ACI Mechanical & HVAC Sales - Experts & Thought Leaders

In order to maintain the existing classic appearance of Nordstrom’s headquarters, Ruskin modified its ELF Louver to meet the design specifications. By making alterations to the louver head and sill construction, Ruskin was able to create a louver that provided the perfect match to Nordstrom’s window openings and stone facade. The custom designed two and three inch blade spacing louvers not only complement the existing architecture, they also blend in with blinds planned to be added to the windows in the future. When the Nordstrom Specialty Retail Company renovated their headquarters in downtown Seattle, Washington, they wanted to preserve the existing classic appearance of their building. The renovation included replacing the louvers which covered the air intake and exhaust openings. unique design challenges Because of the wide variety of opening conditions in the original building construction, this project included many unique design challenges. To help them meet these challenges, Nordstrom worked with Callison Architecture of Seattle. Callison designed the air intake and exhaust openings to be protected with architecturally compatible louvers designed to blend in with blinds that may be added as window treatments in future improvements. In addition, Ruskin louvers enhanced the overall exterior aesthetics of Nordstrom’s Headquarters. Ruskin’s design team worked with Callison and Nordstrom to provide specific details for the numerous window openings and the stone facade. To create a consistent appearance for the blade spacings, Ruskin modified the louver head and sill construction. customize its complete product line Air Commodities, Ruskin’s representative in Seattle, coordinated the selection and procurement of the louvers Ruskin also provided architectural trim to blend in with the window frames in the adjacent openings and modified the installation method to ensure proper performance. Air Commodities, Ruskin’s representative in the Seattle area, coordinated the selection and procurement of the louvers for this renovation. Their professional services and attention to details helped contribute to the seamless completion of this project. “Ruskin’s ability to customize its complete product line to meet the specific requirements for an individual project like Nordstrom is a significant advantage. We were able to meet their design specifications by modifying the Ruskin ELF louver,” says Bob Roy, the Air Commodities sales engineer responsible for the project. To help guarantee a flawless installation, McKinstry/Roberge, the installing contractor, visited the Ruskin manufacturing facility while the louvers were in production. automated finishing system “We wanted to be familiar with the louver construction and review installation requirements with Ruskin’s design/manufacturing team,” says Karl Seemann, McKinstry/Roberge’s Sales Manager. “Ruskin’s facility is impressive. They use state-of-the-art production techniques, including an automated finishing system. When we returned to Seattle, we were confident we would receive a quality product.” For over 40 years, Ruskin has been selected to provide solutions to thousands of new and renovation projects just like Nordstrom’s. Their complete line of architectural louvers, sight screens and damper products provide the ideal answer to many renovation and new construction challenges.

ACI Mechanical and HVAC Sales announces an exclusive partnership with GREE VRF and the Kinghome line of mini split HVAC systems. The agreement covers all ACI locations in Seattle and Spokane Washington, Portland Oregon and Northern Idaho. Heat Pump Engineering Expertise "We are thrilled to have a partner with heat pump engineering expertise and a long history in commercial HVAC," said Dr. Wenqing Susan Bouche-Pillon, VP of Marketing for Y & N - Gree Commercial USA. "Their ability to stock products and work with consulting engineers, design build contractors, and owners will help GREE VRF grow in the Pacific Northwest." "We are very impressed with the broad range of heat pump, heat recovery, and solar VRF systems from GREE Electric Appliances. They are a top-tier global manufacturer with real innovation. Their investment in ultra-high energy performance heat pumps, quality through automation, and advanced control systems gives our customers more choices to meet new Washington State Energy Codes," said Keith Glasch, President of ACI.

Richard Luna is the new General Manager of ACI Mechanical and HVAC Sales Oregon. He succeeds Keith Hawkins who has retired after 24 years at ACI. "This is an exciting time for ACI Oregon. Richard's experience in commercial HVAC and air distribution experience is unparalleled," said Keith Glasch, President and Principal at ACI. solving problems for engineers Richard has 35 years of commercial HVAC experience, including his most recent role as sales engineer at ACI "Using my field experience, Mechanical Engineering degree, and market knowledge in Oregon is my main goal," said Luna. "I love solving problems for engineers and contractors; this is the perfect role for me." Richard has 35 years of commercial HVAC experience, including his most recent role as sales engineer at ACI.  Richard also has deep family ties to the HVAC industry; his grandfather installed the HVAC system on the USS Nautilus, the world's first operational nuclear-powered submarine. He has a BS Mechanical Engineering from Portland State University. experience in commercial HVAC His experience in commercial HVAC and air distribution with the firms American Heating and Arrow Mechanical as well as growing up working for his parents' HVAC business; where he developed his passion for working with sheet metal; ensures ACI's engineering and contracting customers will continue to deliver successful results. Richard most recently worked on Kalama School District projects and the 4TH & Montgomery project at Portland State University to help solve airflow, noise and thermal comfort issues on each project. Richard will lead the Portland, OR location's team of 15 engineers, sales people, and finance experts toward future growth.