December 16 2019 Issue

Week 1: December 16
In this issue of The ACHR NEWS, we discuss tools and transportation, exploring how contractors get their equipment to the job site safely and on time.

Week 2: December 23
We also discuss indoor agriculture. Advances in high-end technology, coupled with the legalization of medical and/or recreational marijuana in more than half the country, have created an HVAC niche market that’s ripe for the picking.

Dan Veatch (in hat), senior HVAC technician, and Jacob Pelto, HVAC service apprentice, from Forrest Anderson Plumbing & Air Conditioning Inc., work on a rooftop unit.

On Eve of Phaseout, Virgin and Reclaimed R-22 Readily Available

Contractors report that it is relatively easy to find virgin and reclaimed refrigerant in the U.S.

Joanna R. Turpin

December 16, 2019

According to a poll, the majority of contractors are having no difficulty obtaining either virgin or reclaimed R-22.

Service vehicle filling up at gas station.

A2L Refrigerants: Coming Soon to a Truck Near You

The door to mildly flammable refrigerants opens, but the ride isn’t free

Robert Beverly

December 16, 2019

Discussion surrounding A2Ls often tends toward safety protocols or their performance characteristics, but A2Ls first have to get to the job site.

Changes in Tax Law Make It a Good Time for a New (or Used) HVAC Service Vehicle

Needs drive choices, but contractors like the bonus

Ted Craig

December 16, 2019

Contractors can save plenty of money buying used work vehicles, even though prices are much higher today than they have been historically.

HVAC Industry Steels Itself for More Tariffs

HVAC Industry Steels Itself for a 2020 with Tariffs

'Phase One' deal would not affect metal imports; most contractors have dodged fallout so far

Robert Beverly

December 23, 2019

A recent agreement did not address underlying trade issues between China and the US, but it did cancel "penalty tariffs" scheduled for December 15.

Infographic: Truck Hacks — Everything in its Place

Robert Beverly

December 16, 2019

The ideal layout inside a contractor vehicle tailors the space for efficiency and gives technicians a sense of déjà vu.

Serving Cannabis Industry Offers Technical, Business Challenges

Growth remains, but so does uncertainty about operations

Ted Craig

December 23, 2019

The cannabis industry shows potential for massive growth, and HVAC contractors working in the field see plenty of demand for quality systems.

Raising Insects Requires Extra Heating and Cooling Control

Bugs seen as solution for growing protein demand

Ted Craig

December 23, 2019

If contractors find the demands of cannabis growers challenging, wait until they start working in the latest growing field — alternative protein.

Plywood walls covered in a very convincingly poured concrete mural containing the HVAC system.

Blackrock HVAC Founder Creates Hydronic Masterpieces

Old Toronto home receives full gut remodel, premium HVAC treatment

Angela D. Harris

December 23, 2019

Among hydronic/plumbing and mechanical professionals, there are few who turn their trade into craftsmanship, and Orest Omeliukh is one.

A Guide to the Essentials of Building Pressure

Understand the entire building as a full ventilation system

David Richardson

December 16, 2019

Many professionals are uncomfortable looking beyond the equipment and duct systems they install, which can affect their service to their customers.

ACCA President and CEO Barton James presents 2019 Service Manager of the Year Craig Sabol with an American flag.

Service Managers Learn About Attracting, Engaging Employees

At ACCA Event, communication proves key, especially with new workers

Ted Craig

December 16, 2019

Several speakers at the recent ACCA Service Managers Forum addressed how to attract and retain customers and employees.

Tech of the Month — December 2019: Shawn Davis

December 16, 2019

He stays updated on all current technology and new products in the industry. He is willing to help and share his knowledge with new techs coming into this field.

Dealing with Depression as an HVAC Contractor

How to stay strong when life gets hard

Matt Michel

December 16, 2019

Depression and its partner, suicide, are the unmentionable illnesses affecting our industry.

HARDI Distributors Report October Growth

Days Sales Outstanding is 47 days

December 3, 2019

HARDI released its monthly TRENDS report, showing the average sales performance by HARDI distributors was an increase during October.

Obituary: Arthur Perez

November 27, 2019

Arthur Perez passed away on November 16, 2019. The 96-year-old resident of Spanish Fort, Alabama, was born June 3, 1923, in New Orleans.

Brian Baker Scholarship Application Opens

Instructor can attend National HVACR Educators and Trainers Conference for free

November 20, 2019

The scholarship provides an opportunity to attend the HVAC Excellence National HVACR Educators and Trainers Conference for free.

NIBCO Completes Acquisition of Milwaukee Valve

Milwaukee Valve will continue to operate separately

November 26, 2019

NIBCO INC. announced it completed the acquisition of Milwaukee Valve Company.

FYI: News Briefs in HVAC - December 16, 2019

December 16, 2019

For your information news briefs from a wide variety of categories within the HVAC industry. Price increases, mergers and acquisitions, award winners, and more are highlighted here each week.

Resideo Technologies Inc.: IAQ Report System

December 16, 2019

This product helps HVAC professionals reframe the IAQ conversation with homeowners using a custom IAQ report.

Mestek Machinery: Laser Cutting System

December 16, 2019

Featuring a fiber laser cutting system, this product creates a clean, quality cut with a minimal heat affected zone on the cut edge.

Klein Tools Inc.: Digital Angle, Leveling Tool

December 16, 2019

The 935DAG has a strong magnetic grooved surface to keep it in place on conduit, pipe, beams, and other ferromagnetic surfaces.

Armstrong Fluid Technology: Plant Control System

December 16, 2019

This product is designed to improve the operating efficiencies of plants using either identical or non-identical chillers.

Dell Technologies: Rugged Tablet

December 16, 2019

Designed to meet the demands of harsh environments, this product has a 12-inch screen that is viewable even in direct sunlight.

Fieldpiece Instruments Inc.: Power Clamp Test Meters

December 16, 2019

These products work with the Fieldpiece Job Link System App for on-the-go testing and reporting for HVACR electrical tests.

Carel Industries S.p.A.: Control Display

December 16, 2019

This touchscreen interface line is designed to provide a modern interaction experience combined with simplified access.

Carrier: BAS Smart Valves

December 16, 2019

These additions to the components available for the i-Vu® BAS provide operators access to valve performance data.

Continental Fan Manufacturing Inc.: Bathroom Exhaust Fan

December 16, 2019

Awarded the Energy Star® Most Efficient Mark in 2019, this product has a high-efficiency DC motor.

Ranger Design Inc.: Work Van Storage Units

December 16, 2019

The lockers have been updated with new black end panels and have been increased in width by 2 inches.

Adesto Technologies Corp.: Smart Transceiver System Control

December 16, 2019

This IoT product natively supports LON®, LON/IP, BACnet/IP, and BACnet MS/TP protocol stacks.

Caleffi: Thermal Buffer Storage Tank

December 16, 2019

This line of products are multi-use tanks designed to be used for wood-fired boilers, solar, and geothermal storage.

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.

In this session, we will cover how to design VRF systems for the U.S. market using new A2L refrigerants. These systems provide an advanced zoning solution by using inverter technology to deliver precise heating and cooling control across multiple zones and spaces.

ACHR NEWS

2019 December 16

Cover Story

On Eve of Phaseout, Virgin and Reclaimed R-22 Readily Available

Feature Articles

A2L Refrigerants: Coming Soon to a Truck Near You

Changes in Tax Law Make It a Good Time for a New (or Used) HVAC Service Vehicle

HVAC Industry Steels Itself for a 2020 with Tariffs

Infographic: Truck Hacks — Everything in its Place

Serving Cannabis Industry Offers Technical, Business Challenges

Raising Insects Requires Extra Heating and Cooling Control

Blackrock HVAC Founder Creates Hydronic Masterpieces

A Guide to the Essentials of Building Pressure

Service Managers Learn About Attracting, Engaging Employees

Tech of the Month — December 2019: Shawn Davis

Columns

Dealing with Depression as an HVAC Contractor

Newsline

HARDI Distributors Report October Growth

Obituary: Arthur Perez

Brian Baker Scholarship Application Opens

NIBCO Completes Acquisition of Milwaukee Valve

FYI

FYI: News Briefs in HVAC - December 16, 2019

New HVAC Products

Resideo Technologies Inc.: IAQ Report System

Mestek Machinery: Laser Cutting System

Klein Tools Inc.: Digital Angle, Leveling Tool

Armstrong Fluid Technology: Plant Control System

Dell Technologies: Rugged Tablet

Fieldpiece Instruments Inc.: Power Clamp Test Meters

Carel Industries S.p.A.: Control Display

Carrier: BAS Smart Valves

Continental Fan Manufacturing Inc.: Bathroom Exhaust Fan

Ranger Design Inc.: Work Van Storage Units

Adesto Technologies Corp.: Smart Transceiver System Control

Caleffi: Thermal Buffer Storage Tank

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