Arkansas HVACR NewsMagazine January 2026

News Magazine

January 2026

Arkansas’ First and Only HVACR NewsMagazine

7

And This Is Our January Forecast

Click Here to Join or Renew Your Membership

Tom Turner Air Evangelist Myths of Energy Savings pg 24 The Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, Future pg 7 Bryan Orr

Ruth King Stop Underpricing Repair Tickets pg 42

Editorial

Time for a Breather & Refocus

pg 2

Jim Bergmann pg 48

Installation Best Practices for High Efficiency Furnaces pg 21 Kirk Pierce

Education News

Bryan Or r HP Defrost

pg 57

Find Your College & Instructor

Coil Temp

pg 37

Pg 53

Lunch & Learn pg 38

NewsMagazine pg 39

Chapter Meeting Continuing Education pg 40

By Arkansans

For Arkansans

News Magazine January 2026

Time for a Breather & Refocus This is the time of year we can slow down a bit. Summer is long gone, winters are not quite as busy and we can actually go home at a decent hour and spend time with family. Money can be a bit tight because cash flow is not what it was. We’re trying to keep employees on full or at least nearly fulltime. So it is not exactly a time to prop your feet up without any stress; but, it is time we can think — Think about “Where we are, where we came from, and where do we want to go?” Where we are? Yeah, that is a question. Do we really know? Do we understand our financial picture? If we have money in the bank, do we really have money? Are we profitable. Are we as profitable as we could or should be? Do we have money to pay our taxes? Are we putting money in a retirement plan for ourselves and employees? Do we have trucks and equipment that need to be replaced? What is our brand in the community; i.e., are we the cheapest, the most expensive, the most reliable, the most available, the leader and friend within the community? Are we a good ole’ boy driving down the road with several jugs of refrigerant and a ladder on the rack? Where are we? Can we survive another year of who we are at present? If we look around, is this where we want to be?

Where we came from. It is also important to ask, where we came from. That gives us a perspective on our progress. Progress is where we are in comparison to where we were. If we did $500,000 in 2024 and $750,000 in 2025, that is $250,000 in progress. Actually, it is only an increase in sales, not necessarily profit progression. You can’t know where you are by only looking at sales. You also have to look at profit. So if you did $500,000 in 2024 with a 10% net profit but $750,000 in 2025 with a 5% net profit, you’re going backwards. You worked harder, had more risk, maybe more employees but actually earned $12,500 dollars less. That is the wrong direction. I am using smaller gross revenue because so many in our industry are new and trying to figure out the business side of life. You may wake up and realize that the harder you work, the more dollars you turn, the worse off you are. You had the itch to start a business, so you had to scratch it. OK, you’ve scratched it. Was it what you thought it would be? For some, it is time to quit exploring this new world of owning a business, get a good job with a credible company, and stop worrying about making payroll. It is OK to reevaluate where you are compared to where you were and to decide that being a great employee can give you a sense of professionalism, accomplishment, and time to spend with family, to hunt, to fish, to watch your kid ’ s ballgames. These days a good tech can make a good living without the stress of running a business.

News Magazine January 2026

If you love being self-employed and want to stay in business, you need to determine where you want to go with your business. You can do this and be successful but there are some steps that require you to spend less time with the tool bag and more time on running the business. What do you want your brand to be? That may include the equipment brand but more importantly it is your company’s reputation. What do you want your community to think of when they hear your name? That is your brand. Let’s say you want them to think of you as honest, priced fairly, courteous, thorough, professional, timely, do a good job, responsive. Wow! That is a good reputation; but ya’ know, it won’t just happen. It requires that you write it down, establish your desired culture, and train everyone in your company. Everyone? Yes, it requires training for everyone in your company. The person answering the phone, the dispatcher, the tech, the salesperson, the installer, the commissioner, the follow up person. Not just the lead at those levels but everyone one. If they answer your phone, show up in your truck, wear your company logo, if they are in anyway connected to your company, they must be trained to imprint your brand on everyone they contact. Everyone needs to understand that you have an intentional culture that they must knowingly reinforce with every action. Yes, tech skills are foundational but equally important are the soft skills that cause a customer and community to say nice things about the people. Fixing

it right the first time is expected. That is what the homeowner is paying for. It is only noteworthy these days because so many don’t do it right the first time. It is the interpersonal connections that make your company occupy a soft spot in the homeowner’s heart. You know that stuff is getting complex and knowing how to diagnose and repair all this complex stuff requires training. Your techs must attend training provided by your distributors and manufacturers. It is not optional. I still hear techs that don’t kn ow what subcooling and superheat is--still using analog gauges, never having heard of measureQuick or a comparable use of Fieldpiece diagnostic equipment. The equipment takes money. The training takes money. Yes, and training takes time. You and your folks have to be on board to commit themselves to excellence. I know of one very large non-HVACR company that has a policy of, grow with us or leave us. No one, business owner or tech, can afford to be complacent. Your company has to lead with technical expertise in diagnosis and installation. OK, you may have to grow into this. As we said, equipment and training are expensive. Maybe you prioritize and schedule diagnostic equipment purchases. Maybe you prioritize and schedule training. Ultimately, everyone needs to have the competency level that is necessary to support your desired company reputation. Technical Excellence

News Magazine January 2026

There are so many sources of training, both in person and online. Not that many years ago, you had to travel across the country and pay a big fee. Today, your distributor offers affordable equipment specific training that also helps you get your required Continuing Education. Why is this important? Almost every time I visit a distributor’s tech rep, they are on the phone trying to help a dealer who does not have the information that is necessary to diagnose the problem.

to go to HVACR mechanical school to learn that. Training will save you money in time and callbacks. It is a no-brainer. As you can see, this article was focused on Refocusing. Gotta look at things — the way they are and the way you want them to be. Then you have to dedicate yourself and your people to claiming and being the brand you want to be. You can do it, but it will require some of your time over the holiday. Make a decision to Refocus and Rebrand-to improve what you are already doing or to do something different. The ball is in your court.

…they are on the phone trying to help a dealer who does not have the information that is necessary to diagnose the problem

The tech rep can only go through a list of possibilities depending on what the dealer finds out when they actually gather the symptoms. You wouldn’t call a doctor and say, “I have been tired and don’t want to get out of bed.” “ Been sweating at night and just feel really bad.” The doctor may ask, “What is your temperature?” If you say, “Really hot. I don’t have a thermometer, so I don’t really know but it is bad ?” Will he say, “Take two aspirin and call me in the morning?” Well , who knows. Maybe you need to go in for tests. Maybe you have a serious problem. Maybe, maybe, maybe. The doctor cannot properly diagnose and prescribe because he doesn’t have enough information. What information does he need? How does he know what information he needs to make the diagnosis? Well, he went to medical school to learn that and we need

Score

News Magazine January 2026

Table of Contents

18

Editorial

pg 2

Time for a Breather & Refocus

FEATURE STORY The Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future

pg 7

State, national, chapter news Repeat of Codes and Changes that Affect Fort Smith HVAC Contractors

PG 16

PG 21

Kirk’s Corner

Energy Talk Myths of Energy Savings — Tom Turner, Air Evangelist

PG 24

PG 30

Test Data: Where are the Solutions — Tom Turner, Air Evangelist

Education News Training Programs

PG 37

PG 38

Lunch & Learn : Link to Future & Past NewsMagazine : Link to Present & Past Continuing Education in Chapter Meetings

pg 30 PG 33 pg 36 PG 39 PG 40 pg 30 PG 33 pg 36 PG 41 PG 42

Business News

Health Insurance? Still Time to Enroll Stop Underpricing Repair Tickets (Ruth King)

Tech News

Why Triple Evacuation and Cold Weather Evacuation Don’t Work : Jim Bergmann PG 48 Coil Temperature Sensors: Thermostats vs Thermistors (Bryan Orr - HVAC School) PG 53 Upgrading Time & Temperature Defrost for Heat Pumps (Bryan Orr – HVAC School) PG 57

I’ve Done it This Way for 20 Years: That’s the Problem (Bryan Orr - HVAC School) PG

News Magazine 2026

Arkansas’ First and Only HVACR NewsMagazine

Going Someplace in 2026 Check out MemberDeals

It’s a service for Association members to reduce travel and entertainment costs. Check it out on the website at arhvacr.org Log in and scroll down to Member Advantages. At the bottom, click on the MemberDeals icon. Lots of potential savings are available and it only costs you your membership. What a deal — What a deal. You might save some money and maybe not. Won’t know till you check it out. Let us know your experience so we can improve or share.

arhvacr.org sign in Member Deals

Exclusive Members Only Check it out!

Membership Has Its Advantages

News Magazine January 2026

FEATURE STORY

WORTH YOUR TIME BUT IT WILL TAKE SOME TIME

This may well be the most insightful, positive, yet almost uncertain view of our industry in — well a very long time. We thank Bryan Orr and HVAC School for Techs by Techs for his musings of the past, painful honesty of the present, and hopefulness for the future. Bryan’s the man. We encourage you to read the WHOLE THING and think about what kind of an industry and career you really want. As the Association works to bring consistency to education and a plan for your career advancement and personal satisfaction, let’s work together to make 2026 the best ever for you and your family.

The Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future There have been many adaptations of A Christmas Carol over the years, but it all started with a novella written by Charles Dickens in the 1840s. It was early in the Victorian Era, fresh off the heels of the Industrial Revolution. The British were reflecting on past Christmas traditions, like caroling, and exploring new ones with their newfound economic prosperity, sending Christmas cards and decorating trees. They were at a point where they could choose how to spread the Christmas spirit. Dickens took this opportunity to explore the turning point of a man named Ebenezer Scrooge: to continue down the same ruinous path as his dead business partner or leave behind his miserly ways and embrace the spirit of giving.

HVAC, too, always seems to find itself in major changes — sometimes because the government tells us we have to, and other times because broader societal trends influence the trades. The industry often

News Magazine January 2026

FEATURE STORY

finds itself at a crossroads, whether in terms of adopting a new refrigerant, new business practices, or new technology in general. Sometimes, it seems like we have no choice but to adapt, but sometimes, we do have the power to recognize where a path will lead and make a change for the better. No, this isn't my latest hairbrained scheme to get as many people aboard the R-290 Monobloc Heat Recovery Chiller Express as I can. I want us to think about where we've come from as an industry and avoid becoming a ghost of our former selves, bound by the chains of private equity and a technological race to the bottom. And who better to show us than the Ghosts of HVAC Past, Present, and Future ( or HVAC Yet to Come, if you want to get fancy)? The Ghost of HVAC Past is a curious creature. Some say it looks like a 7-SEER split air conditioner that dehumidifies like a champ. Others have reported sightings of a mercury thermostat with the ol' reliable heat anticipator. In any case, it looks ancient and REALLY good for its age. This ghost is familiar with the old-timer ethos forged in a time before A2Ls, EEVs, and communicating thingamajigs: beer can cold, RTFM from a heavily processed dead tree, venting refrigerant, and never flowing nitrogen while brazing. Old-timers are a different breed, still around in some The Ghost of HVAC Past The Old-Timer Ethos to Remember

circles but becoming scarce as sunny beaches and pensions call their names. They have sharp mechanical intuition and know how to make things work using just their hands, brains, and a little grit. Online resources were scarce (if they existed at all), and there was certainly no ChatGPT.

HVAC technicians of the past knew how to be resourceful and rapidly gained experience by putting their hands on systems. They put in reps and had many chances to hone their craftsmanship. The emphasis on hands-on work made it easy for many of them to become really dang good at their jobs. ... But Skills Were a Product of the Times Trades knowledge in the HVAC past was highly practical, and the techs and installers knew how to do things very well. However, that knowledge was also specifically tailored to the systems of the

News Magazine January 2026

FEATURE STORY

times. There was a limited understanding of the chemistry that informs many of our current best practices. There was less need to pull deep vacuums or flow nitrogen while brazing back in the day because we used chlorine-based refrigerants (CFCs and HCFCs). CFCs and HCFCs used mineral oil, which didn't attract water, turn to acid, or scrub cupric oxide off the tubing walls and gunk up filter-driers and valve screens.

Field practices must be supported by theory and an understanding of why . Getting in the reps helps, but it's not enough to understand how HVAC systems work and give customers the best possible comfort. The Ghost of HVAC Present looks like a jolly giant VRF system. It has at least three heads of varying capacities tied to a single outdoor unit. Some might find it intimidating and mistake it for a monster. Others make friends with it quite easily. (*Everybody collectively looks at Roman Baugh.*) Nowadays, we don't just have HVAC systems that turn on and off; we have compressors that can modulate to meet different load conditions (whether we set them up to do it effectively in humid climates is another matter entirely). We have fan speeds that can change. We have controllers that send signals between indoor and outdoor units to adjust their performance. Heck, we have heat pumps that work very well in Maine and even Norway , thanks to improved system and equipment design. We also have better tools: digital tools with fine resolution, probes that let us see refrigerant pressure and temperature readings on our phones 20 feet away, and apps that point out the red flags in our measurements. HVAC technicians are no The Ghost of HVAC Present Tools and Tech The tools and HVAC equipment have evolved a lot in the last decade or two.

As the industry has evolved, many of the practices that were fine twenty, thirty years ago are no longer so. Flowing nitrogen while brazing and pulling a deep vacuum is a MUST because of the POE oil used by HFCs and HFO blends. Beer can cold no longer cuts it for superheat (and really never did, but who doesn't still grab the suction line?). Simply knowing to feel for a certain temperature is no longer good enough; we need to know how to use P-T charts and understand what superheat and subcooling really signify to avoid making mistakes while charging (or blaming a perfectly fine TXV).

News Magazine January 2026

FEATURE STORY

longer just limited to installing and fixing boxes. They can become building engineers with access to the right resources (and excellent educators) and widely available blower doors, duct leakage testers, and precision manometers.

What is bad is sacrificing integrity in the pursuit of sales. We can use data to drive sales; if a customer has comfort problems and requests a Manual J load calculation, we can sell them a properly sized system. We make a sale to feed our families (or pay our employees so they can feed theirs), and the customer gets better comfort in return. when people don't understand how to solve problems and push "solutions" that do very little to help and may actually worsen the customer's situation. Selling a bigger HVAC unit without offering to investigate the structure or perform a load calculation when a customer complains about a muggy home is a prime example; there could be duct or building leakage making the house feel muggy, and a larger unit is just going to have shorter runtimes (and reduced dehumidification), which makes the problem worse. And what does that say about the industry? One bad actor (or poorly informed HVAC practitioner) is just going to inform the opinions of their dissatisfied customers. But when we have several people (or private equity buyers) who put the almighty dollar above thorough diagnostics, education, and genuine customer care, there comes a point where the general public can't trust the industry. There are many great people out there who do things the right way and educate others to commission and diagnose HVAC However, the issue is

We can optimize comfort in ways that most HVAC technicians in the past might never have thought. Equipment has gotten better at load matching, we have many great industry resources (from organizations like ACCA and NCI to individual educators like Craig Migliaccio and Ty Branaman), and we have information available at our fingertips. However, all these improvements also pave the way for vices to emerge...

The Rise of a Sales-Driven Culture

First of all, sales aren't bad. Wanting to earn money to secure a better life for yourself and your family is perfectly fine.

News Magazine January 2026

FEATURE STORY

systems when workmanship cheapens across the board, in part accelerated by the pursuit of profit (or debt repayment) over best practices, things start to look bleak. I think this is the part where a hooded ghost that doesn't talk points at a tombstone with something like a gauge manifold on it. That's a bit melodramatic, but there is indeed a grave consequence to workmanship and education taking a backseat to sales. In recent years, we've seen more HVAC businesses get bought out by private equity firms. In fact, it's such a well known issue in the industry that Forbes reported on it last year. These buyouts often cause those firms to go into debt in the short term while they hold out for greater long-term profits — how do they pay off that debt quicker? Raising prices, pushing sales over repairs, and cutting corners. And why invest in the technicians' training when it comes with an upfront cost? Why teach them to repair when a replacement is much more lucrative? Those moves only accelerate the race to the bottom in terms of education, skill, and craftsmanship. When technicians don't have a company that's willing to invest in their training, they don't have a chance at doing their jobs well. Sure, some technicians could take it upon themselves to find those resources properly. But The Ghost of HVAC Yet to Come Private Equity Buyouts

themselves, but therein lies another rising problem...

Reading Interruption:

Did He nail this right or what?

Sorry — Read On

Dependency on Tech and AI

AI has become a huge part of the industry within the last couple of years, and it has many good uses. AI is great at detecting patterns, so it's great when we apply it to commercial controls and manage runtimes for energy efficiency, assist with troubleshooting, and more. On the business side, it can help organize information and automate drumbeat tasks, to some extent, which gives us more time to do the tasks that make a difference (and that we enjoy). However, it is NOT good at teaching hands-on skills or solving very specific, niche problems — and many people use it to get quick and easy answers or solutions. How can you expect to learn how to dial in superheat with pressure probes by reading an amalgamation of text from a mix of free educational resources, forums, and who knows where else? How are you supposed to learn how to troubleshoot a commercial system with advanced controls — which are often highly customized and for which there is very little publicly available literature — by asking ChatGPT to spit out an answer?

News Magazine January 2026

FEATURE STORY

A Loss of Pride, Identity, and Quality

When HVAC companies become investments rather than service providers and critical thinking is sacrificed for a quick and easy solution in all segments of the industry, what's left to take pride in? Service, diagnostics, manufacturing, and tech support all suffer from this cheapening while prices continue to climb. Customers take out their frustrations on techs, even when the issue is way above them. Does anyone want to do a job they can't take pride in?

Unfortunately, a good chunk of the upcoming generation of workers has already used AI heavily to write essays and solve problems in school — not just to organize information but to outsource the creative problem-solving and critical thinking parts as well. Those two things are non-negotiable for good HVAC techs, and we reinforce them each time when we put our hands on systems and seek out the bulletins and manuals we specifically need to solve a problem. And what happens when fewer people understand the systems on the market and can't write useful product literature to assist with problem-solving? Fewer people have what it takes to do the work.

If we continue down this path, then in fifty-some years (if it even takes that long), there may be no such thing as an expert — just dull parts-changers who do what they can to get by. In this future, there is no artistry in the install anymore, as the systems are no longer built or maintained to last. There is no tech support question that's worthy of human attention and can't be answered by a chatbot that may

News Magazine January 2026

FEATURE STORY

or may not give you the answer you're looking for. There's no reason to find the same professional pride in a blue-collar work ethic. What satisfaction is there in solving a problem when everything is "easy" and doesn't last? What kind of life is that, and who would willingly be part of it? Nevertheless, those questions sink, collapse, and dwindle down into bedposts, and when we awaken, we realize... Luckily for us, the grim image of HVAC yet to come is the HVAC that may be, not the HVAC that will be. Just like Scrooge on Christmas morning, we know there's still time to choose a better future for the trade. Treat HVAC Businesses as a Way of Life, Not an Investment While HVAC businesses are a means of making money and providing for our families, they also provide for communities. Would you rather be the one doing a service for your neighbors, or would you rather have a large company do it and provide substandard service? When technicians are the ones who own their businesses, they are connected to the community, and that's what humans are wired for anyway — connection . We do need money to survive, but isn't there something to be said about earning money while providing value to the community? Particularly when the The Time Before Us Is Our Own

alternative is walking away with a bunch of money from a private equity investor who will jack up prices and push sales over workmanship?

A lot of industry leaders and educators own their HVAC businesses and have specialized in some area of building performance or consultation. That's their path to continuous improvement, and it would be great for more people to follow in their footsteps: master fundamentals, and then open up your service offerings. This is the way to upward mobility within companies: give apprentices a solid foothold and then commit to education to build their skills and grow into specialized roles that suit them. Maybe those techs will stay with your company and train the new blood, or maybe they'll work for another company (or start their own!) and bring their skills with them. No matter where they end up, they've been trained with the commitment to craftsmanship and best practices that our industry thrives on.

News Magazine January 2026

FEATURE STORY

Get Young People Interested in the Trades And then there's the question of where we get apprentices to train in the ways of craftsmanship and best practices. Look no further than the upcoming generation. Many young people simply aren't aware of opportunities in the skilled trades — or the joy of working with their hands. Shop class is nowhere near as prevalent as it once was, so students are not getting the exposure to hands-on crafting and problem-solving that they once had. Groups like the GRIT Foundation are working to change that. We've worked with contractors around the country to run day camps where middle and high schoolers receive a set of plans for an assembly they need to build using carpentry, plumbing, and electrical skills. The mentors who guide the students don't answer questions directly; we train them to use the Socratic method to get students to think about things like why we use PVC for some pipes and copper for others, why and when we use different fastener types, and why electrical circuits have a switch, load, and power supply. The purpose is to get children to feel the joy of working with their hands and solving a puzzle in a safe, controlled environment while they build their skills. When we get people excited about opportunities in the trades (and what their hands and minds are REALLY capable of) and make sure HVAC businesses are run by actual tradespeople, the future looks a lot

brighter. The industry stays sustainable; although prices do depend on economic trends, they can at least reflect the quality of our labor more than massive private equity debts. And tomorrow's future looks brighter when we have the professional pride to evangelize the value of the trades with each and every service call, GRIT Camp, career day, or wherever else. Of course, that's pretty idealistic. But if enough people reflect on who we are and what people really value, just like Ebenezer Scrooge, we can stand together to create a better future that is enhanced by technology and the times but not totally reliant on it. We must remember that blue-collar ethos, pair it with the technology of today, and consider tomorrow's apprentices. Merry Christmas. In the words of Tiny Tim, who indeed lived when Scrooge had his change of heart: God bless us, every one. Become part of the solution and future of the HVACR industry in your community and state. Join the Arkansas HVACR Association to stay up on technology, legislation, and regulation. Click Here to Join.

News Magazine November 2025

FEATURE STORY

intended to encourage manipulation of others but to recognize importance and a job well done. It may not seem like a lot of money but it says we appreciate you. Yet, our folks need motivation and appreciation. Maybe a company could adopt an attitude of appreciation expressed in food. 1. Taking pizza to a new construction job site 2. Bringing biscuit sandwiches or donuts into the morning kick off 3. Giving a dinner out for noted service 4. Giving a gift card to an ice cream shop so they can take their kids without straining their budget 5. A gift card as an anniversary present — make that man a hero and provider 6. Birthday card and a gift card for the kids on their birthday. There are lots of ideas that will build a sense of family and appreciation and the study shows that Food is a Motivator. OK, you may not bite into this at first but give it some thought. It may be just what the motivation chef ordered. Thanksgiving is Coming

How to Motivate A recent article in Arkansas Business was interesting, amazing, yet sort of “thought so”. It quoted Harvard Business review and a study by University of South Florida. Seems that-- Food is a Motivator Frontline employees like cashiers and retail clerks value perks like food and outings. “Turns out, free meals and events like happy hours or company picnics go a long way in inspiring workers to deliver better service.” Food and social programs helped employees feel more valued and develop a greater sense of loyalty. The benefit to the company was better service and higher sales. How does this tie into the HVACR industry? My first thought was that our folks are not cashiers or retail clerks; but then I thought, aren’t we? We’re diagnosing problems, serving comfort and refrigeration, handling customer wants and frustrations, and collecting for a job well done. Actually, everyone in our industry is a frontline employee with significant interaction with the homeowner or business. Answering the phone, setting schedules, knocking on the door, explaining the problem and solution, preparing and presenting the quote, completing the job, giving the bill, collecting for the call, and following up on the customer’s satisfaction. Yes, yes, we are all frontline. OK, once again, how do we use the conclusion of this study to our industry. What was the conclusion of the study? We are motivated by food. Yep. We’re motivated by food. By the way, this is not

I am Motivated

HVACR NewsMagazine January 2026

State National Chapter News

This article by Dennis Curry, Fort Smith Mechanical Inspector, is a repeat from the November issue. It gives contractors in the River Valley great insight into making sure their installs meet basic code. Sometimes it takes hearing or reading things more than once for it to “ sink in ” so we ’ re taking the second time to say, “ Hey, did you know … .? ” Even if you are not installing within the Fort Smith jurisdiction, it gives us all the opportunity to remind ourselves of the basics. Happy Reading Again

Codes and Changes that Affect Fort Smith HVAC Contractors

To Fort Smith Builders, Contractors, Owners

4- Commercial (multifamily) has the same code requirements on indoor air handlers, furnaces as residential on what can be in the return air plenum or duct. (see #2) 5- Dryer vents under slab can only be ran in PCD pipe (polyvinyl coated Ductwork) or 26 gauge metal in 2 inches of concrete with 3 mil plastic wrap around concrete, and come up in 6 inch wall to a dryer box. If dryer is ran up wall it needs to be 28 gauge start in a dryer box and not be oval or deflected must stay 4 inch round start to finish. If straight back through wall to outside then can be 28 gauge but no dryer box is required. All termination kits for dryers must be metal. 2021 IMC 504 6- Line sets running on the outside surface of residential or commercial buildings must be in a line set cover to within 6 feet of the equipment it connects to. 7- Commercial duct thickness starts at 28gauge (up to 10inch) and goes up, Residential duct starts at 28 gauge and goes thicker as it gets larger. 2021 IMC Chapter 6 8- If a house is going to be foam then the inspector needs to know on rough in, there are different requirements for fresh and make up air, as well as on type of furnaces and requirements for combustion. 9- If you are foaming a Commercial building and the foam is not encapsulated then a 15 minute vapor barrier (intumescent) is required on any exposed

There are many new mechanical codes and changes that the State HCAVR Division and the State Mechanical Inspectors have advised our city staff of. The City of Fort Smith Mechanical Inspection Staff is trying to make everyone aware of them. Here are some of the major changes that effect construction and remodels so that everyone is on the same page. 1- Drains for HVACR equipment cannot go to sanitary sewer. Some can drain in grassy areas while others will need to go to storm or French drains areas. City of Fort Smith ORD 25-207 2- You can no longer have combustibles in the return on residential construction. This includes underside of platforms if used, water heaters, drains, electric, pumps, etc. If the unit is located in the garage or closet accessed through the garage then insulated metal (26 gauge) will have to be used as the return and metal (26 gauge) will be run through the sidewall, ceiling, floor from garage area then 28 gauge metal or flex can be ran after that point. If located inside the house surrounded by conditioned air then you can line it with sheetrock, duct board, or metal and seal. 2021 IMC 602, 2021 IBC 703.5 3- When setting condensers outside in front of electric (service, disconnects, meter bases) or windows and doors used for emergency egress you must maintain 36 inches of clearance.

HVACR NewsMagazine January 2026

State National Chapter News

Dennis Curry, Mechanical Inspector for Fort Smith was the guest host on the October 2025 Lunch & Learn. Very informative covering much of what appears in this article. He was also a guest speaker at the Fort Smith HVACR Association Chapter in September. The local chapter welcomes his thoroughness and support of contractors in the Fort Smith service area. Click on the following link to view the Lunch & Learn on YouTube.

foam. (Attic areas and exposed areas) must meet 25 flame 50 smoke rating.

10- All primary drain terminations must be marked in green. (Tape, paint, etc.) 2021 IMC section 307

11- All condensate drains will have a clean out before the trap. 2021 IMC section 307

12- On existing equipment change outs, the equipment cannot set on a wood platform, it must either have

metal it sits on or a filter base installed separate from the equipment that it sits on. Then seal the existing platform, and all penetrations. 13- Sediment traps are required after shutoff on gas lines at all equipment using gas. This is new construction and change outs. 2018 AFGC 408.4 14- Disconnects are required for air handlers. Can no longer use the breakers in the air handler as a means of disconnect. 2021 NEC 424.19 (A)

October 13 2025 YouTube

15- Ft. Smith has an ordinance that prevents gas flex to be used outside. 6-243 (17)

16- Summit Energy (AOG) requires 36 inches around there meters clearance from electrical components, equipment, and openings back into building.

It Got Hot In Arkansas

Any questions please contact:

Dennis Curry, Mechanical Inspector (479) 784 2238 Dcurry@fortsmithar.gov Darrell Reynolds, Mechanical Inspector (479) 784-2249 darrell.Reynolds@fortsmithar.gov

http://www.edssupply.com/arkansas

5% Energy Resource Conservation Loans

A Touchstone Energy® Partner

• No down payment • Low 5% interest • Up to 84 months to pay • Write one check for your payment and electric bill

• No early payment penalty • Low hassle loan application Call Southwest Arkansas Electric Member Service Department 800-782-2743

SUMMARY OF ERC LOAN PROGRAM Southwest Arkansas Electric Cooperative Energy Resource Conservation (ERC) Loan Program provides low cost financing for high efficiency heat pumps and other energy conservation improvements needed to make your home energy efficient. With approved credit and completion of the home survey, SWAECC will loan up to $5,000 per member per residential structure at 5% interest for up to 84 months. These loans are to finance energy conservation measures including heat pumps (including water source), caulking, weather stripping, insulation, storm or thermal doors and windows, etc. Loans for more than $5,000 will need Board of Director approval. Loans which do not include a heat pump will be limited to $3,000. To qualify, all conservation measures must save enough energy within 10 years to pay for the improvements. Payback estimates are determined by the Cooperative's Home Survey. Because loan funds are limited, loans will be made on a first come, first served basis. QUALIFICATIONS To qualify for the loan the member must have a good credit history with Southwest Arkansas Electric Cooperative and a good national credit rating. A three-member loan committee will check the member's credit before approving the loan. Loans will only be made for existing homes or buildings. The program is not for homes under construction. Also, property must be owned by the member. The cooling capacity of the heat pump should not exceed 125% of the calculated design load. The heat pump must also meet minimum efficiency ratings to qualify. The SEER rating must be 14.0 or above and the HSPF must be 8.0 or higher. All duct work, including all supply and return air duct work, must be installed with a minimum of 2" duct insulation or rigid fiberglass board and must be sized properly for noise reduction and air flow. HOME SURVEY Before a loan can be made, a home energy survey must be completed. This is a questionnaire concerning the existing and proposed energy efficiency of the property . CONTACT YOUR DEALER We advise but do not require you to contact more than one qualified dealer or contractor for cost estimates to install a heat pump and making other improvements such as storm windows or insulation if they are advised. To qualify for the ERC Loan, the unit must be installed by a member of the Arkansas HVACR Association. SUBMIT APPLICATION FOR ERC LOAN Complete and return the credit application, and the credit check authorization form in this brochure. Your application will be submitted to our loan committee for consideration, and we will notify you in writing of their decision. Once your credit is approved, we will need a copy of the deed to your property for proof of ownership and a legal description. The cooperative will file a lien on the proper-ty to secure the loan. A one-time fee of $30 will be charged to cover the cost of placing and releasing the property lien PROCESSING LOAN DOCUMENTS Upon completion of the work, a serviceman will inspect it. When the invoice is received and the inspection is complete, we will make an appointment for you to come to our Texarkana office to sign the loan papers and have them notarized. All checks will be two-party checks made out to both you and the contractor or contractors. NOTE : Cost of equipment and installation are to be negotiated between you and your contractor. You will be responsible for getting the invoices to us for processing and making payment to your contractor. A two-party check will be written to both you and the dealer . Sign the check only after work is completed.

ARHVACR NewsMagazine January 2026

S tate, National, Chapter News State national Chapter News

Kirk’s Corner Installation Best Practices for High Efficiency Furnaces Avoiding Common Pitfalls for HVAC Contractors High-efficiency furnaces (90%+ AFUE) continue to gain market share across Arkansas as homeowners look for lower operating costs and improved comfort. While these systems offer clear advantages, they also introduce installation complexities that can lead to premature failures, safety concerns, or costly callbacks if not handled correctly. This article outlines best practices for HVAC contractors, focusing on the most common problem areas: PVC venting, condensate management, and proper sizing and airflow in increasingly tight homes.

Best Practices • Use

manufacturer approved materials only: Not all PVC is equal. Schedule 40 PVC is common, but some manufacturers require CPVC or polypropylene in specific applications. Always follow the installation manual. • Maintain proper slope: Vent pipes must slope back toward the furnace (typically ¼ inch per foot) to allow condensate to drain safely. Improper slope can lead to frozen vents in Arkansas winters or water accumulation in low spots. • Limit vent length and elbows: Exceeding maximum equivalent vent length reduces combustion air flow and causes pressure switch issues. Count every elbow — especially in retrofit installs. • Terminate correctly for Arkansas conditions: Avoid low termination points where heavy rain, snow, or landscaping can obstruct airflow. Sidewall terminations should be clear of shrubs and positioned to avoid recirculation of exhaust gases.

1. PVC Venting: More Than “Just Pipe”

Unlike 80% furnaces that rely on metal flue venting, high-efficiency units use PVC, CPVC, or polypropylene venting systems. Improper vent installation can cause startup failures and nuisance lockouts.

ARHVACR NewsMagazine January 2026

S tate, National, Chapter News State national Chapter News

2. Combustion Air: Sealed Homes Change the Rules

Best Practices •

Install a corrosion-resistant drain system: Use PVC or vinyl tubing rated for acidic condensate. Avoid metal components downstream of the trap. • Provide proper trap configuration: A missing or improperly installed trap can cause flue gas leakage or drainage problems. • Use condensate neutralizers when required: Particularly important when draining into septic systems or older cast iron plumbing. • Protect against freezing: Route condensate lines through conditioned space whenever possible and insulate exposed sections. Oversizing remains a persistent issue, especially when replacing older equipment. High-efficiency furnaces must be sized correctly to deliver expected performance. Perform a Manual J load calculation: Do not rely on the size of the existing furnace. Improved insulation, windows, and air sealing can significantly reduce heating loads. • Account for Arkansas' climate zones: While winters are mild, cold snaps do occur. Proper sizing Best Practices • 4. Furnace Sizing: Oversizing Is Still a Persistent Issue

Many Arkansas homes — especially new construction and remodeled properties — are far tighter than older homes. High-efficiency furnaces are sealed-combustion appliances, but incorrect intake placement can still cause problems. Best Practices • Maintain separation between intake and exhaust: Follow manufacturer minimum distances to prevent flue gas re-entrainment. • Avoid attic or crawlspace contamination: Ensure combustion air intakes are not pulling in insulation dust, pesticides, or moisture — common issues in crawlspace installations across the state. • Inspect gaskets and connections: Small intake leaks can trigger pressure switch faults and reduce efficiency.

3. Condensate Management: The Silent System Killer

High-efficiency furnaces produce acidic condensate that must be handled properly. In Arkansas’ humid climate, condensate-related failures are common.

ARHVACR NewsMagazine January 2026

S tate, National, Chapter News State national Chapter News

Best Practices • Perform full combustion and operational checks. • Verify pressure switch operation. • Confirm temperature rise is within manufacturer specifications. • Educate homeowners on filter maintenance and condensate drains. deliver excellent performance when installed correctly — but they demand precision. For HVAC contractors, success depends on attention to venting details, condensate drain line management, accurate sizing, and airflow verification. By following manufacturer instructions and applying best practices tailored to Arkansas’ climate and homes, contractors can reduce callbacks, protect their reputation, and ensure homeowners receive the efficiency and comfort they expect. Final Takeaway High-efficiency furnaces

balances short-run efficiency with adequate cold-weather capacity. • Avoid “just in case” oversizing: Oversized furnaces short cycle, reduce efficiency, increase wear, and create comfort complaints.

5. Airflow and Duct System Compatibility

High-efficiency furnaces — especially those with variable-speed ECM blowers — require properly designed duct systems to operate as intended.

Best Practices •

Verify total external static pressure (TESP): Many systems fail not because of the furnace, but because ducts are undersized or restrictive. • Seal and insulate ducts: Leaky ductwork undermines efficiency gains and increases humidity issues common in Arkansas homes. • Set blower profiles correctly: Match airflow settings to heating stages and duct design to prevent noise, poor comfort, and limit-switch trips.

Need information on Rebates? Contact Kirk at tpierce@summitutilities.com

6. Commissioning and Documentation

Proper startup and documentation reduce callbacks and protect contractors.

HVACR NewsMagazine January 2026

Energy Talk

Myths of Energy Savings

undampened venting, and defects in framing or general construction, and is on the way out of your home. Most everyone knows about duct sealing, but less of the population understand the mechanics of home construction that allows air to penetrate the air barrier. A continuous boundary must be maintained around, over and under if basements or crawl spaces exist. The boundary will slow temperature, air infiltration and moisture migration at minimal levels. Gaps and cracks and mechanical dampers allow air flow through the structure. Misaligned air and insulation barriers generally occur due to framing inconsistency that makes it difficult to maintain those lines of defense. If changing out the mechanical system (AC and or Heating System) or making other decisions for construction or energy conservation measures and the home has never had a blower door analysis performed, it may be best to have the test performed. The blower door analysis utilizes a mechanical fan to depressurize the home to simulate a twenty-mile an hour wind (negative 50 pascals) from all sides of the home. Ratings are measured Air Changes per Hour or ACH. The test is inexpensive, and some contractors will waive the test fees if they do the equipment upgrade. This process will take guesswork out of the existing structure. Either way it is an important part of understanding the efficiency of the home you live in. A home built in the 2012 to 2015 era will fall in a range of 3 to 4 ACH. It is not uncommon for older homes single or multi floor to have an ACH of 7 or more. Passive homes (very efficient) are required to achieve a .06 ACH. Unrealized air leakage is the number one issue that causes oversizing

Tom Turner, Air Evangelist

Facts vs. Sales Quotas Our world rotates with sales of some sort or another. When you have something to sell, it’s easy to massage facts to your advantage. Some do so willingly, but most of the time the sales folks are clueless and simply pass on less than accurate sales information, slanted to make products appear valuable. This short paper is to remind us all whether a builder, contractor, technician, homeowner or realtor where sales tactics and facts are separated. A word on solar No matter what your persuasion with green energy or fossil fuel, it is best to be sure your home is as efficient as possible prior to adding energy saving measures. Particularly solar energy. Why? You might see a reduction in utility usage, but you may never see benefit from solar as far as a return on your investment. Solar on older homes may only be a backup for only a few hours or up to a couple of days. You can spend tens of thousands of dollars, and the result may be as futile as Don Quixote fighting windmills. Undoubtedly the future holds many surprises, and affordable storage in a compact footprint may be on the horizon. Importance of envelope air sealing Have you ever opened your front door on a breezy day to have a gush of air hit you in the face? That rush of air is demonstrative of the quantity of air that has found its way into the home by way of

HVACR NewsMagazine January 2026

Energy Talk

HVAC equipment. A quarter inch gap, the width of a door allowing attic air into the envelope can make all the difference in HVAC performance. The next time you have the opportunity, switch your central fan on then hold the back of your hand next to your kitchen sink cabinet or lavatory doors. You will likely feel air pulled from the wall via the plumbing space open to the attic. When we are uncomfortable in our homes, the first thing we blame is the HVAC system. Insulation upgrades While insulation is a quick way to drive down energy consumption, each individual home should be evaluated correctly. Homes should have the insulation levels reviewed every fifteen to twenty years or more often if work has been done in the attic. Electrical upgrades or repair, communication cabling, duct modification or repair or even having a new roof installed can degrad insulation values to a great degree. Rodent infestation can destroy insulation values in short order. New insulation value is measured by calculating R Value per inch of the installed products. Various products will have differing values making it important to select products carefully. Over time and left undisturbed, insulation will settle with the help of gravity and air flow in ventilated attics. Another point is the fact that measuring performance of insulation is not a linear calculation. If I insulate a room that is 10’ x 10’ to a R -30 value, and it has an attic access hatch of 24” x24”, (4% of the ceiling space) and I fail to insulate the hatch, the effective R value of the entire room is degraded to R-17. That is a reduction of almost 50% just by

missing a small quantity. Another example: If we measure overall performance of a home of 1500 square feet, with an R-30 attic and it has a 300 square foot living room ceiling that is inaccessible and insulated to R-13, the most the home can be improved without major reconstruction is approximately an R-17. For clarification if you were to perform one single action to increase efficiency for your home, you would be sure no thermal bypasses exist and then add insulation provided it was below R 25, which is about 8 to 10 inches of existing insulation depending upon the type. If you want to take an educated guess at your existing values, simply measure the insulation at the lowest point and multiply by 2. 8 inches of fiber glass insulation will give a little over an R-16. Thermal bypasses are areas of construction that allow attic heat beneath upper floors or in-between walls. If improvements are done that require a permit, you may be requested to meet current insulation code requirements. When it comes to adding foam to better insulate, please refer to the paragraph titled Foam as an upgrade below. Window upgrades Window upgrades are most often sold with bold claims of energy savings. Technically the claims are valid as energy savings are related to window types and models, especially when you compare old windows to new windows. The fact is, “ windows make terrible walls.” For this reason, windows do not use the same terminology when measuring efficiency as walls do. Wall construction efficiency value is advertised by R Value, and