Scientists have been working on thermoacoustic refrigeration for over two decades. The basic idea is to use sound for refrigeration instead of the current refrigerants that cooling devices rely on. The U.S Navy is interested, and so is ice cream mogul Ben & Jerry’s.
The U.S. Census Bureau is gearing up for the 2012 Economic Census and one of the topics it will be studying across the nation is franchising. In the meantime, HVAC contractors are left with a question, the answer to which could significantly change their businesses. “To franchise or not to franchise,” that is the question.
A key aspect that contractors can consider to determine whether or not a heat pump is the right choice for a customer is their region. And in areas where natural gas supplies are limited and other sources like electricity, propane, and oil are used, the return on a heat pump investment can often be seen quickly.
Dealing with the weather is something HVAC contractors do all the time. The question this year is, “Are contractors ready to deal with extreme weather?”
Contractors across the nation are finding that although the HVAC industry has experienced change in the recent economic crisis, its need for skilled labor and certified technicians has not been completely abated by the influx of displaced workers from the economic downturn. Other trade industries have noticed this problem, too.
HVAC is not a sexy career. To be fair, most careers aren’t that sexy either, but somehow it seems easier to sell the idea of rocket scientist than HVAC technician. The question is: How does an industry make itself more attractive?
