As every contractor knows, both money-making opportunities and unexpected situations present themselves on a regular basis. With this in mind, upgrading your equipment to meet new safety standards and repairing a broken-down van both have one thing in common. What is it? 

Attendees who ask these types of questions will sit there with a look of growing dissatisfaction when I do not answer with the response that they had anticipated. My stomach twists into a knot each time I find myself faced with this predicament. What question is Coscia talking about?

Source: 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.

The Evolution® Extreme variable-speed heat pump (280ANV) has efficiencies of up to 13 HSPF and up to 20.5 SEER. When combined with an Evolution control and Evolution gas furnace or fan coil, the heat pump utilizes a variable-speed compressor to precisely match its operation to the heating and cooling needs of the home.

I hope you had a chance to read the recent article in this magazine by Joanna Turpin regarding ‘Going Against the $29 Tune-up.’ I have to declare that this is not a subject on which I have mixed feelings. In fact, I have very strong feelings.

An upgrade to the Envision® product line, the 5 Series delivers whole-home comfort. The 5 Series 500A11 combines forced-air heating and a/c and generates a portion of a home’s hot water. Available in nine single-speed and six dual-capacity sizes from 1 to 6 tons, the geothermal heat pump system uses R-410A refrigerant.

The IR Series direct vent gas inserts feature the company’s advanced infrared technology and flame modulation. The XIR gas inserts offer a modulating dual-burner system that results in a firebox filled with a stunning triple flame pattern. The IR Series allows homeowners to use zone heating.

Condensing units were historically described as boxy and boring. But what was once a plain-looking metal box with louvers (and often made too much noise) has been replaced by sleek designs. Does this mean condensing units have come of age?

The U.S. Census Bureau is gearing up for the 2012 Economic Census and one of the topics it will be studying across the nation is franchising. In the meantime, HVAC contractors are left with a question, the answer to which could significantly change their businesses. “To franchise or not to franchise,” that is the question.

For elimination of refrigerant cross-contamination in a/c and refrigeration systems and recovery equipment, the Spectroline® TES-31 tamper-evident straps ensure the purity of the system, while protecting the integrity of the service equipment.