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.

Sirius Mechanical Inc. is in the business of making money and its investment in variable refrigerant flow (VRF) technology is paying off. In June 2005 the company installed its first VRF system. From then on, VRF equipment has been a consistent part of its product offering.

Driving into the office one morning I saw a work truck with its logo, phone number, and advertising all over it.

Best Buy entered the home energy management market in three of its stores this month. The trial provides customers with access to smart thermostats and solar elements as well as a plethora of controls and efficient lighting solutions.

Green is driving me crazy. The incessant nattering of a world hawking a green utopia has me up some nights doing research on products, practices, and legislation that promise to save me money, improve my life, and extend the life of the Earth. The problem lies in the definition of green or the lack thereof.