Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration News articles from January 2007

Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration News archives from January 2007

ICOR International.(Manufacturers)
January 8, 2007... ICOR International (Indianapolis) launched its new corporate Website, www.icor international.com.

Eaton Corp. (Cleveland) has been elevated to promoter level and made a member of the ZigBee Alliance.(Manufacturers)
January 8, 2007... Eaton Corp. (Cleveland) has been elevated to promoter level and made a member of the ZigBee Alliance (San Ramon, Calif.) board of directors.

Cambridge Engineering Inc.(Manufacturers)
January 8, 2007... Cambridge Engineering Inc. (Chesterfield, Mo.) launched www.cambridge-eng.com.

The National Air Duct Cleaners Association's (NADCA's) board of directors approved an initiative.(Associations)
January 8, 2007... The National Air Duct Cleaners Association's (NADCA's) board of directors approved an initiative to pursue accreditation as a standards developer through the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

Mechanical Service Contractors of America (MSCA).(Associations)
January 8, 2007... Mechanical Service Contractors of America (MSCA) launched a Website (www. projecthomeagain.com) dedicated to Project Home Again, MSCA's missing children program.

The World Plumbing Council (WPC) awarded Phil Campbell.(Associations)
January 8, 2007... The World Plumbing Council (WPC) awarded Phil Campbell (Las Vegas) with a $7,500 scholarship.

The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).(Associations)
January 8, 2007... The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) extended its submission deadline to Jan. 15, 2007, for speakers interested in presenting at its IAQ 2007: Healthy and Sustainable buildings conference.

The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) International.(Associations)
January 8, 2007... The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) International elected Paul Shipp, Ph.D., P.E., to its board of directors.

Comprehensive Energy Services Inc.(Services)
January 8, 2007... Comprehensive Energy Services Inc. relocated its corporate headquarters to a new 44,000-square-foot facility in Longwood, Fla.

HomeSphere.(Services)
January 8, 2007... HomeSphere (Lakewood, Colo.), a rebate manager, added American Standard to its list of supply chain partners.

Prediction: design-build to flourish in 2007.
January 8, 2007... By the Chinese calendar, 2007 is the Year of the Pig. By those experienced in the field, 2007 should be labeled the year of design-build. All trends, indications, and research certainly point that direction. Some predictions include: 1....

Commercial tax deduction extended.
January 8, 2007... The commercial building tax deduction, originally provided in the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and set to expire Dec. 31, 2007, was extended one year when lawmakers passed the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006 (H.R. 6111). For commercial...

Correction.(Correction notice)
January 8, 2007... In the Dec. 18 issue of The NEWS, the photo on page one shows a technician performing combustion analysis after the barometric damper. The recommended procedure is to perform this function before the barometric damper in order to avoid false...

Quality and personal service in small HVAC businesses.(letters)(Letter to the editor)
January 8, 2007... As owner of a small mom and pop a/c business, I felt compelled to respond to the [Nov. 20] "Survival of the Smallest" article in The NEWS. It was refreshing and inspiring to read about these hands-on contractors in a business world where we are...

Stick with who you trust.(letters)(Letter to the editor)
January 8, 2007... [Editor's note: This letter is in response to John R. Hall's column "How Important Is Loyalty to Your HVACR Supplier?" Nov 6.] After a long time in this business (at an HVACR distributor), I can see both sides of the loyalty issue. Sorry,...

Honoring industry teachers.(letters)(Letter to the editor)
January 8, 2007... [Editor's note: This letter is in response to the Best Instructors articles in the Nov. 13 issue.] Thank you for your articles recognizing HVAC teachers. I retired from teaching in 2002. During the 30 years I taught HVAC, nobody in the...

Commercial refrigerator troubleshooting.(EXTRA EDITION)
January 8, 2007... Commercial Refrigerator Troubleshooting: This article provides tips for troubleshooting various commercial refrigerator conditions, including handling a unit that's dead, that's freezing up, or that might have a compressor problem.

The many ways to melt snow.(EXTRA EDITION)
January 8, 2007... The Many Ways to Melt Snow: Whether your heater of choice is hot water tubing or electrical elements, there are some basic details that are common to all successful snow melting systems. www.achrnews.com

ARTI report flattens comfort technology.(newsline)(Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology Institute)(Report)
January 8, 2007... ARLINGTON, Va. -- A newly released Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology Institute (ARTI) report characterizes how flattened-tube heat exchangers function under various environmental conditions and pressures. The study, "An...

ASHRAE gains recognition.(newsline)(American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers)(Brief article)
January 8, 2007... ATLANTA -- Recognized by the Sustainable Buildings Industry Council (SBIC), the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) received a Best Sustainable Practice Award in the Educational Initiatives...

DOE adopts procedures.(newsline)
January 8, 2007... ARLINGTON, Va. -- The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) issued a final rule on Dec. 8 that adopts Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI) standards as federal test procedures for evaluating the energy-efficiency performance of a...

PHCC influences Congress.(newsline)(Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors-National Association appointed Ike Casey)(Brief article)
January 8, 2007... FALLS CHURCH, Va. -- As a new member of the Small Business Legislative Council board, Ike Casey, vice president of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors-National Association (PHCC), will have a leadership role on five key legislative...

Siemens awards top dealers.(Siemens Building Technologies Inc.)(Brief article)
January 8, 2007... LAS VEGAS -- Siemens Building Technologies Inc. recognized the Staefa New Dealer of the Year, Connecticut Temperature Controls, LLC, Newington, Conn., and the Staefa Dealer of the Year, Control Concepts Inc., Cumming, Ga., at its annual Staefa...

Learning packet released.(The Service Roundtable Business Knowledge Pak)(Brief article)
January 8, 2007... GRAPEVINE, Texas -- The Service Roundtable released The Service Roundtable Business Knowledge Pak, a library of 24 eLearning courses selected specifically for the contracting businesses. "This is essential business knowledge, value priced,...

Compressor, refrigeration controls.
January 8, 2007... The GForce[TM] microprocessor control system is designed for screw compressor and refrigeration system control. The control panel features a 15-inch (380mm) diagonal, full-color LCD touch-screen. A polyester overlay protects the 120-degree...

Internet-enabled thermostats.(what's new)
January 8, 2007... The latest Internet-enabled thermostats, models TM220 and TM250, combine features of the company's Network Thermostat (NT) Series with the added capability of independent alarming on two external sensor inputs. These inputs can sense...

Blower motor service booklet.
January 8, 2007... The "ECM Service Guide" is a free diagnostic and service booklet developed specifically for use with the GE ECM variable-speed blower motors used in HVAC applications. It shows service technicians how to properly diagnose and service...

Energy-savings analysis software.(what's new)
January 8, 2007... The E20-II Hourly Analysis Program (HAP) v4.31 has been designed for energy-savings calculation and has been approved by the U.S. Department of Energy for certifying those energy savings. Commercial building owners and leaseholders can now use...

HVAC, lighting control system.(what's new)
January 8, 2007... BASYX control systems are specifically designed to provide accurate control of HVAC equipment and lighting systems for convenience stores and gas stations. The BASYX CS can control time-of-day scheduling, temperature and humidity control for...

95 percent AFUE gas furnaces.(what's new)
January 8, 2007... Three G61V gas furnace models have been added to the Dave Lennox Signature Collection product line. At 95 percent AFUE, these gas furnaces qualify for a $150 U.S. energy-efficiency tax credit and are Energy Star[R] products. The G61Vs provide...

Wraparound-style air conditioner filter.(EDITOR'S CHOICE)
January 8, 2007... The PreVent[R] Wraparound-style air conditioner filter is designed to protect central air conditioning air intake louvers/fins from debris that clogs fin surfaces, insulates coils, and decreases equipment efficiency. The washable 3-D...

Valve technology combines components: factory-assembled valve station limits welding and leaks.(REFRIGERATION zone)
January 8, 2007... Refrigeration technicians who work on industrial systems are aware of the challenges of installing up to a half dozen valves along a long line of pipe. It means a lot of time welding and dealing with pipe flanges. Now a technology limits...

Checking for noncondensables.(REFRIGERATION ZONE: ice breaker)(use of air conditioning condensers to check contaminants in the refrigeration system)
January 8, 2007... The only fluids circulating within a refrigeration system should be refrigerant and oil. Any other fluids contained within the system may reduce its capacity and possibly cause harm to the system. One common contaminant that can enter a system...

'Hidden' supermarket serves special purpose.(REFRIGERATION ZONE: field solution)
January 8, 2007... KENNESAW, Ga. -- No large sign, high in the sky, lures shoppers to one of the most sophisticated and technologically superior supermarkets in the world. There is no massive parking lot. No large sliding doors automatically open to those wishing...

Compressor capacity and you.(Column)
January 8, 2007... The service technician cannot control many factors that affect a reciprocating compressor's capacity. However, the tech can control a few factors that can help the system have more capacity and run more efficiently. The following factors...

Contractor provides right IAQ answer: America's largest indoor waterpark considered a testimony to, for fabric ductwork.(FOCUS: DESIGN-BUILD TRENDS)
January 8, 2007... When a project calls for mechanical design-build, service and maintenance, integrated energy services, or facility automation services, you can count on Kilgust Mechanical. So preaches president Dave Bultman. In Bultman's estimation,...

Outsourcing helps control fleet costs.(field solutions)
January 8, 2007... Every business owner wants to cut costs and add efficiency. And for Scott Templin, president and general manager of Temperature Service Co., a commercial and industrial mechanical contractor in Elk Grove, Ill., that means outsourcing the...

Promote service in the New Year.(opinions: VIEWS AND INSIGHTS FROM THE EDITORIAL STAFF AND GUEST COLUMNISTS)(preventative maintenance services)(Column)
January 8, 2007... An often-quoted study by the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service Louisiana State University (LSU) Agriculture Center and the Gulf States Utility Co. is more commonly known as the LSU Study. Funny thing about this important piece of...

A 'mystery' refrigerant?(opinions: VIEWS AND INSIGHTS FROM THE EDITORIAL STAFF AND GUEST COLUMNISTS)
January 8, 2007... I know some of our readers work on automotive air conditioning--usually on the side or just to help a friend. But there are developments in that sector of air conditioning that might someday have an impact on the stationary sector, which all...

GEA FlatPlate Inc.(Price Increases)
January 15, 2007... GEA FlatPlate Inc. (York, Pa.) increased prices 4-7 percent on all base pricing, effective Jan. 22.

SPX Cooling Technologies Inc.(Price Increases)
January 15, 2007... SPX Cooling Technologies Inc. (Overland Park, Kan.) increased prices 9 percent globally on all stainless steel Marley and Recold branded factory-assembled products and options, effective immediately.

FES Systems Inc.(Price Increases)
January 15, 2007... FES Systems Inc. (York, Pa.) increased prices 4-8 percent on all standard commercial refrigeration equipment, effective immediately.

Nomaco K-Flex.(Manufacturers)
January 15, 2007... Nomaco K-Flex (Youngsville, N.C.) promoted Bill Ronca to the newly created product manager of air-handling systems position.

PoolPak International.(Manufacturers)
January 15, 2007... PoolPak International (York, Pa.) appointed Chuck Munchel as national sales manager.

A-1 Components Corp.(Manufacturers)
January 15, 2007... A-1 Components Corp. (Hialeah, Fla.) launched its new Website at www.a-1 components.com

JMF Co.(Manufacturers)
January 15, 2007... JMF Co. (Bettendorf, Iowa) hired Kevin Shepard as national sales manager of its HVAC division.

Kromschroder Inc.(Manufacturers)
January 15, 2007... Kromschroder Inc. (Hudson, Ohio) named Columbus Climate Controls (Columbus, Ohio) as dealer for its combustion control products in central Ohio.

Danfoss.(Manufacturers)
January 15, 2007... Danfoss (Baltimore) acquired Aztec Energy Partners (Conyers, Ga.).

Ferguson.(Distributors)
January 15, 2007... Ferguson (Newport News, Va.) acquired Onda-Lay Pipe & Rental Inc. (Midland, Texas) and TNT Sales Inc. (Albuquerque, N.M.).

WinWholesale Inc.(Distributors)
January 15, 2007... WinWholesale Inc. (Dayton, Ohio) opened new locations in Baton Rouge, La.; Cottonwood, Ariz.; Eugene, Ore.; El Paso, Texas; and Long Beach, Calif.

AHR Expo: Texas-style roundup: HVAC Manufacturers Corral Annual Innovation Awards.
January 15, 2007... DALLAS -- Eight companies have been named as the winners of the fi ft h annual International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition (AHR Expo) Innovation Awards. All companies will be recognized at a special ceremony during the...

The training track: the AHR Expo Educational Sessions schedule.(Calendar)
January 15, 2007... Monday, Jan. 29 Testing & Balancing Certifications the Real Deal 9 a.m., Room D163--TABB What's New and Green in Building Automation AHR Expo 2007? 9 a.m., Room D167--IEC NATE Review Class and Certification Exams 9 a.m., Room...

Extra edition.(www.achrnews.com)
January 15, 2007... * The Importance of Giving Complete Work Assignments: Employees upset customers when managers don't give employees all the information they need to perform as customers expect. Employees need to know what they are expected to do and why.

New online learning center.(www.achrnews.com)
January 15, 2007... * In cooperation with HVACReducation. net, this resource provides contractors and techs with cost-effective online training leading to NATE certification.

Breaking news.(www.achrnews.com)
January 15, 2007... For the latest news about--and impacting--the HVACR industry, check our Breaking News section every weekday morning.

Product of the week.(www.achrnews.com)
January 15, 2007... Want information on the latest featured new product in The NEWS? Product of the Week highlights that item on our home page every week.

Editorial archives.(www.achrnews.com)
January 15, 2007... 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.

Symposium shows role of states in energy efficiency.(newsline)
January 15, 2007... CHICAGO -- Diane Shea, executive director of the National Association of State Energy Officials, was among speakers who engaged a group of about 25 HVACR and allied industry leaders during a Danfoss-sponsored symposium titled, "The Future of...

Crown Boilers recalled for excessive levels of CO.(newsline)
January 15, 2007... WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Crown Boiler Co., Philadelphia, announced a voluntary recall of approximately 400 Bermuda BSI and Cayman CWI Series gas boilers. The boilers can generate excessive...

ASTM launches student initiative.(American Society for Testing and Materials International)(Washington Internships for Students of Engineering)(Brief article)
January 15, 2007... WEST CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. -- The American Society for Testing and Materials International (ASTM) is marking 2007 as the Year of the Student. As part of this initiative, ASTM will embark on a series of academic efforts aimed at building greater...

New refrigerants enter U.S. market.
January 15, 2007... COLLEGE POINT, N.Y. -- Four HFC refrigerants that can work with mineral oil and have long been available in Europe are now coming to the U.S. market through ComStar, a distribution company. It has announced it is distributing RS-24...

Goodman upgrades warranties.
January 15, 2007... HOUSTON -- Goodman Manufacturing Co. L.P., a wholly owned subsidiary of Goodman Global Inc., announced that effective immediately, homeowners will be offered a 10-year parts limited warranty on all new Goodman[R] brand residential furnaces,...

Grainger, AACC scholarships.
January 15, 2007... CHICAGO -- Grainger awarded its three remaining 2006 scholarships to Fernando Gomez, Waukegan, Ill.; Brandon Bogle, Milford, Ohio; and Troy Hastings, Baltimore, completing the first year of the company's Tools for Tomorrow scholarship program....

Attendance, time system.(what's new)
January 15, 2007... The PocketClock tracks worker attendance via a Palm Pilot. Workers clock themselves in and out using a personalized PIN. When a worker clocks in, the person is prompted for the jobsite location and the cost code the person is performing. At the...

Coaxial-style heat exchangers.(what's new)
January 15, 2007... The company has partnered with Shenshi Heat Exchanger Co. to provide distribution and engineering support of coaxial-style heat exchangers for North American markets. The heat exchangers utilize a spirally enhanced inner tube surface to achieve...

ERV Web tool.(what's new)
January 15, 2007... The AirX Estimator is a free Web-based tool that allows users to evaluate the energy savings and cost-effectiveness of energy recovery ventilation (ERV) that use the manufacturer's energy recovery wheels. Users can perform a customized...

Infrared tube heaters.
January 15, 2007... Four higher-capacity units have been added to the LTS Series infrared tube heater line. Available in both natural and propane gas units, the LTS Series straight tube heaters now come in 19 models and in more than 100 configurations, with...

Van bulkhead, shelving systems.(what's new)
January 15, 2007... New bulkhead and shelving systems have been added to the Weather Guard[R] Van Solutions brand. The units offer end users and fleet managers a way to customize their vans for increased productivity. The bulkheads universally fit Ford and Chevy...

Mobile field service software.(what's new)
January 15, 2007... Users now have the ability to link field activity directly into QuickBooks[R] 6.0, an accounting program. The mobile field service software enhancement meets field service companies' most pressing needs by automating invoicing, customer data...

Forced-air spot heaters.(what's new)
January 15, 2007... Pro-Tough portable propane forced-air spot heaters are an instant heat source for indoor or outdoor jobs wherever heat is needed during the cold months. The heaters are equipped with a high-capacity fan to quickly circulate directional heat. It...

Commercial air-handling units.(what's new)
January 15, 2007... The Combat[R] DF-Series line of direct-fired air-handling units are designed for commercial and light industrial applications such as vehicle repair/service shops, warehouses, and manufacturing facilities. The air handlers can be designed to...

Desiccant dehumidifier.(what's new)
January 15, 2007... The compact MiniPAC[R] desiccant dehumidifier now is offered in a weatherproof design, in addition to the indoor version. The new unit is certified for outdoor use. Both units are now available with 480/3/60 voltage. The outdoor model is...

Power relays.(what's new)
January 15, 2007... The AZ880 Series 10-A subminiature power relays are available with gold-plated contacts, epoxy-sealed or flux tight construction, and reversed polarity coils. Features include latching and non-latching versions (single or dual coil), 1 Form A,...

Universal Products Reference Card.(what's new)
January 15, 2007... The Universal Products Reference Visor Card (form WR-0889), a free, updated universal products quick-reference guide for contractors, contains information about White-Rodgers universal replacement products and thermostats. The 4.25- by 11-inch,...

Cooling tower.(what's new)
January 15, 2007... The reintroduced Premier[TM] cooling tower line has had several improvements and upgrades made to it. They now have a very efficient nozzle distribution system--large orifice, no-clog nozzles in a fixed distribution system with no moving parts...

Online duct comparison program.(what's new)
January 15, 2007... The ductChallenge online program allows the user to test drive and see the difference between the company's custom manifolded duct and another manufacturer's stock duct. At the company's Website, the user can assemble two duct systems at a...

Portable sound wall.(what's new)
January 15, 2007... The LSE portable absorptive sound wall contains the acoustic performance of the permanent LSE system while incorporating ease-of-use and sufficient portability. The portable walls have an NRC of 1.05 per ASTM Test Method C423-90a and an STC of...

Excess inventory Website.(what's new)
January 15, 2007... The Website service links together the excess inventory of other companies locally as well as nationwide to help companies find the equipment and/or materials they need for their next project, at a substantial discount. In most cases, items...

Attack of the killer contract clauses: when in doubt, shift responsibility to the customer.(conference update)
January 15, 2007... CHARLESTON, S.C. -- In general, mechanical contractors need to make sure they aren't taking on more contract responsibility than they intend to, said a speaker at the Mechanical Service Contractors of America (MSCA) Educational Conference. ...

Should you fire your CPA?(business management)
January 15, 2007... For many of us, we get our final profit and loss statement and balance sheet from our accountant somewhere between Feb. 1 and March 10. Every year it is the same; the previous year has come and gone and then we find out how we did. If it was...

AHR Expo heads to Dallas.(FOCUS: AHR EXPO PRE-SHOW ISSUE)(Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigerating)
January 15, 2007... DALLAS -- The last time Dallas hosted the International Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigerating (AHR) Expo was 2000. This year's event will be even bigger than the last time it came to Dallas, with more than 1,600 exhibiting companies from...

Energy efficiency is focus of ASHRAE meeting.(FOCUS: AHR EXPO PRE-SHOW ISSUE)
January 15, 2007... DALLAS -- Contractors planning to attend the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigerating Exposition (AHR Expo) will have an opportunity to also attend a few of the sessions that will be presented at the American Society of Heating,...

MCAA recruitment effort hits home run.(training & education)
January 15, 2007... ATLANTA -- If you were a junior or senior in college working toward a degree today, could you be enticed to pledge your loyalties to the mechanical contracting industry? The answer might not come in the immediate future, but the Mechanical...

Max Hayes high school struts its stuff.(Max S. Hayes Vocational High School)(Organization overview)
January 15, 2007... CLEVELAND -- Max is Back! signs greet visitors and remind students of the long road that Max S. Hayes Vocational High School has traveled, and of the many successes ahead. The inner-city school was once the shining accomplishment of the union...