Industry News

We would like to take this opportunity to give a special thanks to this month's sponsor -- AERCO International, Inc. AERCO is a leading supplier of boilers and water heating products, and the originator of semi-instantaneous water heating. Visit www.aerco.com.

To find out more about special e-newsletter advertising opportunities, please contact your Phc News sales rep by visiting www.phcnews.com.

Phc News welcomes Dan Foley as new hydronics columnist

Phc News is proud to announce the addition of new hydronics columnist Dan Foley to its already strong stable of contributing writers. In an effort to increase and enhance its hydronics presence, Phc News considers Dan a strong addition to the team. Regarded as a contractor’s advocate, Foley’s stories resonate loudest with fellow contractor and business owners; whether they are techs, reps, wholesalers or manufacturers, they will gain from reading his stories.

Owner of Foley Mechanical, which services the Washington, DC metro area, Dan brings a wealth of knowledge — nearly 25 years of experience — to the hydronics industry. Foley’s primary focus is radiant and hydronics, with large custom homes a specialty. Dan also does service, replacement, HVAC, sheet metal, controls, piping, renewables (geo and solar thermal) and is not afraid to work new technologies into the mix.

“I will share examples of jobs that worked out well and some that didn’t. You tend to learn more when things don’t go exactly as planned. I will also share with you my 10 years of experience running my own company. Most of my day-to-day challenges are not of a technical nature but are business related,” says Foley.

Be sure to catch his first column in the May issue of Phc News.

Moen names president, U.S. businesses

North Olmsted, Ohio — Moen Incorporated has announced the promotion of Mike Bauer to the newly created position of President, U.S. Businesses, effective immediately. The announcement was made by David Lingafelter, president, Moen, who will maintain his current role while focusing on Moen’s long-term global growth agenda. In Bauer’s new position, he will assume responsibility for Moen’s U.S. business units including Wholesale, Retail, Commercial, Bath Accessories and Bath Safety.

“Mike’s promotion is in recognition of his many accomplishments over his 13+ year career with Moen,” said Lingafelter. “His broad experiences, perspective and business acumen are complemented by his leadership, dedication and passion to win. We’re fortunate to have someone with Mike’s integrity and strategic prowess at the helm of our U.S. businesses.”

Bauer joined Moen in 1997 as Corporate Controller, and has had numerous positions with increasing responsibility over the last several years. Most recently, he served as Vice President and General Manager-U.S. Retail, where he led the strategic vision for Moen's relationship with national retail partners including The Home Depot, Lowe's, Menards, Target, Bed Bath & Beyond and co-op partners such as Ace, True Value, and Do It Best.

Care to ride event takes new turn

Hershey, Pa. — NAOHSM’s (National Association of Oilheating Service Managers) foundation, Oil Heat Cares, gains the bulk of their operating capital through the Care to Ride event that is held during their Annual Convention and Trade Show. This year’s Care to Ride event will take place on Monday, May 23 in Hershey and participants will notice some exciting changes.

All are invited to walk, ride a motorcycle, bicycle, or run at this event that raises funds to give heating equipment to those in need. Participants are encouraged to secure sponsors, but a $100.00 fee is suggested. Prizes are awarded to the top fundraisers of each division.

This year’s Care to Ride event will take on a new format from previous years. Group departures will be staggered. The motorcycle group will kick off the event in the morning, leaving Hershey at 10:00 a.m. Their first stop will be at the Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Factory. After lunch and a tour, the group will continue their journey through a scenic portion of Pennsylvania. The bicycle group will head out next, departing mid-afternoon. Their travels will take them to the beautiful and quaint village of Mount Gretna. Walkers and runners will be the final group to depart.

All participants along with all other convention attendees are invited to attend an opening reception BBQ (co-sponsored by ITT and Bell & Gossett) outside the Hershey Lodge immediately following the Care to Ride event. There will be an awards ceremony, but the biggest winners will be the people who receive much-needed, oil-fired equipment in their homes thanks to Oil Heat Cares.

To learn more about Oil Heat Cares, visit www.oilheatcares.com.

Soaring gas prices make energy efficiency great way celebrate Earth Day while saving money

Washington — Now in its fifth decade, Earth Day reminds consumers confronted with spiking gasoline prices that energy efficiency can help them “green” the planet while keeping more “green” in their pockets, says the Alliance to Save Energy.

And, the Alliance advises, the 41st observance of Earth Day also is a good time to start boning up on energy-efficient lighting in anticipation of the phase-out of inefficient products from the market beginning January 2012.

Gas prices currently average about $3.80 a gallon nationwide – having jumped 20 cents in a recent two-week period – and experts are predicting that gas prices will soon match the July 2008 record of $4.11 and perhaps reach $5 in California by Memorial Day, the traditional start of the summer driving season.
In addition, a particularly harsh winter in some parts of the country resulted in a 2.5% national increase in heating costs for the season just ended, according to data from the government’s Energy Information Administration.

“Consumers still reeling from high winter heating bills are now being pinched by spiraling prices at the pump,” noted Alliance President Kateri Callahan. “But fuel efficiency measures and energy efficiency steps around the house can ease the burden of high energy prices.”

Callahan continued, “The Alliance has calculated that the average U.S. household will spend about $3,425 to power its vehicles this year. That amount, coupled with about $2,175 for home energy costs, comes to total household energy expenses of about $5,600 – a burdensome amount for many Americans. But energy efficiency can cut those costs significantly.”

New Products

	Semi-instantaneous water heater www.aerco.com/Innovation Innovation, AERCO's newest line of premium water heaters features a tankless design, advanced condensing/modulating technology, 20:1 turndown, a scale-resistant heat exchanger, +/-4 degree temperature control and up to 99% efficiency. With its advanced design, reliablity and longevity, Innovation delivers performance and economic advantges to any system. AERCO.
	Copper press fittings www.elkhartproducts.com The XPRESSTM LD-C large diameter copper press fitting features a patent-pending solid cross-section ring which grabs the entire pipe, creating significant contact with the tube after pressing. Zero pressure leak capability lets you know when a fitting hasn’t been pressed. If the break-away band is still on the fitting, it needs to be checked. Elkhart Products.
	Black & galvanized nipples www.matco-norca.com Company offers Schedule 40 Assorted Black and Galvanized Standard Welded Steel Nipples in sizes 1/2", 3/4"and 1". These runs go up to 6" lengths and meet or exceed all applicable ASTM and ANSI standards. Matco-Norca.
	Cordless rotary tool www.milwaukeetool.com The cordless M12™ Rotary Tool integrates high-performance motor design, optimized electronics and REDLITHIUM™ battery technology to provide a compact and portable cut-off solution for the professional. Features a powerful motor, grinder-style exhaust ports; designed to protect the front bearing from dust and contaminants. Variable speed of 5,000-32,000 rpm. Collet holds all 1/32" -1/8" shank accessories. Delivers thousands of cutting, grinding, sanding and polishing jobs. Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation.