August 1, 2011
Cover story
IAQ and Energy Efficiency: The Perfect Sales Combo
There are a number of IAQ products and services that can actually improve the efficiency of a heating and air conditioning system. When we train technicians and salespeople on this philosophy, we start by talking about what’s ideal for the system....
Sustaining Energy Efficiency with Recommissioning
The HVAC industry has developed a variety of approaches to optimizing HVAC-system performance. The most widely recognized is recommissioning, a process that includes an assessment of a system, identification and correction of mechanical and control issues, development of new operating procedures, and, often, implementation of new energy-efficiency strategies....
Articles
Should All Cases be 'Open & Shut'?
ContractingBusiness.com and Supermarket News magazines brought leading refrigeration contractors and supermarket executives together to discuss the challenges they face in the new refrigeration era. Part IV: Refrigerated Cases, Training, and Recruiting. ...
In Praise of the Mighty Magnehelic
Airflow diagnostics are good for your customers and your company, and you already have one of the most powerful tools in the business in your truck....
New Markets: Enter With Care
Three refrigeration contractors found new business by exploring opportunities among existing customers, in areas they knew well....
T&O Tackles Atlanta's Busy Refrigeration Market
For this edition of RST Contractor Insights, Contracting Business.com spoke with Steve Tibbetts, President, T&O Refrigeration, Fayetteville, GA. ...
Meet a NATE Top Tech
At HVAC Comfortech 2010, North American Technician Excellence (NATE) recognized six "Top Techs" who hold multiple NATE certifications. This month, Contracting Business is pleased to introduce you to Michael Schatzer, an estimator and project foreman with Shapiro & Duncan Mechanical Contractors, Rockville, MD. ...
Air Balancing: The Final Step in Every Installation
In an ideal world, every technician would be aware of the importance of two words: air balancing. The concept is well-known (if not always well-implemented) on the commercial side of the business, but a very low percentage of residential homes are balanced. And that's a shame, because having the proper amount of air delivered to each room dramatically affects both customer comfort and a home's energy efficiency....
Top 10 Contractor Apps
ContractingBusiness.com readers were polled and listed their Top 10 favorite apps for mobile devices. ...
Fiber-Free Duct Solution Saves Time for Contractors
SMW reduced the material handling and labor costs by at least half compared to the polyester-wrapped fiber glass approach...
Tools of the Trade
Each month, Contracting Business picks a leading contractor and takes a look at the products, tools, and services that he or she has chosen to help make their company successful....
What is PAHRA?
In the arena of credentialing, validation and assessment of HVACR programs and courses, it’s important to focus on the fact that there’s only one organization that is fully industry sponsored and endorsed and that organization is the Partnership for HVACR Accreditation (PAHRA). ...
Columns
Funding Projects: Is There Public Money Available?
Contradiction or not, the fact is if you’re looking for grants and low-interest loans to fund projects, especially those in public sector institutional work, and subsequently grow your HVACR business, there is money out there....
The Importance of Appointment Sellers
The person who sets the appointments for service calls and estimates at your company is your front-line representative. People in this position are usually referred to as customer service representatives (CSRs), but that’s too general of a term for this article. Let’s go with a more descriptive term and call this person your "appointment seller."...
Timing and the Selling Cycle
It's been said many times that timing is everything. This is certainly true throughout the selling cycle. To illustrate, following is a case study that will also show even seasoned sales veterans aren't exempt from deal-killing mistakes....
The Value of HVAC Service Agreements
A real life story of what a service agreement can mean to your customers and to your business....
Can Quality Maintenance Work in the Real World?
There's no doubt that Quality Maintenance (QM) standards are good for our industry, but many contractors attempting to comply have more questions than answers when it comes to delivering on them. ...
News
From the Field
EMCOR Group continues to contribute to the plight of children everywhere. With its recent efforts, it has now donated more than $950,000 to that worthy cause....
Danfoss Symposium Examines Stops and Starts to Energy Efficiency Initiatives
Danfoss’s Envisioneering Symposium, held in June in Washington, DC, featured presentations and discussions related to the future development of energy efficiency technology, despite immediate and long-term obstacles. ...
Mitsubishi Adds “Live Better” Brand Promise to Company Logo
Mitsubishi Electric Cooling & Heating announces the introduction of a new logo that incorporates the manufacturer’s brand promise, “Live Better.” ...
HARDI Announces Formation of Center for Energy Efficiency Optimization
Heating, Airconditioning and Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI) announces the formation of the Center for Energy Efficiency Optimization (CEEO). ...
MovinCool Announces ‘Summer Cool-Off’ Rebate Offer
MovinCool® has announced a “Summer Cool-Off” rebate offer for its CM25 and CMW30 ceiling-mount spot air conditioners. ...
New WaterFurnace Ads Feature Jeff Gordon
The multifaceted advertising campaign showcases the four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion in two 30-second television spots that will air in major markets beginning in July. ...
Luxaire® Sponsors Second Annual Ronnie Gaspard Memorial Clay Shoot
The Luxaire® brand of residential and light-commercial HVAC equipment sponsored the Second Annual Ronnie Gaspard Memorial Clay Shoot in Maurice, LA. ...
