There exists a lot of correlation when it comes to automotive mechanics and HVACR service professionals. Both troubleshoot and determine the root cause of a wide range of different problems; both must be able to understand everything from basic mechanics and chemistry to advanced techniques that require unique mechanical and intellectual aptitudes; and both groups must have the talent and knack for repairing everything from individual minor components to complete system replacements. But in addition to these similarities, another commonality exists. It's the kinship of service/repair/customer satisfaction. In other words, both of these hardworking livelihoods must not only make sure that the job is properly done, but that it is done professionally and to the end user's liking. Not always an easy task, but a key component of the equation nonetheless.
So why talk about this here and now? Presently, a bill sitting before Congress - the Right to Repair Act - is being debated about just how much information automakers must give out to private auto shop owners about how to repair today's increasingly complex vehicles. RSES Past International President Al Smith, CMS, forwarded on to me an interesting article talking about how some shops are beginning to turn away work because they simply don't have the equipment or the information available about today's increasingly complex vehicles out on the road to properly service them. You can read about just how this is impacting some shops by reading the article here.
How does this relate to the world of HVACR? Well, at the present time, it doesn't. But that doesn't mean that it CAN'T...imagine what would happen if precedents are set and equipment manufacturers elected to start sharing only certain information with their dealer network. Or with distributors/wholesalers who met specific criteria or, gulp, sales quotas. Now I am NOT saying this will ever happen. There are NO indicators that it ever would. But in the words of one automaker's representative in the aforementioned article, "they want the recipe for Coke." If the automakers get their way and this information is prevented from getting to the everyday repair man who owns a shop or works for one, what will keep this from spilling over to other industries. Interesting food for thought during this holiday week.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Cash for...Caulkers?
Following the successful (at least in Washington and most automakers' eyes) "Cash for Clunkers" rebate program conducted last year, President Obama and others in Washington are eyeing a new market in 2010 - your home. The President has repeatedly noted a proposal that would allow tax credits and other incentives for homeowners who make their homes more energy-efficient. Proponents of this proposed program - which would be known as Homestar but has taken on the "Cash for Caulkers" moniker as well - note that it will help to generate new jobs in the hard-hit construction sector, and also serve as an incentive for those firms to become more familiar with green jobs.
Obama was recently at a Home Depot to promote the program, which would provide up to $23 billion to incent homeowners to reduce energy waste through things such as replacing leaky windows and doors, adding more-efficient furnaces and fuel-pumps, using solar, geothermal and wind energy as fuel sources, etc. The challenge, however, will be getting BOTH contractors/service techs and homeowners on the same page. A concern that some are already raising is how the incentives will be paid out, if contractors will have to eat up-front costs and then receive funds after the upgrades have been made, and just how the effectiveness of the program will be judged. Many HVACR and plumbing/mechanical firms have been hard hit by the economic downturn, so suggesting that they may have to put even more investment up front in terms of products to offer customers in order to reap the rewards long-term may be a tough pill for some to swallow.
It's anyone's guess what will happen, but it certainly is a program that the HVACR industry, as well as the construction, plumbing and mechanical trades, need to keep an eye on. Especially since those in the Administration continue to face criticism about the slow flow of stimulus money down to everyday business owners and others.
Obama was recently at a Home Depot to promote the program, which would provide up to $23 billion to incent homeowners to reduce energy waste through things such as replacing leaky windows and doors, adding more-efficient furnaces and fuel-pumps, using solar, geothermal and wind energy as fuel sources, etc. The challenge, however, will be getting BOTH contractors/service techs and homeowners on the same page. A concern that some are already raising is how the incentives will be paid out, if contractors will have to eat up-front costs and then receive funds after the upgrades have been made, and just how the effectiveness of the program will be judged. Many HVACR and plumbing/mechanical firms have been hard hit by the economic downturn, so suggesting that they may have to put even more investment up front in terms of products to offer customers in order to reap the rewards long-term may be a tough pill for some to swallow.
It's anyone's guess what will happen, but it certainly is a program that the HVACR industry, as well as the construction, plumbing and mechanical trades, need to keep an eye on. Especially since those in the Administration continue to face criticism about the slow flow of stimulus money down to everyday business owners and others.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
The Silent Killer
With the announcement that the EPA Administrator has signed off on the HCFC Allocation and Pre-charged appliance rules (see the blog from HARDI Vice President/Legislative guru Talbot Gee here, or visit the EPA Web site here to see the published rules), I thought I might weigh in on that topic as well.
But a story I saw on the news last evening was one that I couldn't shake from my head. In Charlotte, NC, 10 people from an apartment complex were hospitalized as a result of carbon monoxide poisioning. According to Charlotte Fire Department spokesman Rob Brisley, there were dangerous levels of carbon monoxide in multiple apartment units. The CO came from a faulty heater in one of the units and eventually spread to three other apartments.
We often hear during the winter about these stories, many times as a result of individuals following dangerous practices to heat their dwellings with unsafe heating devices, either due to difficult economic conditions or their lack of knowledge regarding the emission of CO.
However, in this case, it seems apparent that the problem arose because the equipment in the complex had a defect(s) - highlighting EXACTLY why it is so important for building owners and HVACR service professionals to use caution, regularly inspect equipment, and repair or replace equipment when the situation deems it necessary.
According to the Carbon Monoxide Safety Association, carbon monoxide posioning kills hundreds each year, and tens of thousands more are hospitalized as a result of its effects. A simple thing such as performing a combustion check, using a CO detection meter or performing a closer inspection of a heat exchanger can truly be the difference between life and death. As an industry, let's continue to promote awareness and take the extra steps necessary that could save the life of a friend, colleague, family member - or even yourself.
But a story I saw on the news last evening was one that I couldn't shake from my head. In Charlotte, NC, 10 people from an apartment complex were hospitalized as a result of carbon monoxide poisioning. According to Charlotte Fire Department spokesman Rob Brisley, there were dangerous levels of carbon monoxide in multiple apartment units. The CO came from a faulty heater in one of the units and eventually spread to three other apartments.
We often hear during the winter about these stories, many times as a result of individuals following dangerous practices to heat their dwellings with unsafe heating devices, either due to difficult economic conditions or their lack of knowledge regarding the emission of CO.
However, in this case, it seems apparent that the problem arose because the equipment in the complex had a defect(s) - highlighting EXACTLY why it is so important for building owners and HVACR service professionals to use caution, regularly inspect equipment, and repair or replace equipment when the situation deems it necessary.
According to the Carbon Monoxide Safety Association, carbon monoxide posioning kills hundreds each year, and tens of thousands more are hospitalized as a result of its effects. A simple thing such as performing a combustion check, using a CO detection meter or performing a closer inspection of a heat exchanger can truly be the difference between life and death. As an industry, let's continue to promote awareness and take the extra steps necessary that could save the life of a friend, colleague, family member - or even yourself.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Giving Thanks
The Thanksgiving holiday has come and gone. We've stuffed ourselves with turkey, sweet potatoes, pumpkin pie and all of the other goodies; and for many, the Black Friday shopping day was a chance to fight the crowds and try to work some of it off.
But with December here and the year heading to a close, where are we at right now (we being the collective HVACR industry)? I would hazard a guess that few industry veterans have seen a time when so much is going on at so many levels throughout the trade. From the legislative discussions on the Hill regarding climate change and cap-and-trade; associations and groups promoting new energy-efficiency guidelines, regulations and proposals; and continuing pressure from different groups to explore new refrigerant solutions, incent home/businessowners to reduce energy use and promote the use of alternative energy sources, does anyone REALLY know what the future holds?
The quick and simple answer is no. But if one digs a little deeper, their certainly are signs of what is to come. And for that reason, I want to take a moment to give thanks. Thanks because those of us who are in this business/industry/career are going to continue to see dynamic change and growth, and have the opportunity to really change the way HVACR business is both seen and conducted in the next decade.
The Obama administration has made energy policy a key component of its strategy, both to grow jobs (yes, the old "Green Jobs mantra") and also position itself as an administration who worked to make "change" possible. What that change is remains any one's guess, but with the bills currently being debated and hammered out, there is no question that it will be a central issue in the 2010 legislative sessions of Congress.
So for a moment, take a step back and give thanks. We in this industry have a chance to be a dramatic force, to positively impact the work and world environment for future generations on a vast scale. It won't be easy. As we've already seen, there will be a lot of disagreements on the way. But at the end of the day, I'm hopeful (and hopefully not naive) that those changes will be for the better.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Opening the lid on cap and trade
There is a lot of interest brewing right now in Washington on the issue of climate-change and energy-efficiency legislation. While health-care reform seems to have the nation's eye and ear on every nightly news program, the HVACR industry is staring at the possibility of some dramatic shifts in how it will have to do business - and if an HFC phasedown becomes a reality, find a whole new way to provide comfort for businesses and homeowners.
Various committees are working on pieces of legislation that people, at least from the Democratic side of the aisle, hope will come together next year in a version that will pass both houses of Congress and receive Presidential approval.
When it comes to "cap and trade," much uncertainty remains, though the committee presently working on that portion of the bill has language that will set a base of production/consumption allowances based on HCFC and HFC useage statistics from 04-06. Those allowances would then be "auctioned" off at a growing rate over the next 20 or more years.
The problem with this may be twofold though. One, if Congress realizes that money can be made from these auctions, the Treasury Department and related finance committees could become even more involved in the process - potentially slowing any legislative moves down.
Secondly, the cap and trade program proposal allows a so-called "secondary pool" of allowances. This would allow different groups - including, potentially, those who would have no use for HFC products (speculators, if you will) - to purchase those allowances. Presently, no language exists to force those purchasers to use the allowances for their intent. This certainly could change, but it bears watching.
Just another day in Washington, D.C. for the HVACR trade. Those halcyon days when legislative oversight was hard to find...those, my friends, are long gone.
Various committees are working on pieces of legislation that people, at least from the Democratic side of the aisle, hope will come together next year in a version that will pass both houses of Congress and receive Presidential approval.
When it comes to "cap and trade," much uncertainty remains, though the committee presently working on that portion of the bill has language that will set a base of production/consumption allowances based on HCFC and HFC useage statistics from 04-06. Those allowances would then be "auctioned" off at a growing rate over the next 20 or more years.
The problem with this may be twofold though. One, if Congress realizes that money can be made from these auctions, the Treasury Department and related finance committees could become even more involved in the process - potentially slowing any legislative moves down.
Secondly, the cap and trade program proposal allows a so-called "secondary pool" of allowances. This would allow different groups - including, potentially, those who would have no use for HFC products (speculators, if you will) - to purchase those allowances. Presently, no language exists to force those purchasers to use the allowances for their intent. This certainly could change, but it bears watching.
Just another day in Washington, D.C. for the HVACR trade. Those halcyon days when legislative oversight was hard to find...those, my friends, are long gone.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
The Drive to Move NATE
For many out there in the realm of the HVACR industry, the acronym of NATE (North American Technician Excellence) is synonymous with the trade. And what's even more exciting is that while NATE certainly has made a push to promote itself to consumers via a customer-focused Web site (featuring more information on why NATE-certified technicians are who you want to call to service your equipment, where you can find a NATE-certified firm, etc.), the organization is looking at more ways to engage the industry as a whole to promote the role of training and certification - something that is long overdue.
RSES has long held to the belief that while some in the industry put an emphasis on their training and development because they know it's the right thing to do - and will help them grow their businesses and provide better service to customers - many others do not. Putting more focus on training, development and...gulp...the requirement of certification in the industry is something that will in the long-run benefit the HVACR industry as a whole.
NATE is introducing a group of Industry Councils, comprising groups that include manufacturers, distributors, teachers and contractors, with the hope that these groups will be able to help push the organization to further the development and growth of technician training and education. RSES is helping to lead this charge, and will be looking for technicians to weigh in with their ideas to the Technician's Council. Different Member groups will be meeting during various industry events and conferences, and the Technician Council will meet via conference call and informal meetings several times before RSES hosts its annual conference in Tuscon, AZ, next year - where the Technician Council will host a meeting.
The notion that we don't need certification in this industry is lost on me. I'm not saying that we need to have every element of the industry regulated or watched by five different committee's. However, it also is apparent that a PROPERLY REGULATED and CERTIFIED HVACR industry will benefit all parties...consumers, contractors and, most importantly, technicians.
RSES has long held to the belief that while some in the industry put an emphasis on their training and development because they know it's the right thing to do - and will help them grow their businesses and provide better service to customers - many others do not. Putting more focus on training, development and...gulp...the requirement of certification in the industry is something that will in the long-run benefit the HVACR industry as a whole.
NATE is introducing a group of Industry Councils, comprising groups that include manufacturers, distributors, teachers and contractors, with the hope that these groups will be able to help push the organization to further the development and growth of technician training and education. RSES is helping to lead this charge, and will be looking for technicians to weigh in with their ideas to the Technician's Council. Different Member groups will be meeting during various industry events and conferences, and the Technician Council will meet via conference call and informal meetings several times before RSES hosts its annual conference in Tuscon, AZ, next year - where the Technician Council will host a meeting.
The notion that we don't need certification in this industry is lost on me. I'm not saying that we need to have every element of the industry regulated or watched by five different committee's. However, it also is apparent that a PROPERLY REGULATED and CERTIFIED HVACR industry will benefit all parties...consumers, contractors and, most importantly, technicians.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Market up...employment down...your earnings??
As the title states, that modus operandi seems to be the rule of thumb right now. So while your 401(k) - or at least what's left of it - is rebounding nicely now, it's unfortunately happening because companies are realizing profits while revenues are sliding. And that can only happen when costs are dropping lower than those aforementioned revenues. To accomplish that trick (and not have former accountants working on the payroll who are using math formulas that no one has ever heard of), you generally have to reduce services and/or employees. Rick Newman has some interesting and very good insight into these current trends on one of his recent money-management articles on U.S. News & World Report.
What does this mean for today's HVACR service professional? Well, I don't have to tell you that the market is considerably tougher today than it was a few years ago. Convincing a homeowner to put in a high-efficiency heat pump or a building owner to replace their current system with a new ductless mini-split setup is no easy sell these days. But there still are opportunities out there. And from the people I've been talking to in the trade, there is revenue to be had - if you and your company can be nimble on your feet to grab it.
What does this mean for today's HVACR service professional? Well, I don't have to tell you that the market is considerably tougher today than it was a few years ago. Convincing a homeowner to put in a high-efficiency heat pump or a building owner to replace their current system with a new ductless mini-split setup is no easy sell these days. But there still are opportunities out there. And from the people I've been talking to in the trade, there is revenue to be had - if you and your company can be nimble on your feet to grab it.
- Get online. If you (or your boss' company) don't have a presence on the Web, get one. Consumers are using the Internet more than ever to review purchase options, gather information and make intelligent buys. This is increasingly apparent when they are purchasing "big ticket" items such as HD televisions, appliances and - yes - heating and air-conditioning equipment. If you don't have a presence on the Web and your competitor does, who is getting more visibility?
- Offer options. Money is tight. We all know this. But if you give your customers' choices on how they can pay (credit, installment payments, options based on tax rebates earned), and supply options on what kind of work should vs. could be performed, you can increase your bottom line.
- Know the rebates. There are a myriad of tax rebates and incentives out there for consumers to purchase more energy-efficient systems. In addition to Federal programs, most states - and even some municipalities and utility companies - have additional dollars available to hand back to consumers if they upgrade or make changes. Do you know what programs are available in your service area? Can you or your technicians communicate these effectively to you customers? Doing so could mean the difference between making a sale or upgrading a customer, or walking away with nothing at all. To find out more about what programs are available for customers in your area, check out the Energy Star rebate information page. There is a lot of useful information to be had there.
Got a service idea or way to help take the question marks from behind your earnings? I'd love to hear them! Feel free to leave a comment, or send me an e-mail over at the RSES Journal. The more we can share in this forum, the more we all can work to make more positive things happen in 2010.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Customer honesty...or else
For today's small business owner (which would include many of those contractors out there in the HVACR world), it's tough sledding right now. While we've heard over and over about how the recession is ending, the stock market is recovering, etc., the reality is that the market recovery on Wall Street isn't helping those on Main Street find new customers. The overwhelming perception right now is that consumers continue to hunker down, save and conserve. Businesses, too, are finding that while there is work out there, things certainly are the same way they were in the free-spending, no-limit-to-credit days of 2007 (Chicago Tribune columnist Greg Burns has some great thoughts on this in one of his recent columns.)
All the more reason why it is so vital to RETAIN your customer base. We've all heard how easy it is to lose a customer, as well as how great repeat customers are to your word-of-mouth advertising base (still one of the best ways to promote your business!). But just as important, from a business perspective, is honesty and integrity with your customers. Because once you lose your credibility with them, you aren't getting it back.
This brings me to the point of my random diatribe here today. The last two months, I've received some obscenely high electric bills from ComEd. For those of you not fortunate enough to live in Chicago and privy to monopoly that ComEd has on its customers, they supply us with energy. And in my rehabbed condo building, the access to read those ComEd meters is in the basement, which unfortunately remains locked. So when they come to read the meter, they need someone to open it. This, in and of itself, is not a problem.
The problem arises when I called today to find out that the reason for my high bills is that ComEd ESTIMATES owner usage when they can't access the building (I'm still trying to figure out how they got the numbers they did for estimates, when my previous bills were so low, but that's a topic for a whole different day). Unfortunately, no one from ComEd has contacted me or explained that to me. And to say that I was irate when I opened my bill would be an understatement. Especially when I called someone last month, and the answer I got then from customer service was "You must have had your air-conditioner on a lot. That explains the high usage rate."
So what does all this mean? Simply put, be honest and upfront with your customers. If you are going to have to perform work that is going to exceed an estimate, or reach beyond the scope of what was originally proposed, explain why. The customer might not like hearing the TOTAL, but they will appreciate your honesty and why you are reviewing it with them. And instead of having an upset customer who is ready to jump ship and head to another contractor, you may have just added someone one who will not only specify that high-SEER unit, but also sign on for the three-year service agreement you've offered.
Now as for ComEd......
All the more reason why it is so vital to RETAIN your customer base. We've all heard how easy it is to lose a customer, as well as how great repeat customers are to your word-of-mouth advertising base (still one of the best ways to promote your business!). But just as important, from a business perspective, is honesty and integrity with your customers. Because once you lose your credibility with them, you aren't getting it back.
This brings me to the point of my random diatribe here today. The last two months, I've received some obscenely high electric bills from ComEd. For those of you not fortunate enough to live in Chicago and privy to monopoly that ComEd has on its customers, they supply us with energy. And in my rehabbed condo building, the access to read those ComEd meters is in the basement, which unfortunately remains locked. So when they come to read the meter, they need someone to open it. This, in and of itself, is not a problem.
The problem arises when I called today to find out that the reason for my high bills is that ComEd ESTIMATES owner usage when they can't access the building (I'm still trying to figure out how they got the numbers they did for estimates, when my previous bills were so low, but that's a topic for a whole different day). Unfortunately, no one from ComEd has contacted me or explained that to me. And to say that I was irate when I opened my bill would be an understatement. Especially when I called someone last month, and the answer I got then from customer service was "You must have had your air-conditioner on a lot. That explains the high usage rate."
So what does all this mean? Simply put, be honest and upfront with your customers. If you are going to have to perform work that is going to exceed an estimate, or reach beyond the scope of what was originally proposed, explain why. The customer might not like hearing the TOTAL, but they will appreciate your honesty and why you are reviewing it with them. And instead of having an upset customer who is ready to jump ship and head to another contractor, you may have just added someone one who will not only specify that high-SEER unit, but also sign on for the three-year service agreement you've offered.
Now as for ComEd......
Thursday, October 15, 2009
A Change in Climate
Today, for those of you who are unaware (and I'm sure many are...heck, I was until I heard about this a couple days ago!), is Blog Action Day. Around the world, 1,000's of my fellow journalists, literary hacks - and those who just want to share an opinion - are doing so on one particular topic: climate change.
This certainly is an area that the HVACR arena is very, VERY familar with. The Montreal Protocol, Clean Air Act and other pieces of legislation impact the way our industry does business everyday. The focus on reducing ODP-causing refrigerants is the driving force behind the elimination of HCFCs (hydrochlorfluorocarbons) from HVACR equipment. This will begin in earnest in 2010 when new HVACR equipment can no longer be shipped with an HCFC in the unit. After Jan. 1, equipment manufacturers will have to use hydroflurocarbons (HFCs) such as R-410A or other alternative refrigerants. R-410A is poised right now to serve as the dominant replacement. We've been talking a lot about it on the pages of the RSES Journal and even put up a microsite to discuss the topic and share information with the industry on our Web site. Feel free to click here to find out more about it.
That phaseout of HCFCs - namely the refrigerant R-22, which has been an industry stalwart for decades - has drawn opinions from throughout the industry. And since the U.S. EPA still hasn't formulated final rules for how the implemenation of the phaseout will continue, there is a lot of apprhension and uncertainty in the industry. For more on the EPA's overview of the situation and the proposed rules, just click here.
These rules will certainly impact the legislation and debates going on in Washington, D.C. right now. And almost any bill relating to energy efficiency is sure to see some elements of refrigerant-regulation/taxation/cap-and-trade come in to play. The question will be how much of each of these elements will find their way into any bill that goes before the President.
Again, this is why it is so important to stay on top of these issues. Read relevant publications that are offering information and insight into what is going on. And most importantly, SHARE YOUR OPINIONS WITH YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS. They can't know how you feel if you don't tell them. We live in the greatest country on Earth, and a big reason for that is because people's opinions do matter. Make sure you make yours count and be heard!
This certainly is an area that the HVACR arena is very, VERY familar with. The Montreal Protocol, Clean Air Act and other pieces of legislation impact the way our industry does business everyday. The focus on reducing ODP-causing refrigerants is the driving force behind the elimination of HCFCs (hydrochlorfluorocarbons) from HVACR equipment. This will begin in earnest in 2010 when new HVACR equipment can no longer be shipped with an HCFC in the unit. After Jan. 1, equipment manufacturers will have to use hydroflurocarbons (HFCs) such as R-410A or other alternative refrigerants. R-410A is poised right now to serve as the dominant replacement. We've been talking a lot about it on the pages of the RSES Journal and even put up a microsite to discuss the topic and share information with the industry on our Web site. Feel free to click here to find out more about it.
That phaseout of HCFCs - namely the refrigerant R-22, which has been an industry stalwart for decades - has drawn opinions from throughout the industry. And since the U.S. EPA still hasn't formulated final rules for how the implemenation of the phaseout will continue, there is a lot of apprhension and uncertainty in the industry. For more on the EPA's overview of the situation and the proposed rules, just click here.
These rules will certainly impact the legislation and debates going on in Washington, D.C. right now. And almost any bill relating to energy efficiency is sure to see some elements of refrigerant-regulation/taxation/cap-and-trade come in to play. The question will be how much of each of these elements will find their way into any bill that goes before the President.
Again, this is why it is so important to stay on top of these issues. Read relevant publications that are offering information and insight into what is going on. And most importantly, SHARE YOUR OPINIONS WITH YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS. They can't know how you feel if you don't tell them. We live in the greatest country on Earth, and a big reason for that is because people's opinions do matter. Make sure you make yours count and be heard!
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
The World of Regulation
Many of us out there are familiar with regulation. Indeed, we encounter it daily, whether that's in the form of sales tax, parking tickets, or figuring out why even though we didn't turn our gas stove on for an entire month, there still are "usage fees" and "subsidy taxes" on our bill that we end up paying.
Still, in the realm of HVACR, we've been pretty blessed. The regulatory gods out there have for the most part, until the last few years, left us alone. Apparently, they figured they were missing out on something, because they've awoken with a vengence now.
Regionalized efficiency standards are something that we have been dealing with in our industry for the last few years. Some cities have even tried to place particular standards in place, Albuquerque, NM, being the most pronounced about it lately. Now there is a new agreement in place, signed by some of the leading manufacturers of HVACR equipment and organizations such as AHRI and other energy-efficiency promoting organizations, designed to establish regionalized efficiency standards for central air conditioners and gas furnaces. Several organizations that have signed this agreement have offered information on it, including the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy. The goal is to make sure that the most efficient equipment is installed in each region. In theory it makes a lot of sense. You'd think that contractors and installers would already be making sure that such steps were taking place.
Unfortunately, however, that isn't always the case. Other organizations such as ACCA and HARDI have released statements stating they couldn't sign the agreement. They needed to get more input from members, and were concerned about what all this regulation could mean in the future. HARDI did note in its statement that it felt the organizations involved did have the best interest of the industry at heart. I'd have to agree with this. Unfortunately, as is often the case when it comes to legislation, agreements and regulatory issues, everyone has different opinions of what is best. It's that whole agreement thing that makes it tough.
No one is sure what this agreement will mean for future developments. And as we all know, regulations and stipulations usually take time to get sorted out (we're STILL waiting on the EPA's final decision regarding its proposed rules...I know manufacturers are thrilled about this). But one thing IS certain. Everyone in the industry must keep a watchful eye on what is going on out there, both in Washington, D.C., and their own backyard. At this rate, what might be legal when you get up in the morning and get in your truck might get you fined before you head home at the end of the day.
Still, in the realm of HVACR, we've been pretty blessed. The regulatory gods out there have for the most part, until the last few years, left us alone. Apparently, they figured they were missing out on something, because they've awoken with a vengence now.
Regionalized efficiency standards are something that we have been dealing with in our industry for the last few years. Some cities have even tried to place particular standards in place, Albuquerque, NM, being the most pronounced about it lately. Now there is a new agreement in place, signed by some of the leading manufacturers of HVACR equipment and organizations such as AHRI and other energy-efficiency promoting organizations, designed to establish regionalized efficiency standards for central air conditioners and gas furnaces. Several organizations that have signed this agreement have offered information on it, including the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy. The goal is to make sure that the most efficient equipment is installed in each region. In theory it makes a lot of sense. You'd think that contractors and installers would already be making sure that such steps were taking place.
Unfortunately, however, that isn't always the case. Other organizations such as ACCA and HARDI have released statements stating they couldn't sign the agreement. They needed to get more input from members, and were concerned about what all this regulation could mean in the future. HARDI did note in its statement that it felt the organizations involved did have the best interest of the industry at heart. I'd have to agree with this. Unfortunately, as is often the case when it comes to legislation, agreements and regulatory issues, everyone has different opinions of what is best. It's that whole agreement thing that makes it tough.
No one is sure what this agreement will mean for future developments. And as we all know, regulations and stipulations usually take time to get sorted out (we're STILL waiting on the EPA's final decision regarding its proposed rules...I know manufacturers are thrilled about this). But one thing IS certain. Everyone in the industry must keep a watchful eye on what is going on out there, both in Washington, D.C., and their own backyard. At this rate, what might be legal when you get up in the morning and get in your truck might get you fined before you head home at the end of the day.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Getting Started
I've made forays into the world of blogging or, as my dad will sometimes say, "telling everyone else in the world what I'm doing all the time." That isn't the point of this endeavor though. Instead, I'd like to take the time to start sharing with you news from RSES (that would be the Refrigeration Service Engineers Society for those of you not familar with the world of HVACR), as well as some of the new things that we have on tap for its flagship publication, the RSES Journal (which I happen to be Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of).
In the next few months, we're going to be introducing a lot of new changes to our Web site, launching an electronic newsletter, and seeking out other ways to connect with our Membership and readers of the magazine. In addition, we're also looking to interact more directly with the HVACR community at large. I'm hoping that some of our new programs spark interest, intrigue and hopefully some commentary from throughout the trade.
In the meantime, I'm planning on updating this a couple times a week. Right now we're in the midst of pushing out our November issue and planning for the RSES 2009 Annual Conference in Minneapolis, taking place Oct. 27-31. The conference theme, "Lean & Green," is focused on green technology and ways that contractors/technicians can work to save customers money (while hopefully adding some to their pockets as well!). I hope that some of you out there can join us!
In the meantime, keep checking back for updates on what's new in the HVACR world...in this constantly changing and increasingly regulated environment, there is something new almost every day.
Cheers!
In the next few months, we're going to be introducing a lot of new changes to our Web site, launching an electronic newsletter, and seeking out other ways to connect with our Membership and readers of the magazine. In addition, we're also looking to interact more directly with the HVACR community at large. I'm hoping that some of our new programs spark interest, intrigue and hopefully some commentary from throughout the trade.
In the meantime, I'm planning on updating this a couple times a week. Right now we're in the midst of pushing out our November issue and planning for the RSES 2009 Annual Conference in Minneapolis, taking place Oct. 27-31. The conference theme, "Lean & Green," is focused on green technology and ways that contractors/technicians can work to save customers money (while hopefully adding some to their pockets as well!). I hope that some of you out there can join us!
In the meantime, keep checking back for updates on what's new in the HVACR world...in this constantly changing and increasingly regulated environment, there is something new almost every day.
Cheers!
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