Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration News articles from March 2006

Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration News archives from March 2006

Goodman plans to offer IPO.
March 6, 2006... Goodman Global Inc., parent company of Goodman Manufacturing, the world's largest privately held HVAC manufacturer, recently announced its plans for an initial stock offering that could raise as much as $460 million. The Houston-based...

Mustang winner.
March 6, 2006... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Caption: MUSTANG WINNER: Sheri D'Hansel of Energy Services Air Conditioning and Heating, located in Naperville, Ill., won a new 2006 Ford Mustang GT premium convertible in a convention raffle at Carrier's National...

To pull permits or not, that is the temptation in California.
March 6, 2006... If what has transpired over the first three months since Title 24 went into effect, business may remain as usual for contractors in California this year. And, that's what scares Kevin Comerford, Bryan Lee, Geno Gruber, and other law-abiding...

Getting motivated.(Readers Agree Something Is Missing in Contracting World)(Letter to the Editor)
March 6, 2006... As a small contractor who has employees to take care of and all that goes along with running a business, I have to tell you that I used to look very much forward to getting away to attend the trade association conferences seeking that renewed...

Make each day a happy day.(Readers Agree Something Is Missing in Contracting World)(Letter to the Editor)
March 6, 2006... Mark Skaer mentioned something is missing in the world of contracting. What an understatement! It is tragic to see so many men and women spending so much of their time at their jobs every day of the week for one solitary purpose: to make...

Smoke gets in your eves.(Readers Agree Something Is Missing in Contracting World)
March 6, 2006... [Editor's note: This letter is in response to John R. Hall's editorial "Time to Revisit Carbon Monoxide Poisoning."] This letter is to thank John R. Hall for his editorial in the Jan. 16 edition. Our old furnace needed rebuilding this...

Quick facts: TXV selection and sensing bulb location.(EXTRA EDITION)
March 6, 2006... * Quick Facts: TXV Selection and Sensing Bulb Location: Learn how to select a thermostatic expansion valve (TXV) for a particular application and what is the correct position for the TXV sensing bulb.

Four steps to reduce HVAC energy cost.(EXTRA EDITION)
March 6, 2006... * Four Steps to Reduce HVAC Energy Cost: Many building operators do not repair or replace VFDs when they fail since motors can easily keep running through a bypass contactor. Continued operation in this mode quickly becomes a very expensive way...

Product gallery.(www.achrnews.com)
March 6, 2006... Check out the latest new products and services from NEWS advertisers. We make it easier for contractors to access information for your business.

Exclusive industry research.(www.achrnews.com)
March 6, 2006... The NEWS offers exclusive industry survey reports conducted by the Market Research Department of BNP Media, our parent company.

HVACR directory & source guide.(www.achrnews.com)(Directory)
March 6, 2006... Our directory is an extensive resource that allows you to locate products, get technical support, and discover new business opportunities. The online version allows quick and easy access.

ASHRAE joins with other associations in new Green Building standard.(American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers)
March 6, 2006... WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC); the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE); and the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA) have agreed to co-sponsor the...

Trane.(Price Increase)
March 6, 2006... * Trane (Piscataway, N.J.) increased heating and cooling coil prices 20 percent and also increased commercial unitary and applied product line prices up to 2 percent to 5 percent, effective immediately.

Colmac Coil (Colville, Wash.) promoted W.C. Buffington to president and COO.(Manufacturers)
March 6, 2006... * Colmac Coil (Colville, Wash.) promoted W.C. Buffington to president and COO, replacing Scott McMillan who will remain as CEO and chairman.

MAMAC Systems (Minneapolis) purchased Redpoint Controls and Fisher Devices LLC.(Manufacturers)
March 6, 2006... * MAMAC Systems (Minneapolis) purchased Redpoint Controls and Fisher Devices LLC.

Arkema.(Manufacturers)
March 6, 2006... * Arkema (Philadelphia) is expanding its Calvert City, Ky. plant to produce HFC-32 beginning in 2007.

Wisconsin Nipple and Fitting Corp.'s.(Manufacturers)
March 6, 2006... * Ward Manufacturing (Blossburg, Pa.) accquired Wisconsin Nipple and Fitting Corp.'s (Milwaukee) assets.

Jackson Systems LLC.(Manufacturers)
March 6, 2006... * Jackson Systems LLC (Indianapolis) hired Brian Marks as inside sales engineer, and Don Percifield as thermostat imprinting specialist.

R.E. Michel Co. Inc. (Glen Burnie, Md.) now offers the AirEase cooling and heating product line to dealers in the greater Pittsburgh.(Distributors)
March 6, 2006... * R.E. Michel Co. Inc. (Glen Burnie, Md.) now offers the AirEase cooling and heating product line to dealers in the greater Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and eastern Ohio areas.

Meier Supply Co. Inc.(Distributors)
March 6, 2006... * Meier Supply Co. Inc. (Johnson City, N.Y.) opened a new store in Williamsport, Pa.

Iowa Precision.(Distributors)
March 6, 2006... * NB Handy (Lynchburg, Va.) was appointed Iowa Precision's (Cedar Rapids, Iowa) distributor in Northern Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, eastern Pennsylvania, and southern New Jersey.

Tulstar Product Inc. (Tulsa, Okla.) partnered with Norphlet Chemical.(Distributors)
March 6, 2006... * Tulstar Product Inc. (Tulsa, Okla.) partnered with Norphlet Chemical to construct a manufacturing plant in Norphlet, Ark.

The Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Contractors of Canada (HRAC).(Associations)
March 6, 2006... * The Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Contractors of Canada (HRAC) announced that the Skills Ontario technological skills competition will be hosted at the CMX/CIPHEX 2006 trade show in Toronto, March 23-25. For more information,...

The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors--National Association (PHCC).(Associations)
March 6, 2006... * The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors--National Association (PHCC) will hold its annual Legislative Leadership Conference March 16-18 instead of March 23-25.

The Massachusetts Oilheat Council (MOC).(Associations)
March 6, 2006... * The Massachusetts Oilheat Council (MOC) has made the "Massachusetts Oilheat Industry Guidebook" available for download at www.massoilheat.org.

Allied air consolidates.(Allied Air Enterprises)(Brief Article)
March 6, 2006... DALLAS -- Allied Air Enterprises (Allied), a division of Lennox International Inc. (LII), is consolidating its manufacturing, distribution, research and development, and administrative operations in South Carolina, and closing its current...

ETL Mark blasts UL superstitions.(ETL SEMKO division of Intertek )(Brief Article)
March 6, 2006... CHICAGO -- The ETL SEMKO division of Intertek launched the second phase of its aggressive industry awareness campaign, Superstitions, reinforcing the ETL Mark as an alternative to the UL Mark for product safety certification. With a series of...

On tour.
March 6, 2006... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Caption: ON TOUR: Lochinvar[R] Corp. will take its Hydronic Heating Tour to the Northeast in April 2006 demonstrating the Solution and new Knight Heating Boiler. This self-contained tour van will provide visitors...

Obituary.(Roland S. Boreham Jr of Baldor Electric Co)(Brief Article)(Obituary)
March 6, 2006... ROLAND S, BOREHAM JR. FORT SMITH, Ark. -- Roland S. Boreham Jr., CEO of Baldor Electric Co. from 1978 to 1981, and chairman from 1981 through 2004, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 5, 2006. Boreham began his career with Baldor in 1947,...

Gas burners.(what's new)
March 6, 2006... A line of commercial gas burners, consisting of four models, covers a firing range of 200,000 to 5 million Btuh. Features include low gas pressure operation, complete control panel options, a link-ageless damper motor, and UL/CUL and CSD1 code...

Condensate and boiler feed pumps.(what's new)
March 6, 2006... The 4300 Series stainless steel condensate and boiler feed pumps are available in simplex or duplex construction. The heavy-duty, ball-bearing, close-coupled 3,450-rpm motor has a stainless steel shaft. Boiler feed pumps are controlled by a...

Refrigeration compressor.(what's new)
March 6, 2006... The advanced electronic-controlled RSD (rated speed drive) compressor combines an improved mechanical kit with an electronically controlled electric motor operating at a preselected speed. Running as slowly as 1,600 rpm, the compressor combines...

Piping package.(what's new)
March 6, 2006... The HydroLink primary/secondary piping package can be used with low-mass boilers serving multicircuit hydronic systems. The device combines a hydronic separator and distribution manifold. It merges the attributes of a low-loss header with...

Data center airflow modeling report.(what's new)
March 6, 2006... CoolSim is designed to help reduce the risk of thermal-related equipment failures by enabling data center facility owners, engineers, and designers to accurately simulate airflow and temperatures for various equipment racks throughout the...

Air-handling system sensor.(what's new)
March 6, 2006... The Chill-Out[TM] combination sensor is an air-handling system sensor that includes both a low-temperature cut-out sensor (freeze stat) and an averaging resistance temperature sensor. Designed for HVAC and building automation applications, the...

Data recording system.(what's new)
March 6, 2006... A new recorder system incorporates the TelAire[R] 7001 carbon dioxide (C[O.sub.2]) and temperature monitor and a choice of data loggers with software that provides real-time viewing when performing indoor air quality (IAQ) studies and balancing...

Estimating software.(what's new)
March 6, 2006... Version 2 of Accubid Enterprise Estimating (AEE) is a specification-driven estimating software designed for piping and mechanical contractors. It allows multiple estimators to share jobs in real time. New enhancements include a new power search...

Flue cap.(what's new)
March 6, 2006... Designed for residential applications, the ECAP321 PVC flue cap is a hemispherical plastic cover that protects high-efficiency furnaces from dirt, moisture, and other debris. It is easily installed over the open end of a vertical flue pipe. The...

Packaged air conditioner.(what's new)
March 6, 2006... The CM12 ceiling-mounted packaged air conditioner can be used for spot cooling server, telecom, and equipment rooms. The unit delivers 10,500 Btuh of cooling. It can be controlled by most off-the-shelf thermostats and connected to the building...

Radiant barrier coating.(what's new)
March 6, 2006... Lo/Mit radiant barrier coating is a low "e" paint. The paint can be applied in an attic space or to a rooftop to provide a way to reduce a home or building's air conditioning costs, as well as less wear and tear on an HVAC system and fewer...

Product catalog.(what's new)
March 6, 2006... The manufacturer's 2006 catalog, with information for more than 3,000 products, is now available. The 400-page catalog showcases the comprehensive residential and commercial Comfort System[TM] zone control line, complete with technical data...

Hurricane-resistant louver.(what's new)
March 6, 2006... A sightproof configuration model has been added to the manufacturer's Miami-Dade County hurricane louver line. The louver can be used in coastal areas where louvers must be hurricane resistant. The ESS-501D, made of extruded aluminum, is a...

Data center cooling system.(what's new)
March 6, 2006... Four new models of the DS system are available. The DS is a cooling system used to control temperature, air quality, and humidity in controlled environments such as data centers and computer rooms. They use digital scroll compressors. The DS...

Condensate trap.(what's new)
March 6, 2006... The Drain-Plus condensate trap is specifically designed for HVAC draw-through (negative pressure) systems. The trap is installed at the end of the condensate lines on the main line and auxiliary drains. The unit maintains a drain seal whether...

Enemies of comfort don't stand a chance.(manufacturer update)
March 6, 2006... LAS VEGAS -- A new comfort Superhero joined with some recognized superstars in the glitz and glamour of the 2nd Bryant Heating and Cooling Systems National Dealer Meeting. With perhaps the biggest marketing splash seen in years, Bryant...

Welcome to the big show.(industry news)
March 6, 2006... Let's have no more running around screaming, "The sky is falling." It has fallen. There is nothing to do but embrace the change and look to a new horizon. HVAC has changed significantly in just a matter of months. Many are concerned with...

Angie's list founder discusses service.(business management)(Interview)(Company Profile)
March 6, 2006... A Website that provides reports on area businesses can be a useful tool for service companies such as HVAC contractors--especially when the contractors get positive reviews from satisfied customers. Angie's List (www.angieslist.com) is a Web...

Women and emotion: know 'power tears'.(how to deal with women consumers?)
March 6, 2006... When I ask an audience what they notice that's different when selling to women rather than to men, almost every time a man will apprehensively say, "Women are emotional." That short statement creates more than a little nervous laughter,...

Apprenticeship training offered.(training & education)
March 6, 2006... WINTERSBERG, Ariz. -- The Refrigeration School Inc. (RSI) of Phoenix has announced a partnership with the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station, for the purpose of providing apprenticeship training for HVAC apprentices at the power plant. ...

Found leak ... but fix may be tough.(REFRIGERATION Zone)
March 6, 2006... Sealing leaks continues to be of critical concern in light of possible fines and rising costs of refrigerants. One challenge is to find the leaks; the other is to create an effective seal. In the latter effort, Toronto-based Cliplight Mfg....

Making gelato a cool concoction.(REFRIGERATION ZONE: new products)
March 6, 2006... There was a time when over-the-counter ice cream was simply scooped out of plastic or cardboard-like containers kept on dry ice or in some kind of rudimentary refrigeration unit. But today, ice cream comes in dozens of flavors and even more...

Troubleshooting microprocessors.(REFRIGERATION ZONE: the professor)
March 6, 2006... Service technicians in the HVACR field will sooner or later encounter the microprocessor in their daily service work. Equipment manufacturers are using microprocessors more and more to make their products more reliable, less complicated, easier...

Ice machine issues.
March 6, 2006... One of the many types of refrigeration equipment a technician may be asked to install is the self-contained, commercial ice machine. Installing this type of ice machine isn't normally difficult, but does require a technician to follow the...

Refrigerant lab certified.(REFRIGERATION ZONE: ice breaker)
March 6, 2006... PEARL RIVER, N.Y. -- Hudson Technologies Inc.'s refrigerant testing lab in Champaign, Ill., has been certified by the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI) under ARI's Refrigerant Testing Laboratory Certification Program. "We...

Back to the basics of brazing and soldering.(FOCUS: REFRIGERATION TOOLS & TEST INSTRUMENTS)
March 6, 2006... The processes of brazing, soldering, and welding are often miscategorized as all being welding. In the process of welding, both the edge of the base metal and the filler metal are melted. During brazing and soldering, however, only the...

Plenty of tools to choose.(technician tools)
March 6, 2006... CHICAGO -- Technicians should never fret about having the right tools, as long as they or the bosses are willing to make periodic investments in upgrading what is in their toolboxes and trucks. Manufacturers continue to roll out easier to use...

Products steal show at carrier convention.
March 6, 2006... LAS VEGAS -- Seven time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong was on hand to provide an inspirational talk. Musician Bruce Hornsby sang and played the piano. Comic, satirist, and professional speaker Larry Winget was his usual abrasive self....

Do you keep the customer when the bread is moldy?(business management)
March 6, 2006... I don't see it often, but I saw it the other day: a real sales professional. In this case, it was a young fellow named Ron, between 18 and 20 years old, working in a grocery store. As I stood at the customer service counter of my local grocery...

HVAC service manager Helps rescue crash victim.(industry news)
March 6, 2006... CHICAGO -- Dan O'Halloran was prepared for a busy Friday, with an early morning meeting scheduled with a client. He was dressed in a business suit and had just bought a new pair of shoes and belt. The service manager of Murphy & Miller, a...

The missing frill factor.(opinions: VIEWS AND INSIGHTS FROM THE EDITORIAL STAFF AND GUEST COLUMNISTS)
March 6, 2006... The recent start of the NASCAR season brought back memories of my trip last fall to one of the final events of the past season. It was at the Lowes Motor Speedway, near Charlotte, N.C., and I was with a number of refrigeration and air...

Watch for stricter installation guidelines.(opinions: VIEWS AND INSIGHTS FROM THE EDITORIAL STAFF AND GUEST COLUMNISTS)
March 6, 2006... When I'm wrong, I don't admit it. I just find a way to justify it some time in the future. I have learned this sleight of hand from my lovely bride. (Or per haps I have actually married the perfect woman who tolerates me as I'm becoming...

H&H Sales Co. Inc.(Manufacturers)
March 13, 2006... H&H Sales Co. Inc. (Huntertown, Ind.) is celebrating its 55th anniversary.

Trane.(Manufacturers)
March 13, 2006... Trane (Piscataway, N.J.) received the Frost & Sullivan 2006 Product Innovation of the Year Award for its Cool Dry Quiet (CDQ[TM]) system.

Modine Manufacturing Co.(Manufacturers)
March 13, 2006... Modine Manufacturing Co. (Racine, Wis.).hired Gregory Troy (pictured at right) as vice president and chief human resources officer and Gregory Kinder as vice president of global purchasing.

Burnham Hydronics.(Manufacturers)
March 13, 2006... Burnham Hydronics (Lancaster, Pa.) named Gary Markle as the 2006 Salesperson of the Year, and McCoy Sales as the 2006 Sales Representative of the Year.

ICOR International Inc.(Manufacturers)
March 13, 2006... ICOR International Inc. (Indianapolis) hired David Callender for its technical support team.

Nomaco K-Flex.(Manufacturers)
March 13, 2006... Nomaco K-Flex (Youngsville, N.C.) hired Mitch Schreiber as COO.

Carrier Corp.(Manufacturers)
March 13, 2006... Carrier Corp. (Farmington, Conn.) appointed Kelly Romano president of Carrier Building Systems and Services.

Indeeco.(Manufacturers)
March 13, 2006... Indeeco (St. Louis) appointed RickHolmes as director of sales and marketing.

Weil-McLain (Michigan City, Ind.) acquired Taishan Maeda Boiler Co.(Manufacturers)
March 13, 2006... Weil-McLain (Michigan City, Ind.) acquired Taishan Maeda Boiler Co. (Taian, China)

American Sensor Technologies.(Manufacturers)
March 13, 2006... American Sensor Technologies expanded and moved its headquarters to Mt. Olive, N.J.

Meier Supply Co. Inc.(Distributors)
March 13, 2006... Meier Supply Co. Inc. (Johnson City, N.Y.) was named as a 2005 Business of the Week by the Central New York Business Journal.

Gustave A. Larson Co.(Distributors)
March 13, 2006... Gustave A. Larson Co. (Pewaukee, Wis.) named Michael Braun as director ef marketing.

Skyrocketing insurance: ACCA to hold panel discussion conference * annual survey shows some hope.(CHECKUP on the rising costs of HEALTH CARE)(Air Conditioning Contractors of America)
March 13, 2006... If you want to get Skip Snyder's blood boiling, bring up the topic of health care insurance. Like many--if not most--contractors, the president of Snyder Company Inc., Upper Darby, Pa., can generate more than a few choice words regarding the...

Contractors view state of industry.(FOCUS: HVAC INDUSTRY ANNUAL REPORT)
March 13, 2006... It seems that contractors have had the same issues since the dawn of time: Finding and keeping qualified employees, rising health care costs, boosting productivity, and maintaining (or increasing) profitability. Combine those issues with...

Immersed at an early age.(Letters)(Letter to the editor)
March 13, 2006... I took great pleasure in reading about Aaron Grace and his passion for the industry. I, too, worked with my father in the trade starting at an early age. If we could just influence more young people as to the benefits and rewards of this...

Aaron Grace learns a trade.(Letters)(Letter to the editor)
March 13, 2006... What a delight it was to read John R. Hall's article about Aaron Grace. My husband showed me the article, and our 10-year-old son read it, too. What a great job his parents have done to invest his time so wisely and for all the hard work Aaron...

Residential replacement isn't governed by the economy.(Letters)(Letter to the editor)
March 13, 2006... Being one that normally doesn't respond to surveys, it is unusual for me to respond to John R. Hall's article ["Are You Really Optimistic About 2006?"] in the Jan. 30 issue of The NEWS. However, I just couldn't resist. Housing starts, interest...

Zero Zone sold to investment group.(newsline)
March 13, 2006... N0RTH PRAIRIE, Wis. -- Zero Zone Inc. has announced that an undisclosed Milwaukee investment group has acquired the company in a management-led buyout. The sale, which took effect Feb. 24, makes Zero Zone a privately held company with plants in...

Trane goes to the Extreme.(newsline)
March 13, 2006... PISCATAWAY, N.J. -- Trane launched its new promotion, The Extreme Team. The team is comprised of the industry's most reliable heating and cooling professionals who are committed to delivering unmatched service and solutions to their customers....

Emerson reaches out.(newsline)
March 13, 2006... ST. LOUIS -- Emerson Climate Technologies launched an initiative to develop and strengthen relationships with industrial contractors who install, repair, and service refrigeration equipment for chillers, warehouse refrigeration equipment, and...

ICP expands warranty.(International Comfort Products Corp.)
March 13, 2006... LEWISBURG, Tenn. -- International Comfort Products LLC (ICP) instituted its No Hassle Replacement limited warranties across all new Tempstarstar[R], Heil[R], Comfortmaker[R], Arcoaire[R], and KeepRite[R] brand product lines for up to 10 years...

Wirsbo no more.(Uponor Wirsbo)(Brief article)
March 13, 2006... APPLE VALLEY, Minn. -- Uponor Wirsbo announced that its parent company, Uponor, has officially launched its new branding initiative worldwide. The primary change the industry will first notice is that Uponor is consolidating all of its...

Employees own stock in manufacturer.(newsline)
March 13, 2006... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Caption: EMPLOYEES OWN STOCK IN MANUFACTURER: Plastic tubing and hose manufacturer NewAge Industries, Southampton, Pa., announced that it is now operating under an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP). Thirty percent...