new duct-flee air conditioning products to the 2006 International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition (AHR Expo). Leave it to LG Electronics USA (www.lgusa.com) to take it to the next...

Portable a/c and heat.(FOCUS: AHR EXPO POST-SHOW ISSUE * DUCTLESS)
February 13, 2006... CHICAGO -- With the introduction of the CM12 at the 2006 International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Expo (AHR Expo), MovinCool (www.movin cool.cam) now has a somewhat different twist to its portable spot cooling offerings. ...

Products are breath of fresh air.(FOCUS: AHR EXPO POST-SHOW ISSUE * NEW PRODUCTS: VENTILATION)
February 13, 2006... CHICAGO -- It was quite fitting that the 2006 International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition (AHR Expo) featured numerous fans, blowers, air handlers, and similar products. After all, the show was held in Chicago, so...

Ducts lining all the rows.(FOCUS: AHR EXPO POST-SHOW ISSUE * NEW PRODUCTS: DUCTS)
February 13, 2006... CHICAGO -- It seemed that everywhere you looked at the 2006 International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition (AHR Expo), there were new duct, grille, register, and diffuser offerings. Crowds flocked to see everything from...

Crowds find cool commercial products.(FOCUS: AHR EXPO POST-SHOW ISSUE * NEW PRODUCTS: COMMERCIAL COOLING)
February 13, 2006... CHICAGO -- A wide array of new commercial cooling equipment was displayed at the 2006 International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition (AHR Expo). Everything from chillers and cooling towers to split systems and rooftop units...

Innovations stress energy efficiency.(FOCUS: AHR EXPO POST-SHOW ISSUE * NEW PRODUCTS: REFRIGERANT TECHNOLOGY)
February 13, 2006... CHICAGO -- The air conditioning sector may have its 13 SEER, but things aren't quite that simple on the refrigeration side. The Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI), the recent National Energy Policy, and the state of California...

Compressors try C[O.sub.2], condensers go quiet.(FOCUS: AHR EXPO POST-SHOW ISSUE * NEW PRODUCTS: COMPRESSORS & CONDENSERS)
February 13, 2006... CHICAGO -- Compressor and condenser innovations were across the board at the 2006 International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition (AHR Expo). Two recurring themes on the compressor side were advancements in scroll...

Products to keep those coils clean.(FOCUS: AHR EXPO POST-SHOW ISSUE * NEW PRODUCTS: HEAT EXCHANGERS & COILS)
February 13, 2006... CHICAGO -- While a focus at most any International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition (AHR Expo) is on the latest in coil technology, the 2006 edition of the expo seemed to give even more attention to the newest ways to keep...

It's all under control: commercial products enter into wireless.(FOCUS: AHR EXPO POST-SHOW ISSUE * NEW PRODUCTS: CONTROLS)
February 13, 2006... CHICAGO -- As you might expect, HVAC control systems both in the home and in commercial use are becoming more advanced. However, what seemed to be a convergence of technology a few short years ago, has split into different directions, at least...

Sensors and sensibility.(FOCUS: AHR EXPO POST-SHOW ISSUE * NEW PRODUCTS: CONTROLS)
February 13, 2006... The Chill-Out[TM] air-handling system combination sensor from Mince (www.minco.com) includes both a low-temperature cutout sensor and an averaging resistance temperature sensor in one unit. It features solid-state design with the relay...

New LonMark spec.(FOCUS: AHR EXPO POST-SHOW ISSUE * NEW PRODUCTS: CONTROLS)
February 13, 2006... LonMark Americas recently published a Facility Automation System Master Specification, designed to help consultants write specs for LonMark[R] open systems. It is available for free downloading at www.lonmarkamericas.org. According to the...

Scald prevention.(FOCUS: AHR EXPO POST-SHOW ISSUE * NEW PRODUCTS: CONTROLS)
February 13, 2006... The AM-1 Series thermostatic mixing valve from Honeywell Automation and Control Solutions (www.honeywell.com) is designed to prevent scalding and provide up to 50 percent more usable hot water, the company said. It allows homeowners to store...

New products make comfort just right.(FOCUS: AHR EXPO POST-SHOW ISSUE * NEW PRODUCTS: HUMIDIFICATION & DEHUMIDIFICATION)
February 13, 2006... CHICAGO -- New humidification and dehumidification products on display at the 2006 International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition (AHR Expo) showed off the industry's innovative technology to help keep indoor comfort at a...

Software products are a big draw at AHR.(FOCUS: AHR EXPO POST-SHOW ISSUE * NEW PRODUCTS: SOFTWARE * NEW PRODUCTS: HYDRONICS)
February 13, 2006... CHICAGO -- At times it didn't seem like the aisles were wide enough in front of the computer software exhibits at the 2006 International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition (AHR Expo). Interest in new software technology...

Hydronic heating products make a splash.(FOCUS: AHR EXPO POST-SHOW ISSUE * NEW PRODUCTS: HYDRONICS * NEW PRODUCTS: IAQ)
February 13, 2006... CHICAGO -- Hydronic heating was well represented in the new products category at the 2006 International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition (AHR Expo). Below is a list of some of the new products that contractors and...

It's not easy being green.(opinions: VIEWS AND INSIGHTS FROM THE EDITORIAL STAFF AND GUEST COLUMNISTS)(Editorial)
February 13, 2006... Sure, the old Kermit the Frog headline is overused, but it's about as accurate as one can be about green. No one else in my family chose green as their favorite color. Everybody else liked blue, or yellow, or some other wimpy hue. I...

Should future techs be turned away?(opinions: VIEWS AND INSIGHTS FROM THE EDITORIAL STAFF AND GUEST COLUMNISTS)
February 13, 2006... In last week's issue of The NEWS, we introduced Aaron Grace to you, a young 14-year-old service tech/installer who has made HVAC his "career" since tagging along on jobs with his dad, Art Grace, since the tender age of eight. Aaron is what I...

Baltimore Aircoil Co. (BAC).(Price Increase)
February 20, 2006... Baltimore Aircoil Co. (BAC) (Baltimore) increased prices an average of 4 percent on all BAC equipment and parts produced in North America, effective immediately.

Bradford White Corp.(Manufacturers)
February 20, 2006... Bradford White Corp. (Am bier, Pa.) announced the retirement of Anthony Maglione, director of international sales, and the appointment of James Resnick as new director of international sales.

Onicon Inc.(Manufacturers)
February 20, 2006... Onicon Inc.'s (Clearwater, Fla.) System-10 Btu meter earned LonMark 3.4 certification.

Dectron Internationale (Roswell, Ga.) named Kilmer Environmental (Toronto).(Manufacturers)
February 20, 2006... Dectron Internationale (Roswell, Ga.) named Kilmer Environmental (Toronto) as its Representative of the Year for 2005.

Laars Heating Systems Co.(Manufacturers)
February 20, 2006... Laars Heating Systems Co. (Rochester, N.H.) opened new facility locations in Rochester, N.H. and Simi, Calif.

Wohler USA Inc.(Manufacturers)
February 20, 2006... Wohler USA Inc. (Danvers, Mass.) relocated its Cary, N.C. headquarters to Danvers, Mass.

Richards-Zeta (Santa Barbara, Calif.) announced that PBM IT Solutions (Irvine, Calif.) joined.(Manufacturers)
February 20, 2006... Richards-Zeta (Santa Barbara, Calif.) announced that PBM IT Solutions (Irvine, Calif.) joined its system integrator network.

The National Association Of Oil Heating Service Managers (NAOHSM).(Associations)
February 20, 2006... The National Association Of Oil Heating Service Managers (NAOHSM) will he hosting an oil heat event in Lancaster, Pa., Sept. 21-24. For details contact info@ naohsm.org.

The North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA).(Associations)
February 20, 2006... The North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) made three of its manuals available electronically at no cost from January to March. Go to www.naima.org/ductmanuals.