Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration News articles from September 2005

Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration News archives from September 2005

Johnson controls acquires York.(Industry News)
September 5, 2005... The dust has not settled yet from Johnson Controls' blockbuster acquisition of York International on Aug. 24. Days after the surprise announcement, most insiders from both parties opted not to formally comment on the $3.2 billion transaction,...

Efficiency innovations define super green supermarket.(focus: Supermarket & Restaurant Refrigeration)
September 5, 2005... McKINNEY, Texas -- Folks who go to Wal-Mart usually have specific purchases in mind and figure they are going to get a good price. That's the case at the new Wal-Mart Supercenter in McKinney, a suburb about an hour north of Dallas. But the...

Indoor air quality.(EXTRA EDITION)
September 5, 2005... Concern about indoor air quality (IAQ) is driving customers To have their IAQ situation assessed and, if necessary, repaired. For information on providing IAQ assessment services, read the Service & Maintenance article "Growing Your Business...

Carrier introduces newly designed central air conditioning system.(industry NEWS)
September 5, 2005... COLLIERVILLE, Tenn. -- Carrier Corp. unveiled its newly designed central air conditioning system for the U.S. market, to be manufactured at its expanded facility in Collierville, Tenn. The new system will be optimized for the 13 SEER standard...

Energy Design Guide wins award.(industry NEWS)
September 5, 2005... ATLANTA -- The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) has been recognized by a national energy alliance for its "exemplary illustration of and commitment to energy-efficient policy and practice." ...

The Linc Group.(Contractors)
September 5, 2005... * The Linc Group (Irvine, Calif.) named Brett Knox senior vice president of market development.

United CoolAir Corp. (York, Pa.) announced Air Conditioning Equipment Sales Inc. (Richmond, Va.) would distribute United CoolAir products.(Manufacturers)
September 5, 2005... * United CoolAir Corp. (York, Pa.) announced Air Conditioning Equipment Sales Inc. (Richmond, Va.) would distribute United CoolAir products in the Richmond and Hampton markets.

Luxaire Heating and Air Conditioning.(Manufacturers)
September 5, 2005... * Luxaire Heating and Air Conditioning's (Norman, Okla.) 2005 fall promotion offers customers a choice of a $1,500 cash back rebate, 12-month no payment financing, or a 10-year parts and labor Performance Promise Extended Protection Plan. The...

Emerson Climate Technologies.(Manufacturers)
September 5, 2005... * Emerson Climate Technologies (St. Louis) announced the availability of its online product information in Spanish. It can be accessed through www.emersonclimatecontractor.com.

Colmac Coil Manufacturing.(Manufacturers)
September 5, 2005... * Colmac Coil Manufacturing (Colville, Wash.) hired Dan Melvin as a design engineer.

The National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA).(Associations)
September 5, 2005... * The National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA) has released a new comprehensive training video for the installation and maintenance of both indoor and outdoor aboveground heating oil storage tanks. It can be purchased at www.norastore.org or...

Quality Service Contractors (QSC) announced Grundfos Pumps Corp. has become the QSC Power Tool sponsor.(Associations)
September 5, 2005... * Quality Service Contractors (QSC) announced Grundfos Pumps Corp. has become the QSC Power Tool sponsor for the remainder of 2005.

BuilConn Europe organizer Clasma Events Inc. (Irving, Texas) is accepting papers on all subjects relating to integrated and intelligent buildings.(Associations)
September 5, 2005... * BuilConn Europe organizer Clasma Events Inc. (Irving, Texas) is accepting papers on all subjects relating to integrated and intelligent buildings. Proposals may be submitted to content@ clasma.com.

The M2M Expo and Conference.(Associations)
September 5, 2005... * The M2M Expo and Conference will be held Nov. 8-10 at the Amsterdam RAI. For more information, visit www.m2mexpo.com.

The National Association of Oil Heating Service Managers' (NAOHSM) Oil Heat Cares Foundation has received 501C-3 tax-exempt status.(Associations)
September 5, 2005... * The National Association of Oil Heating Service Managers' (NAOHSM) Oil Heat Cares Foundation has received 501C-3 tax-exempt status from the IRS for its Oil Heat Cares program.

Emerson announces new technology conference.(industry NEWS)
September 5, 2005... COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Emerson Network Power announced that the Galaxy 2005 technology conference will be held Oct. 12-13 in Scottsdale, Ariz. Galaxy 2005: Horizons in Business Continuity, will combine educational sessions with product...

ECR International employees show community spirit.(industry NEWS)
September 5, 2005... UTICA, N.Y. -- Approximately 50 ECR International employees and their families volunteered their time on July 10 for the 28th running of the Boilermaker Road Race. In addition to the volunteers, 10 ECR employees ran the race. The Boilermaker...

GAMA names Klimp as new president.(industry NEWS)
September 5, 2005... ARLINGTON, Va. -- Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association (GAMA) chairman Thomas Huntington announced that Jack Klimp, a senior executive of the Phoenix House Foundation, has been appointed the new president of GAMA. "Our search committee,...

TAC presents $525,000 incentive payment to Dallas.(industry NEWS)
September 5, 2005... DALLAS -- Tour Andover Controls (TAC) presented the city of Dallas with an incentive payment of more than $525,000, rewarding the city for reducing electricity demand. The energy reduction is the result of a $9 million performance contract TAC...

Crow Wing selects Honeywell.(industry NEWS)
September 5, 2005... MINNEAPOLIS -- Honeywell announced it has signed a $1.4 million contract with Crow Wing County in central Minnesota to integrate and upgrade the county's HVAC systems at three brand new facilities and one renovated county building, including a...

York offers free training program.(industry NEWS)
September 5, 2005... NORMAN, Okla. -- York International Corp.'s Unitary Products Group (UPG) will offer a free training program on Mission 13: Surviving and Thriving. This curriculum, which will focus on how to cope with the coming 13 SEER mandate in 2006, is...

Chiller, boiler diagnostics.(what's NEW)
September 5, 2005... EffHVAC is an Internet-based chiller, boiler, and heat exchanger efficiency tool that can be used to run your equipment at maximum efficiency at all times with advanced diagnostics and fault detection, the company states. The diagnostics can...

Merchandisers, dipping cabinets.(what's NEW)
September 5, 2005... Bare tube condensers have been added to several refrigeration units, including the TLG, BMG, and TMG glass door merchandisers, GT horizontal merchandisers, FIP display merchandisers, and DD and DD-L Series of dipping cabinets. In the unit, the...

Ductless systems catalog.(what's NEW)
September 5, 2005... A new Mr. Slim[R] split ductless cooling and heating systems mini catalog fits into a shirt pocket. It provides complete detailed product information and photography for various applications, both residential and commercial. The catalog...

Air duct cleaning system.(what's NEW)
September 5, 2005... New features have been added to the aiR+ residential air duct cleaning system. The unit has 30 percent more vacuum power, the company says. The brush system rotates at 450 rpm to loosen the debris. As the debris is loosened, it is vacuumed up...

Isolating drive hook.(what's NEW)
September 5, 2005... The Pick-Up Talon[TM] isolating drive hook helps to eliminate callbacks by preventing ticking noise behind the wall due to thermal expansion. The isolating base provides 100 percent isolation from the abrasive mounting surface, the manufacturer...

Low-pressure transmitter.(what's NEW)
September 5, 2005... The Ashcroft[R] CXLdp low-pressure transmitter is designed to provide stable, reliable static or differential pressure measurement in HVAC comfort control systems. A small housing and multiple mounting options allow the unit to be mounted on a...

Enclosure system.(what's NEW)
September 5, 2005... The XDF is a plug-and-play enclosure system that allows rapid deployment of high-density equipment almost anywhere. The unit extends the mini computer room concept to the requirements of high-density server and communications equipment, the...

Infrared thermometer.(what's NEW)
September 5, 2005... Several models have been added to the company's line of pistol-grip infrared thermometers. The 62 Mini is a general-purpose noncontact thermometer. It has a temperature range of -20[degrees] to 932[degrees]F (-30[degrees] to 500[degrees]C). It...

Retrofitting R-22 supermarket systems: HCFC phaseout presents changeout challenges.(focus: Supermarket & Restaurant Refrigeration)
September 5, 2005... The year 2010 means the elimination of HCFC-22 in equipment design and a reduction in the production of R-22 to 65 percent of 1989 levels. Even as the 2010 date nears, segments of the industry are seeing rising costs of the refrigerant and...

Replacing an entire condensing unit: sometimes a changeout is more cost effective than a repair.(focus: Supermarket & Restaurant Refrigeration)
September 5, 2005... It's tempting for many technicians to try and repair or replace components in a condensing unit instead of replacing the unit. But there may be times when it is easier and, in the long run, more economical just to replace the entire unit. ...

Keeping a close eye on refrigerants and oils.(focus: Supermarket & Restaurant Refrigeration)
September 5, 2005... CHICAGO -- Refrigerant management and oil flow were two themes emphasized at the most recent Food Marketing Institute Expo. They were joined by new fan technology and increased emphasis on energy efficient and durable cold room doors in...

A seed of a solution.(storage facility climate control measures)
September 5, 2005... STONEVILLE, Miss. -- What do you do when you have millions of tons of cottonseed and no place to put them? This was the dilemma facing Danny Turnage, manager of Stoneville Pedigreed Seed, the largest cottonseed company in the region. For 10...

Exhaust system helps resolve lab issue.(engineering specifications for lab exhaust systems)
September 5, 2005... LUBBOCK, Texas -- Housed at Reese Technology Center, The Institute of Environmental and Human Health (TIEHH), a research and academic program of Texas Tech University (TTU), contains a series of environmental laboratories that previously served...

Do you know what flooding really is?(refrigeration zone)
September 5, 2005... HVACR terminology is often confusing and could be misused by even the most seasoned service veterans. Using terminology precisely is of utmost importance in order to focus on the real problem and efficiently find the remedy. Clear,...

A cool 75 years.(supermarkets )
September 5, 2005... The year 2005 marks the 75th anniversary of the supermarket. It is being noted with some fanfare from notables such as the Food Marketing Institute (FMI), which is made up of supermarket members. Michael Cullen opened the first supermarket...

Using data loggers for service.(refrigeration zone)
September 5, 2005... Occasionally, a service technician will encounter a problem that may not be evident while he is at the jobsite. The problem may be intermittent, and it may not occur while he is on the job. This can be quite frustrating for any technician....

Charging a system.(water cooled air conditioning equipment )
September 5, 2005... Question: From ACHR Student, Palm Springs, Calif. What is the proper method to correctly charge a water-cooled R-22, 10-ton unit with a thermostatic expansion valve? Answer: By Gene Silberstein Consulting Engineer ...

Bringing respect to duct cleaning: after learning and improving, Safety King CEO stresses quality work.(Service & Maintenance)
September 5, 2005... Michael Palazzolo hopes, by now, the air duct cleaning business is looked upon with respect. However, the CEO of Safety King Inc. understands how that might not be the case. "Our history has taught us one thing for sure: We need to focus...

Size does (and will) matter.(upgrades in HVAC equipment )
September 5, 2005... Start thinking two-man crews. With 13 SEER soon to be the norm, the one-man change-out will be a thing of the past. Not only will these be newer and more-efficient systems, they will be larger and heavier. Achieving 13 SEER will require...

Tool theft can devastate a business.(our INSIGHTS)
September 5, 2005... Imagine a thief has broken into your building, damaged a company vehicle, and stolen over $10,000 in tools from the vehicle. You have owned some of the tools stolen for decades, while others had been purchased a week before the crime. Now...

Contractors top All-Star list: residential HVAC companies knock it out of the park.
September 12, 2005... As business cycles go, once in a while good HVAC companies have great years. When good companies can consistently step up to the plate and deliver great performances, they are recognized as great companies. The News' 2005 Residential...

Katrina wipes out Gulf Coast businesses.(Industry News)
September 12, 2005... Hurricane Katrina ripped through Gulf Coast communities in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama and has left millions without homes or businesses. While many may rebuild their lives in time, some will not return to the region to live or work....

Duct transitions.(EXTRA EDITION)
September 12, 2005... Transitions are needed in almost every duct run to change the size or shape of the ductwork. For information on how to lay out rectangular transitions, including two-piece and four-piece transitions, read the technical article "Laying Out...

Standard 90.1 compliance tops ASHRAE's courses.(industry NEWS)(American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers)(Brief Article)
September 12, 2005... ATLANTA -- A new seminar on the energy efficiency standard from the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) is being offered as part of the society's fall Professional Development Seminar series. ...

RMC receives program certification.(Refrigerant Management Canada)(Brief Article)
September 12, 2005... Refrigerant Management Canada (RMC) chair Fred Dawson announced that RMC has received certification with Environment Canada's Environmental Choice Program. The RMC collection and disposal process for surplus refrigerants has successfully met...

Distributors enter National Contest.(industry NEWS)
September 12, 2005... NORMAN, Okla. -- Coleman Heating and Air Conditioning announced the results of its National Distributor Contest. Webb Distributors of Phoenix earned first-place honors in the competition. A Coleman distributor since 1992, Webb Distributors...

DuPont completes purchase of Rhodia HFC.
September 12, 2005... WILMINGTON, Del. -- DuPont Refrigerants announced on Aug. 31 that it had completed the purchase of the HFC refrigerant blends business of Rhodia. The products are packaged under the Isceon[R] brand name. The acquisition will allow...

National 'Heat the Country' effort set for October.
September 12, 2005... ARLINGTON, Va. -- October is national "Heat the Country" month as the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) and many of the organization's state and local chapters fan out to help elderly, disabled, and low-income neighbors by checking...

Safety King.(Contractors)
September 12, 2005... Safety King air duct cleaning company announced the grand opening of its new corporate headquarters in Utica, Mich.

Bry-Air.(Manufacturers)
September 12, 2005... Bry-Air (Sunbury, Ohio) hired Steve Stienecker as field service manager.

Coleman.(Manufacturers)
September 12, 2005... The Coleman (Norman, Okla.) 2005 fall promotion offers customers a choice of a cash-back rebate of up to $1 500; 12-month, no-payment/ same-as-cash financing; or a 10-year Parts and Labor Performance Promise Plan on selected residential...

ICOR.(Manufacturers)
September 12, 2005... ICOR's (Indianapolis) new electronic newsletter includes technical support tips, EPA legislative info, answers to safety concerns, and refrigeration success stories. It can be accessed through www.icorinternational.com.

Zentox's (Newport News, Va.) Photox[TM] air-purification system has received certification by BuildingGreen.(Manufacturers)
September 12, 2005... Zentox's (Newport News, Va.) Photox[TM] air-purification system has received certification by BuildingGreen and is now listed in GreenSpec, a directory of green products.

Sporlan.(Manufacturers)
September 12, 2005... Sporlan (Washington, Mo.) will host its supermarket refrigeration seminars in 10 cities this fall. To view the schedule, visit www.sporlan.com.

United Rentals Inc.(Distributors)
September 12, 2005... United Rentals Inc. (Greenwich, Conn.) opened a branch in Liberty, Mo.

Dexter + Chaney.(Software)
September 12, 2005... * Dexter + Chaney (Seattle) announced that its 10th Annual Users' Conference is scheduled for April 26-28, 2006, at the Bell Harbor International Conference Center in Seattle. For more information, visit www.dexterchaney.com.

Easy Street Inc.(Software)
September 12, 2005... * Easy Street Inc. (Lenexa, Kan.) hired Sanjeev Saxena as a computer programmer.

The Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association (SMACNA).(Associations)
September 12, 2005... * The Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association (SMACNA) elected Keith Willson president, Richard Cramer Sr. president-elect, and Ronald Palmerick secretary/treasurer.

Mitsubishi Electric HVAC opens Dallas Training Center.
September 12, 2005... DALLAS -- Mitsubishi Electric HVAC opened its new training center in Dallas. "The Dallas Training Center (DTC) will ensure that our reach for Diamond Dealers expands across the country," said William Rau, senior vice president and general...

Invensys Controls, Cratlon announce joint development.
September 12, 2005... LONDON -- Invensys Controls and Cratlon Ltd. announced a joint development agreement to embed the Invensys wireless software stack and application protocols into Cratlon's single-chip wireless sensor family. Temperature-to-RF and humidity-to-RF...

July shipments rise 21 percent.(Brief Article)
September 12, 2005... ARLINGTON, Va. -- According to the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI), combined U.S. factory shipments of 892,640 central air conditioners and air-source heat pumps for July were up 21 percent, compared to shipments from July...

Air conditioners.(what's NEW)
September 12, 2005... " The QuietComfort[TM] 14 Plus split system air conditioner line offers 14 SEER models featuring a new, no-hassle replacement warranty. The air conditioners are designed with a control panel cover that allows access to refrigerant ports and...

Airflow meter, detectors.(what's NEW)
September 12, 2005... Model WDCFM8951 is an airflow instrument that measures cfm, Btu, temperature, humidity, dew point, and wet bulb. Features include a small wind vane and long telephone-style cord. Model PCO 1000 carbon monoxide (CO) " detector pen has a...

Heat stop compound.(what's NEW)
September 12, 2005... Hot Dam! heat stop compound can be applied to pipes to protect valves and other components from excessive heat during soldering and brazing. It molds like clay to any shape and can be removed and reused. According to the manufacturer, the...

Brazing CD, Web site.(what's NEW)
September 12, 2005... A CD and Web site are interactive versions of The Brazing Book. The CD and Web site feature a learning map, which allows users to track their progress through the contents. Incorporated into the CD and Web site are a glossary of brazing terms,...

Project credit card.(what's NEW)
September 12, 2005... Comdata's BusinessLink suite of payment products has been integrated with the company's cost management functionality to provide a project management system that tracks, reports, and controls project expenditures in significantly less time,...

Ductboard spec sheet.(what's NEW)(Brief Article)(Product/Service Evaluation)
September 12, 2005... ToughGard[R] fiberglass duct-board is designed for fabrication into supply and return air duct-work for both residential and commercial HVAC systems. A two-page specification sheet in CSI format describing the product is available. The spec...

Ball valves.(what's NEW)
September 12, 2005... The 8100/8111 are circulator-flange ball valves for hydronic heating systems. These two-piece, brass-body, full-port valves are designed with free-floating flanges for alignment with circulator pump flanges, to simplify installation. The 8100...

Thermostats.(what's NEW)
September 12, 2005... The new thermostat line, the Pro-Fit Series[TM], is now available. It includes rive models. All the units are equipped with automatic changeover and patent-pending IAQ. Clean Cycle technology. The programmable models all are seven-day...

Air handler.(what's NEW)
September 12, 2005... The Destiny[TM] vertical indoor air handler has a small footprint, so it can be floor-mounted in a closet or mechanical room in schools, offices, health care facilities, and other buildings. It is available in a horizontal configuration, too....

Iowa contractor keeps workers busy: a ride with a service tech offers insight into how contractor takes care of employees.(Contractor Profile)
September 12, 2005... DAVENPORT, Iowa -- The rain had fallen long enough to cool down the hot summer temperatures and provide relief to area farmers who have endured a long dry spell in eastern Iowa. But what makes some people fret makes others happy--as in...

Gabrilson is a Davenport legend.(Contractor Profile)
September 12, 2005... It all started in an Iowa bar over 60 years ago. William "Burr" Gabrilson and another man decided the town of Davenport needed a heating contractor. The two formed a company--later bought out by Gabrilson--and the rest is history. Today,...

Contractors discuss business concerns: profitability concerns are just part of the big picture in this eastern Iowa community.(Contractor Profile)
September 12, 2005... DAVENPORT, Iowa -- When The News set out to get feedback to its recent small contractor survey ("Small Contractors Have Big Concerns," Aug. 1, 2005), the goal was to validate some of the highly ranked concerns, i.e. profitability, insurance,...

Shark ammo for shark attacks: busy season means desperate promises to lure your tech away.(Money Talks)
September 12, 2005... As I shared with you last time, the busy season is when desperate people appear making desperate promises to lure your technicians away from your company and into their desperate business. These owners become sharks just patrolling the waters...

A case of deja vu: familiar faces highlight 2005 Residential All-Stars.(Residential All-Stars)
September 12, 2005... If some of The News' 2005 Residential All-Stars look familiar, it's because they are. There are many repeats on both the residential new construction team, as well as the residential replacement/add-on squad. In other words, when you're...

The poster boy for replacement sales.(Residential All-Stars)
September 12, 2005... You can't blame AirTime 500 for promoting the heck out of contractor Kevin Comerford. When it came time for the contractor group to advertise its recent Legends of Success series, there was Comerford laughing on the front of more than a...

Get involved in the community, too.(residential indoor air quality management)
September 12, 2005... Service Champions stays actively involved in the communities that it serves. It's another reason why it has gained attention and growth. However, owner Kevin Comerford does it because he wants to, not for the exposure. "As for why I do it, all...

Welsch heating & cooling is a class act.(industry objectives and sales)(Industry Overview)
September 12, 2005... George "Butch" Welsch exudes class. The owner of Welsch Heating and Cooling, located just outside of St. Louis, rolls up to the restaurant in his sporty blue Sebring convertible. You know it's him. The Missouri license plates blare "Welsch."...

Celebrating 110 years in business.
September 12, 2005... In the near future, cable in the local St. Louis area will be carrying some advertisements from Welsch Heating and Cooling, which is observing its 110th anniversary this year. Owner Butch Welsch wants to get the word out, and this television...

QSC Power Meeting program offers advice.(Meeting Update / QSC)
September 12, 2005... ST. LOUIS -- At the Quality Service Contractor's (QSC's) Power Meeting XXIII, attendees had the chance to soak up some solid business advice from some top-shelf consultants. QSC executive director Charles Wallace, chair Patty Frank, and the...

Back to telephone basics.
September 12, 2005... It's a well known fact. That first voice you hear when you call a company sets the tone, makes the first impression, and welcomes the caller. Few will argue that point. Sadly, one of the most important and overlooked techniques for hiring...

The News dedicates blog to Katrina.(our INSIGHTS)
September 12, 2005... It seems that large-scale tragedies often come to be historically remembered on a first name basis. Much like two simple numbers--9-11--conjure up memories of a traumatic day in September 2001, Katrina won't need a lengthy introduction. ...

Putting things in perspective.(fund raising for disaster relief)
September 12, 2005... As I sat down the week before Labor Day to write this article, I considered following up on my recent maintenance agreement column. I also thought about doing a really upbeat piece on the wonderful hot summer we finally experienced--the summer...