I received an e-mail recently from Warren Lupson, director of education for AHRI. Hard to believe, but there is scholarship money to be had, but the foundation cannot even get 10 applicants.

Underfloor air distribution (UAD) systems are gaining in popularity. In 1995, less than 3 percent of new office buildings had raised floors, with UAD being a fringe element. By 1999, 8 percent had raised floors, 20-25 percent with UAD. By 2002, 12-15 percent had raised floors, with approximately 40 percent having UAD.

Clockwork Home Services has a hit with its franchise members: Clockwork University. Since it developed its central spot for learning on the Internet, members have been flocking to sign up for what it has to offer. Over 2,000 students have signed on since it was rolled out in April.

Manufacturers are stepping up to the plate to help train and educate contractors, as well as their employees. For instance, Rheem Heating and Cooling recently introduced its HVAC Training Opportunities Catalog, designed specifically for contractors.

Material shortages and price escalations plague the construction industry. And it is clear that the price volatility of construction material, such as steel, will be a continuing challenge.

Through a two-year research project with the University of Colorado, the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) is on the path to confirm and define the relationship between HVAC cleaning and energy savings.

I am going to sound like a broken record, but it has to be said over and over and over again until we, as an industry, do something collectively to get more young people into this industry. I’ve been preaching that we need to get a weekly TV show placed on the airwaves that deals with HVACR. There is no better way, in my mind, to catch the eye of this future generation than by the TV screen.

He at least looked confident taking his diploma from HVACR Technology chair, Chris Brueggeman. However, even though this was the night Brad Bartz was saying goodbye to Ranken Technical College, the 25-year-old Maryville, Ill., resident was still uncertain where he would be next.

The American Indoor Air Quality Council (IAQ Council) has launched a campaign against consumer fraud in the environmental consulting and remediation industries. The organization is now taking formal steps to halt the misrepresentation of IAQ Council credentials.

OK, so we were a little off. Almost exactly a year ago (June 4, 2007, to be exact), The NEWS had this headline on page 1: “Gas Prices Predicted to Hit $4 per Gallon.”