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We are only hurting ourselves if we sit back and complain that business is bad for any number of reasons. Sure it has been cool and sure the economy is an issue, but look around and you will find contractors who are surviving quite well and, in many cases, even prospering in these times.

Partnership is an overused and sometimes empty word - but it may be time to revisit the concept. Decades ago, partnership was touted as the earth-shaking, innovative method for unbelievable success. But, skepticism ran high after a few years of some one-sided partnerships.

There seems to be little doubt that market trends like green and sustainability will continue to affect (and possibly enhance) the HVACR industry. In fact, some would assert that these elements are already a part of our world - if only we would use them, and maybe even promote them.

Most of us are familiar with the recent Cash for Clunkers auto rebate program. There are many similarities drawn between cars and HVAC systems, especially where issues of maintenance, reliability, and efficiency are concerned. Could our industry benefit from a similar “clunkers” program?

Contractors are notorious weather watchers. Hot waves or cold spells could mean stepped-up work to keep air conditioners and furnaces up and running. Yet, I have always had a problem when it comes to weather forecasts: I don’t trust them, whether they are 90 days ahead, two days from now, or two hours from now.

One of the advantages of being in the business for a number of years is learning from your mistakes. Hopefully, this self-evaluation of a contractor will help encourage others of you to not make the same mistake repeatedly as I seem to have done.

Look out; a technical incompetent is on the loose. Yes, this could be referring to me attempting to explain the importance of measuring superheat and subcooling, or it could be referring to a technician who just strapped on a set of gauges with nary a clue.

A rise in temperature increases MS symptoms. Be knowledgeable and stay informed. Getting paid for the extra work provided.

Those air conditioners in your warehouse are about to become pumpkins. Well, maybe not pumpkins, but about as worthwhile. Not long after Halloween this year, those R-22 air conditioners will no longer be made. I certainly hope you have taken steps in your company to prepare for the conversion to R-410A.

The concept of return on investment (ROI) is fairly simple: everyone wants something back from their investment. The complication begins when you question the customer as to how they measure ROI. Is the return measured in dollars, or design, or bragging rights? It is different for everyone.