Energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) for commercial applications are well on their way to becoming a standard accessory for contractors and specifying engineers to meet new fresh air requirements.

For many U.S. industries, China is the new frontier. GAMA, for instance, set up a satellite office in Beijing this year, as more and more members are either looking to get into the Asian market or need assistance in the Asian market.

Contractor groups did not sit still in 2004. Contractors Services took a new name, as did Contractors 2000. Contractors Services, parent of Plumbers' Success International and AirTime 500, is now Success Group International (SGI). The new name for Contractors 2000 is Nexstar.

The Department of Labor (DOL) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued some important rulings in 2004, and they could have an immediate effect on the bottom line for contractors.

First came Charley. Then Frances. Ivan followed. Jeanne provided the grand finale. These four powerful hurricanes slammed into Florida and points beyond in the United States, starting with Charley in August.

In a year marked by a sudden surge in steel prices, big-time manufacturer mergers and acquisitions, and growing debate over refrigerant use, the 13 SEER decision was the biggest story in 2004. It even beat out the hurricanes that wreaked havoc in Florida and the Southeastern United States.

The unitary market continued in 2004 where it left off in 2003 - and that's saying a lot. Final statistics for the year are not yet in, but early numbers seemed to indicate that another record year is a possibility.

There was no shortage of manufacturers submitting price increases to The News for publication in 2004. The main reason cited for the cost hikes was the drastic jump in steel prices.

This year was full of handshakes, contracts drawn, arrangements signed, and acquisitions recorded. Perhaps the biggest development was the acquisition of Goodman by Apollo Management L.P.

On Jan. 13, a U.S. appeals court ruled that the DOE did not follow proper procedure in adopting a 12 SEER standard for air conditioners and heat pumps. As a result, the more stringent 13 SEER standard would go into effect.