CHICAGO — Trucks and vans took center stage this year at the Chicago Auto Show’s media preview, Feb. 7-8, at McCormick Place. The Chicago Auto Show is open to the public Feb. 9 -18, 2013. ...More
DALLAS — This year the 65th AHR Expo, Jan. 28-30, Dallas, broke records for Southwest shows — more than 51,000 attendees filled the aisles of the Dallas Convention Center, covering 397,000-sq.ft., to see all the newest and most innovative products and technologies from more than 1,900 exhibiting companies....More
SEATTLE — The Federal Center South building here is trying to be one of a kind. It is anticipated to be in the top 1% of U.S. buildings for energy performance and become the region’s most energy-efficient air-conditioned building. The 209,000-sq.ft. building — with 180,000-sq.ft. of office and conference space — is on track to earn an Energy Star score of 100. Lofty goals indeed....More
WASHINGTON — Commercial kitchens will have an opportunity to save water. The U.S. Environmental protection Agency’s WaterSense program in early February released a draft specification for commercial pre-rinse spray valves. The faucets are used to wash food residue off of plates and flatware before they are put in a dishwasher....More
Blackwood, N.J. — For more than 65 years, Triangle Tube has provided innovative ideas to the North American heating and hot water industry. Located in Blackwood, N.J., Triangle Tube opened its doors in 1946 as a supplier of tankless coils to U.S. boiler manufacturers. The company expanded its product offering to include drainback tanks in the 1970s in response to the first wave of solar equipment in the United States and Canada....More
HANOVER, MASS. — Despite the harsh winter in the Northeast, one Massachusetts family was the coziest they’ve ever been following a much-needed mechanical overhaul. And, what’s best, said the homeowner: they watched in satisfaction as their energy bills fell to levels they’ve never seen. Their home — a 4,500-sq.ft., farmhouse built in the1850s on Boston’s South Shore — came with its own piece of history. ...More
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS — When Michael R. Cables takes over as president of the Mechanical Contractors Association of America at the group’s annual convention here in mid-March, he’ll be a little bit different from other MCAA presidents....More
KOHLER, WISC. —In 1883, John Michael Kohler decided to enamel coat one of his rectangular cast-iron basins. He was so happy with the results that he later listed it in his company’s one-page catalog: "Horse Trough/Hog Scalder —when furnished with four legs will serve as a bathtub." And just like that, Kohler Co. entered the plumbing products business....More
What do you get when sharing more than 1,900 exhibitors with more than 51,000 visitors? Sore feet! AHR, the 65th International Air Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration [and some plumbing too] Exposition was held January 21-23 in Dallas. Attending a show this large creates a need to select a select list of what you want to see and do....More
As I begin my new life as technical director of the Radiant Professionals Alliance, hereafter referred to as the RPA, I find myself surrounded by some very professional people who all have one goal in mind. That goal, if you will, is to “Grow Radiant.” That has always been the goal of the RPA since its inception back in 1994. And although the original concepts of delivering radiant comfort were essentially hydronic based, today it includes electric panel radiation, hydronic powered radiation, and even direct and indirect gas fired radiation....More
Here in Minnesota it’s cold outside. Most likely, wherever you are, winter has also taken hold with a grip akin to that of my youngest son’s grasp onto his iPod when threatened to have it taken away. While most of my days are spent repairing broken boilers or their components, I occasionally find myself on the receiving end of an opportunity disguised as an unsolved mystery....More
Tool and vehicle tracking software can help a contractor gain control over valuable assets, large and small, by keeping track of where assets are and who is accountable for them. Here are three tool tracking solutions for the office and the field that can maximize tool and equipment availability and minimize hoarding, misallocation or theft. Solutions hosted in the cloud reduce reliance on a contractor's IT resources and allow users access from anywhere, anytime....More
THE NRC98 CONDENSING TANKLESS WATER HEATER delivers an Energy Factor of 0.93 with a maximum flow rate of 9.8 GPM and temperature settings from 100°F to 140°F....More
THE DUNKIRK H20 SINGLE COIL STAINLESS STEEL WATER HEATER is an indirect water heater that features top connections, low pressure drop, a smooth, stainless steel coil, minimal losses and a limited lifetime warranty....More
THE SERIES COC BRAIDED STAINLESS STEEL OIL CONNECTOR is designed to simplify installation and access for oil burner maintenance in residential settings....More
THE PROVORE PRG-SERIES 1 HP GRINDER PUMP is designed for use in residential applications where addition of another bathroom or fixtures below sewer lines requires pumping....More
THE HIGH PERFORMANCE SERIES BUTTERFLY VALVE offers class IV shut-off and an advanced seat design which provides bi-directional interference and pressure assisted seal....More
THE FLOWJET POWERED CLEANING SYSTEM provides high flow, continuous cleaning to make quick work of debris and grime on microchannel and thick condenser and evaporator coils....More
THE CLOSE QUARTERS ASTM F1807 PEX CRIMP TOOL has a handle opening up to 70% smaller than standard PEX crimp tools, giving it the ability to maneuver easier in tight spaces....More
