Decision makers at healthcare facilities worldwide identified energy management as critically important in a 2012 study. What was discovered in the study and what does it mean for contractors? 

The residential end of the HVAC industry used to operate under the premise that it was weather driven. If we had a hot early summer, then it would be “Katy, bar the door” on sales of new central air conditioning systems. Well, we just had a hot early summer and what happened? Not much.

Over the last 10 years, there has been a growing trend toward using insulated products like fiberglass duct board and flexible duct, especially in the new construction market. Today this trend is continuing because of the emphasis on the whole-home approach to energy conservation and home performance contracting.

Teamwork and ingenuity helped contractors at Dynamic Systems Inc. turn a major shipping and handling problem into an innovative and award-winning duct rack system. Two employees located in the Phoenix office worked together to create a solution for shipping ductwork that saved over 1,000 man-hours.

Randy Novak, president-elect of SMACNA, has urged his fellow contractors to follow his example and become involved in the home performance contracting market. Novak often works with Home Star Iowa and the firm’s chief building analyst, Rob Novak — who just happens to be his brother.

An article published in the Sept. 8 edition of the New York Times that discussed R-22 smuggling has prompted a response from the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI).

Buying a new construction-oriented HVAC contracting business in Indianapolis in 2007 was very risky, but growing that $2 million business during an economic downturn into a $27 million contracting giant in five years is almost beyond belief. How was it done?

Have you turned your back on ductless products? The ductless mini split market has seen a 200 percent growth since 2005 and the commercial multi-split market is up 310 percent. Perhaps it is time you turn around.

If your company is experiencing personnel issues, productivity challenges, dysfunctional work teams or all of the above, it could be caused by the generational clash between two age groups that make up the largest segments of the workforce. How do you deal with it?

There is a unique community development program underway in Phoenix that is bringing together manufacturers, architects, engineers, general contractors, sub-contractors, and the community to erect LEED platinum designed school structures built entirely by volunteers.