Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration News articles from November 2007

Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration News archives from November 2007

TAC.(Manufacturers)
November 12, 2007... TAC (Dallas) appointed Jeff Drees president of TAC Americas and executive vice president of TAC AB.

Bry-Air (Sunbury, Ohio) made A+H GmbH (Hamburg, Germany).(Manufacturers)
November 12, 2007... Bry-Air (Sunbury, Ohio) made A+H GmbH (Hamburg, Germany) a part of the Bry-Air global group.

Emerson Climate Technologies.(Manufacturers)
November 12, 2007... Emerson Climate Technologies (St. Louis) made the replay of its Overview of Refrigerants and Refrigerant Regulations in the Supermarket Industry Webinar available at www.emersonclimate.com.

UV Resources.(Manufacturers)
November 12, 2007... UV Resources (Valencia, Calif.) launched a UV replacement lamp Web page for users to instantly source and buy common and obscure UV lamps/emitters online.

Denso Corp.(Financial Reports)
November 12, 2007... Denso Corp. (Kariya, Japan) increased net sales 14.5 percent for the first half of the year ended Sept. 30, 2007, as compared to last year's totals.

Grainger's.(Financial Reports)
November 12, 2007... Grainger's (Chicago) third-quarter sales of $1.7 billion grew 9 percent compared to the same period last year.

Maxwell Systems Inc.(Software)
November 12, 2007... Maxwell Systems Inc. (King of Prussia, Pa.) was named to the 2007 Greater Philadelphia Technology Fast 50, presented by Deloitte & Touche LLP.

Essential Software Services (Tempe, Ariz.) partnered with OSIsoft.(Software)
November 12, 2007... Essential Software Services (Tempe, Ariz.) partnered with OSIsoft (San Leandro, Calif.).

The Air Conditioning Contractors of America Educational Institute's (ACCA-EI's).(Organizations)
November 12, 2007... The Air Conditioning Contractors of America Educational Institute's (ACCA-EI's) Maintenance of Residential HVAC Systems is open for public review until Nov. 26.

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) awarded Kathleen Riley Kono.(Organizations)
November 12, 2007... The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) awarded Kathleen Riley Kono the Astin-Polk International Standards Medal.

Solutions to HVAC labor crisis.(industry news)
November 12, 2007... [Editor's Note: This is the first in a series of articles about how the HVAC industry is addressing the labor shortage issue.] Many HVAC contractors have come face-to-face with the unthinkable: customers who can't get service because of a...

NEWS awards best business tip winners.(business management)(Awards list)
November 12, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Did you ever have a business idea that was so good you felt you just had to share it with others? Fortunately for readers of The NEWS, some HVAC contractors who entered our Best Business Tips (BBT) contest were...

Correction.(Correction notice)
November 12, 2007... In the Oct. 22 issue, The NEWS misidentified the location of Pro-Air Services Inc. as Decatur, Ill. The company is actually located in Decatur, Ala. The NEWS regrets this error.

Eliminate moisture source to eliminate mold growth.(letters: SEND CORRESPONDENCE VIA E-MAIL TO LETTERS@ACHRNEWS.COM.)(Letter to the editor)
November 12, 2007... [Editor's Note: This letter is in response to the letter "Structure Cooking to Rid It of Mold?" Oct. 8.] Bill Johnson wrote an interesting letter regarding the concept of "cooking" a building to prevent future mold growth after a major...

What's behind global warming?(letters: SEND CORRESPONDENCE VIA E-MAIL TO LETTERS@ACHRNEWS.COM.)(Letter to the editor)
November 12, 2007... [Editor's Note: This letter is in response to Joanna Turpin's column "Is Carbon Really the Culprit?" Oct. 29.] Joanna Turpin wrote a very well thought-out column. Now watch out for the global warming cult to start attacking her. I hope they...

Project files: IAQ & leed points.(the NEWS)
November 12, 2007... COMPANY: Taco Inc., Cranston, R.I. INSTALLATION: Taco LoadMatch[TM] single-pipe system COMPLETION: Completed [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] CUSTOMER: Proximity Hotel, Greensboro, N.C. OBJECTIVE: Combine energy efficiency and...

AirAdvice reports building's failings.(newsline)
November 12, 2007... PORTLAND, Ore. -- Data in the newly released AirAdvice "State of Building Performance Report 2007" shows that more than nine out of 10 commercial buildings fail to meet fundamental elements for acceptable comfort and energy efficiency. This and...

AGC reports strong numbers.(newsline)
November 12, 2007... WASHINGTON -- The Oct. 31 reports on gross domestic product and construction spending from the Commerce Department "provided a real treat to the economy in the third quarter," according to Ken Simonson, chief economist for the Associated...

ASHRAE gets accreditation.(newsline)(Brief article)
November 12, 2007... ATLANTA -- The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) has received accreditation for its education program from the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). This...

Ethernet Alliance extends deadline.(newsline)
November 12, 2007... MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. -- The Ethernet Alliance University Program (EAUP) welcomed new members, including Arizona State University, Columbia University, Eastern Illinois University, Institute Industrial IT, Information Technology Experiential...

IAQ council explains process.(newsline)
November 12, 2007... GLENDALE, Ariz. -- As part of its ongoing Website enhancement program, the American Indoor Air Quality Council has developed a slide show explaining its certification processes and requirements. The slide show, which may be viewed directly...

HVI elects new officers.(newsline)
November 12, 2007... WAUCONDA, Ill. -- The Home Ventilating Institute (HVI) elected new officers and directors at its General Membership Meeting on Sept. 26 in St. Louis. Peter Grinbergs of Nutech Brands Inc., London, Ontario, was elected to serve a two-year term...

Arzel announces training schedule.(newsline)
November 12, 2007... CLEVELAND -- Arzel Zoning Technology announced its Comfort College[TM] schedule for the first half of 2008. The seminar is held at Arzel's two locations, Cleveland and Pasadena, Calif. The Cleveland Comfort College dates are: Jan. 17-18,...

Weather-Rite buys Phoenix Air.(newsline)(Brief article)
November 12, 2007... MINNEAPOLIS -- Weather-Rite LLC, purchased Phoenix Air Systems, Owatonna, Minn. The company will conduct the business under the trade name of Phoenix Air Systems[TM], which is associated with the production of critical process air-handling...

Direct-vent gas fireplace.(what's new)
November 12, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The MPLDV, a direct-vent gas fireplace with clean-face louverless design, is part of the Merit[TM] Plus Series of fireplaces. According to the company, the fireplaces have the look and feel of traditional masonry...

Zero-clearance compact heaters.(what's new)
November 12, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Berko[R] and Qmark[R] brands of compact freeze protection heaters are engineered for light commercial and residential use, costing less to operate than large plenum heaters, according to the company. The PHFP25 and...

Upflow/horizontal gas furnace.(what's new)
November 12, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A 95.1 percent AFUE gas furnace is designed with an iQ Drive[TM] variable-speed blower. The furnace is one component of the iQ Drive system, which also includes a 23 SEER air conditioner, an indoor coil, and an iQ...

Portable air conditioners.(what's new)
November 12, 2007... The NanoMax AF9000E portable air conditioner is designed with Autodrain NanoMist[TM] technology, which vaporizes excess fluid buildup and eliminates the need to drain the unit. The unit has a power consumption range of 680-830 W and a current...

Temperature controller.(what's new)
November 12, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Series 30000 ThermoSwitch[R] is an adjustable temperature controller. This electromechanical controller has an on-off differential of [+ or -] 1[degrees]F ([+ or -] 0.55[degrees]C). Designed for industrial and...

Fleet vehicle tracking system.(what's new)
November 12, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] CarChip Pro and Fleet Pro enables HVACR contractors to monitor drivers and fleet vehicles' engine performance, increasing productivity and providing cost savings. It tracks trip details, including mileage, speed,...

Air treatment unit.(what's new)
November 12, 2007... The eco-pure[TM] NLA-90 portable air treatment unit is part of the in-room disinfection product line. The air treatment unit provides a total, multipronged attack against infectious agents commonly found in the health care industry. It grabs...

Vibration analyzer and collector.(what's new)
November 12, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The new SiteConnex[TM] VSA[TM]-2215 Vibration Spectrum Analyzer and Collaboration system combines a handheld vibration analyzer-collector with an Internet-enabled smartphone. Using this tool, a maintenance technician...

Solar-powered dehumidifier.(what's new)
November 12, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The SolarVenti dehumidifier ventilates, warms, and dehumidifies, effectively removing moisture and refreshing the air in the building with warm, dry air. The solar-powered unit doesn't require electrical input or any...

Decorative radiators.(what's new)
November 12, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The hand-sculpted Rgon decorative radiators deliver heat without using a fan or generating carbonized dust. Two versions are available: an electronic version comprised of electrical resistances (1,000 W) and a...

Duct design training CD set.(what's new)
November 12, 2007... According to the association, a new computer CD training package takes the complex concepts of Manual D, explains them in plain English, and offers real-world examples on how to apply them in day-to-day business. "Understanding Manual D:...

Direct-drive blower.(what's new)(Brief article)
November 12, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The KRD radial blade direct-drive blower is a precision-balanced air-moving package that features superior performance and a compact design. The KRD is constructed with a welded 16-gauge steel housing and motor base,...

Distribution slotting software.(what's new)
November 12, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The PathGuide Latitude 8.0 Slotting Optimization Module is designed to help small and mid-sized distributors identify the most efficient locations for inventory within the warehouse, based on a number of product and...

Solenoid-actuated metering pumps.(what's new)
November 12, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The solenoid-actuated metering pumps are ideal for use in a variety of HVAC installations such as cooling towers and heat exchangers, said the company. Uses include the injection of biocides to prevent Legionnella...

CO and residential equipment.(service & maintenance)
November 12, 2007... This article is part two of a two-part series on carbon monoxide (CO) safety and residential equipment and venting. In this article, we continue the discussion of CO safety and cover several additional issues not mentioned in Part I. This...

Going for the gold in HVAC.(conference update)
November 12, 2007... ATLANTA -- With the Georgia World Congress Center, site of the World Energy Engineering Congress (WEEC), situated next to Centennial Olympic Park, where the 1996 Summer Olympics were held, it's only natural that the conference's HVAC session...

Uncovering emerging technologies.(conference update)
November 12, 2007... ATLANTA -- The New Technologies session at the World Energy Engineering Congress (WEEC) provided a variety of ways to find information on emerging technologies as well as an overview of some promising new technologies. First Steven A....

Saving with energy star.
November 12, 2007... ATLANTA -- The Energy Star program provides value not only in helping improve the efficiency of buildings, but in also seeing at what level a building is relative to its peers. In the session labeled "Leveraging Energy Star Tools and Resources...

Johnstone supply flying in Windy City: believe in the "J".(meeting update)
November 12, 2007... CHICAGO -- The leadership of Johnstone Supply brought the 26th annual Johnstone Supply Member's Meeting to the southern shore of Lake Michigan, and fair weather provided ample opportunity for the charting of new waters in and around the Windy...

Welcome back, solar heating-cooling: signs point to a resurgence in solar technologies.(FOCUS: NEW & EMERGING TECHNOLOGY PRODUCTS)
November 12, 2007... If you thought solar heating-cooling all but died with tax credits in the 1980s, you'd better think again. Renewed interest in lowering buildings' carbon footprints, reducing energy bills, and generally reducing energy consumption has renewed...

Controls, diagnostics boost efficiency.
November 12, 2007... As more electronics and wireless devices become mass produced and used in more consumer-oriented products, their benefits are being more widely used in a variety of HVAC applications, from residential troubleshooting to IAQ. More applications...

Multiple trends move technology.(FOCUS: NEW & EMERGING TECHNOLOGY PRODUCTS)(Conference notes)
November 12, 2007... The trends affecting most of North America--the need to conserve energy, reduce emissions of greenhouse gases, and the predicted drop in workforce numbers--plus gains in technology itself--are combining to enhance new HVAC technologies, and to...

SMACNA members hear latest gadgetry.(meeting update)(Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors National Association)
November 12, 2007... LAS VEGAS -- If you think you have a hard time keeping up with technology, maybe you should ask your children for advice. That was part of the message in a speech to attendees of a special seminar at the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning...

Contractors mull over opportunities: from opening to last session, conference attendees ask, think, and learn.(conference update)(Conference notes)
November 12, 2007... ST. LOUIS -- Question: How can contractors provide consumers with systems that not only save them dollars, but also keep them comfortable, productive, healthy, and safe? Answer: There are many schools of thought on this topic --and that...

Why did my champ become a chump? Enthusiasm trumps expertise in the sales game.(money talks)
November 12, 2007... You just hired a new salesperson and he's knocking sale after sale out of the park. This guy is a natural, and you're ready to crown him the "sales champion of the decade" after his first three record-breaking weeks. The weird thing is he...

Revisiting the cap tube.(service & maintenance)
November 12, 2007... As energy costs and regulatory demands for system efficiency increase, thermostatic expansion valves (TXVs) are replacing capillary tubes, particularly in residential air conditioning and heat pumps. But in many applications, particularly...

An easier way to haul tanks.(service & maintenance)
November 12, 2007... It's one of the most basic challenges faced in the HVACR industry. The 30-pound canister of refrigerant is in the service van and the mechanical equipment is on the roof of a building--with only a ladder as the means to get from Point A to...

Distribution Webinar emphasizes processes, measuring implemenations.(distributor corner)
November 12, 2007... WALTHAM, Mass. -- Industrial Distribution surveyed over 500 distributors and found that a vast majority of distributorships are family owned, selling solutions is as important as selling products, and charging for services is imperative....

Meier supply presents awards.(distributor corner)(Brief article)
November 12, 2007... JOHNSON CITY, N.Y. -- Meier Supply Co. Inc. held its 17th Annual Customer Golf Tournament and dinner at Conklin Players Club. The tournament hosted 130 players consisting of customers, vendors, and employees. Beyond golf, multiple awards were...

NAW preps national meeting.(distributor corner)(Brief article)
November 12, 2007... WASHINGTON D.C. -- The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW) is hosting its executive summit, "What The Very Best Distributors Do," Jan. 29-31, 2008, in Washington, D.C. "This year's executive summit will be the most...

New branches open in Tennessee.(distributor corner)
November 12, 2007... TENNESSEE -- Modern Supply Co. opened its newest branch in Crossville, Tenn. Shane Graham, a five year Modern employee, was named branch manager of the company's eighth location. The product lineup for the Crossville location will focus on HVAC...

ABB hosts sea of red.(distributor corner)
November 12, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Caption: ABB hosted 200 representatives at the downtown Hilton in Milwaukee, for its National Sales Meeting. The meeting included multiple meetings, a factory tour of ABB, and a Lake Michigan fishing event.

CGNA hosts meeting.(distributor corner)(Conference news)(Brief article)
November 12, 2007... ST. LOUIS -- Controls Group North America (CGNA) hosted its annual Fall Members Meeting in mid-September at the Hilton St. Louis Airport. Beginning with the CGNA board of directors meeting, the two-day conference brought together over 40...

VRV technology gains North American acceptance.(manufacturer update)
November 12, 2007... Variable refrigerant technology has only recently gained the attention of contractors and engineers in North America. According to Mike Bregenzer, general manager of Daikin AC (Americas) Inc., "It is an established and proven global...

Collective effort needed to resolve labor shortage issue.(opinions: VIEWS AND INSIGHTS FROM THE EDITORIAL STAFF AND GUEST COLUMNISTS)(Editorial)
November 12, 2007... The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts that HVACR jobs will increase by 29 percent--or, 38,000 jobs--by 2014. In addition, 27,000 new HVACR techs are needed annually to replace retiring workers--numbers current training programs cannot...

A healthy staff can cure a lot of ills.(opinions: VIEWS AND INSIGHTS FROM THE EDITORIAL STAFF AND GUEST COLUMNISTS)
November 12, 2007... Smoking contributes to 435,000 premature deaths in the United States and more than $75 billion in annual spending on health care. Ninety million U.S. adults are obese and their conditions lead to direct care health costs of $117 billion...

Trane.(Price Increases)
November 19, 2007... Trane (Piscataway, N.J.) increased prices 3 percent on centrifugal chillers, effective immediately for new quotes. The last day to enter orders pursuant to currently existing quotations is Dec. 21, 2007.

Baltimore Aircoil Co.(Price Increases)
November 19, 2007... Baltimore Aircoil Co. (Baltimore) increased prices 2-4 percent on all equipment and replacement parts manufactured in North America, effective immediately.

Novaflex Group.(Manufacturers)
November 19, 2007... Novaflex Group (Richmond Hill, Ont.) hired Carole Gazaille as account manager for Quebec and Eastern Canada. She will handle all of the company's products, as well as Industrial Duct, Lindab[TM], and Z-Flex[TM] brands. [ILLUSTRATION...

Emerson Network Power.(Manufacturers)
November 19, 2007... Emerson Network Power (Columbus, Ohio) will provide an interactive forum for IT, data center, and facilities managers at its AdaptiveXchange 2007[TM] conference, to be held Nov. 29-30 in Baltimore.

Steamist.(Manufacturers)
November 19, 2007... Steamist (Rutherford, N.J.) appointed Tom Walker director of operations.

North American Technician Excellence.(Organizations)
November 19, 2007... North American Technician Excellence (NATE) named Pat Lampel, former director of marketing services for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), chief marketing officer. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) joined the Green Mechanical Council (Green-Mech) as a charter member.(Organizations)
November 19, 2007... The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) joined the Green Mechanical Council (Green-Mech) as a charter member. Riley Sales (Plymouth Meeting, Pa.) joined as a Helios member.

Heat Exchange Institute Inc.(Organizations)
November 19, 2007... The Heat Exchange Institute Inc. (HEI) released the sixth edition of Standards for Steam Jet Vacuum Systems.

Carbon Monoxide Safety Association.(Organizations)
November 19, 2007... The Carbon Monoxide Safety Association (COSA) appointed Bob Dwyer as its new director of training.

The North American Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers (NAFEM) recognized Rick Cartwright.(Organizations)
November 19, 2007... The North American Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers (NAFEM) recognized Rick Cartwright with its President's Award, and Thomas Cassin with the William W. Carpenter Award.

Sustainability is new buzzword: HVAC contractors find themselves part of the new equation.(industry news)
November 19, 2007... Sustainability will become--if it hasn't already--the big buzzword in HVACR, according to many in the industry, including contractors and manufacturers. It will become what energy conservation was during the 1970s, recovery-recycling in...

Conditions raise profile of dual-fuel.(FOCUS: FURNACES--HIGH-END BRANDS)(National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)
November 19, 2007... The good news for homeowners is that the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recently announced that most of the country would experience above-average temperatures and drier conditions this winter. In fact, this winter is...

Tattoos and piercings are the norm on young techs.(letters)(Letter to the editor)
November 19, 2007... [Editor's note: This letter is in response to John R. Hall's column "Let's Not Judge Our HVAC Kids on Appearance," Oct. 8] I have been in the HVAC industry now for almost 16 years. I am a 33-year-old counter person, employed by Johnstone...

Clothes don't make the student.(letters)(Letter to the editor)
November 19, 2007... [Editor's note: This letter is in response to John R. Hall's column in the Oct. 8 issue.] Bravo to John R. Hall on his column titled "Let's Not Judge Our HVAC Kids on Appearance." At a time when none of us in the industry can find quality...

Climate change: and just suddenly, industry involvement didn't seem so appealing.(Cartoon)
November 19, 2007... No! Turn left! We should do straight through here. Take a right at the next intersection. If you had followed my directions, we'd have been there by now! I believe we missed our turn. I don't think this steering committee...

HVAC excellence goes green: organization offers new certification: this program includes green awareness exams consisting of green concepts, systems, terminology, and products.(newsline)
November 19, 2007... MOUNT PROSPECT, Ill. -- In response to the expanding green movement, HVAC Excellence is now offering the Green Awareness Certification program. This program, one of over 30 certifications offered, includes green awareness exams consisting...

Top testers awarded.(newsline)(Brief article)
November 19, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Caption: TOP TESTERS AWARDED: At the 2007 Annual Fall Conference of the Heating, Airconditioning, and Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI), North American Technician Excellence (NATE) awarded...

Wrightsoft sets training schedule.(newsline)
November 19, 2007... LEXINGTON, Mass. -- Wrightsoft Corp. has announced the initial fall and winter schedule for the Right-University[TM] training program, including nationally held public and private classes. Additional classes will be added regularly....

Newell A. Franks.(OBITUARIES)
November 19, 2007... STURGIS, Mich. -- Newell A. Franks, owner and founder of Burr Oak Tool Inc., passed away Oct. 30, 2007, in his home. He was 98. On Dec. 15, 1928, he married Grace A. Disler, who preceded him in death Oct. 9, 2002. Franks' first jobs ranged...

Roger C. Lakey.(OBITUARIES)
November 19, 2007... VANCOUVER, B.C. -- Roger C. Lakey, 80, passed away on Oct. 27, 2007, of complications from prostate cancer. He had been an executive with Lennox Industries in the Iowa headquarters and later he worked in Portland, Ore. Prior to his retirement,...

New location for CTI Conference.(newsline)(Conference news)
November 19, 2007... HOUSTON -- The Cooling Technology Institute (CTI) will hold its 2008 Annual Conference in Houston, Feb. 3-7, 2008, at The Westin Galleria. Intended for those involved in the design, operation, and maintenance of cooling towers and other...

Master dealer program offered.(newsline)(WaterFurnace GeoPro Master Dealers )(Brief article)
November 19, 2007... FORT WAYNE, Ind. -- Water-Furnace is seeking contractors interested in becoming a WaterFurnace GeoPro Master Dealer. "With many dealers already participating, and a significant number of other dealers in the process of joining the ranks of...

Wireless data device.(what's new)
November 19, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The WLD is a device designed to transport LonWorks communication data over short and extended ranges using the 900 MHz frequency (902-928). By connecting the WLD Series wireless devices to an existing Lon network, an...

Network-compatible data logger.(what's new)
November 19, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The WDR-3 Web data logger is a network-compatible data logger that records output voltage and on-off (point of contact) signals from various types of sensors and measuring devices. Compatible with both analog and...