November 1, 2011
Cover Story
HVACR Week Takes the Checkered Flag!
HVACR contractors enjoyed a high-octane menu of educational sessions, hands-on learning, and new product introductions at 2011 HVACR Week in Indianapolis....
Articles
Improving Motor Efficiency in Hot, Dry Climates
A latent energy recovery module increases the time delay in a standard air conditioner, so that it can take advantage of the evaporative cooling on the indoor coil....
SEO: Letters That Mean More Business From Your Website
Before you can do anything with your website that will make an impact on your business, you need to understand what it’s doing for you. ...
Three Tips to Better Boiler Troubleshooting
When troubleshooting a boiler, remember these words of wisdom: The troubleshooting mind is like a parachute. Both must be open to work properly....
Tools of the Trade
Bob Tudi, CEO, TUDI Mechanical Systems, began his company in 1987, with $4,000 and a pickup truck. Starting with modest means and fueled by big dreams, he built TUDI Mechanical Systems into a premier HVAC and plumbing contractor in the Pittsburgh, PA region....
Refrigeration & CO2
The quest for reduced refrigerant emissions has brought manufacturers back to an alternative with a long history: carbon dioxide. ...
Columns
We Have Met the Enemy, and He Is Us
There’s an interesting conversation I’ve been following on The Service Roundtable (www.serviceroundtable.com) that addresses how business owners deal with customer and employee issues. Many of the participants were taking somewhat of an adversarial tone, creating what appeared to be an “us or them” approach to problem solving....
How to Interview an Appointment Seller
When you’re seeking an appointment seller for your business and have identified some promising candidates, conduct their first interview over the telephone. These individuals must sound absolutely fantastic in order to get an in-person interview....
She's Baaaack… The Return of Big Yellow
For years, Contractor was a business partner with Big Yellow. At first, it was a good relationship. Contractor paid Big Yellow a little cash and she brought Contractor business. Everyone was happy, but it would not last. ...
Pricing Discussions Drive Me Crazy
Lately, it seems every discussion or training class that we have with contractors deteriorates into a pricing whine. Yes, I said whine....
News
HARDI Opposes DOE Ruling on Regional Standards, Efficiency Standards
Substantial Direct Final Rule excluded input of HVACR distributors and contractors....
Taco 'Beaming' After Major Step in Construction Project
Taco, Cranston, RI, marked an important milestone in the construction of its new Innovation & Development Center, the centerpiece of its $18 million expansion project, with a beam raising and topping off ceremony in September....
Danfoss Names MultiStack 'Envisioneer of the Year'
Winning MultiStack project a successful approach to improving energy efficiency in existing buildings....
ClimateMaster 'GeoFarm Attracts More than 100
The first 'GeoFarm' event was held in August in rural Indiana. It was a hands-on, multi-station workshop in the great outdoors....
Refrigeration Briefs
Immediate past ASHRAE President Lynn G. Bellenger, who served as the first woman president in the Society’s 116 year history, died on Wednesday, Oct. 19. She was president for the 2010-11 Society year, with her term ending in June, 2011....
From the Field
Bassett Mechanical, a leading, full-service mechanical contractor based in Kaukauna, WI, held an open house recently to share its success with friends and customers, and celebrate 75 years of growth. More than 400 guests were in attendance....
