At this year's conference, the term HVAC disappeared and was replaced with Home Performance Contracting.

With more than 2,400 contractors attending the recent 2012 ACCA Annual Conference and Indoor Air Expo in Las Vegas, the event lived up to its “Raise the Stakes” billing.

In the last decade, our legislators and our regulatory agencies have had a huge influence on the industry and how contractors conduct their business. This government influence will continue to drive our business.

Consumers often seek out products that are considered to be the best or most efficient in their class. For this reason, many only consider highly fuel-efficient cars, Energy Star labeled refrigerators, or televisions rated as top performers in consumer magazines. This principle may work with other types of products, but will it work when it comes to the purchase of a high-efficiency heating and/or cooling system?

If contractors sit back and refuse to get involved in home performance, they may find themselves taking orders from an energy "expert" who's had five days of training.

Approach home performance certifications with caution.

Building Performance Institute Inc. (BPI) is sponsoring a “Crushing Your Competition as a Whole House Home Performance Contractor” webinar, 1 p.m. Sept. 19.

Randy Novak, president-elect of SMACNA, has urged his fellow contractors to follow his example and become involved in the home performance contracting market. Novak often works with Home Star Iowa and the firm’s chief building analyst, Rob Novak — who just happens to be his brother.

Home performance contracting is more than just an industry buzzword for the team at Minnick’s Heating, Cooling, Energy Solutions, and Insulation. Why did the three owners decide to start focusing on the home performance market?

ABM, a leading provider of integrated facility solutions, announced that its subsidiary GreenHomes America LP has signed a franchise agreement with Washington Energy Services, a leading provider of home performance contracting services in Washington state.