Content about Heating, ventilating, and air conditioning

Jacuzzi Group Worldwide, a manufacturer of bath and spa products, announced that it has expanded its product portfolio to include a new collection of energy-efficient tankless water heaters, which will be available exclusively at select Lowe’s stores and Lowes.com. 

Powered by natural gas or propane, Jacuzzi tankless units heat water as it is needed. They use up to 30% less energy than a traditional tank-style water heater.

A portable air conditioner that provides 144,000 BTU/hr of cooling yet rolls through a standard doorway is being brought to the market by Atlas Sales & Rental. Only 34 ins. wide, the 12-ton Atlas PACslim can be used in offices, computer server rooms, event tents and other indoor/outdoor locations.

West Chester, Pa.-based Air King added the do-it-yourself, snap-in BFQ80 exhaust fan to its line of ventilation fans. 

The BFQ80 is an 80 CFM, 2.0 sone exhaust fan offering an Energy Star-qualified solution for residential ventilation needs, the company said.

“What makes the BFQ Series unique is the simple, one-person installation system,” said Jeff Kenkelen, president, Air King. “Most ‘traditional’ fans utilize either a hanger bar or mounting tab system, while the BFQ is installed using a convenient mounting bracket.”

Tax credits for energy efficiency home improvements like insulation, replacement windows, and upgraded HVAC systems will end on Dec. 31, and Congress has not yet renewed them for 2012.

This warning from the Alliance to Save Energy gives homeowners less than a month to take advantage of as much as $500 in tax credits on their 2011 federal tax returns.

Luxury home builder Toll Brothers has partnered with EchoFirst, a solar energy provider, to build new communities in Arizona that provide a complete solar energy system for water, heating and cooling. EchoFirst supplements conventional solar electric PV panels with solar thermal technology that generates electricity for hot water, as well as thermal energy for heating and cooling the home. This enables Toll Brothers to offer homes that use 70% to 80% less energy than a standard code-built home, according to the announcement.

Ashland City, Tenn.-based A. O. Smith launched a new line of XP Boilers and XP Automatic Circulating Water Heaters for large-volume commercial applications. Designed for versatility and energy savings, these units bring together touchscreen simplicity and high-efficiency operation and reliability, according to the manufacturer.

The Coalition for Energy Star Water Heaters has joined Facebook, in an effort described as a way to share current information about higher-efficiency water heating.

Contractors, plumbers and homeowners can now access the most up-to-date information about the national awareness and education campaign at facebook.com/ESWaterHeaters. 

Innovation has not escaped the attention of the following home improvement companies. July’s New Product Showcase features goods from eco-friendly cleaners to a heated jacket and everything in between. Make sure to sign up for the HCN Daily and check out homechannelnews.com for the industry’s brightest product ideas.

Milwaukee, Wis.-based A. O. Smith announced that Daniel Kempken has been named VP and controller.

In his new position, Kempken will oversee the accounting, financial planning, internal audit and risk management functions for the global manufacturer of residential and commercial water heating equipment.

Ashland City, Tenn.-based A.O. Smith is about to begin a cross-country journey called the High Efficiency Revolution Tour to promote its line of water heaters. 

The two-year long traveling show will begin this month, driving around the country in a custom-made RV dubbed the High Efficiency Mobile Marketing Vehicle. 

Dallas-based heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration manufacturer Lennox International announced it has completed its purchase of the Kysor/Warren business from The Manitowoc Company. 

Details of the acquisition were not disclosed.

Based in Columbus, Georgia, Kysor/Warren is a manufacturer of refrigerated systems and display cases for supermarkets throughout North America.