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I had the occasion to attend three functions over a period of five nights recently, each of which included a number of contractors, and in two of the cases, their employees. I was very disturbed at what I saw as I went around the rooms. I’m referring to the dress and appearance of these contractors and their employees.

With the weather heating up, the no-cool calls are pouring in, and the long hours are beginning. And, because it’s summer, those long hours can often be required in sweltering conditions. So during this time of year, it’s especially important to make sure every employee is educated on the hazards of working in the sun and heat.

Has Max Tech entered your world? According to a Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) report, it is achieved when existing products and appliances are replaced as needed with those that offer the greatest efficiency gains - products that are at the peak of technological efficiency at the time.

My May 2 column talked about interest among manufacturers and regulators in introducing more HC refrigerants to the HVACR sector, and I wondered how accepting contractors would be in using such refrigerants. I did receive an e-mail shortly after the column appeared from a contractor in Texas who offered some thoughts.

In response to the sharp decline in new construction work in recent years, Hill York has not only increased its service, maintenance, and retrofit business, but also sharpened its focus to include creating safer, healthier buildings that are serviced from a holistic viewpoint.

Many contractors have responded to the issue of formicary corrosion - an issue well-known to have existed for decades, but one that seems to be on the rise in recent years. It appears that progress being made toward a solution may be too slow. A contractor can go out of business trying to stay afloat waiting for the right answer to surface.

The other side of the story. Where, oh where, is a contractor who zones?

It seems like costs of everything are going up. In fact, in such a down economy, it’s sometimes very hard to keep up with the increases because we are working so hard chasing jobs and trying to make ends meet. Well, I am going to give you an idea that is an exception to the rule. It is one you might not expect. That one is insurance.

For those of you who love the Yellow Pages®, or make your living helping people design ads and copy for the kind of big, thick books that usually end up at the end of my driveway, soaking wet before I get to them, I suggest you read a brief article that was posted to our LinkedIn Group - The NEWS Network.

Rest assured ductless market will proceed with limited disruptions.