The goal of the Energy Star for New Homes program has been to help homebuyers identify homes that are significantly more energy efficient than typical homes in the marketplace. As code requirements have become more rigorous over the years, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has responded by modifying the Energy Star guidelines periodically.

The Road to Success Lennox dealer meetings are part business seminar and part pep rally by design, said Jay Gidick, vice president of merchandising and national accounts. “We’re trying to make these meetings entertaining for dealers, and we think it’s working.”

Distributors who made it through 2009 can congratulate themselves on surviving one of the most difficult years that HVACR wholesale distribution has endured in a long time. And while business is not back to pre-recession levels, the outlook is definitely improving.

The economic conditions of the last few years have been tough for HVAC contractors. While some economic indicators point to a modest recovery underway, contractors may need a little more convincing, as evidenced by the Contractor Comfort Index (CCI), which decreased in the months of December and January before rising a bit in February.

In 2010, the 25C tax credits were a popular sales tool in the HVAC industry, used to entice homeowners to purchase high-efficiency HVAC systems in exchange for a $1,500 tax credit. However, these residential tax credits were reduced to $500 at the end of 2010, leading many in the industry to wonder if a drop-off in new equipment sales would be inevitable in 2011.

Contractors attending this year’s Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) conference had a lot of burning issues on their minds concerning the HVAC industry. Thanks to the much-anticipated CEO Forum that is held at the conference every year, attendees had the opportunity to ask manufacturing leaders about those issues that directly affect their livelihoods.

Contractors have looked forward to attending the Indoor Air Expo, a collaboration between the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) and the Indoor Air Quality Association (IAQA), for several years. This year, a new partner has been added - the Radiant Professionals Alliance (RPA).

The last few years have been challenging for HVACR contractors, the poor economy has resulted in financial stress, and recent federal legislation has caused concern. Even with these recent difficulties, there are numerous reasons to be hopeful, said Paul Stalknecht, president and CEO, Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA).

It is no surprise that the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is not a fan of medical marijuana, which has been legalized in 15 states and the District of Columbia. According to the DEA, the campaign to allow marijuana to be used as medicine is a maneuver in a strategy to legalize all drugs. But thousands can now use marijuana legally in order to treat various maladies.

The 10 winners of the 2011 AHR Expo Innovation Awards represent some of the most innovative new products in the HVACR industry, according to the judges, members of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), who evaluated submissions based on innovation, application, value to the user, and market impact.