If the rising costs of energy over the last few years haven’t been enough to get your customers interested in finding ways to cut their utility bills, here’s something that might. President Obama would like to implement a cap-and-trade plan that includes cutting greenhouse gas emissions 83 percent below 2005 levels by 2050. Experts agree this would result in significantly higher energy costs.

Interest in renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power is growing, due to the higher cost of fossil fuels as well as the new administration on Capitol Hill. This trend is also benefiting another renewable energy source - geothermal - that is growing in popularity in both residential and commercial markets.

Our own panel of “mythbusters” agreed to dispel some of the most common rumors about R-410A. Jeff Goss, product manager, Bryant Heating & Cooling Systems, and Ron Vogl, marketing manager, Honeywell Genetron Refrigerants, help clear up the confusion surrounding R-410A.

In just over eight months, R-22 will no longer be available in new cooling systems. The next industry standard for new equipment installations has essentially turned to R-410A. So why are many delaying the transition? Manufacturers say the possibilities include the higher cost of R-410A, the poor economy, and fear of change.

“Candid.” “Refreshing.” “Highlight of the conference.” Those were just a few of the comments heard at the end of the highly anticipated CEO Forum at the recent 41st Annual ACCA Conference. NEWS’ editor-in-chief, Mike Murphy, asked the CEOs of Rheem, Carrier, and Lennox tough questions that were submitted by contractors.

There’s really nothing you can do to control what is posted online about your company, but it is important to devote some time to Googling your company name to see what’s out there. If you find you’re the recipient of many one-star reviews, you may want to take a closer look at your business practices. But if you have a one-star review that has little or no merit, there are ways to combat that.

Those who attend the 41st annual Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) conference in Forth Worth, Texas, Feb. 24-26, are going to be in for some big surprises in the Lone Star state. Not only will they be greeted by a bigger Indoor Air Expo, but they’ll be able to attend numerous information-packed workshops.

New furnaces that were showcased at the 2009 International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition (AHR Expo) seemed to feature smaller footprints and quieter operation. Others on display highlighted multi-fuel use and back-up generators to ensure uninterrupted - and energy efficient - operation.

Warming the crowds at the 2009 International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition (AHR Expo) was a significant number of new boilers and water heaters. Higher energy efficiency, smaller footprints, and advanced controls were the highlighted items on many of the new products.

Hydronic systems can require a number of different parts, and many of these items were displayed at the 2009 International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition (AHR Expo).