Falls Church, Va. — Plumbing-heating-cooling contractors are feeling cautiously optimistic, according to a new report from the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors — National Association. The PHCC Business Intelligence Department just released its newly developed Contractor Confidence Index (CCI). Sponsored by PHCC Strategic Partner Bradford White, the PHCC CCI is based on a quarterly survey of PHCC members designed to take Read more
Industry News
Falls Church, Va. — Plumbing-heating-cooling contractors are feeling cautiously optimistic, according to a new report from the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors — National Association. The PHCC Business Intelligence Department just released its newly developed Contractor Confidence Index (CCI). Sponsored by PHCC Strategic Partner Bradford White, the PHCC CCI is based on a quarterly survey of PHCC members designed to take the pulse of the plumbing, heating, and cooling market.
The PHCC First Quarter 2023 CCI summary report revealed a CCI of 52.2, meaning contractors believe industry conditions are better than the previous six months, but are trending lower because of ongoing challenges. The first quarter CCI dropped from 56.0 in the Fourth Quarter of 2022, with an increasing number of respondents citing economic uncertainty and fear of a coming recession.
Any rating over 50 indicates a higher share of PHCC contractors reporting industry conditions are better than they were in the previous quarter, while any rating under 50 indicates a higher share of respondents reporting conditions are worse than they were in the previous quarter.
Plumbing contractors reported a lower future confidence index of 42.2 percent, versus 48.9 percent in the fourth quarter 2022, indicating that contractors who own plumbing businesses believe industry conditions were worse than the previous six months. HVAC contractors reported a higher future confidence index of 56 percent, versus 60.6 percent in the fourth quarter, suggesting industry conditions still feel better than the previous six months, though sentiment is trending lower.
The top contractor challenges reported were:
- Operating short-staffed
- Customers holding off on projects
- Low call volumes
- Too much work
- New construction slowdown
While roughly 70 percent of PHCC Contractor respondents anticipated normal to better sales in the future, 30 percent of respondents are not operating with a full staff, employees, and technicians. Double the number of respondents reported that customers are holding off on projects and replacements due to economic concerns — a significant increase when compared to fourth quarter results. 72 percent cited rising costs, and half of the respondents noted delays in shipping materials. The results were flat at 25 percent for those who indicated concerns about lower construction starts when compared to the last quarter.
Looking ahead, 73 percent of PHCC respondents are anticipating increased cost of doing business (parts, materials, labor), and most of those respondents are worried about an impeding recession, as well as continued challenges finding qualified employees and technicians.
The top three concerns for contractors over the next six months include the cost of health insurance, fear of recession, and increased (additional) insurance costs. Additional concerns were increased regulations, decreased construction starts, and cash flow.
“We are very pleased to unveil this first quarter 2023 Contractor Confidence Index that will help us determine the current sentiment of PHCC members,” said PHCC—National Association President Dave Frame. “With access to this valuable information, our members will be able to track challenges and trends that affect their business, as well as maximize any business opportunities that are identified. And from an organization perspective, PHCC will be well-positioned to identify and develop programs and services that will meet our members’ needs.”
The PHCC Business Intelligence Department works to favorably position PHCC members and affiliates to achieve the highest level of market awareness, professionalism, leadership, and business profitability in the emerging and ever-changing built environment. Relevant resources are updated on a regular basis on the new PHCC Business Intelligence website: www.phccweb.org/business-intelligence.
Disclaimer: The PHCC Contractor Confidence Index (CCI) is based on a quarterly survey of PHCC members designed to take the pulse of the plumbing heating and cooling market. The survey asks respondents to rate market conditions for the present time and for the next six months. Survey results and the PHCC CCI were developed as a general sense of contractor sentiment and should not be used as a guaranteed indication of future performance of economic and industry performance. Many PHCC Contractors provide both plumbing and HVAC installation and service.
Leading water storage tank manufacturer’s Ultonium® tank lining is now infused with Microban® antimicrobial technology, setting a new industry standard for protection Niles Steel Tank, a leading manufacturer of custom water storage tanks and a subsidiary of Bradford White Corporation, announces that its proprietary Ultonium® tank lining will now incorporate Microban® antimicrobial technology to provide additional protection Read more
Leading water storage tank manufacturer’s Ultonium® tank lining is now infused with Microban® antimicrobial technology, setting a new industry standard for protection
Niles Steel Tank, a leading manufacturer of custom water storage tanks and a subsidiary of Bradford White Corporation, announces that its proprietary Ultonium® tank lining will now incorporate Microban® antimicrobial technology to provide additional protection against the growth of bacteria, mold and mildew on the surface of the interior tank lining.
“Microban® enhances our Ultonium® technology and offers our customers an additional layer of protection*,” said Jeremy Waller, vice president and general manager of Niles Steel Tank. “We’re delivering an unprecedented solution that no other water storage tank manufacturer can offer.”
Niles Steel Tank water storage tanks are the only water storage products that offer customers this additional level of tank protection at no additional charge. This innovation is a direct outcome of Niles Steel Tank’s ongoing research and development efforts in response to a wide range of market, technology, regulatory and environmental trends.
Ultonium® tank lining with Microban® antimicrobial product protection is now a standard feature on tank-type water heaters from Niles Steel Tank as well. Ultonium® prolongs the life of the water storage tanks by keeping corrosive elements from reaching the steel of the tank and other components. The addition of Microban® antimicrobial technology protects the Ultonium® tank lining against the growth of bacteria, mold and mildew on the surface of the lining.
The Microban® antimicrobial technology is integrated into the Ultonium® formula and then applied to the inside of the tank, coils and/or flue tubes during the manufacturing process. After application, the Ultonium® lining is baked on at approximately 1,600 degrees for a hardened, long-lasting finish. Through this exclusive manufacturing process, the Microban® antimicrobial technology becomes a permanent part of the coating that continues its protection for the lifetime of the water heater.
Antimicrobials have been safely used for many years. The Microban® antimicrobial technology used in Niles Steel Tank products is silver-based, which has been used for decades in a range of applications, and carries both the EPA and European Union approval for direct food contact.
Microban® has been a trusted brand and leader in antimicrobial technologies since 1984. Their technologies can be found in thousands of consumer and industrial products around the world, including a variety of plumbing fixtures and household appliances.
For more information about Microban®, visit https://www.microban.com.
To learn more about Niles Steel Tank, please visit https://nilesst.com or call (269) 683-1910.
For more information about Bradford White Corporation, visit https://www.bradfordwhitecorporation.com.
Watts has announced “Pressure Management for Water Loss Control in Public Water Systems” – an ASPE-accredited webinar worth 0.1 CEUs. On Tuesday, April 25, 2023, at 12 p.m. EST, participants will learn how managing pressure in public water systems both improves water efficiency and mitigates water losses. Attendees will also learn how active management of Read more
Watts has announced “Pressure Management for Water Loss Control in Public Water Systems” – an ASPE-accredited webinar worth 0.1 CEUs.
On Tuesday, April 25, 2023, at 12 p.m. EST, participants will learn how managing pressure in public water systems both improves water efficiency and mitigates water losses.
Attendees will also learn how active management of pressure in Public Water Systems (PWS) helps to meet service needs while extending asset life and reducing instances of infrastructure failure. Through actively managing pressure, a PWS is able to address the EPA’s Intervention step for real water losses.
The webinar will review:
- Providing cost-effective solutions to water loss control.
- Understanding effective control valve features in managing “background” leakage.
- The value of retrofitting existing control valves to mitigate real water losses in public water systems.
- Adding double check control valve stations to mitigate water pressure transients and backsiphonage conditions.
To register, click here.
A. O. Smith, a leader in water heating and water treatment solutions, is proud to announce its 2023 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year Sustained Excellence Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. This is the company’s fifth consecutive ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year Award, and its third Read more
A. O. Smith, a leader in water heating and water treatment solutions, is proud to announce its 2023 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year Sustained Excellence Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. This is the company’s fifth consecutive ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year Award, and its third time being honored as a Sustained Excellence partner. The award distinguishes companies that have made a long-term commitment to energy management through their products or services. A. O. Smith is one of only a select number of organizations to be recognized as a Sustained Excellence partner.
“It’s an honor to have our long-standing commitment to the development of sustainable water heating technology recognized by ENERGY STAR for the fifth year in a row,” said Francois Lebrasseur, A. O. Smith business development manager, utilities. “We value our partnership with ENERGY STAR, and we are dedicated to expanding on our efforts as we work together to create a more sustainable future.”
Many accomplishments and collaborations lead to this prestigious award, including but not limited to:
- The launch of A. O. Smith’s latest ENERGY STAR® certified product, the Voltex® AL (anti-leak) Hybrid Electric Heat Pump Water Heater. The unit boasts one of the highest energy efficiency rates on the market, saving homeowners up to 78% or $607 a year on utility bills when compared to a standard electric water heater
- Proactively leading webinars and in-person training events to educate contractors and wholesalers on the constantly evolving landscape of energy efficient water heating technology
- The introduction of new educational content through A. O. Smith University to ensure continued training on new product technology
- Dissemination of a variety of marketing and sales materials to help customers better understand the benefits of new products
- Enhancing the O. Smith website’s ENERGY STAR® category landing page to help customers evaluate the best products for their needs
“As we accelerate historic efforts to address climate change, public-private partnerships will be essential to realizing the scale of our ambition,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “I applaud this year’s ENERGY STAR award winners for working with EPA to deliver a clean energy future that saves American consumers and businesses money and creates jobs.”
Each year, the ENERGY STAR program honors a select group of businesses and organizations that have made outstanding contributions in the transition to a clean energy economy. ENERGY STAR award winners lead their industries in the production, sale, and adoption of energy-efficient products, homes, buildings, services, and strategies. These efforts are essential to fighting the climate crisis, protecting public health, and creating a clean energy future for everyone.
Winners are selected from a network of thousands of ENERGY STAR partners. For a complete list of 2023 winners and more information about ENERGY STAR’s awards program, visit energystar.gov/awardwinners.
To promote industry education, Watts has announced its 3rd Annual “Hydrate Your Mind” eLearning campaign for plumbing professionals. The campaign runs from March 22 (World Water Day) to April 30. By completing select sustainability-focused eLearning modules on Watts Works Online, customers will receive double tokens that can be redeemed for free lifestyle merchandise. Those who Read more
To promote industry education, Watts has announced its 3rd Annual “Hydrate Your Mind” eLearning campaign for plumbing professionals.
The campaign runs from March 22 (World Water Day) to April 30. By completing select sustainability-focused eLearning modules on Watts Works Online, customers will receive double tokens that can be redeemed for free lifestyle merchandise. Those who complete at least 65 selected modules during the promotion will receive a free sustainable t-shirt.
For nearly 150 years, Watts has been committed to enhancing comfort, safety, and quality of life for people around the world.
Watts aims to provide high-quality products, systems, and solutions for the conveyance, conservation, control, and safe utilization of water.
- Watts’ 150+ modules cover a variety of products and solutions and average less than 7 minutes to complete.
- Double tokens are awarded following each successful eLearning module completion
To register for Watts Works Online training and to participate in the promotion, visit training.watts.com. To explore all training opportunities provided by Watts, go to www.watts.com/training.