In late December, President Bush signed the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. With his signature, the president gave the Department of Energy (DOE) the authority to establish regional standards for residential furnaces and central air conditioning equipment. And the HVAC industry had a hand in formulating the bill’s wording.
Each year the HVAC industry proves to be diverse, resilient, and ever
changing. The year 2007 was no different as multiple events spurred
change and helped establish new trends.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) approved new heating equipment standards for residential furnaces and boilers. The new standards increase the minimum natural gas furnace efficiency level to 80 percent as opposed to the current 78 percent AFUE.
A distributor’s customer is the HVACR contractor. Everyday the distributor brings in new supplies and then sends them out the door via pick up or delivery. Their job, however, is more than just slinging parts.
Manufacturers have many different customers. Some deal strictly with distributors while others deal with distributors, contractors, and even end users. The customer load brings trial and triumph to the daily choices made in the boardroom. Each choice, however, is aimed at one thing - customer satisfaction.
Market shifts, technology, economic changes, legislation, and evolving customer service requirements are compelling the HVACR industry to face new challenges. Although multiple supply chain participants are affected by these evolutions and shifts, contractors find themselves on the front lines of change.
Under the umbrella of the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI), manufacturers, distributors, and contractors met to discuss business matters and enjoy the beauty of Victoria, British Columbia, during its 39th Annual General Meeting (AGM).
New statistics released by the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI) report an increase in shipment numbers. According to ARI, September’s combined U.S. factory shipments of central air conditioners and air-source heat pumps totaled 527,516, up 4.7 percent compared to September 2006.
The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy hosted the 2007 Solar Decathlon at the National Mall, Oct. 12-20. Twenty teams, from around the world, were chosen to compete for top honors in this third bi-annual solar housing competition.
Scott Naill, a 20-year HVAC veteran and 14-year teaching authority, finds himself on the cusp of a progressive partnership philosophy, and the winner of Honorable Mention status in the Best Instructor competition sponsored by The NEWS and the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute.
