When I was a kid, I didn’t know what my beliefs were, so I had a habit of constantly asking why. I questioned my mom and dad repeatedly on the things I didn’t understand. They patiently answered my questions and encouraged me to keep asking. If you’re a parent, you’ve no doubt experienced this with …
Read more

When it comes to dealing with HVAC customer and employee problems, the famous quote, “We have met the enemy, and he is us,” by the comic strip character, Pogo, said it all. Some time ago, I was following a conversation on one of the HVAC Industry discussion forums that addresses how business owners deal with …
Read more

When it comes to HVAC sales, things can be quite confusing. The rapid pace of technological development means that no manufacturer can maintain a competitive edge for very long. Manufacturers develop a hot new box and, before they can cash their first check, a competitor has produced a bigger, better, faster or cheaper version. As …
Read more

iStock_000089227277_XXXLarge

You might find it difficult to relate HVAC and colonoscopy customer service. Let’s take a look at how the medical profession has recognized today’s consumer’s need to be more informed and comfortable about not only the services being delivered, but the expected outcome of those services as well. We’ll then examine how the HVAC industry …
Read more

The Thermostatic Expansion Valve (TEV) has become the refrigerant metering device of choice for most HVACR manufacturers in the past decade. Over time, countless valves have been needlessly replaced because of low airflow affecting their operation. A basic understanding of TEV operation helps tie the effects of low airflow to proper operation of the valve. …
Read more

It is often taught that to diagnose a restrictive air filter is as simple as a visual inspection to see if it’s plugged. Then, if the filter is dirty, replace it. Once this obvious defect is fixed, everything is assumed to work correctly. Could there be more to it? What if the new air filter …
Read more

You know, you just can’t win. For decades the U.S. government, through the auspices of the Energy Efficiency Act, the Department of Energy, and even the Environmental Protection agency have worked  tirelessly with electric and gas utilities and the consuming public to become more energy conscious and consume electricity more efficiently and economically. In the …
Read more

Angry American Politics

It’s in the books: the first Republican debate on the road to the 2016 presidential elections. As a native of Cleveland, I want to say how proud I am of this city and its people. Commentators said that the Cleveland audience was one of the most demonstrative in the last three election cycles. How cool …
Read more

In the world of business, marketing and selling to existing customers is more important than ever. Today it’s even more affordable than before because the Internet acts like the rising tide – it floats all boats, no matter the size. In other words, it equalizes a business’ marketing reach, no matter how large or small …
Read more

US Energy Policy 2015

Energy efficiency is like the never-ending story with the U.S. Dept. of Energy (DOE) and the current administration’s non-stop push to squeeze ever more out of the HVAC industry. Yes, ladies and gents, the efficiency dance continues still, with members of Congress FINALLY getting into the act. Here’s the rundown: on June 8th, 121 members …
Read more