A notable building scientist, Joseph Lstiburek, (perhaps even more notable for his annual bash) challenges some popular beliefs about the green movement.

The Chiller Systems Group held its Spring 2010 meeting in style along the area known as the Magnificent Mile, one of the most popular shopping and sightseeing destinations in the U.S. The Fairmont Hotel Millennium Park played host to Chiller System Group (CSG) member companies in attendance during the three-day event.

The mechanical system drives more than 40 percent of the operating costs of a home. Consider that the entire envelope of the structure contributes to the operating costs, and it makes sense that HVAC contractors should offer complete home energy audits.

Reports from several of The NEWS’ sources in the industry indicate that the Summer of 2010 is shaping up to be a fairly good one. Yet, times are tough for some, even amid the recent good news that industry sales are beginning to climb. Why the dichotomy? How can things get better for some and worse for others?

While driving through a residential neighborhood, one with rows and rows of houses with air conditioning units, a thought occurred - about 19 out of 20 of those a/c systems might some day spew refrigerant into the atmosphere - that is, if refrigerant continues to be recovered at the same rate as today.

Lonnie Coleman, president of the Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA), set the stage for all presenters at the MCAA annual convention. He put on his best driving clothes for the opening general session and raced Steve McQueen-style through the streets of San Francisco - just to get to the meeting on time.

We can all remember that infamous first day back at school, and the teacher was waiting impatiently for us to finish The Writing Assignment - What I Did on My Summer Vacation. Let us fast forward to the end of the 2010 summer. If you were asked what you did with your summer, what might you be able to say?

The Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA) President Lonnie Coleman opened the association’s 121st annual convention to cheers of appreciation from more than 1,700 attendees. The youth choir Voena moved the audience, while a surprise video of Coleman speeding through the streets of San Francisco in a car chase caused waves of laughter.

As good ideas become old ideas, some will stand the test of time, and some will not. A good old idea that seems to be gathering momentum, especially as governmental bodies seek ways to ensure that equipment efficiency promises can be delivered upon, is the idea of installed quality.

Home Star is a proposed new national weatherization incentive program. There is one issue associated with the wording of the bill which troubles me, and no disrespect intended to the Building Performance Institute (BPI), but where are the other certifying and/or accrediting bodies such as North American Technician Excellence (NATE) and HVAC Excellence.