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The ACHR News - December 04, 2023

2023 December 4

This issue of The ACHR NEWS examines common residential heat pump hurdles, the value of an assessment visit per homeowners and contractors, the pros and cons of leasing versus purchasing fleet vehicles, add-ons and accessories for HVAC ductless systems, best practices for servicing A2L compressors, grocers’ concerns regarding the transition to alternative refrigerants, the benefits of adding Generation Z workers to your company, and more. This issue also includes a supplement from SNIPS NEWS, showcasing the Sheet Metal Fabrication Contractor of the Year, SMACNA’s reaction to a bipartisan continuing resolution agreement, and much more.

Check back throughout the week for additional content.

Kenneth Dean

Oversizing, Overcharging Chief Concerns Among HVAC Heat Pump Installs

The most common issue with residential air-source heat pumps revolves around improper sizing

November 29, 2023

As techs familiarize themselves with the nuances of a heat pump, there are a few common problematic areas they must concentrate on to ensure the equipment runs efficiently and effectively for years to come.

Daffy Ducts Trainees

Contractor Pro Homeowner Series

To Charge a Visit Fee, or Not to Charge a Visit Fee

Survey finds homeowners less likely to obtain quote from contractor who charges a visit fee

Hannah Belloli.

October 17, 2023

While HVACR contractors might not be charging a typical visit fee, many of them charge fees when a certain amount of work is done by the tech. Whether or not the customer is okay with that, all depends on the person.

Tri-City Services Vehicle

Pros and Cons: Leasing HVAC Fleet Vehicles Versus Owning

Is leasing or owning fleet vehicles the better option for you?

Hannah Belloli.

December 5, 2023

Whether or not a contractor chooses to buy or lease their fleet vehicles is totally up to them, but there are some key considerations to take into account.

LG A2L Compressors

Best Service Practices for A2L Compressors

Mildly flammable refrigerants will require extra diligence

Joanna 2017

Joanna R. Turpin

December 4, 2023

Compressors in A2L systems are similar to A1 systems, so technicians won't need extensive retraining, especially if they follow best practices.

Daikin One Lite Thermostat

Maximizing the HVAC Ductless Systems Market

These options and add-ons for residential systems offer extras for homeowners

Matt Jachman

December 5, 2023

The ACHR NEWS recently contacted several companies to ask about some of their options and accessories for ductless systems. Here’s a roundup of the products they told us about.

Supermarket Refrigeration Case

Grocers Share Concerns Over Alternative Refrigerants

Food retailers cite problems with CO₂ and other low-GWP refrigeration systems

Joanna 2017

Joanna R. Turpin

December 6, 2023

Food retailers are concerned over the HFC phasedown, noting that current alternative refrigerants have drawbacks, while others have not yet been fully evaluated.

Credit Risks

Servicing HVAC Customers With the Right Lenders

Great customer service means offering each type of lender

Hannah Belloli.

November 22, 2023

HVAC contractors have to aim to service every one of their customers but choosing the right types of lenders and knowing more about what affects consumer credit scores.

Project Files: Episode 65 — Zero-Emission Hydronic Heat at Brooklyn Brownstone

Project Files: Episode 65 — Zero-Emission Hydronic Heat at Brooklyn Brownstone

A DIY demo turned into the opportunity to install Taco’s System M and go all-electric

Maria Taylor

November 17, 2023

The home now has a 3.9 kW solar array that offsets nearly 100% of the System M and grid power supplied from the clean-sourced ConEd program — meaning that the house has zero emission heating, cooling, and hot water.

How HVAC Contractors Can Win the Bid: An HVAC Minute Video Update - November 20, 2023

How HVAC Contractors Can Win the Bid

An HVAC Minute Video Update: November 20, 2023

Hannah Belloli.

November 20, 2023

A recent survey confirms that almost two-thirds of homeowners are following the “three-quote rule” when it comes to repairing and replacing HVAC systems.

Opinion-Kyle-Gargaro

3 Tips to Help Recruit Gen Z Workers

This next generation can help HVAC contractors

December 6, 2023

At the most recent ACCA Next Level fall meeting, ESCO Institute’s Clifton Beck explained Gen Z workers.

Aviation Snips

How to Care for Snips

Oil the pivot bolt, avoid sprung blades and fully closed jaw cuts to maximize the life of snips

Austin Keating

November 13, 2023

Offset-right snips from Midwest, Malco and other companies are the most popular type of snips owing to their versatility: Cut upside down and you'll be able to cut offset-left in a pinch.

Local 104

Silicon Valley Mechanical Demonstrates Leadership in Scaling Capacity, Workforce

The SNIPS NEWS Sheet Metal Fabrication Contractor of the Year in 2023, Silicon Valley Mechanical, embodies a ‘constant improvement’ mindset – leading to new opportunities

Austin Keating

December 3, 2023

Slideshow: SVM's ability to still prioritize the wellbeing and sustainability of its workforce while multiplying the business it does every year has earned the shop the SNIPS NEWS Contractor of the Year award in 2023.

Congress

Sheet Metal Contractors Association Celebrates Averted Government Shutdown

SMACNA applauds passage of bipartisan continuing resolution and shares how to prepare for probable future shutdowns as a federal HVAC and sheet metal contractor

Austin Keating

November 18, 2023

SMACNA’s chief lobbyist has a warning for sheet metal shops engaged in federal work. Even though a government shutdown was averted this week, it’s still in the cards for 2024 – likely more than once.

OSHA Inspection

Building a Safer 2024: Preparing for OSHA Compliance

Achieving and maintaining OSHA compliance requires a proactive approach

December 1, 2023

In the sheet metal and HVAC industry, safety is not a choice; it's a responsibility. OSHA compliance is not merely a regulatory requirement; it's a commitment, writes SNIPS NEWS Safety Contributor Mike McCullion.

CHI Manufacturing

Colorado-Based C.H.I Manufacturing Specializes in Quality Ductwork, Distribution

The family-owned spiral duct manufacturer is known for its high quality of work and customer service

Stacey Winconek

December 2, 2023

C.H.I. Manufacturing is a family affair. In fact, Phil’s wife of 43 years, Joyce, along with their grown children, Ryan and Jaime, work together.

10 Sheet Metal Trends Since 2010 that Show the Industry is Still Innovative

SNIPS ICON David Daw shares his take on a swarm of brewing trends and inventions in the sheet metal industry between 2010 and now.

October 4, 2022

Over the half-century of my commentary for these SNIPS articles, I can state without reservation, absolutely nothing is the same since that September day in 1968 when I was hired by GRIPNAIL.

Flex Duct Manufacturing

Flex Duct Manufacturer Scales up National Footprint

Building on more than 60 years of work on the national stage, JP Lamborn Co (JPL) continues to grow

Austin Keating

December 1, 2023

Slideshow: Not only has JP Lamborn Co (JPL) grown, but the entire flex duct industry has seen many changes and innovations.

Brandt Ductwork Art

Slideshow: Brandt’s Ductwork Brings Art to Life

The sheet metal contractor recreated an art installation to represent oil pipelines as part of a new exhibit at Dallas, Texas-based Nasher Sculpture Center

Stacey Winconek

November 24, 2023

The 12-inch pipes used for the installation run roughly 150 feet in length. Snap lock ductwork, which is not typically used by Brandt, was used here.

HVAC Text Conversation

Five Ways to Implement Online Reviews Into Your HVAC Company

Having an in-person conversation with customers is one of the most effective ways to ask for a review

Jessica Ayre

December 16, 2023

Having positive online reviews signals to prospective customers that you’re a trustworthy HVAC business.

Copeland, 11-8-23.jpg

Copeland Now Builds CO2 compressors at 2 U.S. Plants

November 9, 2023

The change comes as the industry anticipates accelerated adoption of CO₂refrigeration technology being driven by food retail businesses pledging sustainability targets and needing to comply with environmental regulations.

Malco Names its 1st Counterperson of the Year

November 8, 2023

“In the realm of customer service, few shine as brightly as Zach Fellows,” said Michael Dungan of Sales Engineers Inc. in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, who nominated Fellows.

FYI - The ACHR News

FYI: News Briefs in HVAC - December 4, 2023

December 4, 2023

For your information news briefs from a wide variety of categories within the HVAC industry. Price increases, mergers and acquisitions, award winners, and more are highlighted here each week.

aspen downflow kits.png

Aspen Manufacturing: Downflow Kits

November 12, 2023

The new downflow kits are specific to the drain pan type. Effective immediately, there are now downflow kits for metal drain pans and separate downflow kits for plastic drain pans.

ECM Pump Motor

ECM PCB Stator Tech: Pump Motor

October 19, 2023

ECM’s 3hp PCB Stator pump motor is ultra lightweight and brings a top efficiency rating with core features such as a premium efficiency of 94%.

Noritz: Water Heater

November 2, 2023

The combination of the storage tank and tankless water heater in the Hybrid Hot Series offers flexibility for indoor commercial applications, such as restaurants and hotels, that require a large dump load of hot water over a short period of time without the use of multiple tankless water heaters.

Modine Amp Dawg.png

Modine: Residential Unit Heater

November 15, 2023

The Amp Dawg electric residential unit heater is designed to be a quiet, efficient solution for heating garages, workshops, and other similar spaces.

WAGO 750-9401 Controller.png

Wago: Compact Controller

November 22, 2023

The 750-9401 Controller has a dual core processor with a mix of 18 digital and analog onboard I/O channels.

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