So now it’s 2011. How are you planning for this New Year? In some ways, it’s going to be different than 2010. The tax credit has been cut one-third and doesn’t sound near as inviting as the previous $1,500. And we can’t count on 100 degree weather in July and August, although naturally that would be welcome.

I just received notice from another manufacturer that they will be offering the “dry charge” condensing units in the first quarter of 2011. They are the latest of many manufacturers who have decided to take advantage of what I can only say is a loophole in the federal regulations and the Montreal Protocol.

A hot topic around HVAC blogs has to do with the issue of “Rules for Cell Phone Use” and by extension, the use of regular land line phones as well. In the first place, isn’t it a shame that we need to have a set of rules for the use of cell phones? Whatever happened to common courtesy and etiquette?

There are several things to consider when making a determination as to services to add to your offerings. Does the new product/service fit within the culture of your company? What are the start-up cost risks in performing that new service? Are there any significant potential future risks or liabilities that you may be incurring?

I have always considered myself an optimistic, positive person. Therefore I was somewhat surprised to find myself halfway through a column which was very negative about the near future of our industry.

I have always considered myself an optimistic person. So I was surprised to find myself halfway through a column which was very negative about the near future of our industry. After giving it some thought and tearing up that copy, I still have serious concerns. However, I have decided to attack the problem in a different manner.

We here in the Midwest are just finishing up one of the hottest summers we can remember. We actually finally had some 100°F days again. If you are like many of us, you have reduced your staff in the last couple of years to help you through the serious economic downturn.

We here in the Midwest are just finishing up one of the hottest summers we can remember. If you are like many of us, you have reduced your staff to help you through the economic downturn. That means your staff has had to work exceptionally hard to take care of your customers. Have you been properly appreciative?

Is contractor licensing a good thing for the public or just a restriction on the number of contractors? When I started writing for this publication about 10 years ago, I agreed to leave the political subjects to the real writers.

Is contractor licensing a good thing for the public or just a restriction on the number of contractors? As a contractor, I have been involved in this licensing question for quite some time now, and thought it would be good to obtain your viewpoint on this issue.