Returning home from duty, veterans face a new battle once their time of service has passed - finding a new career. To assist these men and women, Don Dwyer Sr., founder of The Dwyer Group, created the VetFran program. Run by the International Franchise Association (IFA), the program was initiated in 1994 after the first Gulf War ended.

Good news is on the horizon as newly released industry numbers from the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) show multiple increases in factory shipments. According to AHRI, the combined U.S. factory shipments of central air conditioners and air-source heat pumps for July are up 6.2 percent as compared with July of last year.

When it comes to evaluating the current economic climate, it all depends on who you ask - and the opinions are as diverse as America itself. Ask a host of HVACR contractors across the nation what they are experiencing and how they are handling the current economic climate, and some of the answers will be pretty interesting.

The EnergyStar® specification for programmable thermostats, which has not been revised since its inception in April 1995, is currently under review. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been closely examining the measurable and verifiable energy-saving benefits of programmable thermostats.

Whether new or already on the market, thermostats, controls, and building automation system (BAS) products are integral pieces of the HVAC puzzle. The following products are currently on the market to assist commercial and residential contractors in achieving effective HVAC balance and control.

To fill the void of a valid performance test for ductless equipment, the Department of Energy (DOE) began working on new procedures in 2007. With input from the industry, DOE created a test procedure and issued a mandate. In response, AHRI adopted the new test procedure into its 210/240 standard.

California’s Building Standards Commission (BSC) unanimously adopted the United States’ first statewide green building code. The Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) has taken a strong interactive role as the state has worked on creating a new, long-term energy-efficiency strategic plan.

Homeowners often come to HVAC contractors with a single complaint - discomfort. Resolving this discomfort requires multiple considerations for the contractor that extend beyond heating and cooling to humidity control, IAQ, etc.

A few contractors took a moment to explain what they thought it meant to be green and some shared their attempts at implementing green practices and how it affected their business.

Crossing residential and commercial boundaries, the light commercial arena continues to benefit from innovative products and their creative applications. The NEWS’ fifth annual Dealer Design Awards’ HVAC Light Commercial Equipment category awarded three manufacturers who brought new compressor technology to the forefront.