What if Service Manuals and Information WEREN'T Available?

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.

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.

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.

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.