Initiated by ACCA in 2003, National Indoor Comfort Week highlights the contributions America's HVACR professionals make to the nation and their communities.

"HVACR has been called the 'hidden industry,'" said Paul T. Stalknecht, ACCA president and CEO. "Yet when you think about it, the lives we live today would be impossible without the men and women who keep our homes and places of business comfortable and healthy and keep our food and medicine fresh.

"HVACR contractors are even responsible for the technological and computer advancements that have made the American economy what it is today. These devices could not be manufactured were it not for the 'clean rooms' and temperature-controlled environments designed by HVACR contractors."

While the special week was originally created by ACCA, it is now an industry-wide initiative. Other sponsors include the Association for Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM), the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI), Heating, Airconditioning and Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI), North American Technician Excellence (NATE), and the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors-National Association (PHCC).

This is a grassroots effort - most activity will take place on the local level. To help HVACR professionals and organizations celebrate, ACCA has put together a resource guide that includes event ideas, news release templates, and consumer information downloads. It is available at http://www.comfortweek.com/.

"We've been 'hidden' for far too long," commented Stalknecht. "We urge our members and partners to take advantage of this opportunity to raise awareness of the HVACR industry."

Publication date: 03/06/2006