Business Bits - June 2009

Rheem Helps Explain Federal Tax Credits

Rheem Manufacturing Company is helping contractors and homeowners understand the Federal energy tax credits.

As the only manufacturer that produces both heating and cooling and water heating products, Rheem is providing the expert advice necessary when selecting new home appliances and navigating available rebates and tax incentives.

“President Obama's Federal energy tax credit program increases consumer purchasing power and allows homeowners to obtain Rheem whole-home comfort systems at prices well below the standard market prices,” says Ed Raniszeski, marketing director of Rheem. “From now until the end of the year, there's a window of opportunity for consumers to affordably replace inefficient equipment with energy efficient comfort systems.”

Home heating and cooling equipment — including air conditioners, heat pumps, furnaces and boilers — may qualify for a tax credit of 30% of the installed cost, up to $1,500. The air conditioners and heat pumps must have a seasonal energy efficiency rating (SEER) of at least 15. Furnaces and boilers need an annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) of 95%. Homeowners can view a complete list of Rheem heating and cooling products which qualify for a tax credit at rheemac.com/taxcredit.

Rheem also offers a full array of water heaters that qualify for Federal tax credits, including its new SolPak^® solar water heater.

HVAC contractors may remind homeowners that in many areas, local governments and utility companies are also offering homeowner rebates or other credits. The Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiencies — dsireusa.org — provides a listing of incentives available from states, local governments and utilities.
rheem.com.

AirAdvice Receives New Patent for Sensor Technology

Sources from AirAdvice, Inc., Portland, OR, report the company has received a patent for a method of measuring sensor drift characteristics. The method includes data acquisition, sensor conditioning, and acceptance criteria systems. The methodology was developed by AirAdvice's co-founder and Vice President of Engineering, Meindert Kleefstra.

Company spokespeople say this new method of tracking sensor performance allows AirAdvice to use only the best performing sensors in their product lines, and to calibrate only those that will meet high field performance standards. It's also used as a research and development tool, as part of ongoing product development to work with sensor industry partners to improve the long-term performance of their sensor technology.

With this patent, AirAdvice ensures that its diagnostic systems provide a level of accuracy that will lead to increased energy efficiency, reduced carbon emissions, and improved occupant comfort.
airadvice.com

Taco, Viega Facilities are ‘Green Giants' of Efficiency, Capacity

Taco, Inc., Cranston, RI, held a LEED^® certification ceremony at its new facility in April. Taco recently completed a substantial plant renovation and expansion, and in so doing reduced the facility's carbon footprint.

According to President/CEO Johnny White, Jr., the 60,000 sq. ft. warehouse addition symbolizes Taco's commitment to the community, to Rhode Island, and to Taco's U.S. manufacturing presence.

“The new addition also represents Taco's commitment to the community, the environment and our employees as it incorporates a variety of sustainable building practices, many of which are designed and manufactured by Taco,” White said. He added that the new warehouse distribution facility, which ties to the headquarters and main manufacturing plant, has enhanced operational efficiency.

The 60,000+ sq.ft., single-story warehouse addition received the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED^®) certification. The warehouse has 12 loading dock bays, 30-ft.-high clearance for storage racking systems, a quality lab, administrative office space, a demonstration mechanical room for the snow-melt system, and facilities for the manufacturing plant's coolant and metal chip recycling systems.

The facility includes a gas turbine based cogeneration plant that provides heating and cooling for the entire facility through Taco's own “LoadMatch” system. A solar panel array supplements the plant's domestic water requirements.

The new cogeneration plant provides about one-third of Taco's electrical requirements through microturbines. The microturbines use waste heat from the generated electricity to produce chilled water and hot water for the HVAC system. Further energy savings are achieved by the use of a Taco “LoadMatch” system and a solar panel array to supplement the plant's domestic hot water requirements. The snowmelt system in the loading bay area eliminates the use of salt, chemicals, the need for plowing and increases safety.

Taco is a member of the Hydronics Industry Alliance (myhomeheating.com), a coalition of 34 members of the Hydronics Industry Section of the Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute.