February 12 2024 Issue

This issue of The ACHR NEWS takes a look at the important role online reviews play in HVAC contractor’s businesses today, the industry response to the new U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) labor rule, how meaningful conversations can lead to generating more year-round work, the key to selling more high-efficiency equipment (hint: figure out why homeowners want it in the first place), and highlights the latest news in the HVAC industry, as well as the latest from SNIPS NEWS. In addition, the issue focuses on decarbonization, refrigeration, and IAQ.

Check back throughout the week for additional content.

Contractor Pro Homeowner Series

The Importance of Online Reviews for HVAC Contractors

Marketing experts say they’re essential, and offer tips on how to get and use them

Matt Jachman

January 23, 2024

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While more than 90% of homeowners say online reviews are important, only 61% of HVAC contractors say they post reviews on their websites. Experts talk about how to close that gap.

Industry Responds to Updated Independent Contractor Rule

DOL says rule protects workers from wage theft, while industry group predicts ‘confusion,’ ‘frivolous litigation’

Maria Taylor

January 28, 2024

No Comments

ABC argues the rule could end up hurting legitimate contractors in the building trades, who are already strapped for workers.

HVAC Industry Responds To EPA’s HFC Management Rule

Stakeholders are concerned over issues ranging from training to tracking to reclaim

Joanna R. Turpin

February 14, 2024

One Comment

In comments to EPA’s proposed rule regarding HFC management, many HVACR stakeholders expressed concern over issues including tracking cylinders, training technicians, and reclaiming refrigerant.

What HVAC Needs to Know about the Decarbonization Movement

New products and consumer education will be at the core of this transition, according to industry leaders

Dylan Kurt

February 16, 2024

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The decarbonization movement is seen by some as the greatest disruption to the HVAC industry in the last century and, as these pivotal changes continue to be implemented and technology continues to advance, everyone should be prepared to adapt.

Commercial Indoor Air Quality Solutions

Here are products to clean the air in schools, stores, theaters, and more

Matt Jachman

February 15, 2024

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Cleaner indoor air means healthier building occupants who perform better and are more productive. Here are five products that improve IAQ in the places where people work, shop, and play.

Contractor Pro Homeowner Series

Let High-Efficiency Equipment Sell Itself

Know why homeowners buy, and they’ll lead themselves to it

Hannah Belloli

December 26, 2023

One Comment

Homeowners mostly want to install high-efficiency equipment because of the comfort it brings and rebates associated. If contractors know what to highlight about the equipment, it can sell itself.

Tristam Coffin Shares Insights On Refrigerant Transition

The Whole Foods veteran advocates for natural solutions in commercial refrigeration equipment

Joanna R. Turpin

January 17, 2024

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Tristam Coffin played a key role in facilitating Whole Foods' transition to natural refrigerants and currently provides guidance for other companies seeking sustainable solutions.

Servicing Customers With Meaningful Conversations

The perception of a salesperson has to change to create more work year-round

Hannah Belloli

March 7, 2024

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Contractors have to ensure their service agreements actually service customers, and have meaningful conversations with them to solve their problems.

ASHRAE guide puts educators in command of classroom indoor air quality

Technical Committee 9.7 guide trains school districts on indoor air quality.

March 20, 2023

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Don’t know much about indoor air quality? You don’t have to in order to take the first steps, said Catherine Tinkler, a former classroom teacher and administrator who now serves as a strategic planning consultant.

How Process Mapping Can Elevate Your Prefab Strategy

Lifelong professionals don’t often commit their tips, tricks and trade secrets to paper, which is why you need to ‘map your processes’

Mike Nelsen

February 7, 2024

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Whether you’re looking to flag risks, track value streams, monitor scope and boundaries, process mapping is, if not the answer, then certainly a step in the right direction.

Industry Trends: Sheet Metal Shop Automation Leveraging Digital Transformation

Spiral Duct Manufacturing Association presentation from leading sheet metal equipment manufacturer senior VP highlights the direction of the industry

Austin Keating

January 23, 2024

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As Mike Bailey of Mestek Machinery travels the country speaking to groups like Spiral Duct Manufacturing Association (SPIDA), he is funneling insights internally to develop expanded automation and digital dashboards for customers.

Keeping Kitchen Craft Alive

A sheet metal worker from Johannesburg, South Africa creates one-of-a-kind catering equipment for customers

Stacey Winconek

February 8, 2024

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When it comes to commercial kitchens, stock options don't always cut it. You need a custom design — or perhaps you're looking for something a bit outside of the box.

How Mental Health Impacts the Sheet Metal and HVAC Industry

One way that SMACNA is addressing mental health and suicide prevention is by partnering with organizations such as CIASP

Mike McCullion

February 10, 2024

No Comments

Mental health and suicide prevention are important issues in the sheet metal industry and in the broader construction and manufacturing sectors.

Saving Lives on Construction Sites: The Crucial Benefits of CPR, AEDs

By strategically placing AEDs throughout the jobsite, construction workers can quickly respond to cardiac incidents

Mike McCullion

September 13, 2023

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The construction industry is one of the most challenging sectors when it comes to occupational safety and health. CPR and AED are vital for keeping jobsites safe.

Troubleshooting Foil Tape Challenges: Common Issues for HVAC Installers and How to Solve Them

Foil tapes play an important part in ductwork and HVAC efficiency

Dennis Ineman

February 12, 2024

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To prevent air leaks and support airflow optimization under normal heating and cooling conditions, opt for a foil tape that is UL 181A-P or UL 181B-FX Listed

Aircraft Cable Comes to the HVAC Sector with Suspension Systems

The versatility of aircraft cable has extended its applications to even the most unexpected areas, including interior design and architecture

Ryan Kwast

February 11, 2024

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Originally developed for aviation purposes, aircraft cable’s unique design and properties have found applications in various industries, including HVAC.

Onshoring BIM Detailing in the USA: A New Path Forward

Offshoring BIM Detailing may provide initial cost savings, but long-term benefits of onshoring outweigh these gains

Drew Miller

August 18, 2023

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When BIM Detailing is completed by American companies for American projects, we open up a new era of growth and innovation in the AEC industry.

The People Business: A New Perspective on HVAC Services

Connections make the industry what it is

Frank Favaro

January 16, 2024

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In the bustling world of HVAC, it's easy to get lost in the technicalities — SEER ratings, BTU capacities, and the latest smart thermostat technology. However, at the heart of our industry lies a more human element: the value we create and the connections we foster.

New CEO at Ohio's Five Star Home Services

The ACHR NEWS Editorial Staff

January 26, 2024

No Comments

Founded in Pickerington, Ohio, in 1972 by Howard Morris Sr. as a mom-and-pop shop, Five Star has been run by the Morris family for more than 50 years.

Lennox Legend John Norris Jr. Dies at 87

Kyle Gargaro

January 30, 2024

No Comments

John Norris Jr. was the grandson of Lennox founder D.W. Norris and, during a 46-year career, was instrumental in the company's tremendous growth. He had retired in 2006.

FYI: News Briefs in HVAC - February 12, 2024

February 12, 2024

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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.

During this webinar, we will discuss what acidic condensate is, how it’s formed, and the damage it can cause if not properly treated—while hitting on the latest regulations that are driving the adoption of condensing technology.

On Demand Use the power of AI to your advantage to book more jobs and gain more operational efficiencies during busy season this year! See how an AI Employee can help you save time by qualifying every lead for you, automatically responding to incoming leads, and working overtime so you don’t have to.

ACHR NEWS

2024 February 12

Cover Story

The Importance of Online Reviews for HVAC Contractors

Industry Responds to Updated Independent Contractor Rule

Feature Articles

HVAC Industry Responds To EPA’s HFC Management Rule

What HVAC Needs to Know about the Decarbonization Movement

Commercial Indoor Air Quality Solutions

Let High-Efficiency Equipment Sell Itself

Tristam Coffin Shares Insights On Refrigerant Transition

Servicing Customers With Meaningful Conversations

SNIPS NEWS

ASHRAE guide puts educators in command of classroom indoor air quality

How Process Mapping Can Elevate Your Prefab Strategy

Industry Trends: Sheet Metal Shop Automation Leveraging Digital Transformation

Keeping Kitchen Craft Alive

How Mental Health Impacts the Sheet Metal and HVAC Industry

Saving Lives on Construction Sites: The Crucial Benefits of CPR, AEDs

Troubleshooting Foil Tape Challenges: Common Issues for HVAC Installers and How to Solve Them

Aircraft Cable Comes to the HVAC Sector with Suspension Systems

Onshoring BIM Detailing in the USA: A New Path Forward

Columns

The People Business: A New Perspective on HVAC Services

Newsline

New CEO at Ohio's Five Star Home Services

Lennox Legend John Norris Jr. Dies at 87

FYI

FYI: News Briefs in HVAC - February 12, 2024

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