Articles by Nick Kostora

A skilled trades apprenticeship, specifically within HVAC, prepares up-and-coming technicians for a fulfilling career in a trade that doesn’t get the attention or publicity it so rightly deserves, as nearly everyone who goes through apprenticeship comes out a winner.

Contractors are challenged with presenting and selling the industry’s most efficient products to consumers. Manufacturers are largely responsible for improving efficiency within their product lines while at the same time ensuring their products are desirable, affordable, and ahead of all the other roadblocks the industry may throw their way.

A recent American Home Comfort study from Decision Analyst reinforces this revelation, reporting that, for the first time in years, homeowners are more trusting of the internet for HVAC information than they are their contractors. In today’s marketplace, customers are opting to educate themselves on HVAC products via the internet prior to a contractor’s arrival. 

Energy Star certification is an important distinction HVAC manufacturers aim for their products to achieve. The designation recognizes highly efficient performance, and 2016’s list of the most efficient central air conditioners and heat pumps delivers a bevy of products from a wide range of manufacturers.

This workshop took the unique approach of gathering HVAC educators and presenters from all across the country and allowing them to share thoughts, opinions, ideas, and lessons to help shape the future of the industry.

Whatever their reasons may be for seeking out certification, NATE offers a bevy of programs and aims to help technicians across the country constantly improve themselves while also providing value to other segments of the industry.

While a proactive maintenance approach is almost universally accepted in HVAC contracting circles, others in the industry believe the word “preventive” actually does the industry a great disservice.

While most studies insist IoT technologies are on the cusp of becoming mainstream, the question remains: Is the HVAC industry truly ready to embrace the IoT, or is there a sense of trepidation and concern regarding the technology’s staying power and long-term viability?

The skills gap is just one topic frequently discussed within the HVAC industry, and reasonable discussion and a healthy dialogue between contractors can only benefit everyone moving forward. Your means of contributing may differ from the guy across the street, and that is perfectly fine.

There are numerous steps savvy contractors can take to ensure their service departments are running efficiently, while, at the same time, keeping employees and customers content with the work being conducted.