The two groups took this action following lengthy discussions on the importance of moving beyond high-GWP (global warming potential) refrigerants used in chillers and consideration of factors, such as the safety of alternatives, the continued improvement of system efficiency, reasonable product development timelines, and the avoidance of market migration. The effective date was negotiated with those factors in mind.

The crystal award rotates each year and is therefore accompanied by a Soaring Eagle plaque that the winning sales representative company will keep. Last year’s winners, Halfpenny Sales, turned in the crystal award for this year’s event.

Chairman Lamar Smith, R-Texas, called the hearing to examine the issue of “midnight” regulations that often appear during the last few months of a president’s term.

Viega LLC announces varying price increases; more HVAC price increase news briefs.

Modern Mechanical LLC was named a finalist for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s 2016 Dream Big Award; more HVAC residential contractor news briefs.

Indoor Environmental Services Inc. donated $5,000 to the Mechanical Contracting Education & Research Foundation (MCERF).

Beckett Gas Inc. acquired Worgas Bruciatori S.r.l and its subsidiaries Worgas Burners Ltd. and Worgas Inc.; more HVAC manufacturer news briefs.

ABCO HVACR Supply + Solutions’ 35th annual ABCO Expo will be held March 9 at the Terrace on the Park in Flushing, New York.

Jacco & Associates was appointed a representative of Suburban Manufacturing.

AHRI appoints new member to board of directors; HVAC Excellence grants certifications; more HVAC organization news briefs.