Two major Florida associations have joined forces and the big winners in the merger are the contractors of Florida. The Florida Air Conditioning Contractors Association and the Florida chapter of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America have united.

Maintenance is not the toughest situation a rooftop unit owner faces. The age-old repair versus replace argument can make or break an owner's budget and have a profound effect upon building comfort.

The newly formed Blue Hawk Distribution Cooperative was "established to ensure the survival and growth of the independent HVAC distributor," according to Nancy Hammer, Milwaukee Stove and Furnace Supply Co., and Blue Hawk board chairperson.

The U.S. Green Building Council's (USGBC's) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program is currently testing its new project, LEED for Homes. The pilot demonstration phase began late last year, expanding the LEED program for the first time to include residential structures.

"The days of burying your head in the sand and saying, ‘None of my customers use the Web,' are gone," said David Squires, a 25-year veteran HVAC contractor and Online Access president. Squires suggested that consumers are not merely Internet browsers, but the new stealth customers.

Because of state and local requirements in the building materials area, building contractors are going to be looking for ways to reduce their buildings' energy footprint. What does all this mean to the local HVAC contractor? Opportunity. Builders are beginning to hear the same message that HVAC contractors have been hearing.

Dale Crook, 23-year HVAC veteran turned inventor, installs the FlexFlow Elbow®, which creates a rigid 90 degree angle in flexible duct. Using Flex Ties™, Crook also hangs and supports the

HVAC has changed significantly in just a matter of months. Many are concerned with strategies for the new 13 SEER order.

This year's International Builders' Show placed marketing to the builder on an entirely new level for the HVAC industry. Over 70 HVAC manufacturers displayed products and worked to educate builders on the nuances of 13 SEER, IAQ, and other technologies designed for residential application.

The new construction builder is becoming an increasingly more significant player in the HVAC industry. With specific marketing to the builder strategies, contractors could find themselves on top of a profit wave with few others around.