Several manufacturers are looking to challenge the ubiquitous furnace by offering a different option: the hydro-air system, which they claim is a cleaner, more efficient, and more comfortable alternative to conventional furnaces.

Condensing furnaces offer many consumers the benefit of higher efficiency and thus lower energy bills, but for many homeowners, comfort is the primary reason they choose to purchase such equipment.

Synergy Solution Group, a network of commercial HVAC contractors, hosted its first Sales Summit Sept. 7-10 in Atlanta.

For good reason, HVAC contractors train their salespeople to be very observant when entering a potential customer’s home. They are instructed to look for signs of kids, pets, etc. This can lead to a conversation about IAQ or zoning as the salesperson attempts to solve problems for all residents.

The riskiest move in business is ceding control to a third party. Sometimes it works out in the short term, but never without a sword of Damocles hanging over the company and its owner. Yet, many HVAC contractors sacrifice control to pursue short-term gains.

The hot weather, combined with an improving economy, proved to be a boon for contractors, many of whom saw sales of cooling equipment spike this summer. 

Most people don’t think of radiant heating systems as being very popular in warmer climates, such as Arizona, Texas, or Florida, but that may not be the case anymore. Consider Verde Sol-Air Services, Camp Verde, Arizona, which started offering radiant heating systems about 15 years ago.

If a boiler is not serviced regularly, products of combustion may build up on the heat exchanger, which may reduce heat transfer and result in lower energy efficiency and less comfort.