Nick Kostora

While the level of excitement surrounding home-performance contracting has waned for some, many still see great benefits and potential in the marketplace.

Is Home Performance Still in High Demand?

Contractors offer varying opinions, strategies, and approaches to home performance

April 11, 2016

The energy and excitement was certainly present among contractors across the nation, and while it has waned for some, many still see great benefits and potential in the home-performance marketplace.

A study conducted by Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute’s (AHRI’s) Zone Control System Technology (ZCST) product section revealed that properly installed bypass dampers may positively impact a cooling system’s EER.

Bypass Ducts, Zoning Receive Boost from AHRI

New study finds positive effects when properly installing bypass dampers

Nick Kostora

March 21, 2016

A new study conducted by AHRI's Zone Control System Technology product section revealed that bypass-type single-stage cooling zoning systems may positively influence an HVAC system’s EER.

Carefully Correcting Disobedient Techs

Addressing technician missteps is challenging, especially when quality replacements are sparse

Nick Kostora

March 7, 2016

Qualified HVAC technicians are desirable commodities, so when HVAC contracting owners get their hands on good techs, they’re willing to go to great lengths to keep them in their uniforms.

Improving air quality, both residentially and commercially, is often done away from the naked eye but can significantly reduce toxic off-gassing from smoke, odors, and volatile organic compounds.

Burgeoning Air Purification Market Provides Tangible Benefits

The need and demand for IAQ products is only going to grow in the coming years

Nick Kostora

February 29, 2016

Air purification is a highly competitive, emerging space in HVAC, and manufacturers are constantly trying to innovate and stay ahead of the curve in relation to the needs of customers.

Chris Willette, president of Fresh-Aire UV, said that while many building owners turn to UV for economic advantages, they stay with the technology because of its IAQ benefits.

ASHRAE Validates Effectiveness of UV-C

Study reports UV-C inactivates microorganisms with a kill ratio of 90 percent or higher

Nick Kostora

February 29, 2016

Ultraviolet (UV) light has been growing as part of the HVAC landscape for years, specifically within the IAQ arena. ASHRAE's validation is certainly a huge step forward for UV, but many manufacturers believe this technology has already proven its value, as its growth and expansion began years ago.

A look inside the surgery room at St. Luke’s Cataract & Laser Institute in Tarpon Springs, Florida.

Contractors Turn to IAQ for Smart, Safe Solutions

Various IAQ products are solving problems, both commercially and residentially

Nick Kostora

February 29, 2016

Whether it’s through the use of UV light, whole-home IAQ solutions, or commercial-grade air-filtration equipment, the following case studies showcase ways contractors have solved IAQ problems at both the residential and commercial levels.

Get Creative — With or Without Mike Tyson’s Help

Nick Kostora

February 29, 2016

Whatever the content of your videos may be, get creative with it. Make yourself visible. You never know when something will go viral and start a national conversation.

ONE-KEY™ is a digital platform for tools and equipment. It integrates tool electronics with a custom-built cloud-based program.

Tools Grow Smarter, More Compact, and Easier to Manage

Manufacturers are cleaning up the job site and making it more intelligent along the way

Nick Kostora

February 22, 2016

Throughout the 2016 AHR Expo show floor in Orlando, manufacturers displayed tools that are becoming smarter, less cumbersome, and altogether easier for consumers to use and manage.

The Multi V S system from LG supports up to nine individual indoor units with a two-pipe refrigeration circuit and allows individual control of room temperatures.

Ductless Continues to Mature in the American HVAC Market

VRF and multi-zone functionality are gaining traction across the country

Nick Kostora

February 22, 2016

A report from Navigant Research reinforces this assessment, stating that annual revenue from ductless systems will grow to more than $9 billion by 2020, up from $3.9 billion in 2013.

Honeywell’s Electrode Humidifier features auto-adaptive technology for changes in water conditions and disposable canisters.

Intuitive Controls, Consumer Readiness Drive the Pursuit for IAQ

Wi-Fi connectivity, humidification, and whole-home air quality are all important to consumers

Nick Kostora

February 22, 2016

Manufacturers are addressing this demand head-on by creating and adapting products that are accessible to both contractors and consumers with an eye toward digital displays and functions that can be updated and expanded in the years to come.