Articles by Kimberly Schwartz

A new credential — the Energy Management Professional (EMP) certification from Energy Management Association (EMA) — is training individuals to balance the goals of energy conservation and building performance, which, according to Andrew Heitman of Building Energy Sciences LLC, Pensacola, Florida, keeps customers happy.

There are many options for renting portable coolers, but in a pinch, how can contractors guarantee they’ll get what customers need? Here are some guidelines to ensure a company rents the right portable equipment and some tips for speeding up the response time.

To beat the heat, portable a/c units can offer reliable, around-the-clock operation to maintain a conditioned environment and prevent downtime in small- and medium-sized data centers.

In addition to the final determination stating that the DOE will now regulate portable air conditioners, the agency also issued new rules for test procedures for portable air conditioners and is currently developing energy conservation standards for these units.

This year is already being described as one of the most politically polarizing in American history. And just as voters are expressing very strong opinions at the polls in 2016, HVAC contractors also have strong opinions about whether it’s good business to be involved in politics.

HVAC contractors nationwide are struggling to locate and hire qualified technicians. And, while many complaints have been uttered, not everyone is actively trying to solve the problem. 

Ninety percent of compressor failures can be attributed to problems found elsewhere in the system. And, serious consequences can result if technicians don’t determine the true source of the compressor failure.

As manufacturers research the viability of low-GWP and other natural refrigerants, they face the concurrent challenges of ensuring compressors are efficient, safe, and reliable.

A common complaint throughout the HVACR industry is that when new technicians enter the industry, they don’t have the skills and knowledge that employers expect. One area where this is evident is in the field of compressor service. 

While some folks are harder to please than others, HVAC contractors say there are proven practices that can help prevent a tense situation from escalating. And, with the right tactics, you can even turn an angry customer into a happy, satisfied one.