Growing up, like a lot of kids, I watched cartoons. And every Saturday morning, along with Johnny Qwest and Superman, I loved Bugs Bunny. There was something about him that was very endearing to me. And often, as we know all too well (especially when Elmer Fudd was around), he made the wrong turn at Albuquerque. Still, no matter what, he eventually found his way onto the right path, avoided becoming someone's rabbit stew, and life was fine.
In the world of HVACR, at least in the United States, we are standing at a "virtual" Albuquerque if you will. The tax credits that have enabled Americans to save $1,500 on more energy-efficient equipment are about to expire, and there is no word on whether those benefits will find their way into an extension before the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve. And if those credits go away, there is no telling what might happen to an industry that, while seeing some growth, certainly is not seeing sales gains that one would term as overwhelming.
Other tax credits and benefits remain, to be sure. The $1,500 geothermal tax credit is still in place through 2016, and there is much talk about other programs at state and even local levels that could help boost sales for contractors and industry professionals. But the reality is that many in our industry are just now beginning to see the profitability of specifying geothermal, solar and other alternative products as part of the customer's comfort solution. By and large, most still work in the world of packaged units and systems (and a growing number of ductless mini-splits, I might add).
So what does it mean when the clock strikes 12 a.m. on Jan. 1, 2011? No one, at this point, really seems to know. I was at the Comfortech 2010 HVACR conference/trade show the past two days, and the overwhelming word from those I spoke with was just that: "We don't know what is going to happen." That's a scary premise when the leaders of our industry have just as much of an idea about those tax incentives as those servicing equipment on the street do. But that doesn't mean we still can't do something about it.
HARDI has recently launched a new website, www.savehvacjobs.com, that is focused on helping HVACR professionals voice their opinions to elected officials about the need to retain these tax credits and continue to bolster a recovering - albeit slowly - economy and industry. Visitors can go to the site and grab a form letter or use one as the basis for their own; search and find the elected officials from their area, as well as those involved in committee's that have some involvement in the issue; and then send that letter to those that need to see it. I encourage all of you out there to get involved and voice your opinion on this issue to our elected officials. It's a simple, easy way to make your feelings know - and your voice heard. In all honesty, no task you do this year may be more important.
As I write this, I'm in Philadelphia getting ready to meet with some industry partners tomorrow. Driving in today, I saw the statue of William Penn, the signs to get to Independence Hall and huge ships from the U.S. Navy being repaired in the Navy Yards. All of these are visible signs of why we still live in the greatest nation on Earth. And we do so because we have the ability to elect our own officials, tell them what issues are important to us, and implore them to do what's best for us, our families and our communities. Take five minutes of your time to make a world of difference for your career, your friends' livelihoods and our industry.
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