Roger Findley has offered hybrid heating and cooling systems - a fossil fuel furnace combined with an electric heat pump - for years, even though natural gas prices in his area have remained relatively inexpensive. As oil and propane prices have crept up over time, though, he’s found that more customers are interested in hybrid systems.

Designing green features into a new structure is a far easier process than renovating an existing home with green elements. But this was the challenge that was undertaken by Residential Energy Assessment Services Inc. (REAS), Los Angeles, which recently unveiled its green residential remodel project located in Studio City, Calif.

Air filters have come a long way over the years. Not that long ago, homeowners had few options when it came to selecting mechanical air filters. Now there are a wide variety of filters available that are better able to capture airborne particles such as dust, pollen, dust mite allergens, some molds, and animal dander.

Controlling humidity in a home is a fine balance: Too much humidity can result in mold growth and a sticky feeling for occupants, while not enough humidity can result in residents experiencing dry noses, throats, lips, and skin. Finding the right level of humidity control can be tricky, but an array of dehumidifier and humidifier options can make that task easier.

Improper IAQ can seriously affect homeowners’ comfort and health. While increased comfort in a home is obviously a desirable goal, improving health and safety through the elimination of indoor pollutants is an even more important issue that contractors need to discuss with homeowners.

The CEO Forum at the recent ACCA Convention drew a large crowd of contractors, most of whom were eager to hear what OEMs thought about the state of the industry. NEWS editor-in-chief Mike Murphy asked the senior executives of Carrier, Emerson, Goodman, Lennox, Mitsubishi, and WaterFurnace tough questions submitted by contractors around the country.

For many years, chilled beam systems have provided space conditioning to buildings throughout Europe and Australia, but the technology has been slow to catch on in the United States. Given the move to everything green that may soon change as chilled beams have many compelling benefits, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The widespread acceptance of Standard 62.2 means that all HVAC contractors need to become familiar with its guidelines. That is especially the case for those looking to tap into the lucrative green market, as most building programs touting energy efficiency require mechanical ventilation based on the standard.

Proper ventilation is necessary to ensure that pollutants in a home do not accumulate to levels that can cause health and comfort problems for occupants. One of the best ways to lower the concentration of indoor air pollutants is to increase the amount of outdoor air coming into the home through mechanical ventilation.

IAQ problems have been an important issue ever since EPA reported, “The air in our homes can be even more polluted than outdoor air.” Contractors certainly took that statistic to heart and began looking for ways to provide IAQ solutions for homeowners who were suffering from humidity problems, allergies, and dust.