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.

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Phc News & Ellen Rohr team up for AHR webcast

 

Phc News magazine is hosting a special web event tonight called Rock & Rohr, featuring Ellen Rohr's tour of AHR 2011! Ellen walked the floor of last week's humungous AHR trade show in Vegas with cameraman in tow, checking out the premier booths and talking with all the key players about new products, programs and such.

 

It's at 8:00 PM Eastern Time tonight — you can simply click on the Rock & Rohr banner on this page or check it out by going to www.phcnews.com and clicking on the "Rock & Rohr" banner at the top of the page. Enjoy!

 

HIA, RPA join forces; RPA show closes in

 

Vienna, Va. — Savvy consumers looking for information on hydronic heating systems are in for a pleasant surprise. Starting in 2011, the Hydronics Industry Alliance (HIA) and the Radiant Professionals Alliance (RPA) will merge. This will allow “end users” to find pertinent information more readily. There are many web sites that offer varying degrees of information on the technology of hydronic heating systems. However, starting in January 2011, the combined knowledge and expertise of the new organization will be available by going to www.myhomeheating.org or www.radiantpanelassociation.org. Consumers, builders, remodelers, HVAC contractors, plumbers, dealers and the media can find information on boilers and how to make an educated decision on installation and specific delivery systems. Not only will the information be available, but links will be provided on how to find an installer in regions across the country, how to participate in an educational session or obtain literature, how to contact manufacturers with questions, or even download a Power Point presentation with photos of actual installations.

 

RPA Conference

 

Take a moment to register for the RPA conference and trade show on February 15 - 17, 2011 in San Antonio, TX. This year the Radiant Professional Alliance (RPA) co-locates with ACCA and IAQA for a historic, first time ever, combined event. We are bringing together under one roof all of the necessary components for a complete comfort system. Last year, in Reno, the RPA spoke of the need to integrate into the larger HVAC world and this is the first step in providing RPA members with that opportunity.

 

President Obama’s green building initiative aims to create jobs, save energy and money

 

Washington, D.C. — The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) today applauded a key element of President Obama’s plan to “win the future” by making America’s commercial buildings more energy- and resource-efficient over the next decade. The President’s plan, entitled Better Buildings Initiative, catalyzes private-sector investment through a series of incentives to upgrade offices, stores, schools and universities, hospitals and other commercial and municipal buildings.

“For all of those committed to the idea that green buildings can create jobs, save energy and save money, this is a great day, and the entire green building movement is incredibly grateful for President Obama’s leadership in this critical step forward for America. It is major steps like these that are necessary to address the challenges facing our environment,” said USGBC President, CEO and Founding Chair Rick Fedrizzi.

 

Egan Company acquires Collins Electrical Systems (ColliSys)

 

Minneapolis — The Egan Company Board of Directors announced that Collins Electrical Systems, Inc., of New Hope (ColliSys) has become part of the Egan Company. The acquisition further strengthens Egan’s position as the third largest electrical contractor in this market with combined annual revenue in the $150 million range.

 

According to Jim Malecha, Egan President and CEO, it is the perfect marriage of two companies sharing similar philosophies, values, skill sets and operations with each bringing a different leadership position to the combined company.

“While Egan has been traditionally stronger in electrical construction and special projects, ColliSys has been the area’s largest provider of outside electrical construction and service. So it makes us stronger all around,” said Malecha in announcing the news.

 

Outside electrical includes highway and road construction, exterior building lighting, and parking lot applications.

Operating in Minnesota since 1933, ColliSys built a strong and deserving reputation as a market leader earning the respect of customers and competitors alike. Over the years, the company has enjoyed solid growth, winning significant projects including a major portion of the Central Corridor Light Rail Train (LRT) project last summer. The ColliSys executive leadership tandem of Bruce Young and Bob Gorg will assume senior leadership roles at Egan. Bruce will serve as Sr. Vice President of electrical special projects and Bob will operate as Sr. Vice President of the combined outside electrical group.

New Products

	Zone Sentry™ valve www.taco-hvac.com The Zone Sentry’s patented technology uses a microcircuit-based logic to control a gear-driven electronically-actuated ball valve to control fluid flow. The advanced design uses 93% less energy than common zone valves while also delivering greater flow capacity, shutoff pressure rating, ease of installation and diagnostics, and the number of valves (12) that can be used on a standard 40VA transformer. Taco.
	Combination boiler www.slantfin.com The Lynx 120 Combi-Boiler is a true Combination Heating Boiler and Domestic Hot Water solution. The Lynx LX-120-CB boiler is currently available producing 120,000 Btus. It comes complete with an ASME H Stamp approved Cast Aluminum-Silicon Heat Exchanger making it your true choice for Heating and Domestic Hot Water needs. As with our other models of Gas Fired Condensing Hot Water boilers, it comes with a Free 5 Year Parts and Labor Warranty! When making your Combi Boiler choice, make sure it is a true Boiler, choose the Lynx LX-120-CB Combi-Boiler. Slant/Fin.
	Crest® condensing boiler www.lochinvar.com The CREST® Condensing Boiler offers innovative fire-tube technology integrated with the exclusive SMART TOUCH™ operating control, offering engineers, mechanical contractors and building owners greater design flexibility and distinctive performance characteristics to meet today’s building standards for new construction and energy retrofit applications. Available in five models that range from 1.5 to 3.5 million Btu/hr, with thermal efficiencies as high as 99 percent, CREST brings Lochinvar’s leading-edge technology and exceptional energy-efficiency to the largest commercial applications. Lochinvar.
	Radiant Rollout™ Mat www.uponor.com A custom-designed, prefabricated, pre-pressurized network of Uponor crosslinked polyethylene (PEX-a) tubing, the Uponor Radiant Rollout™ Mat is the ideal solution for faster, more consistent installations for large commercial radiant heating and cooling applications — saving up to 85% in installation time. The mat consists of Wirsbo hePEX™ (oxygen barrier) or Uponor AquaPEX® (non-barrier) PEX-a tubing connected with ProPEX® engineered plastic (EP) fittings, which are safe for burial in the slab and offer fast onsite customization when necessary. Uponor.