ARLINGTON, Va. - The Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) is holding its second annual "National Indoor Comfort Week" April 17-23. The nationwide association is asking contractors to showcase the positive impact the HVACR industry has on health, safety, and overall quality of life.

"Few things have impacted American life as much as modern indoor environmental systems," said Paul Stalknecht, ACCA's president and chief executive officer.

"Yet they have become such a basic part of everyday living that few consumers stop to think about their importance. This contributes to a perceived image problem on the part of many in the HVACR contracting industry who fail to understand just how vital they are to their communities. At the same time, a lack of public outreach on the importance of indoor comfort makes it more difficult for contractors to expand into new, more profitable value-added products and services."

Individuals are encouraged to display the value of the industry in their community.

"This is an exciting opportunity for contractors across the country to ‘show off' how proud we are of our industry and our employees," said Stalknecht, "while reminding everyone of how important we are to the modern world."

ACCA would like to have it known that modern indoor environmental systems have made a profound impact on American life, which is often taken for granted. In fact, children breathe easier and seniors live longer, fuller lives thanks to the indoor air quality and comfort systems provided by air conditioning contractors, said Stalknecht.

"Refrigeration made possible by air conditioning contractors enables us to enjoy an abundance of safe, healthy, and delicious food from all over the world," he said.

"Plus, air conditioning contractors are responsible for the ‘cold chain' that enables medical breakthroughs that keep us healthy and improve our quality of life, and our economy is more productive thanks to the technology and computer capabilities made possible by the clean rooms designed by these contractors."

Publication date: 04/18/2005