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.
Because of expected colder weather, U.S. heating fuel consumption is projected to increase compared to last winter. This is good news to manufacturers rolling out their new, super-high-efficiency, 95 percent-plus AFUE furnaces. These new furnaces are designed to appeal to consumers looking to lower utility bills, as well as improve comfort
When you attend a training seminar you expect to learn a few new things about your particular business. Maybe you'll find out about a new product, or how to become a better manager, or ways in which to provide superior customer service. But would you expect to play Monopoly? Put together puzzles? Wear blindfolds?
The county of San Diego's East County Family Resource Center is part of the Health and Human Services Agency and offers self-sufficiency services for a better quality of life for all individuals and families in the county. Many different programs utilize the 22,000-square-foot facility, which was constructed in the 1970s, so keeping the cooling system working is a top priority.
James Eller of Sinclair Community College, an honorable mention honoree in the Best Instructor contest, noted that change has become a way of life over his 26 years of teaching.
