Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration News articles from September 2006

Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration News archives from September 2006

Comprehensive Energy Services Inc.(Contractors)
September 4, 2006... Comprehensive Energy Services Inc. (Altamonte Springs, Fla.) was awarded the Associated Builders and Contractors' Eagle Award for the Raglan Road Irish Pub (Orlando) HVAC renovation project.

Midwesco Services, the mobile services division of Midwesco Mechanical (Chicago).(Contractors)
September 4, 2006... Midwesco Services, the mobile services division of Midwesco Mechanical (Chicago), was acquired by Emcor Group Inc. (Norwalk, Conn.).

Jackson Systems LLC.(Manufacturers)
September 4, 2006... Jackson Systems LLC (Indianapolis) promoted Doug Engel to inside sales engineer.

Sporlan.(Manufacturers)
September 4, 2006... Sporlan (Washington, Miss.) is hosting five supermarket refrigeration seminars across the country beginning September 26. Seminars and topics are listed at www.sporlan.com.

Flowserve Corp. (Dallas) established the biennial Sankaraiyer Gopalakrishnan Flowserve Pump Technology Award and financial prize in memoriam.(Manufacturers)(Obituary)
September 4, 2006... Flowserve Corp. (Dallas) established the biennial Sankaraiyer Gopalakrishnan Flowserve Pump Technology Award and financial prize in memoriam. John Tuzson was the award's inaugural winner.

Ferguson (Newport News, Va.) acquired Palermo Supply Co. Inc.(Distributor)
September 4, 2006... Ferguson (Newport News, Va.) acquired Palermo Supply Co. Inc., Palermo Plumbing Center Inc., and Palermo Wholesale Supply Inc.

The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).(Associations)
September 4, 2006... The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) hired Jeff Dimond as marketing director, Joyce Abrams as manager of certification, and Doug Read as program director of government affairs.

North American Technician Excellence (NATE).(Associations)
September 4, 2006... North American Technician Excellence (NATE) added a new "Government and Legislation" Web page to its site.

Shipments reach high level; June heat pump numbers continue to impress.(industry news)
September 4, 2006... The heat index isn't the only thing reaching new heights in 2006. The June 2006 combined unitary shipments realized its highest level this year, totaling 921,281 units, according to the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI)....

Summer heat slams North America; exercising caution while working for the season's pot of gold.(industry news)
September 4, 2006... North America was hit hard by an unexpected heat wave this summer. Scientists argued and forecasters predicted, but no one thought that the entire lower 48 states would experience 90[degrees]F or higher temperatures on the same day in mid-July....

Corrections.(Correction notice)
September 4, 2006... In the Aug. 14 issue, The NEWS incorrectly stated that the Bry-Air MiniPAC is a VFB desiccant humidifier. It is rather, a smaller dehumidifier for smaller facilities. In that same issue, The NEWS incorrectly spelled Thermastor and its Website....

Joe versus the manufacturer: losing employees.(letters)
September 4, 2006... GET PAID BACK I just read Mark Skaer's article about "Joe" losing employees to the manufacturer. While I don't see how he can stop this company from hiring his employees, (absolutely not ethical) why not consider asking the manufacturer...

Air conditioning freezing.(EXTRA EDITION)
September 4, 2006... * Air Conditioning Freezing: There are a variety of things that can cause air conditioning freezing Find out what to check first in this online article.

Measuring duct system performance.(EXTRA EDITION)
September 4, 2006... * Measuring Duct System Performance: It is important to verify correct control of an HVAC air system. A balanced supply and exhaust will help ensure proper ventilation by meeting minimum air exchange rates, removing airborne contaminants, and...

ASHRAE joins Clinton initiative.(newsline)
September 4, 2006... ATLANTA -- The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) will join with former President Bill Clinton in an initiative to reduce carbon emissions and increase efficiency in the world's largest cities....

Colorful display is showcase.(newsline)
September 4, 2006... NORMAN, Okla. -- The York[R] School Colors Tailgate Display from Johnson Controls is traveling around the country this fall, helping York dealers and distributors introduce customers to the college logo and color panels that fit the York...

Alliance starts new initiative.(newsline)
September 4, 2006... ARLINGTON, Va. -- Twenty-two companies have joined together to increase industry and consumer awareness of the latest technological advances in hydronic heating. The Hydronics Industry Alliance (HIA), chaired by Richard Simons, director,...

Product offering expanded.(newsline)
September 4, 2006... MILWAUKEE -- Johnson Controls Inc. acquired Environmental Technologies Inc., Largo, Fla. The company designs, manufactures, and supplies HVAC terminal products including variable air volume (VAV) terminals, low-pressure air-handling units, and...

Digital licenses acquired.(newsline)(Service Roundtable Inc acquires the rights to Trinity Learning's digital training)(Brief article)
September 4, 2006... DALLAS -- The Service Roundtable has acquired the rights to Trinity Learning's digital training for HVAC and plumbing. It has acquired the rights to modify and combine the Trinity videos with other training content, and convert it to other...

GAMA is on a mission.(newsline)(Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association)(Business Development mission)(Brief article)
September 4, 2006... SHANGHAI, China -- The Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association (GAMA) is headed to China Oct. 29-Nov. 4. GAMA's 2006 Mission to China for Business Development is limited to 45 mission participants from GAMA China Coalition member companies and...

Digital refrigeration controllers.(what's new)
September 4, 2006... The Rite[TM] product line includes PressuRite[TM], TimeRite[TM], and ControlRite[TM], three commercial refrigeration controllers. PressuRite measures the refrigerant low- and high-side pressures of the system as it runs via proprietary digital...

Commercial heat pump.(what's new)
September 4, 2006... A self-contained water-cooled desiccant heat pump reduces operating costs by 30-50 percent compared to traditional rooftop units, claims the manufacturer. In the cooling mode, the system extracts heat from the air and rejects it into a water...

Ice cube machine.(what's new)(AM-50-BAE-ADDS cuber ice maker)(Brief article)
September 4, 2006... The AM-50-BAE-ADDS cuber produces up to 55 pounds of ice in a 24-hour period. It has a built-in storage capacity of up to 27 pounds. The airflow system allows the unit to be built into cabinetry without additional ventilation. This cuber...

Tankless water heaters.(what's new)
September 4, 2006... EverHot[R] tankless, gas, on-demand water heaters provide continuous hot water to multiple points-of-use without utilizing a storage tank. The units are available in two residential and two commercial models, both having indoor and outdoor...

Oil-fired furnace.(what's new)
September 4, 2006... The OH5-85DXE two-stage oil-fired furnace combines the benefits of the OH5 oil furnace with a two-stage Riello oil burner and variable-speed, electronically commutated blower motor (ECM). The two-stage burner operates at the low-fire rate most...

True-RMS clamp meter.(what's new)(true-Root Mean Square technology)(Brief article)
September 4, 2006... The 902 HVAC clamp meter is designed with true-RMS technology, offering accurate ac voltage and current measurements and a CAT III 600 V rating. It can be used to capture flue gas temperature, conduct flame rod testing, and measure start and...

Ductless split systems.(what's new)
September 4, 2006... The company's 13 SEER-compliant line of ductless split systems exceed 13 SEER, and some have ratings up to 16.5-19 SEER. The systems utilize R-410A refrigerant. Multizone systems include dual-, tri-, and quad-zone configurations. They feature...

DDC system online quote service.(what's new)(Zonex Systems)(Direct Digital Control systems)(Brief article)
September 4, 2006... An online quote program is designed for the HVAC contractor to obtain residential/commercial zone control or DDC system quotes, in minutes, over the Internet. To access the program, click on "Quick Quotes" on the company's home page. After the...

Air purification system.(what's new)(Field Controls LLC launches V-Aire[R] UV-16R air purifiers)(Brief article)
September 4, 2006... The UV-Aire[R] UV-16R is now available in a 24-V model. The UV lamps kill airborne mold, bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants. The new low-voltage UV-16R/24V can be wired into a 24-V source by any HVAC contractor, without need for a...

Product catalog.(what's new)(Sensaphone)(Sensaphone remote monitors)(Brief article)
September 4, 2006... The 16-page full-color catalog offers the latest information on the manufacturer's entire product line and accessories, including the recently introduced Sensaphone 1400 and Sensaphone 1800 remote monitors and alarm notification systems. The...

PTAC energy management system.(what's new)
September 4, 2006... The DigiSmart[TM] wireless control system is an operations management tool, designed for use with Amana[R]-brand PTACs. The control system allows users to control the environmental conditions in individual rooms and it helps manage their energy...

Universal Thermostat.(what's new)
September 4, 2006... Instead of adjustment screws, the Universal Thermostat (UT) 72 is set with the large knob on the front of the control, with large, scale numerals. It is available for wall or panel mounting for applications including cold rooms, beverage...

Leak detection kit.(what's new)(Spectronics Corp introduces leak detection kits)(Brief article)
September 4, 2006... The OPK-50EZ/E is a kit for finding air conditioning and refrigeration leaks. The Optimax Jr[TM], a miniature fluorescent leak detection flashlight, reveals the smallest leaks in air conditioning and refrigeration equipment. It is 7 1/4 inches...

Diesel generator set.(what's new)
September 4, 2006... A new 250-kW diesel generator set (DQDAA) is certified to meet EPA non-road Tier 3 emissions regulations and can be used for HVACR and other applications. The generator set features a strong motor-starting capability and fast recovery from...

Estimating, proposal website.(what's new)
September 4, 2006... HVAC QuickQuote is a fast, easy, and accurate tool to determine costs for all HVAC projects, according to the company. You can complete your estimates, prepare professional proposals, and manage your customer information all in one place. It...

C[O.sub.2] debuts in U.S. supermarket application.(FOCUS: SUPERMARKET & RESTAURANT REFRIGERATION)
September 4, 2006... SAVANNAH, Ga. -- The use of C[O.sub.2], as a refrigerant in the United States, received a big boost with its inclusion in the refrigeration equation at a new 136,000 square foot Sam's Club store in Savannah, Ga. "This club has what we...

Fitting refrigeration into the food chain.(FOCUS SUPERMARKET & RESTAURANT REFRIGERATION)
September 4, 2006... CHICAGO -- The food chain--getting food from the production source to the consumer--is becoming more and more complex as is the way refrigeration factors into the process. That was one overall impression from the most recent Food Marketing...

Making C[O.sub.2] work Down Under.
September 4, 2006... Efforts at making C[O.sub.2] work in food service applications are continuing throughout the world. A recent major effort has come in Australia at the Coles supermarket chain. As of this spring, three of the stores using C[O.sub.2] have...

Leadership addresses MIACCA Convention: Dean, Stalknecht, and Doty talk about Michigan and National ACCA issues.(convention update)
September 4, 2006... BOYNE FALLS, Mich. -- National and local leadership of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) got together in northern Michigan recently to talk about issues and challenges facing both organizations. Michigan ACCA (MIACCA)...

'You are what you breathe'.(convention update)
September 4, 2006... BOYNE FALLS, Mich. -- Dr. Gary Rodabaugh said his job is to show HVAC contractors what happens "when someone screws up." Rodabaugh, a licensed residential builder, IAQ consultant, and a member of the Environmental Health and Safety Management...

Job costing for profit and value.(convention update)(Michigan Chapter of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America)
September 4, 2006... BOYNE FALLS, Mich. -- Attendees to the Michigan Chapter of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (MIACCA) Convention learned about the importance of cash flow to the balance sheet. Gary Figurski, a certified valuation analyst (CVA) and...

Finally getting paid what you are worth.(convention update)
September 4, 2006... BOYNE FALLS, Mich. -- Are contractors getting paid what they are worth? Attendees to the Michigan Chapter of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (MIACCA) Convention were given an earful on this topic by David Holt of Profit Strategies...

Franchise opportunity for small contractors.(industry news)
September 4, 2006... NEW CUMBERLAND, Pa. -- Contractors who would like to grow their businesses, but do not know exactly how, may want to consider purchasing a franchise. One new possibility is Daflure Heating and Air Conditioning, which has just started offering...

'Partial new' solution.(REFRIGERATION zone)
September 4, 2006... End users, focused on cost cutting, often look to their HVACR contractors for used refrigeration equipment. While the up-front costs are certainly lower, there is a chance of failure due to component wear. And there are times that the amount...

Trends linked to energy supplies.(conference update: PURDUE UNIVERSITY ADDRESSES REFRIGERATION RESEARCH)
September 4, 2006... WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- It was 36 years ago when Purdue University hosted its first compressor conference and 22 years ago when it added a concurrent refrigeration conference. But despite that long history, the most recent gathering was...

C[O.sub.2] refrigerant dominates conference talk.(conference update: PURDUE UNIVERSITY ADDRESSES REFRIGERATION RESEARCH)
September 4, 2006... WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- The United States continues to embrace HFC refrigerants in residential and commercial systems, while many European nations remain supportive of the same refrigerants in commercial applications. But research beyond...

Supermarkets systems get further study.(conference update: PURDUE UNIVERSITY ADDRESSES REFRIGERATION RESEARCH)
September 4, 2006... WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- Supermarkets have been leading the way with refrigerant and refrigeration innovations for many years. They were the first to move from CFCs and then HCFCs. They were the first to try technologies beyond conventional...

Current starting relays.(the professor)
September 4, 2006... Current starting relays are used on single-phase, fractional horsepower motors requiring low starting torque. Their main function is to assist in starting the motor. Start and run capacitors can be used in conjunction with current relays to...

Air-cooled condensing units.(ice breaker)
September 4, 2006... When installing walk-in coolers and freezers, the installing contractor will need to select the proper location of the condensing unit. Location is an important consideration for the overall success of the installation. There are several items...

Customer service: the bad mistake.(opinions: VIEWS AND INSIGHTS FROM THE EDITORIAL STAFF AND GUEST COLUMNISTS)(Editorial)(Viewpoint essay)
September 4, 2006... It's easy to sit back from afar and complain about somebody else's service work. It's even more tempting to write about it whenever it happens to someone you know. I make a point of always writing a column about the good service experiences I...

First hand experience with a 13 SEER unit.(opinions: VIEWS AND INSIGHTS FROM THE EDITORIAL STAFF AND GUEST COLUMNISTS)(Editorial)
September 4, 2006... When my wife and I became empty nesters this spring, we decided to downsize and move a bit beyond the Chicago metropolitan area. We settled on a town in north central Illinois, just a few miles from the Wisconsin border. This resulted in some...

Manufacturer training adapts to new needs.(Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio units )
September 4, 2006... When the government-mandated change to a 13 SEER efficiency minimum became official, unitary manufacturers had a lot to do in a relatively short time. In addition to gearing up to meet the regulation's deadline, they also had to gear up their...

ACCA believes in, offers whole-system training.
September 4, 2006... As an association, the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) realized that when 13 SEER units became the lowest end for air conditioners and heat pumps, this would have an effect on its members, as well as the HVACR world. However, to...

One way to stay on top: start an in-house training department.
September 4, 2006... As a young man in this industry about 25 years ago, I remember the "old timers" complaining about the manufacturers putting "computers," meaning spark-ignition modules, in furnaces. I laughed to myself thinking, "Come on, guys. Join the 20th...

Munters MCS.(Manufacturers)
September 11, 2006... Munters MCS, a division of Munters AB (Glendale Heights, Ill.) appointed David Richardson as the national account manager.

Lennox Industries Inc.(Manufacturers)
September 11, 2006... Lennox Industries Inc. (Dallas) promoted Tom Dowling as its regional director of the Southern commercial region.

Trane Residential Systems.(Manufacturers)
September 11, 2006... Trane Residential Systems (Tyler, Texas) was awarded the Partners of Choice Award by David Weekley Homes, a privately owned homebuilder.

TAC (Dallas) acquired Applied Control Technology.(Manufacturers)
September 11, 2006... TAC (Dallas) acquired Applied Control Technology (Raleigh, N.C.).

Flowserve Corp.(Manufacturers)
September 11, 2006... Flowserve Corp. (Dallas) opened a new Flowserve Quick Response Center (Orland, Calif.).

APR Supply, Industrial Piping Systems, and Schaedler Yesco Distribution opened a new distribution location.(Distributors)
September 11, 2006... APR Supply, Industrial Piping Systems, and Schaedler Yesco Distribution opened a new distribution location, placing all three companies in the same building in Chambersburg, Pa.

The Air Movement and Control Association (AMCA).(Associations)
September 11, 2006... The Air Movement and Control Association (AMCA) made the revision of Laboratory Methods of Testing Aerodynamic Performance Rating available for public review and comment. For more information, visit www.amca.org.

The Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association (GAMA) awarded Daniel Holmes Jr., chairman, Morrison Products Inc., Cleveland, with its 2006 Distinguished Service Award.(Associations)
September 11, 2006... The Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association (GAMA) awarded Daniel Holmes Jr., chairman, Morrison Products Inc., Cleveland, with its 2006 Distinguished Service Award; Bruce Maike, vice president of engineering, Armstrong Air Conditioning Inc.,...

N.Y.C. contractors still recovering: five years after 9/11 attacks ...(9/11 anniversary)
September 11, 2006... Although the pain will never go away, the impact of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on New York City and Washington D.C. have not defeated the entrepreneurial spirit of the HVACR trade. Contractors and distributors have stepped beyond the shock and...

It's a matter of self-image.(letters)(Letter to the editor)
September 11, 2006... Mark Skaer's recent column regarding Joe, the poor contractor who keeps having his employees recruited and stolen from him by his primary equipment manufacturer, really struck a chord with me. Unfortunately, it says a lot about both the...

Give techs a chance to advance.(letters)(Interview)
September 11, 2006... Mark Skaer asked several important questions in his article on ethics in the Aug. 14, 2006 issue. I work as a field service rep for an HVAC wholesaler. Our company president has repeated over and over again that we will not solicit employees...

Time to move on.(letters)
September 11, 2006... I have owned two successful HVAC companies, managed at four others, and consulted for even more. After 35 years in the business, I have learned that good ethics are difficult to find in employees and wholesalers. If I had a wholesaler that...

Saving or dissolving a partnership.(EXTRA EDITION)
September 11, 2006... Saving or Dissolving a Partnership: Business partners of 25 years now have differences of opinion that are getting stronger and stronger. Consultant Al Levi discusses how to handle a troubled partnership.

How to find an affordable emergency generator.(EXTRA EDITION)
September 11, 2006... How to Find an Affordable Emergency Generator: Prices are falling and generators are becoming much more common in some regions. Here is some expert advice contractors can pass along to customers on finding an affordable generator.

Hurricane Katrina one year later.(newsline)
September 11, 2006... WASHINGTON -- "An incredible amount has been done, but an incredible amount still needs to be done," said Derrell Cohoon, CEO of the Louisiana chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC). He briefly discussed the national...

Manville and Manson partner.(newsline)
September 11, 2006... DENVER -- Johns Manville has signed an agreement to significantly increase availability of Linacoustic RC[TM] fiberglass duct liner. Manson Insulation Inc., based in Quebec, will manufacture Linacoustic RC in strict accordance with Johns...

New guidelines for suppliers.(newsline)
September 11, 2006... TOKYO -- Denso Corp. announced new "Green Procurement Guidelines" to further reduce the use and release of environmentally hazardous substances in supply chains for global business activities. The guidelines are based on Denso's long-term...

Midwest Tool and Cutlery Co. announces sweepstakes winner.(newsline)
September 11, 2006... STURGIS, Mich. -- The Upright Snips[R] Sweepstakes' $10,000 grand prize was recently awarded to winner, Gordon Orr Jr. of Utah. The sweepstakes was part of the new product marketing campaign for Upright Snips aviation snips, introduced by...

NAIMA commits plan support.(newsline)
September 11, 2006... ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- The North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) has made a commitment to the National Action Plan for Energy Efficiency and its pursuit of energy savings and environmental benefits through electric and natural...

Integral face and bypass coil.(what's new)(Brief article)
September 11, 2006... By providing a coil with two independent headers, the MV multiheader integral face and bypass coil allows the controls to completely shut down one-half of the coil rows, allowing the integral dampers to readjust to a more fully open position....

14 SEER packaged equipment.(what's new)
September 11, 2006... The company's 14 SEER packaged equipment line includes heat pumps and gas packs that feature a diagnostic component for troubleshooting. Compliant with the 2006 Energy Star requirements, the equipment line carries an 11 EER and an 8 HSPF...

Temperature calculator.(what's new, ExactCharge Industries Inc's new ExactCharge calculator )(Brief article)
September 11, 2006... The ExactCharge calculator can calculate superheat and subcooling for 28 refrigerants and other pressure and temperature correlations and displays the required suction or liquid line temperature. Also, it can be used as a duct-sizing...

Sensor and balancing tool.(what's new)
September 11, 2006... The EC-Smart Sensor-VAV is a communicating sensor with LCD display and VAV balancing tool. It allows the user to monitor room/outside temperature, adjust set points, view occupancy state, initiate set point override, balance the ECC-VAV...

Electrode steam humidifier.(what's new, Axair Nortec Inc., NHTC electrode steam humidifier )(Brief article)
September 11, 2006... The redesigned NHTC electrode steam humidifier has a complete communications solution, the Total Controller. Features include a smart cylinder for safety and performance, complete built-in BMS relays, a quick-response "keep warm" feature, a...

Thread sealants.(what's new, Permatex[R] brand )(Brief article)
September 11, 2006... Permatex[R] brand thread sealants secure pipefittings in a multitude of applications. By preventing the loosening caused by vibration, tape shredding, solvent evaporation, and temperature cycling, they prevent leaks that waste liquids and...

Long-cut aviation snip.(what's new)
September 11, 2006... The Power Cutter[TM], Model P6716AS, is a new, long-cut aviation snip. The tool features deep serrated blades, which hold the material being cut better. Hot-drop-forged blades cut fully from pinch to point, even on difficult-to-cut materials...

HVACTV.com explores contractor concerns: NEWS' 2005 Small Contractor Survey is focus of three webcasts.(industry news)
September 11, 2006... PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- HVACTV.com, a news and training Website for the HVAC trade, recently hosted a series of discussions centered on the business concerns of small HVAC contractors. The topics of profitability, insurance, and finding/retaining...

Extroverts and introverts?(residential all-stars: OVERVIEW OF THE 2006 TOP DEALERS)
September 11, 2006... Could it be that contractors who are fully entrenched in the residential new construction market are introverts, while those predominately involved in the residential replacement/add-on market are extroverts? That could be one...

American Home Maintenance tops Replacement/Add-On All-Stars (again).(residential all-stars: TOP DEALERS IN REPLACEMENT/ADD-ON)
September 11, 2006... American Home Maintenance nearly duplicated what it did a year ago. But that is not necessarily good enough for hard-to-please owner/president Jordy Tessler. Even though most contractors would salivate at bringing in $24.5 million in total...

Many repeat performers on 2006 Residential New Construction squad.(residential all-stars: TOP DEALERS IN NEW CONSTRUCTION)(Butch Welsch Heating and Cooling Co)
September 11, 2006... Don't do a double take. Yes, most of the seven firms on The NEWS' 2006 Residential All-Star New Construction team are repeats from last year. As they say, when you are good, you are good--and one cannot disagree with this Select Seven. ...