July 15 2024 Issue

This issue of The ACHR NEWS explores the details of a new geothermal bill in Virginia, how to extend the life of a condensing unit with some TLC, the 2025 refrigerant transition, a look at new HVAC products, how to sell zoning in residential systems, the growing indoor ag market, David Richardson’s take on air balance testing, the impact of new steel and aluminum tariffs, new HFC refrigerant management strategies, troubleshooting PSC fan motors, a hospital retrofit project, how to 10x a business, using customer reviews for marketing, the importance of creating a detailed business plan, and the latest Distribution Trends.

Check back throughout the week for additional content.

Hybrid water-to-water and water-to-air geothermal system

Virginia Passes Geothermal Bill With Major Financial Incentives

The bill aims to make geothermal HVAC widely accessible

Hannah Belloli

July 9, 2024

No Comments

The bill significantly reduces the cost of a geothermal installation, spurs job creation, and hopes to inspire more contractors to tap into the geothermal market.

A Little TLC Can Extend the Life of Condensing Units

Regular maintenance helps maximize equipment longevity and ensure optimal performance

Joanna R. Turpin

July 15, 2024

No Comments

In today's economy, cost-conscious end users want to extend their HVAC equipment lifespan as long as possible. Regular maintenance on condensing units can help maximize their longevity and performance.

FROSTlines

Refrigerant Transition Takes a Big Step in 2025

Prepare to say goodbye to the manufacture of R-410A units and hello to California’s HFC ban

Joanna R. Turpin

June 28, 2024

One Comment

The HVAC industry is facing changes as of January 1, 2025, which is when the manufacture of R-410A equipment ends and California implements its ban on high-GWP refrigerants.

How HVAC Contractors Can Zone In on Zoning Systems

To sell them is to know them

Hannah Belloli

July 10, 2024

No Comments

For more HVAC contractors to sell zoning systems, they have to understand the benefits, challenges, know how to approach customers to even be able to sell it, and then comes the install.

HVAC Products Designed for Indoor Agriculture Offer Precise Climate Control

A growing market

Matt Jachman

July 11, 2024

No Comments

The manufacturers of HVAC products for indoor farming say their equipment can help optimize growers’ crop yields.

Experts Split on Impact to HVAC Industry by Tariff Hikes on Steel, Aluminum Products Made in China

J.J. Smith

May 31, 2024

No Comments

After it was announced that the United States would be increasing tariffs on $18 billion of imports from China, including steel and aluminum products, experts are divided on exactly what that will mean for the HVAC industry.

FROSTlines

Refrigerant Management Strategies Are Urgently Needed

Contractors must formulate plan for addressing legacy systems, as well as new A2L units

Charles Allgood, Ph.D

July 16, 2024

No Comments

Contractors need to implement a refrigerant management strategy that accommodates both legacy and A2L systems, as well as emphasizes recovery and reclamation.

FROSTlines

Troubleshooting PSC Fan Motors

Common problems are usually electrical or mechanical failures

Joe Marchese

July 15, 2024

No Comments

Troubleshooting PSC fan motors is a common task for service technicians, and failures tend to be either electrical or mechanical.

Reduce, Reuse, Restore: Taking a Historic Hospital to an HVAC-Accommodating Hotel

After sitting vacant for decades, Cook County Hospital now provides an HVAC-friendly experience to hotel guests

Hannah Belloli

June 13, 2024

No Comments

Armstrong recently contributed to a historically important HVAC retrofit when the historic Cook Country hospital in Chicago, Illinois was converted into two hotels: a Hyatt Place and Hyatt House.

The Philosophy Needed to 10x an HVAC Business

Hoffmann Brothers use ‘win-win-win’ as a way to drive growth

Dylan Kurt

June 9, 2024

No Comments

Keeping the customer, the employees, and the company itself all happy and in concert is the key to unlocking growth.

HARDI Distributors Take Lobbying Efforts to D.C.

Matt Jachman

June 18, 2024

No Comments

The 2024 Congressional Fly-In saw HARDI members visit the offices of 98 members of the House of Representatives and 39 members of the Senate to raise awareness of the legislative and regulatory issues that impact HVACR distribution.

Growing E-Commerce for HVAC Companies

To turbocharge your online sales, first sell contractors on your B2B site

Darrell Sterling

July 14, 2024

No Comments

Your e-commerce site might not have all the bells and whistles that your competitors’ sites have, but if you can sell your contractors on it, and on the benefits of purchasing online, you can boost internet sales.

Texas Distributor Changes Pricing Model for Online Sales

The ACHR NEWS Editorial Staff

June 20, 2024

No Comments

Snook & Aderton will now include shipping costs in the listed prices for all products sold on its website, snookhvac.com.

Winsupply Acquires Phoenix-Based Metals Company

The ACHR NEWS Editorial Staff

June 10, 2024

No Comments

Founded in 1952, General Metals manufactures, fabricates, and distributes HVAC equipment and products. Its primary clientele is comprised of HVAC contractors in the Southwest.

Cooper & Hunter Opens Distribution Center in Dallas Area

The ACHR NEWS Editorial Staff

May 15, 2024

No Comments

The Lancaster, Texas, location is its first facility outside Florida, and will help Cooper & Hunter more easily serve an increasing number of clients in the Midwest, the company said.

HVAC Manufacturer Ecoer Signs with Texas Distributor

The ACHR NEWS Editorial Staff

May 24, 2024

No Comments

The partnership aims to enhance the availability of Ecoer Inc.'s HVAC solutions to a broader customer base in the region.

2 Extra Billing Days Help Boost Distributors' April Sales

The ACHR NEWS Editorial Staff

June 11, 2024

No Comments

The annual sales growth rate, among HVACR distributors participating in the survey, for the 12 months through April 2024 was 2.2%.

An ‘Air’ Balanced Approach to Comfort Problems

David Richardson

July 6, 2024

No Comments

The duct system plays a pivotal role in customer comfort so HVAC technicians should be familiarized with air balance testing principles to get to the heart of the issues.

Review Marketing: Turn Customer Feedback Into a Revenue Engine

Kenneth Burke

July 10, 2024

No Comments

Asking customers to give a review may be difficult, but those reviews need to be thought of as a valuable asset for an HVAC business.

How HVAC Contractors Can Get a Plan in Place

Five-year plan to fail

Justin Jacobs

July 9, 2024

No Comments

A lack of vision and planning is keeping many contractors from succeeding.

Armstrong Breaks Ground For New Manufacturing Facility

The ACHR NEWS Editorial Staff

June 21, 2024

No Comments

The heat pumps Armstrong plans to make at the new facility in Three Rivers, Michigan, will particularly benefit manufacturers in the food and beverage, pharmaceutical, paper, and personal care products industries, the company said.

Samsung, Lennox Announce Plans for Joint Venture

The ACHR NEWS Editorial Staff

May 28, 2024

No Comments

The joint venture will distribute Samsung ductless products in the U.S. and Canada as well as products branded “Lennox powered by Samsung,” which will be sold through Lennox stores and its direct-to-dealer network.

FYI: News Briefs in HVAC - July 15, 2024

July 15, 2024

No Comments

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.

Seifert Systems: Thermoelectric Dehumidifier

July 22, 2024

No Comments

The Soliflex thermoelectric dehumidifiers are designed to dehumidify enclosures and small control panels, both indoor and outdoor, and are maintenance free. Ingress protection is IP 56.

Hillphoenix: Charge Preservation Solution

July 11, 2024

No Comments

ChargeSecure is a charge preservation solution for CO₂ refrigeration systems that offers peace of mind during power outages and service events by maintaining charge.

Daikin Applied: Chiller

July 8, 2024

No Comments

The enhanced Navigator WWV water-cooled screw chiller uses low-GWP R-513A refrigerant.

Sensaphone Duct-Mount Airflow Transmitter.png

Sensaphone: Sensor

July 23, 2024

No Comments

Sensaphone specialized sensors are designed to help facility managers maintain optimal HVAC conditions and ensure efficient equipment operation.

Steffes: Hot Water System

July 25, 2024

No Comments

Origin is an all-electric, large-volume, central heat pump domestic water heating system.

Automated Logic: Zone Controller

July 24, 2024

No Comments

The OptiFlex 022 (OF022-E2) zone controller is engineered to deliver unparalleled efficiency and reliability for modern building environments.

Marley Engineered Products Agency Listed Recessed Trim Kit.png

Marley Engineered Products: Trim Kit

July 26, 2024

No Comments

The Agency Listed Recessed Trim Kit allows MEP’s infrared heaters to be recessed completely into a ceiling to reduce the intrusive nature of overhead heating units and improve the aesthetics of any space.

GE Appliances Air & Water Solutions: Ductless Heat Pump

July 29, 2024

No Comments

The Hotpoint Ductless Heat Pump uses high-performance inverter technology to quickly and efficiently heat and cool rooms while preventing freezing or condensation buildup.

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 July 15

Cover Story

Feature Articles

Distribution Trends

Columns

Newsline

FYI

New HVAC Products

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