Herb Woerpel

Herb Woerpel is a senior editor with The ACHR NEWS. He is committed to delivering practical, insightful information in an accessible, engaging way. Herb joined BNP Media in 2011. He most recently served as editor-in-chief of Engineered Systems and was previously employed as managing editor of The ACHR NEWS. Before joining BNP Media, he worked as a reporter with the Advance Newspapers, a subsidiary of MLive/The Grand Rapids Press. He holds a bachelor’s degree in news editorial journalism from Central Michigan University and boasts 16-plus years of professional journalism experience. Contact him at 248-786-1583 or herbwoerpel@achrnews.com.

Contractors Share How They’re Capitalizing on the IRA

While the bill has gained an inordinate amount of hype, it bears asking: What impact is the IRA actually having on HVAC contractors’ bottom lines?

Herb Woerpel

September 15, 2023

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In the 12 months since the $41 billion law was signed into law, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has leveraged the legislation as an engine to reduce emissions, build a cleaner economy, lower energy costs for American households, and advance environmental justice across the country.

Servicing CO₂ Refrigeration Systems

CO₂ systems operate under much higher pressures than HFC systems, and contractors must be aware of and prepared for this when charging these systems

Herb Woerpel

September 8, 2023

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Suddenly in high demand, HVAC contractors must quickly acclimate themselves with CO₂ refrigeration and its unique characteristics and service attributes, which differ from traditional hydrofluorocarbon (HFC)-based systems.

Heat Pumps a Popular Alternative for K-12 Schools

After payroll, utility spending tops most school districts’ budgets

Herb Woerpel

September 6, 2023

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Schools must shift away from outdated, inefficient HVAC systems reliant on polluting fossil fuels in favor of efficient, electric systems.

Five Star Home Services Training Academy

Homegrown Training Academies Help HVAC Contractors Fill the Workforce Gap

Three contractors share how and why they built their own training programs

Herb Woerpel

August 23, 2023

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Contractor-run training facilities allow company leaders to tailor the curriculum to meet their employment needs.

Water-Source VRF/VRV Units Offer a Clean, Sustainable Option

These HVACR systems are suitable for projects where space is at a premium

Herb Woerpel

August 23, 2023

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Water-source VRF/VRV units are often specified for large building and high rises applications as both contain water-cooled modules that are located indoors, closer to the space they’re serving.

HVAC Contractors Discover the Benefits of CO2 Refrigeration

HVAC Contractors Discover the Benefits of CO₂ Refrigeration

CO₂, also known as R-744, is a nontoxic, nonflammable refrigerant that is desirable for low- and medium-temperature applications

Herb Woerpel

August 18, 2023

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CO₂ is a highly attractive refrigerant for contractors and end users because it boasts a global warming potential (GWP) of 1 and an ozone depletion potential (ODP) of zero.

HVAC Contractors Navigate a Summer Full of Challenges

How to navigate and overcome the challenges obstructing contractors today

Herb Woerpel

August 16, 2023

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Numerous obstacles, including mild weather, a lack of demand, a shallow pool of skilled tradespeople, increased competition, inflation, supply chain shortages, and more, have stood in the way of contracting success throughout cooling season.

Building Assessments Provide a Prosperous Path for Contractors

While every building verification tool differs in its approach, each offers contractors an opportunity to pursue guaranteed revenue

Herb Woerpel

August 8, 2023

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Building vertifications serve as environmental and sustainability badges of honor, demonstrating excellence not only for the facilities but the contractors twisting the wrenches as well.

2023 Dealer Design Awards: Indoor Air Quality

Herb Woerpel

August 3, 2023

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The Indoor Air Quality category winner is an in-duct system that actively works to improve residential IAQ.

2023 Dealer Design Awards: HVAC Residential Equipment

Herb Woerpel

August 3, 2023

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The Gold award in the HVAC Residential Equipment category goes to a medium condensate pump used to automatically collect, move, and direct the flow of HVAC condensate when gravity drainage is not possible or practical.