Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration News articles from July 2005

Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration News archives from July 2005

The Dwyer Group Inc.(Contractors)(Mike Owens)(Brief Article)
July 4, 2005... The Dwyer Group Inc. (Waco, Texas) named Mike Owens director of vendor programs and president of ProTradeNet.

University Mechanical and Engineering Contractors Inc., Ramirez Mechanical Systems Inc., Kinetic Systems Inc., Bel-Aire Mechanical Inc., and Dynamic Systems Inc. were recognized by Southwest Contractor.(Contractors)(Brief Article)
July 4, 2005... University Mechanical and Engineering Contractors Inc., Ramirez Mechanical Systems Inc., Kinetic Systems Inc., Bel-Aire Mechanical Inc., and Dynamic Systems Inc. were recognized by Southwest Contractor for their work on Arizona's 2004 Top...

Milwaukee Valve.(Milwaukee Valve Company Inc)(John Labellarte)(Brief Article)
July 4, 2005... Milwaukee Valve (Milwaukee) promoted John Labellarte to chief operating officer.

International Barrier Technology Inc.(Manufacturers)(Brief Article)
July 4, 2005... International Barrier Technology Inc. (Watkins, Minn.) hired James Kleinke as sales manager, U.S. Operations.

York International Corp.'s Unitary Products Group (Norman, Okla.) awarded Virginia Air Distributors Inc. (Richmond, Va.).(Manufacturers)(Brief Article)
July 4, 2005... York International Corp.'s Unitary Products Group (Norman, Okla.) awarded Virginia Air Distributors Inc. (Richmond, Va.) first place in its National Distributor Contest.

Midwest Tool and Cutlery.(Manufacturers)(Brief Article)
July 4, 2005... Midwest Tool and Cutlery (Sturgis, Mich.) celebrates its 60th anniversary.

Eurotherm.(Eurotherm Controls Inc)(Dan Bender)(Brief Article)
July 4, 2005... Eurotherm (Leesburg, Va.) appointed Dan Bender as product marketing manager for Power Controls Products.

Semco Duct & Acoustical Products Inc. has named Mechanical Reps Inc. the exclusive representative for Austin.(Manufacturers)(Brief Article)
July 4, 2005... Semco Duct & Acoustical Products Inc. has named Mechanical Reps Inc. the exclusive representative for Austin, San Antonio, and the Rio Grande Valley in Texas.

Jackson Systems.(Manufacturers)(www.jacksonsystems.com)(Brief Article)
July 4, 2005... Jackson Systems (Indianapolis) announced a new program allowing contractors to receive a free zone control panel with each qualified referral. Contractors interested in the program should visit www.jackson systems.com and fill out the zone...

Reducing U.S. oil dependence: President Bush is keynote speaker at Energy Efficiency Forum.(Energy Efficiency Forum)
July 4, 2005... WASHINGTON -- The United States needs to reduce its dependence on foreign oil, declared President George W. Bush at the 16th annual Energy Efficiency Forum, held at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center. An important step in...

Leaking compressor.(EXTRA EDITION)
July 4, 2005... In this edition of the Btu Buddy series, Bob's cooling system service call seems to be a classic case of low charge. With Btu Buddy's help, he discovers it's actually a compressor problem. For details, read the Service & Maintenance article...

ACCA and ASHRAE cooperate on standard.(Air Conditioning Contractors Association of America)(American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers)(Methods and Procedures for Performing Peak Heating and Cooling Load Calculations)
July 4, 2005... ARLINGTON, Va. -- A new standard for determining load calculations will be developed by American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) in cooperation with the Air Conditioning Contractors Association of...

Sullair Corp.(40th anniversary)(Brief Article)
July 4, 2005... Sullair Corp. (Michigan City, Ind.) celebrates its 40th anniversary.

Rinnai North America.(Manufacturers)(Brief Article)
July 4, 2005... Rinnai North America (Atlanta, Ga.) announced the grand opening of its Aliso Viejo, Calif. operation. The new office will serve as West Coast headquarters.

Johnstone Supply (Indianapolis) presented Jerry Hughes with the Leadership Award.(Distributors)(Brief Article)
July 4, 2005... Johnstone Supply (Indianapolis) presented Jerry Hughes with the Leadership Award at the company's annual meeting.

Gustave A. Larson Co.(Distributors)(appointment of Scott Larson)(Brief Article)
July 4, 2005... Scott Larson has been named executive vice president and chief operating officer of the Gustave A. Larson Co. (Pewaukee, Wis.).

Louisiana Technical College HVACR programs at Sidney N. Collier Campus (New Orleans), Young Memorial Campus (Morgan City), River Parishes Campus (Reserve), Gulf Area Campus (Abbeville), Shelby M. Jackson Campus (Ferriday), and Lamar Salter Campus (Leesville) were granted accreditation.(Schools)(Brief Article)
July 4, 2005... Louisiana Technical College HVACR programs at Sidney N. Collier Campus (New Orleans), Young Memorial Campus (Morgan City), River Parishes Campus (Reserve), Gulf Area Campus (Abbeville), Shelby M. Jackson Campus (Ferriday), and Lamar Salter...

Data-Basics.(Software)(2005 SAM Pro Enterprise Best Practices and User's Group Meeting )(Brief Article)
July 4, 2005... Data-Basics (Cleveland) will hold its 2005 SAM Pro Enterprise Best Practices and User's Group Meeting in Cleveland on Sept. 11-13. For more information on the meeting, visit www. databasics.com/2005seminar.

The Indoor Environmental Standards Organization (IESO).(second annual California Mold Symposium)(Brief Article)
July 4, 2005... The Indoor Environmental Standards Organization (IESO) will hold the second annual California Mold Symposium on Saturday, July 9, in Santa Ana, Calif. For more information, visit www.iestandards.org.

The National Association of Oil Heating Service Managers (NAOHSM).(Central Pennsylvania Chapter)(Oil Heat Cares Cup)(Brief Article)
July 4, 2005... The National Association of Oil Heating Service Managers (NAOHSM) recently awarded the Central Pennsylvania Chapter with the first "Oil Heat Cares Cup." The award was given in recognition of the charity work done to help a single mother replace...

The Building & Fire Code Academy.(Associations)(course for HVAC tradespeople )(Brief Article)
July 4, 2005... A two-day course to help HVAC tradespeople understand the 2003 International Mechanical Code hosted by The Building & Fire Code Academy is set for Sept. 7-8 in Pittsburgh. For more information, visit www.bfcacademy.com.

Davis named Greenheck chairman, CEO.(Dwight Davis)(Greenheck Fan Corp)(Brief Article)
July 4, 2005... SCHOFIELD, Wis. -- Dwight Davis has been elected chairman of the board and chief executive officer of Greenheck Fan Corp. The company's former chairman, Robert C. Greenheck, will remain on the board as chairman emeritus. In his new position,...

Laars announces Reps of the Year.(industry NEWS)
July 4, 2005... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Caption: Laars Announces Reps Of The Year: Laars Heating Systems, a Bradford-White company, recently held a reception to honor its "Reps of the Year" for 2004. Award winners for the U.S. market included Rathe...

Instructor improvement is topic of RSES seminar.(Refrigeration Service Engineers Society)(Brief Article)
July 4, 2005... DES PLAINES, Ill. -- Improving and enhancing the presentation and training skills of anyone who makes presentations to a group will be the topic of discussion when the Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES) and its Buckeye State...

News editor wins third ASBPE award.(John R. Hall)(American Society of Business Publication Editors)(Brief Article)
July 4, 2005... CHICAGO -- John R. Hall, the business management editor of The News, was recently given an award in the "Regular Column, Staff Written" category by the American Society of Business Publication Editors (ASBPE). The award covers publications...

Nordyne forms Nordyne International.(International Marketing Supply Inc)(Nordyne International Inc)(Brief Article)
July 4, 2005... ST. LOUIS, Mo. -- Nordyne has completed the acquisition of International Marketing Supply Inc. (IMS), a Miami-based international HVAC products sales organization. The business will be operated through a newly formed Nordyne subsidiary named...

Emerson strengthens contractor relationships.(Emerson Climate Technologies)(Brief Article)
July 4, 2005... ST. LOUIS -- Emerson Climate Technologies has launched an initiative to develop and strengthen relationships with refrigeration contractors who specify, install, repair, and service refrigeration equipment in the food service industry. The...

U.S. Chiller Services and McQuay sign agreement.(McQuay International)(Brief Article)
July 4, 2005... DUBAI, United Arab Emirates -- U.S. Chiller Services (USCS) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) agreement with McQuay International appointing USCS as McQuay's authorized service representative for all centrifugal and screw chiller...

Invensys Controls launches Robertshaw campaign.(industry NEWS)(Brief Article)
July 4, 2005... CAROL STREAM, Ill. -- Invensys Controls kicked off its "Make the Connection" program that offers customers free training, a sales promotion, and personalized identification on Robertshaw[R] thermostat products. "This program connects...

Labor is focus at PHCC course.(Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Educational Foundation)(Project Management course)(Brief Article)
July 4, 2005... FALLS CHURCH, Va. -- Twenty-one business owners, operations managers, project managers, estimators, and superintendents spent four intensive days at the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors (PHCC) Educational Foundation's Essentials of PHC...

NCI conference set for September.(Industry News)(National Comfort Institute Inc)
July 4, 2005... Long before 13 SEER ever became an issue, a select group of HVAC contractors got together on a yearly basis to discuss accurate ways to measure and deliver true HVAC system performance. As the founder of this group, National Comfort Institute...

Dirt, air separator.(what's NEW)
July 4, 2005... The DAS dirt and air separator has been added to the company's air and expansion control line. The DAS is designed to eliminate entrained air and separate dirt particles associated with the startup and maintenance of hydronic systems. It...

Plasma cutting product guide.(what's NEW)(Buyers Guide)
July 4, 2005... A new guide is available on the A-Series family of plasma cutting systems. The A-Series Quick Guide is a comprehensive information resource on each of the units making up the family, which includes three new units for cutting metal across the...

Thermostat.(what's NEW)
July 4, 2005... A new Amana[R] digital thermostat with humidity control is suitable for both single- and multi-stage heating and cooling systems. It is adaptable to most 24-volt residential forced-air systems. The thermostat can be programmed to adjust the...

Ammonia monitor.(what's NEW)
July 4, 2005... The AirCheck Lite Model TX-2460FN is a gas monitor that detects ammonia leaks in various refrigeration equipment and applications, including refrigerated warehouses, coolers, and blast freezers. The unit detects ammonia concentrations as low as...

Portable air conditioner.(what's NEW)
July 4, 2005... The Office Pro 36 portable air conditioning unit protects against heat-related problems, especially data loss to computer and telecom equipment, states the manufacturer. It provides 36,000 Btuh of cooling capacity and operates on 230 volts of...

Pressure switches.(what's NEW)
July 4, 2005... The PS41 Series of pressure switches uses an internal piston to allow high-proof pressure, while gaining sensitivity and accuracy from a diaphragm media interface, the company says. Repeatability is [+ or -] 2 percent of the full set point...

Refrigeration system.(what's NEW)
July 4, 2005... The new MRS Series modular multi-compressor refrigeration system is designed to save energy and reduce in-store heat and noise in quick-serve restaurants, convenience stores, hotels, and other food service operations, the company says. By...

Data logger.(what's NEW)
July 4, 2005... The TK180 and SK180 super compact, economy data loggers feature [+ or -] 1.2[degrees]F temperature accuracy and [+ or -] 2 percent relative humidity accuracy. The data loggers can store almost 8,000 sample points. Model TK180 is designed for...

From ice making to beer dispensing: NRA restaurant, hotel-motel show features wide range of refrigeration products.(focus: Ice Machines, Freezers & Coolers)(National Restaurant Association 2005 Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show )
July 4, 2005... CHICAGO -- There were 2,000 exhibitors, several hundred of which were showing mechanical refrigeration products that contractors and technicians will be more than likely called upon to install or service. The National Restaurant Association...

More efficient ice machines meet FEMP guidelines.(focus: Ice Machines, Freezers & Coolers)(Federal Energy Management Program)
July 4, 2005... Like most other commercial refrigeration equipment, ice machines are being scrutinized for potential energy efficiency improvements. In November 2000, the Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) included ice machines in its recommended...

Just call it 'Gizmology': ice arena dehumidifies using brine.(focus: Ice Machines, Freezers & Coolers)
July 4, 2005... A different approach to ice arena dehumidification is being offered. It has the ear-catching name of Gizmology[R] and it comes from BRR Technologies of Morehead City, N.C. In Gizmology, dehumidifiers utilize brine that is leaving the rink...

Gaining security along with efficiency.(Energy Efficiency Forum)
July 4, 2005... WASHINGTON -- Just as President Bush did in his keynote address, other speakers at the 16'h annual Energy Efficiency Forum also touched on this country's foreign oil dependence and the importance of energy security. The forum was co-sponsored...

Reliable, cost-effective leak detection.(refrigeration zone)(quality management)
July 4, 2005... Manufacturers of refrigeration and air conditioning components and systems recognize that quality is as critical as the price and design of the product. The most critical quality factor is the tightness of the system. A miniscule leak, as small...

FMI conference eyes refrigeration trends.(refrigeration zone)
July 4, 2005... Future trends in refrigerants, Environmental Protection Agency regulations governing leak rates, cogeneration, electronic stepper valves, power procurement, compressor technology, secondary coolants, and technician training are among the topics...

More on the basic refrigeration system.(refrigeration zone)
July 4, 2005... This is another in a series of columns addressing advanced basics in the understanding of the refrigeration cycle. In this column, we continue our look at components. The June 6 column ("The Basic Refrigeration System") dealt with the...

Building a better mousetrap.(refrigeration zone)
July 4, 2005... When a manufacturer comes out with a new product, it is often the result of efforts by the research and development department along with the folks in sales and marketing. Typically, the new product is intended as a better mousetrap--something...

Where did the oil go?(refrigeration zone)
July 4, 2005... Almost all refrigeration compressors contain oil, which is necessary to lubricate the compressor's internal bearing surfaces. As part of the normal compression cycle, some oil will be pumped out of the compressor with the refrigerant. Any oil...

American Standard distributors gather.
July 4, 2005... American Standard distributors had a full agenda facing them as they gathered in Indian Wells, Calif., earlier this year to celebrate a record sales year, prepare for major market changes on the horizon, learn about new products, and kick off a...

Get serious about 13 SEER.(our INSIGHTS)
July 4, 2005... Do you ever think that there has been way too much discussion on the topic of 13 SEER efficiency standards? It does seem something is being said about it every week, and perhaps some people are getting bored with the topic. Then, along comes a...

Ensuring techs' safety in the heat.(our INSIGHTS)
July 4, 2005... Temperatures are hovering in the 90s and the heat index is pushing the "feel like" temperatures over 100[degrees]F. Suddenly, the worker feels weak and lightheaded. Red blotches appear on his skin. He begins to feel nauseous. Soon he is dizzy...

Fedders Islandaire Inc.(appointed Bill Horst as sales manager)(Brief Article)
July 11, 2005... Fedders Islandaire Inc. (Ronkonkoma, N.Y.) hired Bill Horst as national sales manager.

Spectronics Corp.(Manufacturers)(Brief Article)
July 11, 2005... In celebration of its 50th anniversary, Spectronics Corp. (Westbury, N.Y.) is giving away a 50-inch television. To register, visit www.spectroline.com.

Bitzer US.(Manufacturers)(Brief Article)
July 11, 2005... Bitzer US announced the opening of its new compressor manufacturing plant in Oakwood, Ga. For more information, visit www.bitzerus.com.

Mestek.(appointed California Hydronics Corp. and Smith Cast Iron Boiler as manufacturer's representative)(Brief Article)
July 11, 2005... Mestek (Westfield, Mass.) appointed California Hydronics Corp. as its manufacturer's representative for the Hydro-Therm and Smith Cast Iron Boiler lines of commercial and residential boilers.

TAS.(TAS cooperation wins Robert A. Mosbacher Sr. Award )(Brief Article)
July 11, 2005... TAS (Houston) received the Robert A. Mosbacher Sr. Award for Export Excellence.

Easy Street Inc.(Software)(Brief Article)
July 11, 2005... Easy Street Inc. (Lenexa, Kan.) has hired Keith Laubscher as a technical support specialist.

Marathon Technologies Corp. (Littleton, Mass.) has signed a software alliance agreement with Tridium Inc.(Software)(Brief Article)
July 11, 2005... Marathon Technologies Corp. (Littleton, Mass.) has signed a software alliance agreement with Tridium Inc. (Richmond, Va.).

Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association.
July 11, 2005... Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association (SMACNA) invites sheet metal and HVAC industry suppliers to exhibit at the product show on Oct. 18 at the association's annual convention in Palm Desert, Calif. For more...

Chicagoland Better Heating-Cooling Council.(elected Don Howley as president)(Brief Article)
July 11, 2005... The Chicagoland Better Heating-Cooling Council (CBHCC) elected Don Howley of Affiliated Steam Equipment Co. (Alsip, Ill.) 2004-05 president.

SkillsUSA showcases future workforce.
July 11, 2005... KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- How would you feel if technicians looking for a job came to you with high ethical standards, superior work skills, a lifelong commitment to education, and pride in the dignity of work? You'd probably feel like hiring...

HVAC contractors aid habitat for humanity.(Southeast Michigan Chapter of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America)
July 11, 2005... DETROIT -- The Habitat for Humanity "Blitz Build" stormed into Detroit in late June, fresh off a successful stop on the other side of the state in Benton Harbor. Thirty Detroit homes were built in a week during the project, raising the hopes of...

Fluke acquires LEM Instruments.(Brief Article)
July 11, 2005... EVERETT, Wash. -- Fluke Corp. has acquired LEM Instruments, a division of LEM Group. Headquartered in Liverpool, England, LEM Instruments is a manufacturer of test and measurement equipment including analyzers and systems for power quality...

DuPont and Rhodia sign agreement for sale.(E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Co.)(Brief Article)
July 11, 2005... WILMINGTON, Del. -- DuPont and Rhodia announced the signing of an agreement by which DuPont plans to purchase the ISCEON[R] hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerant blends business from Rhodia, pending regulatory approvals. The transaction will...

ServiceMagic to acquire ImproveNet.(industry NEWS)
July 11, 2005... GOLDEN, Colo. -- ServiceMagic Inc. and ImproveNet Inc., two online marketplaces that connect consumers with prescreened residential contractors and home service professionals, announced ServiceMagic will acquire all of the outstanding stock of...

MDU Resources purchases Bombard Mechanical.(Brief Article)
July 11, 2005... BISMARCK, N.D. -- MDU Resources Group Inc. announced the acquisition of Bombard Mechanical LLC, based in Las Vegas. Bombard Mechanical specializes in the installation and maintenance of HVAC equipment as well as plumbing systems. Bombard...

Spot Coolers at the ol' ball game.(Entertainment and Sports Programming Network)(Brief Article)
July 11, 2005... Spot Coolers will be on the bench--well, kind of--for Major League Baseball's 2005 All-Star Game, to be played in Detroit July 12. Actually, the company will be pitching cold air, so to speak, for ESPN. Spot Coolers, headquartered in Boca...

Tecumseh reorganizes marketing and sales.(Tecumseh Compressor Co.'s North American Compressor Group)(Brief Article)
July 11, 2005... TECUMSEH, Mich.--Tecumseh Compressor Co.'s North American Compressor Group (NACG) announced reorganization of the sales and marketing functions within its OEM and wholesaler business. Tecumseh's objective for the new structure is to...

Controls Group hosts Integration Forum.(Controls Group North America)(Brief Article)
July 11, 2005... NEW ORLEANS -- Controls Group North America (CGNA) hosted an Integration Forum at its 2005 Annual Spring Conference in New Orleans. CGNA is a network of 34 independent HVAC controls distributors with 122 branches throughout the United States...

May unitary shipments fall 18 percent.(Brief Article)
July 11, 2005... ARLINGTON Va. -- The combined U.S. factory shipments of 734,342 central air conditioners and air-source heat pumps for May were down 18 percent, compared to shipments from May 2004, according to the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute....

Danfoss replies to global warming concerns.(refrigeration industry)
July 11, 2005... BALTIMORE -- It seems that most every time a general news story comes out expressing concerns over global warming or climate change, some in the general public consciously or subconsciously place at least a portion of the blame on the...

Manufacturers continue to use recycled materials.(North American Insulation Manufacturers Association)(Brief Article)
July 11, 2005... ALEXANDRIA, Va.- The North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) announced the results of its annual survey of members' use of pre- and post-consumer recycled materials in their insulation products. For the first time, this...

Mentor power.(Money Talks)(HVAC industry management)
July 11, 2005... Why do some contractors seem to almost effortlessly rake in millions of dollars in revenue while others struggle to just get by? What is the secret to perfecting the art of making money every day? There is so much disparity between...

Hydronic water filtration.(what's NEW)
July 11, 2005... The Plus option on the TowerClean and Side-StreamClean separator systems removes particles as small as 0.35 microns from hydronic heating and cooling loops. According to the manufacturer, both the TowerCleanPlus and SideStream-CleanPlus systems...

Ductwork vacuum.(what's NEW)
July 11, 2005... The Crosswind electric-powered HEPA vacuum for duct cleaning is designed to operate on standard household current. The 5-hp motor incorporates a digital control panel to monitor operating parameters. The built-in keypad allows control of motor...

Refrigeration controllers.(what's NEW)
July 11, 2005... The RWD Series controllers are noncommunicating, electronic universal and heat pump refrigeration controllers. An LCD shows set point, temperature, and output characteristics. Each controller has preprogrammed applications for quick setup of...

Pipe wrenches.(what's NEW)
July 11, 2005... Cast iron and cast aluminum pipe wrenches have been added to the company's line of hand tools designed for professionals. The tools have been forged and heat-treated to ensure toughness. Both pipe wrenches have hardened teeth to provide maximum...

Flue pipe tape.(what's NEW)
July 11, 2005... The 3243 high-temperature foil tape is designed for flue and plenum applications. The 2-mil (50-micron), dead soft aluminum tape with a high-performance acrylic adhesive is specifically designed for extreme temperature environments. Rated at...

Parts guide.(what's NEW)
July 11, 2005... The Water Heater Parts Guide 2005 covers authorized replacement components and parts for all Rheem and Ruud brand water heaters, as well as for most other domestic makes and models. This 75-page source is divided into three principal sections....

Switching monitor.(what's NEW)
July 11, 2005... The low-pressure switching (LPS) monitor measures positive and negative pressure while preventing unnecessary shutdowns. The monitor utilizes two independently set switch points for alarm warning and/or shutdown. An LED display indicates when...

Carbon monoxide alarms.(what's NEW)
July 11, 2005... The Firex[R] 10000 Series carbon monoxide (CO) alarms feature advanced electrochemical sensing technology, says the company. The Monox[TM] sensor with TrueTest[TM] sensor diagnostics has a self-testing capability, which verifies that the CO...

Pipe clamp thermocouple.(what's NEW)
July 11, 2005... Thermocouple ATC1 can easily facilitate taking a superheat or subcooling measurement on most residential and commercial refrigeration appliances or air conditioners, the company says. According to the manufacturer, because of its unique design,...

Thermal energy storage tanks.(what's NEW)
July 11, 2005... The C Model Series thermal energy storage tanks offer faster field piping and installation by eliminating up to 80 percent of external piping and allowing for quick connection of four to six tanks in a row, the company says. IceBank[R] tank...

Torch igniter.(what's NEW)
July 11, 2005... The Spark-Key is a brazing and soldering torch igniter designed for refrigeration and air conditioning installation and service. The 5 1/2-inch long lighter uses a water-resistant, corrosion-proof electrode igniter that is guaranteed for over...