Good news: The customers of HVAC contractors who install qualifying sustainable energy systems (geothermal heat pumps, solar water heaters, solar panels, wind energy systems, and fuel cells), will continue to receive tax credits through Dec. 31, 2016. These can total 30 percent of the installed costs (product and installation) of the systems.

There’s no place like Geo Farm for all things geothermal. The event, a hands-on field day hosted by distributor Corken Steel, is being hosted for the third year in rural Indiana Aug. 30 – Sept 1. For 2011, the drilling, trenching, geo technology, and heat exchanger workshop has been expanded to two days.

Going where only some HVAC products have dreamed to go, the winners of The NEWS’ eighth annual Dealer Design Awards’ HVAC High-Efficiency Residential Equipment category have staked out gold, silver, and bronze positions with their abilities to provide improved technology in new applications.

The steady growth of the ground-source heat pump (GSHP) market has also created some challenges - like a shortage of experienced loop installers. The risk of being at the mercy of a subcontractor to install the loops is prompting some HVAC contractors to bring loop installations in house.

Randy Mathern has been in the business for 36 years. But it wasn’t until 2001 that he decided to start his own company. To get started, Mathern decided he needed to become an expert in a progressive technology, and since geothermal technology had been around for a little while, he decided to jump into it.

The NEWS’ annual Cooling Showcase has traditionally introduced the latest air conditioning units available for the upcoming summer season. The intent is to help contractors prepare for this busy period by doing the research that will help them to distinguish between brands. In this issue, we focus on the commercial side of the air conditioning industry.

Every year The NEWS introduces the latest air conditioning units available for the upcoming summer season. The intent is to help contractors prepare for this busy period by doing the research that will help them to distinguish between brands. This feature provides our 2011 Residential Cooling Showcase.

There’s a kid with a fresh face on the block in Washington, D.C. - Geothermal Exchange Organization (GEO). This nonprofit trade association is spending time in the halls of government seeking recognition for the renewable energy, efficiency, and environmental benefits its members have to offer.

The editors of The NEWS combed through every aisle of the 2011 International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition (AHR Expo) in the Las Vegas Convention Center in order to provide complete, comprehensive coverage of the show. This feature article highlights all of the new products that The NEWS' editorial staff found.

When Tim McTavish set out to remodel his home, his plans included increased square footage for the living space, radiant floor heating throughout the entire structure, snow melting for exterior surfaces, and an in-ground swimming pool. McTavish was looking for exceptional means by which to heat and cool his newly updated residence.