The 2017 Dealer Design Awards (DDA) contest featured a wide-array of contractor-oriented HVACR products with features that assist in installation, maintenance, and service. These products showcase the best that HVAC has to offer and include everything from large-scale commercial rooftop units to hand tools.

Many companies are beginning to integrate capacitor testing into their regular diagnoses and maintenance practices, and I applaud this; however, it does lead to a debate on how to do it.

Improper comments or uninvited actions on the job are inappropriate, inexcusable, and may be detrimental to your company’s future.

Is it time to remake the image of the refrigeration technician? Could a new title for the role help the hardest-working men and women in the HVACR industry get more of the respect they so richly deserve? And, more importantly, could a new image help attract more young people to our industry? If so, maybe it’s time to introduce the newest member of the HVACR industry: the thermodynamic energy specialist.

I recently attended ACCA’s IE3 Indoor Environment and Energy Expo in beautiful Nashville, Tennessee. During the varying roundtable sessions, one very important issue stood out — recruiting new technicians. Those in attendance discussed a lot of different recruiting methods. I eagerly listened as contractors spilled their secrets.

Compliance with the EPA’s 608 is a mandatory part of HVAC contracting. Techs are required to gain certification by an EPA-approved organization and pass their tests or else they are unqualified to work in the field.

Conley said when he gets out in the field, he sees a lot of dysfunctional applications. In fact, he believes, more often than not, condensate traps are put in incorrectly.

Do all of your service technicians provide service that is repeatable and consistent? Think about your service department for a moment. It is profitable? Staffed properly? Is it steady in workload? Are you growing? Is it a department you’re proud to run? 

A variety of measures should be taken in order to keep technicians safe on the job.

While most companies strive to adhere to OSHA regulations, some may choose to cut corners to meet deadlines or accomplish jobs.