The News and the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI) want to encourage the best HVACR instructors to keep up the good work. So to give them a well-deserved pat on the back, we introduce our fourth-annual "Instructor of the Year" contest.

A shortage in steel has caused prices to skyrocket, creating an industrywide chain reaction. In order to absorb the costs, higher prices are passed down to contractors, who, in turn, are forced to pass the costs on to customers. In some cases, steel has become a precious commodity that contractors can't even get their hands on.

Approximately 150 instructors attended the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute's (ARI's) Eighth Annual Instructor Workshop to discuss issues that could have a tremendous effect on HVACR programs across the country.

After 12 years, Contractors 2000 has changed its name to Nexstarâ„¢. But that is not the only change in store for this independent contractor organization representing over 300 HVAC, plumbing, and electrical companies.

HVAC Excellence and the Educational Standards Corporation (ESCO Institute) have unveiled a new grant valued at $4.8 million to fund outcome assessment testing. Through the grant, HVACR programs will be eligible for free HVAC Excellence testing.

Why should customers choose one contractor over another? More specifically, why should customers choose you to service their HVAC system instead of your competitor? These were questions asked by International Service Leadership (ISL) during its recent 2004 conference.

HRAI has trained and certified over 8,000 contractors and others in Canada on the proper installation of ventilation systems. The training has been so valuable that the HVACR industry in the U.S. has jumped on board to learn what SkillTech can offer.

The Healthy Solutions® line of products includes the Healthy Solutions evaporator coil, which comes with the Hydrotec™ drain pan complete with Microban® antimicrobial protection.

If the 2004 International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition (AHR Expo) is any indication, ductwork and accessories no longer just move air around an environment. They now help keep the environment clean, as well as minimize and eliminate sound from HVAC systems.

Recently, Goodman Company LP introduced its Amana® brand package terminal air conditioner (PTAC). According to the company, the PTAC has an Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) of up to 12.8, and its design makes the unit less costly to operate and saves energy.