This Old House
Split Ductless System Demo
Archives for April 2013
Lennox Sells Service Experts
Lennox Divests Service Experts
BY: Betty Stephens of Quest Media
Lennox International, Inc. is known for its design, manufacture and marketing for the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) products. Its products and services are sold through multiple distribution channels under brand names, including Lennox, Armstrong Air, Ducane, Bohn, Larkin, Advanced Distributor Products, Service Experts and others. The Company operates in four market segments:
1. Residential Heating & Cooling
2. Commercial Heating & Cooling
3. Service Experts
4. Refrigeration
Lennox International Inc. is a global leader in the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration markets. Its stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “LII.”
Lennox Divests Service Experts
Lennox International Inc. plans to divest its Service Experts business, which consists of dealer-contractors providing heating and cooling equipment installation and service primarily to the residential market. Service Experts consists of 108 dealer-contractor branches. With the recovery in the North American residential market this year and the interest from potential acquirers Lennox plans to establish a supply agreement for equipment with the future owner of Service Experts.
The company retains the commercial service business called Lennox National Account Services (NAS) that was reported within its Service Experts business segment. Revenue for the Service Experts business segment was $529 million in 2011, $80 million of which was from the NAS business. Lennox International announced the sale of its Service Experts business to a majority-owned entity of American Capital, Ltd. It was an all-cash deal that closed on March 22 and included a two-year equipment supply agreement. Terms of the sale and supply agreement have not been made public.
After seeing its revenue slip amid soft consumer demand and a sluggish market for new residential construction, Lennox reported in July its second-quarter revenue rose 2.2%, although earnings edged down 0.7% as margins shrank on a lower product mix and foreign exchange.
Lennox Original Buyout of Service Experts
Lennox bought Service Experts for $157 million in June of 2000. The purchase gave Lennox an additional $600 million in sales which, added to the estimated $400 million volume which put it at about $1 billion. This acquisition made them the largest residential dealer in the country, with nearly 200 retail outlets. The acquisition ends the three-year life of Service Experts one of four nationally consolidated and publicly traded contractors that sprang up in 1996-97. Service Experts’ stock soared to $35 after opening at $13. However, 18 months after its formation, the contractor’s stock price eroded, and last week it was trading at the $7 range. The company’s 1999 sales were report to be in the $450 million range.
Since its formation, Service Experts acquired more than 300 dealers using a combination of cash and equity. Many of the acquired contractors were members of the Contractor Success Group (CSG). At the time of its sale, Service Experts had 120 service centers in 36 states.
American Capital, Ltd The Buyer
On March 25, 2013, American Capital, Ltd. announced its buyout of Service Experts, a leading provider of sales, installation, maintenance and repair of HVAC systems for the residential and light commercial markets. American Capital’s investment took the form of preferred and common equity and a revolving credit facility.
Service Experts investment provides AC with a solid opportunity to partner with an industry veteran to strengthen a company with a large installed infrastructure ready for growth. AC has a very talented management team with tremendous industry expertise that is focused on driving value creation. American Capital’s complete financing package and operational support make them an ideal owner for Service Experts,” said Scott J. Boxer, newly appointed President and CEO of Service Experts.
American Capital, Ltd. is a publicly traded private equity firm and global asset manager. American Capital, both directly and through its asset management business, originates, underwrites and manages investments in middle market private equity, leveraged finance, real estate and structured products.
American Capital’s complete financing package and operational support make them an ideal owner for Service Experts,” said Scott J. Boxer, newly appointed President and CEO of Service Experts. Mr. Boxer is an internationally recognized leader in the HVAC industry with a three-decade track record of successfully leading businesses through transformations and growth initiatives. After 40 years in the industry, Mr. Boxer retired from Lennox International, Inc. in 2010, where he had spent a decade-long tenure in various executive positions, including President and Chief Operating Officer of Service Experts from 2003 to 2010.
Consolidation of HVAC Contractors
The Mechanical Service Contractors of America organization has expressed concerns about the merger trend in the United States heating, ventilation and air conditioning industries (HVAC). They have express a concern of the pros and cons of consolidation; Skepticism over claims about the size of the HVAC market; and Skepticism over statement that a fragmented industry can be improved by mergers.
Background: The 1990s brought consolidation and excitement to the industry with companies such as Service Experts, GroupMac, and American Residential Services (ARS) to name a few. These companies paid multiples of earnings for prime contracting companies, and the world of HVAC began consolidation.
The first HVAC service consolidators were small groups of contractors who decided to put their companies together, sell some stock, and cash in some of their hard-earned chips. The initial sale of stock for cash was great for the original company owners, but things soon began deteriorating. Some consolidators changed the scope of business by focusing on growth through acquisition. This way they could continue to show Wall Street good revenue and profit numbers. But they needed more cash to keep everything going. When the cash dried up, the acquisitions began offering stock rather than cash for newly acquired companies.
Things seemed to be going OK at first. Then the bottom dropped when Wall Street figured out that growth and fat balance sheets were occurring mostly due to acquisition, not profitability. The largest problems for the consolidators were they didn’t have plans for increasing market share, sales volume, and profitability.
A number of the consolidators of the companies eliminated the reason the companies were successful in the first place: their independent spirit and ability to be flexible. And too, their ability to adapt. There have been successes. Many locations have done well, growing steadily and showing a respectable profit.
Since consolidation’s start, there have been many changes: Service Experts was purchased by Lennox International Inc., and the entity represented a huge part of that company’s earnings and now Lennox has sold them; GroupMac became Encompass, and then they were gone; and ARS became ARS Service Express®, a ServiceMaster brand.
Daikin Buys Goodman
Daikin Industries Bought Goodman Global
Written By: Betty Stephens of Quest Media
Daikin Industries (Japan) has struck an agreement to buy Goodman Global for about $3.7 billion, completing the Japanese air-conditioner maker’s long quest to buy its American rival. Goodman is currently owned by the private equity firm Hellman & Friedman, which bought the company in 2008 for about $1.9 billion. Founded in 1975, Goodman makes heating, ventilation and air-conditioning products for homes and businesses.
Daikin had 1.22 trillion yen of sales in the year ended March and employs more than 44,000 people globally, with manufacturing and sales in more than 90 countries. Daikin generates 10 percent of its revenue in the Americas, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Air conditioning accounts account for 85 percent of its global sales.
Daikin Industries, Ltd History
Daikin Industries, Ltd. (ダイキン工業株式会社) is a Japanese multinational air conditioner manufacturing company headquartered in Osaka. It has operations in Japan, China, Australia, India, Southeast Asia, Europe, and North America.
The company was founded in 1924 by Akira Yamada in Osaka, Japan. Daikin was founded as a chemical corporation, with a focus on air conditioning systems. It has since diversified its manufacturing division to take advantage of experience in fluorine chemistry. Daikin began as a manufacturer of aircraft radiator tubes and fluorine refrigerants, entering the air-conditioning business in 1951.
In 2006 Daikin purchased OYL Industries. This made Daikin the second largest HVAC manufacturer in the world after Carrier Corporation. Daikin co-developed a R-410A refrigerant with Carrier and is an innovator in the Split System Air Conditioning Market, and is the inventor of Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) air conditioning systems.
Daikin developed the hybrid hydraulic systems using technology from their Air Conditioning division. Facing the global demands on C02 reductions and the serious energy issues facing the world, this product aims to cut energy consumption in the manufacturing sector. The acquisition of Goodman expands Daikin’s presence in the United States and in duct-type air-conditioners, and makes Daikin the world’s largest maker of heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems.
Daikin is the official sponsor of Galatasaray Daikin women’s volleyball team
The Deal
Daikin’s large financial resources allow them to buy its American competitor. The company reported about $510 million in profit for the 12 months ended June 30. And it had some $1.5 billion in cash and short-term investments on its books as of June 30. The deal would be the third-largest overseas acquisition by a Japanese company this year. The deal gives Daikin more than 900 distribution points as it tries to boost sales for home heating and air-conditioning systems. The deal is an opportunity for Daikin to increase its business and will also help it expand in emerging and high-volume markets.
Goodman Global History
Goodman Global is a company which manufactures commercial grade room air conditioners and specialty cooling products for residential and light commercial applications. The company operates under the Goodman, Amana and QuietFlex brands. The company was founded in 1975 and is based in Houston, Texas.
Goodman Global, Inc. is the second largest domestic manufacturer of heating, ventilation and air conditioning products for residential and light commercial use based on unit sales. Their products include engineering, manufacturing, assembling, marketing and distributing an extensive line of HVAC and related products. Their products are predominantly marketed under the Goodman® and Amana® brand names. Goodman® is one of the leading HVAC brands in North America and appeals to the large section of the market that is price sensitive and desires reliable and low-cost climate comfort, while their premium Amana® brand includes enhanced features such as higher efficiency and quieter operation.
Goodman began as a manufacturer of flexible air ducts and plastic blade registers. In 1982, the company acquired Janitrol and entered the HVAC market, expanding its product offering in 1986 to include gas heating products.
In 1997, Goodman acquired Raytheon Appliances, the predecessor of Amana Corporation, a manufacturer of appliances and HVAC units. In 2001, Goodman separated its appliances business from its HVAC business and sold the appliances business to Maytag Corporation. In 2004, Goodman was acquired by Apollo Management firm for approximately $1.43 billion. April 2006, Goodman completed an initial public offering, listing on the New York Stock Exchange.
October 2007, Goodman acquired by Hellman & Friedman a San Francisco-based private equity firm in a $1.8 billion transaction. In August 2012, Hellman & Friedman
Window Unit Air Conditioning
Window Air Conditioning Units
Written by Betty Stephens of Quest Media
If you have one or two rooms you need to cool in the summer a window air conditioner can be more economical choice than a central air conditioning unit. It also will cost you less both initially and over time.
Most room air conditioners sit in a window where they can exhaust warm air to the outside. Room air conditioners can also be built into the wall for a more permanent installation.
Selecting Window Unit Size
When you select a room air conditioner, size is the most important feature you should consider. If the unit is too small it will run continually without cooling the room. But, if you buy a unit that’s too large for the space, it will be less effective than one that’s the correct size.
Air conditioners work by removing both heat and humidity. Humidity condenses from the air when it passes over the air conditioner’s cooling coils. So a unit that is too big will cool the room so quickly that it won’t have the opportunity to remove as much humidity from the air. The unit keeps turning off and on and the room is damp, clammy and not very comfortable. A properly sized unit removes humidity as it cools.
Also a larger unit costs more and uses additional energy. When you run a smaller unit for a longer period of time it uses less energy to cool a room than running a larger unit for a shorter time. The cooling capacity of room air conditioners is measured in BTUs, or British Thermal Units, per hour. To figure the size unit you need, measure the space you’re trying to cool. To estimate square footage, multiply the length of the room by the width. A room that’s 10 feet by 20 feet, for example, has 200 square feet in it. It is recommended that the air conditioner for that sized space is rated at 6,000 BTUs. Here are some examples of recommended air conditioners for square footage:
To Cool An Area Recommended Size Window Air Conditioner
150 to 250 square feet 6,000 BTUs
250 to 300 square feet 7,000 BTUs
300 to 350 square feet 8,000 BTUs
350 to 400 square feet 9,000 BTUs
400 to 450 square feet 10,000 BTUs
450 to 550 square feet 12,000 BTUs
550 to 700 square feet 14,000 BTUs
Eco-friendlier A/Cs
Air conditioners made in 2010 must use a refrigerant that is more ozone friendly. Most makers have switched to R-410A. Performance isn’t affected in any of the new models. Check the units and look for the newer models using the new refrigerant.
Save Energy and Money
The newer models claim to use at least 10 percent less energy than standard models and about 25 percent less juice than models made a decade ago. You can save on energy costs by using the timer to turn on the A/C just before you arrive home. Don’t lower the set temperature as soon as you turn on the unit. It doesn’t cool the room faster, and it will use more energy. A higher fan speed also uses more energy but not much. To keep your unit running efficiently, vacuum, wash, and dry filters monthly or as needed.
System Maintenance
For the cooling or heating seasons it is a good idea to have your system checked out by experts. Small problems can become bigger problems as your system continues to run. Your air window air-conditioning system needs regular maintenance. There are many makes and models of air conditioning systems and skilled technicians have the know-how to diagnose, adjust or repair your system so that you are comfortable all year long. All air conditioners have filters that need to be cleaned periodically. For easy maintenance, choose one that has a slide-out filter. Keeping the filter clean saves energy and money.
AC Unit Replacement & Installation
To make sure your window air conditioner has been properly installed you may want an expert to take a look at your home, and help you design and engineer your air conditioning system to meet your needs and budget. Whether you are upgrading the cooling system in your current home, or installing a system in a new home, trust the experts with your cooling needs.
Consumer Reports
All of the 35 window air conditioners Consumer Reports tested they found that even a $99 unit proved excellent at cooling. But some less expensive models might make you lose your cool because they’re noisy or don’t work well on the hottest days and nights.
Shop for Window Air Conditioners
Sears, Kmart, Wal-Mart, Target, Costco, Home Depot, and Lowes are just some of the stores that sell multiple brands of window air conditioners like Frigidaire, LG, Kenmore, SPT, Sharp, LG, Keystone, GE, and Soleus Air. Each brand also offers you a variety of models, sizes and prices.
Portable Air Conditioning Units
PORTABLE AIR CONDITIONERS
By: Betty Stephens of Quest Media
Portable air conditioners provide effective cooling to spaces without access to central air conditioning or areas that simply need supplemental cooling. They are a popular choice for their mobility and for cooling small spaces such as bedroom, offices, basements and computer rooms. The portable units are available in a wide range of cooling capacities and include various user-friendly features.
There are a many reasons why people may want to use a portable air conditioner. Sometimes older homes do not have duct work, or people who cannot afford to install a new central heating and cooling system in their house may have no choice but to have a portable air conditioner. Portable air conditioner units include air cleaners, fans and dehumidifiers. The improved quality of the air alone is often a reason to go with a portable air conditioner unit. Also, a portable air conditioner can be moved from room to room. And, the installation of the portable unit is easy. The units do require space for tubing to run through the wall.
The portable units have a single exhaust hose that routs air from inside the room over the air conditioners’ condenser coils and finally to the outside. A typical portable air conditioner comes with a low-profile vent adapter bracket that is placed in a double-hung window to allow the hot, humid air to escape. The air from the room that is being cooled is exhausted outside.
Pros of Portable Air conditioners
Central air conditioners energy use in a home or business costs homeowners cost more than $15 billion per year, according to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy. Proper matching of portable air conditioners to the square footage of a room can help lower cooling costs when supplementing a central air conditioning system. This is especially true for rooms that generate more heat, such as a kitchen or an office with copiers, computers and other equipment. Let’s look at some of the pro features and their benefit to you.
Feature Benefit
Ability to cool small areas Can be moved from area to area as needed.
Economy Lower cooling costs than central air systems. Lower price for the equipment that the window model.
Minimal Set up Only requires a simple venting system with a hose and a window spacer.
Energy Use Uses less energy that a central air conditioner.
Emergencies Useful in an emergency when other systems have failed or an unusually hot period occurs.
Humidifiers Portable air conditioners are also dehumidifiers – meaning they cool the room and they remove excess moisture from the air.
Maintenance Low maintenance costs, mainly cost for changing filters.
Cons of Portable Air Conditioners
The main drawbacks of portable air conditioners are listed below.
Feature Con Issue
Energy rating Low rating; Many do meet or exceed the 10 SEER efficiency ratio
Cost Portables have to run a long time during hot spells.
Noise They are louder than other types of air conditioner systems.
Condensation Some models require a drip pan you must empty daily. A unit could produce 30 pints of condensation per day.
Area coverage Only useful for small areas.
Pricing Portable Air Conditioners
Depending on the model, portable air conditioners range in price from $149.00 to over $900. A 10,000 BTU is in the price range of $400. A 14,000 BTU model is in the price range of $599. A three-speed cooler that can cool up to 900 sq. ft. and can lower the temperature up to 30 degrees F may cost up to one thousand dollars -$1,000. Many companies offer a selection of models, such as Sears, Frigidaire, LG, Edgestar,JC Penney, Danby, Honeywell, Kenmore, “AIMCO, Arctic Armor, CFM, Haler, Sharp, and many others.
Summary
Lower prices, flexibility and ease of installation are pluses for the purchase of portable air conditioners. They offer a better alternative for residences without central air conditioning, especially when the number of rooms and square footage are minimal. Yet the overall energy use, condensation removal issues and noise might dissuade one from buying one.
Consider these things when buying a portable air conditioner:
1. How many BTU’s are needed – How big is the space is that you need to cool. Check the square footage of your space. Then, look at the BTUs of the unit which tells you how much cooling energy the unit will provide.
2. Do you need multifunctioning system – It’s better to get a portable AC unit that is committed to its main function as an air conditioner with a limited and secondary function of a dehumidifier.
3. Do you need a Dual or Single Hose Portable ACS –Remember the about the Dual hose systems are more efficient in larger settings.
4. How loud are Portable Air Conditioners –How is the room to be used?
5. Consider the type of maintenance needed – How much work you is need to keep it running properly?
Ingersoll-Rand Buys Trane/American Standard
How Trane and American Standard were bought by
Ingersoll-Rand
Written by Betty Stephens of Quest Media
Ingersoll-Rand Company Limited (Ireland based company) acquired Trane Inc. formerly American Standard Companies Inc., in a transaction valued at approximately $10.1 billion, including transaction fees and the assumption of approximately $150 million of Trane net debt. Trane was a global leader in indoor climate control systems, services and solutions with revenues of $7.4 billion.
Under the terms of the merger agreement, which was approved by the Boards of 
Directors of both companies, Ingersoll Rand acquired all outstanding common stock of Trane. Holders of Trane’s 200 million common shares received a combination of $36.50 in cash and 0.23 Ingersoll Rand shares of common stock per each Trane share. The total value for this transaction was $47.81 per Trane share based on the closing price as of December 14, 2007. The transaction closed in 2008.
The Ingersoll Rand portfolio now includes an $11 billion Climate Control business which can offer high value equipment, systems and services necessary for delivering solutions across the temperature spectrum for indoor, stationary, and transport applications worldwide.
This acquisition was a significant next step in Ingersoll Rand’s decade-long transformation to become a leading global diversified industrial company, with strong market positions across the climate control, industrial and security markets. It is expected that the acquisition of Trane meets will increase consistency of revenue and income streams, adding strong brands and market positions, and further strengthening the organic growth potential of our portfolio. Trane’s leadership position in the global commercial and residential climate control industry enhances Ingersoll’s highly regarded Hussmann and Thermo King Brands.
What Did The Trane Buy Out Offer Ingersoll-Rand?
Trane had a large installed base of equipment and systems that provided profitable aftermarket growth potential. Also, Trane was the leading company in the market in North America and was growing strongly and increasing its position in the international markets.
Trane Inc., previously named American Standard Companies Inc., provided systems and services that enhance the quality and comfort of the air in homes and buildings around the world. The company offered customers a broad range of energy-efficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems; dehumidifying and air cleaning products; service and parts support; advanced building controls; and financing solutions.
Trane’s systems and services were leading positions in premium commercial, residential, institutional and industrial markets; a reputation for reliability, high quality and product innovation; and a powerful distribution network. Trane had more than 29,000 employees and 29 production facilities worldwide.
In 1984, Trane was acquired by American Standard Inc., and became a fixture in the American Standard Companies business. Following a leveraged buyout in 1988, American Standard returned as a publicly held corporation in 1995.[3]
On February 1, 2007, American Standard Companies announced it would break up its three divisions. The company sold off its namesake kitchen and bath division and spun off WABCO, American Standard’s vehicle controls division, while retaining The Trane Company. American Standard then renamed itself Trane Inc. effective November 28, 2007.
Ingersoll-Rand Inc. History
Ingersoll-Rand plc (NYSE: IR) is a global diversified industrial company founded in 1871. The Ingersoll Rand name came into use in 1905 through the combination of Ingersoll-Sergeant Drill Company and Rand Drill Company. Ingersoll-Rand was replaced by Quanta Services in June 2009 on the S&P 500 index. Ingersoll-Rand is currently listed on the S&P 500 index (as one of only 15 companies incorporated outside the U.S.) as it replaced Pactiv in November 2010.[2] Its corporate headquarters are in the Airside Business Park in Swords, Fingal, County, Dublin, Ireland.
In 1871, Simon Ingersoll founded Ingersoll Rock Drill Company in New York. In 1905 Ingersoll-Sargeant Drill Company merged with the Rand Drill Company to form Ingersoll Rand. Ingersoll-Rand has largely grown by acquisition since that time. In October 2002, shareholders voted to move the company’s incorporation to Bermuda to capitalize on the savings on U.S. corporate income taxes on products sold overseas. Ingersoll Rand in March 2009 relocated their offices from Bermuda to Ireland. On June 4, 2010, Michael W. Lamach was elected Chairman of the company. He retained his current titles of President and Chief Executive Officer.
Ingersoll Rand’s corporate headquarters are in the Airside Business Park in Swords, Fingal, County Dublin, Ireland. Its North America headquarters are in Davidson, North Carolina, United States. Its European headquarters are in Sint-Stevens-Woluwe, Zaventem, Belgium. Its Asia headquarters are in Tower B of City Center of Shanghai in Shanghai, People’s Republic of China. Ingersoll-Rand now has a diverse and innovative products range from complete air compressor systems, air tools, ARO pumps, material handling systems and more. Ingersoll Rand provides products, services and solutions that enhance their customers’ energy efficiency, productivity and operations.
In 2011, Ingersoll Rand chose the Tyler, Texas plant as one of several Trane locations selected for downsizing. The number of job losses was expected to be 528 hourly positions, a figure that does not include salaried workers. The Tyler plant employed about 1,600 people.
Trane’s manufacturing plant in Fort Smith, AK, let go of 170 people in 2010.
A plant in Lynn Haven, FL. also cut 197 hourly and 15 salaried jobs by the end of last year. Other records show the company in 2009 cut more than 200 jobs at its Pueblo facility to reduce its workforce to about 435 people. The manufacturer of commercial air conditioning systems cut 270 jobs and transferred them to its plant in Monterrey, Mexico.
WiFi Thermostats
WI-FI THERMOSTATS
By Betty Stephens owner of Quest Media
Now you can buy a Wi-Fi thermostat” (or “ip thermostat”, “internet thermostat”, etc.) which allows you to control your thermostat settings remotely, it can be controlled from a computer or even your iPhone or Smartphone!
With the use of smartphones and laptops now there are ways to put them to work for us in controlling our thermostats. Many companies are putting resources toward creating home wireless thermostats that can be controlled with a Smartphone or computer. Now you can adjust the temperature even when you’re away from home, allowing you to control your heating and air conditioning temperatures and save money no matter where you are. Scheduling when to heat or cool your home is environmentally friendly, saves you money and is easy to do.
The easiest way to reduce your energy bills is to lower your thermostat when the house is empty. For people who work most of the day, set your thermostat much lower (or higher for cooling) during the hours you are gone. Then have a more comfortable temperature kick in about half an hour before you arrive home.
The Wi-Fi thermostat allows you to schedule heating and cooling using a connection to the Internet from a home broadband connection, Utilities can also operate demand response programs through the thermostat, where consumers get a rebate for allowing the utility to change thermostat settings to lower energy use during peak times.
The hope is that easy-to-use Smartphone and tablet apps, which let people remotely, control their heating and cooling, will increase the participation in efficiency and demand response programs. The arrival of popular Wi-Fi thermostat and apps to program thermostats helps make them more consumer-friendly.
Once properly installed, the radio transmitter chip inside the thermostat allows you to connect to your laptop or iPhone using your Wi-Fi network. You are then able to control the thermostat remotely. Even with the thermostats technical advances, it works with all modern central air conditioning units, making it compatible with your home no matter how old.
Wi-Fi Thermostats Features
Here are some features you should look for when installing a Wi-Fi thermostat:
- Scheduling & Programming:
A top-ranking Wi-Fi thermostat should be able to schedule a variety of preferred temperatures based on several weekly or daily programs, such as a seven-day schedule or a weekday and weekend program.
- Design:
The best Wi-Fi thermostats have a sleek, modern look and are easily integrated into most home designs. Top-ranking thermostats have a touch screen display.
- Features:
The best Wi-Fi thermostats have advanced features, such as multiple heating and cooling stages, vacation features, a clock, a humidity sensor, an outside temperature display, and compatibility with a mobile app. It offers internet connectivity via Wi-Fi, mobile apps for remote management, and “learning” features that let it auto-program itself based on your habits.
- Warranty & Support:
The best Wi-Fi thermostats are backed by a strong warranty. Manufacturers should offer FAQs, online support forums, and installation documents and other helps on their websites.
Costs
The Wi-Fi thermostat tends to be expensive. They retails from $200 to $500 depending on the model and features you want. Some models require a professional contractor to come and install so they can get expensive. Almost any smart thermostat will require more money at the outset than a simple programmable model. Some are designed so you can install them yourself.
Wine Cooler/Wine Rooms
WINE COOLING By Betty Stephens, Quest Media
Only a small percentage of fine wines benefit from long-term aging. Most wines are best enjoyed within a few years of release. If you’re looking to buy wines to mature, you should really consider investing in professional-grade storage.
The number one enemy of wine is heat. Temperatures higher than 70° F ages wine more quickly. If it gets too hot it may cook the wine. The ideal temperature range is between 45° F and 65° F. You can keep wines in your refrigerator up to two months.
Light (especially sunlight), can cause problems for long-term storage. The sun can degrade and age wine too early. This is one reason vintners use colored glass bottles. Light from household bulbs probably won’t damage the wine, but can fade your labels in the long run. Incandescent bulbs may be a bit safer than fluorescent bulbs.
If you do not have a cool, not-too-damp basement to store your wine, you can improvise with some simple racks in a safe place. Leave out the kitchen, laundry room or boiler room, where hot temperatures will affect your wines. And, stay away from a place with light pouring in from a window. Let’s look at types of storage and cooling for your wine
1. WINE CELLARS
It is through the cork that wine breathes and ages. Changes in the environment, (temperature and humidity), in a wine cellar causes the wine to age. If there is too much oxidation the wine will be bitter. Wine requires oxidation to mature; but, it must be controlled so that adverse conditions do not affect the aging process of the wine. The breathing pace is faster at high temperatures and slower at low temperatures.
Humidity
A wine cellar cooling unit is designed to leave 50-70% relative humidity inside the cellar atmosphere, and only partially takes away moisture when necessary. The ideal humidity range for aging wine is 55-75%. Humidity levels of 80% or higher will cause mold to form and rot the labels. Lower levels draws wine out of the bottles and replaces the wine with oxygen rich air.
A wine cellar cooling unit is comprised of two main components:
1) the Evaporator
2) the Condenser
All you need to know about these two things is that the Condenser is typically noisy and that it requires significant space for ventilation. Self-Contained” cooling unit have both of these components contained within one single housing. A “Split System” cooling unit splits the Evaporator and the Condenser into two separate housings. the idea being to move the ‘noisy’ component so that you can place it where the noise won’t matter, maybe the garage.
Types of Cooling Units
The basic types of cooling units for wine cellars are:
1. Ductable Wine Cellar Cooling Units
2. Split Cooling Systems
3. Standard Through-the-Wall
Ductable Wine Cellar Cooling Units: are the best way to create the ideal storage
climate for your wine collection. The units are self-contained and have the ability to accept ductwork allowing the cool air to flow into your cellar and allowing the warm air to exhaust to an alternate location. There is no obtrusive cooling unit inside the cellar.
Split Cooling Systems: This is an ideal unit if a remote condenser situation is needed, or when looking for a longer lasting higher quality cooling system. With only an evaporator wall mounted in your cellar, you will enjoy ideal wine cellar climate control without the increased noise levels and vibration that entry level units tend to have. Split Systems are costly and they require a HVAC professional to install.
Standard Through-the-Wall Units: allow you to use a self contained system without any ductwork or refrigeration lines. You must have a larger interior space to vent the extremely cost effective units into. They keep the ideal temperature and maintain the proper humidity for your wine cellar.
2. WINE COOLERS/REFRIGERATORS
If you are looking to store and chill wine so you may enjoy them at their peak temperature and vitality, you might be interested in a free-standing wine cooler. Wine coolers/wine refrigerators or wine chillers are a great way to store and age your Chardonnay and Merlot under ideal conditions to get the most out of your wines.
If you are having a party or just enjoying a bottle occasionally, a wine cooler could give you the most flavor and vitality out of the wine you serve or drink. Having a separate refrigerator is vital for storing more than one or two bottles for a short time since a normal refrigerator is too cold and can it can spoil the flavor of your wine.
Choosing a Wine Cooler
Choose a cooler that has the most features and highest quality. They come in different price ranges. The average cooler is in the $200 to $300 price range:
• Packaging
Wine is a classy beverage, and you want your storage choice to look like an expensive piece of furniture. It should run quietly. And most important, it holds a constant temperature and humidity for the best storage. Check to see if it is easy to install and use.
• Features
The best wine coolers provide the most features for your money. The most important features to look for are:
o dual or single chilling zones
o digital or manual temperature controls
o the type of cooling method used
There are two types of cooling systems used in wine chillers. They are (1) the thermoelectric, or (2) compressor and coolant systems like the ones used in kitchen refrigerators.
• Quality
You definitely will want to make sure the wine cooler will not stop working on you. Check the warranty.
• Storage Size
The wine refrigerator that you buy should provide you with the capacity to fit your storage needs. They range from eight bottle capacity to 50 bottle capacity and to 160 bottle capacity.
Some of the top-ranked wine coolers are: NewAir, Whynter and Danby.
The door itself is something to consider when buying a cooler. You must decide if you want to view the bottles or protect them from light. So look for glass that is clear, tempered, tinted, double-paneled or UV-resistant. Check the placement of the door. It should open on the correct side based on where you are setting it. You may want to consider a model that has a lock or an alarm.
More expensive units may have multiple temperature zones, which is a nice feature if you want to keep your reds at one temperature and your whites at a cooler, more ready-to-drink temperature. Humidity controls are also important. Look for a unit that is quiet. The better the materials such as aluminum shelves will conduct cool temperatures better than plastic ones, or a rough interior that will be better for humidity than a smooth one.
Wine racks can be used to store your wine collection. Table top designs will hold from two to as many as 48 bottles of wine.
Always remember that proper wine storage requires proper temperature and environment. Ensure your wine cellar or wine cabinet ages your wine to its fullest potential with a wine cooling unit. Wine cooling units keep your wine enclosure’s temperature stable while reducing humidity to proper wine storage levels.
HVAC Schools
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC) Schools
The employment market for certified HVAC technicians is expected to grow faster than average. According to the Department of Labor this job market will grow by over 30% over the next few years. The job market will offer opportunities for those with the HVAC training from certified technical schools or with formal apprenticeships. Receiving HVAC certification through one of the many institutions is highly recommended by employers and will only increase a technician’s advancement opportunities.
| The United States population is growing; this means the demand for residential, commercial, and industrial climate-control systems is also growing. The increased complexity of HVAC systems, increasing the possibility that equipment may not function properly, also will create opportunities for more service technicians. Maintenance and repair work will remain constant. People and businesses must be able to depend on their HVAC systems to stay in working order, regardless of economic conditions.To keep up with this growing demand for systems requires that more HVAC technicians are trained. There are different training programs available for those people interested in entering this field.It’s of utmost importance for a student to complete his/her HVAC training from an accredited training school as it’s the basic requirement of almost all the HVAC companies at time of hiring employees for their firm. So, it can be said that a future HVAC technician must fulfill the educational standards set by HVAC industry itself. To know whether an HVAC training program provided by a training school is accredited or not, the student needs to check whether the program has been approved by the National Center for Construction Education and Research, HVAC Excellence or the Partnership for Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration. |
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC) Schools
| Types of HVAC Training Programs HVAC training consists of classroom lectures and hands-on training designed to teach students how to maintain, repair and diagnose HVAC equipment. With technological advances rapidly changing the industry, formal HVAC training is becoming more in demand and a necessity. |
There are several ways to receive HVAC training. The most common are:
- HVAC Degree Programs, usually associate’s degree
- HVAC Certificate Programs, for professionals who already hold a degree
- HVAC Diploma Programs, for high school-educated professionals
Degree Programs
As an HVAC technician, an HVAC degree program can help you gain the skills needed for installing and maintaining heating, ventilating, air conditioning and other temperature control systems. The associate’s degree is usually a two year program, but you can get a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in HVAC.
Advances in technology and new environmental regulations have caused the HVAC job description to change and expand in recent years. By earning your HVAC degree, you can take the first important step to becoming a successful HVAC technician. The following is a list of HVAC degree programs look for the one right for you.
Diploma Programs
With an HVAC diploma from an accredited education program, you will be ready to enter the exciting field of HVAC technology. You will learn the ins and outs of installing, repairing and maintaining different temperature control systems.
There are several excellent HVAC diploma programs available. Take some time to explore different options and discover which education program is right for you. Review this list to learn about HVAC diplomas.
Certification
By earning an HVAC certificate, you can become a qualified HVAC technician capable of installing and repairing heating, ventilation, air conditioning and other temperature control systems. Earning an HVAC certificate involves completing courses designed to teach you about all areas of the HVAC industry. You will learn the basics of not only installing, but also maintaining and repairing different HVAC systems.
Review the list of some of the HVAC certificate programs available and learn more about how to earn your HVAC certificate.
Types of Certification
- 1. A type I technician primarily works on small appliances such as domestic refrigerators, window air conditioners, and vending machines.
- 2. A type II technician primarily works on equipment using a high pressure refrigerant… The equipment includes residential air conditioners and heat pumps, supermarket refrigeration and process refrigeration.
- 3. A type III technician primarily works on equipment using a low pressure refrigerant, these units are primarily chillers.
It is always best to go to a community college or a specialized HVAC training school as most of these schools offer online training or a combination of both. Some of the highly rated schools which provide Accredited HVAC training are Lincoln Technical Institute, WyoTech, Everest Institute and American School of Technology.
So be sure to check to see, if the school has a renowned accreditation or not, you should know if the program is accredited by the National Center for Construction Education and Research, HVAC Excellence and the Partnership for Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration or not. In case the school has affiliation with any of these, it can be trusted. Most of the community colleges have the accreditation from these centers which make them more trustworthy.
.HVAC Training Programs /Schools:
| Alabama | Alaska | Arizona | Arkansas | California |
| Colorado | Connecticut | Delaware | Florida | Georgia |
| Hawaii | Idaho | Illinois | Kansas | Kentucky |
| Louisiana | Maine | Maryland | Massachusetts | Michigan |
| Minnesota | Mississippi | Missouri | Montana | Nebraska |
| Nevada | New Hampshire | New Jersey | New Mexico | New York |
| North Carolina | Dakota | Ohio | Oklahoma | Oregon |
| Pennsylvania | Puerto Rico | Rhode Island | South Carolina | Wyoming |
| Tennessee | Indiana | Texas | Utah | Vermont |
| West Virginia | Washington | Washington DC | Wisconsin | South Dako |
**To access schools in your state, use— Control + Click to follow the link.
Online HVAC Training Programs
Recently online HVAC training has become popular for students who want a career in HVAC installation, maintenance or sales field. These courses check the understanding of the students about the HVAC industry and give them an idea about the areas where they lack skill or knowledge. Online training can prove to be helpful for the students interested in enriching their knowledge in HVAC systems. The best part is that some online HVAC training programs are specifically designed for HVAC technician who desire to receive instant certification without taking any training program
Students leaning towards online HVAC technician training like the convenience of setting their own schedules. Online training proves to be most helpful to those who are already a full time employee of the HVAC industry. Working people get a chance to upgrade their knowledge to keep themselves in pace with the latest advancements and may be able to get certification. The minimum length of these programs is 10 hours and the maximum can be up to 2 weeks. The limitation of this program is that it stresses more on the theoretical aspect of HVAC industry. These programs allow the student to complete the required practical trainings from their working sites subsequently with their employment. The student can take the NATE and EPA certification exams that are when they complete the program.
Other than HVAC schooling, one can also choose to get apprenticeship in HVAC which takes a longer duration to complete. The duration of the apprenticeships generally takes from 2 to 5 years in most of the HVAC organizations. For getting an apprenticeship in HVAC system designs, one can join some of the renowned associations like Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors National Association, Mechanical Contractors Association of America.
Summary
As different states follow different laws, so it’s necessary to read all the certification details before enrolling in any program. It is always better to do a thorough search on the state laws about the programs before choosing one.
It is not mandatory for every person working in HVAC industry to be certified but, if a person wants to become a HVAC technician or mechanic, it’s certainly required. Apart from being trained on heating, vents and air conditioning units, people with HVAC certification also have the qualification to work in the refrigeration field. They can gain expertise in large-scale projects like commercial refrigeration units. The primary requirement for becoming a certified HVAC technician is that the person should attend classes and should have cleared a state-mandated certification test.
Do your research on schools and talk with students and graduates of these schools before paying admission fees. Also speak with potential employers and get their opinions about schools and training. Ask about job placement assistance, real world wages and tools needed. Interview people who are doing what you would like to do, and ask how they got their training, and what they advise.