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After a challenging year resulting from the global pandemic that hit full force in March 2020, the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association (PHCC) reports that – one year later – there are signs that conditions are improving.

A contractor sentiment survey conducted by PHCC finds that 84% of respondents rank the continuing impact of COVID-19 on their businesses as having either a “low” or “medium” impact compared to 57% in spring 2020, when PHCC first began tracking trends during the pandemic. In addition, the number of people ranking impact as “medium high” to “high” has dropped to 9% from 43% in spring 2020.

“A year after COVID-19 hit, PHCC members indicate that they are cautiously optimistic that we are turning a corner toward better times ahead,” says PHCC President Hunter Botto. “Respondents also noted that their businesses have stabilized after several difficult months of disruption. They also see new business opportunities in the future, which is very good news for our industry.”

In fact, an annual environmental scan conducted by PHCC in January 2021 predicted an increased demand for home improvement spending; touchless products; upgraded and energy efficient equipment; smart technology; air and water filtration and purification; and IAQ markets, including UV and bipolar ionization.

While the overall outlook is positive, the plumbing and HVACR contractors responding to the sentiment survey cite several ongoing challenges, including maintaining a safe and fully operational staff; increased operating costs related to new safety requirements; addressing employee and customer health and safety concerns; customer delays on projects because of economic concerns; disruptions in the supply channel; and a fear of a potential recession.

Regarding manufacturers and suppliers’ responsiveness to supply chain issues, respondents noted many have been helpful by offering creative alternatives to products currently unavailable. There was an overall recognition that manufacturers and suppliers are also facing material cost increases and shortages, transportation challenges, workforce issues, etc. “They have been super helpful, but have had their own people issues, concerns and interruptions,” one contractor said.

Contractors indicate they have established many safety procedures to mitigate safety risks for employees and clients, including employee screening, social distancing, disinfection measures, increased communication about safety protocols and requirements for Personal Protective Equipment.

“As we look back on the last year, PHCC members – operating as essential businesses – illustrated time and time again that they are true professionals committed to keeping their employees, customers and communities healthy and safe,” Botto says. “As always, our members have shown they are extremely resilient in tough times.”

Another positive indicator is that – after recently completing its annual membership renewal process this spring – PHCC realized an increase in both renewing and new members.

“We are grateful for the loyalty demonstrated by our members throughout this crisis,” Botto says. “We are also excited to see growth in membership when business owners are assessing the ROI on every expenditure. Now more than ever, they can see the value of supporting and engaging with their association.”

To help navigate the many unexpected changes they faced, members relied on PHCC resources and videos via its COVID-19 Recovery Center, as well as monthly webinars, state and local support, advocacy, member discounts and access to Personal Protective Equipment.

NJ-based contractor, distributor and Johnson Controls join forces to support Building Homes for Heroes^®

Recently, Air Technical Services and F.W. Webb Company partnered with other local contractors and Building Homes for Heroes^® during a Welcome Home ceremony in Barnegat, NJ, for Navy Hospital Corpsman First Class Corey Reed. After serving his country for more than 20 years, he suffers from severe PTSD, a traumatic brain injury, migraines, left foot fasciitis, elbow fractures, right knee injuries and tinnitus. His injuries require specific modifications to his home in order to live safely and focus on his recovery.

To support Reed, F.W. Webb Company donated a YORK^® heating and cooling system with a Wi-Fi^®-capable touch-screen thermostat to better assist him with adjusting his home’s temperature without the need to get up. In addition, Air Technical Services donated the HVAC installation services for the veteran’s new home.

“Having the support of companies like Johnson Controls, Air Technical Services, and F.W. Webb Company gives us the opportunity to honor injured veterans with a mortgage-free home,” said Chad Gottlieb, director of construction development, Building Homes for Heroes^®. “The customized amenities Johnson Controls can bring to these homes allows veterans to live their lives in greater comfort and dignity.”

Building Homes for Heroes^® is a national organization that recognizes those who serve in the United States Armed Forces by supporting the needs of severely wounded or disabled soldiers and their families. The organization strives to build or renovate quality homes and donate them, mortgage-free, to injured veterans nationwide.

“We are honored to have the opportunity to work together with Building Homes for Heroes^® to be able to give back to real heroes, like Corey Reed and his family, who have made enormous sacrifices for our country. Contributing our services to their home was a great privilege,” said Raymond Dietrich, president, Air Technical Services.

The YORK brand of Johnson Controls has been a proud sponsor of Building Homes for Heroes^® since 2014. The company has been recognized by U.S. Veterans Magazine as a top veteran-friendly company. Johnson Controls is also committed to hiring veterans and military spouses. Veteran employees are honored to design, engineer and assemble systems that help improve the lives of fellow veterans.

Building Homes for Heroes^® invites anyone wishing to volunteer or donate to the organization to contact them at info@buildinghomesforheroes.org. To learn more about the organization, please visit www.buildinghomesforheroes.org.

To learn more about Air Technical Services, please visit www.airtechnj.com, and to learn more about F.W. Webb Company, please visit www.fwwebb.com.

For additional questions about Building Homes for Heroes® or the ceremony, please contact Ashleigh Ostermann at ashleigh.ostermann@buildinghomesforheroes.org or Jazmine Jean-Francois at jazmine@buildinghomesforheroes.org.

About Building Homes for Heroes

Building Homes for Heroes^®, Inc. is a national organization committed to helping severely combat wounded or disabled US veterans and their families by gifting them a mortgage-free home. For more information on these projects, please call (516) 684-9220 or visit the organization’s website at www.buildinghomesforheroes.org.

With the health and safety of attendees, staff and the public top of mind during the current public health crisis, the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association (PHCC) announces that it will offer its annual conference, PHCCCONNECT2020, in a virtual format. The event, scheduled for Sept. 30-Oct. 1, will offer a valued-packed online program, full of high-quality education and networking opportunities.

“This decision to ‘bring CONNECT to you’ was made after much careful consideration and input from PHCC members,” said PHCC President Jonathan Moyer. “It was the right thing to do in these current times, and we embrace the opportunity to safely deliver this highly anticipated event in a new innovative, easy-to-use format.”

With the theme “Expand Your Vision for Success,” the virtual conference will offer high-caliber keynote speakers, timely and relevant educational sessions and new virtual networking events, with the added benefit of experiencing it all from the comfort of an office or home.

Program highlights include:

• More than 20 education sessions
• Inspirational and informative keynote speakers
• Live Q&A with select speakers
• A virtual Product & Technology Showcase
• Reimagined networking opportunities
• Access to education session content for 30 days
• Affordable Experience – No travel & hotel costs & reduced registration rates

More specific details about the event will be available in early July. For updates, visit www.phccweb.org/connect.

Bosch Thermotechnology announced the release of its Climate 5000 Mini-Split Gen 2, a ductless system suitable for both residential and light commercial applications. The new, second-generation mini-split lineup expands the first generation lineup with enhanced performance, redesigned wall-mounted units; new four-way cassettes; and concealed ducted systems.

The Climate 5000 Mini-Split Gen 2 is a versatile heating and cooling option that is easy to install, easier to use, and delivers consistent temperature and humidity levels throughout desired spaces by making a series of automatic adjustments. An ENERGY STAR® rated single-zone and multi-zone system, it uses a combination of efficient technologies to achieve up to 25 SEER, significantly exceeding the 14 SEER requirement for ductless systems set by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Unique to the Climate 5000 Ductless System 2.0 Series, the mini-split offers a HyperHeat System – a heating and cooling function that does not require additional accessories to maintain comfortable temperatures even when outdoor conditions dip as low as -22 degrees Fahrenheit.

“The second generation of our Climate 5000 series provides on-demand comfort that is flexible, simple to install and easy to maintain,” said Andrew Archambault, senior product manager for Bosch Thermotechnology. “The reduced ductwork offerings comprise a smaller footprint, and some models allow for longer refrigerant piping than traditional systems. These improvements maximize contractors’ efficiency by enabling them to quickly complete new installations.”

The Climate 5000 Mini-Split Gen 2 is equipped with advanced energy-saving inverter drive technology that minimizes expenses while maintaining sound levels as low as 20 dBA when silence mode is activated. Each sunit features a turbo function that offers faster cooling and heating than traditional systems to deliver optimal comfort. The redesigned, wall-mounted Indoor units are available in new four-way cassette and concealed ducted options.

Optional wired wall thermostats and 24V interfaces are also available. The 24V interface will allow the Climate 5000 Mini-Split Gen 2 to work with 24V thermostats such as the Bosch BCC100 and BCC50, as well as various standard thermostats on the market. The wired-wall thermostat works in all indoor environments and offers a “Follow Me” feature that detects room temperatures.

The Climate 5000 Mini-Split is available to major distributors throughout North America. Visit the Climate 5000 Ductless System 2.0 Series page for more information.