Join Aire Technologies at the 2024 AHR Expo

Posted on by Aire Technologies

Join Aire Technologies at the 2024 AHR Expo in Chicago, Illinois, on January 22-24, 2024, at booth #S8110.  See the latest products from Ductmate, Aire Technologies, GreenSeam, and Linx Industries, and learn how DMI is your one source for infinite solutions.

The AHR Expo brings together manufacturers and suppliers of all sizes and specialties to share ideas and showcase the future of HVACR technology. It’s the industry’s best place for OEMs, engineers, contractors, facility operators, architects, educators, and other professionals to experience everything new in HVACR and build the vital relationships that grow businesses and careers.

We hope to see you there! Learn more about the AHR Expo at ahrexpo.com.

Pop Quiz: Fire Dampers

Posted on by Aire Technologies

Pop Quiz!

1. What belongs in this space?
A. Horizontal fire damper
B. Vertical fire damper
C. CRD

 

2. What belongs in this space?
A. Horizontal fire damper
B. Vertical fire damper
C. CRD

 

3. What belongs in this space?
A. Horizontal fire damper
B. Vertical fire damper
C. CRD

*Answers are posted at the bottom of the page.

 

Want to learn more about fire dampers or simply need a refresher? Aire Technologies has you covered.

What is a Fire Damper?

A fire damper is “a listed device installed in ducts and air transfer openings designed to close automatically upon detection of heat and resist the passage of flame.”  In other words, these devices use curtain-style blades intended to resist passage through a UL-rated assembly.

Fire dampers are installed in HVAC ductwork to reestablish the fire rating of the barrier (walls, floors or other rated partitions/barriers) through which the penetration was created. Fire dampers are specifically intended for through penetrations, not membrane penetrations.

When preventing the spread of fire through buildings, fire dampers play a critical role and can mean the difference between life and death for a building’s occupants in the event of a fire.

It is important to note that fire dampers and ceiling radiation dampers are NOT the same thing and CANNOT be used interchangeably.

What is a Fire Rated Partition or Barrier?

A fire-rated partition has an assembly of materials that will afford a given fire resistance rating (expressed in hours) to impede the spread of fire from one area to another.

A fire-rated barrier is a fire-resistance-rated wall assembly of materials designed to restrict the spread of fire in which continuity is maintained.

What Types of Fire Dampers Does Aire Technologies Offer?

Aire Technologies’ fire dampers have been extensively engineered and tested to prevent the spread of fire inside the ductwork through fire-resistance-rated walls.

Our fire dampers are available for both static and dynamic systems and are offered in multiple configurations to suit almost any specification. Additionally, our standard 4¼” and thin line 2” frame profiles are constructed with interlocking curtain-style blades offered in three types (A, B, and C) to accommodate different air stream efficiencies.

Aire Technologies’ fire dampers are UL 555 Classified and rated for 1½ hours or 3 hours and have been approved by the New York City Department of Buildings MEA Division and the California State Fire Marshal.

What Do the Different Types of Fire Dampers Mean?

A static fire damper has no airflow closure rating, meaning that these can only be applied in HVAC systems designed to shut down automatically in the event of a fire.  Because the HVAC system/fan will turn off, these dampers are designed like a curtain, allowing the damper to fall and shut due to gravity.

A dynamic fire damper closes while the HVAC system is running and should be selected to operate against the airflow conditions seen in the application.  Because the fan will stay on, the spring-loaded design helps the damper to spring shut against the air pressure.

Where Can I Buy Aire Technologies’ Fire Dampers?

Ready to buy some fire dampers? As always, we are happy to work with you to deliver your desired HVAC products.  Aire Technologies’ products can be purchased through our representative locations across the US as part of our selective regional distribution network.  Use the Aire Tech representative map to find a rep in your region and place your order today!

Need help to choose the right fire damper? Check out our simple guide for selecting the correct Aire Technologies fire damper:

 

Answers:

  1. B: Through Penetrations in walls require horizontal ductwork with a vertical fire damper that can close via gravity in static applications or with an additional negator spring in dynamic applications. Fire dampers are used to stop the spread of flame through the ductwork to another room or floor.
  2. A: Through Penetrations in walls require horizontal ductwork with a vertical fire damper that can close via gravity in static applications or with an additional negator spring in dynamic applications. Fire dampers are used to stop the spread of flame through the ductwork to another room or floor.
  3. C: Through Penetrations in walls require horizontal ductwork with a vertical fire damper that can close via gravity in static applications or with an additional negator spring in dynamic applications. Fire dampers are used to stop the spread of flame through the ductwork to another room or floor.

Enter to Win – Social Media Giveaway

Posted on by Aire Technologies

Aire Technologies is hosting a giveaway for our social media followers. Enter to win a Yeti 45 Tundra hard cooler and a $50 Amazon gift card in just four easy steps!

How to enter (Facebook, Instagram, and/or LinkedIn):
1. Like/follow Aire Technologies
2. Like the giveaway post
3. Tag 2 friends in the comments
4. Share the post to your feed

BONUS ENTRIES: Complete these steps on Facebook, Instagram, and/or LinkedIn to enter. Each additional platform you complete these steps on will count as a bonus entry. Three (3) entries are allowed per person TOTAL (one per platform).

RULES & ELIGIBILITY: You must complete all steps to enter, or your name will not be entered into the drawing. The deadline to enter is June 23, 2023, at midnight EST.  The giveaway is limited to U.S. residents only. You must be 18+ years old to enter.  No purchase is necessary to enter.

IRS regulations stipulate that for employees who receive any prize of cash, gift card, or goods/services (other than de minimis), it must be included in the recipient’s taxable gross income. For any DMI employee winning a prize, the fair market value will be included in the employee’s taxable gross income and reported on their W2 form.

If a non-DMI employee wins a prize, the prize amount will be treated as 1099 income. The recipient will receive a Form 1099-MISC on any winnings totaling $600 or more in a calendar year.  The recipient must complete and submit an IRS Form W-9, which includes their social security number, before receiving the prize if DMI determines the prize value to require a 1099.

Good luck to all participants!

Show Some Louver Love

Posted on by Aire Technologies

Show some “louver love” by learning about the purpose of a louver and what types of louvers Aire Technologies has to offer.

What is the Purpose of a Louver?

A louver is a device comprised of horizontal or vertical blades that permits air flow into a system to provide fresh air intake or exhaust while keeping outside elements such as water, dirt, animals, and debris out of the airstream. There are many different louvers with various purposes, including protection from hurricane conditions and manual or automatic air shutoff.

What Types of Louvers Does Aire Technologies Offer?

Aire Technologies offers three main types of louvers: severe duty, stationary, and combination.

When selecting a louver, be sure to check each louver’s specifics to ensure it’s the right type of louver for your building application.  To assist with this process, Aire Technologies offers a comprehensive product selection survey in our catalog to help select the right product.

Severe Duty Louvers:

Aire Technologies’ severe duty louvers are drainable louvers designed, engineered, and tested to provide protection against large debris impact, cyclic loading fatigue, and severe pressure loads experienced in high-velocity hurricane zones.

These louvers provide the maximum level of hurricane and water penetration protection out of all our louvers.  Our severe duty louvers have been certified by Miami-Dade County (with the exception of the Model WDV-6) and AMCA, ensuring a high-quality product that can be specified with confidence.

Currently, Aire Technologies offers the following severe duty louvers:

Stationary Louvers:

Aire Technologies’ stationary louvers are drainable, louvers (with the exception of the Model 445-SW) designed to prevent water penetration in building exterior walls for non-wind-driven rain applications. Water is channeled away from the face of the louver via built-in drain gutters into vertical downspouts that allow the water to drain at the sloped sill.

These louvers provide various levels of water protection and louver depths.  Our stationary louvers are AMCA certified (with the exception of the Model 245-SD), ensuring a high-quality product that can be specified with confidence.

Currently, Aire Technologies offers the following stationary louvers:

Combination Louvers:

Aire Technologies’ combination louvers are drainable (with the exception of the Model 445-CW) and adjustable, utilizing a uniquely designed weather control blade to be used in intake and exhaust applications that do not require high water penetration protection.  Water is channeled away from the face of the louver via built-in drain gutters into vertical downspouts that allow the water to drain at the sloped sill.

These louvers provide the functionality of a louver with the bonus of controlling the built-in airflow shutoff damper.  Our combination louvers are AMCA certified, ensuring a high-quality product that can be specified with confidence.

Currently, Aire Technologies offers the following combination louvers:

Can I Order Custom Louvers?

Each Aire Technologies louver is manufactured custom to meet customer specifications.  Regardless of the model of louver you’re looking for, you can choose whatever custom options you’d like, including a variety of colors in weather-resistant powder finishes, flanged vs. non-flanged, and more.

In addition to those custom options, we offer many size options, from as small as 12”x12” up to larger width and height sizes (within reason), scaling in 1/8” increments.

Where Can I Buy Aire Technologies’ Louvers?

Ready to buy some louvers? As always, we are happy to work with you to deliver your desired HVAC products.  Aire Technologies’ products can be purchased through our representative locations across the US as part of our selective regional distribution network.  Use the Aire Tech representative map to find a rep in your region and place your order today!

Schedule an Aire Technologies Product Training Now!

Posted on by Aire Technologies

Schedule a training session with our Aire Technologies representatives today to ensure you’re up to date with our four core product lines’ latest essential training information.

Who Should Attend Aire Technologies Trainings and Why?

Aire Technologies manufactures very specific life safety products that, when installed or used incorrectly, can void the critical UL rating to which the products were originally designed, tested, and approved. These products increase the allowable amount of time occupants of a building have to escape in the event of a fire.

Our training courses are meant for manufacturer’s representatives, wholesalers, contractors, engineers, inspectors, architects, and anyone else who would benefit from Aire Technologies product training.  Architects, please note that our courses are AIA accredited for one LU credit.

What Training Courses are Available?

Aire Technologies offers four key training courses with the following learning objectives:

  • Ceiling Radiation Dampers (CRDs)
    • Specify the appropriate floor/ceiling and roof/ceiling assembly for a multi-family, senior living, or mixed-use project.
    • Identify operation, testing procedures, classifications, and listings for UL-rated life safety products in architectural assemblies.
    • Specify approved life safety dampers for different floor/ceiling and roof/ceiling assemblies by navigating the UL fire resistance directory.
  • Fire Dampers
    • Specify the appropriate fire and/or smoke-resistive products given a penetration through a wall, floor, barrier, or partition.
    • Identify operation, testing procedures, classifications, and listings for UL-rated life safety products.
    • Understand the differences and similarities between using fire dampers, smoke dampers, and combination fire and smoke dampers.
  • Leakage-Rated Life Safety Dampers
    • Specify the appropriate fire and/or smoke-resistive products given a penetration through a wall, floor, barrier, or partition.
    • Identify operation, testing procedures, classifications, and listings for UL-rated life safety products.
    • Understand the differences and similarities between using fire dampers, smoke dampers, and combination fire and smoke dampers.
  • Louvers
    • Specify the appropriate louver for intake or exhaust penetration.
    • Identify operation, testing procedures, classifications, and listings for extruded aluminum louver products.

Each training course takes approximately 30-45 minutes.  If desired, you may schedule more than one training course consecutively.

Where Does the Training Take Place?

The best part about Aire Technologies’ training courses is that our representatives will come right to you, or it can be conducted virtually, depending on your preference and schedule.

Whether you attend in person or virtually, you’ll receive the same high-quality educational training from our knowledgeable representatives.

How Do I Schedule a Training?

To schedule one of Aire Technologies’ four key training courses, please fill out the online submission form below, or contact atiorders@airetechnologies.com with the following information:

  • Full Name
  • Company
  • Location (City, State)
  • Product line(s) of interest
  • Have you done business with Aire Technologies in the past?

To avoid scheduling conflicts, please get in touch with us to schedule your training at least one month before the desired date.  Our representatives may be able to accommodate a sooner date, depending on their schedules and time of year.

We look forward to seeing you and providing the product training you deserve!

 

Model DC-AGV: Built to Last

Posted on by Aire Technologies

Made to endure whatever life throws at it, the Model DC-AGV aluminum gravity ventilator is designed, engineered, and tested to provide air intake or relief while protecting severe hurricane environments.

 

The Model DC-AGV meets the following test protocols:

  • TAS 201-94 (Missile Impact Test)
  • TAS 202-94 (Uniform Static Air Pressure Test)
  • TAS 203-94 (Cyclic Wind Pressure Loading Test)

Learn more about the Model DC-AGV that’s built to last at rb.gy/8aid5j.

Aire Technologies Donates Louvers to the Rostraver Township Historical Society

Posted on by Aire Technologies

Earlier this year, Ductmate Product Line Manager Rich Plavchak discussed the potential for a local project that he was personally connected to and asked for the assistance of Aire Technologies.

The Rostraver Township Historical Society, located at 800 Fellsburg Rd in Rostraver Township, Pennsylvania, is in a historic church building originally founded in 1792.  Earlier this year, the building suffered damage during a storm that destroyed one of its four old, rotting wooden louvers in the bell tower.  Water damage was also an ongoing issue, and this beautiful historic building needed a long-term solution.

To solve these problems, Aire Technologies donated four new extruded aluminum 245 Stationary louvers powder coated white by Broken Arrow Powder Coating in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.  They were installed Wednesday, December 7, 2022, just in time for the holidays.  Each louver measured 36” wide by 55” tall.

These louvers’ design, quality, coating, and appearance will last many years.  Aire Technologies is proud to have donated these to the Rostraver Township Historical Society to help preserve this historic building and church.

For more information about the Rostraver Township Historical Society, CLICK HERE.

Pennsylvania Manufacturing Advisory Council Releases Playbook for Competitiveness

Posted on by Aire Technologies

DMI Companies, Inc.’s President and CEO Ray Yeager has worked closely with the Pennsylvania Manufacturing Advisory Council and other manufacturers for the past 18 months to develop a complete Manufacturing Competitiveness Playbook that is now available to the public.

DMI is a World Class Manufacturing enterprise because of its employees and strategic plan for success. All Pennsylvania manufacturers can reach this level of success if they utilize the Playbook blueprint.

The Playbook recommends three game changers for improving Pennsylvania manufacturing’s competitive position:
• Recapture Pennsylvania’s manufacturing competitive advantage by aggressively pursuing manufacturing growth sectors to drive prosperity.
• Invest in the factory of the future to boost the performance of small and medium-sized companies, improve the quality of manufacturing jobs, and provide better career options for more of Pennsylvania’s citizens.
• Unleash the power of advanced manufacturing to drive regional prosperity through policies and services that are more responsive to the needs of manufacturers.

The manufacturing sector is fundamental to Pennsylvania’s economic success, can compete more effectively, and offers a growing number of well-paying jobs, but the sector needs the commonwealth’s help. That’s the findings from a new report released by the Pennsylvania Manufacturing Advisory Council, a nonpartisan partnership of manufacturers and public support organizations. Pennsylvania’s Manufacturing Competitiveness Playbook identifies three game changers for Pennsylvanian manufacturing and offers ten actionable strategies to help make Pennsylvania’s manufacturing economy more robust and resilient.

“It’s vital that we do more for manufacturing because it represents one of Pennsylvania’s largest sectors, pays better than most others, and offers good benefits,” COO of the Berks County Workforce Development Board and Council Co-Chair Dan Fogarty said. “The Playbook is a great first step toward coming together around how we can be there for the sector and for communities across the Commonwealth that both support and benefit from our great industrial employers,” he added.

Manufacturing contributes $113 billion to Pennsylvania’s GDP and employs an estimated 563,000 Pennsylvanians. Pennsylvania’s Manufacturing Competitiveness Playbook includes recommendations developed by a group of 25 manufacturing and public leaders with the help of recommendations and insights offered by more than 500 manufacturers from across the Commonwealth.

The Playbook builds on Pennsylvania’s historic strengths in manufacturing and captures a vision for Pennsylvania’s future as a global leader in advanced manufacturing.

DMI urges Pennsylvania manufacturers to take the time to read the Playbook and share it with their colleagues, friends, and business associates.

CLICK HERE to download the full Playbook from the Manufacturing Advisory Council’s website.

Aire Technologies Holds 2022 Manufacturer’s Representative Forum

Posted on by Aire Technologies

Aire Technologies held its second Manufacturers’ Representative Forum at the Hilton Garden Inn Southpointe in Canonsburg, PA on September 13-15, 2022.  It has been six years since the inaugural forum in 2016. This event was held as a cooperative event focused on open dialogue between all stakeholders. Aire Tech provided product overviews including sales metrics, new devices, market news, industry updates, and steel and aluminum supply outlooks. The representatives were also provided with in-depth manufacturing and shipping process overviews followed by a tour of our Monongahela, PA, facility.

During the first day, attendees spent the day traveling to Pittsburgh and getting settled into their hotel rooms.  Later that evening, attendees were taken to Primanti Brothers in Washington, PA, for a casual dinner and social event.

During the second day, attendees spent half of the day in the Parlor C conference room engaged in presentations by Aire Technologies team members. The second half of the day was spent touring our Monongahela, PA, facility.  Presenters included Michael Florian, Brian Rudolph, Ben Stock, Duane Fetko, Sean Trudeau, Greg Krueger, Zack Zimmerman, Dan Quiroga, and John Newman.  Lunch was held at Vincent’s of Southpointe in Canonsburg, PA, and dinner was held at Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse in Pittsburgh later that evening.

During the third and final day, individual territory meetings with the representatives were held at 45-minute intervals to discuss performance, sales metrics, and 2023 forecasting. Representatives in attendance included The Kivlan Group, Gunder Associates, Sales Management Solutions, Wright Sales, Southern Rep Agency, The McAllister Group, The Eby Co., and EP Sales.

Aire Technologies provided group ground transportation to attendees throughout the forum with van drivers Tom Dunay, Jerry Morris, and Tim Jenkins of the Aire Tech manufacturing team.

Thank you to all who attended, presented, and helped organize this forum.  As always, we look forward to the next one!