• Comfortech Product Showcase Award

    Aug. 1, 2012
    At HVAC Comfortech 2011, 12 products were recognized as Product Showcase Award winners. Judges took into consideration the ease with which HVAC contractors can apply the technology, and the technical value of the product or service to the HVAC industry. ...

    At HVAC Comfortech 2011, 12 products were recognized as Product Showcase Award winners. Judges took into consideration the ease with which HVAC contractors can apply the technology, and the technical value of the product or service to the HVAC industry. We’ll feature these products each month in upcoming issues of Contracting Business. This month, we’re featuring Ultra-Aire’s XT 150H dehumidifier, the winner in the Indoor Air Quality category. For additional information on any of the products listed here, circle the appropriate number(s) on the reader service card at the back of this issue or visit www.contractingbusiness.com/freeinfo.html.

    Ventilating Dehumidifier Provides the Ultimate in Comfort and Indoor Air Quality
    The Ultra-Aire XT150H high capacity whole house dehumidifier removes up to 150 pints of water a day, provides fresh air ventilation and uses 6.9 amps (7.9 pints per Kilowatt hour). The unit is Energy-Star Rated and provides effective MERV 14 air filtration.

    The optional fresh air ventilation feature, available on all Ultra-Aire ventilating dehumidifiers, allows fresh air to be introduced into the home when needed. This filtered fresh air significantly reduces concentrations of pollutants that were previously trapped inside the home, such as cooking odors, VOC’s from carpet or furnishings, and moisture from plants, pets and people. Managed fresh air ventilation removes that “stale air” smell by greatly improving indoor air quality for a more comfortable and healthier home environment. The Ultra-Aire ventilation function is controlled separately from the dehumidification and filtration, allowing ventilation to be customized for any application.
    www.ultra-aire.com
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    Data Gathering App ‘Reinvents the Clipboard’
    Workflow technology pioneer a la mode, inc. announced its release of FormMobi, a transformative application that allows professionals to replace old paper-based field data gathering activities with cloud based workflow solutions deployed to iOS and Android devices. FormMobi is currently available in Apple’s App Store, the Android Market (Google Play) and the Amazon Appstore. FormMobi makes it simple to create and complete electronic forms. The application also offers an impressive array of data-gathering features for users filling out custom or ready-made forms in the field, which go beyond the limitations of traditional data collection
    formmobi.com
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    Radiant Outfitters Introduces Premium Radiant Pex-Al-Pex Radiant Outfitters is the official importer of Henco’s Belgium made Pex-Al-Pex. Henco uses the lastest technology when extruding this premium tubing. According to company sources, it’s the only Pex-Al-Pex with a butt weld verses an overlap weld. This gives it one of the highest pressure and temperature ratings on the market. The butt weld also allows the Pex to stay uniform thickness both inside and out. The coefficient of linear thermal expansion is seven to eight times better than regular Pex. The aluminum sleeve creates a 100% oxygen barrier and aids in the ease of layout of the tubing. Henco is approved to the standard ASTM 1281 and is available in I.D. of ½-in., 5/8-in., ¾-in., and 1-in.
    radiantoutfitters.com
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    WaterFurnace Releases Energy-efficient Heat Pump
    WaterFurnace International, Inc. recently launched the 7 Series, which represents breakthroughs in energy efficiency, integrated technologies, communication capabilities and comfort. According to company sources, the 7 Series 700A11 is the first variable capacity geothermal unit available for homeowners and the only unit to surpass both 41 energy efficiency ratio (EER) and 5.3 coefficient of performance (COP).

    
The 700A11 uses WaterFurnace’s InfiniSpeed technology, a soft-start variable capacity compressor, in concert with a variable speed ECM blower and variable speed loop pump. This allows the unit to scale output to exactly the level needed rather than the “high” or “low” speeds found in normal systems. The unit can ramp down to 20% of normal operation for ultra-efficient conditioning or up to 130% output using SuperBoost™, for periods when extra cooling is needed. 


    The 7 Series also uses Aurora, WaterFurnace’s next-generation of logic boards, to continuously monitor and optimize operation. Aurora provides a platform of two-way communication between components, robust troubleshooting capabilities and advanced communication protocols. This includes integration to home automation networks and whole-home energy monitoring, and an internet connection to monitor and control the unit from anywhere in the world.
    waterfurnace.com/
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    IPG Introduces UL 181 B-FX-Rated AC50UL Cloth Duct Tape For Flexible Air Ducts and Connectors
    The 14 mil high-strength polyethylene-coated cloth duct tape is engineered with an aggressive adhesive to create a strong bond to duct surfaces. IPG developed the tape with superior adhesion to meet the specific performance demands of today’s HVAC contractor. The conformity of AC50UL to the UL 181 B-FX standard means that the tape meets flexible duct criteria for HVAC systems required by many building codes throughout the U.S., including that recommended by the 2009 California Residential Compliance Manual.

    The superior flexibility of IPG’s AC50UL allows for easy molding when applied to flexible duct. It exhibits excellent adhesion strength in a wide range of temperatures from sub-zero up to 200F.

    Jobsite benefits to the contractor include UL markings clearly printed on the tape for quick and easy identification, easy hand tear, and no need for the use of a dispenser. Look for them at booth 535 at Mechanical Systems Week in Schaumberg.
    itape.com
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    Micro-Channel Coils in New Broan Packaged Heat Pumps and Gas Packs
    Broan heating and cooling has introduced two new packaged systems into the market.

    The new Broan packaged heat pump and packaged gas/electric models include all-aluminum micro-channel coils for lighter weight, smaller size, better durability and greater reliability in corrosive environments.

    In addition to micro-channel indoor coils, the Broan Q7RD small packaged heat pump features Broad Ocean fixed-torque variable-speed blower motors, Samsung rotary compressors in the 2-3 ton models, and Copeland scroll compressors in the 3 ½ - 5 ton units.

    The new Broan R8GD packaged gas/electric units use micro-channel indoor and outdoor coils as well as Copeland compressors. Although the length and width remain the same as previous Broan gas packs, the new models are around 5-in. shorter, up to 20% lighter and use up to 70% less refrigerant charge due to the all-aluminum coil technology.
    broanhvac.net
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    Tecumseh and Torad Announce Spool Compressor Commercialization Partnership
    Tecumseh Products Company and Torad Engineering announce they’ve entered into a joint development and licensing agreement to begin using Torad’s patented spool compressor technology in commercial refrigeration applications. The multi-year partnering agreement has been signed by both parties and initial development work has already begun.

    The combination of Torad’s patented spool design and Tecumseh’s refrigeration research and development capability has the goal of bringing smaller, more efficient, more reliable “next generation” compressor technology to the commercial refrigeration marketplace.

    Torad’s spool compressor technology features a simple rotary design with four main components: rotor, main housing, vane and bearing housing. Unlike the complex scroll and screw compressors, the components can be manufactured using lower cost capital equipment. Reliability features include tolerance of liquid flood-back, one moving assembly and no axial loads assisting in bearing longevity.

    Tecumseh has a long history of bringing innovation to the air conditioning and refrigeration industry, including the design of the first window air conditioning compressors in the 1940s, introduction of the original “AE” mini compressor in the early 1960s, and most recently the 2011 launch of the AE2, a totally redesigned next-generation version of the longtime industry workhorse. toradengineering.com
    tecumseh.com
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    Carrier® AquaSnap® 30RAP Air-Cooled Scroll Chillers Now Offered Up to 150 Tons
    Carrier® AquaSnap® 30RAP air-cooled scroll chillers are now offered up to 150 tons. These chillers exceed American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) 90.1 2010 levels, provide lower operating costs due to their full- and part-load performance, and have the smallest refrigerant charge compared to equivalent, competitive capacity chillers, company sources say.

    AquaSnap 30RAP chillers are available with several factory- and field-installed options and accessories, including a hydronic system option that maximizes pump efficiency and makes installation even easier. Additional options include hot gas bypass, suction service valves, head pressure control, cooler heaters, and an energy management module.
    carrier.com
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    Ultra-Aire™ Introduces Free Psychrometric Calculator iPhone App
    Ultra-Aire introduces the free Ultra-Aire Psychrometric calculator iPhone app. According to company sources, the new app provides quick and easy access to calculations such as relative humidity, dew point, grains per pound, and dehumidifier performance.

    Simply spin the wheels to enter temperature and relative humidity. The app will output the corresponding dew point or grains per pound, giving the user the insight needed to track a dehumidification job effectively. Additionally, the app provides a dehumidifier performance function that calculates water removal by selecting the dehumidifier’s CFM and entering its intake and exhaust conditions.
    ultra-airecontractor.com
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    Excellence Alliance Introduces Estimating 4 Profit
    Estimating 4 Profit (E4P), from Excellence Alliance, is a cloud based commercial estimating and service agreement proposal generating sales system that provides consistency, standardization and detailed reporting. It’s a productivity and profitability enhancing tool that assists estimators from the site survey. E4P’s large database ensures the user’s site survey data will accurately apply to the estimate. E4P’s data collection function translates raw information into the formulas on which the proposal is based, to generating a proposal – where a professional packet for presentation to your customer is generated along with a detailed managerial report for internal purposes.

    Features include tiered user levels, 35 management defined profit parameters, 195 commercial tasking equipment sheets, detailed internal and external reporting, lead tracking, top level security, and dozens of other attributes - all without installation, mainframe or network based issues.
    eainet.net
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    3R Work Boot Collection Now Available by Tony Lama® Company
    Tony Lama Boot Co. has been making boots for ranching, roping, and riding since 1911. The new Tony Lama 3R Series work boots take that farm-ready durability to work boot levels. Tony Lama 3R work boots are handcrafted with a Cheyenne buffalo leather foot under a fancy stitched 11-in. shaft. The boots feature easy-on pull holes, waterproof lining, taped inside seams and 3R logo detail on shaft.

    Additional features include:

    • Steel toe protection
    • Removable orthotic insole for unmatched comfort
    • Steel toe rated ASTM F2413-05, I/75 C/75
    • Flexible, long-wearing, oil-resisting rubber sole.

    tonylama.com
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    Trane Unitary Rooftop System Exceeds Industry Standard for Energy Efficiency
    Trane, introduces the next generation of IntelliPak™ I unitary rooftop systems in configurations from 20 tons to 130 tons.

    The new IntelliPak I is a packaged rooftop unit that has energy efficiency ratings (EER) of 11 — the highest industry rating on standard configured products. Some IntelliPak I configurations exceed the EER of 11 and achieve as high as 14.2.

    The new Trane systems feature eDrive™, a direct-drive plenum fan technology that’s up to 20% more efficient than traditional forward-curved fans. The belt-free design prevents particles from building up in the filter which cuts operating costs and maintenance demands. The system’s eDrive™ technology is quiet, improving acoustics in critical environments.

    The new packaged rooftop systems are equipped with fully-integrated, factory-installed system controls for easy setup. Each unit features a state-of the-art direct digital unit control module that is pre-configured and provides accurate and reliable performance right away. An optional human interface panel also provides superior monitoring capability and better diagnostics, reducing troubleshooting time and lowering service costs.
    trane.com/ipak1
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    Comfort RXSM Offers Home Performance Business Options for HVAC Pros
    Comfort RX is offering an easy, convenient and affordable way for contractors to think bigger and add value by including low-pressure SPF weatherization capabilities to their business. HVAC contractors can now purchase a professional, low-pressure reusable foam system. The system includes all of the training and equipment needed to get started including 1,010 board feet of Handi-Foam® spray polyurethane foam in refillable tanks, the Mobile Magnum™ cart, heated wrap, 100-ft. hose, 50 nozzles, nitrogen regulator with connecting lines and a pressure test gauge. The System 8 tanks include enough foam to effectively air seal attics and rim joists in approximately two to three 2,000-sq.-ft. homes.

    The System 8 is available with the Handi-Foam E84 Class 1 formulation and the Mobile Magnum cart makes the System 8 easy to transport to and around the job site. Once the tanks are empty, they’re returned to Comfort RX for cleaning, refilling and reuse. Unlike most high-pressure SPF systems, the Comfort RX low-pressure spray polyurethane foam system is user-friendly with quick setup and shutdown. Plus the system is designed to be low maintenance and low hassle, without often requiring replacement parts or repair.
    comfortrx.com
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    RectorSeal Anti-Siphoning Device for Condensate Pumps
    RectorSeal® Corp. a manufacturer of quality HVACR and plumbing products, introduces the anti-siphoning device, which eliminates siphoning due to incorrect condensate pump installations for ductless mini-split air conditioners.

    Developed by Aspen Pumps in the U.K., the anti-siphoning device is now included at no extra cost with all Aspen Pumps distributed by RectorSeal in the U.S. The device, which consists of a 2-in.-long molded plastic fitting with an integral air intake, is installed in the pump’s 1/4-in.-diameter discharge hose. It can be oriented horizontally or vertically and its omni-directional design prevents incorrect installation. The anti-siphoning device, which is bright orange for increased visibility, is packaged in a fully-illustrated instruction card and installs easily in just a few minutes.

    After the pump switches off, the anti-siphoning device prevents the pump from auto-siphoning and emptying itself, the reservoir and the connecting hose. This eliminates the potential of excessive noise, ineffective operation and overheating, which causes premature pump failure.
    rectorseal.com
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    Rooftop Inducer Brochure Explains Constant Operating Pressure Control
    A brochure featuring rooftop inducers is available from Tjernlund Products, Inc. The inducers, now being offered with a Constant Operating Pressure Control (COP), are designed for installation on top of masonry or metal chimneys. They provide proper draft for gas and oil heating systems and solid fuel fireplaces and stoves as well as exhaust functions for multiple clothes dryers in a common vent or controlling pressure in an exhaust chase serving multiple floors.

    According to company sources, installation requires no special training or wiring. Other Tjernlund rooftop inducer features include a patented auxiliary cooling system to protect the inducer motor from excessive heat as well as backward inclined stainless steel fan blades that repel soot build-up. The unique clamshell design—separate base plate and fan assembly—are hinged for easier installation and inspection or chimney cleaning.

    The literature also contains available accessories plus selection/sizing charts for various heating sources.
    tjernlund.com
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    Lennox’ Environ™ Coil System Now Available on more Energence® Rooftop Units
    Lennox’ Environ™ Coil System is now available on additional models of the Energence® rooftop units, including 3-, 5-, 15- and 20-ton models. The recently introduced, all-aluminum condenser coil offers a significant reduction in refrigerant charge requirements with innovative technology that helps maximize reliability and sustainability.

    The Environ coil uses up to 52% less refrigerant than a traditional tube-and-fin condenser coil, providing sustainable savings. Additionally, the coil’s all-aluminum construction results in a significantly lighter unit weight—up to 59% lighter than standard units—shaving approximately149 lbs., for example, from a 15-ton rooftop unit. Finally, a mounting configuration that uses rubber inserts provides vibration dampening to prevent damage during shipping, as well as isolation to protect against corrosion.

    The Environ coil is also available on Energence 7.5- to 12.5-ton and select 20- to 30-ton units. In addition, a 3-year warranty is included with the Environ coil.
    lennox.com
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