Social media presents two primary choices: get involved or be left behind. Contractors have heatedly debated that statement, along with many other social media topics, for some time. More often than not, however, the argument circles back to social media relevance. With social media being so new, industry relevance is more a matter of opinion that could be argued from both sides.
The NEWS is not the only one celebrating an anniversary this year. Fifty years ago in western Michigan, Seaman’s Air Conditioning-Refrigeration was born in humble beginnings and now is recognized as a fine commercial HVAC company. And the company celebrated with a Red Cross blood drive.
United States Air Force personnel sought a solution to renovate the makeup air and exhaust ventilation systems to reduce energy usage in a 35,000-square-foot aircraft corrosion control hangar in Oklahoma City. By utilizing Munters energy recovery systems, engineers at the base achieved their mission.
The EnOcean Alliance announced that it has signed up its 200th member company, NanoSense. NanoSense develops products using EnOcean and KNX technologies that regulate and optimize air quality inside buildings. Originally created in April 2008 by Distech Controls, EnOcean, Masco, MK Electric, Omnio, and Thermokon, the alliance now counts 200 members from 20 different countries.
This is a product round-up for new high-efficiency systems for light commercial and commercial applications. It highlights a variety of rooftop units and air handlers.
Safety is a priority when working on any mechanical equipment, but it is especially heightened when the equipment weighs several thousand pounds and is located on a roof. Some contractors schedule days and weeks on the installation and service for one client alone.
HVACR contractors who do work in the hotel-motel sector probably know it already - there is what has been described as “fundamental contradictions of sustainability in the hospitality industry.” For example, there may be a lot of talk of going green, but that may not mean action.
Some years ago it was common for air-cooled condensers to develop leaks, resulting in unpredictable shorter service life. By studying the causes, it’s possible to come up with solutions. It became obvious that vibration was the major culprit, and thermal expansion/contraction creates some specific problems where the hot gas first enters the coil.
If you believe industry statistics, the future is bright for people interested in careers as techs and installers. If you believe in the current state of the economy, then optimism is tempered. Or you might be somewhere in the middle. These different viewpoints form the basis of what HVAC contractors are looking at as the summer 2011 hiring season heats up.
At the AHR Expo, a large number of the attendees were contractors - and, a lot of them were looking for chillers. McQuay was among those exhibitors with new products. The NEWS worked with McQuay to draw a select group of contractors into the booth to perform a product tour and review, and videotape the proceedings.