Editor's Blog

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Here at The NEWS, we could argue that our job is really about asking and answering questions. Once we have the answers, we package them in different media platforms and deliver them for your information and your entertainment.

I keep hearing buzz about how much money the federal government could save if it eliminated and consolidated duplicative programs. In response to this, a senator from North Carolina recently sponsored a bill that would combine the DOE and the EPA.

There’s a lot of talk about energy efficiency in the HVAC industry, but not as much talk about energy sources. Perhaps that’s because this is the business of using energy to achieve comfort, and it’s easier to leave the worrying about the source of that energy to someone else.

Who knew you could copper mine with nothing more than a truck and a set of heavy duty cutters? The perpetrators that drove away with the old air conditioning unit from a local church last month - that’s who.

I remember the days when gas was $0.96 cents a gallon - and I am only 32. I didn’t start driving until I was 16 years old, so in the past 16 years gas prices have increased around $3.00 dollars or more per gallon.

Construction and maintenance pros, do you have what it takes to takes to excel today? I'm not talking about aggressive cost cutting or crazy-efficient management techniques. Chances are you are already doing those things.

The earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear crises in Japan have brought stories of tragedy, survival, and hope to light. Many of these stories reflect a vast difference between American and Japanese culture; for example, standing in line.

Last week I went to Washington D.C. for AHRI’s annual media roundtable and public policy symposium. I heard a few interesting political tidbits and some good quotes, and thought I’d share some of the more intriguing ones here.

Al Levi could have packed it in, gone to Arizona, and led the good life. After all, he sold his contracting company back when the economy was still vibrant.

Of course I am talking about being an HVACR technician. That takes a special set of skills and achievements. Not just anybody can install a zoned system or diagnose a chiller problem. And, not just anybody can be a judge for the Dealer Design competition.