Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration News articles from November 2005

Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration News archives from November 2005

York Refrigeration Systems/Frick.(Price Increase)
November 7, 2005... York Refrigeration Systems/Frick (Waynesboro, Pa.) announced a 3 percent to 6 percent price increase on all equipment and parts sold in North America, effective Dec. 1.

Sage & Bray Construction Inc. (Carrollton, Texas) won the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) I.Q. Award.(Contractors)
November 7, 2005... Sage & Bray Construction Inc. (Carrollton, Texas) won the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) I.Q. Award for quality and best practices in metal building construction.

Hoshizaki America Inc.(Manufacturers)
November 7, 2005... Hoshizaki America Inc. (Peachtree City, Ca.) announced the pending acquisition of Lancer Corp.

Manitowoc Ice Inc. (Manitowoc, Wis.) and Kolpak (Parsons, Tenn.) were voted Best in Class for the fifth consecutive year in the ice maker category and the walk-in unit category.(Manufacturers)
November 7, 2005... Manitowoc Ice Inc. (Manitowoc, Wis.) and Kolpak (Parsons, Tenn.) were voted Best in Class for the fifth consecutive year in the ice maker category and the walk-in unit category, respectively, by Foodservice Equipment & Supplies.

Fasco Motors.(Manufacturers)
November 7, 2005... Fasco Motors (St.Clair, Mo.) promoted Jeff Gamache to product marketing manager.

Mestek Inc. (Westfield, Mass.) purchased Embassy Industries Inc.(Manufacturers)
November 7, 2005... Mestek Inc. (Westfield, Mass.) purchased Embassy Industries Inc. (Farmingdale, N.Y.) for $8 million.

Weil-McLain.(Manufacturers)
November 7, 2005... Weil-McLain (Michigan City, Ind.) named Dane Nobbs Salesman of the Year.

Emerson Climate Technologies.(Manufacturers)
November 7, 2005... Emerson Climate Technologies (St.Louis) released Quick Facts on 13 SEER, a handout for contractors. It is available for downloading at www.emersonclimate contractor.com.

Trane.(Manufacturers)
November 7, 2005... Trane (Piscataway, N.J.) appointed Larry Wash vice president of services and contracting of Trane Commercial Systems Americas Sales.

Hospital HVAC & pandemics: systems preparations for bird flu.(heating, ventilation, airconditioning and cooling)
November 7, 2005... MINNEAPOLIS -- If HVAC systems had been around during what probably was the best-known pandemic, the Bubonic Plague, how would the system operators have responded? It's a question worth pondering due to the growing concern over the spread of...

Top 10 Ruud Reliable contractors honored.(industry NEWS)
November 7, 2005... FORT SMITH, Ark. -- Ruud Heating & Cooling announced its top 10 producing 2004 Ruud Reliable Top Contractors from across the country. The contractors are ranked based on their total Ruud equipment purchases during 2004, which exceeded sales...

Radiant House heats up AHR Expo.(Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigerating )(Brief Article)
November 7, 2005... WESTPORT, Conn. -- The International Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigerating Exposition (AHR Expo) is hosting the Radiant House with installation demonstrations during the show Jan. 23-26 at McCormick Place in Chicago. Designed to provide...

Modbus lab opens in Beijing, China.(industry NEWS)(Brief Article)
November 7, 2005... NORTH GRAFTON, Mass. -- Modbus-IDA and the Instrumentation Technology & Economy Institute (ITEI) announced the opening of ITEI's Modbus Conformance Test Laboratory in Beijing. As part of its expanding conformance test program, Modbus-IDA is...

International Comfort Products announces recall.(industry NEWS)
November 7, 2005... WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with International Comfort Products LLC (ICP), announced a voluntary recall of about 28,700 units. The recall involves certain limited gas packs sold under the brand...

Shelby-Skipwith Inc.(Distributors)
November 7, 2005... Shelby-Skipwith Inc. (Memphis, Tenn.) announced its nationwide search for a new president. Vincent Mathia III is interim president. For details concerning the job opening, visit www. shelbyskipwith.com.

Industrial Controls Distributors LLC.(Distributors)
November 7, 2005... Industrial Controls Distributors LLC (Wanamassa, N.J.) opened a new HVAC Controls Division in its Cincinnati office. Bob Jones and Susan Griffin were hired to lead the division.

Johnson Controls Inc.(Suppliers)
November 7, 2005... Johnson Controls Inc. (Milwaukee) plans to purchase remaining interests in Detcon S.A. (Buenos Aires, Argentina).

Building & Fire Code Academy.(Schools)
November 7, 2005... The Building & Fire Code Academy's (Pittsburgh) Commercial Kitchen Exhaust--Hood and Duct Systems seminar will be held Dec. 15-16 in Pittsburgh. The registration deadline is Dec. 1. Visit www.bfcacademy.com/catalog/.

Linn State Technical College (Linn, Mo.) and Okefenokee Technical College (Waycross, Ga.) were granted HVAC Excellence.(Schools)
November 7, 2005... Linn State Technical College (Linn, Mo.) and Okefenokee Technical College (Waycross, Ga.) were granted HVAC Excellence accreditation.

Dexter + Chaney.(Software)
November 7, 2005... Dexter + Chaney (Seattle) was named to Deloitte's "Fast 50" for the ninth straight year.

Siemens Building Technology Inc.(Technology & Development)
November 7, 2005... Siemens Building Technology Inc.'s (Buffalo Grove, III.) senior national energy service manager, Rick Walker, was elected to the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED Existing Buildings (EB) Core Committee.

The National Air Filtration Association (NAFA).(Associations)
November 7, 2005... The National Air Filtration Association (NAFA) elected David Goss, CAFS, as president; Steve Nicholas, CAFS, as president-elect; Jeff Holt, CAFS, as treasurer; and Paula Levasseur, CAFS, as secretary.

Refrigeration Management Canada (RMC).(Associations)
November 7, 2005... Refrigeration Management Canada (RMC) reappointed Fred Dawson as chair. The other officers appointed during the annual meeting are Tom Boutette, past chair; Dennis Larson, secretary/treasurer; and Warren Heeley, president.

North American Technician Excellence (NATE).(Associations)
November 7, 2005... North American Technician Excellence (NATE) elected board of trustees officers Scott Boxer, chairman; Herman Kling and Bob Hawkins, vice chairman; Ray Isaac, secretary/treasurer; and Ray Tice immediate past chairman.

The International Code Council (ICC).(Associations)
November 7, 2005... The International Code Council (ICC) elected Henry Green, president of the board.

The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating & Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).(Associations)
November 7, 2005... The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating & Air Conditioning Engineers' (ASHRAE) proposed Standard 161P, Air Quality within Commercial Aircraft.

The National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA).(Associations)
November 7, 2005... The National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA) is sponsoring a meeting on the performance of existing, traditional, and new hydronic systems in Upton, N.Y. on Nov. 15. For more information, call 631-344-7916.

The DaCo Corp.(Training)
November 7, 2005... David Kahle, president of The DaCo Corp. (Comstock Park, Mich.) will be teaching the Kahle Way in Dallas during a two-day seminar for managers, Nov. 29-30. For more information, contact The DaCo Corp. at 800-331-1287.

Mail Concepts Inc.(Services)
November 7, 2005... Mail Concepts Inc. (Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.) changed locations. The new contact number is 904-280-8421.

Air Advice Inc.(Services)
November 7, 2005... Air Advice Inc. (Portland, Ore.) formed an association with Hudson Ink.

The Linc Group.(Services)
November 7, 2005... The Linc Group (Irvine, Calif.) acquired BMAR & Associates Inc.

ICC and IAPMO to create one code.(International Code Council )(International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials)
November 7, 2005... FALLS CHURCH, Va. -- The International Code Council (ICC) and the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) will hold a high-level, face-to-face meeting on Nov. 19 to proceed with discussions concerning a potential...

NATE Awards Winner.(industry NEWS)
November 7, 2005... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Caption: NATE Awards Winner: Rex Boynton, North American Technician Excellence (NATE) president (left) stands next to Doug Barnard, a technician with Fresno City Building Maintenance, winner of NATE's Certified...

Nexstar holds its 25th Super Meeting.(industry NEWS)
November 7, 2005... MINNEAPOLIS -- Nexstar[R], formerly known as Contractors 2000, celebrated its 25th Super Meeting. At this meeting, Nexstar introduced the new Legacy Foundation, a Web-based library of business development and a new training program for HVAC...

Duct liner insulation adhesive.(what's NEW)
November 7, 2005... Mean Green is a non-flammable, pressure-sensitive, cylinderized adhesive used for adhering duct liner insulation to ductwork. The adhesive is formulated for quick tack and strong bonds that resist heat, cold, and moisture. It is tinted green...

Building automation system.(what's NEW)
November 7, 2005... CyboSoft's patented Model-Free Adaptive (MFA) control software has been embedded into the Apogee[R] building automation system. MFA is an adaptive control method that does not require process models. MFA is able to solve difficult control...

Ring panels, links.(what's NEW)
November 7, 2005... The Activator[TM] Series ring panels and links consist of layers of multidenier polyester media sealed around a 9-gauge internal wire frame with integral cross wire support members. The media fibers capture dirt particles throughout the depth...

Chillers.(what's NEW)
November 7, 2005... With the introduction of new three- and four-compressor units, the Latitude[TM] air-cooled chiller line has been expanded to include units that range from 260 to 515 tons. The chillers use R-134a and provide efficiencies up to 10.5 EER and an...

Data logger catalog.(what's NEW)
November 7, 2005... A new 72-page catalog features a diverse range of data loggers for recording temperature, humidity, pressure, voltage/current, bridge/strain, level, pH, shock/vibration, weather, and combinations of these measurement types. Featuring a table of...

Temp, Humidity Mapping Guide.(what's NEW)
November 7, 2005... The "Temperature and Temperature/Humidity Mapping Guide" is now available on the company's Web site. This free best practices guide provides step-by-step instructions for warehouse and production facilities on how to create and maintain...

Pipe suspension bracket.(what's NEW)
November 7, 2005... The Pipe Eye[TM] suspension bracket supports dual lines of 1/2-, 3/4-, or 1-inch copper, PEX, or CPVC pipe. The bracket is designed for use with Pipe Eye insulators, which are available in standard, fire-retardant, and E84 fire-rated materials....

Terminal unit interface.(what's NEW)
November 7, 2005... EC-Monitor plug-ins automatically generate animated graphics for real-time monitoring of the easyControls LonMark[R]certified terminal unit controllers. The EC-Monitor plug-ins, user-friendly visual interfaces, provide ease of use and...

Commercial boiler.(what's NEW)
November 7, 2005... The 2 million-Btuh stainless steel Benchmark condensing boiler offers dual-fuel capability. The modulating burner operates with 20:1 turndown for up to 98 percent thermal efficiency. According to the manufacturer, the boiler is ideal for all...

Pulse electro thermal de-icing.(refrigeration zone)
November 7, 2005... In a typical icemaker, a hot gas defrost system is used to harvest ice at the end of the freeze cycle. Now there is a different method for defrosting or de-icing the ice-maker's evaporator in one to two seconds with almost negligible...

A refrigeration editor's travel log.(refrigeration zone)(Column)
November 7, 2005... This column is being written at about the midway point of my annual fall refrigeration romp in which a lot of events related to the "R" of HVACR take place. The print and online editions of The NEWS cover these events in detail. Here are some...

Patience needed for service.(refrigeration zone)
November 7, 2005... Refrigeration technicians need to possess patience. Patience is vital for all aspects of a technician s job. It is required while maintaining, repairing, and installing equipment, and even while troubleshooting systems. Patience is...

Fan coil units get VSD: filtration, ionization, electrostatics help reduce contaminants.(focus: Hospitality & Hospitals)
November 7, 2005... They are found in numerous hospitals, hotel rooms, schools, and offices. They are small air-handling units paired with chilled-water and hot-water coils, with a fan to circulate heated or chilled-air. They can be wall-mounted, installed in a...

IAQ problems on the rise, contractor says.(focus: Hospitality & Hospitals)(indoor air quality)(Concept Air and Mechanical Systems)(Interview)
November 7, 2005... MISSISSAUGA, Ontario--Indoor pool rooms, natatoriums, can offer commercial HVAC contractors opportunities for more profitable work if they are willing to open their minds to the entire room, not just their system. That's how John Mills,...

Hospital fights outdoor air contaminants.(focus: Hospitality & Hospitals)
November 7, 2005... VANCOUVER, British Columbia -- It can be difficult enough for a hospital to work around building construction in the facility; dealing with external construction too can make it much more complicated. Add unexpected problems and the process...

McCarthy completes CDC research lab.(focus: Hospitality & Hospitals)(centers for disease control and prevention)
November 7, 2005... ATLANTA -- McCarthy Building Companies Inc. announced its completion of a $165 million Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) facility. The lab, one of eight in North America built for study of the most infectious pathogens, is said...

Insurance costs drifting further away.(our INSIGHTS)
November 7, 2005... The fall season is a busy time for contractor associations to gather for annual conventions, where members often find the information in the hallways to be as valuable as that found in the classrooms. A recent whirlwind tour of the 62nd Annual...

A passion for teaching: the news recognizes the best HVACR instructors.
November 14, 2005... Being a quality HVAC instructor is much more than textbooks and labs. Teachers can do more than simply convey what they know; they can impart enthusiasm for the subject, which makes the learning experience more effective. Once again, The NEWS...

Filter facts.(Brief Article)
November 14, 2005... A properly functioning air filter system provides cleaner and safer air to building occupants. It also makes the HVAC system operate more efficiently and extends equipment life. For details on filter systems, read the technical article "Filters...

Training goes beyond vo-tech schools.(reader MAIL)(Letter to the Editor)
November 14, 2005... The article on vocational schools ["Vocational Schools: Striving To Provide Quality Workers," June 13] by Mark Skaer was a very good article. We work with several vo-tech schools in our area. They are not quite up to par with Rankin or Ferris...

Carrier pledges $1.5 million for new IAQ lab.(Syracuse Center of Excellence in Environmental and Energy Systems)
November 14, 2005... SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Carrier Corp. pledged $1.5 million to the Syracuse Center of Excellence in Environmental and Energy Systems to create a world-class laboratory to study the effects of indoor air quality (IAQ). Dr. Greg Powers, Carrier's...

Top 10 Rheem Team Contractors named.(industry NEWS)
November 14, 2005... FORT SMITH, Ark. -- Rheem Manufacturing Co., Air Conditioning Division, announced its top 10 producing 2004 Rheem Team Top Contractors from across the country. The contractors were recognized for their total Rheem equipment purchases during...

Professional Service Managers Academy expands.(industry NEWS)(Brief Article)
November 14, 2005... EAST PETERSBURG, Pa. -- The Professional Service Managers Academy program established by the National Association of Oil Heating Service Managers (NAOHSM) has been expanded for 2006. Core classes that were offered in 2005 in Baltimore and...

The Heat's On in Buffalo.(Piping & Service Industry Coalition )(Brief Article)
November 14, 2005... BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Fifteen elderly, low-income homeowners in the city of Buffalo benefited from the first Heat's On event in that city. Heat's On is a community initiative carried out by member contractors and union employees of the Piping &...

SMACNA names Contractor of the Year.
November 14, 2005... PALM DESERT, Calif. -- Michael Mamayek, executive vice president of Illingworth Corp., Milwaukee, received the SMACNA Contractor of the Year award at the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association's (SMACNA) 62nd annual...

Pure Air and Heating (Morton Grove, Ill.) was recognized by North American Technican Excellence (NATE).(Contractors)
November 14, 2005... Pure Air and Heating (Morton Grove, Ill.) was recognized by North American Technican Excellence (NATE) for having 100 percent of its HVAC technicians NATE certified.

Ensinger/Penn Fibre.(Manufacturers)
November 14, 2005... Ensinger/Penn Fibre (Bensalem, Pa.) launched its new Web site, www.penn fibre.com.

Mine Safety Appliances Co.(Manufacturers)
November 14, 2005... Mine Safety Appliances Co.'s (Pittsburgh) Z Gard series of controllers received certification for use in the United States and Canada. Its Suprema control system recently received cUL approval.

Parker Hannifin (Cleveland) acquired Kenmore International.(Manufacturers)
November 14, 2005... Parker Hannifin (Cleveland) acquired Kenmore International (Oslo, Norway).

Steril-Aire Inc.(Manufacturers)
November 14, 2005... Steril-Aire Inc.'s (Burbank, Calif.) new Web site (www. uvckillsbirdflu.com) discusses how the company's ultraviolet-C technology may be used preventively to control the spread of bird flu in buildings of all types.

Plasma Automation Inc. (Bohemia, N.Y.) formed a sister company.(Manufacturers)
November 14, 2005... Plasma Automation Inc. (Bohemia, N.Y.) formed a sister company, VICON Machinery LLC, St. Louis.

Stulz Air Technology Systems Inc.(Manufacturers)
November 14, 2005... Stulz Air Technology Systems Inc. (Frederick, Md.) appointed Oliver Stulz president.

Multimeter.(what's NEW)
November 14, 2005... The ADM-880C AirData multimeter measures air velocity, temperature, pressure, and airflow. During velocity or flow readings, the meter automatically measures the local temperature and barometric pressure and corrects for local air density. The...

Refrigerant leak sealants.(what's NEW)
November 14, 2005... Three refrigerant leak sealants are available: Super Seal ACR (947kit), Super Seal HVACR (944kit), and Super Seal 3 Phase (948kit). Super Seal[TM] sealants permanently seal micro leaks in condensers, evaporators, and lines in air conditioning...

Humidity alert meter.(what's NEW)
November 14, 2005... The 445815 humidity alert meter, an addition to the Hygro-Thermometer line, features a user-settable alarm, which will warn users, audibly and visually, when adverse conditions occur. This meter calculates and displays the dew point reading. A...

Damper.(what's NEW)
November 14, 2005... Iris-M motorized dampers precisely measure minimum and maximum airflows within [+ or -] 5 percent by using pressure ports, and are altered by means of the actuator adjustment screws. The damper varies airflow in response to a 0-10 VDC or 4-20...

Heat pump, A/C diagnostics.(what's NEW)
November 14, 2005... The next generation of Comfort Alert[TM] diagnostics, used for troubleshooting residential heat pumps and air conditioning systems, is now available. Installed in an outdoor-unit electrical box, the Comfort Alert can diagnose a variety of...

Press fittings.(what's NEW)
November 14, 2005... Xpress, a new line of copper press fittings, is designed to improve the joining process and speed up installation. This flame-free method requires no flux, solder, or other joining material. It joins the fitting to tubing by use of a pressing...

Filtration literature.(what's NEW)
November 14, 2005... The compressed air filtration literature has been revised. The 12-page, full-color literature describes in detail the complete range of filters available, including particulate, high-efficiency, and odor-removal. In addition, the pamphlet...

Drill bit sharpener.(what's NEW)
November 14, 2005... The Drill Doctor DD750X drill bit sharpener allows the user to create a custom point angle between 115 degrees and 140 degrees. With this sharpener, the number of relief angle options has been more than doubled, says the company. According to...

Evaporative cooling controls.(what's NEW)
November 14, 2005... A full range of custom engineered control solutions, designed specifically to work with all of the company's evaporative cooling equipment, including open and closed cooling towers and evaporative condensers, is available. The control solutions...

Mobile workforce software.(what's NEW)
November 14, 2005... Version 2.0 of TechAnywhere, the mobile workforce software, supplies field techs with mobile access to work orders using wireless field devices, including Blackberry devices and tablet PCs. According to the company, the implementation of 2.0...

Coil selection software.(what's NEW)
November 14, 2005... The Wing Specifier program allows users to select and specify a Wing VIFB or IFB integral face and bypass coil. The software can be used to select the proper coil for steam or hot water applications by specifying the required heat capacity, or...

Wall-mounted air conditioner.(what's NEW)
November 14, 2005... The S Series wall-mounted air conditioner features a multistep capacity compressor that uses R-410A. The unit is available in 3 to 5 tons. It has EER ratings up to 11.7 and integrated part-load value efficiency up to 15.2 Btu/watt. Features...

Carbon dioxide monitor.(what's NEW)
November 14, 2005... The AirSense[TM] Model 307 carbon dioxide (C[O.sub.2]) monitor features a single-touch calibration button. Technicians in the field can calibrate the monitor by removing the port cap, plugging in the 2,000-ppm cal gas, available from the...

Refrigeration door monitor.(what's NEW)
November 14, 2005... The DAC-55 walk-in unit door monitor is a functionally integrated device for monitoring doors on walk-in coolers and freezers. The unit uses magnetic contacts to sense door status. The monitor contains a time-adjustable audible and visual door...

Packaged chiller/boiler.(what's NEW)
November 14, 2005... The Ultra-E Series packaged chiller/boiler system combines a chiller and boiler, with a pumping station, in one enclosure. It is an ultraefficient climate system and can be used for residential and light commercial hydronic applications, says...

Coils.(what's NEW)
November 14, 2005... The manufacturer offers coils in steam, steam distributing, DX, chilled/hot water, or tube bundle designs. It can provide all of its coils with 10- and five-day expedited shipping schedules. According to the company, its coils can be used to...

Boiler.(what's NEW)
November 14, 2005... The Knight[TM] high-efficiency condensing heating boiler features the Smart System[TM] controls. These controls incorporate a two-line, 16-character backlit LCD, which explains the problem in words, not alphanumeric codes. The boiler offers...

Commissioning handbook.(what's NEW)
November 14, 2005... The first edition of Design Phase Commissioning Handbook is a resource for design phase commissioning information. The handbook is intended to be used by the commissioning professional in reviewing building mechanical system design documents...