Articles by Kimberly Schwartz

While visiting a contractor in Pennsylvania last week, I was told that it is getting harder than ever to find good technicians. But this contractor wasn’t worried about a lack of skilled workers.

It’s not the job of your customers to know industry lingo. How often do you rattle off terms like “AFUE” or “audit” without pausing to explain them? The real question is: After talking to you or your sales staff, do people feel confused and frightened, or educated and excited?

I only had one free Saturday morning in October to go raspberry picking. But on the morning that I had made plans to go, I woke up to the sound of rain.

The 25C residential tax credits are set to expire on Dec. 31, 2010. According to a variety of sources, these credits have had a significant impact on the HVAC industry, and have particularly aided sales of high-end, high-efficiency equipment. Some in the industry are worried that expiration of the credits will drastically reduce HVAC sales and are urging extension of 25C.

Energy Star, the popular program administered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy (DOE), has been labeling energy-efficient products with its logo since 1992. Now, the EPA has announced that the program is moving in a new direction, away from its current practice of self-certification.

There isn’t much time left before Congress adjourns for the fall; the target date for closing up shop in D.C. is Oct. 8. Then, of course, they’re all heading home to stump for your vote on Nov. 2.

Read this roundup for a review of some of the latest thermostat models on the market for both residential and commercial applications.

In 2009, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) discontinued the labeling of programmable thermostats as Energy Star products. However, this past June, the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) introduced a new labeling and certification program for thermostats.

It may seem to be a contradiction in terms, but thermostat manufacturers say their products are simultaneously becoming simpler and more complex. According to some leading manufacturers, the trends in future thermostat design are all about balancing the desires of consumers for simple, intuitive controls while also enhancing the diagnostic, technical, and communication capabilities.

What obstacles do commercial controls contractors face today? And what are the best approaches and trends that aid them in developing workable solutions for their customers? One man with a wealth of experience who can answer these questions is Richard “Dick” Starr, president and CEO of The Enterprise Corp.