Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration News articles from July 2008

Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration News archives from July 2008

Worthington Cylinders.(Price Increases)
July 7, 2008... Worthington Cylinders (Columbus, Ohio) increased prices 15 percent on all steel DOT 39, non-refillable refrigerant cylinders and 20 percent on all refillable refrigerant cylinders, effective on all orders shipped on or after Aug. 1.

Phoenix Air Systems.(Manufacturers)
July 7, 2008... Phoenix Air Systems (Owatonna, Minn.) appointed Normand Boyer as sales application engineer based in Quebec, Canada. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Continental Fan Manufacturing Inc.(Manufacturers)
July 7, 2008... Continental Fan Manufacturing Inc. (Buffalo, N.Y.) appointed Jim Paron as its vice president of sales.

Bacharach Inc.(Manufacturers)
July 7, 2008... Bacharach Inc. (New Kensington, Pa.) hired Tim Bass as its director of marketing. He will also oversee the customer service and repair departments. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

CES Group TM].(Manufacturers)
July 7, 2008... CES Group [TM] (Chaska, Minn.) hired A. Bruce Buchholz as vice president and general manager of Mammoth Inc. (Chaska, Minn.) and Webco Inc. (Springfield, Mo.), effective immediately.

Emerson Climate Technologies.(Manufacturers)
July 7, 2008... Emerson Climate Technologies (St. Louis) appointed Frank Landwehr as vice president, marketing, Air Conditioning Division, and general manager, CR Compressors LLC. Organizations [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Green Mechanical Council.(Organizations)
July 7, 2008... Green Mechanical Council (GreenMech) is hosting a weekly talk radio show via the Internet at www.blogtalkradio.com.

LonMark International (LMI) signed a marketing agreement.(Organizations)
July 7, 2008... LonMark International (LMI) signed a marketing agreement with the newly founded NewEnergy Alliance (SM).

A duct cleaner's nightmare: trying to clean up the air regarding antimicrobial use in HVAC systems.(service & maintenance)
July 7, 2008... If you think the federal tax code is complex, try figuring out what is and what is not allowed when it comes to cleaning ductwork. It is making even the most competent and experienced in the field shake their heads. "It is an extremely...

EPA continues to tweak HCFC process.
July 7, 2008... Phaseout of HCFCs such as R-22 continues, but the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also continues to tweak and fine-tune certain aspects of the process. The agency held a one-half-day summit of sorts for who it called stakeholders in...

Innovative PTAC Solution provides 50 percent energy savings.(MANUFACTURER REPORTS)
July 7, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Innovative PTAC Solution Provides 50 Percent Energy Savings: Building owners and investment firms continually balance the costs of renovation to remain competitive and retain tenants against the need to reduce...

Firefighters are not in the same A/C league as lowballers.(letters)(Letter to the editor)
July 7, 2008... I just finished reading Mike Murphy's column ["Murphy's Law: Warm and Cozy, Cool and Calm"] in the May 19 issue. You certainly fired me up when you mentioned in your opinion that firemen are less than professional a/c contractors! I have...

Them's fightin' words.(letters)(Letter to the editor)
July 7, 2008... As a certified and registered "Tennessee Squire" (I was deeded a piece of the Jack Daniels [JD] Distillery property in Lynchburg, Tenn., a couple of decades ago.), I take offense to Mike Murphy's third paragraph! Now, Maker's Mark is good, and...

Class notes: to find out if/when and where these courses are offered or to find out about other course offerings, go to the "Training Track" section of www.achrnews.com.
July 7, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] COURSE TITLE: Domestic Heating SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: Grundfos Pumps Corp., Grundfos Technical Institute DATE: August 5-7 LOCATION: Olathe, Kan. COURSE DESCRIPTION: The course is tailored to equip...

Humidity research begins in U.S. homes to provide increased measurable data.(newsline)
July 7, 2008... BOURNE, Mass. - Although unsuitable relative humidity (rh) levels in homes can be unhealthy, increase heating and cooling costs, damage building components, and affect comfort levels, there is little to no measured data available on actual...

BBB helps fight fraud.(newsline)
July 7, 2008... GLENDALE, Ariz. -- The American Indoor Air Quality Council (IAQ Council) is welcoming assistance in its fight against consumer fraud from the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Local BBBs around the country are contacting the IAQ Council office to...

NEBB enhances quality program.(newsline)(National Environmental Balancing Bureau )
July 7, 2008... GAITHERSBURG, Md. -- The National Environmental Balancing Bureau (NEBB) introduced an enhanced Quality Assurance Program (QAP) to ensure swift, single-source mediation and resolution of disputes between NEBB-professionals and their customers....

Honeywell awards distributor.(newsline)
July 7, 2008... MINNEAPOLIS -- Honeywell announced Carolina Controls Depot, Fuquay-Varina, N.C., as its Commercial Distributor of the Year. All Honeywell Authorized Systems Distributors are considered for this annual award, which is based on two-year rolling...

Biodiesel evaluated for heat pump use.(newsline)
July 7, 2008... KARIYA, Japan -- Denso Corp. has begun testing industrial heat pump air conditioners using biodiesel fuel at its headquarters in Kariya, Aichi, Japan. "DENSO expects to significantly reduce carbon dioxide (C[O.sub.2)] emissions from...

Shoot for the stars.(newsline)
July 7, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Caption: SHOOT FOR THE STARS: E.B. O'Reilly Servicing Corp., Philadelphia, won the Mechanical Service Contractors of America's (MSCA's) Shooting STAR Award presented at the recent MSCA Star Summit in Chicago. Russ...

Residential generators.(what's new: PRODUCTS, SERVICES, SOFTWARE, AND LITERATURE)
July 7, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Developed to keep homes operating comfortably during unexpected power outages, the generators restore power in as little as 10 seconds, three times faster than competitor models, claims the company. Designed for...

Ventilation fans.(what's new: PRODUCTS, SERVICES, SOFTWARE, AND LITERATURE)
July 7, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Two models have been added to the Whisper-Green[TM] ventilation fan line. The FV-08VKSL1 and FV-08VKML1 models both offer a new light and nightlight feature. The ventilation fans, which are Energy Star[TM] rated and...

Refrigeration, A/C motors.(what's new: PRODUCTS, SERVICES, SOFTWARE, AND LITERATURE)
July 7, 2008... The Green Choice[TM] brand of motors saves energy by reducing the amount of electricity needed, indirectly reducing the amount of carbon dioxide emitted into the air. The JuggerNaut[TM], 3-in-1[TM], and iMotor[TM] are motors that have been...

Extruded aluminum ceiling diffusers.(what's new: PRODUCTS, SERVICES, SOFTWARE, AND LITERATURE)
July 7, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The AE family of extruded aluminum, square ceiling diffusers is available. The particular series names (AE1, AE2, AE3, AE4, and AE5) denote the diffusion patterns (one, two, three, and four-way and two-way corner,...

Multistage heat pump thermostat.(what's new: PRODUCTS, SERVICES, SOFTWARE, AND LITERATURE)
July 7, 2008... The Climate Technology Corp. (CTC) 43168 digital/programmable, multistage heat pump thermostat is available. According to the company, the thermostat is the perfect complement to the 43154 conventional programmable thermostat, and is compatible...

Ceiling-mounted A/C units.(what's new: PRODUCTS, SERVICES, SOFTWARE, AND LITERATURE)
July 7, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The CeilMate[TM] Series ducted, ceiling-mounted air conditioners are available in six cooling methods: air-cooled, water-cooled, glycol-cooled, remote air-cooled, air handler with remote condensing unit, and...

Chiller control panel.(what's new: PRODUCTS, SERVICES, SOFTWARE, AND LITERATURE)
July 7, 2008... The Tracer[TM] AdaptiView[TM] is a chiller control panel that offers added visibility into the performance of the chiller. Leveraging the Tracer Summit package allows operators and building owners to maximize energy savings with comprehensive...

PEX tubing.(what's new: PRODUCTS, SERVICES, SOFTWARE, AND LITERATURE)
July 7, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The new Alumicor[R] PEX-Al-PEX tubing offers all the benefits of cross-linked polyethylene tubing, as well as holding its shape when it is bent. Alumicor bends easily but then stays in place due to a layer of...

Differential pressure sensor.(what's new: PRODUCTS, SERVICES, SOFTWARE, AND LITERATURE)
July 7, 2008... The PXU dry media differential pressure sensor is adaptable to both panel and duct applications, reducing installation costs and the number of models needing to be stocked. It features seven field-selectable ranges, covering a wide span of 0-10...

Commercial electric boiler.(what's new: PRODUCTS, SERVICES, SOFTWARE, AND LITERATURE)
July 7, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The new commercial radiant electric Mini-Boiler[TM] provides the installer with an easy access control board, a smaller, sleeker design, and built-in water temperature control. In addition to these updated features,...

The separation equation.(REFRIGERATION ZONE)
July 7, 2008... For contractors and technicians, what to do with recovered refrigerant--especially HCFCs such as R-22 that they deem not safe to return to a system because of purity issues--is becoming an ever-increasing challenge. The simple, and still quite...

Systematic troubleshooting.(REFRIGERATION ZONE: the professor)
July 7, 2008... Subcooling is defined as the difference between the measured liquid temperature and the saturation temperature at a given pressure. Condenser subcooling can be measured at the condenser outlet with a thermometer or thermocouple and a pressure...

Thinking outside the box.(REFRIGERATION ZONE: ice breaker)
July 7, 2008... Repairing refrigeration and air conditioning systems is not always an easy task. Occasionally technicians will encounter multiple problems on one system. If all of these problems are not initially discovered and resolved, the unresolved ones...

The R-22 challenge.(REFRIGERATION ZONE: industry news)
July 7, 2008... Just as there is concern in the air conditioning sector over the changeover away from R-22, there are similar fears that too much of that refrigerant is still being used on the refrigeration side. That's one reason DuPont Refrigerants has...

More ice maker, walk-in technology.(FOCUS: ICE MACHINES, FREEZERS & COOLERS)
July 7, 2008... CHICAGO -- Chocolate ice. An evaporator tipped on its side so the ice forms facing straight down. A promotion that promises, "Buy an ice machine from us and we will plant a tree in your honor." A remote refrigerated beer system with the elegant...

Troubleshooting system refrigeration components.(FOCUS: ICE MACHINES, FREEZERS & COOLERS)
July 7, 2008... Ice machines differ markedly from other commercial refrigeration units and require their own service approach. Ice machine refrigeration tuning is precise, with very close tolerances required. Because of the precision required, components like...

Hermetics deal with new energy issues.
July 7, 2008... Most commercial kitchen equipment manufacturers have redesigned their refrigerated equipment--such as refrigerators, freezers, and ice machines--at least once since the Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star program enacted voluntary...

The dueling expo moral.(opinions: VIEWS AND INSIGHTS FROM THE EDITORIAL STAFF AND GUEST COLUMNISTS)
July 7, 2008... The saga of dueling trade shows in Europe has come to an end. But the near two-year journey is certainly a life lesson for those wondering how many places exhibitors and attendees are willing to go and how often. The International Trade...

Murphy's law: HVAC for the ages.(editors' blogs)
July 7, 2008... Heating has been around since the caveman days, but cooling didn't really catch fire until the late 1940s and early 50s. Back in the 50s this business was all about comfort. We didn't know anything about saving money. Comfort was all there was....

Taking care of business: hot attics equal more sales.(editors' blogs)
July 7, 2008... If what I heard from HVAC contractors is true, then sending techs and installers into hot attics makes a lot of good business sense, in spite of the inherent health problems associated with hot attics. Before you jump on me for sounding a...

Manufacturers roll out blockbuster hits for 2008: the NEWS announces Dealer Design Award winners.(Awards list)
July 14, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The manufacturing stars of The NEWS' outshine the stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Honored in 13 separate categories for excellence in design and application, 99 company brands competed to earn a top place not...

Improving school environment and performance.(EXTRA EDITION)(Brief article)
July 14, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Improving School Environment and Performance: Research underway at the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) suggests that indoor environment improvements to schools can raise student scores on standardized tests....

Supposing erroneously.(letters)(Letter to the editor)
July 14, 2008... Rajan Rajendran's reference to C[O.sub.2] as "HC-744" is incorrect. The "HC" prefix indicates a hydrocarbon composition for the refrigerant. C[O.sub.2] is, of course, inorganic. Andy Schoen Sr. Product Manager Sporlan Division,...

Be successful like Willis Carrier.(letters)(Letter to the editor)
July 14, 2008... John R. Hall in the June 9 edition of The NEWS asks "What Would Willis Do?" [in the title of the editorial]. Although I never personally met Mr. Carrier, I developed great admiration and respect for his many accomplishments having been...

Switching from R-22 is all about the price.(letters)(Letter to the editor)
July 14, 2008... In response to the June 2 letter "Switched from R-22 Yet? Are You Kidding Me?" I can only assume that the rest of us are not as enlightened as the Great Northwest in regards to HCFC phaseout and "global warming." This letter labeled all...

Who's to blame for R-22 unit sales.(letters)(Letter to the editor)
July 14, 2008... In response to Doug Fergus' letter ["Switched From R-22 Yet? Are You Kidding Me?"] in the June 2 edition, yes, there are many, many (I am not one of them) who still sell only R-22 units. They are the same people who pushed 10 SEER equipment...

Unique rides: vehicles that get the job done.(Brief article)
July 14, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] COMPANY USAirconditioning Distributors, City of Industry, Calif. DISTINCT FEATURES 17 new stake bed trucks. Entire fleet uses natural gas. CRUISING CREDENTIALS USAirconditioning's fleet of 24...

Judge stops union merger.(newsline)(Brief article)
July 14, 2008... CLEVELAND -- A federal judge has halted the merger of the United Transportation Union (UTU) and the Sheet Metal Workers International Association (SMWIA), finding that relevant terms of the proposed combination weren't disclosed to members. ...

ACCA's service managers forum.(newsline)
July 14, 2008... HOUSTON -- The Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) is now reaching out to service managers throughout the industry to give them the tools and education needed to be successful. On Oct. 9-10, in Houston, ACCA will hold the first...

Nexstar[R] Inc.(Contractors)
July 14, 2008... Nexstar[R] Inc. (Little Canada, Minn.) hired David Olson, CPCU, as a finance coach; Jodi Peter as a business coach; and Susan Long as a marketing coach.

Service Logic.(Contractors)
July 14, 2008... Service Logic (Denver) appointed James Fern as vice president.

Emerson Climate Technologies.(Manufacturers)
July 14, 2008... Emerson Climate Technologies (St. Louis) hired Don Newlon as vice president, air conditioning marketing for Emerson Climate Technologies Asia.

Spears Manufacturing Co.(Manufacturers)
July 14, 2008... Spears Manufacturing Co. (Easton, Pa.) acquired the assets of Coastline Plastics LLC (Yulee, Fla.), an affiliate of the Victaulic Co. (Easton, Pa.)

Phoenix Air Systems.(Manufacturers)
July 14, 2008... Phoenix Air Systems (Owatonna, Minn.) appointed Richard Goodale as national sales manager, based in Lutherville, Md.

AAF International.(Manufacturers)
July 14, 2008... AAF International (Louisville, Ky.) is a new member of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

Automated Logic Corp. (Kennesaw, Ga.) awarded Emcor Services Air Systems (San Jose, Calif.).(Manufacturers)
July 14, 2008... Automated Logic Corp. (Kennesaw, Ga.) awarded Emcor Services Air Systems (San Jose, Calif.) the 2008 Project of the Year award for its data center retrofit of Network Appliance Inc. (Sunnyvale, Calif.).

Residential zoning makes temperatures just right.(2008 DEALER DESIGN AWARDS: HONORING PRODUCTS IN RESIDENTIAL CONTROLS, INCLUDING ZONING, AND TOOLS)(Awards list)
July 14, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] It took Goldilocks some time to find the perfect sleeping zone in the bears' house. Unfortunately, many homeowners oft en search for the same comfort zone and can't find it. This year's winners in the residential...

Tools enhance tech safety and accuracy.(2008 DEALER DESIGN AWARDS: HONORING PRODUCTS IN RESIDENTIAL CONTROLS, INCLUDING ZONING, AND TOOLS)
July 14, 2008... A tradesman is judged by many things, and his tools are one of them. With the power to make many tasks simpler and safer, tools of the HVAC trade provide technicians and installers the equipment to perform at increased efficiency and accuracy...

International ingenuity takes gold award.(2008 DEALER DESIGN AWARDS: HONORING PRODUCTS IN VENTILATION)
July 14, 2008... Proper system installation isn't the only tool that contractors have in the quest for greater efficiency. Proper design, installation, and sealing the ventilation system are keys to obtaining maximum efficiencies as well. The variety of...

Solutions promote clean, comfortable air.(2008 DEALER DESIGN AWARDS: HONORING PRODUCTS IN INDOOR AIR QUALITY)
July 14, 2008... Fresh air, dry air, allergens, dust, chemicals, pollution--just a short list of the challenges contractors confront when striving for optimal IAQ. With the growing desire for healthy homes and the expanding awareness of sick building syndrome,...

Manufacturer offerings take commercial control by storm.(2008 DEALER DESIGN AWARDS: HONORING PRODUCTS IN COMMERCIAL CONTROLS, INCLUDING BUILDING AUTOMATION)
July 14, 2008... Larger facilities require greater measures to control the intricacies that make up HVAC and mechanical systems. The new technologies of these facilities have brought commercial contractors greater challenges and the winners of The NEWS' fifth...

Bits and pieces contribute to contractor success.(2008 DEALER DESIGN AWARDS: HONORING PRODUCTS IN COMPONENTS & ACCESSORIES)(Awards list)
July 14, 2008... The NEWS' fifth annual Dealer Design Awards Components and Accessories winners were a few among the many. The diverse and vast entries from a bevy of manufacturers challenged the contractor judges to examine closely the bits and pieces that...

Products feel good, look good.(2008 DEALER DESIGN AWARDS: HONORING PRODUCTS IN RESIDENTIAL EQUIPMENT)
July 14, 2008... Contractors focus on many things when it comes to efficient and proper conditioning of residential spaces. Their main concerns generally focus on proper load calculations and effective installations. Consumers, however, focus on other concerns...

Efficiencies reward manufacturers.(2008 DEALER DESIGN AWARDS: HONORING PRODUCTS IN RESIDENTIAL HIGH EFFICIENCY AND REFRIGERATION & ICE MACHINES)
July 14, 2008... New legislation coming from Capitol Hill every day and the current "energy crisis" demands one thing: increased efficiency. Manufacturers have answered the legislative, contractor, and consumer challenges for greater efficiencies with a...

Features smooth transition for 2010 deadline.(2008 DEALER DESIGN AWARDS: HONORING PRODUCTS IN RESIDENTIAL HIGH EFFICIENCY AND REFRIGERATION & ICE MACHINES)
July 14, 2008... With the 2010 refrigerant phaseout deadline approaching, contractors are searching for the new alternatives that will make the transition a smooth one. Manufacturers have responded with many products that are not only compliant with new...

Business management tools win high marks.(2008 DEALER DESIGN AWARDS: HONORING PRODUCTS IN CONTRACTOR SERVICES & SOFTWARE)
July 14, 2008... Running a successful HVAC business, whether residential or commercial, requires more than installation and service skills. Mastering the design-build concept and conquering back office functions are demanding skill sets that require contractors...

Commercial movement eases jobs.(2008 DEALER DESIGN AWARDS: HONORING PRODUCTS IN COMMERCIAL EQUIPMENT)
July 14, 2008... Movers and shakers in the commercial sector brought new ideas to the industry. Changing the way things are done and where components are located are why The NEWS is honoring the following units in the HVAC Commercial Equipment category of the...

Products provide contractors information.(2008 DEALER DESIGN AWARDS: HONORING TESTING & MONITORING PRODUCTS)
July 14, 2008... The NEWS' fifth annual Dealer Design Awards' Testing & Monitoring Products category winners were all golden according to the judges who scored the winning entries. The three gold winners emphasized emphasized the need for user-friendly...

Compressor technology tops winner list.(2008 DEALER DESIGN AWARDS: HONORING PRODUCTS IN LIGHT COMMERCIAL EQUIPMENT)
July 14, 2008... Crossing residential and commercial boundaries, the light commercial arena continues to benefit from innovative products and their creative applications. The NEWS' fifth annual Dealer Design Awards' HVAC Light Commercial Equipment category...

Best makers in HVAC contest.(MURPHY'S LAW)
July 14, 2008... Those of greater virtue than I, have made noble requests such as "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,...." I simply ask for beer, wine, or food. I probably more resemble a panhandler. I must admit...

Skaer-tactics: airing the hot, cold regarding Time's Klein.(Editor's blogs)(Editorial)(Brief article)
July 14, 2008... In his July 7 commentary, Time's columnist Joe Klein encouraged Americans to "Kill your air conditioner. Solving the energy crisis requires sacrifice. For the good of the country, we should be sweating." Huh? Maybe Klein was making a...

I think ... life can be a real bitch.(Editor's blogs)(Editorial)(Brief article)
July 14, 2008... Does the name Joe Groh ring a bell? He has been in our industry for several years in marketing positions with Lennox, Titus, Excelsior, and most recently with PCI Industries in Dallas. I talked to Joe last week at Baylor Rehab...

Ruskin Air & Sound Control.(Price Increases)
July 28, 2008... Ruskin Air & Sound Control (Kansas City, Mo.) increased prices a weighted 5.8 percent on all products, effective immediately.

Swartwout.(Price Increases)
July 28, 2008... Swartwout (Kansas City, Mo.) increased prices a weighted 6.1 percent on all products, effective immediately.

Ruskin Sound Control.(Price Increases)
July 28, 2008... Ruskin Sound Control (Kansas City, Mo.) increased prices a weighted 9 percent on all products, effective immediately.

Emerson Network Power.(Price Increases)
July 28, 2008... Emerson Network Power (Columbus, Ohio) increased prices an average 5 percent for its Liebert and Knurr-branded products.

Steril-Aire Inc.(Manufacturers)
July 28, 2008... Steril-Aire Inc. (Burbank, Calif.) appointed Randy Hansen as South Central regional manager.

Lennox Hearth Products.(Manufacturers)
July 28, 2008... Lennox Hearth Products (Orange, Calif.) named Randy Wyngard of Gustave A. Larson Co. (Pewaukee, Wis.) as a member of its President's Club.

Superior Radiant Products Ltd.(Manufacturers)
July 28, 2008... Superior Radiant Products Ltd. (Ontario, Canada) appointed Kevin Merritt as president.

ABB Ltd.(Manufacturers)
July 28, 2008... ABB Ltd. (Zurich, Switzerland) appointed Joseph Hogan as CEO of the ABB Group.

Navman Wireless North America.(Software)
July 28, 2008... Navman Wireless North America (Glenview, Ill.) appointed Brian Chene as national sales manager for its Fleet Administrator Program.

ASTM International.(Organizations)
July 28, 2008... ASTM International (W. Conshohocken, Pa.) launched an online edition of the ASTM Dictionary of Engineering Science and Technology providing 76,000 terms contained in more than 12,000 ASTM standards.

The International Green Energy Council.(Organizations)
July 28, 2008... The International Green Energy Council (IGEC) appointed Tom Meyer, executive director of the Green Mechanical Council (GreenMech), to its board of directors.

Heating, Airconditioning and Refrigeration Distributors International.(Organizations)
July 28, 2008... Heating, Airconditioning and Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI) is hosting a Targeted and Regional Economic News for Distribution Strategies (T.R.E.N.D.S) Webinar on Aug. 1 at 2 p.m. Eastern time.