Are energy audits worth it? That is a question that both HVAC contractors and consumers are beginning to ask themselves more often. The increasing costs of energy and the energy-saving message of federal and local governments are trickling into boardrooms and dining rooms across the nation.
How did the economy fare in 2011? What will it do in 2012? These questions are tricky to answer, but as contractors prepare their business strategies for the coming year, many are looking to numbers and forecasts for direction.
As the HVAC industry gears up for the International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition (AHR Expo) next week, another annual trade show worth mentioning has come and gone — the 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES). Why mention CES? There are two reasons — Nest and relevance.
It may be prudent for contractors to come up with a way to prove to their customers that the financial and environmental conservation techniques being employed are actually successful.
Without confidence in return on investments, many of the HVACR industry dabbled in the social and electronic realm; but most did not embrace the concept of speaking to the masses. Greg Crumpton did; and that’s what makes him a 2011 NEWSmaker.
When it comes time to purchase new technology, it is possible that you might be asking the wrong questions. Too often, people and companies purchase items with the hopes that the device will solve all their problems, last for a lifetime, and “bring balance to the force.”
Regis Philbin retired. Who’s the next Regis? It really doesn’t matter. The bottom line is that this man’s experience, wisdom, and expertise go with him and the young buck they will likely replace him with has a lot to learn. Sadly, this replacement of the older generation with younger counterparts seems to be happening at a quicker rate than in the past.
Variable refrigerant flow (VRF) technology made its way into the U.S. market awhile back. As it grows in popularity, manufacturers continue to create innovative equipment and expand possible applications. The following items are a sampling of products and applications in the VRF market.
Globally a mature product, its more recent adoption in the United States makes VRF something of a developing trend that more contractors are choosing for their businesses. The Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) brought further legitimacy to VRF products when it launched a new certification program.
