Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration News articles from October 2006

Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration News archives from October 2006

Emerson Climate Technologies.(Manufacturers)
October 2, 2006... Emerson Climate Technologies (St. Louis) purchased Kirloskar Copeland Limited (India).

Bry-Air Inc.(Manufacturers)
October 2, 2006... Bry-Air Inc. (Sunbury, Ohio) hired Dave Riddle as its vice president of finance.

Fujitsu General America Inc.(Manufacturers)
October 2, 2006... Fujitsu General America Inc. (Fairfield, N.J.) appointed Dale Benedict as Western regional sales manager and Bill Hick as the Northeast regional sales manager.

PCB Piezetronics.(Manufacturers)
October 2, 2006... Larson Davis, a PCB Piezetronics division (Depew, N.Y.), hired Alain DeLandsheer as product and marketing manager.

Modern Supply Co.(Distributors)
October 2, 2006... Modern Supply Co. (Knoxville, Tenn.) named Brad Baker as its HVAC sales and marketing manager and Chuck Seymour as an outside sales representative.

Salem Plumbing Supply.(Distributors)
October 2, 2006... Salem Plumbing Supply (Beverly, Mass.) hired Jay Aptt, Gene Stibolt, and Mike Frontiera.

Dectron Internationale Inc.'s.(Financial Reports)
October 2, 2006... Dectron Internationale Inc.'s (Montreal) six-month revenues increased 13.8 percent over 2005. The company is now filing as a Foreign Private Issuer and has withdrawn from listing and regulation on the Boston Stock Exchange Inc.

The Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractor's National Association's.(Associations)
October 2, 2006... The Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractor's National Association's (SMACNA's) 2006 product trade show is Oct. 10 in Phoenix.

New England Fuel Institute.(Associations)
October 2, 2006... The New England Fuel Institute (NEFI) has produced Environmental Protection Agency-approved, UV-resistant kerosene decals.

New ductwork designs change the HVAC landscape.(FOCUS: DUCT PRODUCTS, INSTALLATION & CLEANING)
October 2, 2006... Ducts may be commodities that just seem to be a part of the HVAC equation. But they are vital components in heating and cooling. And duct design and maintenance are complex and ever-changing aspects of comfort systems. The NEWS contacted...

Correction.(Correction notice)
October 2, 2006... In the Sept. 18 Heating Showcase issue, the contact information for the Carrier Infinity 96 gas furnace should have been www.carrier.com and 800-CARRIER. The NEWS regrets this error.

New certification program announced.(newsline)
October 2, 2006... SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Lonmark International announced its new program to test and certify installers, professionals, and integrators of LonMark[R] Open Systems. The program provides a worldwide standard of proficiency for individuals that...

SMACN-IFUS during convention.(newsline)
October 2, 2006... CHANTILLY, Va. -- The Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Industry Fund of the United States (SMACN-IFUS) annual contributors' meeting is scheduled for Oct. 11, at the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National...

Customer service instruction.(newsline)
October 2, 2006... AKRON, Ohio -- The Air Conditioning Contractors of Northeast Ohio in Akron and the Cleveland chapter of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) are hosting HVAC Customer Service Educational Events presented by Steve Coscia, author of...

Kronos receives two more patents.(EXTRA EDITION)
October 2, 2006... Kronos Air Technologies has received two more United States patents for its air movement and purification technologies, bringing its total to 11 U.S. and two international patents.

ICARMA approves policy statements.(REGIONAL REPORTS--CANADA)
October 2, 2006... HRAI was represented at the International Council of Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Manufacturers' Associations (ICARMA) meeting.

Party kicks off new facility.(newsline)(Semco Duct & Acoustical Products Inc. )(Brief article)
October 2, 2006... COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Engineers, contractors, owners, and representatives were treated to a ballgame following an open house event at the new Arlington, Texas, manufacturing facility for Semco Duct & Acoustical Products Inc. A tour of the plant...

Conference approaches.(newsline)(Heating, Airconditioning, & Refrigeration Distributors International)(Brief article)
October 2, 2006... PALM DESERT, Calif. -- "Enhance Your Success," is this year's theme for the Heating, Airconditioning, & Refrigeration Distributors International's (HARDI's) fall conference, Nov. 4-7, Palm Desert, Calif. The four-day event will include...

Reseller policy revamped.(newsline)(Sensaphone)(Brief article)
October 2, 2006... ASTON, Pa. -- Sensaphone[R], manufacturer of remote monitoring and alarm notification systems, revamped its reseller policy to include incentives and co-op marketing opportunities. The restructured policy comes on the heels of two new product...

Locations for service dealers.(newsline)
October 2, 2006... WEST CALDWELL, N.J. -- Bryant Northeast is expanding its full-service operations into Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and New York. Bryant Northeast, one of the largest HVAC distributors of Bryant Heating and Cooling...

Handbook aims for sustainable.(newsline)
October 2, 2006... ATLANTA -- To help engineers respond to environmental challenges, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) is working to ensure sustainable design guidance is incorporated in its handbook. ASHRAE is...

International Code Council.(Associations)
October 2, 2006... The International Code Council (ICC) board of directors promoted Rick Weiland from COO to CEO.

Ember Corp.(Technology)
October 2, 2006... Ember Corp. (Boston) hired Dennis Natale as director of sales for the Americas, Peter Ma as director of sales for Asia, and John Corbett as director of sales for Europe, Middle East, and Africa.

Profit Strategies.(Services)
October 2, 2006... Profit Strategies (Redwood City, Calif.) promoted Amy Fleharty to production manager and John Kelly as database manager.

Aerotech P&K.(Services)
October 2, 2006... Aerotech P&K (Phoenix) appointed Brock Wilson as account manager of its Tampa Service Center.

Munter MCS.(Services)
October 2, 2006... Munters MCS (Glendale Heights, Ill.) named Jack Boyd III as business development manager.

United Rentals Inc.(Services)
October 2, 2006... United Rentals Inc. (Greenwich, Conn.) appointed Todd Helvie as senior vice president and controller, and John Fahey as vice president--assistant corporate controller and principal accounting officer.

UV Resources.(Services)
October 2, 2006... UV Resources (Valencia, Calif.) hired Dean Saputa as vice president of sales.

Excellence Alliance Inc.(Services)
October 2, 2006... Excellence Alliance Inc. (Cincinnati) partnered with Excellence Commitment Inc. (Cincinnati). Jeff Wilmink, president of Excellence Commitment has been appointed chief innovative officer of Excellence Alliance.

The super small leak.(REFRIGERATION zone)
October 2, 2006... Dealing with super-small refrigerant leaks is a challenge, especially when it comes to making repairs. But with the cost of refrigerants rising, such procedures become more and more important. One approach introduced in recent years has...

Talking about PTCRs.(the professor)(Positive Temperature Coefficient Resistors)
October 2, 2006... Positive Temperature Coefficient Resistors (PTCRs) are variable resistors that vary their resistance when their surrounding temperature changes. Because they have a positive temperature coefficient, as their temperature increases so does...

Working on small-capacity systems.(ice breaker)
October 2, 2006... While troubleshooting smal-capacity refrigeration systems, a technician should not be too quick to attach refrigerant gauges to a system. Small systems normally hold relatively small amounts of refrigerant. The process of attaching and removing...

Danfoss hosts first EnVisioneering event.(conference update: manufacturer hosts series of events)(Danfoss Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Div.)
October 2, 2006... During the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Exposition (AHR Expo) this past winter in Chicago, Danfoss announced plans to host a series of conferences under the general title EnVisioneering. The first of those took place during...

Fortifying ducts against moisture, mold.(FOCUS: DUCT PRODUCTS, INSTALLATION & CLEANING)
October 2, 2006... There are more than 100,000 known species of mold. Mold spores (seeds) are everywhere--indoors and outdoors, in our building materials, on our clothes, and in the air we breathe. Mold can't be avoided, but it is possible to minimize the...

The air duct cleaning opportunity.(FOCUS: DUCT PRODUCTS, INSTALLATION & CLEANING)
October 2, 2006... Many HVAC contractors are looking for ways to expand and grow. So it makes sense to consider a service that has good, long-term potential, compliments existing services, and offers good profitability. The IAQ market in general and air duct...

Workforce: a numbers game.(opinions: VIEWS AND INSIGHT FROM THE EDITORIAL STAFF AND GUEST COLUMNISTS)
October 2, 2006... I have been called many things during my 20 years in this industry. During the first half of those years, I spent a considerable amount of time looking at statistics. I was dutifully called a marketing analyst and my hero at the time was Sue...

Commitment to customers.(opinions: VIEWS AND INSIGHT FROM THE EDITORIAL STAFF AND GUEST COLUMNISTS)
October 2, 2006... Contractors and service technicians who deal with the components on an HVACR system may not be wondering what all was involved in bringing that particular item to market. Nor are they giving much thought to the possibility of a better mousetrap...

Where does the air go?
October 2, 2006... After the energy crisis and long gas lines of the 1970s, the HVACR industry, among other appliance groups, came under scrutiny to clean up its act. Furnaces, air conditioners, refrigerators and even microwave ovens--all became more efficient....

Ductwork problems cause airflow issues.
October 2, 2006... There's no question that flexible duct has revolutionized the HVAC industry. The advent of flex duct meant that contractors could dramatically reduce the amount of time and skill it takes to install a duct system. Not to mention that flex duct...

Testing, adjusting, and balancing for profits.
October 2, 2006... Becoming TAB certified can give a major boost to a technician's career, as well as to a contractor's bottom line. TAB stands for testing, adjusting, and balancing, and its domains are commercial and industrial air and hydronic systems. ...

Ductwork leaks are bleeding energy.
October 2, 2006... SPARTANBURG, S.C. -- Higher energy costs around the country are part of the legacy of last year's hurricane season. Now that many heating systems have been firing up, those costs are coming home to roost. Where can HVAC installers have the most...

Managing airflow in a zoning system.
October 2, 2006... Many homes around the United States have only one centrally located thermostat by which homeowners can control their heating and cooling. Having a single thermostat in a home, unless it's a very small home, almost guarantees that the occupants...

Contractors use big box stores.(industry news)
October 9, 2006... It is uncommon to see an HVAC service van parked outside the local Home Depot or Lowe's store on any given day. Some service techs--needing a part in a hurry or having an account with the store--often prefer the easiest and least expensive...

Contractors find value in Chambers.(business management)
October 9, 2006... An HVAC contractor has many tools in his or her business management toolbox. Among them are training programs, financial modeling, peer groups, sales and marketing planning, government relations, etc. Another tool is also used a lot by...

I still haven't found what I'm looking for.(letters)(Letter to the editor)
October 9, 2006... After reading Peter Powell's column, "First Hand Experience With a 13 SEER Unit" [Sept. 4], I am inclined to conclude things must be a lot different up north! Down here in south Florida, we've been installing 13 to 16 SEER systems for years,...

Do you know what I mean?(letters)(Letter to the editor)
October 9, 2006... I've been in the PHVAC business for 19 years and still don't understand how manufacturers designate tonnage ratings in equipment model numbers, and the explanations I get just frustrate me. I say just put a sensible designation like 3T for 3...

Making it right for the customers.(letters)(Letter to the editor)
October 9, 2006... I just made copies of Mike Murphy's column ["Customer Service: The Bad Mistake," Sept. 4] and distributed it to everyone here. Too often, it is human nature to try and cover up our mistakes, no matter how small they may be. Ultimately, they...

A disservice to your customers.(letters)(Letter to the editor)
October 9, 2006... By avoiding IAQ, Mr. Marshall is doing a disservice to his customers by not informing them of all of the capabilities of a central HVAC system. We would welcome the opportunity to ride with Mr. Marshall on a few calls to demonstrate how...

Fan and system troubleshooting.(EXTRA EDITION)
October 9, 2006... Fan and System Troubleshooting: This is a guide for identifying the most common problems encountered in fans and air-handling systems. It's often an art because many problems are hard to diagnose.

Replacing a steam boiler--successfully.(EXTRA EDITION)
October 9, 2006... Replacing a Steam Boiler--Successfully: When an existing steam boiler fails and needs replacing, obviously a new one must be installed. And that's when the adventure begins. The first thing to do is find out why the old boiler failed.

Economist warns of material sticker shock.(building materials price hike influence inflation rate)(Brief article)
October 9, 2006... WASHINGTON -- The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) released its latest Construction Inflation Alert (CIA), warning of an inflation rate for construction materials of 6-8 percent, with periods of 10 percent increases possible. ...

Acquisition completed.(newsline)
October 9, 2006... BALTIMORE -- Danfoss completed its acquisition of Scroll Technologies, the Arkadelphia, Ark., manufacturer of scroll compressors for HVACR applications. The move significantly expands the company's position in the commercial and high-end...

Resource launched.(newsline)
October 9, 2006... WILMINGTON, Del. -- DuPont Refrigerants launched a new online resource featuring regulatory, product, and technical information designed specifically to address the needs of North American supermarkets. Supermarkets are working to reduce...

Veteran honored for 50 years of involvement.(Sol Holtzin awarded for his service to HVAC industry)(Brief article)
October 9, 2006... PHILADELPHIA -- Industry veteran Sol Holtzin (pictured above, center) has been honored for his long involvement in HVACR including 50 years as a member of the Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES). A testimonial dinner was given in his...

Cummins Power Generation, a division of Cummins Inc.(Price Increases)
October 9, 2006... Cummins Power Generation, a division of Cummins Inc., (Fridley, Minn.) increased prices 10 percent for its Tier 3 certified generator sets and 7 percent for its Tier 2 certified generator sets, effective immediately.

Frick, a Johnson Controls Co.(Price Increases)
October 9, 2006... Frick, a Johnson Controls Co., (Waynesboro, Pa.) increased prices 3-5 percent on all replacement parts sold in North America under the Frick[R] brand name, effective Oct. 20.

American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning, a division of American Standard Co.(Price Increases)
October 9, 2006... American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning, a division of American Standard Co., (Tyler, Texas) increased prices 3-5 percent on its light commercial unitary products, effective immediately.

Mid-Florida Air Conditioning Inc.(Manufacturers)
October 9, 2006... Mid-Florida Air Conditioning Inc. (Debray, Fla.) was recognized as the national Ruud Contractor of the Year for 2005.

Maxitrol Co.(Manufacturers)
October 9, 2006... Maxitrol Co. (Southfield, Mich.) named David Holcomb as national sales manager.

PoolPak International.(Manufacturers)
October 9, 2006... PoolPak International (York, Pa.) appointed Abdelhamid Hassan as its international sales manager.

Jackson Systems LLC.(Manufacturers)
October 9, 2006... Jackson Systems LLC (Indianapolis) hired Rodney Koons as controller, Sheila Neese as office manager, and Bob Huxley as production specialist.

Siemens Building Technologies Inc.(Manufacturers)
October 9, 2006... Siemens Building Technologies Inc. (Buffalo Grove, Ill.) received Realcomm's 2006 Digie Award for its Apogee[R] Wireless Building Automation System.

Aprilaire makes changes.(newsline)
October 9, 2006... MADISON, Wis. -- Aprilaire has recently made multiple changes within the company. It is now offering a limited five-year warranty, effective immediately, on all of its products, including: humidifiers, dehumidifiers, air cleaners, ventilation,...

Driving-assistance camera system.(what's new)
October 9, 2006... The Rearsight[R] camera system is now available for installation on Dodge Sprinter vans. The camera system provides drivers with a 150-degree wide-angle view of the rear of the vehicle to help the driver avoid objects in the vehicle's blind...

Insulated tubes.(what's new)
October 9, 2006... LS[R] tubes are now available with 1 1/2-inch thick walls. This new thickness eliminates the need for double sleeving onsite to achieve the necessary wall thickness, to save time, labor, and money. The tubes are made in 3-foot lengths and...

Center-connection radiator.(what's new)
October 9, 2006... The T6 IVC center-connection radiator features an internal valve control (IVC), which keeps the pipe work hidden inside the radiator. It is fitted with the thermostatic valve control (TRV) for accurate and adjustable room temperature control....

Duct cleaning brush kit.(what's new)
October 9, 2006... The new Big Brush Kit can be used with the Super RBS Brush & Air Wash System. The kit, coupled with the brush and air wash system, allows the user to clean 20- to 30-inch-high ductwork, whereas the standard Super RBS Brush & Air Wash System...

BACnet browser.(what's new)
October 9, 2006... The Apogee[R] building automation system can now be used to browse BACnet[R] networks and to better leverage the advantages of integrated systems. The browser is an engineering, configuration, and communication troubleshooting tool that can...

Thermostat protector.(what's new)
October 9, 2006... The BAPI-Guard[TM] thermostat protector prevents tampering, physical damage, and unauthorized adjustment of thermostats. The low-profile design is available in two sizes to fit most thermostats. It is made of durable polycarbonate; allows...

Humidifier master controller.(what's new)
October 9, 2006... One Vapor-logic[R]3 master controller can now control the steam production of up to 16 of the company's humidifiers, giving users expanded capacity with consistent humidity control. The controller anticipates increased relative humidity demand...

Portable utility blowers.(what's new)
October 9, 2006... The UB180 is a portable utility blower and the UBH180 is a portable utility blower with a heater. The UB180 features 300 cfm, three-speed dial switch, 8 1/2-foot cord with grounded plug, impact-resistant housing, two 120-V receptacles,...

Packaged equipment.(what's new)
October 9, 2006... The new line of residential 14 SEER packaged equipment--heat pumps and gas packs--has externally accessible service ports for quick access to the refrigerant system. All the equipment has ratings of 11 EER and 8.0 HSPF. Features include a...

Wine cellar air conditioner.(what's new)
October 9, 2006... The Wine PC10, part of the WineMaster[R] cellar air conditioner line, is a combination door and built-in air conditioner. It can help turn a small space in a home or condo into a wine cellar. The unit is designed to insulate and cool up to 350...

Air-handling units.(what's new)
October 9, 2006... The York[R] Solution[R] air-handling units have been enhanced with an integrated factory-mounted Metasys[R] controls option. One source for equipment, including controls, eliminates the need for multiple trades in the field, resulting in...

Cordless rotary hammer.(what's new)
October 9, 2006... The 0756-22 cordless 1-inch compact SDS rotary hammer is designed to provide contractors with corded rotary hammer power and versatility in a compact, lightweight package. Powered by V28 lithium-ion technology, the hammer provides consistent,...

Load Calculation Software.(what's new)
October 9, 2006... The Commercial Load Calculation Software quickly and accurately calculates the maximum heating and cooling loads for commercial buildings, according to the company. Cooling loads can be calculated with either the Cooling Load Temperature...

Gas-fired infrared heaters.(what's new)
October 9, 2006... The PH Series Patio-Pal[R] natural gas- or propane-fired infrared heaters are specifically designed for comfort, reliability, and ease of operation. They can be installed in residential and commercial applications, such as restaurant patios,...

Geothermal, water-source heat pumps.(what's new)
October 9, 2006... The Envision[TM] Series residential geothermal and water-source heat pumps have a cooling efficiency of up to 30 EER, and a heating efficiency of up to 5 COP. Utilizing R-410A refrigerant, the product line also comes equipped with Copeland...

All customers are not created equal: velocity marketing trends re-evaluate distributors' customers.(FOCUS: DISTRIBUTION TRENDS)
October 9, 2006... "If the 1980S were about quality, and the 1990s were about re-engineering, then the 2000s will be about velocity," noted Bill Gates in his book, Business at the Speed of Thought. Velocity, however, is not measured strictly in speed, but also in...

Family vacation.(Modern Supply Co customer relations)(Brief article)
October 9, 2006... CANCUN, Mexico -- Establishing and maintaining a customer base can prove to be a challenge for many distributors. Breathing new life into an old trend, Modern Supply Co. has risen to that challenge. The family that plays together stays...

Distribution leanness is good: efficient environment increases productivity.(FOCUS: DISTRIBUTION TRENDS)
October 9, 2006... Gas prices and the economy are not the only factors affecting current business practices. New ideas of technology, efficiency, and productivity have altered distribution formulas as supply and demand evolves into a commanding link in the supply...

Migrating to a new venue: distribution technology trade fair launches trend.(FOCUS: DISTRIBUTION TRENDS)
October 9, 2006... Most everybody has walked though your run-of-the-mill tradeshow. The Distribution Virtual Tech Fair[TM], sponsored by the Brown Smith Wallace Consulting Group, was not your run-of-the-mill tradeshow. It was a free, two-day event that...

Secrets to being a performance contractor.(meeting update)
October 9, 2006... CHARLOTTETOWN, PEI -- Understanding how a commercial customer uses energy can help HVAC contractors find customized solutions that will save energy, improve sales, and develop customer loyalty. That was the message given to attendees of Bob...

Group keeps an eye on counterfeit products: HVAC contractors told about warning signs.(meeting update)
October 9, 2006... CHARLOTTETOWN, PEI -- Global counterfeiting accounts for 5-7 percent of world trade or $500 billion annually. Counterfeiting grows 20-25 percent a year compared to 3 percent economic growth. Those were startling statistics quoted by Doug...