Taking environmental control to the next level, the large field of competitors in The NEWS’ eighth annual Dealer Design Awards’ Commercial Controls category examined the aspects they already controlled and added enhancements that further define what true temperature control on a large scale really means.

Winners of the The NEWS’ eighth annual Dealer Design Awards’ HVAC Commercial Equipment category have brought new ideas to the commercial market that should help contractors meet the commercial challenges they face.

Going where only some HVAC products have dreamed to go, the winners of The NEWS’ eighth annual Dealer Design Awards’ HVAC High-Efficiency Residential Equipment category have staked out gold, silver, and bronze positions with their abilities to provide improved technology in new applications.

Social media presents two primary choices: get involved or be left behind. Contractors have heatedly debated that statement, along with many other social media topics, for some time. More often than not, however, the argument circles back to social media relevance. With social media being so new, industry relevance is more a matter of opinion that could be argued from both sides.

It is summer. The season has officially begun and it’s time to get out and enjoy the weather. For some this is difficult. Global warming - or was it global cooling? - is allegedly causing some rough weather.

New products are nice, but when it comes to technology, there are only so many functions that users find useful. With the above concept in mind, it could be considered that one of the keys to success as a product or a service provider could simply be to ask, “What do you want from us?”

Heat pump sales are on the rise, and the numbers for the first quarter of 2011 are showing a pattern for increased growth as 2011 progresses. Supported by the numbers recently released by the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI), this growth could present HVACR contractors with new opportunities.

Here at The NEWS, we could argue that our job is really about asking and answering questions. Once we have the answers, we package them in different media platforms and deliver them for your information and your entertainment.

Over the years, HVACR’s overall approach to heating and cooling has changed. What was once a simple installation of a heating and/or cooling unit is now a complex process that must consider the building envelope and a whole structure approach in order to maintain the energy efficiency many are striving to achieve.

Who knew you could copper mine with nothing more than a truck and a set of heavy duty cutters? The perpetrators that drove away with the old air conditioning unit from a local church last month - that’s who.