 NORA Releases Biodiesel/Bioheat Report
As part of its authorization by Congress (the Agricultural Act of 2014, a.k.a. the U.S. Farm Bill), the National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA) is required to prepare a report on the use of biofuels in heating oil equipment.
The new report, Developing a Renewable Biofuel Option for the Home Heating Sector, was released on May 13, 2015. It is the most comprehensive report of its kind, according to NORA.
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OESP reconvenes in Hershey
Association toasts Judy Garber at her final convention
The National Association of Oil & Energy Service Professionals (OESP) returned to Hershey, PA for its 61st Annual Convention & Trade Show, May 17-20. The four-day event--which included a two-day trade show, numerous educational sessions, a golf outing and the annual Care to Ride fundraiser for Oil Heat Cares--culminated in an Awards Banquet Tuesday evening, honoring Executive Director Judy Garber at her final OESP Convention.
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AREE and OESP to co-host 2016 Convention at Foxwoods
The Oil and Energy Service Professionals (OESP) and the Atlantic Region Energy Expo (AREE) announced that they will come together to host a joint trade show and convention, May 22-26, 2016 at the Foxwoods Resort Casino in Ledyard, CT.
The new, co-hosted event will include a two-day trade show for the petroleum marketing and HVAC industry, as well as expanded educational programs and networking events for all company personnel: owners, managers, service managers, technicians and customer service representatives.
"This joint venture is a logical step in a consolidating industry," said Eric DeGesero, Executive VP, Fuel Merchants Association of New Jersey (FMA), a major AREE sponsor.
Click here for the full story.
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Department of Energy Aims to Increase Boiler and Furnace Efficiency Standards and Testing Methods
The U.S. Department of Energy (DoE) intends to increase the minimum allowable AFUE standard for boilers and furnaces as well as reviewing and possibly redefining the testing procedure to calculate the efficiency rate.
The new standard would move gas-fired boilers up to a minimum of 85% (from 82%) and oil-fired boilers up to 86% (from (84%). Gas furnaces (non-weatherized) would have to meet a minimum of 92% efficiency eliminating all but condensing gas furnaces from the market.Currently oil furnaces are not being effected.
The DoE's research shows that these new standards will reduce fuel use, reduce negative environmental impact and reduce overall consumer costs.
Some groups, including trade associations, are fighting these new regulations as they feel they are unrealistic, will cause safety issues and actually raise the cost to homeowners.
Additionally, there is considerable concern with the speed at which these regulations are being moved and many, are working to slow them down in order to understand their full impact.
If adopted, the phase-in period will be five years.
Public comments are being accepted by the DoE through early July.
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NAECA III water heater standards take effect
Updates to the National Appliance Energy Conservation Act (NAECA) went into effect on April 16, raising the minimum required Energy Factor of gas, oil and electric water heaters, depending on storage volume.
NAECA III, finalized in 2010, requires slight efficiency rating increases for heaters under 55 gallons, which many manufacturers will accommodate by adding about an inch of insulation--increasing the size of such heaters in both height and diameter.
Gas-fired water heaters over 55 gallons will also need to increase their Energy Factor to about 0.75, leading many to expect manufacturers to only produce high-efficiency condensing water heaters for these larger sizes. Regulations for electric heaters over 55 gallons will require an Energy Factor of 1.92-1.99, more than double the previous regulation.
Click here for more.
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 Bosch Greenstar FS
Bosch Thermotechnology's wall-mounted Greenstar condensing gas boiler is now available in a free-standing form to better meet U.S. market demands. Available in eight heat-only and combi models ranging from 57 to 151 MBH inputs, the Greenstar FS achieves an AFUE of 95%, according to Bosch.
The Greenstar FS comes equipped with a pump, pressure relief valve, propane conversion kit and twin pipe flue adaptor, an integrated low-loss header and temperature sensor. Regular heat-only models contain an indirect hot water tank sensor; combi models include an expansion vessel.
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 Fieldpiece Loaded Clamp Meters
The new SC620 and SC640 Loaded Clamp Meters from Fieldpiece are just that--loaded with more features and measurements than any comparable HVACR clamp meter on the market, according to the manufacturer. The SC640 features a jaw flashlight, LCD backlight and dial backlight, allowing for accurate measurements in poorly lit spaces. Features include a swivel clamp, magnetic strap and dual display.
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Refer to the upcoming July/August issue of
Indoor Comfort Marketing for a full roundup of new products.
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Taco takes on the Swatara Creek
During the OESP Convention & Trade Show in Hershey, Taco and Common Ground invited the industry press on a kayaking adventure down the nearby Swatara Creek, a 72-mile tributary of the Susquehanna River. Along the way, kayakers enjoyed breathtaking views of the east-central Pennsylvania countryside and were treated to dinner and a guided tour of Indian Echo Caverns, a large network of limestone caves.
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 NEFI Expo is back for 2015
Registration now open
The New England Fuel Institute (NEFI) Energy Expo will be held June 10-11 at the DCU Center in Worcester, MA. With a theme of Fuel Your Future, the expo features presentations by industry figures including Chris Herb, CEMA; Rich Goldberg, Ed Cardell and Ken Reese, Warm Thoughts; Paul Nazzaro, Nazarro Group; Phil Baratz, Angus Energy; Sean Cota, Cetane Associates; and ICM publisher Don Farrell.
Visit http://www.nefi.com/expo.php or contact Martha Leshine at (504)-236-3300/Martha.Leshine@nefi.com to register and for more information on visiting, exhibiting, accommodation and sponsorship opportunities.
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Gas Appliance Service presents Timmie McElwain
June Training Sessions
June 15: Fundamentals of Combustion - $300
June 16: Circuitry & Troubleshooting - $300
June 17: Hydronic Controls Circuitry - $300
June 18: Gas Heating Electric Ignition Systems - $300
June 19: Gas Heating Advanced Electric Ignition Systems - $300
June 25: Powerpile systems - $300
All classes:
338 Metacom Ave, Warren, RI
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
To register, e-mail gastc@cox.net
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Xylem's Bell & Gossett Little Red Schoolhouse
June Training Seminars
6/1-3: Modern Hydronic Heating Systems - Basic Seminar*
6/8-10: Design & Application of Water Based HVAC Systems*
6/15-17: Large Chilled Water System Design*
* Seminar approved by Green Building Certification Institute to provide credit toward the credential maintenance requirements of the LEED Green Associate and LEED AP certifications.
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