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Leading branding agency for the trades allows registration to historically client-exclusive event

Lemon Seed Marketing, a leading branding and marketing agency for the home service industry, is hosting its fifth annual Lemon Seed Conference Jan. 26-29 in Lufkin, Texas. While the conference has typically been exclusive to Lemon Seed clients, this year’s event, titled “Get a Clue: Keys to Unlocking the Marketing Mystery,” is open to all home service businesses.

“Our first four conferences were private events for existing clients, but this year we are opening our event to all home service owners and marketers seeking an experience that combines education, inspiration and fun,” said Crystal Williams, founder and lead strategist at Lemon Seed Marketing. “My family has owned an HVAC company since 1974, and I understand how much of a lift marketing can be for owners to tackle on their own, which is why we are focused on helping companies like the one my family owns.”

Lemon Seed has continued to evolve and expand its branding services thanks to Williams’ close work with Emily Fleniken, an experienced branding professional and partner at Lemon Seed.  As an extension of this, the marketing and branding conference will provide business owners and their teams guidance to implement best practices and trends into a promotional plan for their own company. Sessions and workshops will focus on finance, operations, branding, community, leadership, marketing and advertising. In addition to presentations from Williams and Fleniken, other conference sessions and workshops include:

• Kelly Schols, success mentor and author – “Mentor Your Successor”
• Trey McWilliams, McWilliams Heating, Cooling and Plumbing – “Financial KPIs you must track in 2025
• Power Selling Pros founder and industry leader Brigham Dickinson – “How Technicians Get Homeowners to Buy More Without Selling”
• Industry Hot Topics Round Table
• CSR Academy, an exclusive, 90-min workshop designed to help business owners unlock the full potential of their Call Center and CSRs
• On-site tour of the McWilliams facilities, including their call center, training lab, warehouse and meeting spaces

Fleniken says the week promises to be an exciting mix of good information and good times. By mixing informational sessions with networking opportunities, she hopes attendees leave with actionable ideas and the enthusiasm to implement them.

“The ultimate solution is to make the path to success seem less of a secret by developing actionable strategies,” Fleniken said. “And that is what this conference is all about: offering an opportunity to not only learn firsthand from experts in the field, but also to have plenty of fun networking time with peers to compare notes and learn from each other.”

For more information or to sign up for the conference, please visit: www.lemonseedmarketing.com/lsm-conference-2025-register.

For more information about Lemon Seed Marketing, please visit: www.lemonseedmarketing.com.

• The latest heat pump technologies increase application range, empowering electrification and decarbonization
• Sophisticated digital platforms and smart technologies advance digitization, help optimize building performance and reach net zero goals

Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI), the global leader for smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, will highlight key trends facing the HVAC industry and solutions to meet evolving customer needs at the leading trade show for HVACR professionals, the AHR Expo, Jan. 22-24, 2024. To assist contractors and business owners in navigating the upcoming year, Johnson Controls will present innovative solutions that improve efficiency, promote electrification, advance digitization and ensure compliance with refrigerant regulations.

“The critical conversations taking place at this year’s conference will focus on the major transformations in our industry, driven by the demand for smart, healthy and sustainable buildings,” said Lei Schlitz, president, Global Products, Johnson Controls. “The most significant commitment any commercial or residential property can make is to incorporate more efficient and electrified systems into their building, all digitally connected for increased insight into system performance. This is more important than ever to address the world’s most pressing challenges.”

Greater Efficiency 

The HVAC industry’s focus on sustainability continues to grow. The speed of this growth is driven by multiple factors, including governmental energy efficiency regulations, corporate initiatives and an increasing number of environmentally conscious consumers.  In fact, according to a recent study by Johnson Controls and Forrester Consulting, one-third of respondents said they need to accelerate their efforts to meet pending net zero goals.

For homeowners, Johnson Controls offers numerous options for hybrid system including the YORK® YH5 15.2 SEER2 Single-Stage Heat Pump and Y92E 97% AFUE 2-stage furnace that allows homeowners to use the most efficient fuel source based on temperature conditions. As the primary heating and cooling source, the YH5 heat pump is optimized to meet 25C tax incentives through the IRA. During the few times a year when temperatures are too low for efficient electric heating, the Y92E furnace provides efficient backup heating and is also optimized to meet 25C eligibility requirements.

To help hyperscale data centers and improve cooling efficiency while maintaining uptime, Johnson Controls developed solutions that reduce energy consumption and total cost of ownership. Specified for the unique needs of mission-critical applications, the YORK YVAM Air-Cooled, Magnetic-Bearing Centrifugal Chiller is one of the most efficient options for data center cooling.

Widespread Electrification 

Electrification continues to gain momentum due to the acceleration toward decarbonization and the use of renewable energy sources. At the same time, incentives such as the IRA are making high-efficiency HVAC systems, including heat pumps, more accessible to a wider population. These factors are making it easier for contractors to talk to customers about new systems and get buy-in.

According to Schlitz, “Electrification is a critical pillar of decarbonization, and innovative heat pumps are essential to strategically electrify heating and cooling. Johnson Controls is at the forefront of evolving heat pump technology to push the limits of what is possible and reduce the use of inefficient backup sources even in the coldest climates.”

For example, Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning will soon launch a new variable refrigerant flow (VRF) cold-climate heat pump. The air365 Max Heat Pump is designed to efficiently cool and heat buildings in cold climates down to -22°F for reduced energy costs year-round.

In partnership with the DOE Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains, Johnson Controls recently announced an initiative to accelerate the production of domestic heat pump manufacturing – including cold climate air source heat pumps – by expanding three of its U.S.-based factories. Combined, these facilities will be able to produce approximately 200,000 electric heat pumps per year. This substantial volume will help drive energy affordability and energy security, while helping combat climate change and creating new jobs.

Advanced Digitalization 

Homeowners and building managers are increasingly recognizing the advantages of integrating smart technology into building systems. In commercial buildings, operational technology (OT) systems, including chillers, BAS & Controls, video monitoring, and access control, as well as information technology (IT) systems and external sources such as weather forecasts and utilities, are seamlessly connected using Internet of Things (IoT) and secure cloud technology.

The suite of apps offered by Johnson Controls OpenBlue Enterprise Manager continuously monitors data streams, offering users informative dashboards that display system status and health. Leveraging AI, advanced analytics, digital twin technology, and insights from expert engineers, these apps provide valuable recommendations to customers to save energy, minimize costs, reduce carbon emissions, improve indoor air quality and enhance occupant comfort. The OpenBlue suite also incorporates predictive analytics and remote diagnostics, enabling system condition assessment, anticipation of service requirements, and accelerated troubleshooting. This proactive approach effectively mitigates failures, minimizes unplanned downtime, and prevents inconvenient – and costly – emergency repairs.

Verdantix, an independent industry analyst firm, recently recognized OpenBlue as a market-leading Energy Management Software. Additionally, OpenBlue’s strategic acquisitions, including FM Systems, a leading IWMS provider, further strengthen its ability to support customers on their path towards intelligent, sustainable, and healthy buildings.

Low-GWP Refrigerants 

The most significant phase to date of the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act, which mandates an 85% reduction in hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) gases by 2036, went into effect at the beginning of January 2024. This phase reduces HFC production by an additional 30% (40% total reduction), directing the industry to transition to low-GWP refrigerants.

While Johnson Controls is helping industry professionals adapt to the refrigerant transition through its world class technical training and educational resources (on-line and in person), the company is adding product features that make working with these new low-GWP refrigerants even safer and easier to service. For instance, YORK commercial rooftop units utilizing R-454B refrigerant will offer a new refrigerant detection system (RDS) to detect refrigerant leaks within the unit cabinet. The RDS will be required by code in certain applications and optional in others, which will help customers understand when it is required. Johnson Controls has also developed a unique and innovative RDS Calculator tool that will be available in both the product selection tool and in the Ducted Systems Solutions App.

Johnson Controls has added additional ultra-low GWP refrigerant options to its applied products. For instance, the YORK YVWH Water-to-Water Dual Variable-Speed Screw Heat Pump was the first screw heat pump in North America to use R-1234ze refrigerant. R-1234ze has an ultra- low GWP of 1, which enables the YVWH to far exceed the EPA’s refrigerant regulations that go into effect starting Jan. 1, 2025.

To learn more, visit Johnson Controls at the AHR Expo at booths S6236 and S7529 or go to https://www.johnsoncontrols.com/events/ahr.

As fall turns to winter, it becomes more important to have a cozy home to retreat to on cold days. However, it may become challenging to preserve a respectable home within one’s budget, given the rising cost of power. Thankfully, there are many options available to reduce heating costs. Here we’ll go through five tried-and-true methods for accomplishing this objective.

Invest in Proper Insulation

Investing in proper insulation is one of the best methods to save money on heating your home. Lack of proper insulation can cause heat to escape, increasing the workload of your heating system. The insulation in your home’s walls, ceiling, and floors should be checked first. Invest in better insulating materials if the current ones are inadequate or damaged. Additionally, ensure that all cracks and openings in windows and doors are sealed. The long-term savings on heating costs from this initial expenditure can be substantial.

Schedule Regular Maintenance

Keeping up with routine maintenance on your heating system is essential to keeping it running smoothly and efficiently. System efficiency decreases with neglect, which in turn increases energy consumption and costs. Get a professional to tune up your furnace to keep it in tip-top shape. They are able to check and clean parts, change filters, and find any problems. Preventing malfunctions and maximizing efficiency can save you a lot of money throughout the life of your system if you maintain it regularly.

Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Heating Systems

An upgrade could be in order if your current heating system is somewhat old. The energy costs associated with heating your home can be greatly reduced by installing a state-of-the-art heating system. You should think about upgrading to a modern, more energy-efficient heating system. Heat pumps and radiant heating are two alternative heating methods worth looking into because of their low energy use. Despite a greater purchase price, this option will prove to be cost-effective over time.

Implement a Programmable Thermostat

You may have greater precision over the temperature in your home by using a programmable thermostat. When you’re not there or asleep, you may set the thermostat to a cooler setting, and when you need it, you can turn it up. When the weather is mild, it’s unnecessary to have the heat on, therefore this helps save electricity. Smart thermostats can optimize energy use by learning your habits and adjusting themselves accordingly. By turning down the heat when it’s not needed, the savings from using a programmable thermostat can be substantial.

Practice Energy-Efficient Habits

A significant reduction in your heating costs may also result from simple lifestyle adjustments. Keeping doors and windows closed when the heat is on, using curtains or blinds to trap heat, and dressing in layers to be warm indoors are all easy ways to reduce your heating needs. Leave the oven door open after you’re done cooking to allow the leftover heat to warm the room. You can save a lot of money in the long run by making these minor adjustments.

Endnote

It is not only conceivable, but also practical, to reduce the cost of heating your home. You can keep your house toasty and warm without breaking the bank if you put money into good insulation, upgrade to energy-efficient heating systems, use a programmable thermostat, adopt energy-efficient practices, and schedule routine maintenance. Your heating costs will go down and your home will be more eco-friendly and sustainable as a result of taking these measures.

During the Milwaukee Tool Pipeline influencer event, the company announced the M18 REDLITHIUM FORGE XC6.0 Battery Pack, which delivers HIGH OUTPUT 12.0 power in a smaller size, 15-minute supercharge up to 80%, and the longest life vs REDLITHIUM batteries. REDLITHIUM FORGE are Milwaukee’s most powerful, fastest charging, and longest-life batteries.

The REDLITHUM FORGE XC6.0 delivers the same power as the M18 REDLITHIUM HIGH OUTPUT HD12.0 in a smaller size and lighter weight design. The optimized combination of size, weight, and increased power provides the best solution for power-demanding overhead work and tight work areas.

The REDLITHIUM FORGE XC6.0 is the fastest charging battery pack within its class on M18, charging in just 15 minutes to 80% with the new M18 Dual Bay Simultaneous Super Charger. This lithium-ion battery has the longest life, the most recharges, and the best performance over the life of the battery.

This solution is designed with resistant housing for increased protection against exposure to common oils, greases, and solvents. Built-in REDLINK Intelligence protects the battery from overloads, preventing you from damaging your cordless power tools in heavy-duty situations. The REDLITHIUM FORGE XC6.0 battery is fully compatible with 250+ M18 solutions.