January 1, 2009
Web-exclusive Content
The 1940s: War and Amazing Prosperity
It was in the midst of a war highly dependent upon refrigeration for troop supply that a new magazine, The Refrigeration Industry, precursor of Contracting Business, was born....
Features
Lead Runner in the Refrigerant Relay
The wholesale HVACR distributor provides a valuable service to contractors who may be seeking guidance in the management of used refrigerants. ...
The Importance of Boiler Inspections
Boiler breakdowns can cost thousands of dollars in equipment repairs, as well as hundreds of thousands of dollars for additional property damage and business losses....
When a Zero Makes You a Hero
There are two ways to define a net-zero energy building. One definition comes from the head. The other comes from the gut. In a technical sense, a net...
Columns
Welcome to 2009. Start Your Engines
It's 2009 and time to start revving those engines. In this new year we're faced with many tough issues that range from economics to politics, and includes...
To Brand or Not To Brand
The question that more and more contractors are asking is, To brand or not to brand. ...
Comfort FAQ
Over the course of 2009, this space will identify opportunities within customers' homes that you may not have observed in the past. The opportunities...
Replacement Sales in a Tough Economy
Using Service Invoices One of the easiest groups of people to sell to are customer's with ongoing problems with older equipment, and aren't in the market...
Mars, Venus and the HVACR Industry
As of this year, I have been in the industry for 30 years and I am going to pretend that those 30 years of experience (not 1 year repeated 30 times) give me the right to tell you what I think. This column will not be a rant like Matt’s column because even with 30 years of experience no one can rant quite like Matt. ...
Articles
EDITOR'S NOTEBOOK:
Take your company to the next level with Contracting Business' Smart Products a section featuring the latest technical and business management tools from...
Tools of the Trade: Peaden Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing Panama City, FL
Founded in 1969, Peaden strives to provide customers with the finest value in home and business comfort for service, maintenance, and replacement systems....
Seller Beware: Put Your Financial House in Order
Are you planning to sell your business for top dollars in the near future? If so, your business must be in top financial shape. Attempting to sell a business without first putting your financial house in order will limit your chances of a truly successful sale....
Cast iron boilers are being replaced with more energy-efficient mod-cons
I was very busy this summer. The golf clubs didn't see much action, but the sales order pad did, and the trend was quite specific. Increasingly, cast...
Time to Vent!
Are homeowners, builders, and new homebuyers really concerned about indoor environmental quality? ...
2009 Commercial Refrigeration Contractor of the Year
Contracting Business is seeking nominations for its Third Annual Commercial Refrigeration Contractor of the Year award....
Condensing Units placed in enclosures can lead to problems
Housing development bylaws that mandate heat pump or air-conditioning units must be hidden from view are creating condenser airflow re-circulation problems...
Contractor Insights from Advanced Refrigeration
Advanced Refrigeration is a leader in commercial refrigeration for the Orlando, FL area and parts of Georgia. Matt Thurman founded advanced Refrigeration...
Products
Anti-sweat Controller Responds to Individual Operating Circuits
The XPRT Eagle anti-sweat controller (XE-ASC) from Altech Controls, Stafford, TX, prevents condensation on refrigeration fixtures effectively and efficiently,...
Foodservice Equipment Line Features Energy-saving Models
Master-Bilt, Orlando, FL, is featuring energy-saving equipment and technology at the North American Food Equipment Manufacturers Show (NAFEM), February...
