Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration News articles from September 2003

Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration News archives from September 2003

Communication can be the key to managing insurance costs.
September 1, 2003... [Editor's note: Last week, The News discussed the costs of insurance and the effect of rising rates on contractors' businesses. In this final installment, The News explores ways to make insurance dollars go further.] Everyone knows the...

Flame Furnace Company [R].(Contractors)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Flame Furnace Company [R] (Warren, Mich.) appointed Dennis J. Holder to the position of vice president of sales.

Research Products Corp.(Manufacturers)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Research Products Corp. (Madison, Wis.) has promoted Larry Olsen to president and CEO, Mike McGowan to executive vice president and CFO, and Paul Graham to senior vice president. Mike Fitzpatrick, former CEO, will remain chairman of the board.

Lennox International Inc.(Manufacturers)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Lennox International Inc. (Dallas) has sold the assets of its Electrical Products Division (EPD) business, part of its Advanced Products division, to Emerson (St. Louis).

Weil-McLain.(Manufacturers)(ISO 9001:2000)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Weil-McLain (Michigan City, Ind.) has achieved a new ISO certification and is now in compliance with ISO 9001:2000.

Friedrich Air Conditioning.(Manufacturers)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Friedrich Air Conditioning (San Antonio) announced that its QuietMaster Heavy Duty SL35J30 was selected by Consumer's Digest as a consumer's "best buy."

Selkirk LLC.(Manufacturers)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Selkirk LLC (Callas) has promoted Debbie Sudduth to chief information officer for the company.

Frost & Sullivan.(Manufacturers)(Product Quality Leadership Award)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Frost & Sullivan, a global growth consulting firm, presented its 2003 Product Quality Leadership Award to A.O. Smith Water Products Company (Ashland City, Tenn.).

American Standard Companies Inc.(Manufacturers)(one millionth unit)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... American Standard Companies Inc. (Tyler, Texas) announced that Residential Systems (RS), its comfort systems business, produced its 1 millionth cooling and heating product platform unit.

ICR explores long-term future of HFCs.(International Congress of Refrigeration considers hydrofluorocarbons)
September 1, 2003... WASHINGTON -- A respected refrigeration pioneer ha characterized HFCs a being on shaky ground a long-term refrigerants and called for more focus on such "natural" refrigerants as C[O.sub.2] and halocarbons. "I hope that some of the...

Mobile tracking.(Extra Edition)
September 1, 2003... A contractor is applying a new GPS service that enables the company to locate and manage employees at minimum expense through the use of cell phones. Read all about it in Extra Edition in the Technical article "GPS Service Helps Contractor...

Corrections.(Correction Notice)
September 1, 2003... The Aug. 4 issue contained coverage of the SkillsUSA championship in Kansas City, including a list of participating manufacturers. In addition to those listed, Rheem Manufacturing provided equipment and staffing. Also in the Aug. 4 issue, the...

Protecting your company's assets.(reader Mail)(Letter to the Editor)
September 1, 2003... Letter to the Editor Regarding John R. Hall's article on doing business in troubled urban areas ("The Challenges Facing Urban Contractors," July 14), I am reminded of a job we did in a tobacco distributor warehouse. We cover the entire...

The challenge of payment collection.(reader Mail)(Letter to the Editor)
September 1, 2003... I work in a family-owned business and, yes, I am in the family. I had developed a system of collections for the branch where I worked. But in a full company meeting one day, I realized that at the other branch, they just simply ignored it. No...

There ought to be a law mandating air conditioning.(reader Mail)(Letter to the Editor)
September 1, 2003... Editor's note: This letter is in response to John R. Hall's column, "Mandating Nursing Home A/C," Aug. 18.] In the 2001-2002 Michigan legislative session, Senate Bill No. 599 of 2001 was introduced to require air conditioning in nursing...

U.S. navy hosts Legionella Course.(industry News)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... FALLBROOK, Calif. -- The Naval School of Health Sciences will host the Legionella Prevention Training Course Nov. 5-6, 2003, at it training facility in San Diego. The course will include government and industry guidelines; legal issues; risk...

One Hour franchises open to contractors.(industry News)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... SARASOTA, Fla. -- One Hour Air Conditioning and Heating, a nationally branded HVAC company, announced that its national franchise opportunities are now available to any qualified con tractor wanting to participate in the organization....

ACCA offers sales workshops.(industry News)(Air Conditioning Contractors of America)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... ARLINGTON, Va. -- The Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) has scheduled a series of new two day workshops designed to instruct commercial and residential contractors on low to boost profitability. The three workshops are titled...

On-site energy system beneficial during blackout.(energy Matters)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... During the recent blackout that effected the Northeast and Midwest, DTE Energy Technologies customers kept their power on and businesses running thanks to energy|now[TM] on site energy systems. According to DTE, one such customer was the...

Contractors, manufacturers share stage in ACCA program.(industry News)(Air Conditioning Contractors of America )(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... ARLINGTON, Va. -- A new program designed to improve communication and problem solving between contractors and manufacturers is being launched by the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA). The Committee On Special Talks to Advance...

Metal-Fab Inc.(Manufacturers)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Metal-Fab Inc. (Wichita, Kan.) has added the SureLock[TM] B-Vent Locking System on its B-Vent pipe, tees, wyes, elbows, and caps in the 3- to 6-inch sizes.

Aube Technologies.(Manufacturers)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Aube Technologies (Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec) appointed Sylvain Fournier as senior sales executive.

Sid Harvey Industries Inc.(Distributors)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Several of the East Coast branches of Sid Harvey Industries Inc. (Garden City, N.Y.), including locations in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware, will begin stocking the Ice-O-Matic ice machine line.

International Comfort Products (ICP) (Indianapolis) presented its 2002 Distributor of the Year awards.(Distributors)( )(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... International Comfort Products (ICP) (Indianapolis) presented its 2002 Distributor of the Year awards. The Hell Distributor of the Year was given to Irr Supply Group (North Tonawanda, N.Y), the Tempstar Distributor of the Year was presented to...

Industrial Services and Engineering Inc. (ISE).(Services)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Industrial Services and Engineering Inc. (ISE) (Attleboro Falls, Mass.) has started construction on a new, 5,000-square-foot forensic investigation and testing facility. At the new facility, ISE will conduct in-depth testing of mechanical...

The Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES).(Associations)(speaker changed to Ken Ponder)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... The Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES) (Des Plaines, Ill.) announced that there has been a change in speakers at its annual conference to be held in Nashville, Tenn., Oct. 1-4. Ken Ponder will be the new speaker for the educational...

Ronald Dale Lance.(Obituaries)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- Ronald Dale Lance, 67, died June 21 at home. Mr. Lance owned Contractor Utility Sales and Midwest Gland Pack. According to Cheryl Hibdon from Heartland Waterworks Supply Inc., Mr. Lance died "with his wife and children...

M.W. 'Bud' Meyer.(Obituaries)(co-founder of William R. Meyer Co.)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... AURORA, Ill -- M.W. "Bud" Meyer, 80, died July 6, 2003. He was a co-founder of William R Meyer Co., a plumbing supply firm. Mr. Meyer was president of the company until he retired in 1987. He was also president of the American Supply...

U.S.-Canadian task force studies blackout.(Industry News)
September 1, 2003... DETROIT -- Spencer Abraham, secretary, the Department Energy (DOE), and Herb Dhaliwal, Minister of" Canadian Natural Resources, met here Aug. 20 to launch their co-chaired joint task force, "to look into exactly how this blackout occurred and...

Portable A/C unit.(what's New)
September 1, 2003... The new version of the Arctic Aire portable air conditioning unit is available in 1 to 5 tons. The unit has a programmable electronic temperature controller and a 55[degrees] to 85[degrees]F setpoint. It has a 5-gallon condensate tank with a...

Refrigerant monitor.(what's New)
September 1, 2003... The Chillgard RT refrigerant monitor row has a remote display option. The remote display can be mounted in a separate location from the monitor and used in addition to the standard unit display. It provides entryway signaling capabilities at a...

Refrigerant Leak Dye.(what's New)
September 1, 2003... AR-GL0/E[R] universal fluorescent dye can be used with any refrigerant and with mineral oil, polyolester, and alkyl benzene lubricants. The dye is added to the system circulated with the refrigerant and oil, escapes at the leaks, and remains at...

Liquid level, flow sensors.(what's New)
September 1, 2003... A range of liquid level and flow sensors for domestic boilers, chillers, condensate chambers, circulating water systems, and other HVAC equipment is available. FS Series interlocked flow sensors, available in Noryl, brass, or copper...

Fleet tracking system.(what's New)
September 1, 2003... The wireless text messaging function of the FleetDirector, a fleet tracking system, has been enhanced. According to the company, drivers now can send freeform text messages to the dispatcher or fleet manager from their message data terminal...

Cold capillary thermostats.(what's New)
September 1, 2003... The cold capillary thermostats, for temperature control for a range of refrigeration, freezer, beverage cooler, display, and A/C applications, are available in manual and in automatic reset models. The new series includes the WD, WP, WS...

Air purifier.(what's New)
September 1, 2003... The company has changed its UV-Aire air purifier. The redesigned unit has a new plastic housing and is available in two sizes. The larger UV-C Model is equipped with state-of-the-art circuitry that controls and monitors lamp usage, states the...

Custom filters.(what's New)
September 1, 2003... The manufacturer can make replacements for discontinued or hard-to-find filters. According to the company, applications for their custom filters include 4,000 square-inch electrostatic cooling tower filters, 3-by-31-inch PTAC fresh air intake...

Report charts supermarket trends.(Focus: supermarket & restaurant refrigeration)
September 1, 2003... CHICAGO -- There are some new buzzwords in the supermarket sector, including "distributed refrigeration," "smart stores," "integrated food quality and security programs," and "advanced controls." According to the "Supermarket Trend Report"...

Stores court health-conscious shoppers.
September 1, 2003... Supermarket shoppers have always been cost conscious, but they still want clean, well-organized stores with high-quality refrigerated products. And they are willing to venture beyond their primary neighborhood store to one of those big...

FMI exhibitors promote one-stop shopping.(Focus: supermarket & restaurant refrigeration)
September 1, 2003... CHICAGO -- There were two major trends impacting refrigeration contractors at the most recent Food Marketing Institute Expo. They can be jointly summed up as "one-stop shopping for increasingly sophisticated technologies." Major...

Yesterday's upgrades are today's necessities: supermarket refrigeration systems are increasingly complex.(Focus: supermarket & restaurant refrigeration)
September 1, 2003... Once upon a time (not that long ago, really), supermarket refrigeration systems were pretty basic affairs. Even when the industry started introducing such technologies as high tech computerization, variable-frequency drives, and subcooling...

Supermarkets stress efficiency.(refrigeration zone)
September 1, 2003... The supermarket sector has been on the cutting edge when it comes to new refrigerants. Supermarkets have found it important to demonstrate to their customers that they care about the environment because those customers are being bombarded with...

Reasons behind compressor overheating.(refrigeration zone)
September 1, 2003... A common cause of pr mature reciprocating compressor failure is overheating. A recip that is running too hot will surely all before its time. A service tech should always look for this potential problem while servicing any refrigeration system....

Buried line.(the Hotline)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... QUESTION: From Chris Georges Via E-Mail I live north of Montreal and have a Carrier heat pump. It is presently about 40 feet from my house. The two lines from the pump run underground through an ABS pipe for about 30 feet before...

The symptoms of refrigerant overcharge.(refrigeration zone)
September 1, 2003... Many times technicians will have the tendency to overcharge refrigeration systems. It is an easy mistake to put too much refrigerant into system because of the vast array of different systems on the market today. Also, many symptoms for other...

Industry steps up interest in HFC-245fa.(refrigeration zone)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... The industry is starting to get comfortable with HFC refrigerants including the now familiar 134a, 404A, 507, 407C, and 410A. The newest to garner attention is HFC-245fa. It has already found favor in foam blowing applications, where it is...

An exercise in listening.(our Insights)
September 1, 2003... We just went through the joyful experience of purchasing a new car for my wife. In the process, we were reminded of some very important lessons about the way sell--and the things not to do in the selling process. The most important lesson...

Taking Exit 14 (Formerly Exit 5).(our Insights)(HVACR job market)
September 1, 2003... Let me explain the headline above. I was recently at the Heating, Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Institute (HRAI) 2003 Conference in Halifax, Nova Scotia. It was my first visit to the maritime province and the first time that I remained in...

The residential contracting All-Stars: top firms bank on reputation, sales volume.(Brief Article)
September 8, 2003... When The News went looking to collect a list of top residential contractors in two important segments of the market (residential replacement/add-on and residential new construction), we did not have to look far. Some names popped up right away:...

Filter-driers.(Brief Article)
September 8, 2003... Filter-driers play a pivotal role in the operation of HVACR systems. However, as important as the filter-drier is, many do not actually understand how they work. Visit Extra Edition and read the Service & Maintenance article "The Importance Of...

Training track.
September 8, 2003... October 8 Sumpermarket Refrigeration Sporlan Valve Baltimore | 636-239-1111 October 9 Supermarket Refrigeration Sporlan Valve Baltimore | 636-239-1111 October 9 WeatherMarker 8000 (80% Furnace) Carrier Great Lakes Gaylord, Mich. |...

Believing in the American dream.(reader Mail)
September 8, 2003... As an ex-contractor, I found myself shaking my head as I read the guest editorial by Charlie Greer titled "Debate Rages About 24-Hour Service" in the August 11 edition. There were numerous issues not mentioned in the article. First, all...

Investigate the problem.(reader Mail)
September 8, 2003... The Aug. 18 article by Peter Powell ("EPA Fines Bakeries $5 Million for Leaks") was informative. It should be expanded upon in the very near future by The News, since this is simply not a problem associated with the bakery industry. It was...

Good show.(reader Mail)(Brief Article)
September 8, 2003... From the other side of the pond, we welcome the EPA's efforts in penalizing refrigerant based environmental pollution. ["Bakery to Pay Penalty For Refrigerant Leak," August 11]. We are in the final stages of developing a relatively...

PECI recognizes ASHRAE.(industry News)(Portland Energy Conservation Inc.)(American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers)(Brief Article)
September 8, 2003... ATLANTA -- The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) was recognized for its work in building commissioning, including standards development, education, and research. The Benner Award, given by...

Expo accepting award nominations.(industry News)(Air Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition)(Brief Article)
September 8, 2003... WESTPORT, Conn. -- Entries are now being accepted for the second annual Air Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition (AHR Expo) Innovation Awards, which will be held in conjunction with the 2004 show in Anaheim, Calif., Jan. 26-28. ...

A/C shipments down in July.(industry News)(Air-Conditioning)(Brief Article)
September 8, 2003... ARLINGTON, Va. -- Combined U.S. factory shipments of 682,810 central air conditioners and air source heat pumps for July were down 1 percent compared to shipments from the same month last year, according to statistics from the Air-Conditioning...

Rheem president receives GAMA award.(industry News)(Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association)(Brief Article)
September 8, 2003... NEW YORK -- The Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association (GAMA) paid tribute to Gary Tapella, president and CEO of the Rheem Manufacturing Company, with its Distinguished Service Award. This is the first time the organization has given out this...

York to assist DOE program.(Energy matters: a compendium of energy facts and information)(United States. Department of Energy)(York International)(Brief Article)
September 8, 2003... York International has received a contract to assist with data development for the new version of the U.S. Department of Energy's EnergyPlus energy analysis program, which will be capable of simulating underfloor air distribution (UFAD)...

Contractors 2000 (White Bear Lake, Minn.) has welcomed new members.(Contractors)(Brief Article)
September 8, 2003... Contractors 2000 (White Bear Lake, Minn.) has welcomed new members. They are AM-PM Plumbing Inc. (Ocala, Fla.), Gorjanc Comfort Services (Highland Heights, Ohio), Aqua Dimensions Plumbing Services Inc. (Port St. Lucie, Fla.), R & P Plumbing...

Entec Services (Peoria, Ill.) is the newest associate of SECorps (Denver).(Contractors)(Brief Article)
September 8, 2003... Entec Services (Peoria, Ill.) is the newest associate of SECorps (Denver), an association of HVAC service providers that focus on the development of their people through training, principal forums, peer-level exchanges, and best practices...

Emerson Climate Technologies.(Manufacturers)(Brief Article)
September 8, 2003... Emerson Climate Technologies (St. Louis) has made several appointments. Ed Purvis has been named group vice president--Emerson Climate Technologies, Refrigeration. Clark Hale has been appointed president of Copeland Refrigeration. Scott Barbour...

Metal-Fab Inc.(Manufacturers)(Brief Article)
September 8, 2003... Metal-Fab Inc. (Wichita, Kan.) released a Chimney Reference Guide, which provides code/listing related information for a variety of chimney products. For more information, visit www.metal-fabinc.com.

Air Systems Components.(Manufacturers)(Brief Article)
September 8, 2003... Air Systems Components (Richardson, Texas) announced that the Titus brand has been awarded IS0-9001 2000 certification.

Jackson Systems LLC.(Manufacturers)(Brief Article)
September 8, 2003... Jackson Systems LLC (Indianapolis) announced that it has made major updates to its Web site, including new product information and new navigation options. For more information, go to www.jacksonsystems.com.

York International.(Manufacturers)(Brief Article)
September 8, 2003... York International (Melville, N.Y.) has hired Jeffery A. Pino as a territory manager. Pino will cover the Westchester County, New York, territory.

Dri-Steem Humidifier Company.(Manufacturers)(Brief Article)
September 8, 2003... Dri-Steem Humidifier Company (Minneapolis) introduced an online program called Energy-Calc[TM]. The program estimates dollars saved by using gas humidification rather than electric, and can be found at www.dristeem.com

RAE Corp. (Pryor, Okla.) agreed to purchase the assets of King Coil from Mestek (Westfield, Mass.).(Manufacturers)(Brief Article)
September 8, 2003... RAE Corp, (Pryor, Okla.) agreed to purchase the assets of King Coil from Mestek (Westfield, Mass.). The agreement provides for the extension of RAE's heat transfer coil product line.

Wright Sales Company (Encinitas, Calif.) has joined the Selkirk LLC (Dallas) group of representatives handling the Selkirk wholesale product line.(Distributors)(Brief Article)
September 8, 2003... Wright Sales Company (Encinitas, Calif.) has joined the Selkirk LLC (Dallas) group of representatives handling the Selkirk wholesale product line. Wright will cover the Southern California market area.

Indiana Supply Corporation (Indianapolis) has been named as the newest supplier of Paradise.(Distributors)(Brief Article)
September 8, 2003... Indiana Supply Corporation (Indianapolis) has been named as the newest supplier of Paradise geothermal heating and cooling systems for the Midwest.

ARI issues Statistical Profile.(Energy matters: a compendium of energy facts and information)(Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute)(Brief Article)
September 8, 2003... The latest edition of the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute's ARI Statistical Profile provides a comprehensive overview of the HVACR industry. For those who want to track current statistics and trends in the industry, the Statistical...

A/E mandatory training up.(Energy matters: a compendium of energy facts and information)(Brief Article)
September 8, 2003... NATICK, Mass. -- The percentage of architecture, engineering, planning, and environmental firms providing mandatory training for project managers is at an all-time high, according to ZweigWhite's 2003 Project Management Survey of A/E/P &...

ACCA training scheduled.(Energy matters: a compendium of energy facts and information)(Air Conditioning Contractors of America)(Brief Article)
September 8, 2003... ARLINGTON, Va. -- The Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) has announced its fall 2003 technical training schedule for contractors and instructors. Courses include the Contractor Training Series Classes, Manual J8 Instructor...

Air Filtration System.(what's New)
September 8, 2003... The Breathe Easy Air Filtering System is designed to stop the spread of pollutants and other microorganisms in buildings. According to the company, the unit is sealed in a lightweight poly bag and is treated with an EPA-registered antimicrobial...

Product catalog.(what's New)
September 8, 2003... A 100 page stock replacement products catalog lists the company's comprehensive line of motors, blowers, and accessories. The 11-page selection guide and three-page alphanumeric index help users find applicable parts. Various specification...

Hygrothermometer.(what's New)
September 8, 2003... Model RH101 is a hygrothermometer that has a noncontact infrared (IR) thermometer built into it. The IR thermometer takes measurements ranging from -58[degrees] to 932[degrees]F (-50[degrees] to 500[degrees]C). On the main display, the user...

Heat pump water heater.(what's New)
September 8, 2003... The E-Tech line's WH Super 60 HT Model air-to-water heat pump water heater provides high-temperature hot water quickly, efficiently, and cost effectively, states the company. The water heater extracts heat from the ambient air, upgrades the...

Thermocouple Thermometer.(what's New)
September 8, 2003... The EA15 Dual Input Thermocouple Thermometer is able to measure, store, and display temperature measurements from two different thermocouples simultaneously. It has the capability of storing up to 8,800 data sets in the user's choice of...

UVC light systems.(what's New)
September 8, 2003... Units added to line of UVC Emitters[TM] are designed to provide enhanced food safety through airborne and surface control of mold, bacteria, and viruses. The expanded line includes double- and single-ended UVC light fixtures and special...

HEPA filter.(what's New)
September 8, 2003... Model 6000v whole-house HEPA filter delivers 600 cfm and is ideal for use in houses up to 4,500 square feet, states the company. This unit features a screw-in HEPA cartridge, which provides a 100-percent seal between the filter and the cabinet....

Fans, blowers.(what's New)
September 8, 2003... The company's new line has a wide range of fans and blowers. Among them are free blowing backward curved and external rotor fans up to 28 inches in diameter used in air-handling equipment, and Epsilon axial fans featuring sickle-shaped blades...

B-Vent Locking System.(what's New)
September 8, 2003... The SureLock[TM] B-Vent Locking System has been added on B-vent pipe, tees, wyes, elbows, and caps in the 3- to 6-inch sizes. The company says systems now can be securely fastened from the appliance all the way up to the roof using this lock...

C[O.sub.2] gains support for use as refrigerant.(Refrigerants)
September 8, 2003... WASHINGTON -- Proponents of carbon dioxide (C[O.sub.2]) as a refrigerant are more aggressively promoting their product. Some 34 technical papers and a keynote speaker focused specifically on C[O.sub.2] during the quadrennial International...

Contractors exploit home-field advantage: the News selects top residential firms.(Residential All-Stars)(Isaac Heating and Air Conditioning)
September 8, 2003... Bill Isaac, president of Isaac Heating and Air Conditioning in Rochester, N.Y., was recently asked about his company's success. Founded in 1945 by the late George T. Isaac, Isaac Heating and Air Conditioning has grown into a multi-million...