A proposed rule by the EPA that would create about a 20 percent shortfall in supplies of R-22 as early as next year is stirring up even more calls for reclaim. So here’s the deal: I’m looking for feedback from you about your feelings on this whole reclaim issue.

I live and work in the rather sickly Detroit metropolitan market. Every time I drive by a flooring store, granite shop, plumbing showroom or contractor’s truck, I wonder how they are doing. What steps have they taken to cut costs? How long can they keep going if conditions don’t improve?

More times than not this scenario occurs while attempting to relax on a plane. There’s always an inquisitive person sitting to the left (or right) who, after some small talk, wants to know what I do for a living.

Yes, we all have heard that times are tough. For anyone who has lost a job, or who has had to lay people off, I know how you feel. Been there, done both.

If you want to send a memorable gift for your special customers on Valentine’s Day, The NEWS was recently given an idea.

I do crossword puzzles to keep my brain functioning beyond work hours and learn a bit more about matters beyond HVACR. But a recent puzzle had one word that really bogged me down - and it is embarrassing what that word was.

There is a lot of misinformation floating around about the R-22 transition. Go to www.achrnews.com/countdownto2010 to watch a funny video. It may not be ready for prime time TV on “The World’s Funniest Videos” but what you hear might shock you.

One aspect of living somewhat near the Chicago metro area is that I am sometimes asked what the weather might be when someone or some events are coming this way.

A proposal is drifting through Washington, D.C., that would increase the amount of tax credits for high-efficiency appliances, i.e., air conditioners and furnaces, from $500 to $1,500.

Any time we complain about government regulations, just remember: We are not alone. Brian Baker of Custom Vac Ltd., an HVAC contracting company in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, passed along a news item from the London Telegraph.