As a plumber, the chances are that you are used to working alone or within a small team. However, it is important to keep in mind that most clients will address plumping works and renovations as part of a larger, more extensive project. As such, they are likely to look for trusted traders and ask Read more
HVACR
As a plumber, the chances are that you are used to working alone or within a small team. However, it is important to keep in mind that most clients will address plumping works and renovations as part of a larger, more extensive project. As such, they are likely to look for trusted traders and ask for recommendations and referrals.
So, if you are looking to develop your plumbing business and bring more projects and work to your company, partnering with other contractors and networking with specialists in the field is key! Here is all you need to know.
Minimize The Risk of Errors
When it comes to replacing the plumbing system in a typical home, homeowners can spend between $3,000 and $16,000 – which, alone, is a considerable investment! But there’s more to that! Indeed, most homeowners will tackle plumbing projects as part of a home makeover that often involves renovating the bathrooms or kitchen. These projects can not only be costly, but come with a high risk of errors and mistakes!
By working with the other contractors involved in the project, you and your plumbing team can minimize the risk of costly mistakes and remediations.
Enhance Communication Throughout The Project
By working with the other contractors involved in the project, you can boost communication and ensure that the client’s expectations are effortlessly met. For example, if a client is looking to update a house for accessibility and aging in place, you may take care of making the bathroom, bathtubs, or shower more accessible, while also working with safety experts to install alarms, rails, and other safety features.
Build A Network of Contacts
The majority of homeowners and clients looking to tackle a renovation will look for a contractor they can trust. To do so, they are likely to:
- Ask for referrals and personal recommendations from trusted family members and friends
- Speak to contractors they can trust to check whether they know a specialized plumber, electrician, or trader
- Check online professional directories
- Look for contractors with an excellent online reputation and great reviews
- Ask at the local hardware store
Having a network to rely on can make your business more easily discoverable by clients looking for your services.
Leverage Shared Tools
As a single contractor, the chances are that you may not have all the tools and equipment needed for highly complex projects. In turn, you may often find yourself purchasing or renting costly gear, which can take a toll on your cash flow. That’s where working with other contractors and sharing the tools and equipment available – including a bulk bag filler, a soldering station, or a drain camera system – can help to save money and boost your business.
Exchange Expertise
Although each contractor involved in the project will have the skills needed to complete their tasks, it is important not to underestimate the benefits of sharing experiences and capabilities. These could be from past projects, recent innovations, or training courses. Be sure to interact and communicate with the other professionals involved in each project to enhance your skill set and capabilities – and, ultimately, keep your business relevant!
Danfoss, a global leader in climate and energy solutions, has joined forces with Enersponse, a leading distributed energy resource (DER) management company based in California, to introduce cutting-edge services for American supermarkets. This collaboration aims to enhance energy flexibility in HVAC and refrigeration systems by unlocking benefits for the food retail sector with the Automated Read more
Danfoss, a global leader in climate and energy solutions, has joined forces with Enersponse, a leading distributed energy resource (DER) management company based in California, to introduce cutting-edge services for American supermarkets.
This collaboration aims to enhance energy flexibility in HVAC and refrigeration systems by unlocking benefits for the food retail sector with the Automated Demand Response (Auto-DR) solution.
Providing Demand Flexibility and Energy Efficiency
The food retail industry is transforming through digitalization and sustainability is a key phase of this journey. To foster the green transition, Danfoss and Enersponse will collaborate to ensure food retailers achieve grid stability, while reaping financial rewards automatically, via Auto-DR. By reducing energy usage when electricity demand exceeds supply, Auto-DR helps ensure the lights stay on and the food stays fresh, all while reducing energy use during peak periods which often correlates with high emission periods.
Enersponse’s DERMS Platform will be seamlessly integrated into Danfoss Alsense®, an Internet of Things (IoT) food retail services cloud solution that tracks refrigeration asset performance, allowing retail managers to easily respond to alarms, ensure 24/7 monitoring of food conditions, and reduce energy consumption.
“We maintain an unwavering commitment to seeking out premier building control partners, enhancing the impact of our energy initiatives,” explained James McPhail, the visionary CEO and founder of Enersponse. “Being at the forefront of our industry with unmatched technology, collaborating with a company like Danfoss was an obvious choice. This partnership marks a significant milestone for both organizations, delivering not only excitement but also substantial benefits to their customers such as tailored demand response events, the generation of a passive income all while maintaining adherence to safety standards to ensure perishable foods remain well within the designated safe temperature zones and a multitude of other advantages.”
“We are thrilled to partner with Enersponse to expand our offerings to food retail customers in the United States,” says Natalie Schnippering, Danfoss Head of Digital Services. “With digital innovation, we can capture supermarket data and gain the insight needed to optimize energy use, automate corrective actions, and prevent peak loads and energy waste.”
Tangible Impact of Automatic Demand Response Measures
Electricity consumption varies throughout the day and year. Uncontrolled demand-side consumption will, therefore, often lead to critical congestion in the grid during peak hours. Demand-side flexibility and energy efficiency measures shift the energy consumption to times when demand is lower. This proactive Smart Demand Response approach from Danfoss and Enersponse enables supermarkets to reduce electricity costs by lowering cooling loads during peak hours.
According to the International Energy Agency, Smart Demand Response could provide 185 gigawatts (GW) of system flexibility, equivalent to the currently installed electricity supply capacity of Australia and Italy combined.
Are we beyond using the COVID pandemic years of 2020-2021 as a benchmark for anything moving forward? Ok, this will be my last but I felt that AHR 2024 knocked it out of the park, with attendance numbers equaling that of shows past, pre-pandemic. I actually heard, and this hasn’t been verified as of yet Read more
Are we beyond using the COVID pandemic years of 2020-2021 as a benchmark for anything moving forward? Ok, this will be my last but I felt that AHR 2024 knocked it out of the park, with attendance numbers equaling that of shows past, pre-pandemic. I actually heard, and this hasn’t been verified as of yet, but the day one on-site registration was nearing record levels. And day two crowds were still buzzing as traffic on the floor filled the aisles. (THIS JUST IN FROM AHR: It was clear to anyone filling the halls on Monday morning of the show that attendance was strong, welcoming 48,034 attendees there to interact with the 1,875 exhibitors spread across North and South Halls. )
To a booth, everyone was satisfied with the turnout and conversations during the show. The show marked a return to business as usual, at a much more accelerated pace. And to think, this is during mid-January, polar vortex temps, no less. (Don’t miss next year’s show February 10-12 in Orlando.)
U.S. Boiler Co.’s Ambient Heat Pump
Technology, innovation and new products dazzled, with heat pumps and the push toward electrification still dominating the topics of conversation. We heard more of VR and simulation training as a trending topic as well, with Artificial Intelligence, Workforce Development, Decarbonization all playing big parts at the show.
The Mechanical Hub team had a busy three days shooting videos in-booth, recording both Make Trades Great Again and Appetite for Construction podcasts, and we were even asked to emcee—and be a part of—a Coffee with Caleffi panel in the Caleffi booth on Monday morning. There, hosts John Mesenbrink and Tim Ward talked with industry bigs John Siegenthaler, Bob “Hot Rod” Rohr, Eric Aune and Andy Mickelson.
The discussion revolved around lifelong learning in the trades: where do these legends go to learn? Forgetting more than most of us will ever learn, Siegenthaler and Rohr talked about outlets for learning and continued training. Aune and Mickelson gave the point of view from a current business owner and working contractor, and the impact of social media in today’s PHVAC trades.
We can’t forget about the after-parties and the go-to for us has always been the Taco event Monday evening. It’s a chance to meet up with old and new friends alike.
From l to r: Eric Aune, John Mesenbrink, Ben White, Tim Ward, Mike Prencavage, Jr.
One event I had the pleasure of attending—and it was my first time—was the HVAC Tactical Awards extravaganza held at the Planetarium downtown Chicago. I believe this was the fourth annual event, and the tagline, “It’s a mindset” is turning into “It’s a movement.” This was another great event to see good friends, and the idea of night of “Blue Collar Goes Black Tie” can’t be overstated.
Ben Poole, HVAC Tactical
The industry needs events like this to showcase the trades in the best, shining light there is. And this event, with the red-carpet entry, exclusive red-carpet interviews, cocktail parties pre and post, and the awards ceremony, give this a gala-type feel, with everyone dressed to the nines, and I think everyone digs that vibe, at least for one night.
Links to AHR Expo Videos:
I wrote this “10 Tips ..” story in the early months of 2020, and we all know what happened after that, right? I thought it would be fun some four years later to amend the list accordingly. So here goes … … with the turn of every calendar year comes the rush of industry trade Read more
I wrote this “10 Tips ..” story in the early months of 2020, and we all know what happened after that, right? I thought it would be fun some four years later to amend the list accordingly. So here goes …
… with the turn of every calendar year comes the rush of industry trade shows. Next week we will be “traveling” to my hometown of Chicago for the AHR Show (January 22-24). Concurrently, during the same week, the WWETT show will be doing its thing in Indy (January 24-26). And if that wasn’t enough trade show hype for one week, the World of Concrete Show in Las Vegas is held, you guessed it, the same week (January 23-25).
Following that, we will be in Las Vegas toward the end of February for the IBS/KBIS Show (February 27-29). All of these shows are worth the trip, depending your trade specialty, and what’s most important to you. Normally, I recommend all of these shows but this year is sort of an anomaly so the MH team had to pivot accordingly; I hope you have chosen so as well, my friends.
The purpose for those attending is to see, feel and test new products, learn and network with fellow attendees. Oh, did I mention hanging out with friends and this awesome community? When attending these trade shows it is best to have a plan. Having attended dozens of these show in the past, I have come up with some tips and strategies to having a successful show.
1. Map Out Your Plan — All of these shows have corresponding websites with a list of exhibitors and events. Map out your day so you are the most efficient with your time, energy and steps on the trade show floor. (ahrexpo.com & www.worldofconcrete.com & www.wwettshow.com & www.buildersshow.com) I can’t stress enough to download the appropriate trade show app and make a plan. It’s a must.
2. Wear Comfortable Shoes & Clothing — We all want to look good, and professional, but gone are the days of stuffy apparel. I’d rather feel comfortable and fresh at the end of the day than out of sorts, sweaty and my dogs barking.
3. Give Yourself Enough Time — The stress of a trade show can be daunting in and of itself. Take as much time as you need to take a deep breath and move freely on the show floor. It’s always a good idea to come in the day or night before a show to make sure all is in order and registration for the show is set. If you are planning a night out, make sure you make any necessary reservations ahead of time.
4. Afterparty Over-Indulging — We all love to go out and enjoy ourselves, especially after a long day at a show. There are numerous manufacturer parties, dinners, soirees, etc. where one can relax and wind down. But staying out all night—and drinking—can be fun, and up to your discretion, but it isn’t advisable, especially if you intend to be at the show the following day. Nobody is impressed with the over-perspired, alcohol lingering on breath, bags under the eyes, headache pounding visit from on over-served attendee. Also, carry water and/or energy drinks and energy bars—or something to snack on—with you.
5. Plan Accordingly for Transportation — Most of the time at busy trade shows, transportation can, well, be a bitch, especially after a show. Keep this in mind as long taxi lines will form to and from the shows. Download your favorite rideshare app so you are locked and loaded.
6. Visit the Podcast Pavilions — Everyone listens to podcasts, yes? Some of your favorite listens (Appetite for Construction & Make Trades Great Again, among others) will be recording “live” from the podcast pavilions located just in front of the North Hall to the right as your facing the entrance, behind registration and conveniently located by the beer garden. So grab a favorite beverage, relax and enjoy the p-casts!
7. Badges, We Don’t Need No Stinking’… — Well, make sure you have proper badges for the show. For example, attendee, exhibitor and press badges all provide different access and different access times. Make sure you understand the limitations of your particular given badge.
8. Follow-up with Contacts — Once the show is over, what it your end game? What better way to measure the results of a show personally than to document leads, follow up with new contacts, and were you satisfied with your expectations of information, contacts and overall impressions?
9. If Unable to Attend … — Be sure to follow your favorite social media outlets (@mechanicalhub & @plumbing_perspective for sure!) that may be attending and keep up to date on what’s going on from the show floor. First-of-the-year trade show events are when companies have big product announcements, launches and press briefings.
10. Cellular/WiFi Service — Most shows do not offer WiFi on the show floor, or if they do, it usually sucks. There are certain spots at different venues you may be able to sneak a signal, maybe. Make sure you have business cards on hand or be prepared to exchange info digitally through apps on your phone, so make sure your phone is charged or bring extra chargers!
Like deducing the age of a tree by counting its rings, I count age as it relates to how many AHR shows I have attended. I think I count 20 AHRs, 2021 notwithstanding. Good luck, have a great time, and have a great trade show experience!
Tips for taking care of your hoses If you’re a busy HVACR professional, the pieces of equipment that you use most are often hoses. From performing evacuations and refrigerant recharges to hooking them to a manifold for quick diagnostic checks, hoses are used every day. Let’s walk through some of the best ways to care Read more
Tips for taking care of your hoses
If you’re a busy HVACR professional, the pieces of equipment that you use most are often hoses. From performing evacuations and refrigerant recharges to hooking them to a manifold for quick diagnostic checks, hoses are used every day. Let’s walk through some of the best ways to care for and inspect your HVACR vacuum and charging hoses.
Replacing gaskets
Replacing the small black gaskets in your hose connectors is one of the easiest and fastest ways to maintain your hoses. Normal wear and tear can cause the gaskets to deteriorate and create leaks or incomplete connections. When making connections, inspect the gasket. Also, add a drop of refrigerant oil or Nylog to the gasket. This creates a seal between the gasket and the port. Since they need to be changed frequently, store some new gaskets in your shop and teach your team how to spot wear and tear. It’s important to remind techs of the dangers of a worn gasket on the job site.
Cap your hoses
When you aren’t using hoses, cap them on each end with brass caps. This keeps the seals from drying out and ensures hoses stay clean and dry. With this, it helps to set aside hoses that are used for pulling vacuums and use them only for this task. Don’t use them for recovery or normal service. This ensures that your vacuum hoses are always in good condition.
Using hoses on the job site
Sometimes, HVACR connections aren’t in the most convenient locations, and this can cause unnecessary wear and tear on hoses. Be sure to avoid creating sharp bends or excessively twisting them when connecting hoses to the system. Remember, never leave them out in the sun or expose them to extreme temperatures for extended periods of time.
Store hoses correctly
When you’re moving or storing your hoses, be sure not to step on the fittings or store them under heavy equipment. Make sure to properly hang them in a way that prevents them from getting damaged. Since these hoses need to hold vacuums or maintain pressures between 800 and 4000 PSI, they can develop cracks or weak spots if they aren’t stored properly and safely.
Inspect them every time
When you use a hose on the job, inspect it for signs of wear that could include cracks, bulges or other degradation. Each of these threats has the potential to cause a dangerous situation that may lead to equipment damage or injure a tech. Any hose that shows these signs should be removed from the job site and discarded. When using a hose pay attention to reduced flow, blockages or leaks – some of these problems might not be apparent on first inspection.
Pick up some new hoses
If your hoses are worn out or need replacement, add some new ones to your tool bag right away. Learn more about Fieldpiece hoses and accessories here.