Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration News articles from October 2007

Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration News archives from October 2007

Distributors confront challenges.
October 1, 2007... Economic and industrial shift s affect every link in the supply chain. Distribution is no exception. According to the "Wholesale Market Activity Survey" conducted by Clear Seas Research late in 2006, approximately 25 percent of the 115...

Building HVAC websites from the ground up.
October 1, 2007... Company Websites have passed from the trendy to the crucial, and many contractors are finding that in order to stay competitive they must have a visible Web presence. According to David Squires, president of Contractor's Online-Access Inc., Web...

ASHRAE investigates PCO to improve understanding.(newsline)(photocatalytic oxidation)
October 1, 2007... ATLANTA -- Air-cleaning equipment featuring new photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) technology is used to remove contaminants from indoor and outdoor air. Questions, however, have risen as to whether or not this technology is also introducing...

NEWS' blogs provide HVAC insight.(newsline)
October 1, 2007... TROY, Mich. -- In conjunction with its updated Website, The NEWS has launched five blogs at www.achrnews.com. Publisher John Conrad and Editor-in-Chief Mike Murphy will blog about items affecting the HVAC industry. Business Editor John Hall...

Project files.(the News)
October 1, 2007... COMPANY: Johnson Controls Inc. Milwaukee INSTALLATION: 46 York water-cooled chiller units COMPLETION: May 2008 "The plant into which these units will be installed will not be duplicated and is certain to become a global landmark."...

A.O. Smith signs endorsement agreement.(newsline)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ASHLAND CITY, Tenn. -- A.O. Smith Water Products Co. signed a long-term exclusive brand license/endorsement agreement with the producers of the TV series "Living With Ed" and its co-star, Ed Begley Jr. Under terms of...

Harold Leviton.(OBITUARY)
October 1, 2007... LITTLE NECK, N.Y. -- Harold Leviton, 90, chairman and CEO of Leviton Manufacturing Co., passed away Sept. 8, 2007. Leviton built Little Neck-based Leviton Manufacturing into a leader in electrical component manufacturing. "I am deeply...

Sanuvox runs NASCAR promo.(newsline)
October 1, 2007... SAINT-LAURENT, Quebec -- Available through authorized distributors, Sanuvox Technologies Inc. is providing contractors with official NASCAR[R] gear including jackets, caps, messenger bags, and belt buckles of the racing team of their choice....

Expanded guide includes ozone.(newsline)
October 1, 2007... WASHINGTON -- The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) is expanding its Directory of Certified Room Air Cleaners to include information on ozone emissions. AHAM's certification program currently tests the performance of room air...

EPA honors carrier.(newsline)
October 1, 2007... MONTREAL -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) honored Carrier Corp., a unit of United Technologies Corp., with its Best-of-the-Best Stratospheric Ozone Protection Award in recognition of the company's achievements in helping...

Greenwood receives award.(newsline)(Greenwood Technologies )(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... BELLEVUE, Wash. -- Greenwood Technologies is among others being recognized by the 2007 Discover Brilliant international conference held in Seattle. The woodfire hydronic furnace company has experienced exceptional growth over the past 18...

American Residential Services LLC (Jacksonville, Fla.), purchased Florida Home Air Conditioning Co.(Contractors)
October 1, 2007... American Residential Services LLC (Jacksonville, Fla.), purchased Florida Home Air Conditioning Co. (Jacksonville, Fla.).

Thermo King Corp.(Manufacturers)
October 1, 2007... Thermo King Corp. (Minneapolis) named Will Watson OEM sales manager and Paulo Wandenkolk as central region director.

TurboTorch.(Manufacturers)
October 1, 2007... TurboTorch (St. Louis) hired Paul Mueller as marketing, product, and sourcing manager.

Ferguson (Newport News, Va.) acquired exclusive Trane distributor Western Air Systems & Controls.(Distributors)
October 1, 2007... Ferguson (Newport News, Va.) acquired exclusive Trane distributor Western Air Systems & Controls (Sacramento, Calif.).

Chillventa.(Industry Events)
October 1, 2007... Chillventa, an international HVACR trade fair, will be held Oct. 15-17, 2008, in Nuremberg, Germany.

Rheem Water Heating.(Software)
October 1, 2007... Rheem Water Heating's (Montgomery, Ala.) newly released EZ-Spec[TM] tankless software application is now available for download at www.rheemtankless.com.

National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW).(Organizations)
October 1, 2007... The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW) has moved its headquarters. It is now located at 1325 G Street N.W., Suite 1000, Washington D.C. 20005-3134.

The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers' (ASHRAE's) president, Kent Peterson.(Organizations)
October 1, 2007... The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers' (ASHRAE's) president, Kent Peterson, launched a blog titled GreenBits at www. ashrae.org/blog.

Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA).(Organizations)
October 1, 2007... The Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) is now accepting registrations for its annual conference and indoor air expo, to take place Feb. 5-7 at the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Zone damper system.(what's new)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The EZ Wire[TM] plug-in zone damper system can be installed in new installations of square or round ducts. Plug-in dampers; standard telephone cord; energy-efficient, low-voltage DC motors; screwless terminals; and...

Chilled-beam literature.(what's new)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A complete active chilled beams literature library is available on the company's Website. The literature library includes a sales brochure; three case studies; a product selection data catalog; frequently asked...

Whole-home humidifier.(EDITOR'S CHOICE)
October 1, 2007... The next generation of whole-home humidifiers, an entire family of automatic digital and manually controlled units, is available. The line offers four automatic-controlled models and three manual-control models. According to the manufacturer,...

Safety training video.(what's new)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A DVD titled "Twenty Top Hazards: Recognition & Protection" provides worker training in the identification of 20 of the most common injury-causing hazards in mechanical construction, and how workers should protect...

Flue gas venter.(what's new)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The SWG Power Venter has been reengineered to create the ComboVent, a power-vented, sealed combustion air system that vents the flue gases while bringing in fresh air for combustion. The all-stainless, telescoping...

Building management system.(what's new)
October 1, 2007... The capabilities of the Metasys[R] building management system (BMS) has been expanded. Now, the Metasys BACnet-enabled field gear has BACnet Testing Laboratories (BTL) certification of interoperability. This certification confirms...

Vacuum motors.(what's new)
October 1, 2007... Environmentally friendly versions of the AdvanTek II Series universal through-flow vacuum motors and Gen II Infin-A-Tek[R] switched reluctance brushless vacuum motors are available. The AdvanTek II vacuum motor uses a new, patented,...

Fresh-air intake system.(what's new)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A fresh-air intake system (FAIS) brings fresh, filtered outside air into the home and minimizes outside air filtration from the crawlspace and other leaks in the building. It provides filtered outside air directly to...

All-aluminum evaporator coil.(what's new)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The AlumaTuff[TM] evaporator coil is a matched system of all-aluminum coils, composed of aluminum tubes, tube sheets, and plate fins. According to the manufacturer, all-aluminum coils prevent formicary corrosion,...

Pressure transmitters.(what's new)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The AST44LP and AST43LP low-pressure, hazardous area-approved pressure transmitters can perform in a variety of industrial applications. These media-isolated units are constructed with 316L SS wetted materials for...

Dehumidifier/dehumidistat.(what's new)
October 1, 2007... The new Source 1[R] dehumidifier is simple to install using existing ductwork, said the company. Designed as a unit with self-contained controls, the dehumidifier can be converted to a dehumidistat control-mounted unit. The dehumidifier removes...

Combustion analyzer.(what's new)
October 1, 2007... The BTU2000+ gas analyzer can be used for monitoring gases such as carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), excess air, and efficiency in a residential or light commercial boiler/ burner. In one tool, the unit combines the functions of seven...

Direct-vent chimney catalog.(what's new)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A new catalog describes the direct-vent chimney line, which includes a complete variety of pipe and fittings--4x6 and 5x8 diameters--and installation kits for every direct-vent gas appliance application. Featuring a...

Defined distribution trends guide industry: expert report reveals four major trends.(FOCUS: DISTRIBUTION TRENDS)
October 1, 2007... Distributor profitability depends greatly on the supply chain's ability to predict and then adapt to changes in technology, the market, and multiple other factors. These changes often create new trends that provide each supply chain participant...

This counter person is right on the mark.(FOCUS: DISTRIBUTION TRENDS)(Mark Sapaugh)
October 1, 2007... TEXARKANA, Texas -- With his Southern drawl somewhat pronounced, Mark Sapaugh admits he can certainly talk. "I could talk the horns off a billy goat," he confesses. Spend a little over an hour with the 47-year-old and you will know,...

Online reviews: the truth be told?(business management)(consumers feedback on new products and services)
October 1, 2007... We've all been in the same quandary. You go online to your favorite e-retailer to buy something--maybe it's a new DVD player. The specifications seem OK, the technical info matches up with what you're looking for, price is right, you put your...

EC motors continue gains in industry: such motors utilize variable-speed technology to optimize fan speeds.(REFRIGERATION ZONE)(Electronically commutated motors )
October 1, 2007... Electronically commutated (EC) motors continue to gain a foothold in the industry. Such motors utilize variable-speed technology to optimize fan speeds for load requirements, maximizing energy efficiency, and minimizing sound. According to...

Oil pressure controls.(REFRIGERATION ZONE: ice breaker)
October 1, 2007... It is important that the bearings of an operating compressor are properly lubricated. Improper lubrication will surely lead to a compressor failure. Small compressors normally incorporate some type of splash lubrication system. Larger...

The intelligent Discus technology.(REFRIGERATION ZONE: ice breaker)
October 1, 2007... The melding of Discus compressors into intelligent store design has been one of those next steps forward in supermarket technology. According to Emerson Climate Technologies, Discus compressors came about because "traditional reed compressors...

Recovery rules can create confusion.(REFRIGERATION ZONE: changes in legislation)
October 1, 2007... The 11th Commandment, as far as the HVACR industry is concerned, is Thou Shalt Remove Refrigerants From a Piece of Equipment Being Junked. In the messy reality of refrigerants, that is much easier said than done. Some equipment, especially...

Leak issues old and new: service contractor began using new sealant technology two years ago.(REFRIGERATION ZONE: service & maintenance)
October 1, 2007... One of the biggest challenges in refrigeration equipment is stopping systems from leaking refrigerants into the environment. The newest models are being factory-sealed with special attention to leak tightness. But there is a lot of product in...

Manufacturers send message to China, world.(REFRIGERATION ZONE: show report)
October 1, 2007... BEIJING, China -- The most recent International Congress of Refrigeration in Beijing brought together some 1,200 refrigeration scientists, educators, and engineers for six days of seminars, keynote speeches and paper presentations. A...

Cold, but not enough!(REFRIGERATION ZONE: the professor)
October 1, 2007... Customers have been complaining for three weeks of warm products in a low temperature, glass door, reach-in freezer. The storeowner inspects the thermometers in the case and notices that the temperature will not pull down below 15[degrees]F....

Smart information sources for contractors: eight ways new media is transforming your business.(business management)
October 1, 2007... Information and nonstop technology can be overwhelming. Every day you are bombarded with an assortment of options. It helps to sort through the maze. You can thrive by strategically managing how and when you receive information. Here...

Using computer technology.(business management)
October 1, 2007... Can you use a cold box to warm up sales? Just had a question posed to me this week: Do you think that computer technology can help us build the personal attributes and relationships needed to sell systems today? Yes. How's that for a...

The no. 1 way to improve your cash flow: a 'mini-tip' from Cohen & Pratt.(business management)(Reprint)
October 1, 2007... Do you like dealing with late-paying clients? At best it can be an uncomfortable negotiation, and at worst it can get down right nasty. There's a better way to handle the problem of clients who don't pay their invoices on time. You can...

HVAC scramble: mixing the market.(MURPHY'S LAW)
October 1, 2007... When the work gets slow, the slow get going. I am sure that venerable Coach vu Vince Lombardi, of NFL Green Bay Packer fame, never would have envisioned so many cheap imitations of one of his most famous quotes. My apologies for adding to the...

What a difference four years make.(opinions: VIEWS AND INSIGHTS FROM THE EDITORIAL STAFF AND GUEST COLUMNISTS)
October 1, 2007... Once every four years, a major conference with a decided emphasis on refrigeration takes place. These International Congresses of Refrigeration draw technical papers and presenters from throughout the world, and since it is only once every four...

Emcor Group Inc.(Contractors)
October 15, 2007... Emcor Group Inc. (Norwalk, Conn.) was named to the InformationWeek 500 for the sixth consecutive year and placed No. 1 in the construction and engineering industry segment.

Jackson Systems LLC.(Manufacturers)
October 15, 2007... Jackson Systems LLC (Indianapolis) was selected as the 15th fastest growing company in central Indiana by the Indianapolis Business Journal.

The R.W. Beckett Corp.(Manufacturers)
October 15, 2007... The R.W. Beckett Corp. (Elyria, Ohio) is celebrating its 70th anniversary.

Bacharach Inc. (New Kensington, Pa.) and Bacharach of Canada Inc.(Manufacturers)
October 15, 2007... Bacharach Inc. (New Kensington, Pa.) and Bacharach of Canada Inc. (Markham, Ontario) were acquired by PNC Equity Partners II LP (Pittsburgh).

Trane's (Piscataway, N.J.) CenTraVac[TM] received the Best-of-the-Best Award from the U.S.(Manufacturers)
October 15, 2007... Trane's (Piscataway, N.J.) CenTraVac[TM] received the Best-of-the-Best Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The Air Movement and Control Association International.(Organizations)
October 15, 2007... The Air Movement and Control Association International (AMCA) was approved by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) to accredit seminars, technical training sessions, and other educational venues as developed.

North American Insulation Manufacturers Association.(Organizations)
October 15, 2007... North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) launched a new online Inside Energy Efficiency newsletter.

Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada.(Organizations)
October 15, 2007... Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI) appointed Mark Boncardo, commercial director of Ineos Fluor Canada Inc. (Toronto), as chair of its manufacturers division.

The Mechanical Contractors Association of America.(Organizations)
October 15, 2007... The Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA) released the 2008 edition of its "Tool & Equipment Rental Guide" in an online-only format.

Hispanic work force meets HVAC: short-term communication, long-term assimilation.
October 15, 2007... It's well known that the number of Hispanic workers in the construction trades has been increasing and will continue to do so. The building industry, which has been facing an equally well-known decline in skilled workers, needs the new blood....

ASHRAE considers new 62.1 requirements.(American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers)
October 15, 2007... The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) is considering newly proposed requirements for systems that use optional demand controlled ventilation (DCV) strategies. These addenda being considered will...

Corrections.(Correction notice)
October 15, 2007... In the Sept. 17, 2007 issue, the tech support line for the Concord 2HP14L/B was incorrect. The correct phone number is 800-515-3501. The NEWS regrets this error.

Business diversification pays off at harvest time.(letters)
October 15, 2007... [Editor's note: This letter is in response to John R. Hall's editorial "New Ideas Needed During Tough Times," Sept. 17.] Unfortunately for many contractors, you reap what you sow, and their harvest has died out. They planted fast-growing...

Carrier launches new sales and distribution network.(newsline)
October 15, 2007... CITY OF INDUSTRY, Calif. -- Carrier Sales and Distribution (CSD) launched its newest network in Southern California offering a full line of Carrier, Bryant, Payne, and Totaline products for residential and commercial HVACR. This move represents...

Officers elected at RSES conference.(newsline)(Refrigeration Service Engineers Society)(Conference news)(Brief article)
October 15, 2007... SAN ANTONIO -- Elections for new officers were held as part of the RSES Annual Business meeting at its 70th Annual Conference in San Antonio. Members elected a new slate of officers to serve terms from 2007-2008. As part of the...

ACCA hosts fourth annual commercial roundtable.(newsline)(Discussion)
October 15, 2007... BALTIMORE -- The Air Conditioning Contractors of America's 4th Annual Commercial Contracting Roundtable will be held Oct. 24 and 25 at the Hilton Baltimore BWI. Contractors and experts will lead a series of learning sessions on such topics as:...

Rupp changes owners and names.(newsline)
October 15, 2007... BURNSVILLE, Minn. -- After its recent purchase by an investment group, Rupp Industries Inc. has changed its name to Temp-Air Inc. "The investment group is eager to share their knowledge and expertise with our current management team, and to...

HVAC excellence offers 13 plus SEER training.(newsline)
October 15, 2007... LAS VEGAS -- To prepare HVAC educators at schools and trainers at supply houses for the challenges of educating the future and current technical workforce in the requirements for retrofit of lower SEER systems to the new higher SEER units,...

Semco Inc. Sells Company.(newsline)(Brief article)
October 15, 2007... COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Semco Inc. shareholders signed an agreement selling the company to Flakt Woods Group, Zurich, Switzerland. "Being a member of the Flakt Woods Group will strengthen our position in our served markets and beyond," said...

Noland Co. Opens new location.(newsline)
October 15, 2007... NEWPORT NEWS, Va. -- Noland Co., a wholly owned subsidiary of WinWholesale Inc., opened a branch in Cleveland, Tenn., to serve HVAC contractors in a six-county area in the southeastern part of the state. The new branch includes a warehouse,...

BPI updates standards process.(newsline)(Building Performance Institute)(Brief article)
October 15, 2007... MALTA, N.Y. -- The Building Performance Institute (BPI) has initiated a professional approach to the development and upkeep of the BPI Standards. Its board of directors has approved changes to the standards development process that will follow...

Emerson and dell conduct seminars.(newsline)
October 15, 2007... COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Emerson Network Power announced the schedule for a series of seminars it is offering in collaboration with Dell titled "Smart Growth Strategies for Data Centers." The interactive seminar is designed to help organizations...

Power package rental unit.(what's new)
October 15, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Caterpillar Inc. 60 Hz XQ300 rental power package operates at 480/277 V. Powered by the Cat[R] C9 diesel engine with ACERT[TM] technology, it offers improved performance, fuel efficiency, and reliability, while...

Crescent cube ice machine.(what's new)
October 15, 2007... The KMS-750MLH Serenity series crescent cube ice machine is 75 percent quieter than traditional remote units, according to the manufacturer. The unit utilizes a remote condenser and compressor stationed outside the kitchen and away from...

Compressor diagnostics.(what's new)
October 15, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Comfort Alert[R] Diagnostics helps contractors and service technicians provide faster service and improved accuracy and peace of mind for commercial end users, says the company. The system monitors and analyzes data...

Stainless steel separator-filter.(what's new)
October 15, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The SF1 stainless steel separator-filter is designed to improve heating efficiency and product quality by removing condensate and particulates such as dirt and scale. The separator-filter eliminates water spots by...

Two- and three-way solenoid valves.(what's new)
October 15, 2007... The line of two- and three-way, normally open and closed, low-power solenoid valves have inlet pressure ratings ranging up to 500 psi. They are available in 1/8- and 1/4-inch NPT pipe ports, 3/8-inch copper sweat tubing or with provisions for...

Stainless steel boiler.(what's new)
October 15, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Munchkin stainless steel high-efficiency boilers carry an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating of 95.1 percent. They qualify for a $150 credit under the Federal Energy Policy Act of 2005. The units...

Rental A/C unit.(what's new)
October 15, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The AHU-70-Ton customized air conditioning unit provides humidity control and cooling using chilled-water technology. The new rental system utilizes a packaged chilled-water system in conjunction with packaged...

Automatic condensate pumps.(what's new)
October 15, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Three automatic condensate pumps--MCU15, MCU15S, and MCU20S--are available in a new line designed to meet 80 percent or more of contractors' condensate removal needs. With fully automatic operation and a stronger...

HRV, ERV controller.(what's new)
October 15, 2007... Compatible with certain Controlair-15 electronics and all base module electronics, the Lifestyle Ventilation Control, part 99-350, makes it possible for home-owners to program the air exchange rates of their heat recovery ventilator or energy...

Gas furnace training software.(what's new)
October 15, 2007... A two-disc DVD/Windows software training set is designed for instruction on the York Affinity[TM] modulating gas furnace. The set is the first in the ProficienTECH Series of media-based technical training. With an emphasis placed on the furnace...

NEMA 4X UVC fixture.(what's new)
October 15, 2007... The new HVAC style SEF-N (single-ended) UVC fixture has a NEMA 4X rating. The housing incorporates three safety features to avoid accidental entry or exposure to UV: padlock eyelets lock-out unwanted access, cover removal actuates an intrinsic...

Lift, carry dolly.(what's new)
October 15, 2007... The Lift Dolly ESC is designed to lift and lower heavy objects such as compressors, condensing units, and air handlers, in addition to functioning in the standard transport mode of a traditional dolly. It is engineered with more than 20...

Grilles, registers, diffusers brochure.(what's new)
October 15, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] An expanded brochure describes the manufacturer's entire line of residential grilles and registers, as well as light commercial diffusers. The residential line includes a full line of grilles and registers, from...

Miller Electric Mfg. Co. giving away weldshop.(promotions)(Brief article)
October 15, 2007... Miller Electric Mfg. Co. is giving away an Ultimate Weldshop valued at more than $17,000. The Ultimate Weldshop Giveaway includes a welder/generator, welding and plasma cutting power sources, an auto-darkening helmet, safety gear, welding...