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Techs may not see the importance of the service ticket, but they should, since it can be an accurate reflection of him and his work. 

Manufacturers had a lot to like about last year. According to the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI), shipments of equipment increased in just about every category in 2013. Especially notable were shipments of air-source heat pumps, which were up 16 percent over 2012.

What works and what doesn’t work in a small business seems to evolve on a daily basis. This mantra rings especially true in the realm of HVAC marketing. Although digital marketing is gaining steam and popularity with contractors, some aren’t convinced the traditional means of advertising are dead yet.

Sales of air-source heat pumps used to be concentrated primarily in the Southern U.S., but that is changing as consumers become more aware of their energy-saving capabilities. In fact, in many markets, it may be more cost-effective to use an air-source heat pump for the majority of a homeowner’s heating and cooling needs.

The energy-efficiency ratings of residential air-source heat pumps have risen dramatically over the last few years, with many manufacturers now offering equipment well exceeding the 20-SEER mark. There have been significant gains made in commercial heat pump efficiencies as well.

We have been exhibiting in the home builders’ home shows here in the St. Louis area for more than 60 years. While so many things have changed in so many ways over the years, it amazes me that exhibits in shows like these haven’t really changed much at all.

Last fall, I taught my first online course dealing with designing hydronic heating systems. The course was titled “Mastering Hydronic System Design.” It was a collaborative effort between HeatSpring Learning Institute, BNP Media’s CE Campus, and myself.

Inside a board room at a downtown hotel in Norfolk, Virginia, 13 contractors from around the country convened in search of ways to improve their businesses. It was a semi-annual meeting of the ACCA MIX Group “Nothing But Net.”

Nearly 300 WaterFurnace dealers and employees from across the country mixed business with pleasure at the company’s annual meeting in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The three-day event included a minor league baseball game and featured a mix of informative presentations, factory tours, and educational breakout sessions.

The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association’s (PHCC) Quality Service Contractors (QSC) group welcomed nearly 200 attendees to its Power Meeting XL, which featured speakers, classes, and an industry partner show at the Worthington Renaissance Fort Worth.