HVAC contractors plying their trade in the residential marketplace are always so focused on the work, on getting the job, on keeping busy, they sometimes lose sight of the artistry of what they do for a living. Let's face it — since the pioneering days of this country, hard-working people in the building industry have spent years perfecting their trade. In fact, they were often held in such high regard as to be called craftsmen and artists, and the sign of their success was seen in the pride of ownership exhibited by their satisfied customers.

The Quality Home Comfort Awards provide an opportunity for contractors to show off their best designs to the rest of the industry. To do this requires an effort, yes, but it's worth it for the recognition and market value it adds to their firms.

From smallest to largest, these fine projects show HVAC contractors at their best: as marketers, troubleshooters and problem solvers, and as comfort consultants. We hope these stories help to encourage you to continue to do your best, and perhaps enter our 2012 contest. Read on and be inspired.

RUNNER UP: Retrofit/Renovation, More than 3,000 sq. ft.:
DiFilippo's Service, Paoli, PA
The homeowners purchased the home in March, 2010, and found too much air being supplied to a two-story addition, and an overall lack of cooling in other areas of the home. The DiFilippo’s team used a Trane XV95 furnace, Trane XL 15i condensing unit, an Aprilaire Model 5000 electronic air cleaner, and Aprilaire Model 600 automatic humidifer, to make the home comfortable for the new residents.

RUNNER UP: New Construction, More than 3,000 sq. ft.:
TAG Home Performance, Syracuse, NY
The objective for this inaugural home in a new housing development, was to provide comfort and long-term energy savings through design, equipment selection, and follow-through. This home was built by Taglimonte Building Contractors. The geothermal HVAC system installation by TAG Home Performance features a WaterFurnace Envision geothermal heat pump, Rinnai on-demand water heater, and Fantech heat recovery system.