PREVIOUS NEWS

Local Association Helps Those in Need
(released December 21, 2006)

The Air Conditioning Contractors of America-National Capital Chapter (ACCA-NCC) participated in the Heat the Country (HTC) project in October 2006. This program was designed to repair and service heating equipment for elderly and/or disabled, low income homeowners and to ensure that they have adequate and safe heating in their homes this winter.

ACCA-NCC worked on both sides of the river with Tim Cropp, HTC Committee Co-Chairman (CROPP-METCALFE A/C), on the Virginia side and Chris Perry, (J & P HEATING) and Debbie Risher (BELAIR ENG.) HTC Committee Co-Chairmen, working the Maryland side.

The staging areas were at R. E. Michel’s in Alexandria and R. E. Michel’s in Forestville. Donuts, coffee and Heat the Country sweatshirts were given out. The crews headed on their service calls to the pre-screened homes. ACCA-NCC’s community partner on the Virginia side was The City of Alexandria, Department of Human Services and the Housing. On the Maryland side our community partners were the Prince George’s Home Energy Fund and Christmas in April.

Representatives from Belair Engineering, Choice Heating & A/C, Cropp-Metcalfe A/C, J & P Htg. & A/C, James A. Wheat & Sons, Krafft Svc., M & M Mech., M. E. Norton, Inc. and Shapiro & Duncan not only donated their time on that Saturday but the service continued into November where a new high efficiency boiler was installed, replacing a 40 year old, non-operational unit, in a home in Mt. Rainer at no cost to the home owner. The owner was so grateful that she was in tears on the telephone when she was told the technicians were coming to help her. She has two small children and had not had heat for a very long time. She was heating her home with two portable electric space heaters.

Another example of HTC’s generosity was the installation of a new high efficiency heat pump in Laurel. The heat pump was over 15 years old and had a bad compressor and a bad condenser coil. This new unit will reduce the high electric bills because the owner will no longer have to use the emergency, back up heat.

It is estimated that a total of 200 man hours and several thousand dollars in parts, labor and equipment were involved in servicing the homes. All this donated by the participating contracting companies and the corporate sponsors of Burnham Boilers, Choice Htg., Northeastern Supply, Inc., R. E. Michel Co., Inc., and TSTATS.

One of the volunteers was over heard saying, "It’s very powerful to know you spent a Saturday and helped so many people!" All involved said it felt good to give something back - to help someone else!

It is projected that the 2007 Heat the Country Project will be on Saturday, October 21, 2007.

The Air Conditioning Contractors of America — National Capital Chapter is a non-profit trade association. They are of service to the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration industry in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia areas. -END-

Before

After

How to Handle Your Air Conditioning During Extreme Hot Spells
(released July 17, 2006)

This record breaking weather that the Washington, DC area is experiencing is having an effect on everyone. One important impact is that many people are finding their air conditioners are not cooling correctly, or they do not work at all. Call your contractor — but be tolerant — remember you’re not the only one calling in during this hot spell.

Things to do during extreme hot spells:

keep your fan running — it helps to keep the air moving in the house

be patient — the contractors are working as fast as they can

don’t let your system go into set-back (during high temperatures, like Washington is experiencing, the recovery time from a set-back function doesn’t help with your comfort)

keep your drapes, blinds and/or shades drawn

run your dishwasher, washing machine and dryer in the evening hours

don’t use your oven

don’t over run an exhaust fan — it pulls the air conditioning out of the home

be kind — when the serviceman does get to your house — remember he’s out working in this heat (many times on a very hot roof) — they’re doing their best

after this initial hot spell is over — have your local contractor do your summer start-up to be sure your unit will work during our next interval of high temperatures; you can check www.acca-ncc.org for a contractor in your area.

The National Capital Chapter of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America is a non-profit trade association. They are of service to the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration industry in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia areas. -END-

Local Contractor Becomes National Chairman Richard Dean
(Released April 8, 2006)

ARLINGTON, VA – The Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) is pleased to announce that Richard Dean was elected Chairman of the Board of Directors at the 2006 Annual Conference and Indoor Air Expo in San Jose March 28-30. ACCA is the nationwide trade association representing heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) contracting businesses.

Dean is a principal at Environmental Systems Associates, Columbia, MD. He worked his way up through the ranks, starting as a helper 34 years ago. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Systems Management from the University of Maryland. Dean said he joined ACCA because he wanted to learn more about the industry … and running a business. "You can be the best technician in the world," he said, "but if you’re not a good businessperson, you won’t survive, and if you don’t survive you can’t serve your customers." He added that ACCA training and his MIX Group^® have shown him different business models and marketing strategies, such as flat-rate pricing and service agreements, that are the cornerstones of his success today.

In addition, he said, "Through ACCA we can influence what happens to us, rather than just let it happen to us. I’m excited about taking the Chairman’s reins because we’re on an upswing. We have more confidence in our ability to influence events and policies. I want to help capitalize on what we’ve gained."

It’s also an opportunity to give back to the industry. "The board is a collaborative, cooperative body," he explained. "We all want to serve members better. But, frankly, serving on the Board is one the best investments of my time. I learn so much from working with some of the best people in the industry."

Dean and his wife, Carol, have five children. Two of them are developmentally disabled, and this has led to many opportunities for community service on behalf of children like his. He is a Past President of the Board of the Association for Retarded Citizens (ARC) of Howard County and currently serves as Treasurer of the Board for the Benedictine School for Exceptional Children, a school for developmentally disabled youngsters.

Dean is a past president of the ACCA National Capital Chapter and remains an active member of the chapter.

The Cody Johnson Story Cody Johnson, 2 Years Old
September 11, 2005

Cody Johnson turned three today!!! What a milestone and celebration. It's been a very rough year for Cody and the Johnson family. In early spring Cody was given the last rights twice. Through the wonderful health care at Georgetown University Hospital's Lombardi Cancer Center, love from family and friends, and thousands of prayers, Cody pulled through.

The members of ACCA have been honored to be part of Cody's life over the past year. Through donations, ACCA gave the Johnson family a wonderful Christmas, tree and all; through donations, ACCA was able to financially assist the family during their darkest months; through donations, ACCA gave Cody his number one gift wish for his birthday, an electric motorcycle. In the spring, via emails, ACCA was connected to Cody's progress almost on a daily basis. This all translated into positive thoughts and prayers sent to Cody and the Johnson family.

The road ahead is still up hill, but everyone is already looking toward Cody's fourth birthday in 2006!

Happy Birthday and hugs, Cody!!

(Released October 28, 2004)

Cody Johnson is a two-year-old boy who was recently diagnosed with Stage IV Neuroblastoma, a tumor of the sympathetic nervous tissue and adrenal gland. Cody is receiving treatment at Georgetown University Hospital’s Lombardi Cancer Center in Washington, D.C. Cody is currently undergoing intensive chemotherapy which suppresses the immune system and makes him vulnerable to life- threatening infections, thus it is important that his living environment be clean and free of mold. The Johnson’s home is currently being renovated to abate a serious mold problem in preparation for Cody’s return home for a short break from his treatment.

As part of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America - National Capital Chapter’s (ACCA-NCC) participation in the first "Heat The Country" program Saturday, October 23 the Johnson’s received a new heating and air conditioning system, compliments of your ACCA Chapter. Representatives from KRAFFT SERVICE and NORTHSTAR HTG. & A/C installed a new Westinghouse air conditioning system with equipment generously donated by ALLIED EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES. Also installed with this system was a UV Air Cleaner donated by NORTHEASTERN SUPPLY and a special thanks to TIN MAN SHEET METAL for the donation of all the necessary duct work for this change out. The original air conditioning system at the property was installed in the attic with no emergency drain pan and as a result of a water leak a large portion of the ceiling in one of the children’s bedrooms fell to the floor and caused substantial water damage. This won’t happen again!

The Johnson’s were also having problems with their oil boiler and thanks to the generous folks at THOMAS SOMERVILLE COMPANY they got a new one. On Saturday representatives from FOLEY MECHANICAL donated, not only their time but several hundred dollars in controls, and did an outstanding job installing the donated boiler leaving the Johnson’s with all new equipment and the indoor environment that is required for Cody to return home.

Dan Clarke, ACCA-NCC’s President noted, "We could stop there. I am hoping that we don’t. We have started a collection for funds to help the Johnson family (in addition to Cody there is his four year old sister, Daniella and six year old brother, Justin) for the holidays and I would encourage all of you to send a donation to ACCA-NCC at P.O. Box 4268, Silver Spring, MD 20914-4268. The Johnson’s know that this may be Cody’s last Christmas as Cody’s condition is terminal and the prognosis is that he has perhaps a year to live. This story touched me deeply when I learned of it and even more so after meeting Cody’s parents. As a parent of a two 2 year old child and I can’t imagine being in this position. I encourage all of you touched by this story to send a donation so that we can provide some joy to this family over what will be a very difficult holiday season. To those of you who answered the call to duty in helping with this home and the others that we serviced as part of our first "Heat The Country", I offer my sincere THANKS and I hope that you felt as good about your chapter as I did about what we accomplished."

Heat the Country Proclaimed Successful
(Released October 28, 2004)

On Saturday, October 23, 2004 at 7:30 a.m. 23 people gathered for the kick off of the first ACCA-NCC Heat the Country Program. ACCA chapters across the country participated in this program in their respective states.

At the staging area at R. E. Michel in Alexandria donuts, coffee and Heat the Country t-shirts were given out. The two men crews headed out to provide free heating service to repair or replace faulty furnaces for low-income, elderly and disabled homeowners that were screened by the ACCA-NCC partners of The City of Alexandria, Department of Human Services and the Housing and Community Services of Northern Virginia.

Representatives from CROPP-METCALFE A/C (Jason Bacentine and Howard Wells), FOLEY MECHANICAL (Dan Foley, Bill Dooly, Brian Golden, Slavko Nisevic, Predrag "Papa" Dyruc and Milioj Ajdarevic), KRAFFT SERVICE (Kevin Thompson, Shannon Carter, Arnold Meadows, Dale Klein, Terrence Henderson, and Antonio Davis), M & M MECHANICAL (Larry Hanshaw, Don Vance, Rick Gemmer and Harold Knox), NORTHSTAR HTG. (Nikoma "Locks" Locklair), and SHAPIRO & DUNCAN (Randall Phillips) donated their time on that Saturday to handled the service calls and worked on the special Cody Johnson home (see front page). Dan Clarke, Heat the Country Chairman and KRAFFT SVC., held down the "staging area" (R. E. Michel Co., Alexandria) ready to get supplies to respective jobs as needed. Beth Queen and Karen Bouldin, ACCA-NATIONAL, became the "official photographers."

All involved said it felt good to give something back - to help someone else!

It is estimated that a total of 132 man hours and surpassing $10,000 in parts, labor and equipment were involved in servicing the ten homes and Cody’s change-out. All this donated by the participating contracting companies and the corporate sponsors of AIRECO SUPPLY, BELAIR ENGINEERING, EAST COAST METAL, NORTHEAST SUPPLY. R. E. MICHEL and THOS. SOMERVILLE.

"In addition to the ten homes, ACCA took on a special project of replacing a complete system, including a boiler, for a family of two year old Cody, with stage four cancer," said Dan Clarke, Heat the Country Chairman and ACCA-NCC President (KRAFFT SVC.). "Not one technician walked away from working on Cody’s home with a dry eye," continued Clarke, "it was very satisfying."

Richard Dean, ENVIRONMENTAL SYS., reported to the ACCA-NCC office that his company did a community service project in Howard County.

ACCA-NCC participated in this first nationally held Heat the Country which was sponsored by Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA). Beth Queen, ACCA Manager, Federation Relations and National Heath the Country Coordinator, upon visiting ACCA-NCC’s kick off site and Cody’s home, said, "it is very overwhelming to realize that this type of ACCA community service is happening all over the country today. It’s very powerful."

Dan Clarke was instrumental in seeing this program from conception to birth. The time and energy he spent behind the scenes prior to the actual day was evident in the smooth running of the program.

First Heat the Country Program
Released October 8, 2004

The Air Conditioning Contractors of America — National Capital Chapter (ACCA-NCC) is preparing for their first "Heat the Country" program on Saturday, October 23, 2004. Other ACCA chapters across the country will also be participating in this program in their respective states. ACCA-NCC plans to service homes in the Northern Virginia area.

Through their partnership with The City of Alexandria, Department of Human Services and the Housing and Community Services of Northern Virginia, ACCA-NCC will provide assistance for the elderly, disabled, and low-income homeowners.

"Heat the Country" utilizes ACCA-NCC member volunteers to provide this free heating service to repair or replace faulty furnaces. The ACCA-NCC partners will screen homes that will be serviced by ACCA-NCC contractors.

Also, thanks to the donations of several ACCA-NCC associate members, a new system will be installed in the home of 2 year-old Cody Johnson of Virginia. Cody is suffering with Stage IV Neuroblastoma. The Johnson family is currently undertaking extensive home renovations to abate a serious mold problem in preparation for Cody’s return home for a short break from chemotherapy. The donation of time and material by the members of ACCA-NCC will provide Cody a healthy indoor home environment as he continues his recovery.

The "kick off" will be at 8:00 a.m. at R. E. Michel Company, 6000 Farrington Ave., Alexandria, VA.

YOUR HEATING CONTRACTOR ASKS YOU TO....
Released February 17, 2003

The snow of this past weekend in the Washington, DC area is causing all kinds of troubles — one problem is for heating contractors trying to get to their customers.

Heating contractors ask people to:

if you have problems with your unit call your contractor and they may be able to assist you via the phone
if your unit stops working, check your circuit breaker
if you do not have electricity you should turn your thermostats to the off position and/or turn the switches to your heating equipment off (by doing this, if the electricity short cycles when it comes back on, you will eliminate the chance of your unit blowing a component that will prevent your equipment from coming on)
if your have not heat DO NOT use non-electrical space heaters (i.e. any non-vented units; barbecue grills; don’t start or leave running vehicles in garage area; carbon monoxide poisoning can happen
be patient — the contractors will get to you as soon as they can ( most technician’s vans are not four-wheeled drive — they won’t be able to get to you home until the streets begin to be cleared)
once your street is cleared and your technician is on the way be sure to have your walk cleared so they can get to your house, along with a place for their vehicle so it can be off the street as the streets continue to be cleared;
if you have a heat pump keep the snow cleared away from the outside unit;
those with high efficiency gas furnaces and water heaters that exhaust from the sides or back of the house should also remove snow from in front of the intake and exhaust pipe.
don’t forget the outside vent to your clothes dryer
keep your drapes, blinds and/or shades drawn to keep the heat in
once the streets begin to get cleared — have your local contractor check your unit so you’re prepared for any more winter weather and you’re prepared for the soon to come summer high temperatures; you can check www.acca-ncc.org for a contractor in your area.-END-

SNOW AND HEATING SYSTEMS
Released February 16, 2003

The heating contractors in the Washington metro area remind everyone that has a heat pump that they MUST remove the snow away from their outside unit. This will keep the equipment running and it will help the unit go in and out of defrost as necessary.

Those with high efficiency gas furnaces and water heaters that exhaust from the sides or back of the house should also remove snow from in front of the intake and exhaust pipe.

These two steps should help keep their heating units running during this snow storm.

For additional information, help, or service contact your local heating contractor.-END-

NEW OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS ELECTED
Released December 5, 2002

The Air Conditioning Contractors of America — National Capital Chapter (ACCA-NCC) recently elected their 2003 officers and directors.

Brian Harvey, President, H & C, Inc., Laurel, MD
Dan Clarke, Senior Vice-President/Treasurer, Krafft A/C, Alexandria, VA
Chris Perry, 1st Vice-President, J & P Htg., Upper Marlboro, MD
Dan Foley, Foley Mech. 2nd Vice-President, Alexandria, VA
Debra Risher, Secretary, Belair Eng. Mitchellville, MD

DIRECTORS:

Charles Ayres, Shapiro & Duncan, Rockville, MD
Don Brennan, Brennan’s Htg., Woodbridge, VA
John Clark, Carrier Mid-Atlantic, Alexandria, VA
Tim Cropp, Cropp-Metcalfe A/C, Fairfax, VA
Rick Gemmer, M & M Mech., Newington, VA
Dave Gordon, R & B, Inc., Alexandria, VA
Gary Grove, Primary MultiCraft, Beltsville, MD
Joe Hawkins, Aireco, Inc., Savage, MD
Wendell Nixon, Presidential Ref., Gaithersburg, MD
Jon Weetman, R. E. Michel, Westminister, MD
Mike Wheat, James A. Wheat & Sons, Gaithersburg, MD
Roy White, R & R HVAC, LLC, Lothian, MD

Lupson Receives Award
Released May 11, 2001

Montgomery College announced that Warren Lupson, a Montgomery College apprenticeship instructor, is being honored with the Gudelsky Institute for Technical Education Outstanding Faculty award.

Lupson is the co-chairman of the 2001 apprenticeship committee for the Air Conditioning Contractors of America — National Capital Chapter’s

(ACCA-NCC) program. He was part of the 1988 committee that brought the ACCA-NCC program to Montgomery College. The 2000-2001 year had 110 apprentices attending school two nights a week from September through April. After four years of training the apprentice gets certificates from Montgomery College and the Maryland State Apprenticeship Bureau. The ACCA-NCC program has an articulation agreement with Montgomery College whereas the apprenticeship program is recognized by the "for credit" portion of the College and all the apprentices that graduate from the program get credit hours toward an associate degree.

Lupson is also chairman of Montgomery College’s Apprenticeship and Technical Trades Advisory Counsel (ATAC) which overseers all apprenticeship and technical trades taught at Montgomery College.

The award reception, where the presentation will be made, is being held on Wednesday, May 23, 2001 at 7:00 pm at Montgomery College, Rockville Campus. RSVP to Betsy Becker at 301-869-3841 (leave a message) by Monday, May 21.

NEW OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS INSTALLED
Released May 14, 2001

The National Capital Chapter of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA-NCC) recently installed their 2001 officers and directors.

Bill Aitken, President, Aitken A/C, Gaithersburg, MD
Carl Godwin, Sr. Vice-President/Treasurer, NorthStar Htg., Newington, VA
Brian Harvey, 1st Vice-President, H & C, Inc., Laurel, MD
Dan Clarke, 2nd Vice-President, Krafft A/C, Alexandria, VA
Chris Perry, Secretary, J & P Htg., Hyattsville, MD

DIRECTORS:

Charles Ayres, Shapiro & Duncan, Rockville, MD
Don Brennan, Brennan’s Htg., Woodbridge, VA
Joyce Bland, Burtonsville Fuel, Burtonsville, MD
Tim Cropp, Cropp-Metcalfe A/C, Fairfax, VA
Dan Foley, Arlington Htg., Arlington, VA
Rick Gemmer, M & M Mech., Newington, VA
Gary Grove, Harvey W. Hottel, Gaithersburg, MD
Mike Muse, Tom Muse Svc., Vienna, VA
Bob Nibert, Academy Htg., Rockville, MD
Wendell Nixon, Presidential Ref., Gaithersburg, MD
Debra Risher, Belair Eng., Mitchellville, MD
Bryan White, R & B, Inc., Alexandria, VA

CARBON MONOXIDE SAFETY
Released January 5, 2001

With the current investigation into the tragedy of the recent house explosion in Silver Spring, Maryland and the finding of carbon monoxide (CO) in the two victim’s blood, the awareness of CO poisoning increases.

Since 1970, approximately 30,000 American deaths have been caused by gases and vapors. Because CO is frequently caused by poor or incomplete combustion in household appliances such as furnaces and water heaters — consumers need to be sure their gas ignited equipment is inspected on a yearly basis by a licensed contractor.

The Air Conditioning Contractors of America - National Capital Chapter

(ACCA-NCC) has taken an active position to educate the public. They have available a free brochure that highlights what carbon monoxide is; how one might be exposed to CO and its common sources; who’s at risk; what the symptoms are of CO poisoning; and what one should do to protect their home.

The free brochure is available by calling ACCA-NCC at 301-384-ACCA. Also check out ACCA-NCC’s home page for other consumer tips (http://www.acca-ncc.org).

How to Handle Your Air Conditioning During Extreme Hot Spells
(Released May 9, 2000)

This record breaking weather that the Washington, DC area is experiencing is having an effect on everyone. One important impact is that many people are turning on their air conditioners and finding they aren’t cooling correctly, or they don’t work at all. Call your contractor — but be tolerant — remember you’re not the only one calling in during this hot spell.

Things to do during extreme hot spells:

keep your fan running — it helps to keep the air moving in the house

be patient — the contractors are working as fast as they can

don’t let your system go into set-back (during high temperatures, like Washington is experiencing, the recovery time from a set-back function doesn’t help with your comfort)

keep your drapes, blinds and/or shades drawn

run your dishwasher, washing machine and dryer in the evening hours

don’t use your oven

don’t over run an exhaust fan — it pulls the air conditioning out of the home

be kind — when the serviceman does get to your house — remember he’s out working in this heat (may times on a very hot roof) — they’re doing their best

after this initial hot spell is over — have your local contractor do your summer start-up to be sure your unit will work during our next interval of high temperatures; you can check www.acca-ncc.org for a contractor in your area.

Released March 16, 2000
Miss Maryland to Attend Trade Show

The National Capital Chapter of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA-NCC) just confirmed that Miss Maryland, Keri Schrader, will be an honored guest at their upcoming "Focusing on the Future" Trade Show.

Schrader will be in attendance at a VIP luncheon where upper-management representatives from the corporate offices of major heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) manufacturers will be part of a panel discussing the future of the HVACR industry.

The VIP Luncheon, held in conjunction with ACCA-NCC’s two day trade show, will be on Wednesday, April 5, 2000 beginning at 11:00 a.m. at Martin’s Crosswinds, Greenbelt, Maryland (ticket cost is $45 per person). The VIP Luncheon panelists will be from Carrier, Honeywell, Lennox, Nordyne, Trane, and York. They will be speaking about the trends and issues that will be affecting the HVACR industry for the next decade along with how they see their companies helping the small HVACR contractor "stay alive."

Miss Maryland will be signing photos during the show which begins at 2:00 pm.

The "Focusing on the Future" Trade Show, designed to present the latest in the HVACR industry, is open to the HVACR contractors in the Mid-Atlantic Region. Show hours are 2:00 - 7:00 both days.

For more information on the VIP Luncheon and the "Focusing on the Future" Trade Show call ACCA-NCC at 301-384-ACCA.

"HVACR UPPER-MANAGEMENT FEATURED SPEAKERS AT VIP LUNCHEON"
Released February 11, 2000

The National Capital Chapter of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA-NCC) will have upper-management representatives from major heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) manufacturers at their upcoming trade show April 4-5, 2000 at Martin’s Crosswinds in Greenbelt, Maryland.

The VIP Luncheon will be held on Wednesday, April 5, 2000 beginning at 11:00 a.m. The VIP Luncheon speakers will be upper-management representatives from Carrier, Trane, Lennox, Honeywell and York. They will be speaking about the trends and issues that will be affecting the HVACR industry for the next decade along with how they see their companies helping the small HVACR contractor "stay alive."

The "Focusing on the Future" Trade Show, designed to present the latest in the HVACR industry, is open to the HVACR contractors in the Mid-Atlantic Region. Show hours are 2:00 - 7:00 both days.

For more information on the VIP Luncheon and the Focusing on the Future Trade Show call ACCA-NCC at 301-384-ACCA.

"FOCUSING ON THE FUTURE" TRADE SHOW
Released January 21, 2000

The National Capital Chapter of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA-NCC) announced that they will hold a trade show April 4-5, 2000 at Martin’s Crosswinds in Greenbelt, Maryland.

The show, designed to present the latest in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) industry, is open to the HVACR contractors in the Mid-Atlantic Region.

In addition to the two-day show, a VIP luncheon will be held on

April 5, 2000. The speakers will be upper-management representatives from Carrier, Trane, Lennox, Honeywell. They will be speaking about the trends and issues that will be affecting the HVACR industry for the next decade — plus helping the small contractor "stay alive."

A Right-Suite computer training seminar, a carbon monoxide safety training class, and an ACE technician certification test will also be held during the show. Also, many exhibitors will be holding their own seminars to help the HVACR industry understand their products better.

Show hours are 2:00 - 7:00 both days. For more information and a complimentary admission tickets call ACCA-NCC at 301-384-ACCA.

NEW OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS INSTALLED
Release January 15, 2000

January marked the appointment of the National Capital Chapter of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA-NCC) 2000 officers and directors.

Chuck Moran, President, Moran’s Ref., Alexandria, VA
Bill Aitken, Sr. Vice-President/Treasurer, Aitken A/C, Gaithersburg, MD
Carl Godwin, 1st Vice-President, NorthStar Htg., Newington, VA
Brian Harvey, 2nd Vice-President, H & C, Inc., Laurel, MD
Dan Clarke, Secretary, Krafft A/C, Alexandria, VA

DIRECTORS:
Charles Ayers, Shapiro & Duncan, Rockville, MD
Don Brennan, Brennan’s Htg., Woodbridge, VA
Tim Cropp, Cropp-Metcalfe A/C, Fairfax, VA
Dave Daigle, W. B. Maske Sheet Metal, Bladensburg, MD
Dan Foley, Arlington Htg., Arlington, VA
Eric Jones, Jones-Rogers, Inc., Chantilly, VA
Mike Muse, Tom Muse Svc., Vienna, VA
Bob Nibert, Academy Htg., Rockville, MD
Chris Perry, J & P Htg., Hyattsville, MD
Bernie Ricker, Multi-Aire Corp., Clinton, MD
Debra Risher, Belair Eng., Mitchellville, MD
Bryan White, R & B, Inc., Alexandria, VA

BATTLING HIGH TEMPERATURES
Released July 2, 1999

Here’s some tips to help survive this weekend and the high temperatures that are predicted for the Washington, DC area.

Don't let your air conditioning system go into set-back (during high temperatures, like Washington is going to experience, the recovery time from a set-back function doesn't help with your comfort);

if you’re unit isn’t working call your contractor. Be patient — the contractors are working as fast as they can;

keep your fan running — it helps to keep the air moving in the house;

keep your drapes and shades closed during the day to help keep the heat out;

don’t run any heat generating appliances (dishwasher, dryer, etc.) during the day (wait until the sun goes down);

drink a lot of water — dehydration is a big problem during high temperatures;

Be kind — when the serviceman does get to your house — remember he's out working in this heat (many times on a very hot roof) — they're doing their best.

Apprenticeship Program Accepting Applications
Released June 8, 1999

The Air Conditioning Contractors of America — National Capital Chapter (ACCA-NCC) announces that they are accepting applications for their apprenticeship program held at Montgomery College’s Gudelsky Institute in Rockville, Maryland.

This four year, State of Maryland registered, program is designed to prepare the serious-minded for a career in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) industry.

The program is held two nights a week - seven months a year. The related training is complimented by on-the-job training the apprentice receives from their employer.

For more information contact ACCA-NCC at 301-384-ACCA or send an e-mail to plupson@acca-ncc.org.

RECORD HEAT AND AIR CONDITIONING
Released June 8, 1999

This record breaking weather that the Washington, DC area is experiencing is having an effect on everyone. One important impact is that many people are turning on their air conditioners and finding they aren't cooling correctly, or they don't work at all. Call your contractor - but be tolerant - remember you're not the only one calling in during this hot spell.

Things to do during extreme hot spells:

Keep your fan running — it helps to keep the air moving in the house;

Be patient — the contractors are working as fast as they can;

Don't let your system go into set-back (during high temperatures, like Washington is experiencing, the recovery time from a set-back function doesn't help with your comfort);

Be kind — when the serviceman does get to your house — remember he's out working in this heat (many times on a very hot roof) — they're doing their best;

After this initial hot spell is over — have your local contractor do your summer start-up to be sure your unit will work during our next interval of high temperatures.

Local Man Honored for Training Excellence
Released March 4, 1999

The National Capital Chapter of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA-NCC) is proud to announce that its member, Warren B. Lupson, President of Beltway Heating & Air Conditioning of Beltsville, Maryland, received the 1999 Training Excellence Award for promoting education and training initiatives to raise professional standards for the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) industry. This is the first time this award has been given and Lupson is the charter recipient. The awards ceremony was held during ACCA’s February Annual Conference held in Orlando, Florida.

A member of ACCA-NCC for 22 years, Lupson served as ACCA-NCC president from 1980-1981. He currently chairs the Apprenticeship and Technical Advisory Committee, which revamped ACCA-NCC’s apprenticeship program (held at Rockville’s Montgomery College)—the only four-year program recognized by the Maryland HVACR Licensing Board. Lupson currently oversees the program at the College and works with instructors to ensure the curriculum reflects industry changes, safety issues, communication skills and mathematics, and counsels students about their apprenticeship training. He mandated ACCA's Air-Conditioning Excellence (ACE) Certification testing—an industry initiative to improve technical proficiency among HVACR technicians through increased education—for graduating apprenticeship students to improve their overall training as technicians. Lupson also advises ACCA chapters across the U.S. to help them promote their education and training programs.

In the mid-80's, Lupson served on ACCA's Technical Education Committee and was a representative on the Environmental Protection Agency's Industry Committee that developed standard CFC and training programs still used in the industry today. As a technical advisor on ACCA's Manuals Committee, he also reviewed several ACCA-produced publications. Lupson currently is a member of the Air-Conditioning & Refrigeration Institute's Industry Competency Exam Construction Committee as well as the Continuing Education Advisory Committee for Montgomery College.

Trade Association Endorses Entry Level Exam
Released February 5, 1999

The National Capital Chapter of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA-NCC) has endorsed the Industry Competency Exams (ICE). ICE is formerly known as the ARI/GAMA test.

ICE is designed for entry level people in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) industry. It’s a device to measure industry-agreed standards of basic competency for entry level (one year or less) technicians. The exams will allow, both the test takers and their potential/present employer, to know the level at which they are currently at in the HVACR trade.

For more information on ICE contact ARI’s Education Department at 703-524-8800.

NEW OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS INSTALLED
Released January 29, 1999

At their annual meeting on January 16, 1999 the National Capital Chapter of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA-NCC) installed the following people as their 1999 officers and directors.

Richard Dean, President, Environmental Sys., Columbia, MD
Chuck Moran, Sr. Vice-President/Treasurer, Moran’s Ref., Alexandria, VA
Bill Aitken, 1st Vice-President, Aitken A/C, Gaithersburg, MD
Carl Godwin, 2nd Vice-President, NorthStar Htg., Newington, VA
Brian Harvey, Secretary, H & C, Inc., Laurel, MD

DIRECTORS:
Charles Ayers, Shapiro & Duncan, Rockville, MD
Don Brennan, Brennan’s Htg., Woodbridge, VA
Dan Clarke, Krafft A/C, Alexandria, VA
Tim Cropp, Cropp-Metcalfe A/C, Fairfax, VA
Dan Foley, Arlington Htg., Arlington, VA
Elvita Jones, Jones-Rogers, Inc., Chantilly, VA
Tim Kirlin , Combustioneer Corp., Rockville, MD
Mike Muse, Tom Muse Svc., Vienna, VA
Bob Nibert, Academy Htg., Rockville, MD
Chris Perry, J & P Htg., Hyattsville, MD
Norm Pokorny, Seasonair, Inc., Rockville, MD
Bernie Ricker, Multi-Aire Corp., Clinton, MD

NO HEAT AND YOUR HEATING EQUIPMENT
Released January 16, 1999

The members of the National Capital Chapter of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America recommend, if you do not have electricity you should turn your thermostats to the off position and/or turn the switches to your heating equipment off.

By doing this, if the electricity short cycles when it comes back on, you will eliminate the chance of your unit blowing a component that will prevent your equipment from coming on.

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Contact us at plupson@acca-ncc.org

Last Updated: January 28, 2008
Updated By: PSL