"If we expect change, we have to change," he said. "For example, customers are asking us to give them more control over their homes, like setting the indoor temperatures while they are sitting on a beach."

Bean said that there has never been a time when HVACR contractors have had to be more flexible in both their personal and business lives. He discussed several factors affecting the trade today, including the shrinking labor force and the importance of educating consumers on HVACR.