Most heat pumps in colder climates still require some sort of backup heat — often an oil- or gas-fired furnace — but they are an excellent option that can provide customers with a more energy-efficient year-round solution.

With projected total annual energy gain (with solar) of $123, the home falls safely into the zero net-energy usage category.

With building owners and managers looking to wring savings from every square foot of space, manufacturers have introduced a wide array of advanced energy-efficient technologies that are designed to lower utility bills without compromising comfort.

Many believe home performance contracting (HPC) is on deck as the next big thing for HVACR contractors. And, while customers may not yet be aware of the term, once they understand that the practice may grant better comfort and safety, in addition to cost savings, many are quick to embrace the idea.

Shipments of HVAC equipment increased marginally in 2012, reported the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI). 

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) is forecasting that single-family starts will grow 22 percent in 2013 and that single-family construction will grow another 30 percent in 2014.

Heating, Air-conditioning, and Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI) recently announced that while HVACR average distributor sales declined 1.8 percent in December 2012, they increased 5.6 percent for the year. 

Many businesses in the area were severely damaged, but that didn’t stop contractors from immediately heading back out into the field to help customers in need.

Everywhere we turn, businesses are urging us to visit their Facebook pages, read their blogs, or follow them on Twitter. HVAC contractors are following that trend, having been thoroughly schooled by keynote speakers at just about every industry event on the importance of embracing social media or being left in the dust.

Consider the number of tablets that are now available from Apple, Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Samsung, Microsoft, and Google. Add in the vast array of smartphones, netbooks, and laptops that are continually being introduced, and it’s no wonder that contractors may have a hard time deciding which mobile device(s) to choose for their field personnel.