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The world is changing and the refrigeration industry is changing along with it, but the refrigeration field is strong and will continue to be a great industry to work in for the next generation.

The condensate drain system is a unique component in the air conditioning system. It is an interface between the air-handler drain pan and the building plumbing system, for which no entity accepts responsibility. There is no approved or laboratory-tested-and-listed drain system.

By expanding its offerings and locations, administrators at Blackhawk Technical College are hoping to increase the number of qualified technicians, as well. In August 2014, the college moved its two-year HVAC program, as well as other manufacturing programs, into a new 105,000-square-foot facility, which is situated away from the school’s central campus.

According to ON World, safety and security products currently make up 30 percent of smart home devices. The fastest-growing product segments include video security cameras, smart doorbells, and smart smoke detectors, which together boast 162 percent sales increases when compared to 2014.

Tipping restaurant servers, delivery drivers, cab drivers, hair stylists, and movers has become a common practice in today’s world. But, what about service contractors?

The DOE reports that predictive maintenance may reduce maintenance costs up to 30 percent, eliminate breakdowns 70-75 percent of the time, minimize downtime, and increase production. Yet, despite the clear benefits of predictive maintenance, only 12 percent of commercial buildings are using it.

We asked The NEWS’ Contractor Advisory Board to not only identify their favorite smart, connected products, but tell us why they prefer them over others. Here’s what they had to say. 

According to word-of-mouth and social-marketing expert Gary Spangler, most businesses do social media wrong. Follow these rules to make sure you don’t fall into a social media trap.

While online training may have initially been scoffed at by seasoned technicians, it’s now becoming a quality complement to community colleges, tech schools, and apprenticeship programs. And, as more and more options present themselves, HVACRedu.net remains a reputable place for contractors to turn for online education.

The members of Service Roundtable and Service Nation Alliance gathered for meetings, networking, and the company’s “trade show within a trade show” at the Sept. 13-18 event, held within the America’s Center Convention Complex in St. Louis.