Proper system installation isn’t the only tool that contractors have in the quest for greater efficiency. Proper design, installation, and sealing the ventilation system are keys to obtaining maximum efficiencies as well. The variety of installation scenarios that contractors face, however, requires manufacturers to continually produce new products to meet each creative application’s ventilation needs. It is this creativity and ingenuity that The NEWS awarded in the Ventilation Products category of the fifth annual Dealer Design Awards. GLV International Ltd., the gold winner from Israel, brought to market a line of insulated and uninsulated Square Flexible Air Ducts. Silver was awarded to DiversiTech’s CleanVENT™, and Automated Ceiling Registers LLC’s new Quick & Easy™ Commercial Register System was awarded bronze.

GOLD WINNER

GLV International Ltd.’s new insulated and uninsulated Square Flexible Air Ducts are all UL 181 listed flexible air ducts specifically designed for installation in areas with restricted or limited space that cannot accept standard round ducts. Available in lengths of up to 25 feet and in equivalent diameter sizes up to 25 inches, the ducts come with R-4.2, R-6.0 and R-8.0 formaldehyde-free insulation. The product line includes Insulated Square Metalized Air Ducts, Uninsulated Square Air Ducts, Insulated Square Semi-Rigid Aluminum Air Ducts, Uninsulated Square Aluminum Air Ducts, and Semi-Rigid Aluminum Air Ducts.

According to the company, the square ducts are the “perfect alternative for air conditioning contractors and installers needing to fit regular round insulated or uninsulated ducting through limited attic, ceiling or structural framing, between floor joists or behind drywall construction.”

The insulated Square Flexible Air Ducts are suitable for low, medium, and high pressure HVAC systems and the uninsulated Square Flexible Air Ducts can be used for the safe venting of kitchen and bathroom fans, kitchen range hoods, as well as heating and air conditioning supply and return ducts.

For contractors, this product eliminates most needs for 90-degree elbows and it can connect to standard round, oval, or rectangular air conditioning attachments.

One of the judges said he could see great potential for this product. Another said, “It doesn’t get better than this! This is a product we have needed for years.”

SILVER WINNER

DiversiTech’s CleanVENT™ is a tough durable polymer cover that protects HVAC floor vents from debris, construction site liquids, pests, and drywall dust, saving hours of ventilation system clean-up. It is designed with a flat lip and recessed center for a drop in fit, and installs with tacks, staples, or mastic, providing a watertight seal.

“This is a great product,” explained one contractor judge, “another good product for protection.”

According to the company, there is no need to remove CleanVENT while installing and finishing flooring. If necessary, the product can allow limited system operation when vent flaps are cut out with a box cutter. When flooring installation is complete, contractors can cut out recessed areas of CleanVENT and drop the register into position for a clean finish.

BRONZE WINNER

Automated Ceiling Registers LLC’s new Quick & Easy™ Commercial Register System has been developed for drop-in installation into standard suspended ceiling grids. According to the company, it eliminates the need for separate in-line dampers, and allows occupants to easily control airflow from an individual register or from an array of registers designated as a controlled zone.

Manual versions are controlled using a suction cup mounted on an extension pole. Automated versions can be controlled by wireless key fobs, standard three-way wall switches or any devices that provide single-pole, double-throw contact closures. Airflow control is accomplished using a smooth, aerodynamic ABS air valve, which provides linear airflow control based on the displacement of a round, central ABS damper.

A higher exit velocity and an improved throw provide ventilation efficiency improvements while maintaining very low room noise levels. Airflow is directed along the ceiling to eliminate chilling downdrafts. The matte-finished air valve is mounted on a matte-finished, powder-coated, galvanized steel plate that can be painted or stained to blend with a wider variety of décors. This product addresses the supply aspect by eliminating the need to get up on a ladder and frequently adjust in-line dampers.

“I like this product and feel the market has a need for it,” said one judge. “The remote control feature is an added plus.”

Honorees: Ventilation

Gold
GLV International Ltd.
www.glvflex.com
Square Flexible Air Ducts

Silver
DiversiTech
www.diversitech.com
CleanVENT™

Bronze
Automated Ceiling Registers LLC
www.acrc.biz
Quick & Easy™ Commercial Register System

Honorable Mention
Broan-NuTone LLC
www.broan.com
Broan QDE Range Hood Series

Publication date: 07/14/2008