Everything You Always Wanted To Know About ARI …

Don’t get me wrong. As an editor, you always want more information rather than less. However, it’s still difficult deciding on what to leave in and what to leave out. Unfortunately, such is the nature of publishing.

After some last-minute changes, additions, and deletions, the supplement went to the printer on Halloween, of all days. It was a grand conclusion to a hectic, fast-paced week.

If you did not know much about ARI, here’s betting you will after reading the upcoming tribute. We believe you will like what you see and read.

PLENTY OF OUTTAKES

During the creation of the ARI supplement, one of the “scenes” which landed on the cutting room floor, so to speak, were some comments from Tom Bettcher, CEO of Copeland and Business Leader for Emerson Climate Technologies. Because he is to step in as ARI’s next chairman before the end of this month, Bettcher did provide the opening commentary for the tribute. But what did not make print were some of his remarks concerning ARI’s contribution to the advancement of technology in air conditioning and refrigeration over the years.

In Bettcher’s estimation, ARI has been very effective in advancing technology through the HVACR Research for the 21st Century (21-CR) program, which started in 1999.

“This program is aimed at providing the information, tools, and data to position manufacturers and others during the next decade to produce equipment and systems offering marked efficiency gains while addressing indoor environment quality (IEQ) needs,” said Bettcher. “Pre-competitive research findings will be made available to interested stakeholders in the HVACR industry. Funding for the program has been collected from industry groups, amounting to $3 million to $4 million. Their support has resulted in about 10 major research projects looking at technology 10 to 15 years out.

“This is a ‘big deal’ — the results of 21-CR are designed to improve the overall value of the products our industry offers, and we will work hard to continue this funding.”

Bettcher also pointed out the many innovations coming into the industry in the area of electronics and diagnostics, thanks to ARI members.

“Advances in electronics have improved overall system capability and at a lower cost than was previously possible,” he said. “Electronics are also being designed simpler for the technician, and they are making repairs more cost effective. Diagnostic tools are becoming more sophisticated, allowing for better and more accurate system maintenance. They can also be used to identify refrigerant leaks, which will be very important in the future.”

Bettcher had plenty to say regarding the development of indoor and outdoor variable-speed blower motors, which have gone hand-in-hand with the improvements in modulated systems.

“The ability to control temperatures more precisely is leading to a lot of improvement in the area of creature comfort, and also key issues like food safety,” he said.

TWO WAYS TO VIEW

Looking at all that landed on the cutting room floor, The News decided to place on its website, www.achrnews.com, all of the copy originally destined for the ARI 50th anniversary supplement. This way, subscribers will see the entire picture regarding ARI.

Think of it as viewing one of those DVDs from Blockbuster. You know, the ones that contain “never before seen” scenes, uncut versions, and comments from the director and cast at the conclusion of the movie.

We believe you will enjoy reading the printed version, as well as searching through the “uncut” online version. Look for both on November 11.

The News wishes a happy anniversary to ARI.

Mark Skaer is editor-in-chief. He can be reached at 248-244-6446; 248-362-0317 (fax); markskaer@achrnews.com (e-mail).

Publication date: 11/04/2002