ASHRAE Journal - January 2009 - (Page 10) Material Costs Surged in ’08 Using Less Metal in ACs TOKYO—A report in the Japan Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration News (JARN) says dramatic price increases in 2008 for raw materials is forcing some HVAC&R manufacturers to change structural specifications of developmental products or redesign existing models to reduce the amount of metal. One major Japanese manufacturer, JARN says, decided to reduce by 10% the amount of copper and aluminum it uses in its key air-conditioner products. For new models, the firm will adopt designs that use less metal. For existing products, it is rethinking part design, specifications and materials. The company, JARN says, opted to reduce materials because raising the prices of products would reduce competitiveness. Another Japanese company, JARN says, has started using cheaper metals such as aluminum or other materials to replace copper in room air conditioners. Since replacing copper with aluminum would decrease performance, the company is trying to adjust the parameters of aluminum components to maintain efficiency. In other countries in Asia, including China and Korea, many companies are using copper-aluminum connecting pipes. This approach is the most common copper replacement method for air conditioners because it doesn’t affect key components such as evaporators and condensers. Almost every major air-conditioning Carrier Acquires Noresco FARMINGTON, Conn.—Car rier Corp. has acquired Noresco, an energy services company. The acquisition was completed on Nov. 20. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Established in 1984, Noresco provides efficiency and infrastructure upgrade projects for a range of customers. Noresco is headquartered in Westborough, Mass., and has 20 offices in the U.S. manufacturer has raised prices at least once during 2008 because of the increasing cost of materials. In addition to copper, steel and plastics have increased dramatically. In Korea, for example, the cost for steel increased 63% in June. In addition, energy costs associated with transportation also have surged. 10 ASHRAE Journal www.info.hotims.com/22183-67 January 2009 http://www.nexusvalve.com http://www.nexusvalve.com http://www.info.hotims.com/22183-67
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