Traditionally, the approach of winter means a rise in fuel prices along with a steep drop in temperatures, but this year is looking to defy those expectations. Heating oil prices have fallen in several states. According to the U.S. Energy Information Association (EIA), those price drops are the beginning of a long-term trend rather than a short-term reprieve.

The 30 percent federal tax credit for residential geothermal heating and cooling installations (as well as solar and wind) is set to expire at the end of 2016. This is an irrefutable fact, but everything else surrounding the tax credit remains in a state that is best described as limbo.

Regardless of the strategy employed, many contractors are chafing at the new government-imposed regulations, noting that proper installation is far more important than mandated efficiency ratings.

In the U.S., smart thermostat makers market directly to end users, but, in Europe, it’s the utilities that are marketing these products.

There’s no question home-performance contracting is on the rise, and with it, manufacturers are focused on designing and developing tools to help contractors perform in this growing sector.

When the comfort equipment stops working, it’s time to call the heating and cooling guy. As a contractor, it’s your job to educate customers on the roots of their problems and inform them how a whole-house approach is most beneficial.

Since originating out of Robnett’s parents’ home, Home Energy Experts has grown to 15 employees with 10 fleet vehicles. Additionally, the company’s 2014 revenue increased 19 percent over its 2013 revenue. 

Every year, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Energy Star program acknowledges products it deems “Most Efficient” in the marketplace. Here is a snapshot of Energy Star’s Most Efficient Geothermal Heat Pumps of 2015.

Performance-based contracting involves HVAC professionals measuring the live, installed field performance of systems to ensure customers are getting what they’ve invested in. The field-performance measurements obtained by an HVAC professional are then used to rate the operating efficiency of the installed system.

The emergence of the smart home, interconnectivity, and a push for efficiency stemming directly from the White House is revitalizing HVAC equipment. Here are some up-and-coming, game changing HVAC components and technologies designed to propel the industry forward.