WaterFurnace Intl. Inc. recently held its 2017 annual sales meeting in Denver, and as you can imagine, the 30 percent residential and 10 percent commercial federal tax credits for geothermal heat pump systems that expired Dec. 31, 2016, were on everybody’s minds.
While some contractors are proceeding with caution when it comes to smart home automation products, further training and awareness may force their hands sooner than later.
By now, most contractors are offering Wi-Fi-enabled thermostats and systems that include central interfaces. Those ahead of the curve are utilizing these central interface systems to upsell customers on security cameras, camera-infused doorbells, perimeter lighting, and more.
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.
Teaching the next generation of HVAC technicians is an ever-evolving task. New products with advanced features are constantly released, classroom instruction methods are developed, student behavior changes, and no two students learn at the same pace. However difficult the task may seem, HVAC Excellence is poised to lead the charge via its 2017 National HVAC Educators and Trainers Conference.
The 2017 IE3 Show, held March 20-22 in Nashville, Tennessee, welcomed a record-breaking number of attendees this year, drawing in people from all throughout the country. Featuring 26 workshop sessions that included both roundtable discussions with industry veterans and ask the expert sessions where contractors could ask professionals questions on varying issues, the show was quite an informative success.
Though consumers are becoming more familiar with IAQ, it’s important for HVAC contractors to facilitate conversations that focus on indoor environmental problems and solutions and then let them make their own decisions.
On April 22, people all over the globe celebrated Earth Day. This holiday serves as a reminder to many that we all need to do our part to preserve the planet. While some plant trees, recycle, or clean parks, the HVACR industry touts the potency of geothermal heating and cooling.
As consumers become better educated about IAQ, the need for humidification and dehumidification — and the comfort solutions they provide — has increased. According to RnR Market Research, the global market for humidifiers is expected to surpass $1 billion by 2019. Another study, conducted by Grand View Research Inc., states the global dehumidifier market is expected to reach $3.54 billion by 2022.
Mold can be found everywhere, both indoors and outdoors. However, it’s usually not a problem until it begins growing indoors. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, exposure to mold can cause a number of health effects and symptoms, including allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory complaints. Mold can be a serious issue if left untreated, which is perhaps one of the reasons most HVAC contractors tend to avoid it.