Honolulu Seawater Air Conditioning LLC (HSWAC) announced that the Hawaii Community Development Authority (HCDA) approved to enter into a Grant of Non-Exclusive Easement and Construction Right of Entry in Kakaako makai lands for the underground piping of the company’s seawater air conditioning project for Honolulu.

The first comment is in response to Peter Powell’s editorial “Is A/C to Blame for D.C.’s Mess?” in the Feb. 6 issue. The second concerns what contractors are doing about the rising cost of gas.

Move over compression ratio, ring valve, and reciprocating compressors. There are two new terms to add to your refrigeration terminology: ‘bi-volt’ and ‘spool.’ The words relate to some of the newest developments in compressor applications.

At 34 inches wide, the PACSlim-12 air-cooled portable air conditioner can roll through a standard doorway. The unit provides 12 tons (144,000 Btuh) of cooling. High-efficiency radial blowers with built-in variable-speed motors provide uniform airflow across the evaporator coil of the portable cooler.

Many contractors (and big-box stores) try to grab customers’ attention by advertising the ubiquitous $29 tune-up. So is the $29 tune-up an effective marketing tool that can be used to beef up the customer base? Or is it a pernicious practice that lowers the bar for the HVAC industry? It all depends on your outlook.

The amount of condenser subcooling needed is system dependent. The more pressure drops — friction and static — associated with the lines and accessories that carry the liquid in the system, the more need there will be for liquid subcooling to prevent liquid line flash gas.

During my 50 years in the HVAC trade, I have found that most technicians do not spend time learning about the compressor and the a/c system as much as they should. In their defense, they are simply too busy to take the time once they are out of school.

After facing a slow winter where much of the nation saw above-average temperatures and mild weather, contractors are gearing up for a busy summer season. To help them prepare, The NEWS introduces the latest cooling equipment available for the upcoming summer season.

Every year The NEWS introduces the latest air conditioning units available for the upcoming summer season. This photo feature provides our 2012 Residential Cooling Showcase.

With Southern California’s hot summer days around the corner, guests at the historic Mayfair Hotel in downtown Pomona will be able to stay cool with the installation of new air conditioning units.