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HVAC is one of the most regulated industries because we rely on refrigerants that are either ozone depleters, are high in global warming potential, or both. Protection of the environment is why higher R-22 prices are necessary and some would argue, inevitable.

While driving through a residential neighborhood, one with rows and rows of houses with air conditioning units, a thought occurred - about 19 out of 20 of those a/c systems might some day spew refrigerant into the atmosphere - that is, if refrigerant continues to be recovered at the same rate as today.

Nowadays it seems that everyone only uses the term “green” to mean eco-conscious or environmentally sustainable. What’s becoming increasingly evident, though, is that people only choose to be environmentally green when it’s good for the green in their pocketbook.

The June 7 column looked at opportunities for refrigeration installation and service work in the supermarket sector. This column takes a look at the same possibilities in the restaurant industry. The restaurant viewpoint comes from information at the National Restaurant Association (NRA) Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show.

Well, it’s that time of year again. Thank heaven! The phones are ringing with customers wanting service and with leads for replacement systems. So now we have a different problem to deal with than trying to keep our technicians and installers busy. All of this is good if we handle it properly.

When you know the job details and understand the challenges your wingmen face, you’ll be far better prepared to deal with human resource issues such as hiring, firing, and job moves. What results is a more trusting work environment.

A run-time meter for HVACR units.

There are certainly a lot of known results to worry about when it comes to the aftereffects of the BP oil spill in the Gulf - the effects of crude on marine life are sadly well known. What hasn’t hit the radar yet, it seems, is the effect the oil spill could have on air quality.

When considering new technology for HVACR, cutting edge education tools should not be last on the list of things to invent. In the age of smart phones, Wii, and iPads, a classic textbook with a few extra diagrams isn’t going to be enough to interest the next generation in spending long hours to learn how to repair or replace HVACR units.

Several months ago I wrote about the need for us as contractors to do the right things to encourage young people into choosing our trade. Lately, however, I have become aware of the fact that there is another area of need that we in the industry are going to have to address - interest.