While the most exciting trends and technological changes are found in the equipment market, the fact is, most of your business profits probably come from the little parts and pieces that make all of those fancy systems work. So, when I saw some new ideas in thermostats at this year's AHR Exhibition in Chicago, my interest was immediately piqued.
In last month's issue, I wrote about the new 13-SEER residential air conditioning products and discussed why most manufacturers aren't making the change to R-410A more quickly. However, despite all the hubbub about meeting the new efficiency standards, there were some other interesting new technologies and ideas shown at the Exhibition that are certainly worth discussing.
The 2006 AHR (Air-conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration) Expo that was held at McCormick Place Center in Chicago last January 23-25 was the largest in history. And although such brands as Carrier and Trane continue to be notably absent, one of the first companies to stop attending (Lennox International) was back in full force.
At a regional meeting of supply-house owners and managers, a branch manager for a large company came over to talk with me. During our conversation, I asked what the biggest problem that he as a manager had to deal with in the business, and I was rather surprised by his answer, given the size and scope of his company.