Contracting organizations and business owners around the country enjoyed a victory when President Donald Trump signed a resolution into law eliminating the Obama administration’s ‘Volks rule.’
Information contained in these graphs are courtesy of the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI). Industry figures are estimates that are derived from the best available figures supplied by a sample of AHRI member companies.
Variable refrigerant flow (VRF) technology is relatively new to the U.S., yet it has quickly become a very popular option in the commercial market. VRF is now moving into the residential market as well.
During his campaign, Trump made it clear that his intentions were to reduce regulations and withdraw from the Paris agreement. His decision to withdraw is typical politics — either you agree, you disagree, or you agree to disagree.
Energy efficiency ratings (SEER/EER) of air conditioners and heat pumps keep rising, thanks to new technologies such as electronically commutated motors (ECMs), inverter-driven compressors, and advanced heat exchangers. These technologies have helped boost high-end cooling equipment ratings to the mid-20-SEER range, which was unthinkable just a few years ago.
Manufacturers often offer longer warranties and hefty rebates as a way to entice homeowners to purchase more expensive HVAC systems. Rebates and tax credits are also sometimes offered by federal, state, and local governments and utilities as a way to encourage consumers to reduce their energy use by purchasing newer, more efficient equipment.
Companies and employees often find some form of protection in short- and long-term insurance plans, and perhaps none are more worthy than disability programs, which are designed to replace some of the wages lost by people who cannot work because of a disabling injury or illness.
The owner of Walpole, Massachusetts-based Sison Plumbing & Heating has spent more than half of his life in the industry, having started in the plumbing industry at the ripe age of 17.