Record power demands during the last two winters caused electrical distribution zones to trip off-line. How did that affect HVAC systems? 

While manufacturers continue to look at ways to make HVACR equipment as energy efficient as possible, just as much attention is being paid to finding ways to get that equipment off the electric grid and powered as much as possible by such alternative energy sources as solar, wind, photovoltaic (PV), and geothermal.

Energy efficiency and energy savings go hand-in-hand. A few of the many products that can offer end users these types of savings are highlighted here.

The Golden Rule in business is — he who has the gold, rules! What does that mean in HVAC contractor terms?

Why have some companies been better at dramatically reducing costly hiring mistakes and — ultimately — turnover? What’s the real secret to successful hiring?

“You don’t stay in this business for 75 years if you don’t do it right,” said Wayne E. Lanhardt, president and majority owner of the McCrea family of companies. “We call it ‘the McCrea way’ — do it the right way the first time.” Lanhardt’s claim that his family’s business is doing it the right way is borne out by the numbers. Revenues for 2010 were around $30 million.

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.

Gary Marowske could be considered the Goldilocks of the HVAC contracting business trying out a few groups before finding the one that fit just right. Which one did he choose?
 

In this article, The NEWS shares information on different industry associations and how each can play a vital role in the growth of HVAC contracting businesses.

There are many ways to grow an HVAC contracting business including developing a best business practice philosophy, expanding local service areas, bringing new and talented people on board, adding products and services, or acquiring add-on businesses. What else can you do to expand your business?