New construction projects are a collaborative effort. It takes the knowledge and know-how of several trades. The HVAC contractor is just one element of the entire design process, but it’s the HVAC system that is the heart of any building. That is why the HVAC contractor must make sure to specify the correct and most reliable system for the job. Bill Wright, owner and creator of Wrightsoft Software, says that by using design software, contractors can ensure that their projects are finished correctly.
T.H. Eifert Inc., based in Lansing, MI, recently completed one of its most challenging projects. The mechanical contractor was chosen to recommend and install the appropriate HVAC systems for the new Michigan Legislative Building. Although the high-profile job was a tough challenge, the project can serve as a case study for the success that can result when builders, designers, and HVAC contractors work closely with one another.
At its annual general meeting, The Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractors of Canada (HRAC) announced that five new topics were generated and four resolutions were passed. One was withdrawn after extensive discussion.
The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors (PHCC) of Georgia began offering classes titled “Basic Spanish for the Plumbing Professional.” Students explore how to speak, understand, and use Spanish, with additional emphasis on listening comprehension. Is a program like this one necessary for HVACR contractors, especially in regions that are home to a large segment of the population that speaks another language?
Depending on the application, geothermal technology can offer some obvious benefits over conventional heating and air conditioning systems. According to dealers and manufacturers of geothermal equipment, geothermal technology can dramatically reduce energy bills. But geothermal is also an expensive investment. Geothermal Air Conditioning, located in Humble, TX, has found a way to provide builders with a geothermal option and eliminate the burden of high front-end costs.
In today’s world of Sick Building Syndrome and potentially harmful molds and bacteria, HVACR products could use a shield to protect against unwanted microbes. Enter AK Steel and its antimicrobial-coated steel, which is now being offered by Seal-Tite for its duct products.
Five years ago during the frenzy of the consolidation movement, a company named Group Maintenance America Corp. (GroupMAC) joined the fray. In 2000, GroupMAC merged with Building One Services Corp. to form Encompass Services Corp. Today, Encompass is attempting to fight off a massive debt load that has forced the company to submit a restructuring plan under Chapter 11 of the bankruptcy code.
The Mechanical Inspectors Association of Michigan (MIAM) held its Fall Conference recently. Among the issues discussed were questions raised by inspectors on various Michigan residential and commercial codes.
The new owner of an Albany, NY, historic home wanted air conditioning, but did not want to compromise the house’s historical integrity with a conventional cooling system, which, at best, would have required removing and repairing plasterwork, if not architectural details, to install ducts. The homeowner then learned about the Unico high-velocity mini-duct system from PBS’s “This Old House” program.