February 10 2020 Issue

Week 1: February 10
In this issue, we examine ductless HVAC equipment and how contractors can serve their customers using this technology.

Week 2: February 17
We also look at software solutions for contractors, and the advantages for companies that utilize this growing opportunity.

Goettl Air Conditioning & Plumbing CEO Ken Goodrich, at right, poses with co-author Michael E. Gerber to show off this new book “The E-Myth HVAC Contractor” at Service World Expo.

Private Equity Firms Investing in HVAC Contractor Consolidation

Investors see potential in large, fragmented segment

Ted Craig

February 10, 2020

When private equity professionals look at HVAC contractors, they see a field ripe for consolidation.

Blurred Lines: Progress Transcends ‘Ductless’ and ‘Ducted’

Advancements in the how and where of heat pump systems reflect the shape of things to come

Robert Beverly

February 10, 2020

Movement and growth is taking place both in terms of equipment’s technology and design and, related, where it gets used.

A Texas family’s creatively sourced space for their daughters.

Ductless Projects Show Some Pioneer(ing) Spirit

Neighborhood research in Washington state follows an after-school special in Texas.

Robert Beverly

February 10, 2020

In Texas’ Hays County, two teenage daughters have hit the hang-out jackpot: their own cozy, three-room tiny home.

Restivo’s Heating and Air Conditioning staff.

Mini Splits Put Wind in Restivo’s Sales

Old-school knowledge and newer tech’s flexibility give company an edge

Robert Beverly

February 10, 2020

Jack Restivo’s family business is succeeding in its third generation, a time when many tend to deteriorate or sell off.

Cities Banning New Fossil Fuel Infrastructure

Turning down gas and propane connections means carbon free HVAC for some locales

Robert Beverly

February 17, 2020

Natural gas hookups represent a growing target for new restrictive policies and bans.

Shopping for HVAC Software Means Knowing What You Need

Seeking outside help aids the purchasing process

Ted Craig

February 17, 2020

Finding the right solution means tempering expectations and knowing what is the best fit for an individual business model.

A chatbot that captures key information via automated response.

Chat Tools Let HVAC Contractors Connect With Customers

Messaging may be a valuable addition to your customer service strategy

Ted Craig

February 17, 2020

According to a 2016 study from cloud communications platform Twilio, 89 percent of consumers prefer to message a business rather than call.

Vendors at a recent ACCA event discuss ways to improve functionality and efficiency by installing the right software system for their business needs.

Vendors Offer HVAC Contractors Advice to Keep Switching Systems Smooth

Best practices range from selection to implementation

Ted Craig

February 17, 2020

If done incorrectly, the contractor’s shift to digital can quickly turn into a nightmare.

House’s AIM Act Hearing Hits Highs and Lows

With challenges ranging from premise to protocol, the comprehensive HFC phasedown bill met its detractors

Robert Beverly

January 15, 2020

The American Innovation & Manufacturing (AIM) Act received its first public debate in the House Committee on Energy & Commerce.

Verifying a Proper Pump Down

Following correct procedure can prevent damage to compressor

Joe Marchese

February 10, 2020

Refrigerant migration can be damaging to a compressor. The refrigerant migrating back to the compressor can possibly slug the component.

Compressor Discharge Temperature Reflects How Equipment is Operating

Keep an Eye on Discharge Line Temps

John Tomczyk

February 10, 2020

The compressor’s discharge temperature can tell the service technician what is going on inside a refrigeration or air conditioning system.

Hussmann’s microdistributed (MD) system.

A Deep Dive Into Five Refrigeration Architectures

Several use low-GWP refrigerants, offering a safe bet against future regulations

Joanna R. Turpin

February 10, 2020

As refrigerant regulations grow more stringent, manufacturers are beginning to offer new refrigeration architectures that utilize low-GWP refrigerants.

Tech of the Month — February 2020: Robert Maderick

February 10, 2020

After going to trade school five days a week for nine months, Maderick graduated and found work as a duct cleaner.

How to Price Your HVAC Company for Prosperity

Tips for understanding your cash flow and improving it

Gary Elekes

February 10, 2020

Pricing is one of the most critical aspects of operating a successful company.

Channellock Announces 2020 Trade School Trade-Up Competition and Trade Travelers Tour

Winner receives cash prize, Channellock tools, and classroom makeover

January 3, 2020

Channellock Inc.’s Trade School Trade-Up Competition continues to help close the national skills gap by funding initiatives and tools.

Harris Products Group Helps Grayson County Students

Students receive brazing and soldering skills training

January 20, 2020

Local distributors suggested to Crooke manufacturers might offer discounts to schools, so he contacted the Harris Products Group.

Johnson Controls Expands Air-Handling Unit Facility

The 22,000 square-foot expansion will create 40-50 new assembly jobs

February 10, 2020

Johnson Controls broke ground on an expansion of its air-handling unit manufacturing facility in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

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

2020 February 10

Cover Story

Private Equity Firms Investing in HVAC Contractor Consolidation

Feature Articles

Blurred Lines: Progress Transcends ‘Ductless’ and ‘Ducted’

Ductless Projects Show Some Pioneer(ing) Spirit

Mini Splits Put Wind in Restivo’s Sales

Cities Banning New Fossil Fuel Infrastructure

Shopping for HVAC Software Means Knowing What You Need

Chat Tools Let HVAC Contractors Connect With Customers

Vendors Offer HVAC Contractors Advice to Keep Switching Systems Smooth

House’s AIM Act Hearing Hits Highs and Lows

Verifying a Proper Pump Down

Compressor Discharge Temperature Reflects How Equipment is Operating

A Deep Dive Into Five Refrigeration Architectures

Tech of the Month — February 2020: Robert Maderick

Columns

How to Price Your HVAC Company for Prosperity

Newsline

Channellock Announces 2020 Trade School Trade-Up Competition and Trade Travelers Tour

Harris Products Group Helps Grayson County Students

Johnson Controls Expands Air-Handling Unit Facility

FYI

FYI: News Briefs in HVAC - February 10, 2020

New HVAC Products

ecobee Powered: Diagnostic Thermostat

Grundfos Americas: Pumping System

Continental Fan: In-Line Duct Fan

Uponor Inc.: Reducing Tees Series

Braeburn Systems LLC: Zone Control Panel

Emerson Climate: Scroll Compressors

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