Company addresses growing contractor demand for alternatives to hot work installation methods QuickFitting® today highlighted its comprehensive flame-free fitting portfolio, addressing industry data from construction research firm FMI showing construction rework now consumes 12-15% of total North American spend, approximately $31 billion annually. The company’s expanded offerings come as municipalities nationwide escalate permit fees and building Read more
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Company addresses growing contractor demand for alternatives to hot work installation methods
QuickFitting® today highlighted its comprehensive flame-free fitting portfolio, addressing industry data from construction research firm FMI showing construction rework now consumes 12-15% of total North American spend, approximately $31 billion annually. The company’s expanded offerings come as municipalities nationwide escalate permit fees and building owners impose stricter open-flame restrictions on construction sites.
“A single 2-hour callback now costs contractors approximately $420 when you account for direct labor plus lost billable time,” said Adam Horwitz, CEO of QuickFitting. “The math is driving contractors to seek installation alternatives, and our portfolio provides comprehensive flame-free solutions.”
QuickFitting’s current portfolio includes its SurePress® press fittings, the only line of press fittings with visual confirmation of pressed connections, plus push-to-connect options in lead-free brass and 304 stainless steel. The SurePress system allows contractors to eliminate the use of torches across residential and light commercial installations while providing visual verification of proper connection.
National Fire Protection Association data reveals nearly 4,600 structure fires annually are traced to hot work activities, generating close to $500 million in property damage. With labor costs for service plumbers reaching $105/hour nationally, according to ServiceTitan’s 2024 industry report, callback prevention has become increasingly critical to contractor profitability.
Field studies show contractors using traditional brazing methods spend an average of $120 daily on permits and fire-watch labor for jobs requiring 300+ joints. Projects completed with QuickFitting’s press and push-connect fittings eliminate those costs while reducing installation time.
Field reports indicate that contractors using QuickFitting’s SurePress fittings with visual indication achieve improved first-time-fix rates compared to traditional methods. Distributors report increased fitting category sales as contractors prioritize callback prevention.
QuickFitting’s product line addresses growing market demand driven by regulatory changes. Some healthcare and educational facilities now prohibit open flame work entirely, while others impose permit fees that make flame-free alternatives economically advantageous.
For more information about SurePress™, visit www.quickfitting.com.
JM-1000 X Mini-JetEasy PeasyWhat Customers Say JM-1000 X Mini-Jet The JM-1000 X Mini-Jet™ from General Pipe Cleaners, an upgrade to the toolbox jetter, offers a more efficient motor and a new balanced design. The lightweight, compact Mini-Jet™ provides 1500 psi of cleaning power, yet weighs just 23 lbs. Ideal for clearing clogged sinks, tubs, and laundry Read more
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JM-1000 X Mini-Jet
The JM-1000 X Mini-Jet™ from General Pipe Cleaners, an upgrade to the toolbox jetter, offers a more efficient motor and a new balanced design.
The lightweight, compact Mini-Jet™ provides 1500 psi of cleaning power, yet weighs just 23 lbs. Ideal for clearing clogged sinks, tubs, and laundry drains, the toolbox jetter clears grease, sand, and ice from 1-1/2″ to 3″ lines up to 50 feet long.
Easy Peasy
The JM-1000 X is easy to carry to and from the job. The pump and motor are centered in the metal case, allowing the jetter hose, integral stainless steel water supply hose, and power cord to wrap neatly around it to create an ergonomically balanced unit.
Designed to resist jobsite abuse, the jetter’s pump and motor assembly are safely contained in a rugged, metal diamond-plate case that can easily be stored in a small space on a truck.
This powerful little water jet hits the stoppage with high-pressure, wall-to-wall water spray–and flushes it away. Vibration helps slide the hose around tight bends and farther down lines.
What Customers Say
“Our customers have found that our new JM-1000 X Mini-Jet is perfect for spot-clearing kitchen stoppages,” said Angela Grieb, National Sales Manager. “It’s a tough little tool, and its versatility and compact size make it great for one-man operations.”
The portable JM-1000 X Mini-Jet includes a Super-Flex™ high pressure jet hose, four-piece nozzle set, and water supply hose. An optional stainless steel braid jetter hose with Teflon core is available for even greater cleaning power.
For more information, visit drainbrain.com/jets
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Airzone brings Inverter HVAC units into the ecobee ecosystem Comfort with a CauseAdvanced Automation Airzone Control, provider of intelligent and innovative HVAC control solutions, today announces an integration partnership with smart home leader ecobee. This will allow the integration of Inverter (VRF/mini-split) HVAC units into the ecobee smart home ecosystem, unlocking energy-saving automations for the fastest-growing category Read more
Airzone brings Inverter HVAC units into the ecobee ecosystem
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Airzone Control, provider of intelligent and innovative HVAC control solutions, today announces an integration partnership with smart home leader ecobee. This will allow the integration of Inverter (VRF/mini-split) HVAC units into the ecobee smart home ecosystem, unlocking energy-saving automations for the fastest-growing category of HVAC technology.
Comfort with a Cause
Airzone complements ecobee’s mission to improve everyday lives while creating a more sustainable world. Thanks to this partnership, homeowners can now integrate the most efficient HVAC units on the market into the smart home ecosystem.
Inverter units such as heat pumps, VRF units, or mini-splits cannot communicate directly with smart thermostats. Airzone’s Aidoo Pro control gateway bridges this gap with an exclusive library of manufacturer protocols covering every leading Inverter unit manufacturer. “This integration makes a seamless HVAC experience possible, allowing contractors to offer customers an upgraded home experience that you can control right from your smart thermostat,” says Adam Welton, Sr. Director Channel Marketing, ecobee.
Advanced Automation
Airzone and ecobee work together to automate and optimize Inverter HVAC systems. With any Smart Thermostat, homeowners can automate temperature setpoints to align with their daily schedules, saving energy while they’re away or asleep. Optional SmartSensors deepen automation and increase savings by automatically adjusting the temperature when a space is unoccupied; managing hot and cold spots throughout the home; and giving the homeowner the freedom to independently control the temperature in the rooms that matter most. Through an Smart Security subscription, SmartSensors on doors and windows can also pause the HVAC system if an entryway is left open. Airzone Aidoo Pro translates these commands for each HVAC unit, ensuring precise temperature control with no loss of functionality.
ecobee’s flagship Smart Thermostat Premium also comes with advanced eco+ features, including demand response capabilities that help prevent blackouts while lowering homeowners’ energy bills. Utilities often charge more for energy during peak demand; with demand response, spaces can be precooled or preheated during off-peak hours when energy is cheapest. “Aidoo works with ecobee to enable next-generation features like demand response on VRF, heat pumps, mini-splits, and other Inverter HVAC units,” says Victoria Garcia Massimo, Director of Operations, Airzone North America. “This responsible energy usage keeps the grid stable, and homeowners don’t notice any difference except a lower energy bill.”
Aidoo Pro integrates with ecobee Smart Thermostats via reliable wired integration. Users and integrators can remotely monitor and manage the HVAC system via the Airzone Cloud app. Airzone and ecobee also feature broad smart home platform integration support, including Siri, Alexa, Apple HomeKit and more.
Learn more about Airzone and Aidoo Pro at airzonecontrol.com, and ecobee.com.
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Fujitsu General America introduces the all-new Infinite Comfort Pro App, a powerful project planning and system selection tool for HVAC professionals working with AIRSTAGE H-Series and J-Series products.The app delivers a streamlined, intuitive interface for selecting systems, managing projects, and accessing the latest technical and marketing resources. It supports both new R-32 products and legacy Read more
Fujitsu General America introduces the all-new Infinite Comfort Pro App, a powerful project planning and system selection tool for HVAC professionals working with AIRSTAGE H-Series and J-Series products.
The app delivers a streamlined, intuitive interface for selecting systems, managing projects, and accessing the latest technical and marketing resources. It supports both new R-32 products and legacy R-410A systems, offering seamless compatibility across product generations.
Users can explore the latest multi-zone system combinations, browse expanded accessory options, and leverage advanced features like a line-set checker that validates piping lengths and system logic. The app also includes an intuitive project management suite that enables users to create, edit, and share project files with ease.
Enhanced filtering options let users search by unit type, capacity, efficiency, and other critical specs. A comprehensive Resource Hub simplifies access to product registration, warranty lookup, marketing tools, and technical documentation.
Contractor support tools, including direct links to a rebate finder and contractor locator, are integrated into the platform, while the app’s one-click access to brochures, application guides, and client-ready reports enhances productivity in the field.
The Infinite Comfort Pro App is now available on the iOS App Store, Google Play, and via web browsers. To learn more, contact your local Fujitsu representative, distributor, or regional sales manager.
QuickFitting has launched their HVAC/R Push-to-Connect refrigerant fittings, an innovation that simplifies the installation and maintenance of HVAC/R systems. With no flaring, brazing or special tools required, installers can connect refrigerant lines in seconds simply by pushing the fitting onto the pipe.
Streamlining HVAC/R connections for safer, faster installs
QuickFitting®, a leader in plumbing and HVAC solutions, announces the launch of HVAC/R Push-to-Connect refrigerant fittings, an innovation that simplifies the installation and maintenance of HVAC/R systems. With no flaring, brazing or special tools required, installers can connect refrigerant lines in seconds simply by pushing the fitting onto the pipe. This approach enables contractors and technicians to make leak-free connections in seconds to reduce installation time and simultaneously enhance safety on the jobsite.
QuickFitting HVAC Push-to-Connect
QuickFitting’s HVAC Push-to-Connect refrigerant fittings significantly cut back the time and risk involved in installing or repairing refrigerant lines. Compared to traditional methods, push-to-connect technology enables the rapid joining of copper or coated aluminum line sets in seconds. By eliminating the need for an open flame, the fittings enhance safety on the jobsite and provide technicians with greater flexibility to work in confined or sensitive environments. The result is a faster and safer installation process that helps HVAC professionals complete jobs more efficiently and with reduced risk.
“This innovation was derived from a true need in the market,” said Katie Zyra, marketing director at QuickFitting. “By removing the need to braze, obtain a hot work permit, and have fire spotters, you’re reducing risks while saving time and money on the jobsite. Our patented leak-proof technology significantly saves time, reduces the possibility of errors and improves worker safety without compromising performance.”
A patented double O-ring and grip ring seal delivers a secure, leak-free connection that withstands galling, vibration, pulsation and extreme temperature changes. The heavy-duty body is corrosion- and UV-resistant for long-lasting performance, while yellow protective caps keep debris out during handling and installation. These fittings are designed for residential and commercial HVAC/R applications and are compatible with copper and coated aluminum line sets, as well as HVAC/R units and unitary indoor coils. They are approved for use with industry-standard refrigerants, including A2L-class refrigerants R-452B and R-454B. Unlike permanent solder/ brazed fittings, QuickFitting’s Push-to-Connect fittings are removable using the patented HVAC Slip Clip™ Release Tool.
Installation is reduced to a simple four-step process: Clean, Debur, Mark and Push. The process begins with cutting the tube at a straight angle and thoroughly cleaning it using an abrasive cloth. The next step involves deburring the inside and outside edges to achieve a smooth finish. Once prepared, the tube should be marked with the correct insertion depth before pushing the fitting onto the tube up to the marked line – no additional tools are required. To remove installed fittings, the system charge must first be isolated or removed to ensure safety. The Slip Clip™ is then slid onto the fitting end, and once properly aligned, the fitting can be pulled away from the pipe to release the connection.
For more information about SurePress, visit www.quickfitting.com.