Arkansas HVACR NewsMagazine January 2021

News Magazine

January 2021

Arkansas’ First and Only HVACRNewsMagazine Operation Warp Speed Yields Year of the Vaccine & Return to Normalcy Page 26

Operation Warp Speed pg 8 COVID 19 Update Facts & Opinion to Make You Think pg 13 The Vaccine Is Here — Don ’ t Let Your Guard Down pg 26

Next Contributor

Tony Woodard

Bryan Orr

Tom Hunt

Tom Turner

Nick Hall

Kirk Pierce

Regular Contributors — Join Us news@arhvacr.org

Labor & Licensing partners with Association Free Lunch & Learn Webinars 2 nd Monday Each Month @ Noon Code Update and Reminders ( Archives on YouTube)

ByArkansans

For Arkansans

Table of Contents

Feature story

PG 3

Lunch & Learn — Equipment Access

Chapter Meeting Schedule

PG 6

Editorial & Opinion Operation Warp Speed

pg 8

COVID 19 Update

PG 13

State, national, chapter news The Future May Be Spelled H 2 Business & Marketing Quality — Claim, Cost, or Tool (Tom Turner)

PG 16

PG 21

PG 22

License Running Late??? AGAIN

PG 26

The Vaccine Is Here — Don ’ t Let Your Guard Down Just a Reminder — MINIMUM WAGE IS UP

pg 30

PG 33

Kirk’s Corner

pg 36

Nick Hall Risk Management Tools

Education News

PG 38

Virtuality Reality Training for HVAC

PG 41

Training Programs

Rebate Programs & Incentives

PG 48

Tech News

PG 51

3 Phase Motors (Bryan Orr)

Unique Arkansas Featuring Arkansas Culture

PG 61

Kristi ’ s Potato Soup

Check out the website new look & new information www.arhvacr.org

Lunch & learn

IMC 306.3 states, “The clear access opening dimensions shall be a minimum of 20 inches by 30 inches…where such dimensions are large enough to allow removal of the largest appliance.”

EQUIPMENT ACCESS

Equipment Access seems pretty simple. Code is concerned that inspectors be able to get to the equipment to make required inspections and that future technicians be able to safely make repairs. Many furnaces and air handlers have been located in attics so getting into the attic, getting to the equipment, and then being able to work on the equipment safely rules out small scuttle holes and walking across the ceiling joists. Everyone in this business has squirmed through a scuttle hole in a clothes closet and, at least one time, stepped through the ceiling. Not fun for anyone. Let’s first talk about accessing the attic. Pull down ladders or doors off upstairs rooms are great — that is unless the pull down ladder is not up to par or the tech is a bit portly (a nice word for fat). We all have stories of ladders that have callapsed. In one case the tech, in good health and not overweight, spent weeks

In a retrofit, the HVAC company, installer, and tech will probably not make changes to the scuttle hole but removal of the existing furnace or air handler may require disassembly to get it though the small access hole. If the new replacement equipment cannot fit through the existing scuttle, enlarging the hole will be necessary and must be included in the proposal pricing. Obviously, the sales person must know the code and do more than a kitchen table presentation. Once in the attic, code IMC 306.2 requires a “…continuous solid flooring not less than 24 inches wi de” from the attic access to the equipment which shall be “…not more than 20 feet in length measured along the centerline of the passageway from the opening to the appliance.” Additionally, 306.2 requires “A level service space not less than 30 inches deep and 30 inches wide..at the front or service side of the appliance.”

in the hospital with surgery and rehab. In other case, the falling tech destroyed a primo model train and damaged the Jag. Again, no one was happy.

We don’t have anything to say about these construction products, but we are directed by code to have a minimum size for the scuttle hole.

Lunch & Learn Webinars 2 nd Monday at 12 Noon

Lunch & learn

There are options: 1) schedule to meet the inspector or 2) leave the ladder and go back to pick it up at a later time. Most inspectors will try to make it convenient for the installer but everyone is busy and occasional delays are inevitable. Leaving the ladder is an invitation for theft so scheduling with the inspector may be the preferred option. We hope you are tuning in to the monthly “Lunch & Learn” webinars. They are a joint effort of the Arkansas HVACR License Board and the Arkansas HVACR Association and are dedicated to helping Arkansas Contractors be informed about code issues. A partnership and cooperation between contractors and inspectors provide efficacy and safety for Arkansas consumers. The webinars are available on YouTube. This webinar on Equipment Access can be found at

60s and 70s built homes may have a roof pitch of 4/12 or less which means there is very little head room for the tech or inspector. ICM 306.3 requires “…passageway shall not be less than 30 inches high and 22 inches wide…” An issue that happens occas ionally is “Who is responsbile for the inspector having access?” When the access is a scuttle hole, a ladder is required. OK, who furnishes the ladder and on whose schedule. Since leaving a rope dangling from the hole is hardly acceptable access, the HVAC dealer / installer is responsible for furnishing access, the ladder, and on the inspector’s schedule.

YouTube Webinar Access

You can also link to past webinars at

Lunch & Learn Archives

chapter meetings

Central Chapter 4 th Tuesday 6:00 Meal : 6:30 Program Location: Whole Hog 2516 Cantrell Road Little Rock, AR 72202

October 27 November 24 February 23 March 23 April 27

September 1 October 6 November 3 December 1 January 5 February 2 March 2

Fort Smith Chapter 1 st Tuesday

5:30 Meal : 6:00 Program Location : Western Sizzlin 5200 Towson Avenue Fort Smith

April 6 May 4

Hot Springs Chapter 2 nd Tuesday 6:00 Meal : 6:30 Program Location: Smokin’ in Style BBQ 2278 Albert Pike Hot Springs North Central Chapter 4 th Thursday 6:00 Meal : 6:30 Program Location : Western Sizzlin ’ 905 Hwy 62 – 65 North Harrison

October 13 November 10 February 9

March 9 April 13

September 24 October 22 February 25 March 25 April 22

chapter meetings

North East Chapter 3 rd Tuesday

October 20 November 17 February 16 March 16 April 20

6:00 Meal : 6:30 Program Location : Western Sizzlin ’ 2405 East Highland Jonesboro 870/ 336 - 4417

North West Chapter 2 nd Thursday

October 8 November 12 February 11 March 11 April 8

6:00 Meal : 6:30 Program Location: Golden Corral 2605 Pleasant Crossing Drive Rogers 479/986-9201 South Central/ Camden 1 st Thursday 6:00 Meal : 6:30 Program Location: Ouachita Partners for Economic Development 625 Adams Avenue Camden 870/ 836 - 9354

October 1 November 5 February 4 March 4 April 1

South West / Texarkana 3 rd Thursday

October 15 November 17 February 18 March 18 April 15 Call for meeting Location

6:00 Meal : 6:30 Program Location: Rotates between restaurants. Call for a meeting location. 501/487-8655

Operation Warp Speed Yields Year of the Vaccine & Return to Normalcy

Finally, words of hope from even critics of the Trump administration. Yes, I heard a main-stream reporter use that language and Joe Scarrabough of Morning Joe said that President Trump deserved credit for Operation Warp Speed and the roll out of a vaccine in amazing time. While we are a long way from achieving herd immunity, some say late spring or summer and others the fall, just the fact that there is a vaccine is injecting a glimmer of hope into the conversation. While we must be viligent as we go into the “ long dark winter ” as President Biden refered to the next few months, we can be hopeful and begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel. The FDA approved the Pfizer vaccine on December 11 and followed 7 days later on the 18 th with approval for Moderna Both have probable side effects. For Pfizer, “…t he most commonly reported side effects, which typically lasted several days, were pain at the injection site, tiredness, headache, muscle pain, chills, joint pain, and fever. Of note, more people experienced these side effects after the second dose than after the first dose, so it is important for vaccination providers and recipients to

expect that there may be some side effects after either dose, but even more so after the second dose. ” Reported side effects for Moderna include the following: “… pain, tenderness and swelling of the lymph nodes in the same arm of the injection, swelling (hardness), and redness, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, joint pain, chills, nausea and vomiting, and fever .” The FDA warns that there is a “ remote chance of a severe allergic reaction with both vaccines which could include “…Difficulty breathing • Swelling of your face and throat • A fast heartbeat • A bad rash all over yo ur body • Dizziness and weakness .” The Pfizer vaccine is approved for ages 16 and older while Moderna is for ages 18 or older.

▪ LTC facility residents and workers will be vaccinated by specifically identified pharmacies that work with these LTC facilities. o Other health care workers and first responders will be vaccinated through select pharmacies that have agreed to serve as Phase 1-A vaccination providers • Phase 1-B o Essential workers will be vaccinated through community pharmacies and medical clinics that have agreed to serve as Phase 1-B vaccination providers ▪ Examples of essential workers include day care workers, workers in K-12 and Higher Education, food industry (meat packing and grocery), correctional 2 workers, utilities, truck drivers, and essential government and infrastructure workers, etc. • Phase 1-C o Persons at increased risk for severe disease will be vaccinated through community pharmacies and medical clinics that have agreed to serve as Phase 1-B vaccination providers ▪ Adults of any age with chronic health conditions ▪ Adults aged 65 years and older o Persons who reside in congregate settings will be vaccinated through community pharmacies and medical clinics as well as pharmacy mobile units, as needed

As of December 30, officials said 14 million doses had been delivered. Actual injections are much lower due to nursing shortages exacerbated by the holidays. Over 40,000 pharmacies including, Walmart, CVS, and Costco have signed up to administer vaccines. It is a daunting task. Arkansas received its first shipment of Pfizer on December 14, approximately 25,000 doses. Since then the Governor reported receipt of 31,700 Moderna doses. Who gets the vaccinations first? Population allocation is determined by the Arkansas Department of Health to be implemented in phases. • Phase 1-A – began 12/14/20 o Health care workers (HCW), beginning with those in highest-risk settings (for exposure to virus) ▪ Large hospitals (a total of 18) with highest volume of COVID-19 patients will receive direct shipment of vaccine to vaccinate their workers ▪ Workers in small hospitals will be vaccinated through specific pharmacies. These pharmacies may perform vaccinations themselves or transfer COVID-19 vaccine to the hospital for hospital staff to vaccinate their employees, depending on arrangement.

o Long-term care (LTC) residents

o These phases have been based on initial ACIP recommendations. Phases 1-B and 1-C are subject to change depending on further ACIP recommendations and vaccine supply. Additional phases will be recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunizations Practices of the CDC as vaccine is available. So, here we are in a new year with a new president, a new vaccine, and a new opportunity to serve our communities with an essential service. In a year we’ll be celebrating 2021 and the advent of 2022. We’ll be in the throws of an off year election which has already begun, at least for governor. You may or may not be happy with this past, yes, past election. As businesses, we have an opportunity to rethink our priorities and set new goals. Most contractors have survived — many have done quite well in 2020. As owners, you must decide what you want for your future as well as the future of your employees. If you are happy with what you have, then be at peace and continue. If you want more, then you must spend some money, learn a lot, and implement a plan that will take you to your desired goal. For the business owner, knowing and running the business must be first priority. If you don’t know it all, get some help. Excuse the grammar but “It ain’t cheap.” For the technical side if you don’t know it all, get some help. Again, it “ain’t cheap”. Not just in money but

in time. Truth is, we’ll never know it all so we all have to invest in ourselves and our futures with training and discipline. 1) Attend every class your distributor or manufacturer offers. 2) Find a business consultant to help you balance your business and your balance sheet. 3) Participate in the Association. Make your voice heard and share your success and learn from your business colleagues in your area. 4) Connect with your state representatives and senators. They want to hear from you and you need for them to hear from you. 5) Accept that the local and state inspector is your best partner. You are on the same team in service to your customer. 6) Be part of the local college advisory board. Help them help you by directing and supporting their efforts to train techs. 7) Realize that a workman is worthy of his hire and that production is the ultimate responsibility of management. Raise the bar so they have something to shoot for and make the reward worth the effort. If Trump, with all the resistance, can push Operation Warp Speed to the successful roll out of a vaccine and hopefully the return of normalcy, surely we can sail our ship into challenging waters of our future. We are the captain of our ship. What you see ahead is port. Sail on, my friends. Sail on.

14%. Truth is, this is not something you can hang your hat on because we do not know if the unreported racial demographic can be proportionately distributed by the same percentage as those reported. Lots of words, let’s speculate. The July 2019 estimated census data put the racial make up of Arkansans as 72% white and 15.7% black. Isn’t it amazing that the census numbers and the interpolated virus infections are almost identical. While this involves some degree of speculation, my conclusion is that the virus is an equal opportunity infector. Age Related The following is truly squirrelly based on what we hear on the news — all the time. On December 28, 2020, the greatest incidence of viral infection came in the 25 – 44 age bracket, 32%. Even 13% in the under 18 bracket — almost as many as in the 65 and older. How can this be? Maybe we are doing a much better job of protecting our seniors. That is good but it does not support the drum beat that the virus is not prone to younger folks. From the news, one would think that children had some sort of natural immunity. I don’t think that the parents of 2,888 under age 18 would agree to that.

COVID 19 Update Facts & Opinion

There is an adage, “ Some people do n’t let the facts get in the way of a good story” . That is pretty much how this COVID 19 reporting has gone. From our first article and the White Paper presented to you in March 2020, we all have been given opinion overload (sometimes based on facts). This article uses statistics obtained from the Arkansas Department of Health dated December 18, 2020. If their facts are correct, this editorial is at least on solid ground even though you may decide to disagree with the conclusions. At any rate, it is my opinion and I’m sticking to it. Active Cases More women than men have contracted the virus — 51% female and 47% male. The other 2% are listed as missing. Guess that means the gender wasn’t recorded not that the patient ’ s gender was missing. More whites than blacks — 58% white and 11% black. 6% are Latino/Hispanic and 5% other. You probably used elementary math to see that this does not equal 100%. That is in part because almost 25% of the active cases did not record the race. Now this brings up an interesting fact. We hear all the time about the disproportionate number of African Americans that contract the virus. It is presented by the main stream media as the virus being racist. If we proportionately distribute the racially unreported numbers based on the percentages based on the known data, whites comprise 72% and blacks

That brings up the subject of should schools be closed. They are “ Wrong if they do and wrong if they don’t.” Here is what I know. You get one snotty nose

kid in a class and within a few days you have a classroom full of snotty nose kids. This is every year prior to the pandemic. Every elementary teacher knows that. I do not question if kids in school will get the virus. I am concerned about the kids taking the virus home, especially if there are seniors or otherwise health compromised persons in or near the home. I regret the loss of the school experience, especially for high school juniors and seniors. What a shame that they miss their proms, games, and clubs — not to mention the education that only comes with a well- qualified teacher caring for their students.

Actually this does not mean that they contracted the virus at these businesses. Only that they visited one of these business within 14 days prior to their diagnosis.

What does this tell you. Well, 97% of the reported cases did not visit a restaurant in the14 days prior to the diagnosis. 99.9 percent did not go to a bar. So what is the conclusion to this information? Maybe we are doing a great job of keeping folks away from potential sources of infection. Maybe business limitations are working. Maybe the businesses are being super careful and not spreading the virus. Maybe, maybe, maybe…. The news reports the shut down of many businesses in other states. We see the devastation it brings to the employees and business owners. I think that politicians need to look like they are doing something — anything; so, they pick on a group they can bully. After they say restaurants are bad — bars are bad — churches are bad enough times, the masses believe them. It makes me grateful that our Governor and Arkansans have used restraint. I can’t image living in New York or California. No wonder they are loosing population. Go to this link for more ADH statistics https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/im ages/uploads/pdf/Active_COVID- 19_report12282020_.pdf

COVID 19 Deaths

49% are Female 51% are Male 17% are Black 75% are White 4% are Hispanic

• • • • • • • •

80% are 65 and older

17% are 45 - 64 0% are under 18.

One opinion we can draw, don’t get the virus and be old. You are 4.7 times more likely to die than the runner up. That is a race you don’t want to win. It is also true that while those under age 18 have a greater possibility of contracting the virus than is usually reported in the media, the likelihood of death is virtually “0”. For that we can be thankful. They have their whole life ahead of them and deserve for it to be filled with life, health, and opportunity.

Potentially traceable cases by business

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HVACR NewsMagazine January 2021

Business & Marketing Tips

Quality- Business claim, cost, or tool for profitability?

items will help us remember that “Quality Exceeds Code”. When we practice what is outlined below you will suddenly find struggles with code authority and third- party testing are absent. If this process is incorporated early in your business, operations can go smoothly and cost less. Because quality can be defined and measured, there must be an outline and process for your employees to follow. A. Take the time to familiarize the team with the equipment you sell; Get to know the equipment you sell. Sometimes selling a specific brand may offer you better pricing and delivery service with the opportunity to understand the products top to bottom. Every equipment line has their own small differences and equipment from brand to brand does not deliver the same refrigeration capacities in general. Some engineering focuses on sensible heat and others on latent removal. From thermostat set up to fan speed manipulation and selectable gas valve operation, all steps are important. Consistency with set up means quicker installation with fewer set up errors. For winter applications high SEER heat pumps deserve a second look to ensure the heating capacity required is present. With advances in heat pumps over the past two decades, the appliance has given all electric homes a step up to reliable, efficient comfort. B. Understand the fundamentals of a good install; Correct heat load calculation, correct air flow, proper filtering, appropriate

Tom Turner, Air Evangelist Never will you witness a business owner opening a new business with the goal of delivering mediocre products and services. Everyone in business claims quality in their advertising and outreach by whatever means possible. If you survey employees and managers, asking them to define quality, you will hear; Deliver what you promise. Treat customers well. Be on time. While these are part of the scheme for quality, I suggest common answers reflect good business ethics. Few businesses take the steps necessary to truly grasp the concept of quality and incorporate it into a business plan. Others in the contracting community may view quality as a checklist or hurdle that must be addressed so the job is acceptable to the homeowner, third party testing, or perhaps jurisdictional code personnel. peculiar and essential character - an inherent feature - degree of excellence - superiority in kind – a distinguishing attribute - an acquired skill Let’s take a few moments to define quality in the HVAC market and make certain our definition of quality is action instead of a tag line on a business card. The next few Webster’s define s quality as;

HVACR NewsMagazine January 2021

Business & Marketing Tips

transitions for efficient fan operation, relevant supply duct design, targeted air destination and equipment set up are all factors for acceptable installations. Short cuts anywhere in the installation process can be costly. C. Deliver the performance the nameplate claims; Engineers that design air conditioning systems understand how to move air through the system and provide the proper amounts of heat or cool to the space regarding equipment size. We often impede performance by installing the equipment in the wrong space with inappropriate duct or too small air intake. Most often we install equipment leaving fan and accessory settings at default settings. 80% of the time default settings are wrong due to the abundance of condenser and evaporator pairings. There remains a misunderstanding on meeting static pressure requirements. Do not speed up or slow down fans to make the appropriate static pressure. Use the tables the manufacturer provides to set fan speeds and if readings are out of range make appropriate adjustments to return or supply side of the duct system by increasing or reducing sizes to adjust cfm. When static is above .15 on the return, increase intake size and /or improve filter efficiency. Return air and filters still provide the number one roadblock to performance. Supply plenums need care in design to be sure room temperatures are uniform and air flow is evenly distributed while appropriately sized for cfm. Transitions with no spacing or duct modification can leave filters ineffective and evaporators starved for refrigerant

and an overall failure to move heat appropriately and efficiently for the life of the equipment. By sizing different components correctly, we can speed up or slow down air as we wish, while providing adequate cfm delivery. With a little practice, static pressure becomes a valuable tool for insuring efficient air flow.

While all the prior information is a requirement for a quality installed system, there are other points to be made in general to support your business. Successful companies practice these points on a regular basis. D. Value your company’s ability to serve everyone; Give your customers several ways to contact you. As much as technology is a part of our workday world, there remains segments of the population, for whatever reason, that do not have the email, WIFI or other communication tools. Answering the phone with a live person is still a requirement. If the phone is not answered, the customer will move down his or her referral list and try another number. When the staff member assigned is not answering the phone, they can answer emails and provide virtual assistance for the company. Some customers, especially repeat customers, like a fillable calendar. That makes it easy on everyone. Still others have questions they need answered live or

HVACR NewsMagazine January 2021

Business & Marketing Tips

virtually before requesting a service or sales call. E. Value your company’s ability to generate a great first impression; Your company has many levels to make great first impressions. Internet profiles are a first choice for shopping services. 81% of shoppers research online prior to making a purchase. On average, consumers only view three internet profiles for less than 15 seconds each before choosing a service provider*. This reinforces the idea web sites are very important. Responding to customers once you are contacted is the second tier to good first impressions. Email, internet and phones all must be answered quickly and efficiently with thorough follow up. Building your brand with signage, vehicle wraps, and uniforms are necessary to give your company notoriety, and visibility. F. Value customer’s property while respecting individual viewpoints and ideas; You know the message. Don’t park in the driveway. Don’t walk on the grass, even if there is no grass. Leave the home cleaner than when you arrived. All great tips on customer service. However, a topic generally overlooked, opinion discussion will kill a relationship in a heartbeat. Technicians should keep conversations friendly but to the point of the repair or service. Ideology, opinion and pointed conversation should be off limits. We sometime offend and never know the issue exists until after the customer drops off our radar. Today’s customer will not complain. They will simply never use your company again. By the way, you should track every customer that does drop off. Not

necessarily to pull the customer back but rather to learn what pushed them away as a lesson learned. One final note. There are occasions where the customer is not a match for your company. Ruth King, “The Profitability Master” , reminds us that, on occasion, you “sometimes must fire a customer.” G. Value your staff’s ability to deliver ; All positions in your company are equally important. Without key personnel at every level, your company goes nowhere fast. Great sales staff, technicians and installers may pay their own way. Efficient warehouse managers, dispatchers and office administrators are often overlooked assets. Qualified staff should be recognized often and compensated w ell. Employees that don’t see a future or feel appreciated are the most likely to leave your company. A job is more than just money. What happens when we use quality as a tool profitability? When we employ the right processes to produce a product that delivers value, we can charge more without worry of what the company down the street is selling boxes for. Anyone can sell a box. Only quality yields a sustainable profit that can drive your company to new levels of meeting needs for the community and your staff.

*Research by Blue Corona 2018

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S tate, National, Chapter News State national Chapter News

The Plan serves as the overarching document to set the strategic direction of the Hydrogen Program, and to complement the technical and programmatic multi-year plans from each DOE Office engaging in hydrogen RD&D activities.

The Future May Be Spelled H 2 The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) released its Hydrogen Program Plan to provide a strategic framework for the Department’s hydrogen research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) activities. The DOE Hydrogen Program is a coordinated Departmental effort to advance the affordable production, transport, storage, and use of hydrogen across different sectors of the economy. The Plan involves participation from the Offices of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Fossil Energy, Nuclear Energy, Electricity, Science, and the Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy. "Hydrogen is an exciting fuel source that has the potential to integrate our nation's energy resources, but to fully recognize its potential across the economy, we need to lower costs and see a significant increase in hydrogen supply and demand," said U.S. Secretary of Energy Dan Brouillette. "This administration is excited by the Department-wide efforts and collaborations outlined in this Plan that will address these issues andhelp secure hydrogen as an option in the nation’s energy future." WASHINGTON, D.C. –

"For decades, DOE has supported the development of technologies to complement the production of hydrogen fuel from our traditional sources, ” noted Deputy Secretary of Energy Mark W. Menezes. "The RD&D activities outlined in the Plan will contribute to this important DOE-wide effort to support our all-of-the-above energy strategy." The Hydrogen Program Plan reinforces DOE’s commitment to develop the technologies that can enable hydrogen expansion in the United States, and highlights the importance of collaboration both within DOE and with stakeholders in industry, academia, and the states to achieve that goal. Learn more about the DOE Hydrogen Program Plan.

S tate, National, Chapter News State national Chapter News

License Running Late??? (STILL) In November we ran the same information about licenses running late. This not only applies to the time between you and the License Board but also between the License Board and you — meaning, even after Labor and Licensing gets you’re

Click on HVACR Individual

•

Renewal •

your renewal, it may also take an inordinate time for the mail to get the license back to you. Don ’t know why and I am not criticizing. With the holiday season and the

Enter your license number and type of license; i.e., “A”, “B”, “C”, “D”, “E”.

• Click Continue • Follow the instructions

crazy amount of online purchases, we can understand why things would be log jammed. Just stating facts. One of our very excellent members in the Northwest chapter documented 45 days from the time Labor and Licensing postmarked the return of his license to the date it actually arrived. That makes renewing on line very important. You can do it in a flash. The easiest, surefire method is to renew on line. Here’s how: • Go to Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing: https://www.labor.arkansas.gov/ • Scroll down on the left to HVAC/R

❖ If you get a “ Failure ” notice after you enter your License # and Type, it may mean that your renewal and payment has been received and is in the mail back to you. Thus, it does not show up in the need to renew list.

Deal with “ What Is ” rather than be Frustrated over “ What Should Be ”

S tate, National, Chapter News State national Chapter News

Contact the Department at 501-682- 9201. You will need your check or money order # and the approximate date it was mailed. Ms. Lisa Collins will research it for you. She can send you a digital copy of your renewed license while you wait on snail mail to get the printed copy. Above all, excuse the grammar, “It ain’t no thang.” We have very concerned and cooperative folks to administer the program and serving our industry is on their top priority list. If you need to pull a permit before the Department can get you the digital copy of the renewal, look up your information using the Department’s portal. • Use same HVAC/R link from above • Click on “HVACR Roster Search” • Enter the requested information Your license information will pop up. If it has renewed, you can print a copy and take it to the building and code authority. They usually will accept that for documentation while you wait on the original. As we move into the “Land of Digimatation”, my name for all things digital, we have the opportunity to handle our business more quickly and with less help; thus, use the new on line renewal process if at all possible. We can’t solve the snail mail problem but we can get an instant renewal, print out the information, and proceed with our business rather than being frustrated with the world we cannot control.

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was held up in Congress due to a provision to protect business against litigation related to COVID 19 — and no, it was not included in the final bill. Yes, there are other issues but this is a big one. One party says yes to litigation protection while the other adamantly opposes it. I’ll not mention party names. You al ready know. I just don’t want this article to become political. It is not. It is based on principle and process that we all must recognize and act accordingly. First, Wearing Masks --I will not attempt to argue with you about the medical value of wearing a mask. Some think it can save the world from all its ills and should be a practice into 2022. I certainly hope not. As I stated back in March, wearing a mask might help and certainly can’t hurt (much). I see many good ole boys, that is all of us, that do not wear a mask in the work place and frequently wear it below their nose. It is considered by the CDC and the Arkansas Department of Health as being important. In fact, it is a mandate. Second, Social Distancing — I was raised to shake hands and hug necks. It is very uncomfortable not to shake hands. Dr. Fouche even says that we should not ever return to the practice. This is an example where recommendations are conflicting. For example. It is suggested to bump elbows when you greet someone. On the other hand, it is recommended that you sneeze into your elbow. Now tell me how bumping elbows where you sneeze makes sense. While social distancing and not shaking hands is contrary to our Southern practice of greeting

The Vaccine is Here

Don’t Let Your Guard Down

219,246 COVID19 Cases

3,603 Deaths

This data is from the December 29 report of the Arkansas Department of Health as reported by the Arkansas Democrat Gazette. It will have changed by the time this article is published and you have an opportunity to read it. Information overload? More like experience overload. Everyone knows someone that has been sick or died from COVID 19. No one is immune from its catastrophic effects. While the vaccine is here, we cannot afford to let down our guard. This article is designed to help you make wise decisions for your customers, your employees, and your business. While we wait on the availability for vaccine for everyone and the hoped for herd immunity, there are things we must do. The foundation of this article is you must protect your business by protecting everyone that you and your employees may come in contact with. Whether you think my suggestions are necessary for medical reasons or not, they are essential to protect your company against litigation. Litigation?? Yes!! Remember that relief legislation

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someone when you arrive or leave a job site, Can’t do it. Can’t do it. The negative perception is far greater than the discomfort of not offering a handshake. Third, Washing Hands — well my gosh. We should be doing that anyway. I am amazed at the number of men prior to the pandemic that would leave a public bathroom without washing their hands. If you witnessed that, saw them in the hall and they offered to shake your hand, what would you do? (Think about it.) Even if “Cleanliness is Next to God liness” is not in the Bible, it’s a good practice. On the other hand, it has not been that long ago we were warned that keeping our kids too clean was preventing them from building normal immunities. Remember that? It was a clarion call for a “A little dirt never hurt anyone.” Well in this atmosphere, obvious cleanliness is a cornerstone of a company policy to protect against litigation. Fourth, Temperature Checks — Most of us have been to a doctor’s office or government building and had our temperature checked to gain entrance. Don’t know how many have been turned away but it isn’t a bad practice. Check your employees temps every morning and log it. It is another protection against litigation. Fifth, Sanitize Your Vehicles. A $20 spray rig and an appropriate disinfectant should be sprayed in your vehicles at the end of the day. Again, I will not argue with you about its medical efficacy but it is another company policy that will help protect you from litigation.

Sixth, Install UV or Ionization Systems in your office. There are many ways to accomplish this and I will not recommend one over another. One school has put very strong exposed UV lights on a timer for night time use. The effect is better and no one is in danger of over exposure. Whatever you choose, UV lights and Ionization help keep your place clean and give you a selling point with your customers. Let’s say it again, it also gives you protection against litigation. Seventh, Cleanliness at the Job Site — Back in March we recommend that you wipe down all equipment that you touch on the job. That may seem ridiculous for outside equipment but it will be impressive. At least disinfect the filter grill and the furnace in the hall closet. Your customer will see it and appreciate your attention to detail and to protecting them. Eighth, Bag the Filter You Replaced. If there is a chance of COVID19 in the home, some portion may have collected on the filter and that could expose your employee. It will be very impressive to the homeowner and also create a protection against litigation. Again, I know that fiberglass filters will not stop something as small as the virus; but, it makes sense that some small portion may have collected on the filter. Don’t over analyze, just protect yourself against litigation. Ninth, Give the Customer a Handout of your company’s policies to protect everyone from the virus. A suggested template follows this article. It is the same thing we used in March and is still valuable.

Click Here to link to a copy in Word

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Protecting Our Clients and Employees Your Guide to Williams Heating and Air Conditioning, LLC Safety Precautions Williams Heating and Air Conditioning, LLC is committed to keeping our customers and employees safe during the COVID-19 crisis. Even though most business will soon be opening, we know that the need to practice health and safety remains. We also know that heating and air conditioning is essential. We respect and honor your trust. Some of our procedures may seem unnecessary to many but we prefer to err on the side of caution. We appreciate your business and will serve you in the same manner that we would want someone to serve our family.

We will be taking the following steps to protect both you and our technicians. Our steps are as follows:

All of our employees are aware of and provided with materials needed to follow the procedures set forthby the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and recommended for the transition. All employees temperatures are taken and recorded at the beginning of each shift. When scheduling an appointment, a member of our officewill confirm that no one in the home or business is currently feeling ill or quarantined/isolated due toCOVID-19. Upon arrival, our technicians will apply hand sanitizer before entering your home or business and again confirm that no one is feeling ill or quarantined/isolated due toCOVID-19. To put you at ease, we will replace our usual hand- shake with a wave to say “Hello” and “Thank you.” While performing our work, technicians will wear disposable gloves.

We will practice social distancing with a goal to maintain the recommended six-foot distance from clients, family members, and/or employees. We will bag any dirty filters immediately after removing them from your system to reduce the spread of dirt, germs and viruses. We will remove these filters from your property. We will not ask for your signature on our service tickets until such time that it is deemed appropriate to do so again. Our technicians will once again apply hand sanitizer (outside your home or business) when their work at your home or business is complete. Our employees are following recent recommendations to wear face masks, and we have provided these for them. Don’t be alarmed if, out of an abundance of caution, a technician or other of our employees wears a face mask while at your home or business.

We are committed to the safety of ALL of our clients and employees!

Thank you for trusting your safety and comfort to Williams Heating and Air Conditioning, LLC .

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Overtime is required to be paid when a nonexempt employee exceeds 40 hours in an employer declared workweek. A declared work week is the seven consecutive days that an employer bases employee on. An example is Sunday through Saturday or Saturday through Friday etc. • If the employer has less than 4 employees 1 • Apprentices, Learners, Student Learners can be paid 85% of the minimum wage as long as the student and employer are participating in a Department of Labor certified program. AR Code 11-4- 215; AR Wage and Hour Regs 010.14-104(A) 2 • Arkansas law allows employers to pay student workers a wage that is not less than 85% of the standard minimum wage rate if: o the employer obtains a certificate from the Arkansas Department of Labor to do so; o the full-time student attends an accredited institution of education in Arkansas or a border town of a sister state; o the full-time student works not more than (20) hours per week while school is in session or (40) hours per week when school is not in session; o the full-time student qualifies for employment under any child labor laws. AR Code 11-4-210(b); AR Wage and Hour Regs 010.14-103 2 There are some exemptions, (Subminimum wage).

Just a Reminder MINIMUM WAGE INCREASES

Beginning January 1, 2021, the Arkansas State minimum wage increases to $11.00 / hour. As you may recall in 2018, Ballot Issue 5, the Minimum Wage Increase Initiative, was approved. Minimum wage at the time, $8.50, increased incrementally to $11 beginning in 2021. At the time, there was lots of talk about taking it to $15 / hour but that was not included in the Initiative. According to Lindsay Moore, Section Manager of the Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing which administers the Arkansas Minimum Wage Act, Arkansas employers are governed by the AMWA and the Fair Labor Standards Act administered by the US Department of Labor, USDOL. Both laws have similarities but some differences as well. The most notable difference is the minimum wage. Federal law is set at 7.25 and the state is $11 beginning 2021. Since the strictest rule applies, the AMWA minimum wage applies to all Arkansas employers.

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Arkansas law allows employers to pay employees with disabilities a wage that is lower than the standard minimum wage rate if the employer obtains a temporary special exemption license or a permit from the US Department of Labor or the Arkansas Department of Labor. AR Code 11-4-214; AR Wage and Hour Regs 010.14-105 2 (1) https://www.govdocs.com/arkansas-voters- pass-new-minimum-wage-increase/ (2) https://www.employmentlawhandbook.co m/wage-and-hour-laws/state-wage-and-hour- laws/arkansas/minimum-wage/#6

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This article is repeated from the September issue to provide you a reminder that the minimum wage went up January 1. Update the postings in your workplace regarding the Arkansas minimum wage: Click here

2021.

An important way to distinguish your company from all the other “me too” HVAC dealers is to have the best employees that can be trusted in the homes of your clients / customers. More important than cool air or warm air is the peace of mind in knowing that one’s belongings and family are safe. A tech that has passed a background check and has a company photo ID demonstrates professionalism and trustworthiness to the client / customer. Employee background checks are also important for the dealer. The dealer can manage their liability and their insurance costs by making sure that their employees have passed a background check, a drug screening test, and a driving record search. A member of the Arkansas HVACR Association can have that peace of mind by using the endorsed service, CourtHouse Concepts. Their prices are affordable and their reputation is great. Association members that are already using CoutHouse Concepts have given them a glowing recommendation. Be sure to identify yourself as a member of the Association to get a 10% discount.

Here are some plan option:

Expanded Criminal Plan $25.00

Independent Drug Testing $40

Motor Vehicle Report $19.95

*Social Security Trace – match SS# to applicant and lists addresses *Nationwide Criminal History—500 million criminal records *Nationwide Sex Offender Search *Nationwide Courthouse Check—7 yr. County Criminal History--Court Fees are additional if applicable

Amphetamines Barbiturates Benzodiazepines - Cocaine - Ecstasy - Marijuana - Methadone - Methamphetamine - Opiates – Phencyclidine

~3 years driving record Speeding & violations DWI Accidents

Hair follicle available on request (~90 days, $120)

24 to 48 hours

2 – 3 days

1 day or less

Paul J. Hickman III 3205 Shackleford Pass Little Rock, AR 72205 Main - 501-588-3973 : Direct - 501-588-7115 Toll Free - 877-750-3660

t.hickman@courthouseconcepts.com www.courthouseconcepts.com

Arkansas HVACR Association, P. O. Box 1296, Little Rock, AR 72203, 501-487-8655 : tomhunt@arhvacr.org ; www.arhvacr.org

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Kirk’s Corner Let’s get excited for 2021 ! Ready to increase your sales in the new year? CenterPoint Energy now offers Point of Sale rebates for your customers! Participating trade allies can help their customers earn rebates by doing the following: Register your company online Confirm we have your current Dealer ID number Verify your customer is a CenterPoint Energy natural gas customer • Confirm all program requirements are met • • •

Before you submit your online application, we will need the following information from your invoice:

- Customer name - Installation address - Equipment brand

- Model number - Serial number

- Your customer’s CenterPoint Energy Account # (while not required, it helps with rebate processing) “To make the process run smoothly, make sure to include your company’s name and Dealer ID,” said Kirk Pierce, Energy Efficiency Consultant. Save time and get your rebates more quickly when you submit them online using our easy-to-use application at CenterPointEnergy.com/RebateScoop

Generate point of sale rebate paperwork

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To get started, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/PointOfSale As we usher in the new year, now is the best time to begin submitting your rebates early.