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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 …
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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. …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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OK, so for those who know me, they know that since before college I fell in love with all things “techie” – and that was so long ago that the word “techie” didn’t even exist. Back in the late 1960s and 1970s, the tech was all things stereophonic – receivers, amplifiers, turntables, eight track and …
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Joe Fristik

This is one of life’s toughest assignments: saying farewell to someone who had a major impact on your life and career. It is with a very sad heart that I bid adieu to Joe Fristik, corporate VP of marketing and national accounts for Rheem. Joe passed away early on March 25, 2015. He was only …
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NOTE: This article originally appeared in the April 2005 edition of Contracting Business magazine. It was the ‘Last Word’ column on page 80. On a recent HVAC e-mail discussion thread, a contractor made reference to a popular book entitled, Leading The Revolution, by Gary Hamel.  The contractor observed that although there have been advances, he …
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