December 16 2024 Issue

This issue of The ACHR NEWS takes a look back at all the momentous legislative events in 2024, explores how OEMs can help cash in on IRA incentives, asks if the election turned down the heat on anti-gas measures, lays out everything techs need to know about RDSs, looks at a neighborhood network geothermal project, a step-by-step on how contractors can launch training academies, how persistence can sometimes be a roadblock to success, information on A2Ls in commercial refrigeration, how to finding tricky refrigerant leaks, an update on how IRA funds are being dolled out, and a look at the latest new products.

Check back throughout the week for additional content.

HVAC Legislation: 2024 Year in Review

Refrigerant Transition, Scrapping of Chevron Doctrine Among the Year’s Critical Issues

Matt Jachman

December 11, 2024

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HVACR political insiders talk about some of the year’s most important developments, and about what might be ahead for the industry in Washington, D.C.

HVAC OEMs Help Contractors Cash in on IRA Incentives

New tools help dealers unlock billions in consumer rebates and tax credits

Joanna R. Turpin

December 12, 2024

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HVAC manufacturers are empowering contractors with tools and other resources to unlock IRA incentives for customers, helping boost sales and consumer confidence.

FROSTlines

Did the Election Turn Down the Heat on Anti-Gas Measures?

Voters in California and Washington State rejected initiatives designed to curb gas use

Joanna R. Turpin

December 3, 2024

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The battle over natural gas is heating up, as courts and voters push back. But environmental groups aren’t backing down and will continue to fight against the use of gas in space and water heating.

Detect and Protect: Everything Techs Need to Know About RDSs

Manufacturers offer resources and guidance on refrigerant detection systems

Joanna R. Turpin

December 16, 2024

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Starting in 2025, most new comfort cooling systems will use lower-GWP, mildly flammable refrigerants, which include a safety feature called the refrigerant detection system (RDS), which detects leaks and can be factory or field installed.

Geothermal Borehole Drilling Framingham Massachusetts

Neighborhood Network Geothermal Project Connects More Than Just Residents

A partnership between a utility company and climate group could expedite decarbonization efforts

Hannah Belloli

December 9, 2024

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While a shared system has been utilized before on college campuses or in hospitals, this is the first time in the United States that a utility company has ever installed geothermal across a neighborhood. And it happened because of a unique partnership.

Creating the Talent You Need by Opening Your Own Training Academy

Contractors need to have clear visions and goals for the facility

Hannah Belloli

November 21, 2024

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To successfully open their own training facility, contractors have to thoughtfully decide on a curriculum, find or design a space that can house students and faculty plus all the needed equipment to train, secure the necessary finances, hire a credible lead instructor, and market it.

Efficiency Rebates Gaining Momentum

But Contractors Can Still Get on Board

Matt Jachman

November 20, 2024

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Opportunity is knocking for the HVAC industry in the form of consumer rebates offered through the federal Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), and contractors who haven’t planned their approach to leveraging these incentives would be well advised to do so now.

Duct Dynasty

Is it Time to Quit?

David Richardson

November 10, 2024

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When starting a company on a new path, the goals and routes can be quite different than expected, so plan on taking a few detours and be willing to make adjustments.

Don Fort and Commercial Refrigeration Equipment

FROSTlines

Using A2Ls in Commercial Refrigeration Equipment

Technicians must learn how to safely work with mildly flammable refrigerants

Don Fort

December 6, 2024

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Technicians must be trained to handle A2L refrigerants safely, using proper equipment, following safety guidelines, and understanding risks to prevent injuries.

FROSTlines

Locating Hard-to-Find Refrigerant Leaks

If You Are Unable to Find a Leak, Patience Is Usually Your Best Tool

Joe Marchese

December 6, 2024

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Perseverance is generally your best tool when trying to find a refrigerant leak.

Nibco Opens Interactive Museum in Indiana

November 27, 2024

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The Rex Martin Nibco Interactive Museum in Elkhart, Indiana, offers an enriching experience from a historical perspective, plus interactive learning and a look at career opportunities and the impact Nibco has had on the community.

Counterperson of the Year Works at NOLA Distributor

November 12, 2024

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Philip Laiche exemplifies the same values that make Malco great: dedication to excellent customer service and going above and beyond to ensure contractors have the Malco tools they need to get the jobs done, a press release from Malco Tools Inc. said.

FYI: News Briefs in HVAC - December 16, 2024

December 16, 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.

Zonex Launches New BACnet Product for its Gen X System

November 11, 2024

No Comments

At the core of the BACnetIP solution is the QuickServer gateway, developed by a third-party integrator. This BTL (BACnet Testing Laboratories) certified gateway serves as a communications bridge between the Gen X System and a customer’s building management system.

GF Building Flow radiant wall cabinents.png

GF Building Flow Solutions: Radiant Wall Cabinents

December 13, 2024

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Designed for secure protection, durability, and reliability, the cabinets are available in both recessed or surface mount in various dimensions to meet any residential or commercial radiant application.

RectorSeal: Air Cleaner

December 10, 2024

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The Dust Free PMAC is a compact, high-efficiency air cleaner featuring a MERV 11 filter for enhanced air quality and a durable, galvanized steel frame.

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 December 16

Cover Story

HVAC Legislation: 2024 Year in Review

HVAC OEMs Help Contractors Cash in on IRA Incentives

Feature Articles

Did the Election Turn Down the Heat on Anti-Gas Measures?

Detect and Protect: Everything Techs Need to Know About RDSs

Neighborhood Network Geothermal Project Connects More Than Just Residents

Creating the Talent You Need by Opening Your Own Training Academy

Efficiency Rebates Gaining Momentum

Columns

Is it Time to Quit?

Using A2Ls in Commercial Refrigeration Equipment

Locating Hard-to-Find Refrigerant Leaks

Newsline

Nibco Opens Interactive Museum in Indiana

Counterperson of the Year Works at NOLA Distributor

FYI

FYI: News Briefs in HVAC - December 16, 2024

New HVAC Products

Zonex Launches New BACnet Product for its Gen X System

GF Building Flow Solutions: Radiant Wall Cabinents

RectorSeal: Air Cleaner

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