CO2 as a secondary fluid, piping precautions, and when and how to use variable-speed drives were among the topics of eight papers presented during the 2008 International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration (IIAR) Conference & Exhibition.
There were some 5,000 young persons in Kansas City in late June for the 44th SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference. They were winners from SkillsUSA chapters who competed in local, state, and regional competitions to reach the national championship in 91 different vocational disciplines. In that mix were 54 students competing in Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration.
The impact of HVAC is so significant, that it is leading utilities, building scientists, and others into the realm of HVAC system performance evaluation. Contractors that cannot measure system performance may find themselves at odds with these communities. Simply put: HVAC performance testing is quickly becoming a necessity.
It costs a lot to run a fleet of trucks today, but it’s an expenditure that's necessary for businesses that have to make deliveries. For HVAC distributors, making deliveries is just part of their everyday routine, and there’s no doubt that the rising cost of fuel is having a major impact on their bottom lines.
Global positioning system (GPS) technology has grown into a detailed mapping system that can provide companies with tracking, reporting, messaging, and navigating capabilities. And GPS service providers say there are more features coming that will further benefit HVAC contracting firms.
For HVACR contractors, it can be difficult to discern whether a heating, cooling, or ventilating system is adhering to green building guidelines. This is why specific tools are often needed when working on these types of structures. These tools can range from the usual - manometers and gauges - to the unique - thermal imaging and balometers.
The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) has a new name, along with a few new strategies. The new initiatives were revealed during the association’s annual meeting. The association also adopted a new tagline, and will be known as “NADCA – The HVAC inspection, maintenance, and restoration association.”
Brian Javeline is the president and CEO of MyOnlineToolBox.com, an online software service for construction estimating and invoicing, designed for contractors to manage jobs and grow their businesses. He recently took time to answer questions about MyOnlineToolBox and how it impacts the HVACR trade.
You get what you give. If you want to maintain a skilled team of loyal employees in the ever-changing HVACR industry, you need to invest in them. One way to do this is through quality training and continuing education.
Some may think that the Air Conditioning Contractors of America’s (ACCA’s) Quality Installation (QI) Standard deals mainly with cooling systems, but that would be an incorrect assumption. The specification also deals with necessary steps for the safe and efficient installation and operation of fuel-fired heating equipment.
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