Austin Energy is the nation’s 10th largest community-owned electric utility, serving customers in and around Austin, Texas. It is well-known for creating one of the most comprehensive residential and commercial energy-efficiency programs in the United States, as well as the nation’s first and largest green building program.

Given their success in the residential market, it seems only natural that microchannel coils would eventually be incorporated into commercial cooling equipment. Within the last year, several major manufacturers have rolled out rooftop units and chillers that utilize microchannel technology.

Collecting money is almost always an awkward situation, particularly when dealing with a customer who doesn’t want to pay. In a softening economy, HVAC contractors need to not only talk about it often with their technicians and customers, they may need to be even more aggressive about demanding payment.

Positive thinking and a strong business plan can go a long way to mitigating the effects of a slowing economy. That was the message of marketing wiz, Adams Hudson, Hudson Ink, Montgomery, Ala., at the recent Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) meeting.

Some of the largest banks in the United States have warned that the turmoil surrounding subprime mortgages could be the start of a sweeping lending crisis. The result may be that fewer banks and lending institutions are willing to extend credit, which could be a concern to those homeowners looking to obtain financing for a new heating or cooling system.

Randy Boyd of Heating, Airconditioning and Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI) has little patience for those who complain that distributor sales in 2007 weren’t that great. “As of November 2007, distributors were collectively up 1.7 percent. Considering 2006, which was probably the best year ever, it ain’t bad,” said Boyd.

Manufacturers are not deterred by slower equipment sales in 2007; instead, they are eager to address all the opportunities in 2008, which include showcasing new, efficient product lines and embracing greener ways of doing business.

When it comes to IAQ, Charlie Martin is an expert. As a Certified Indoor Environmentalist and Indoor Air Quality Specialist at Woodfin Heating in Mechanicsville, Va., he has spent the last 14 years educating customers about IAQ.

Dwarfing most other products on display, cooling tower manufacturers proudly displayed their wares at the 2008 International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition (AHR Expo).
More efficient controls, corrosion-resistant materials, and water conservation features were the highlighted items on many of the new towers.

New zoning solutions could be found from several exhibitors at the 2008 International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition (AHR Expo).