Many have come to the defense of the nation since 9/11, but when they return from military service, they can have difficulty finding employment. The president has announced new initiatives to help returning military veterans find jobs.

Consumers Energy awarded $4.3 million in incentives to fund 888 projects in the third quarter of 2011 to help Michigan commercial and industrial businesses become more energy efficient.

For the time being, the 25C residential energy tax credit has officially expired. Since many HVAC residential contractors used the tax credit as a selling tool, there has been a lot of discussion about how the expiration will affect the industry, and if there is any hope for an extension of the credit.

Downstate Illinois utility Ameren Illinois is reminding its electric and natural gas business customers looking to reduce their energy expenses that the project deadline is approaching for participation in the 2011-12 ActOnEnergy® efficiency incentives program.

Homeowners are being very careful about making investments in home energy savings. According to a recent survey, they are demanding significant energy cost savings to justify any investments of time and money required to install highly efficient HVAC systems, and they have grown more skeptical about promises of a quick payback.

The Dwyer Group has introduced a new program designed to help law enforcement officers and firefighters get into business for themselves through franchise incentives. The program, Public Protectors Franchise Advantage Program (PPFA), offers 20 percent off the minimum franchise fee.

With residential new construction barely a blip on the radar these days, most contractors have shifted gears toward educating customers about the benefits of retrofitting older HVAC units with new high-efficiency equipment. In the northeast U.S., where hydronic systems are very popular, that often involves replacing older boilers.