The NEWS has been following the educational path of 24-year-old first-year HVACR student Brad Bartz since he stepped into Ranken Technical College in St. Louis last fall. This is the second in a series of periodic reports on Bartz’s career path progress.

Change or die. That was the often-repeated message in a recent study commissioned by the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA) and the Sheet Metal Workers International Association (SMWIA). The report concludes that if the two main groups in the unionized sheet metal industry do not fundamentally alter the way they currently operate, each will cease to exist.

In the eyes of Roy Kuczera, ductless mini-split systems are among the best technologies for retrofit applications - whether for additions, whole-home cooling, or to improve interior comfort for spaces lacking sufficient HVAC.

Thanks to technological improvements, smart sensors, and new integrated systems, supplying proper ventilation for homes and buildings has improved dramatically in the past few years.

The keynote speaker of the 2007 HVACR & Plumbing Instructor Workshop certainly painted a grim picture of what’s possibly ahead for the United States and the world if the dependency on oil is not addressed.

Zoning product manufacturers are determined to get more contractors to install zone control systems. They are doing this by producing smart controls, dampers, and systems that are much easier to install than just a few years ago.

Today, most HVAC equipment is still being serviced and adjusted with traditional analog or manual test equipment. But the need for faster, more accurate, and real-time analysis is evident. Today’s smart test instruments are going digital.

Even if you do not believe in global warming, isn’t it a good idea to preach energy conservation anyway? Do we really think fossil fuels will be around forever?

HVAC Excellence held its first-ever Educators & Trainers Conference and the organization managed to get together nearly 300 HVACR educators and trainers from approximately 250 schools for the purpose of learning what’s new in the industry, and discussing what needs to be taught in classrooms.

If duct cleaners want to grow their business, it’s all about alliances. That was the bottom line from two separate sessions at the 2007 National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) meeting and exposition.