Energy-efficiency aficionados are heralding the Senate’s approval of a bill that includes measures they have been touting for years. On Sept. 22 — at 3 a.m. — the U.S. Senate unanimously approved H.R. 4850, the Enabling Energy Savings Innovations Act.

When humidity and moisture are not effectively controlled, persistent dampness can lead to material damage, corrosion, structural decay, and microbial growth. HVAC contractors can play an integral part in slowing the development of such problems, but how?

Taco Inc.’s new $22 million Innovation and Development Center is a testament not only to the growth and development of Taco’s nearly 500 employees, but also to the Cranston, R.I. community. 

While seven of 10 American homes utilize forced air to heat and cool their homes, a rising portion of the industry believes radiant and hydronic heating and cooling provides a better path to prosperity. These self-proclaimed “wet heads” met in Providence, R.I., Sept. 11-12 for the inaugural Hydronics Roundtable.

To look at a topic near and dear to our hearts, let’s focus on what the candidates said about energy. The term was mentioned 18 times on Wednesday night. 

According to the DOE, more than two-thirds of the fuel used to generate power in the United States is lost as excess heat. On Aug. 30, President Obama signed the executive order “Accelerating Industrial Energy Efficiency,” promoting and facilitating a reduction of wasted thermal energy through an investment in combined heat and power (CHP).

The Department of Energy (DOE) announced that its Standard Work Specifications (SWS) for Single Family Energy Upgrades are moving forward, to the dismay of some in the HVAC industry who did not approve of the process. The guidelines are designed to serve as a resource for those involved in residential energy-efficiency retrofits.

While the price of energy continues to rise, more homeowners are seeking energy independence through renewable energy sources including solar energy. In turn, a growing number of HVAC contractors are adding solar installations, solar thermal technology, solar-equipped air conditioning units, and more to their repertoire.

The advent of technology is at its most apparent in the world of thermostats and controls. Manufacturers are developing equipment that can be accessed and operated from Internet-enabled devices on the other side of the world. This article provides a sample of some of today’s latest thermostats and controls.