ORLANDO, Fla. - The world of grilles, registers, and diffusers has changed remarkably in the last few years. This was very evident at the 2005 International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition (AHR Expo), where manufacturers happily showed off their range of products in a variety of colors, styles, and finishes.

Want a chrome register? No problem. A personalized diffuser? Look no further than here.

Decor Grates (www.decorgrates.com) introduced a huge number of products, including high-velocity registers available in solid wood, cast iron, and solid brass; solid oak and plastic baseboard registers available in 15- or 18-inch sizes; flush-mounted/recessed registers in Brazilian cherry, oak, or maple. And grilles in Art Deco, Arts and Crafts, and Oriental styling are offered in cast brass or aluminum and finished in brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, bright brass, and brushed satin; and plastic cold air returns, which are available from 6 to 8 inches high and 12 to 30 inches long.

Hart & Cooley (www.hartandcooley.com) highlighted its new universal spiral diffuser, which features an efficient bootless design and universal fit that covers a wide range of duct diameters. The company also introduced the Rezzinâ„¢ ceiling diffuser, which offers ease of installation and removable, multisize collars. The diffuser is available in two-way corner, three-way, and four-way deflections.

The company's new SCBPS ceiling diffuser was also on display. It is being touted as a low-cost alternative with an even, 360-degree airflow pattern. The diffuser also features a one-piece stamped core with fixed blades.

J&J Register (www.jandjreg.com) introduced the 1231 ceiling diffuser, which features a one-piece stamped core with fixed blades and an even, 360-degree airflow pattern. The 1231 has a fixed curved-blade diffuser pattern and a removable perforated face. Optional earthquake straps conform to required building codes.

Krueger (www.krueger-hvac.com) introduced its Prism™ diffuser, which is created from a one-piece, steel-stamped face that locks into a one-piece, steel-stamped round or square neck backpan. The center of the Prism diffuser can be customized to match just about any décor. The manufacturer has a wide array of appliqués that are available in nine standard colors or any custom color. Another option is to have a company logo or pattern screened onto the appliqué.

Titus (www.titus-hvac.com) featured its new TDX diffuser, which combines high induction and short throws to maximize comfort. Joe Groh stated the TDX has the highest mixing ratio in the market, resulting in exceptional indoor air quality.

The company also introduced an expanded range of products for underfloor air distribution, including the TAF-L linear modulating diffuser; architectural grilles in various designs; and special grilles in materials such as bronze, brass, aluminum, and stainless steel.

Tuttle & Bailey (www.tuttleandbailey.com) introduced the Tensorâ„¢ laminar flow diffuser for critical environment applications. The diffusers are made in three basic styles: the standard model, subplenum model, and HEPA filter model. All feature a heavy-duty backpan, 2-inch-high inlet collar to permit a secure duct connection, and one-piece perforated flush face. Jamie Crouch noted that the diffuser is part of the Isotek air system for critical environments.

Publication date: 02/28/2005