Industry News
We would like to take this opportunity to give a special thanks to this month's sponsor -- Taco Inc. Headquartered in Cranston, R.I., Taco, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of hydronic-based HVAC equipment and accessories for use in residential, commercial and institutional buildings worldwide. The company, privately owned and in business since 1920, manufactures a wide range of pumps and circulators, valves, tanks, heat exchangers, electronic controls, accessories and systems. Manufacturing facilities are located in Cranston, R.I. and Fall River, Mass., with a Canadian distribution and sales facility in Mississauga, Ontario. Taco sells through wholesale distributors and also provides select OEMs with product. Visit www.taco-hvac.com for more information.
To find out more about special e-newsletter advertising opportunities, please contact your Phc News sales rep by visiting www.phcnews.com.
Phc News & Dan Holohan team up for AHR webcast
Northbrook, Ill. -- Economy got your trade show travel schedule on hold? No worries! Don’t miss the chance to get a VIP tour of the AHR Show in Chicago without even being there. Join Dan Holohan as he tours the show floor interviewing manufacturers. If you are unable to catch the show live, don’t miss this free exclusive three-part webcast featured on hvactv.com February 10, 11, 12 at 8 p.m. EST. Be sure to catch Holohan’s in-depth interviews with manufacturers on the latest company news and products; get a first-hand look at new product technology; and, of course, Dan Holohan’s unique perspective.
For sign-up details, please visit www.phcnews.com.
NKBA elects 2009 President and Executive Committee
The National Kitchen & Bath Association announces the election results for the 2009 NKBA Executive Committee, which will be led by 2009 NKBA National President Suzie Williford of Kiva Kitchen and Bath in Houston, Texas. Mark L. Karas, CMKBD of Adams Kitchens in Stoneham, Massachusetts, currently the NKBA Vice President, will become the 2009 President-Elect, while current NKBA Secretary David Alderman, CKD of Dave's Cabinet in Chesapeake, Virginia has been elected Vice President for 2009.
Maria Martina, CKD, CBD of Reno's Appliance in Fairfield, New Jersey, who was elected to the Executive Committee for the first time in 2008 as Treasurer, has been elected to serve as the 2009 National Secretary. The NKBA also announced the newest member of the Executive Committee. Alan Zielinski, CKD of Better Kitchens in Niles, Illinois was elected as the 2009 Treasurer.
Disaster prevention and response goal of FEMA, Code Council agreement
The International Code Council and the Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are teaming up to reduce the loss of life and property caused by natural disasters. A memorandum of understanding calls for FEMA and the Code Council to support the maintenance, adoption, outreach, training and enforcement of disaster-resistant building safety codes to reduce human and economic losses resulting from natural hazards including hurricanes, earthquakes, tornados and flooding.
Under the agreement, the Code Council will provide direct assistance to FEMA on a range of programs designed to reduce losses during natural disasters. FEMA will participate in the Council’s code development process, using its data to help develop future codes that increase public safety. The organizations also will jointly develop a strategy to promote code adoption to enhance disaster resistance in the built environment.
FEMA and the Code Council have a history of cooperating successfully to enhance public safety. FEMA was one of the first federal agencies to recognize the benefits of model building codes and to participate in the code development process. The two organizations worked together to incorporate the National Flood Insurance Program floodplain management regulations and the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program Recommended Provisions in safety codes developed by the Council.
The International Code Council, a membership association dedicated to building safety and fire prevention, develops the codes used to construct residential and commercial buildings, including homes and schools. Most U.S. cities, counties and states choose the International Codes, building safety codes developed by the International Code Council.
FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
Update issued on WaterSense new homes program
WaterSense released a draft specification for water-efficient, single family new homes in May 2008. As EPA refines its draft specification for WaterSense labeled new homes, the Agency has been working with seven pilot builders to construct homes that meet EPA’s water-efficiency criteria and developing tools to help builders across the country participate when the specification becomes final in 2009.
On November 25, 2008, EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson announced the first new home completed and certified to the draft specification. Built by Vanguard Homes in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, the home is designed to use 20 percent less water than similar new homes by incorporating WaterSense labeled products, ENERGY STAR qualified appliances, and other water-efficient features and systems inside and out.
EPA has also developed and is currently soliciting public comments on a water budget tool to help builders, landscape designers, and irrigation consultants determine ways to design attractive, water-efficient landscapes. Many comments have been received on various aspects of the draft specification, including the landscape design criteria. EPA included the following two options to ensure water savings outside a WaterSense labeled new home:
- Turf cannot exceed 40 percent of the landscapable area; or
- Builders can incorporate a water budget approach, which is a site-specific method of calculating the allowable amount of water to be used when designing a landscape.
- EPA’s landscape water budget tool will help builders and their landscape designers determine:
- The amount of water the landscape of new home is allowed to use, based on EPA criteria, and still earn the WaterSense label.
- How much water the designed landscape requires based on climate, precipitation, plant type, and irrigation system efficiency.
- Whether the designed landscape meets the budgeted amount.
This approach offers flexibility in landscape design, and EPA hopes this tool and the detailed guidance provided on how to use it will make it easier for builders and their landscaping consultants to determine water budgets and design landscapes to meet them. EPA is collecting public comments on the tool until December 19, 2008; interested parties should email their comments to watersense-newhomes@erg.com.
New Products
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Shut-off flange www.taco-hvac.com Five new larger sizes to the Shut-Off Freedom Flange line have been added. The new sizes range from 11/4" npt up to 21/2" sweat. Freedom flanges combine a full port, ball valve and companion flange to isolate system circulators for easy removal and service, without having to drain the system. The new sizes include 11/2" sweat for standard “00” circulators and 11/4" npt and sweat, and 21/4", 21/2" sweat for use with larger bolt circle 0012-F4, 1400-30 and 1400-40 models. Taco Inc. |
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Wet rotor circulators now for domestic hot water Line of 3-Speed NRF wet rotor circulators has been expanded for domestic hot water and closed-loop heating systems. The new model NRF-25 and NBF-25 circulators are equipped with 3-speed motors, which allow the pumps to cover a wide range of hydraulic capabilities. The complete line of 3-Speed NRF circulators all include: Three-speed switch, providing more performance flexibility; multiple hydraulic settings which allow one NRF or NBF pump to replace several competitors pumps, resulting in lower inventory levels; high starting torque; DuraGlide Bearing System; heat resistant and non-metallic closed impeller design; and self-cleaning particle shield. Bell & Gossett. |
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3-inch Universal Flapper With an increasing number of high efficiency toilet requirements being put in place, toilet manufacturers, such as Kohler®, Toto®, American Standard, Gerber®, Eljer and Mansfield®, are incorporating 3" flapper-style flush valves when designing functional and efficient toilets, providing a quick and more powerful flush. Fluidmaster. |
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EP heating manifold Engineered Plastic (EP) heating manifold for radiant applications is comprised of thermoplastic, high-performance, advanced materials; this new manifold resists corrosion, pitting, scaling, elevated chlorine levels and ultraviolet light and is suitable for use under conditions of high impact, heat and moisture for an extremely durable, cost-effective radiant product solution. Uponor. |
Movers & Shakers
IninkErator honors Dave Weiner for 50 years of industry service Chicago -- Dave Weiner, CEO of Marketing Support, Inc. (MSI), an integrated marketing agency, has been honored by InSinkErator for 50 years of service to the company. Weiner has worked with InSinkErator and its various business groups on advertising and public relations programs since 1958 and InSinkErator president Jerry Ryder recently hosted a surprise reception to honor Weiner, inviting many of his former and current industry associates.
Weiner recalled establishing MSI in 1961 with InSinkErator as its first and only client. The firm has grown to nearly $100 million in billings, handling a variety of clients along the way from Sam's Club to Rubbermaid to Elkay. |