Less noise and higher energy efficiency were definitely the buzz terms used by ventilation product manufacturers at the 2007 International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition (AHR Expo).
There’s not much that draws more attention at the AHR Expo than a display of trucks. This year’s expo was no different, as several automakers brought their latest and greatest commercial trucks to the show floor.
Mechanical contracting firms that rely on the new housing market for a significant portion of their sales are bracing for a tough year in 2007. While still concerned about what lies ahead, most contractors are looking to boost sales in other areas in order to make it through this latest downturn.
Have you ever heard of a home with an electricity meter that sometimes runs backwards? That’s just one of the intriguing features of a near-zero energy home. Other interesting features usually include high-performance building envelopes, photovoltaics to harness the power of the sun, and highly efficient heating and cooling systems.
Interest in LEED certification has exploded recently, and it’s estimated that during the course of 2006, more than 1,000 LEED projects were registered around the country representing over 100 million square feet of green projects. Mechanical contractors would be wise to learn more about their role in green construction, as the trend is gaining momentum.
The last time Dallas hosted the International Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigerating (AHR) Expo was 2000. This year’s event will be even bigger than the last time it came to Dallas, with more than 1,600 exhibiting companies from 35 countries, including 320 international exhibitors and nine new international pavilions.
The hybrid movement has now arrived in the HVAC industry, thanks to manufacturers that are responding to consumer demands for lower operating costs. Last year's sky-high gas bills are still on the minds of many homeowners, even though the latest reports indicate that gas won't be as expensive this winter.
Lower expected prices for natural gas should result in lower heating bills for most American households. Those homeowners who have opted to install high-efficiency, 95 percent plus AFUE furnaces will see even bigger reductions in their heating bills than the rest of the population.