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ACCA, the nation's largest association of indoor environmental systems professionals, has published its latest ComforTool for ACCA members to help educate customers. The newest addition to this series of fliers, "What Happened To The High Efficiency Furnace Rules?" explains why contractors in 30 northern states can continue to install furnaces with an AFUE rating below 90% after May 1, 2013, even though there are standards in place that prohibit it. ComforTools are provided to ACCA members at no cost and cover a variety of topics related to HVACR businesses including design, installation, regulatory issues, business practices, and incentives. "Until April 5 when the Department of Energy released a statement saying they would not enforce the standards, contractors had to continue to work under the assumption that the furnace rules were going to go into effect in May," said Paul T. Stalknecht, ACCA president & CEO. "We have ...
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The premier episode of Fox Broadcasting’s new “Built in America” television show will feature Cranston, RI-based Taco, Inc. The show’s inaugural episode – which takes a close look at Taco’s dedication to its American employees, manufacturing, and the HVAC market it serves – will be broadcast on Sunday, April 28th at 2:30PM on Fox Business Network. Commentator John Holden takes viewers on a journey into Taco’s history, but moves quickly into the firm’s devotion to its 500-plus employees, with CEO and President John White Jr. declaring that, “With Taco’s workforce, we built this company together.” There is the foundation for Taco’s success and steadfast allegiance to maintaining manufacturing here in U.S. White adds that. “Other are so quick to move [manufacturing] offshore, but we have a great workforce, country, and ideas . . . and with America’s leadership in innovation, it’s only right to sustain our workforce here in ...
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Wrightsoft’s Right-Suite® Universal is the only fully-integrated, ACCA-approved HVAC design and sales solution for both residential and commercial applications. With easy-to-use technology and OEM customizations, it's expandable to meet the business needs of any system designer or installer, whether new construction or replacement. Right-Suite Universal (RSU) saves time by eliminating mouse clicks and automatically updating all areas of the program instantly. Whether the project is includes ductwork, hydronic, radiant, or geothermal loop system design, the program calculates loads while accurately designing and sizing the system. RSU also produces parts takeoff lists and proposals according to the parts and pricing specified, and prepares professional documentation and reports – all in one program, at the click of a button. Customizable in-home sales presentations, professional proposals and operating cost analysis are also made easy. Drawing loads is simplified with Right-Draw®, using drag-and-drop HVAC Shapes. Built-in video help for any assistance explains the ...
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On April 11, Uponor was honored as the 2013 Manufacturer of the Year in the large-company category by the Manufacturers Alliance, an association providing peer-to-peer training, education and resources that allow Midwest manufacturing companies to continuously grow, improve and stay competitive.The event began with Apple Valley Mayor Mary Hamann-Roland presenting a Certificate of Commendation from Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton and a video from Senator Amy Klobuchar [D-MN] sending her congratulations and support to the manufacturing community. Last year, Klobuchar visited Uponor and took a tour of the manufacturing facility as part of her “Made in America” economic tour. “We are honored to receive this recognition and award and are privileged to be part of the Manufacturers Alliance where we not only share our best practices, but where we also learn from others,” said Uponor North America President Bill Gray. Uponor is a relative newcomer to the Manufacturers Alliance’s Manufacturer ...
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The Air Conditioning Contractors of America Educational Institute (ACCA-EI) Standards Task Team (STT) announces an American National Standards Institute (ANSI) public review period for a supplement to the current HVAC Quality Installation Specification standard. The 30 day public review period started on April 12, 2013 with a comment deadline of May 12, 2013. The supplement to the 2010 HVAC Quality Installation Specifications Standard proposes to revise the 5.1.2 Acceptable Procedures for testing duct leakage and to assist contractors in installing HVAC systems that meet customer demands for energy efficiency, comfort and IAQ in residential and commercial buildings. This Supplement and response form can be downloaded from www.acca.org/industry/ansi-standards/under-review. Comments must be submitted using the ACCA response Form, by May 12, 2013. For over forty years, ACCA has served the nationwide educational, policy, and technical interests of the small businesses who design, install, and maintain indoor environmental systems. For ...
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New App available for free download at iTunes Store The new IHC Boiler Control Simulator App from U.S. Boiler Company makes it much easier for installers to get accustomed to electronic boiler controls. Burnham Series 2 boilers are manufactured with IHC (Intelligent Hydronic Control) modules. The interactive App replicates the actual look, feel, and size of an IHC controller, removing nearly all of the guesswork associated with electronic boiler controls. Changing setpoints – like temperature differential or pre-purge cycles – is made easier, as is troubleshooting using the electronic display information. ”Operation Demo” Mode When using this function, the App will display how the IHC Boiler Control operates. Users can watch the App as it cycles through a simulated boiler sequence – from the call for heat to a satisfied thermostat. If the simulation stops mid-sequence, users can use the App to help pinpoint the problem. This can lead ...
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On Sunday, April 7, the first four families received keys to their homes in the St. Croix Valley Habitat for Humanity® Eco Village project in River Falls, Wis. Among the sustainable features in the homes, including solar, geothermal and rainwater harvesting, are Uponor’s plumbing, fire sprinkler and radiant floor heating systems.Developed in partnership with Habitat for Humanity, the City of River Falls, the University of Wisconsin, Frisbie Architects and the St. Croix Institute for Sustainable Community Development, Eco Village is a master-planned community featuring LEED® Platinum, carbon negative, net-zero energy use homes. “We are proud to be an anchor partner for the Eco Village project and to also have all our systems in the homes,” says Ingrid Mattsson, director of Brand Management for Uponor and a member of the company’s Sustainability Team. “Eco Village is the essence of a sustainable design that brings homes, family living and community together ...
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GeoStar introduces an update to its Aston Series, now featuring sophisticated Aurora controls that provide two-way communication with components for superior performance and troubleshooting capabilities. The Aston Series packaged geothermal heat pump provides forced air heating, air conditioning, and even generates a portion of a home’s hot water – all from a single unit. Available in nine single-speed and five dual capacity sizes from 1 to 6 tons, the system achieves an energy efficiency ratio (EER) of 30 and a 4.8 coefficient of performance (COP), and features a variety of advanced technology and components. Copeland Scroll™ compressors are mounted on double isolation plates for extra quiet operation. Dual capacity units include Scroll UltraTech™ compressors for added efficiency and reliability. A variable speed electronically commutated blower motor (ECM) further enhances system efficiency, running only at the speed required. Other choices include a standard permanent split capacitor (PSC) or high efficiency ...
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Webstone is pleased to announce the launch of the Webstone YouTube Channel where you can now view detailed videos highlighting the functionality, space, and labor saving advantages of Webstone’s complete line of engineered products. Visit YouTube directly or access the channel via the literature and presentations section of www.webstonevalves.com. Founded in 1954, Webstone is recognized as an industry leader for innovative design of residential and commercial valves used in plumbing, hydronic, radiant, solar and geothermal applications. These designs focus on time and space saving concepts that simplify future maintenance and upkeep of all piping systems. Some of Webstone's trademarked and patented items include; Hydro-Core™, The Isolator®, Isolator EXP™, Pro-Connect™, and Pro-Pal® Step Saving Valves.
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Nearly sixty years have gone by since the National Association of Oil and Energy Service Professionals (OESP) hosted its first trade show. Reflecting on years past and focusing on the future, OESP is exploring the evolution of industry education and testing a new trade show format to better meet your needs. “As a trade show manager, you always need to look at the total picture,” says Judy Garber, Executive Director of OESP. “Are exhibitors getting a return on their investment? Are attendees interested in coming? We examine and reinvent so that we can continue to provide valuable experiences for both our attendees and exhibitors.” OESP has listened to feedback from attendees and exhibitors. They’ve noted that location plays a large role in attendance. “When we host an event in New England, attendance is weak, but when we host our annual event in Hershey, PA, it is strong,” says Garber. “We ...
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