December 2 2019 Issue

Week 1: December 2
In this issue of The ACHR NEWS, we look at unique applications of HVAC technology, and new markets contractors should consider expanding into.

Week 2: December 9
We also examine Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) technology, and the benefits that contractors can pass along to their customers through the equipment.

Senate HFC Phasedown Plan Debuts With Broad Support

AIM Act would authorize an EPA-guided phasedown and require A2L training for technicians

Robert Beverly

December 2, 2019

Federal legislation to create an orderly phasedown of HFC-based refrigerants has finally seen the light of day.

Historic Homes Present Profit Opportunity for HVAC Contractors

Differing perspectives and deep experience drive this contractor’s success

Robert Beverly

December 2, 2019

R&B Incorporated’s work demonstrated that the firm had the right touch for helping older homes move through project unknowns into modern comfort.

The Pros and Cons of Federal Contract Work

Trademasters’ CEO discusses potential hitches and semi-hidden opportunities

Robert Beverly

December 2, 2019

One thing the average contractor might find surprising is how much federal contract work of a less esoteric sort awaits far away from the Beltway.

Hot Yoga HVAC Presents a Challenge and Opportunity for Contractors

A specialist discusses why this trend calls for contractors who will sweat the right details

Robert Beverly

December 2, 2019

HVAC contractors should not pick up a piece of this business by applying what has worked for them in other environments.

Reviewing the Effects of New Fan Efficiency Rating Requirements

Furnace requirement means higher baseline prices and efficiencies, plus a limited-time opportunity

Robert Beverly

December 2, 2019

A few months on the other side of the summer’s FER implementation, we check-in with aftermarket motor veterans and a furnace manufacturer.

ACHR NEWS editorial director Kyle Gargaro (at left) and Ron Smith (at right) present The ACHR NEWS’ Ron Smith Leadership Award to Jim Batson, owner and CEO of H.C. Blake Co.

HVAC Contractors at Service World Expo Learn About the Mobile-First World

Contractors meet to grow their companies and see new products

Kyle Gargaro

December 2, 2019

Business management education, networking, and products were discussed at the recent Service World Expo.

The staff at Oliver Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, Electrical in Morton, Pennsylvania, dress up in work-appropriate Halloween costumes.

Holiday Fun Can Build HVAC Customer Relationships

Gifts, parties, and the art of balancing business and celebrations

Angela D. Harris

December 9, 2019

Handling the holidays successfully comes down to handling employees and customers effectively and with class.

Technology, Efficiency Spur Variable Refrigerant Flow Market Growth

Manufacturers address trends, give contractors advice

Angela D. Harris

December 9, 2019

Both commercial facilities and residential domiciles are taking advantage of heating and cooling technology at accelerated rates.

Customer awareness and VRF adaptability.

HVAC Contractors Discuss Residential Variable Refrigerant Flow Trends

A tale of two VRF contractors

Angela D. Harris

December 9, 2019

As HVACR technology advances, contractors often find themselves navigating new learning curves on a regular basis. VRF is no exception.

Community Church Benefits From Unitary Variable Refrigerant Flow Retrofit

Contractor explains the ins and outs of specialized commercial project

Angela D. Harris

December 9, 2019

With over 1,000 Sunday service attendees and many church activities throughout the week, energy efficiency for the sake of cost savings was critical.

Get Ready For Walk-In Cooler And Freezer Regulations

Enforcement of Department of Energy standard takes effect in 2020

Joanna R. Turpin

December 9, 2019

The U.S. DOE will soon begin enforcing its 2017 rule that mandates minimum energy efficiency requirements for walk-in coolers and freezers.

All You Need To Know About HVAC Capillary Tubes, Part 1

Sizing these cost-effective metering devices is crucial to system performance

John Tomczyk

December 9, 2019

Most systems employing capillary tubes as metering devices do not require high-side receivers, which add to cost savings.

To Repair Or Replace Refrigeration Equipment

Contractor advice can help store owners make the right decision

Joe Marchese

December 9, 2019

If the repair will be more than 50 percent of the cost of a new system, it is generally best to replace it. However, there may be other factors.

Facts + Figures: AHRI Shipment Data for September 2019

December 9, 2019

Industry figures are estimates that are derived from the best available figures supplied by a sample of AHRI member companies.

When and Where to Move a Distribution Center

How to make this critical business decision

Gordon White

December 2, 2019

Moving a distribution facility is a huge decision. Choose the correct location, and your gross profits could increase for years to come.

Enterprise Resource Planning Vendors Offer Deeper Analytics, Software Transition Advice

Wanted: A top-shelf process

Robert Beverly

December 2, 2019

ERP might stand for enterprise resource planning, but ERPs need to adjust their own plans to respond to industry circumstances and pressures, too.

Sell Solutions To Your HVAC Distribution Customers, Not Just Benefits

Customers typically offer only half the story; success requires pulling out the rest.

Darrell Sterling

December 2, 2019

It doesn’t matter what you’re selling — what is most important stays the same: You should always give your customers what they need.

Meet the Wholesaler: Tom Boutette

Reflecting on new platform value and mixing business with family

Robert Beverly

December 2, 2019

Tom Boutette’s father founded B&B Distribution Centre in 1948. Now, Boutette prepares to take the reins as the chairman of HARDI’s board of directors.

The Three Stages of Effective Leadership

Learn to lead yourself, your team, and other leaders

Julian Scadden

December 2, 2019

Many roads could bring you to a position of leadership, but the path to effective leadership is always marked by three distinct stages.

EGIA Foundation Launches 2020 Scholarship Program for HVAC Students

Twenty scholarships of $2,500 apiece available to students

November 8, 2019

The EGIA Foundation today announced that it is now accepting applications for the 2020 EGIA Foundation Scholarship Program.

Fujitsu National Distributor Conference Goes to SoCal

Holds third annual national distributor conference

November 4, 2019

Fujitsu General America recently held its third annual national distributor conference in Palm Springs.

NASRC Expo to Highlight Low-GWP AND Energy Efficient Refrigeration Solutions

Will take place January 15-16, 2020

November 13, 2019

NASRC and SCE will co-host the Low-GWP & Energy Efficiency Expo, which will showcase the latest commercial refrigeration technologies.

HARDI Opens Portal to D.C., Urges Members to Take Action on the HFC Phasedown

New legislation introduced in Washington

November 12, 2019

HARDI has opened an online portal that allows individuals to easily take action in support of the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act.

YORK Donates 100th HVAC system in Building Homes for Heroes home

Badger Metals Inc. and contractor Dave Jones Inc. provide HVAC equipment and labor

October 31, 2019

U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant Erick Hoefakker and his family received donated HVAC equipment and labor.

TATRO Celebrates National Apprenticeship Week

Investment in future remains cornerstone of the business

November 18, 2019

TATRO is participating in a breakfast for employees as well as touting the graduation of its most recent class of apprentices.

On Demand As AI workloads and high-density computing push traditional cooling methods to their limits, the data center industry is accelerating the adoption of next-generation HVAC technologies.

ACHR NEWS

2019 December 2

Cover Story

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