Many manufacturers have developed their own programs in order to train and educate contractors and technicians on their products. And, within those programs, many manufacturers place a high priority on safety education.

According to ON World, safety and security products currently make up 30 percent of smart home devices. The fastest-growing product segments include video security cameras, smart doorbells, and smart smoke detectors, which together boast 162 percent sales increases when compared to 2014.

Tipping restaurant servers, delivery drivers, cab drivers, hair stylists, and movers has become a common practice in today’s world. But, what about service contractors?

The DOE reports that predictive maintenance may reduce maintenance costs up to 30 percent, eliminate breakdowns 70-75 percent of the time, minimize downtime, and increase production. Yet, despite the clear benefits of predictive maintenance, only 12 percent of commercial buildings are using it.

We asked The NEWS’ Contractor Advisory Board to not only identify their favorite smart, connected products, but tell us why they prefer them over others. Here’s what they had to say. 

The survey, which collected data from nearly 18,000 small business owners from around the U.S., compiled answers regarding a community’s overall business friendliness, regulatory environment, new-hire prospects, and more.  

There’s always something to be learned in this industry. Don’t fall behind or you just might get left behind.

These three working examples show how VRF technology helped a historical building never designed for air conditioning reach Leadership in Energy and Environmental (LEED) Gold certification, a high-rise project meet Title 24 standards, and a convent save $80,000 a year on energy costs.

While the U.S. ranked fourth in the top 10 markets, it’s on the upswing. VRF continued to gain market share from small- to medium- size chillers in 2014, according to the report, and BSRIA expects market growth to continue at an 11 percent compound annual growth rate (CAGR) between 2013 and 2018.

Since 2004, Schneider’s 72 Degrees has grown from six employees to 21. The company offers 100 percent residential service, repair, and replacement services with 13 vehicles in its fleet. It ended 2014 with just under $3 million in sales.