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.

Now, more than ever, the industry has been looking for alternatives to R-22 to keep the huge existing base of R-22 equipment up and running. More reclamation has been one option. But at the same time, attention is being paid to a large number of HFC refrigerants that can be retrofitted into R-22 equipment.

Because no one HFC refrigerant can be retrofitted efficiently into the entire range of R-22 equipment, a wide and sometimes changing variety of HFCs have entered the market. The NEWS contacted a number of refrigerant manufacturers asking them to discuss some of their most popular HFCs for R-22 retrofits.

“We aren’t green, we’re gold.” That was the message being sent from speakers and trainers at the 2012 International Ground Source Heat Pump Association’s (IGSHPA’s) technical conference and expo. What else happened at the conference?

Some contractors claim they have been converting oil equipment to natural gas at a record pace. But that doesn’t mean oil furnaces will fade from the marketplace, as there are many areas that have limited access to natural gas. In addition, it can be expensive to convert, and new oil furnaces can provide better comfort and higher efficiencies.

Renewable energy generated by solar, wind, and geothermal technology has garnered a lot of attention lately, but residential biomass central heating systems have not enjoyed the same exposure. What’s holding biomass back?

Barring any changes stemming from the pending lawsuit against the Department of Energy (DOE), the new regional efficiency standards for residential furnaces, air conditioners, and heat pumps are scheduled to become effective May 1, 2013. What does that mean for you?

The RotoStorm II™ insulation blower can help contractors who offer insulation installation save customers money on their energy bills and take advantage of new homeowner tax credits, said the company. Its two-piece construction offers easy portability and durability.

A ruling to the pending regional standards lawsuit may be less than a month away. American Public Gas Association (APGA) executive vice president Dave Schryver confirmed that the lawsuit, APGA v. U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), has entered mediation and that an agreement between the two parties could occur very soon.

Since variable refrigerant flow (VRF) technology is still relatively new in the United States, many contractors lack a full understanding about VRF equipment. But experts on these systems are striving to dispel false impressions and provide training opportunities for contractors who want to learn about VRF.