Since the dawn of time, salespeople have been trying to figure out what factors make consumers part with their cash and actually buy a particular product. Is it special features? Is it price? Is it need? Is it because their next-door neighbors have it, and they want it, too? The same is true in the HVAC industry.
Credit conditions have been far from ideal for the last year or so, as both borrowing and lending have decreased due to the ailing economy. The credit crunch has been of particular concern to the HVAC industry, which relies heavily on financing in order to sell new heating and cooling systems.
Based on EPA estimates, the projected servicing needs in the United States for the air conditioning and refrigeration sector will face an imminent shortfall if the recycle and reclaim rate does not increase to 20 percent. Industry estimates for 2007 point to a reclaim rate of only 5-7 percent.
If the rising costs of energy over the last few years haven’t been enough to get your customers interested in finding ways to cut their utility bills, here’s something that might. President Obama would like to implement a cap-and-trade plan that includes cutting greenhouse gas emissions 83 percent below 2005 levels by 2050. Experts agree this would result in significantly higher energy costs.
Interest in renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power is growing, due to the higher cost of fossil fuels as well as the new administration on Capitol Hill. This trend is also benefiting another renewable energy source - geothermal - that is growing in popularity in both residential and commercial markets.
Our own panel of “mythbusters” agreed to dispel some of the most common rumors about R-410A. Jeff Goss, product manager, Bryant Heating & Cooling Systems, and Ron Vogl, marketing manager, Honeywell Genetron Refrigerants, help clear up the confusion surrounding R-410A.
In just over eight months, R-22 will no longer be available in new cooling systems. The next industry standard for new equipment installations has essentially turned to R-410A. So why are many delaying the transition? Manufacturers say the possibilities include the higher cost of R-410A, the poor economy, and fear of change.
“Candid.” “Refreshing.” “Highlight of the conference.” Those were just a few of the comments heard at the end of the highly anticipated CEO Forum at the recent 41st Annual ACCA Conference. NEWS’ editor-in-chief, Mike Murphy, asked the CEOs of Rheem, Carrier, and Lennox tough questions that were submitted by contractors.
There’s really nothing you can do to control what is posted online about your company, but it is important to devote some time to Googling your company name to see what’s out there. If you find you’re the recipient of many one-star reviews, you may want to take a closer look at your business practices. But if you have a one-star review that has little or no merit, there are ways to combat that.
Those who attend the 41st annual Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) conference in Forth Worth, Texas, Feb. 24-26, are going to be in for some big surprises in the Lone Star state. Not only will they be greeted by a bigger Indoor Air Expo, but they’ll be able to attend numerous information-packed workshops.