In August, heating equipment manufacturers announced the formation of the Hydronics Industry Alliance (HIA), which is designed to provide accurate and up-to-date information to builders, contractors and consumers. According to Richard Simons, HIA chairman, the alliance is a coalition of 22 members of the Hydronics Institute Division of the Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association.

The main goal of HIA is to increase both industry and consumer awareness of the latest technologies in hydronic heating. By year's end, HIA hopes to have a Web site that includes basic educational information about hydronic heating for architects/engineers, building and heating contractors and homeowners. For more information, write the HIA at 2107 Wilson Blvd., Suite 600, Arlington, VA 22201.

Members (listed alphabetically) include: Burnham Hydronics/Crown Boiler Co., Carlin Combustion Technology, ECR Intl., Effikal Intl., Grundfos Pumps Corp., Haydon Corp., Honeywell Intl., Hydro-Air Components, Hydrolevel Co., Laars Heating Systems Co., Lochinvar Corp., Mestek, Midco Intl., PB Heat, Potter Electric Signal Co., Riello Burners, R.W. Beckett Corp., Slant/Fin Corp., Taco, Triangle Tube/Phase III, Watts Regulator Co. and Weil-McLain.