It is truly the 11th hour for most all things related to refrigerants. The year 2009 was a pivotal year leading up to dramatic changes in 2010 in terms of refrigerants used and refrigerant supplies. But much remains undone and much uncertainty surrounds what will happen when things get done.
Many consumers think HVAC contractors are more intent on making a buck than they are on properly servicing or installing HVAC systems. Is it possible to change that perception? My recommendation is for contractors to have internal quality control systems. This is one way you can set yourself apart from the competition.
Do you or your customers have questions about the Quality Installation (QI) standard? Stan Johnson, president of Stan’s Heating and Air Conditioning, Austin, Texas, has answered some common questions. He is currently serving as the chair for the board of directors of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA).
In these turbulent economic times for HVACR contractors, promoters of franchising contend that their approach could be a bit of a safe harbor. They maintain that they offer marketing skills to find customers; tools to educate customers on investing in retrofit upgrades and preventive maintenance; and proven accounting methods to tighten the bottom line.
The Refrigeration Service Engineers Society has reached what it is calling a ‘tipping point’ in its 76-year history. During a business meeting at the society’s Annual Conference & HVACR Technology Expo, RSES Executive Vice President Mark Lowry told delegates the actions that are being taken.
The Sunshine State saw approximately 500 members of the Mechanical Service Contractors of America (MSCA) descend upon the Hyatt Coconut Point Resort for the association’s 24th Annual Educational Conference. Owners and managers came to discuss the construction and building service and maintenance industry.
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) Quality Installation & Maintenance Standards are gaining increasing acceptance, being adopted across the United States. While ACCA and ANSI wrote the standards, companies like HVACReducation.net are providing training on how to apply them.
Perhaps the greatest active proponent of Quality Installation (QI) guidelines has been Southern California Edison (SCE). The utility’s Energy Star® QI program helps make sure homeowners are getting the performance they expect, from a system that performs efficiently.
It is important for contractors to ensure that they adequately plan for the transition to R-410A. Emerson Climate Technologies has developed this checklist to help stimulate ideas among contractors to prepare for the transition and evaluate some of the actions that may need to be considered.
Customer awareness of the industry transition to R-410A still seems to be on the low side, so contractors need to be prepared to spend time educating consumers about the new refrigerant. One estimate is that only 30 to 40 percent of the public knows about the phaseout of R-22.
RSS
