In most actual installations, the connections between the fan and the system will have a disruptive effect on flow conditions. As an approach to quantifying this effect, the Air Movement and Control Association (AMCA) developed the concept of “system effect factor.”
The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) was formed in 1989 with the mission of standardizing effective duct cleaning methods. Today, NADCA has expanded its mission and has developed a new standard, titled “Assessment, Cleaning, and Restoration of HVAC Systems.”
The National Air Filtration Association (NAFA) places a high priority on educating and updating its members on the importance of air filtration. NAFA brought its educational mission to its 2003 Technical Seminar.
Looking at how housing and the economy will perform now that the negative impact of war in Iraq seems to be fading, economists speaking at the National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB’s) semiannual Construction Forecast Conference predicted significant improvement beginning in the year’s second half. Almost every speaker agreed that housing construction in 2003 will likely equal or slightly surpass last year’s 1.7 million units.
It is extremely difficult for any technician to be proficient in all the different components he or she will encounter. However, a good technician will know where to go to get the information when it is needed.
Contractor associations provide a great deal of information and business tools for their members. These groups also set examples for other contractors around the United States who look for leadership and guidance. That’s one reason why The News sought them out for their opinions on trends and issues affecting the HVACR trade.
Although HVACR contractors still list the “usual suspects” such as the labor shortage and a highly competitive market as two of the biggest issues facing the trade in 2003, there are other issues looming on the horizon.
For a number of HVACR educators, the Air-Conditioning & Refrigeration Institute’s (ARI’s) annual instructor workshop is an event that cannot be missed. This year’s workshop marked the seventh year for the program and brought together over 150 HVACR instructors.
The European HVAC installation sector has, for several years, been stagnant at best and declining in many aspects, said Martin Viessmann, president of the German company that bears his name. His state-of-the-industry comments came during a press briefing at the ISH Expo.
It would appear that manufacturers are on the same page as their dealers when it comes to assessing the issues affecting the industry. The key priorities outlined by manufacturers jibed pretty closely with the concerns of contractors.