Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration News articles from June 2004

Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration News archives from June 2004

American Plumbing & Mechanical Inc. (AMPAM).(Contractors)(AMPAM Riggs Plumbing Inc.)(Montage Holdings LLC.)(Brief Article)
June 7, 2004... American Plumbing & Mechanical Inc. (AMPAM) (Round Rock, Texas), announced that the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Texas, San Antonio Division, approved the sale of the assets and business operations of its wholly owned...

Youth Training & Development Consortium.(Labor)(Brief Article)
June 7, 2004... Contractors can access more than 10,000 prequalified students with the equivalent of one year of apprenticeship training with the click of a mouse through the Youth Training & Development Consortium (Gainesville, Fla.). "Contractors can search...

Honeywell Building Solutions.(Manufacturers)(Brief Article)
June 7, 2004... Honeywell Building Solutions (Minneapolis) was recognized by Computer-world in its "Best Practices in Mobile & Wireless" award program, which honors organizations that have applied mobile and wireless technology "to provide strategic advantage...

Viconics Inc.(Manufacturers)(Brief Article)
June 7, 2004... Viconics Inc. (Montreal) has received ISO 14001:1996 certification, showing that it has implemented an environmental management system to address key environmental issues such as energy use.

HVACR heats up in China: refrigeration Expo in Shanghai reflects booming Asian market.(Brief Article)
June 7, 2004... It is truly a global marketplace when it comes to HVACR, and this issue of the The News reflects the magazine's commitment to covering industry developments worldwide. The China Refrigeration Expo, held this spring in Shanghai, has gained...

Easier ordering.(Extra Edition)(Distribution Software Provides Real-Time Benefits)(Brief Article)
June 7, 2004... For those contractors who were "technologically challenged," this distributor wanted to develop a simple computerized system that would provide immediate pricing updates and easier ordering. For more, read the technical article "Distribution...

Corrections.(Correction Notice)
June 7, 2004... Gemaire N.C., which appeared in the May 3 FYI section, is a part of Gemaire Group, an operating division of Watsco. Gemaire N.C. (or any other Gemaire holding) is not owned by Rheem. Gemaire is an authorized distributor of Rheem brand products...

Arizona PHCC helps rebuild community.(industry News)(Brief Article)
June 7, 2004... TUCSON, Ariz. -- Representatives of the Arizona Apprenticeship Program-Southern Arizona Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors (PHCC) chapter were involved in "rebuilding" the Corbett neighborhood in Tucson this April. According to the...

Schneider electric buys Andover Controls.(industry News)(Schneider Electric S.A.)(Andover Controls Corp.)(Brief Article)
June 7, 2004... RUEIL-MALMAISON, France -- In a move to further expand its building automation and security business, Schneider Electric has acquired Andover Controls Corp., a Balfour Beatty company. Schneider Electric said it has identified building...

Seminars available for oil heat managers.(industry News)(National Oilheat Research Alliance )(Brief Article)
June 7, 2004... ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- The National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA) is offering an Oilheat Management Workshop in Annapolis, Md., June 21-25. According to the organization, the program is designed for anyone in a management position in an oil...

Spencer Abraham goes to Amsterdam.(Energy matters: a compendium of energy facts and information)(International Energy Forum)(Brief Article)
June 7, 2004... WASHINGTON -- Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham went to Amsterdam May 19 to participate in the International Energy Forum (IEF) May 22-24. The event was hosted by the Netherlands. The "high-level, biennial informal gathering" brings...

Energy use trimmed in Monroe, Louisianna.(Energy matters: a compendium of energy facts and information)(Brief Article)
June 7, 2004... MONROE, La. -- Mayor Jamie Mayo and the Monroe City Council have announced that the city of Monroe will save more than $2.7 million in energy costs under an energy performance contract with Siemens Building Technologies, Inc., Buffalo Grove,...

Overseas projects beckon to York.(York International Corp. )(Brief Article)
June 7, 2004... York International Corp. and The Stellar Group have renewed a business alliance for turbine inlet air chilling (TIAC) projects in the Americas, and expanded their relationship to include Europe and the Middle East. TIAC is the process of...

Economy fuels interest in drives.(Brief Article)
June 7, 2004... LAS VEGAS -- ABB HVAC Distributors came "in droves" to attend a three-day national sales meeting held the third week of May, the company said. "This event was a convergence of the strengthening economy paired with the official sales...

Refrigeration lab excites Danfoss.(Danfoss Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Div.)(Brief Article)
June 7, 2004... BALTIMORE, Md. -- The Danfoss Air-Conditioning & Refrigeration Division seems rather proud of its new commercial refrigeration laboratory, located in its North American headquarters here in Baltimore. The state-of-the-art facility was designed...

Contractors help troops in Iraq.(Brief Article)
June 7, 2004... COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Steve Wagner of Refrigeration Sales Corp., Cleveland, had to shoulder a heavy burden when his son, Chris, was called up to fight in Iraq. But he didn't have to shoulder the burden alone. Other contractors, members of the...

Nordyne, service roundtable team up.(Brief Article)
June 7, 2004... DALLAS -- There's a new team in town. HVAC unitary product manufacturer Nordyne and the Service Roundtable, a large private contractor group, announced a contractor support alliance. "Nordyne is a great company," said Service Roundtable CEO...

Union urges Omni Duct product boycott.(Industry News)
June 7, 2004... In a move to call attention to its concern for fair treatment of union workers at Omni Duct Systems, Ana helm, Calif., the Sheet Metal Workers' International Association (SMWIA) recently sent a letter to Omni Duct's customers who are HVAC...

Vacuum pump.(what's New)(Brief Article)
June 7, 2004... The VacuMaster[TM] 15500 vacuum pump is a 5-cfm unit designed specifically for HVACR applications. It has a heavy-duty, 115-V motor with a high-torque design. According to the manufacturer, the motor's two stage design enables the unit to start...

Thermography camera.(what's New)(Brief Article)
June 7, 2004... The EzTherm Pro camera can be used for a wide range of thermography applications, including electrical and mechanical inspection, roofing and building inspections, and process monitoring. It features a flip-out 3.8-inch LCD that rotates to make...

Sizing, selection software.(what's New)(Brief Article)
June 7, 2004... McQuayTools[TM] for Engineers, a free software program, can help in sizing and selecting products that meet HVAC job requirements. It lets engineers choose from a variety of sizes, options, and components, as well as complete systems, including...

Ductless mini-splits.(what's New)(Brief Article)
June 7, 2004... The Halcyon IAQ (indoor air quality) ductless mini split units help to create a comfortable indoor environment by removing airborne irritants, odors, and allergens, such as cigarette smoke, dust, pollen, mold spores, and pet dander, says the...

Liquid level sensors.(what's New)(Brief Article)
June 7, 2004... Two products have been added to the company's family of electro-optic liquid level sensors. The company said these sensors can be used in applications such as radiators and fluid overflow containers, HVAC and refrigeration systems, and coolant...

Ducted ceiling modules.(what's New)(Brief Article)
June 7, 2004... An updated line of room-side replaceable PharmaSeal[R] ducted ceiling modules provides clean room level air filtration to pharmaceutical and biotechnology facilities and other applications, says the company. The all-welded housing is tested to...

Ice machines.(what's New)(Brief Article)
June 7, 2004... The S-Series Models 1000, 1200, 1350, and 1800 ice machines use a new, patented Air Assist Harvest technology. This air-assisted method uses a small, onboard air compressor to inject air between the ice slab and the evaporator plate during the...

Product catalog.(what's New)(Brief Article)
June 7, 2004... The new catalog is aimed at the three main markets the company serves: HVACR, appliance, and test instruments. Containing information on items in more than 60 product categories, this 240-page catalog includes over 2,000 new products, which the...

Service truck body.(what's New)
June 7, 2004... The improved Classic II[TM] has nitrogen shocks (gas struts) on all vertical doors. New standard features include stainless steel locks, which are resistant to rust; Aluma-Fill[R] recessed aluminum gas-fill box, which helps protect against...

3-D mechanical CAD software.(what's New)(Brief Article)
June 7, 2004... PipeDesigner 3D version 3.0 is the latest update of this Windows[R]-based 3-D CAD software for piping and mechanical contractors. This version offers increased support for Anvil, Zurn, Allthread, and Conbraco items, thus increasing flexibility...

Refrigerant identifier.(what's New)(Brief Article)
June 7, 2004... The AIT-SmarTec[R] liquid refrigerant identifier accurately identifies single-component refrigerants and refrigerant blends to 99.5-percent purity levels in one step, the company says. Refrigerants it can detect include R-12, -22, -134a, -401A,...

Refrigerant leak sealant.(what's New)(Brief Article)
June 7, 2004... Super Seal ACR[TM] is a refrigerant leak sealant for air conditioning and refrigeration systems with a refrigerant charge between 1.9 ounces (53.9 g) and 4 pounds (1.82 kg), such as packaged terminal air conditioners. It can be used for single...

A/C units, heat pumps.(what's New)(Brief Article)
June 7, 2004... The Acclimate[TM] 12- and 13-SEER air conditioning units and heat pumps have a scroll compressor, which is isolated behind a composite material that doesn't rattle or vibrate, says the company. Features include a full-end access panel with a...

Humidifier.(what's New)(Brief Article)
June 7, 2004... The latest evolution of the Herrmidicool humidifier provides air/water atomizing humidification and evaporative cooling technology for both in duct and space applications, says the company. It monitors both room humidity and supply duct...

Refrigerant recovery unit.(what's New)(Brief Article)
June 7, 2004... The second generation Microvac II refrigerant recovery unit is faster, more durable, and easier to use, says the company. Design enhancements include a more powerful 3/4-hp compressor. This oilless compressor is equipped with a unique discharge...

Product catalog.(what's New)(Brief Article)
June 7, 2004... The 85th anniversary issue of the company's product catalog is available. The 2004 catalog contains photos and information for products such as the new EBT 720 Series of electronic balancing tools, including the EBT 720 microanometer and the...

How to avoid becoming a 'crash-and burn' firm.(Money Talks)
June 7, 2004... [Editor's note: Welcome to the sixth installment of "Money Talks." Each month, Terry Nicholson, president of AirTime 500, will be providing business management information, all with the aim of helping contractors, as he put it, "make money...

Sizing rules of thumb?(load estimates for installation of airconditioning equipment)(Brief Article)
June 7, 2004... Sizing Rules Of Thumb? QUESTION: By John West Chesterfield, Va. My question involves the sizing of commercial and residential loads. I have been told that you would use 400 square feet per ton for commercial and 650 for...

Charging a system.(the Hotline)
June 7, 2004... QUESTION: By ACHR Student Palm Springs, Calif. How would one correctly charge a water-cooled, R-22, 10-ton unit with a TXV? ANSWER: From Gene Silberstein Consulting Engineer Whitestone, N.Y. In order to...

Crankcase pressure regulators.(refrigeration zone)
June 7, 2004... A crankcase pressure regulator (CPR) is a common accessory added to many low-temperature refrigeration applications, such as walk-in and reach-in freezers. They are designed to prevent the compressor's motor from overloading when its crankcase...

Understanding superheat.(refrigeration zone)
June 7, 2004... Superheat is probably the most talked about, yet misunderstood, technical term used by technicians. Superheat is a measured value. It is the difference between two temperatures. Superheat is measured as the difference between the actual...

Looking beyond the wall.(discription of Great Wall of China)
June 7, 2004... One's first trip to China usually means a trip to the Great Wall. So, upon my arrival in Beijing for an HVACR factory tour to be followed by a trip to Shanghai for the China Refrigeration Expo and more factory visits, I Factored in some time...

Manufacturers reach out to Asian market.(China Refrigeration Expo)
June 7, 2004... SHANGHAI, China -- The recent China Refrigeration Expo (CRE) had so much diversity and complexity, it rivaled the same aspects of its host city. The expo showed the dynamics of the refrigeration and air conditioning industry in the...

Digital manifold aids diagnostics: instrument is designed to replace analog gauges, display warning signs.(Refrigeration Tools & Test Instruments)(Brief Article)
June 7, 2004... In order to service today's HVACR systems, technicians need to use more sophisticated procedures. With the added emphasis on reclaiming refrigerant and energy efficiency, technicians have more complex jobs than ever. The variety of refrigerants...

Help with refrigerant management.(Refrigeration Tools & Test Instruments)
June 7, 2004... Although refrigerants have received intense scrutiny over the past decade or so, contractors and technicians know it is only one piece of the HVACR puzzle. As contractors turn more and more to computers and software to help them find solutions,...

Software guides compressor selection.(Refrigeration Tools & Test Instruments)
June 7, 2004... In the supermarket sector, people who make decisions on what kind of mechanical refrigeration systems to use have a variety of options. They are able to spec out every component and control, every piece and part. The trick is, how to do it...

Making charge connections quickly.(Refrigeration Tools & Test Instruments)
June 7, 2004... The fact that there are still traditional refrigerants such as R-22, as well as newer blends such as R-410A, means technicians often have service vans filled with more canisters and tools than in days gone by, and they end up spending more time...

Two temps, one thermometer.(Refrigeration Tools & Test Instruments)(Brief Article)
June 7, 2004... Temperature taking requires more and more precise readings given today's complex systems. At the same time, technicians still want thermometers that are easy to use, so time at the jobsite is kept to a minimum. And they want units that are...

Ammonia refrigeration takes the spotlight.(Conference Update / IIAR)
June 7, 2004... KISSIMMEE, Fla. -- Ammonia refrigeration had its day in the sun at the 26th Annual International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration (IIAR) Conference and Trade Show. The importance of mechanical cooling was not lost on the 1,200 attendees....

Mycom unveils compressor line.(Conference Update / IIAR)(Brief Article)
June 7, 2004... KISSIMMEE, Fla. -- Compressor manufacturer Mycom used the trade show at the International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration (IIAR) meeting to introduce its I-Series compressors. According to the company, the I-Series "is a low-cost answer...

What do end users look for?(Conference Update / IIAR)
June 7, 2004... KISSIMMEE, Fla. -- So you're an industrial refrigeration contractor and you want to know what it takes to be selected to install, start up, and service ammonia refrigeration systems in cold storage warehouses and food plants. Some answers...

Chairman focuses on guidelines.(Conference Update / IIAR)
June 7, 2004... KISSIMMEE, Fla. -- The path from a farm in central Wisconsin to the leadership of a major refrigeration trade association can sometimes be a simple matter of linkage. Consider Larry Basel, who grew up on a family farm and is now chairman of the...

Solid-state sensors and space exploration.(Conference Update / IIAR)
June 7, 2004... KISSIMMEE, Fla. -- Down-to-earth technical talks and the challenges of space exploration comprised some of the presentations at the recent International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration (IIAR) Conference and Trade Show. Technical papers...

Ammonia sector looks at training.(Conference Update / IIAR)
June 7, 2004... KISSIMMEE, Fla. -- The people who operate and service ammonia refrigeration systems are key to the systems' successful operation. But what is there to guide the trainers, to make sure what they are providing is what operators and technicians...

Pipe temperature measurement solutions: accurate measurements are critical for calculating subcooling and superheat.(Service & Maintenance)
June 7, 2004... With system efficiencies continually improving and environmental requirements becoming more stringent, subcooling and superheat measurements have become more and more important. They are the truest indicators of system performance. Because...

China: it's the next frontier.(our Insights)
June 7, 2004... At its annual meeting in Tucson, Ariz., GAMA--the association of appliance and equipment manufacturers announced that it would open an office in Beijing this summer. This should come as no surprise. After all, to many United States...

Gas prices are pressuring service rates.(our Insights)
June 7, 2004... It seems that we have been down this road before. When the discussion turns to the high prices of gas, contractors must determine at what point fuel costs will affect hourly rates. Then they must decide if they should pass the cost on to...

Moldy home gets 'extreme makeover'.
June 14, 2004... ARLETA, Calif. -- Carrie Powell was at her wits' end. Her son, Keenan, had been suffering from a combination of a rare cell disorder, asthma, and other allergies. All these conditions were made worse by the mold and dust in their Southern...

Unitary picture reflects an improved economy.
June 14, 2004... ARLINGTON, Va. -- The cooling season started heating up early this year--good news for manufacturers and distributors, as well as contractors, for some of whom a busy cooling season can make the difference between lackluster or blockbuster...

Deferring maintenance.(Brief Article)
June 14, 2004... The cost penalty for putting off maintenance is much higher than people realize. A consultant's research shows that the real penalty for waiting until breakdown occurs is 15:1 minimum. For more, read the Service & Maintenance article "The...

Emerson forges refrigeration partnerships.(industry News)(Alliances and partnerships)(Brief Article)
June 14, 2004... ST. LOUIS -- Emerson Climate Technologies has formed a strategic partnership between its Design Services Network (Sidney, Ohio) and Maine Stay Design (Camden, Maine). Maine Stay Design specializes in market research for new products, product...

ASHRAE method helps evaluate residential systems.(industry News)(American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers)(Brief Article)
June 14, 2004... ATLANTA -- The energy efficiency of different residential HVAC systems can be evaluated in the design or retrofit stages using a new method from the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). Users...

LonWorks chosen for European appliances.(industry News)(product development)(Brief Article)
June 14, 2004... SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Echelon Corp., creator of the LonWorks[R] device-networking platform for connecting everyday devices to each other and the Internet, and Gorenje, d.d., Slovenia's largest exporter of household appliances and one of Europe's...

Remembering President Reagan.(industry News)(Obituary)
June 14, 2004... Many people within the HVACR industry are sharing remembrances of recently deceased President Ronald Reagan. The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors --National Association (PHCC) honored "The Great Communicator" with the following remembrance...

One hour owners buy Las Vegas franchise.(Industry News)(Mergers, acquisitions and divestments)
June 14, 2004... LAS VEGAS -- VenVest Inc., a venture capital company and national franchise originator headquartered in Sarasota, Fla., announced that it had acquired the Las Vegas HVAC company, Quality One Hour Air Conditioning Inc., formerly Quality Air...

Report contains good news, bad news on indoor mold.(Industry News)
June 14, 2004... WASHINGTON -- The bad news: The most recent scientific evidence links mold and moisture in buildings to asthma symptoms in some people with the chronic disorder, as well as to coughing, wheezing, and upper respiratory tract symptoms in...

Help from across the pond.(energy matters: a compendium of energy facts and information)(Brief Article)
June 14, 2004... LONDON -- The United Kingdom announced that it will join the Efficient Energy for Sustainable Development Partnership (EESD) of the U.S. Clean Energy Initiative. Just about one month earlier, the United States announced that it joined the...

Carrier Corp.(Price Increase)(Brief Article)
June 14, 2004... * Carrier Corp. (Indianapolis) announced price increases of 2 percent to 5 percent on most of its Carrier, Bryant, and Payne residential heating and cooling equipment, effective July 1.

Excellence Alliance Inc.'s (EAI's) (Cincinnati) Excellence Alliance Foundation (EAF) partnered with strategic ally Cintas Corp.(Contractors)(Achievements and awards)(Brief Article)
June 14, 2004... * Excellence Alliance Inc.'s (EAI's) (Cincinnati) Excellence Alliance Foundation (EAF) partnered with strategic ally Cintas Corp. (Cincinnati) to award a $2,000 scholarship to Great Oaks Institute of Technology and Career Development...

Airtime 500.(Contractors)(The AirTime Expo)(Brief Article)
June 14, 2004... * Airtime 500's next expo will be held Sept. 14-18 at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel in Nashville, Tenn. The AirTime Expo, combined with the Plumbers' Success International's Summit for the first time, will feature guest speaker Jack Trout, author...

Carrier Corp.(Manufacturers)(Pete Grillo appointed)(Brief Article)
June 14, 2004... * Carrier Corp. (Syracuse, N.Y.) appointed Pete Grillo general manager of Carrier Northeast.

Thermo Pride.(Manufacturers)(appointments)(Brief Article)
June 14, 2004... * Thermo Pride (North Judson, Ind.) named Joseph D'Aprile Salesman of the Year for 2003. D'Aprile, territory manager for eastern upstate New York, has been with Thermo Pride since 1997.

Eclipse, Inc.(Manufacturers)(H2 Technologies)(Brief Article)
June 14, 2004... * Eclipse, Inc. (Rockford, Ill.), a manufacturer of industrial combustion systems and burners, selected H2 Technologies' (Stone Mountain, Ga.) ServiceWorks[TM] as its service management and dispatching software.

FMC Lithium.(Manufacturers)(relocation of administrative offices)(Brief Article)
June 14, 2004... * FMC Lithium's administrative offices have relocated from Gastonia, N.C., to Charlotte. The new address is Seven LakePointe Plaza, 2801 Yorkmont Rd., Suite 300, Charlotte, NC 28208.

NuTemp.(Manufacturers)
June 14, 2004... * NuTemp (Chicago) announced that it has a wide variety of pre-owned equipment for sale, including air-and water-cooled chillers (10 to 2,000 tons), absorption chillers, industrial refrigeration equipment, cooling towers, and air handlers. For...

Vac Systems Industries.(Manufacturers)(Peter Haugen)(Brief Article)
June 14, 2004... * Vac Systems Industries' (Apple Valley, Minn.) former general manager, Peter Haugen, purchased the company's manufacturing and sales business. Vae Systems International can be reached at 800-597-3955 or 952-432-3955; phaugen@frontiernet.net.

Vaisala Inc.(Manufacturers)(location)(Brief Article)
June 14, 2004... * Vaisala Inc. (Woburn, Mass.) is moving to new offices at 10-D Gill St., Woburn, MA 01801; 781-933 4500 or 888-824-7252; 781-933-8029 (fax).

Turbocor.(Manufacturers)(Brief Article)
June 14, 2004... * Turbocor (Dorval, Quebec) announced that its traveling classroom/ showcase will be touring to display the company's compressor technology. For more information, visit www.turbocor.com.

Bedson Corp.(Manufacturers)(Brief Article)
June 14, 2004... * Bedson Corp. (Memphis, Tenn.), a rep agency whose principal products include industrial ventilation equipment, announced that Larry Bennett and Bill McWatters now are partners with the firm.

The Refrigeration Service Engineers Society.(Associations)(Achievements and awards)(Brief Article)
June 14, 2004... * The Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES) (Des Plaines, Ill.) awarded the following members Certificate Member (CM) status: Cleon F. Cathcart, Nicholas R. Cress, Wayne R. Greenfield, Charles Rydquist, John J. Dorney, John A. Blair,...

The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors--National Association (PHCC) will hold its 122nd Annual PHCC Convention in conjunction with the ISH North America trade show.(Associations)
June 14, 2004... * The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors--National Association (PHCC) will hold its 122nd Annual PHCC Convention in conjunction with the ISH North America trade show. The events will take place in Boston Oct. 12-16. To register or for more...

Butterfly valves.(what's New)
June 14, 2004... The Sylax Series butterfly valves are now available in 2- to 24-inch sizes. Both the wafer and the lug styles can be provided with a 10-position locking lever handle or optional gear operator or a standard ISO top flange for direct mounting of...

Gateway.(what's New)
June 14, 2004... The AnyBus-X gateway family consists of over 120 products designed to connect almost every possible combination of two industrial networks, says the company. The product family supports 15 different Fieldbus networks, such as Profibus,...

Air conditioner.(what's New)
June 14, 2004... The SmartComfort[TM] Enviromax[TM] 2400 residential air conditioning unit uses R-410A and is designed to achieve 14 SEER, says the company. Features include a Copeland scroll compressor; compressor sound jacket; enclosed two-speed fan; coil...

Fancoil-heat pump controller.(what's New)
June 14, 2004... The Continuum[R] 887 terminal controller is ideal for direct control of fans; staged heating and cooling; and monitoring of room temperatures, outside air temperature, return-air temperature, or occupancy status, says the company. According to...

Fabric duct air filter.(what's New)
June 14, 2004... The Final Filter, an induct air filter for fabric duct, is cone-shaped and is designed to zip in ! place within minutes at the inlet into a fabric duct system. It supplements primary filter systems in new or retrofit buildings with the...