Kimberly Schwartz

Contractor Knows How to Show It Values People

January 23, 2012

When Bob Tudi founded Tudi Mechanical in Pittsburgh 25 years ago, he established a practice of valuing the tech and the office guy equally, and taking care of them and their families. The company has been named The NEWS’ Best Contractor To Work For in the East region.

Florida Contractor Has Sunny Outlook

Kimberly Schwartz

January 9, 2012

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What’s responsible for Wade Helms’ positive outlook down in southern Florida?

Congress Approves $1M for Geothermal Financing

Kimberly Schwartz

January 9, 2012

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The Geothermal Exchange Organization (GEO) recently reported a legislative victory for its segment of the industry. On Nov. 18, President Obama signed into law an appropriations bill which included $1 million for on-bill financing of geothermal systems for small businesses.

2011 NEWSmaker: Mandyck Urges EPA to Close R-22 Loophole

Kimberly Schwartz

December 19, 2011

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Carrier wound up at the center of the debate over dry-shipped R-22 units after petitioning the EPA to close the loophole allowing the installation of new R-22 units. For spearheading Carrier’s petition and leading the charge to continue the phaseout of R-22, John Mandyck is a 2011 NEWSmaker.

Industry Pushes for 25C Tax Credit in 2012

Kimberly Schwartz

December 19, 2011

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The 25C tax credits have been a popular sales tool for residential HVAC contractors since their introduction in 2006. Late last year, Congress extended the credits through 2011, and now many in the industry are wondering if Congress will extend the credits again for 2012.

2011 NEWSmaker: Yurek Looks Ahead and Leads Industry Forward

Kimberly Schwartz

December 19, 2011

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As president and CEO, Stephen Yurek has led the Air-Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) to be proactive on regulatory issues, especially in the area of standards development. For his industry leadership and success, Yurek is a 2011 NEWSmaker.

New School Starts Up in Indiana

Kimberly Schwartz

December 19, 2011

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While many schools have shuttered their vocational programs, a new school is starting up in Indiana that is proud to offer career and technical education in HVACR.

States Ranked for Energy Efficiency

Massachusetts Takes Top Spot; California Drops to Second

Kimberly Schwartz

December 19, 2011

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In mid-October, the ACEEE released its fifth annual State Energy Efficiency Scorecard, which ranks all 50 states and the District of Columbia in order of their energy efficiency efforts. Although California was ranked No. 1 for the past four years, it was bumped from the top spot this year by Massachusetts.

Don't Let That Talent Slip Away

Kimberly Schwartz

November 21, 2011

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A speaker who had my complete attention at the MSCA educational conference was business author Tim Sanders. Sanders said a future war for talented workers is brewing. When I heard him say that, I perked up because the first editorial I wrote for The NEWS a year and a half ago was about the coming labor shortage.

DOE Finalizes Regional Standards

New Residential Standards Confirmed for Furnaces, A/Cs, Heat Pumps

Kimberly Schwartz

November 14, 2011

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After much debate, new regional standards for HVAC equipment have become a reality. On Oct. 25, the Department of Energy (DOE) confirmed that it adopted new residential appliance standards for central air conditioners, furnaces, and heat pumps.