The upswing in HVACR continues in 2004, as many of the major unitary manufacturers launched a surprisingly large number of brand-new residential and light commercial air conditioning products during the first quarter of this year.

Just how far are contractors willing to go in the name of customer service? Are they willing to send somebody out at all hours of the day or night to fix a problem?

Good communication between the contractor and the customer is an integral part of providing optimal service. If customers don't properly communicate their needs, or if contractors don't understand customers' needs, there's definitely a problem.

It's not often you hear contractors gush over a training class. Over the last two years, though, people have been talking about the service classes available through International Service Leadership (ISL).

There were many different chillers and air handlers on display at the International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition. From specialized chillers designed for the medical field to heavy-duty air handlers, a wide variety of equipment was featured.

Commercial boiler manufacturers displaying their wares at the 2004 International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition had two basic themes: Offering products that are highly efficient with low nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions.

You might be wondering, "What could possibly be new in the area of grilles, registers, and diffusers?" If you attended the 2004 International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition, you wouldn't need to ask, as numerous manufacturers spotlighted new technologies and upgraded products.

High efficiency was the mantra for manufacturers showing their furnaces at the International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition (AHR Expo).

Cooling towers are impressive pieces of equipment, and manufacturers brought them out in force at the 2004 International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition.

The 2004 International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition offered a number of innovations to save energy. A new geothermal system was rolled out, and other technologies, such as energy recovery ventilators (ERVs), were also displayed.