Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration News articles from March 2004

Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration News archives from March 2004

Marley Cooling Technologies.(Price Increases)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Marley Cooling Technologies (Overland Park, Kan.) announced a surcharge of up to 15 percent in North America on all factory-assembled cooling towers containing stainless steel materials, effective March 1.

Nordyne.(Price Increases)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Nordyne (O'Fallon, Mo.) will increase its prices by 3 percent, effective April 5. The increase will be implemented across the company's residential, light commercial, international equipment, and parts product lines. Furthermore, the...

York International Corp.(Price Increases)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... York International Corp. (York, PA) announced a price increase ranging from 2 percent to 3 percent for Engineered Systems equipment, effective April 1. This increase covers air-handling units, water- and air-cooled chillers, packaged rooftop...

The Chiller Systems Group will hold its spring meeting in Scottsdale, Ariz.(Contractors)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... The Chiller Systems Group will hold its spring meeting in Scottsdale, Ariz., March 12-13. Group member Metro Mechanical Inc. will host the event. Presentations will be offered by the RPC Co., Enecon Corp., Benshaw International, York...

Loytec (Vienna, Austria) has formed Loytec Americas Inc.(Manufacturers)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Loytec (Vienna, Austria) has formed Loytec Americas Inc., located near Austin, Texas. Al Mouton will head up the new division as president and CEO.

Duct losses reach epidemic levels.
March 1, 2004... Recent reports have estimated that, on average, 90 percent of all residential duct systems have significant loss of airflow. Losses are caused by system leaks, such as poor seals and damage to sheet metal or ductboard ductwork, and damage and...

Management can help keep EPA at bay.
March 1, 2004... Governments throughout the world have issued new laws and regulations concerning refrigerant emissions. Persons responsible for HVACR and/or environmental concerns in their company or organization need to take strong, immediate action to ensure...

Over-fired boiler.(Extra Edition)
March 1, 2004... In this installment of the Btu Buddy series, Bob is called to do a tuneup on an oil boiler. When he finds that too much heat is going up the flue, Btu Buddy helps guide him to a solution. See the Service & Maintenance article "Btu Buddy 11:...

They have enough to do already.(reader Mail)(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2004... I enjoyed John R. Hall's Dec. 29, 2003, editorial ["Add Another Log To The Tech Selling Fire"] regarding taking your mechanics and making them sell. As a wholesale distributor, we see that it's already hard enough to grow good mechanics without...

Don't tarnish the industry's image.(reader Mail)(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2004... I wanted to compliment John R. Hall for speaking out on the issue of service techs selling ["Add Another Log To The Tech Selling Fire," Dec. 29, 2003]. I agree with all of the points he made. I believe our industry is too much at risk,...

Techs who don't really sell.(reader Mail)(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2004... I read John R. Halls' piece ["Add Another Log To The Tech Selling Fire," Dec. 29, 2003]. Here are a few comments. Good for you, John; I do agree. What is important is that during this debate that has been going on for years, the one thing...

GAMA outlines 69th Annual Meeting.(industry News)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Arlington, Va. -- The Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association (GAMA) announced the agenda for its 69th Annual Meeting set to take place in Tucson, Ariz., at the La Paloma Resort and Spa, April 18-21. According to Evan R. Gaddis, president...

Steel market turmoil expected to continue.(industry News)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Columbus, Ohio -- Galvanized steel price volatility and shortages may continue for the next several quarters, according to distributor members of Heating, Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI). The...

Contractor recognized for 100-percent NATE certification.(industry News)(Air Assurance Co.)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Tulsa, Okla. -- Air Assurance Co. has been recognized by North American Technician Excellence (NATE) for accomplishing the goal of getting 100 percent of the company's HVAC technicians NATE certified. Pictured above is the entire staff of Air...

City of Dallas gets energy upgrades.(Energy matters: a compendium of energy facts and information)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... The City of Dallas awarded a $9 million performance contract to TAC (Carrollton, Texas) to design and construct energy conservation-related projects at six facilities. The projects will be financed through loans from the Texas State Energy...

Honeywell offers R-245fa for chiller applications.(Energy matters: a compendium of energy facts and information)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Morristown, N.J. -- Honeywell has announced the availability of HFC-245fa (branded by the company as Genetron[R] 245fa), a low-pressure refrigerant for chiller and heat pipe applications. "R-245fa has the potential to offer the lowest...

ARI releases new career video.(Energy matters: a compendium of energy facts and information; Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute )(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Arlington, Va. -- A new, 10-minute video titled "Improving Life" is being used around the country and abroad to describe how advances in air conditioning, heating, and refrigeration help people live healthier, happier, and longer lives,...

For the second consecutive year, Lennox Industries Inc. (Dallas), has been chosen by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).(Manufacturers)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... For the second consecutive year, Lennox Industries Inc. (Dallas), has been chosen by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy (DOE) as an Energy Star[R] Manufacturer of the Year.

Heatcraft Refrigeration Products LLC.(Manufacturers)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Heatcraft Refrigeration Products LLC (Atlanta) has added Steve Dyer as the director of operations for the Tifton, Ga., facility and promoted Nader Zyaei to director of operations at the Danville, Ill., facility.

Siemens Building Technologies.(Manufacturers)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Siemens Building Technologies (Buffalo Grove, Ill.) has launched an HVAC product Internet site at www.sbt.siemens.com/hvp/components.

Automation and Control Solutions (ACS).(Manufacturers)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Roger Fradin has been named president and CEO of the Automation and Control Solutions (ACS) business of Honeywell (Morris Township, N.J.).

ABB Inc. (New Berlin, Wis.) has signed a vendor agreement with the group purchasing division of the health care alliance Premier Inc.(Manufacturers)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... ABB Inc. (New Berlin, Wis.) has signed a vendor agreement with the group purchasing division of the health care alliance Premier Inc. All of Premier's nearly 1,7000 acute care hospital members will have access to the company's drives products...

International Comfort Products.(contract with ACH Supply)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... International Comfort Products (ICP) (Lewisburg, Tenn.) announced that ACH Supply, with eight branches throughout California, will supply Heil heating and cooling products.

Industrial Controls Distributors LLC (Wanamassa, N.J.) is now the exclusive distributor for New York, New Jersey, and Philadelphia.(Manufacturers; disatribution agreement with Distech Controls)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Industrial Controls Distributors LLC (Wanamassa, N.J.) is now the exclusive distributor for New York, New Jersey, and Philadelphia of the Easy Controls[TM] building automation system manufactured by Distech Controls (Brossard, Quebec).

The Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada.(Manufacturers)(two bursaries awarded)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... The Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI) (Mississauga, Ontario) announced that Samad Doosti and Grant Gray are the latest bursary recipients of the Orval L. Davie Memorial Fund. The fund provides tuition...

The International Association of Mold Remediation Specialists (IAMRS).(mergeing membership with Environmental Education Foundation )(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... The International Association of Mold Remediation Specialists (IAMRS) (Washington) will merge its membership with the Environmental Education Foundation (Houston).

The No. 1 marketing mistake.(Marketing Tips)(how to keep existing customers)
March 1, 2004... Too many contractors serve customers once and think they're customers. They're not. The horrific truth is, most of the time contractors get the call, schedule the appointment, show up, present the bill, leave, and, in most cases, that's it....

Dehumidifiers.(what's New)
March 1, 2004... Gizmology[R], a dehumidification technology, is designed to accommodate dewpoint temperatures down to 26[degrees]F. According to the manufacturer, it uses highly efficient direct expansion (DX) cooling to take an airstream dewpoint down to...

Zone control dampers.(what's New)
March 1, 2004... Series ZCD zone control dampers are designed to meet the demand for zone-specific products combined with individual controls. Model ZCDRS25 can be installed in existing round duct. It comes with 24-V modulating actuator and field-wired,...

Heat pump.(what's New)
March 1, 2004... The PHAD Series convertible Air-flow Single-phase package heat pump has a 12-SEER rating and is available in 2- to 5-ton models. The convertible airflow discharge design allows the heat pump to be installed in either horizontal or downflow...

In-line duct fan.(what's New)
March 1, 2004... The AXG in-line duct fan is designed for applications where powerful, yet quiet, air delivery is required in a compact package, states the company. The speed of the backward-curved impeller and external rotor motor can be controlled with the...

Refrigerant purger.(what's New)
March 1, 2004... Model HPP-3 Series high-pressure refrigerant purger was designed to provide high-efficiency, non-condensable purging in high-pressure refrigerant system applications in standard commercial chillers and large-tonnage industrial process cooling...

Flow control valve.(what's New)
March 1, 2004... The PICCV Pressure Independent Characterized Control Valve[TM] maintains flow control regardless of pressure fluctuations, says the company. The PICCV is a two-way valve that supplies a specific flow for each degree of ball opening, regardless...

Air handler.(what's New)
March 1, 2004... The Destiny[TM] is an air handler for low-cost blower coil and low-pressure air-handler applications (600 to 15,000 cfm). Units can be mounted on the floor or from the ceiling. It is offered with multiple coil, filter, and mixing box selections...

Make-up air units.(what's New)
March 1, 2004... Two new units provide nontempered make-up air as part of a total kitchen ventilation system. Model KSFB has air volumes from 1,000 to 10,500 cfm. Model KSFD has air volumes from 400 to 2,000 cfm. Both models are available with a standard or...

Fewer companies, but plenty of options: recovery manufacturers display new technology at AHR Expo.(Focus: recovery, recycle, reclaim)
March 1, 2004... ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Once upon a time, more than 50 companies could be found at trade shows promoting recovery and reclamation equipment. Today the number can be counted on a couple of hands--and maybe a few toes. For the most part, those...

Heat exchanger reclaims reusable energy.(Focus: recovery, recycle, reclaim)
March 1, 2004... When the word "reclamation" has been used in the HVACR sector in recent years, it has most closely been identified with the recovery and reuse of refrigerants. But the term has a broader application and can encompass reclaiming reusable...

Troubleshooting air curtains.(refrigeration zone)
March 1, 2004... When investigating problems with an open display case, a technician must not only look at the mechanical refrigeration circuit but also at the air curtain as the possible source of the problem. When an air curtain becomes disturbed, warm store...

Output air temperature.(the Hotline)
March 1, 2004... QUESTION: Tony Yan Via E-Mail I had a contractor install an A/C unit about two summers ago. The output air temperature is around 68[degrees]F from the opening of the air duct. The weather is hot and the indoor temperature stays...

Milk storage tank.(the Hotline)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... QUESTION: By Larry Wesol Via E-Mail I am working on an old milk storage tank used on a farm in upstate Pennsylvania. The manufacturer is Sunset from St. Paul, Minn. The farmer--like all farmers--has little money. He wants me to...

The long road to recovery.(refrigeration zone)
March 1, 2004... Fresh on the heels of our review of the latest information on refrigerants, this issue of The News offers a look at the refrigerant recovery sector. Like its refrigerant counterpart, recovery has been an ever-changing and sometimes confusing...

Diagnosing a restricted metering device.(refrigeration zone)
March 1, 2004... This article explores how a restricted metering device will affect system performance and efficiency. The system is a commercial refrigeration system with a thermostatic expansion valve (TXV) as the metering device. The refrigerant being...

Furnace manufacturers focus on efficiency.(AHR Expo: furnaces)
March 1, 2004... ANAHEIM, Calif. -- High efficiency was the mantra for manufacturers showing their furnaces at the International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition (AHR Expo). Rheem Manufacturing Co.--Air Conditioning Division...

What's new in computer software?(AHR Expo: software)
March 1, 2004... ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Several manufacturers featured new computer software products at the 2004 International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition (AHR Expo). Autodesk Inc. (www.autodesk. com) introduced Autodesk Building...

The role of economizers in rooftop equipment.(Tech basics: helping students and technicians prepare for successful careers in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration.)
March 1, 2004... In the HVACR industry, the economizer is often misunderstood. Although some technicians are unsure of its operation and many customers have no clue it is even there--much less what it does--the economizer continues to fight a lonely battle for...

Purdue backfires into Purdon't.(Our insights: views and opinions from the editorial staff and guest columnists.)
March 1, 2004... In my mind, it had all the makings of a convincing Master Card commercial. One night's stay at a hotel: $90 Money for gas: $40 Souvenir school sweatshirt: $30 Convincing your daughter to get into mechanical engineering:...

What lies beneath the numbers.(Our insights: views and opinions from the editorial staff and guest columnists.)
March 1, 2004... I'm willing to bet that a lot of people are like me--statistics freaks. I like to make comparisons and judgments based on good, accurate statistics, but, at times, statistics can be misleading. Take a look at the following statistics, which...

Taco Inc.(Price Increases)(Brief Article)
March 8, 2004... * Taco Inc. (Cranston, R.I.) has increased prices effective this month. The increase for residential products ranges from 2 percent to 6 percent, while the increase on commercial products ranges from 2 percent to 5 percent.

SWEP.(Price Increases)(Brief Article)
March 8, 2004... * SWEP (Duluth, Ga.), manufacturer of brazed heat exchangers, will impose a price increase of 5 percent.

The Air Conditioning Contractors of America.(Contractors)(Brief Article)
March 8, 2004... * The Air Conditioning Contractors of America (Arlington, Va.) has started work on forming a new state chapter in Florida. Current ACCA members in Florida met in Orlando on Feb. 18 to discuss the need for the new chapter.

The Service Roundtable.(Contractors)(Brief Article)
March 8, 2004... * The Service Roundtable (Dallas) redesigned its Web site, which now contains a variety of free downloads for contractors. For further details, visit www.serviceroundtable.com.

Lennox International Inc.(Manufacturers)(William F. Stroll Jr. )(Brief Article)
March 8, 2004... * Lennox International Inc. (Dallas) has appointed William F. Stroll Jr. as executive vice president and chief legal officer following the retirement of Carl E. Edwards Jr.

ATOFINA Chemicals Inc.(Manufacturers)(Brief Article)
March 8, 2004... * ATOFINA Chemicals Inc. (Philadelphia) unveiled a new brand identity for its Forane[R] refrigerants group centered on the tagline "Delivering More." The campaign will bring a new look, message, and image through product packaging, advertising,...

Spectronics Corp.(Manufacturers)(Public Notice)
March 8, 2004... * Spectronics Corp. (Westbury, N.Y.) announced that the company has received ISO 9001:2000 certification.

Lessons learned in bankruptcy: one contractor looks back on his experience with chapter 7 liquidation.
March 8, 2004... [Editor's note: This is the first installment of a multi-part series on the realities of bankruptcy from a first-person point of view. In this installment, Mark Roberts recounts his experience running an HVAC contracting firm, stressing that...

Rheem, ACCA make historic partnership.
March 8, 2004... NEW ORLEANS -- What may have been the biggest surprise at the 2004 Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) Conference and Indoor Air Expo came from Rheem Manufacturing, Air Conditioning Division. At the closing of the Industry...

New products.(AHR Expo)(Brief Article)
March 8, 2004... The News has been even more coverage about new products introduced at the 2004 International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition online in Extra Edition. Visit www.achrnews.com to read online exclusive features focusing on the...

Sam's club fined for illegal sales of R-22.(industry News)(Brief Article)
March 8, 2004... KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- According to a federal complaint, more than a dozen 30 pound cylinders of R-22 said at Sam's Club stores found their way into the hands of non-certified customers. As a result, Wal-Mart Stores Inc., which owns Sam's Club,...

Supermarkets fined for refrigerant leaks.(industry News)(Brief Article)
March 8, 2004... CHICAGO -- Refrigerants leaking from supermarket refrigeration systems have resulted in an $85,000 civil fine against a food chain and a pledge to retrofit 23 stores to non-CFC refrigerants. The settlement was between Dominick's Finer Foods...

ARI and CSA revise standard.(industry News)(Brief Article)
March 8, 2004... ARLINGTON, Va. -- The Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI) has joined with the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) to revise ARI Standard 310/380 and CSA Standard C744 "Packaged Terminal Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps." The...

ASHRAE prepares for IAQ conference.(industry News)(Brief Article)
March 8, 2004... ATLANTA -- Control of airborne infectious diseases, the value of indoor air quality (IAQ) programs, and challenges faced by the design community are the topics that will be addressed by keynote speakers at the American Society of Heating,...

School cuts heating bill with wood chips.(Energy matters: a compendium of energy facts and information.)(Brief Article)
March 8, 2004... The Council School District in Idaho will soon install a new biomass heating system in time for next winter. The system will be fueled by wood chips, and is expected to cut heating bills in half. A portion of the new heating system will be...

SME to launch fuel cell event.(Energy matters: a compendium of energy facts and information.)(Brief Article)
March 8, 2004... The Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) announced the launching of a new event titled "Alternative & Advanced Energy Technologies: Manufacturing Challenges & Opportunities." The event will take place Oct. 12-13 in Dearborn, Mich., and...

Lime scale eradicator.(what's New)
March 8, 2004... The ScaleBlaster eliminates formation of lime scale deposits in water pipes, faucets, cooling towers, boilers, injection molding, heating elements, and other equipment without the need of water-softening equipment, salts, or chemicals, states...

Refrigeration evaporator.(what's New)
March 8, 2004... The company offers stainless steel tube/aluminum fin evaporator construction to replace hot dip galvanized (zinc-coated) carbon steel coils in ammonia refrigeration systems. According to the company, stainless steel is highly corrosion...

Chiller refrigerant purger.(what's New)
March 8, 2004... The EarthWise[TM] purge system removes air, moisture, and other noncondensables from low-pressure chillers that use R-11, -113, or -123. The company says the system has an advanced touch-control screen display, which allows more information to...

Attic stair cover.(what's New)
March 8, 2004... The Attic Tent[TM] is designed to make an airtight barrier that reduces energy loss year-round. According to the manufacturer, it stops humidity, dust, and blown insulation particles from moving between the attic and the living space. Zippered...

Cooling tower filter.(what's New)
March 8, 2004... The media of the PreVent[R] air intake filters for cooling towers contains an electrostatic charge that doesn't diminish over time, catching and holding particles much like iron filings are attracted to a magnet, says the company. The filters...

Circuit balancing valves.(what's New)
March 8, 2004... The 1/2- to 2-inch circuit balancing valves (CBVs) have five full 360-degree turns from open to closed. These sizes of the CBVs can be installed with measuring ports up or down. The valves are designed to be selected based on line size....

Work gloves.(what's New)
March 8, 2004... Talon[TM] gloves have three-layer protection in the palm to prevent blisters and fatigue and extra padding to protect the knuckles. According to the company, the gloves have reinforced fingertip seams, which will not blow out; an adjustable...

Commercial ventilation.(what's New)
March 8, 2004... Literature is available on the Auto-Draft[R] Series commercial ventilation and draft systems. A new product found in the catalog is the VSUB-Series universal blower for combustion air or draft. Features include the blower housing that rotates...

Protection in harsh environments.(Focus: coils & condensing units)(even though the condenser and evaporator may be covered they can be affected by harsh environmental conditions)
March 8, 2004... STEVENSVILLE, Md. -- Even though an entire condenser and evaporator may be covered with an effective coating system, the coils must ultimately be soldered into the copper refrigerant circuit. This results in sections of the tubing being exposed...

Dehumidification and reheat in one coil.(Focus: coils & condensing units)
March 8, 2004... MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- Whether it is to protect important hightech equipment in computer rooms, or to protect the health of patients in hospitals, dehumidification can be a must. According to Outokumpu Heatcraft, dehumidification is just one...

Antimicrobial protection is the solution.(Focus: coils & condensing units)
March 8, 2004... GRENADA, Miss. -- Last year, Advanced Distributor Products (ADP), manufacturer of air conditioning coils, air handlers, and unit heaters, rolled out its Healthy Solutions[R] line of products. The products include the Healthy Solutions...

A new breed of PTAC.(Focus: coils & condensing units)
March 8, 2004... HOUSTON -- Recently, Goodman Company LP introduced its Amana[R] brand package terminal air conditioner (PTAC). According to the company, the PTAC has an Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) of up to 12.8, and its design makes the unit less costly to...

Innovations in hydronic products continue.(AHR Expo / Hydronic & Radiant)
March 8, 2004... ANAHEIM, Calif. -- From new tankless water heaters to new business agreements, there was plenty of activity among hydronics manufacturers at the 2004 International AirConditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition (AHR Expo). First off,...

Solaronics' new infrared heater.(AHR Expo / Hydronic & Radiant)
March 8, 2004... ANAHEIM, Calif. -- At the 2004 International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition, Solaronics Inc. (www.solaronicsusa.com) announced its stainless steel Doorjet Heater. According to the manufacturer, the heater is designed to...

Cleaner, quieter, more efficient ducts.(AHR Expo / Ducts)
March 8, 2004... ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Ductwork has some new responsibilities. If the 2004 International Air Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition (AHR Expo) is any indication, ductwork and duct accessories no longer just move the air around an...

Keeping track of your costs.(our Insights)(contractors need to better understand their costs to produce profitable bids)
March 8, 2004... Did you ever wonder if your competition has any idea of their costs? You bid a job "tight," only to find out your competitor's bid is lower than what you have calculated to be your direct costs. You can't figure out how he does it. You did...

Reader suggestions for on-call incentives.(our Insights)
March 8, 2004... I recently asked contractors for comments about how they compensate and manage techs who work on call. I received some interesting feedback. Many readers offered financial ways to solve this issue. One recommendation is this: Pay techs four...

Baltimore Aircoil Company.(Price Increase)(Brief Article)
March 15, 2004... * Baltimore Aircoil Company (Baltimore) has announced a 3-percent price increase for galvanized steel products and a 5-percent increase on stainless steel products. These price increases are effective immediately on all of the company's...

Emcor Group Inc.(Contractors)(Brief Article)
March 15, 2004... * Emcor Group Inc. (Norwalk, Conn.) was named for the fourth consecutive year to the Forbes Platinum 400 list. In addition, it was named one of "America's Most Admired Companies" for the third year in a row by Fortune.

Sterile-Aire USA Inc. (Cerritos, Calif.) and UltraViolet Devices Inc. (UVDI) (Valencia, Calif.) entered into a worldwide nonexclusive license.(Manufacturers)(Brief Article)
March 15, 2004... * Sterile-Aim USA Inc. (Cerritos, Calif.) and UltraViolet Devices Inc. (UVDI) (Valencia, Calif.) entered into a worldwide nonexclusive license covering a number of Sterile-Aire's patents and UVDI's ALTRU-VTM products.

Lindab Inc.(Manufacturers)(Brief Article)
March 15, 2004... * Lindab Inc. (Stamford, Conn.) will add a manufacturing facility near Springfield, Mass. The plant will produce union-made round sheet metal ductwork.