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By Laurie Crigler, PHCC—National Association President Source: Solutions, Winter 2017 As you all know, PHCC traditionally has been known as the “plumber’s” association. We need to change that perception of representing one portion of our membership to one that emphasizes both the plumbing and HVAC aspects. One of the “A”s in my presidency platform – The Power of A – is Awareness. We have been working very hard for several years to help our membership and the industry become aware that there really is an “HC” associated with this association. Through our strategic planning, we are focused on ramping up our HVAC training and education programs. The ...

By Michael Copp, PHCC EVP Source: Solutions, Winter 2017 Since it was formed in 1883, the composition of PHCC has changed dramatically. While the association first started out representing plumbing professionals as the National Association of Master Plumbers , over time we formally recognized that many of our members also were experts in the heating, cooling and related industry segments. As a result, we changed our name in 1962 to Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association . Currently HVAC contractors make up just under half of the PHCC National membership. As I meet with PHCC chapters, industry groups and contractors, I often hear: “PHCC ...

By Solutions Contributor Source: Solutions, Winter 2017 With new regulatory changes on efficiency standards and refrigerant management hitting HVAC contractors fast, it’s no surprise that it can be hard to keep up. To give members an overview of a few of the major changes coming to the industry – and the resulting impact – PHCC reached out to Emerson, whose business unit, InSinkErator, is a PHCC Corporate Partner. Below are some insights from Becky Hoelscher, director, AC aftermarket, Emerson Commercial and Residential Solutions, as well as from Emerson’s Matt Ricker, business development manager, AC aftermarket, who presented on this topic at CONNECT ...

The nation’s top HVAC apprentices talk about how a bit of pressure on the Apprentice Contest stage leads to big confidence … and loads of opportunity. By Cindy Sheridan PHCC Educational Foundation Chief Operating Officer Source: Solutions, Winter 2017 Opportunity. Networking. Confidence. Even fun. The top finishers in this year’s PHCC Educational Foundation HVAC Apprentice Contest came off the competition stage claiming some of each this year. “I learned that this business is not just all work, because I had a ton a fun at CONNECT,” says Marshall Brahm, from UA Local 601 in Wisconsin. The two-day contest – held during CONNECT 2017 in Milwaukee, ...

By Elliot Eisenberg, Ph.D. Source: Solutions, Winter 2017 Despite more uncertainty than usual emanating from Washington, D.C., 2018 is shaping up well. The odds of a recession are very low – about 15 percent – even with being in the middle of the third-longest economic recovery in U.S. history. Growth is picking up across much of the planet; commodity prices are well in check; inflationary pressures are weak; and corporate investment in plant equipment is steadily rising. Tax Reform Tax reform will be the most important fiscal policy issue of the next few months. While final details are elusive, the proposed cut in the corporate tax rate from 35 ...

By Sheryl S. Jackson Naylor Association Solutions Contributing Writer Source: Solutions, Winter 2017 A major benefit of PHCC membership is the opportunity to meet face-to-face with peers, suppliers and other industry representatives – at local meetings as well as at national conferences, says Dan Foley, owner and president of Foley Mechanical and recipient of the PHCC—National HVAC Contractor of the Year for 2017. In addition to running the business he founded in 2002 and serving on local, state and national association boards, Foley made time to attend CONNECT 2017. “I’m a hands-on person, so I like to learn about new products by seeing, touching and playing ...

By Sheryl S. Jackson Naylor Association Solutions Contributing Writer Dan Foley installed his first radiant heating system in 1991. Since that time, he has installed more than 1,000 radiant systems – small and large. “This work is a labor of love,” says Foley, owner and president of Foley Mechanical in Lorton, Virginia, and recipient of the PHCC—National HVAC Contractor of the Year for 2017. The use of radiant heating or cooling systems is not new technology, but it is seeing a resurgence of interest as homeowners look for ways to ensure a comfortable temperature in their homes. Radiant heat is a good technology to apply to renewable energy sources ...