Arkansas HVACR NewsMagazine November 2019

News Magazine November, 2019

Arkansas’ First and Only HVACRNewsMagazine

Another example of “Why we need continuing education.”

Five Things You Must Review Monthly pg 14 • profit & loss • balance sheet • accounts payable

Maumelle Firestation #2 Temporarily Closed 30 days and counting Due to Aspergillus Penicillium page 10

• accounts receivable • hill & valley account

Bill Kinnard Grandy Associates

Selling Comfort is Easy… …selling equipment is much harder Bob Gee Only 2 classes left See Page 3 for details Rogers & Camden

Time is Short Register Today

November 14 – Rogers February 6 -- Camden See page 3 for details

More Articles for fall: • Labor and Licensing Moving Forward Positively • Grills and The Hard Work They Do, Tom Turner • Ghost Voltage, Bryan Orr • Energy Code to be Reviewed • Cash’s Comments : Subcontractor Contracts • New Section : Unique Arkansas • Why an Energy Code

Reasonable

Suspicion

When drug testing is OK pg 32

ByArkansans

For Arkansans

Table of Contents

Chapter Meeting Schedule

PG 6

Editorial & Opinion HVACR Licensing Program Makes the Move

PG 8

PG 10

Maumelle Fire Station #2 Closed Due to Aspergillus Penicillium

State, national, chapter news Advanced Energy Industry Convenes for Conference at Clinton Library Business Five Financial Areas You Must Review Monthly by Bill Kinnard

PG 14

PG 18

PG 24

Energy Code to be Reviewed Why Building Energy Codes Carrier Recalls 5,800 Heat Pumps

PG 25

PG 27

PG 31

US Senators Introduce Bill to Phase Down HFCs

PG 32

Reasonable Suspicion Testing

PG 35

Subcontractor Contract Provisions from Cash’s Ins. Comments, Cash McMillen

Education News Let’s Quit Brainwashing the Kids That It’s a College Degree or Nothing

PG 39

PG 41

Training Programs from Jackson Systems

PG 43

Training Programs

Rebate Programs & Incentives

PG 48

Tech News

PG 51

Ghost Voltage by Bryan Orr Registers & Grills by Tom Turner

PG 57

Recipes, eateRies, Huntin’, FisHin’ & Fun

PG 64

Kim’s Breakfast Casserole

Unique Arkansas (New Section)

PG 65

Roten’s Furniture in Marshall

Fall is Here

Selling Comfort is Easy…

…selling equipment is much harder ATTN: Owners, managers, sales managers, salespeople and service technicians with responsibilities for selling equipment. Close more sales, make more money and create Lifetime Customers

In this workshop participants will learn how to,,, • Understand the customer’s decision-making process. • Match their selling process to the customer’s buying process. • Use a proven sales model that is easy to follow and produces high level results. • Build tools that will establish trust and credibility with the customer. • Develop and use a tool to determine the customer’s needs and wants. • Build value to match the customer’s investment. • Use the three magic words of selling… “you told me” to prevent objections and close the sale. • Close the sale by helping the customer buy what is in their best interest. The average closing rate for Salespeople selling residential HVAC equipment is in the range of 35% to 45 %. Yet, some salespeople exceed 70%. Why the difference? The more successful salespeople sell comfort…not equipment. They don’t just quote prices. They solve problems and fill customer’s needs. They understand that price is only one part of the customer’s decision-making process. They listen more than they talk. They understand the importance of establishing trust & credibility.

Bob Gee & AR HVACR Association Sales Workshop Class schedule : 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuition : $195 less $40 Discount *$155 Register at www.arhvacr.org or call 501-487-8655 Bob Gee has over 20 years of experience as a Sales and Management consultant to the HVAC industry. He has facilitated over 500 Sales Workshops in 47 states and Canada and is the creator of Certified Comfort Consultant™

Time is Short Register Today

November 14 -- Rogers Golden Corral 2605 W Pleasant Crossing Drive February 6 – Camden Ouachita Electric Cooperative 700 Bradley Ferry Road

Register at www.arhvacr.org or call 501-487-8655

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chapter meetings

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

November 26 February 25 March 24 April 28

Fort Smith Chaper 1 st Tuesday

November 5 December 3 January 7 February 4 March 3

5:30 Meal : 6:00 Program Location : Golden Corral 1801 S. Waldron Road Fort Smith

April 7 May 5

Hot Springs Chapter 1 st Thursday 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

November 12 February 11 March 10 April 14

February 27 March 26 April 23

chapter meetings

North East Chapter 3 rd Tuesday

November 19 February 18 March 17 April 21

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

North West Chapter 2 nd Thursday

November 14 February 13 March 12 April 9

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

November 7 February 6 March 5 April 2

South West / Texarkana 3 rd Thursday

November 21 February 20 March 19 April 16 Call for meeting Location

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

payment for their services—over $30,000 for their first three months. Oh, well, they siphoned over a million dollars out of the program for the past twelve years. Sorry that is another stump that I frequently mount with great indignation. So, you may have noticed that the entry graphic said, “Moving On Up.” Is that true? I must say that the program’s new nurturer is doing an excellent job. Frankly, that is much to my pleasant surprise. I had hoped we’d end up at the Contractor’s Licensing Board with the goal of bringing all the construction trades under that umbrella. It soon became apparent that our appeals were not really being considered and that the train had already left the station. Even so, we are being promised that nothing is finished until the “fat lady sings” and the goal today is to complete the transition and bring the program into the 21 st Century. (Those are my words.) So (again), how is the new Department doing? Concrete things are amazing: 1. Inspectors have been given smart phones. 2. Inspectors have been given laptops. 3. Inspectors will be able to pull up the status of a contractor and registrants to determine if they are currently licensed. 4. The meetings are being broadcast via Zoom so Board Members in the far reaches of the

HVACR Licensing Program

Makes the Move July 1, 2019, was the official date that the HVACR Licensing Program made the transition from the Health Department to the newly formed Department of Labor and Licensing. Of course, there was no official line that the inspectors and others crossed over on that date. It took in depth coordination between the two agencies and lots of patience and persistence on the part of the Program’s staff. The chief inspector and a field inspector retired on that date which left the program without important leadership. It wasn’t until October 1, that the umbilical cord was cut and the Department of Labor and Licensing took full control. Even four months after the official change, the Department of Health is still managing the licensing aspects of the program and getting notable

State can attend without spending an entire day in travel and meeting. 5. The territories will be re-shaped based on demonstrated need. 6. The goal is to implement online license renewal in 2020. Now lest you blow these things off as unimaginative and something that should have been done long ago--- You Are Right. They should have been done long ago. The HURRAY is that it only took the new Department three months to accomplish or put it into motion. Much of this credit can go to Lindsay Moore, the new Section Manager. (That’s right, our program is no longer a department but a Section. Not sure why but who cares as long as they keep moving the program toward a better job of serving Arkansans by serving the HVACR industry.) and demonstrated a commitment to the “Section” that gives the Board more than hope. Not to put words in their mouths, but it seems that there is an optimism for the future. Frankly, that is all because of Mr. Moore’s openness and specific actions that are making the program more effective. Obviously, there is still much to do but I do want to applaud Cabinet Secretary, Daryl Basset; Director, Ralph Hudson; Section Manager Lindsay Moore; and Staff Attorney, Denise Oxley. These four will guide our future and are working Lindsay has voiced

for the benefit of the program and Arkansans.

Of course, I want more and would make these suggestions:

1. Broadcast the Board Meetings so the public can “tune in.” 2. Apply for a pay upgrade for our inspectors. 3. Replace the field inspector that retired in July. 4. Consider replacing at least one other inspector position that was retired in past years. 5. Budget for our inspectors to attend ICC training meetings. 6. Work with the Association to Develop annual code update workshops for licensees in regions of the state, at least 11. 7. Allow and encourage inspectors to speak at civic groups, training programs, and Association Chapter meetings. 8. Require email addresses on renewals so a communication data base can be established. Our industry needs a comprehensive way to communicate code changes as well as updates. 9. Develop open communication and partnership with the Arkansas Energy Office as they work to update the Energy Code. 10. Begin the process of updating the Arkansas Mechanical Code. Implementation of these suggestions will earn respect from the industry and better serve Arkansans. We trust they will be taken seriously.

added off a trunk. It is located in the middle of the duct run rather than near the end. I could not determine if a return was added. Either way, there was precious little air available to allow for attic dehumidification. 3. The State and City Inspector pulled back insulation and found the duct had not been sealed or assembled according to code. Notice the following picture. “A” shows that the required tape or mastic was not used. “B” shows the elbow barely inserted into the pipe. The required screws were not used.

Maumelle Firestation # 2 Closed due to

Aspergillus Penicillium

OK, you live in Jonesboro, Texarkana, Bentonville, Camden, or Little Rock. Why should you care. Because it has to do with our industry—the HVACR industry. Maumelle fire house #2 is only three years old and suffers from the affects of poor design and installation of the HVAC system. Let’s look at the most obvious issues. 1. The building has an unventilated attic. It isn’t encapsulated in the same way we thing of foam sprayed on the roof deck. As with many commercial buildings, there is a layer of insulation on top of the rafters and beneath the metal roofing material. There is no soffit, rather the attic perimeter is sealed and insulated with fiberglass. The original design had no attic ventilation nor was there a provision for a supply and return.

“A” Required tape or mastic not used

“B” Pipe barely inserted and screws not used

4. When the inspectors examined the installation, there was condensation on the duct. 5. It appears that the condensate on a mini-split was stopped up or there was blow off moisture from the

2. In the original design there was no supply and return in the attic to provide dehumidification; however, about a 2 inch supply was

fan. This picture shows contamination on the cabinet of the unit and streak stains on the wall.

Contamination on unit cabinet

Streaks on the wall

So why was the fire station closed. Well, after mold was seen on a ceiling tile, a test was conducted. The test revealed Aspergillus Penicillium at 56,000. The maximum allowable is 1,200. At 46.6 times the allowable rate of Aspergillus Penicillium, Fire Chief Gerald Ezell closed the facility to protect the men and women who work out of that facility.

further so it will take a little longer. Remember! In their business, minutes count. How does all this apply to you and all the other HVAC contractors. Well, it is obvious that this contractor made some BAD mistakes; i.e., ductwork not mechanically fastened, properly sealed nor was the vapor barrier correct. (Something not previously mentioned but included in the inspection report.) These are all contributing to condensation and the potential growth of mold. It is not the HVAC contractors fault that some method of attic dehumidification was not in the original plans and, in fact, I am not sure it was on anyone’s radar three years ago. It certainly is now and that is when you are considering this article. The Association just wrapped up 7 sessions on “Is Your Duct Work Raining”, a talk about condensation on ductwork. We all have seen baby diaper insulation, condensation, and even puddles of water under duct work. 2019 seems to have been especially bad. Not to over simplify but we are experiencing the unintended consequences of construction successes; i.e., encapsulation and super high efficiency equipment. Our goal in these programs has been to get our contractors to realize that we have responsibility, both expressed and implied, to make sure the duct does not "sweat." One contractor said, "We are not responsible for all the conditions that create the problem." My response was, "That is

Ceiling tile that started the investigation Aspergillus Penicillium discovered

The big issue here isn’t that the building is temporarily closed and personnel are inconvenienced. The big issue is that emergency dispatch in that area of town is now delayed. Maybe not by much by our standards. Only a few minutes; but, how long does it take for someone to die of a heart attack when they need immediate emergency care. Would an extra 2, 3, or 4 minutes without oxygen to the brain matter? Obviously a rhetorical question. The Maumelle Fire Department will do their very best to serve that area of town previously served by the now closed station. It is a well run department serving the citizens of Maumelle; however, the last time I checked, they are still subject to the law of physics. They have to travel

absolute right but we do get blamed if the duct sweats." "If we put our systems in environments with conditions conducive to condensation, we have a responsibility to ameliorate, abate, and inform. We cannot install systems without regard to the whole of structural and living conditions." Let’s say it again, “This Ain’t Your Daddy’s HVAC Business Anymore.” Our industry—YOU—are expected to be the expert in VENTILATION. It’s in our name. We don’t design the dwelling or business. We don’t design the duct in commercial applications. We don’t determine the elevation under a house, the level of top soil and sod or the drainage from around the house. We don’t determine the sprinkler system watering the plants next to the house or the egress of water from the gutters. We don’t determine the ventilation in the crawl or attic. We don’t sell the foam for the encapsulation. BUT, let the duct sweat and you will take the blame whether it is your fault or not. Our industry, YOU, must become a consultant rather than an equipment seller and installer. Yes, we’ll still make our living by selling, installing, and servicing equipment; but, for your equipment to meet your customer’s expectations, you must know more than SEER, Beer Can Cold, and I’ve got the cheapest price. Let’s go back to Maumelle to close this out. The delay in the Fire Department’s ability to respond to an emergency in the area served by the

closed fire station illustrates the importance and seriousness of our industry. WHY code matters! WHY we need quality inspection procedures to ensure that our installs were done correctly! It is the responsibility of the owner to assure that their customers are in good hands. Our industry provides a service that is grounded, not just in comfort, but also in health and safety. Never take your trade lightly. I cannot close without going to continuing education one more time. This is a perfect example of why continuing education is needed. Continuing education is not a guarantee of health and safety but it is a defense against good folks making mistakes that can result in devastating situations. I hope that our Legislature, our Governor, and our new Leaders at the Labor and Licensing Department will consider mandating continuing education by regulation. That seemed to be the preference of the Public Health Committee in this past session. I hope that those responsible for the debacle at the Maumelle Fire House will remediate the problem and the area can again be serviced by a local station. I hope that it does not take a lost life due to a delay in response before our governing bodies realize that the HVACR industry is about health and safety and they (we) must be licensed and mandated to stay current with code and technology. Please, God, help us to serve our customers and to return their trust with an effective, safe system.

Business

month and then if needed, you need to make changes so you have a better chance of winning next month. Let’s take a look at these five areas.

Five Financial Areas You Must Review Monthly As a business owner, you are like the coach of a football team. For many, you’re in a game where no one is keeping score or stats. The guys are running play after play, but you only have an idea

Profit & Loss statement

You need to review your Profit and Loss each month. Run the report from a cash basis and turn on the previous year and dollar change. In QuickBooks, that means you will customize the

of how you’re doing but not exactly sure. At the end, there is no way of knowing if you won or lost the game. You have to wake up the next morning, check the

The NewsMagazine welcomes Bill Kinnard, President & CEO for Grandy Associates. Grandy Associates and Bill focus on training HVACR owners and their key employees financial, customer, & business services. You can contact Bill at 877-202-8891 or www.grandyassociates.com

report and make the changes as shown in the figure below.

As you look at each line item, don’t just celebrate the areas that are up and mourn the areas that are down. Instead, try to identify why it changed. What caused the increase in sales? What caused the decrease in subcontractor costs? If you don’t know what caused the change, you can’t replicate it. As you do this, you will find errors. Make note of these and fix them.

online scores to see what the final outcome was. If you lost that game, what can you do about it? Nothing. The game is over. For many business owners across the county, you’re coaching one game per year. You get to the end of the year and find out that you lost the game and you think “There is nothing I can do about it”. In reality, you are coaching 12 separate games – one each month. During each month, you have to keep stats and score. Then after each month, you need to review the tape and see what you need to change for next month. The tape is your financial reports. There are five different financial areas that you need to review each

Business

Identify those areas that need attention and those that we need to replicate.

majority of your payables in the first three columns. Keep lines of communication open with your suppliers to reduce strain on the relationship with them if you are past due. The receivables report is a list of who owes you money. Just like the payables report, this is a snapshot in time and shows you who owes you what as of the date that you are running the report. This report should have the same columns as your payables report. You want to keep the vast majority of your receivables in the first two columns. It’s difficult to keep your payables in the first three columns if your customers aren’t paying you. The Hill and Valley account could also be called your Rainy-day fund. What are the chances you are going to have a slow month coming up? My guess is pretty good. How are you going to maintain cash flow when there is no money coming in? Be intentional about creating and funding a Hill and Valley account. Make a payment into this account each month. Treat it like another loan or your rent payment. Make it a part of your budget. Be quick to make the payment and be slow to pull monies out. Your Hill and Valley account should be large enough to cover a couple months of fixed operating Accounts Receivable’s Hill and Valley Account

Balance Sheet

The balance sheet is broken down into three sections – Your assets, your liabilities, and your equities. Customize this report in the same way did for the Profit and Loss. The balance sheet is a snapshot in time. By itself, it doesn’t give you a sense of a trend. You will need to compare it to other months to get this story. Ask yourself the tough questions. Has your debt started to climb over the last few months? Have you paid off debt and now have more equity in the company? Have you been pulling too much money out of the company for its overall financial health? If you are reviewing things monthly, you will start to see this story unfold and make changes in course throughout the year. The payables report is a list of who you owe money to. This is a snapshot in time. It shows you where you are at as of the date that you run the report. The balance sheet had a line item for total payables. This report is the detail that makes up that total. A well laid out payables report should have columns for balances that are current, 1-30 days past due, 31-60 days past due, 61- 90 days past due and over 91 days. You want to keep the vast Accounts Payables

Business

expenses. It may take you a few years to get there but if you are intentional, it will happen. If you are diligent about reviewing your financials every month, they will tell you a story that you will not see by only looking at them occasionally. Be Intentional, make course corrections and watch your profits grow.

Owning a Business Is Easy Running One – That’s Another Story

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Advanced energy industry, policy

“We need a market-based process where new technology is phased in according to the price.” Ted Thomas, Chairman Arkansas Public Service Commission

makers convene for annual conference Katie Niebaum , Executive Director Arkansas Advanced Energy Association Little Rock – The level of activity at the Arkansas Public Service Commission is “exciting, bordering on chaos,” the Commission’s Chairman Ted J. Thomas jokingly told attendees of emPOWERing Arkansas 2019 , the Arkansas Advanced Energy Association’s 8th annual meeting and policy conference held October 8 th at Heifer International. The Commission is currently overseeing multiple regulatory proceedings with significant market implications for Arkansas’s advanced energy industry. In his remarks before the crowd of nearly 200 industry stakeholders – business leaders, utility executives and other government officials and staff members – Thomas described his vision of the “rules of the road of a new competitive market.” “We need a market-based process where new technology is phased in according to the price,” Thomas said. He also noted, “Entrepreneurs won’t play in a blind spot. We need visibility into the distribution system.” In addition to Thomas, AAEA’s annual conference featured several speakers addressing timely policy topics.

Karl R. Rábago, a former Texas Public Utilities Commissioner and regulatory consultant for AAEA, served as the keynote luncheon speaker. He called on Arkansas energy stakeholders to help “modernize the grid because we can get more out of it.” In separate remarks, Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment Becky W. Keogh noted that 32 projects have been executed or are under development through the Arkansas Energy Performance Contracting program, managed by the department. The total contract value of $350 million will save $20 million in taxpayer funds this year alone, Keogh said. Additionally, attendees heard from a panel of speakers examining the “game- changing” impact of the Solar Access Act, a top legislative priority for AAEA that earned strong bipartisan in the 2019 legislative session. Bill sponsor Senator Dave Wallace, Walmart Senior Manager of Energy Services Lisa Perry and Searcy Water Utilities General Manager Daniel Dawson participated in a panel discussion led by Gary Moody,

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Director of State and Local Climate Strategy for the National Audubon Society. Attendees also heard from utility executives – SWEPCO’s Brian Bond, Entergy Arkansas’s Kurt Castleberry and Arkansas Electric Cooperatives’ and Today’s Power’s Michael Henderson – about the growing use of a wide range of advanced energy technologies within their respective companies. The winners of the 2019 Arkansas Advanced Energy Awards also were announced at emPOWERing Arkansas . Senator Dave Wallace was named the recipient of the Ron Bell Advanced Energy Leadership award , recognizing an individual with a strong record of outstanding and consistent contributions to Arkansas’s advanced energy industry, whose work is having a significant, sustainable impact on the industry.

Senator Wallace’s Solar Access Act enables solar leasing for all solar customers and creates a needed avenue for third-party purchasing for non-taxed entities. The legislation has had a positive impact on the state’s solar market. From the drafting process to the bill signing, Senator Wallace’s steadfast commitment to improving Arkansas’s solar landscape and his exceptional personal leadership was critical to the ultimate success of the Solar Access Act. Gary Moody , Director of State and Local Climate Strategy for the National Audubon Society, was announced as the Advanced Energy Rising Star for his contributions and growing industry impact. Gary has been a tireless advocate for improvements to Arkansas’s advanced energy policy on both the efficiency and renewable energy fronts. Gary played an instrumental role in engineering the success of Senate Bill 145 during the 2019 legislative session. Thanks to his coalition leadership and strategic insights, the bill passed with strong bipartisan support. Additionally, as an active member of the Parties Working Collaboratively, the working group examining Arkansas public utilities’ energy efficiency programs, Gary consistently has advocated for stronger and fairer valuation for energy efficiency and pushed for additional savings. Today’s Power, Inc. was honored with the Advanced Energy Business Innovation award , which recognizes a member company for courage, savvy

Senator Dave Wallace Ron Bell Advanced Energy Leadership Award

Senator Wallace served as the lead sponsor of Senate Bill 145 (now Act 464), and secured its wide bipartisan support in this year’s legislative session.

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and innovation to expand the market for its products and/or services.

Later, in an interview with PV Magazine , Cayce said , “When you can add solar and add jobs and lower prices, everybody wins.”

TPI serves clients interested in solar and emerging technologies including electric cooperatives, municipalities, school districts and companies of all sizes. One of TPI’s most recent projects, the solar power system for the City of Fayetteville, is groundbreaking for its onsite utility- scale storage. Overall, electric consumers will save more than $2.5 million annually as a result of TPI’s solar projects. A surprise award, the Advanced Energy Policy Pioneer award , was given to Mark Cayce , CEO of Ouachita Electric Cooperative based in Camden, Ark. Mark was recognized for his extraordinary contributions during the legislative debate on the Solar Access Act. Following a standing ovation, Cayce announced a “mic-drop moment,” as Arkansas Business’ Kyle Massey reports : "I made some pretty bold statements in support of solar power when the Legislature was considering solar policy, predicting that solar could actually bring rates down," Cayce told the gathered renewable energy entrepreneurs, contractors and utility representatives. "Today I can announce that after our most recent rate study, on Oct. 17 we're going to be seeking a 4 and 1/2-percent rate decrease at Ouachita Electric Cooperative Corp."

Mark Cayce CEO &

General Manager Ouachita Electric Cooperative Advanced Energy Policy Pioneer Award

Mark Cayce announced, “…we're going to be seeking a 4 and 1/2- percent rate decrease at Ouachita Electric Cooperative Corp."

Audubon Arkansas, Energy Efficiency Design & Development, Entegrity, Stitt Solar and Today’s Power were emPOWERing Arkansas 2019 event sponsors. The Arkansas Advanced Energy Association (AAEA) is the business voice for advanced energy in Arkansas. AAEA is dedicated to growing Arkansas’s economy through expanded utilization of advanced energy technologies, including energy efficiency, demand response, natural gas electric generation, solar, wind, hydro, nuclear, electric vehicles, alternative fuels and smart grid. These are innovations that make our energy supply more secure, clean and affordable. Visit ArkansasAdvancedEnergy.com , and find us on Facebook and Twitter .

Don’t use hand-held phones while driving a CMV.

It’s the law. A CMV can be as small as a 3/4 T Truck and a Tandum Axle Trailer

©Copyright Employers Mutual Casualty Company 2017. All rights reserved. Image ©2012 iStockphoto.com. RI6359

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Even with this long and laborious process, most persons affected; i.e., everyone in the construction trades or related occupations will not know there is a change. Implementation is where the conflict of review turns into informing the applicators that life has changed. There is always a cost. The second step listed is to begin on Monday, November 4 th , 2019 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in the Commission Room at the E&E, 5301 Northshore Drive, North Little Rock. Tim Quetsch, engineer for the Office of Environmental Quality, has invited designers, and others.” Mr. Quetsch also stated, “This is not an exclusive meeting, so if you have colleagues well- suited to attend, please share the invitation…” An RSVP is requested by October 30; however, you can still inform Mr. Quetsch of your intent to attend as these meetings are open to the public. The main reason for the RSVP is to provide space and refreshments. He can be contacted at tim.quetsch@adeq.state.ar.us  https://www.adeq.stat e.ar.us/energy or 501-548-4651. So begins the long and arduous process. The HVACR industry has several issues that are likely to be on the table—blower door tests, duct blaster tests, duct insulation, fresh air, ventilation of kitchen hoods, clothes driers, bathroom exhausts as well as issues that relate to Manual J & Manual D. code stakeholders to attend the meeting. Stakeholders include “builders, city officials, industry organizations, utilities, realtors,

Energy Code to be Reviewed The Arkansas Energy Code, version IECC 2009 with modifications, is scheduled for a review. The Arkansas Energy Code became effective on January 1, 2015. Some codes go through a regular review. There is no regular schedule for the Energy Code or the Mechanical and both are very old by existing standards. For example, the most recent available Energy Code is 2018. Changing code is an involved process of (1.) reviewing established codes of the International Code Council, (2.) convening workgroups for their input, (3.) modifying recommended code to comply with the regional and political needs, (4.) approval of suggested code by the governing body; i.e., Arkansas Energy Office, Department of Environmental Authority, (5.) holding regional hearings open to all, (6.) modifying recommendations if necessary, (7.) presenting code for Legislative Review, and (8.) Final approval and implementation.

“Changing Code

Ain’t No

Cake Walk”

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and put money back into consumer's pockets. The Purpose of Building Energy Codes Energy codes and standards set minimum efficiency requirements for new and renovated buildings, assuring reductions in energy use and emissions over the life of the building. Energy codes are a subset of building codes, which establish baseline requirements and govern building construction. Code buildings are more comfortable and cost-effective to operate, assuring energy, economic and environmental benefits. The reduction in energy expenditures also correlates to a mitigated dependency on foreign oil, impacting national security. In light of these fundamental environmental issues, economic challenges, and uncertain energy costs, building energy codes are a key component of sound public policy. The Benefits of Building Energy Codes It is estimated that by 2035, 75% of the building stock in the U. S. will be new or renovated. 6 As a building's operation and environmental impact is largely determined by upfront decisions, energy codes present a unique opportunity to assure savings through efficient building design, technologies, and construction practices. Once a building

Why Building Energy Codes? Building energy codes represent a significant savings opportunity for U.S. home and business owners. Model energy codes 1 for residential and commercial buildings are projected to save (cumulative 2010-2040): • $126 billion energy cost savings • 841 MMT of avoided CO 2 emissions • 12.82 quads of primary energy These savings equate to the annual emissions of: 89 million homes 2 For perspective, the primary energy consumption of the entire U.S. commercial and residential sectors in 2015 was estimated at 38 quads. 3 According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, U.S. residential and commercial buildings account for approximately 40% of all energy consumed . 4 Building energy codes, which govern up to 80% of a building's energy load , 5 increase energy efficiency and yield significant savings for the U.S. economy. Efficient buildings reduce power demand, and have less of an environmental impact, • • • 177 million passenger vehicles 245 coal power plants

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is constructed, it is significantly more expensive to achieve higher efficiency levels. Energy codes ensure that a building's energy use is including as a fundamental part of the design and construction process; making this early investment in energy efficiency will pay dividends to owners and occupants for years into the future. Who benefits from energy codes? • Consumers and homebuyers can be assured that they have purchased or rented a home that meets minimum standards for energy efficiency, and as a result will see significantly lower utility bills. • The construction industry can have a documented advantage over existing homes, as well as a level playing field, with respect to minimum energy efficiency requirements. • Code officials can be confident that new and renovated buildings are designed and built to meet industry standards for quality and comfort, thus improving consumer protection. • Utilities can benefit from supporting energy codes through access to cost-benefit data to use in determining future investments and attribution of savings to efficiency programs. Additionally, codes can

provide better energy forecasting and decreased peak demand. • State and local governments can reduce energy demand and greenhouse gas emissions, while ensuring that their constituents live and work in comfortable buildings with low utility bills. References 1 As defined by statute, the model energy codes are the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) for residential buildings, and ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1 for commercial buildings (42 USC 6833) • 2 EPA Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator • 3 EIA's Annual Energy Outlook 2016, Energy Consumption by Sector and Source (Table A2) • 4 EIA Annual Energy Outlook • 5 DOE Buildings Energy Data Book • 6 Architecture 2030 Article reprinted from the US Department of Energy, Energy Efficiency & Renewal Energy : https://www.energycodes.gov/about/why-building- energy-codes •

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Carrier Recalls 5800 Heat Pumps

October 10, 2019, Carrier recalled about 5,800 ductless heat pumps sold in the United States and Canada under the Carrier and Bryant brands. The exact problem, as stated in the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recall notice: “The fan motor on the heat pumps can fail, causing the units to overheat, posing a fire hazard.” According to the CPSC, six heat pumps have caught fire, but none of the fires caused injury. The recall covers Carrier and Bryant 1.5-ton multi-zone, 4-ton multi-zone and 4-ton single zone heat pump outdoor units, all of which are used for both cooling and heating. The units were made in China and sold from March 2015 through April of this year at retail prices from $600 to $4,000. The model numbers of the Carrier-branded units are 38MGQC18---3, 38MGQF48---3 and 38MBQB48---3.

The model numbers of the Bryant units are 538TEQ018RCMA, 538TEQ048RFMA and 538REQ048RBMA. Carrier wants customers to contact whoever installed their units to schedule a free repair. Meanwhile, customers should monitor the units while keeping plants and anything flammable at least two feet away. To find a Carrier dealer, click here . To find a Bryant dealer, click here . To get questions answered, call Carrier at 844-468-4301.

Brand

Product

Model Number

Product Number

1.5-ton multi-zone 4-ton multi-zone 4-ton single-zone 1.5-ton multi-zone 4-ton multi-zone 4-ton single-zone

38MGQC18---3 38MGQF48---3 38MBQB48---3

38MGQC18---301-- 38MGQF48---301-- 38MBQB48--301-- 538TEQ018RCMAAAA 538TEQ048RFMAAAA 538REQ048RBMAAAA

Carrier

538TEQ018RCMA 538TEQ048RFMA 538REQ048RBMA

Bryant

REFRIGERANT UPDATE ACCA

REFRIGERANT PHASEOUT R- 22 ( a hydrochlorofluorocarbon; HCFC) is still being phased out under the Montreal Protocol Treaty, but efforts are already underway to phase out hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants, like R 410 A. R- 22 was phased out because it is an ozone depleting substance. R 410 A is going to be phased out because it has a high global warming potential (GWP).

NATIONAL EFFORTS The HVACR Industry, including the national contractor association – the Air Conditioning Contractors of America – are seeking a national phaseout schedule instead of a state- by-state approach. These efforts are being addressed with Members of Congress; who must give the EPA clear authority to address the phase-down schedules. Currently, the EPA does not believe it has the authority to regulate refrigerants that have high global warming potentials because Section 608 of the Clean Air Act is for ozone depleting substances. This could lead to the open-sale of refrigerants to consumers.

STATE EFFORTS Without a federal mandate, many states will implement their own phase-down schedules; creating a patchwork of refrigerant regulations and different types of refrigerants available in each state. California has already adopted a phaseout schedule, and New York, Washington, Maryland, Illinois, and a number of other states are following suit, but they have different schedules.

CONTRACTOR CONCERNS The replacements to HFCs will likely include a mix of flammable and mildly flammable refrigerants (designated as A 3 / A 2 / and A 2 L by ASHRAE Standard 34 ), and ACCA is working to address a number of concerns, including: Will contractors/technicians be required to have HAZMAT certifications to transport these products and will they be required to stop at rail crossings? How will we guarantee that contractors and technicians are trained on the safe use and handling of flammable refrigerants? How will consumers be certain that their system was properly charged and not compromised with mixed refrigerants?

ACCA EFFORTS ACCA has begun the development of a flammable refrigerant educational program to address the training concerns. There are still too many unanswered questions about the use of the next generation of refrigerants; how they are to be safely applied in the field, what sensors/controls may be required, maximum quantities of refrigerant that may be used in a conditioned space, etc. A hasty state-by-state approach to phasing out HFC refrigerants is dangerous for contractors, technicians, consumers, and every building that contains an air conditioning system. By giving the EPA the authority to implement the HFC phaseout, there is more certainty that there will be uniformity in the phase-out schedules, training, transportation issues, the codes process, and the other areas of concern to the HVACR industry.

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“This bill lays the groundwork for a smooth transition to new technologies. Industry needs a sensible phase down in order

US Senators introduce bill to phase down HFCs A bipartisan coalition of US senators has introduced legislation that would give the

to protect jobs in Louisiana and across the US,” commented Senator Kennedy. “The world is moving away from hydrofluorocarbons, and the US is in danger of getting stuck at the starting gate. We want these new refrigerants to be produced in the US, not in China. We want to export these new refrigerants, not import them.” “American companies have already invested billions of dollars to produce and sell the next-generation technologies to replace HFCs. The AIM Act builds upon these investments, allowing US companies to further expand manufacturing at home and remain competitive in a growing global market,” added Senator Carper. The AIM Act is predicted to result in 150,000 American jobs and close to $39bn in annual economic benefits. “At the same time, joining the rest of the global community in reducing HFCs could help avoid up to a half degree Celsius in global warming by the end of the century,” Carper added. The legislation has widespread support from industry and follows a letter to the US Congress earlier this month urging support the phase down of HFC refrigerants.

Environmental Protection Agency the authority to regulate HFCs in line with the Kigali Amendment. US Republican senator John Kennedy (Louisiana) and Democrat Tom Carper (Delaware) with backing from 14 other senators, filed the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act on Wednesday. The new legislation, which would authorise a 15-year phase down of HFCs, received input from the air conditioning and refrigeration industry and environmental groups to give businesses a clear timeline for transitioning to new lower GWP refrigerants. The bill proposes a gradual phase down in the production and consumption of HFCs through an allowance allocation and trading program. The EPA would have the authority to establish HFC management and recovery standards and be able to establish use restrictions. With President Trump so far not backing Kigali, the ultimate goal of the legislation is to ensure a smooth phasedown that doesn’t disrupt jobs and leave the US behind in an emerging global market.

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“The American Innovation and Manufacturing Act shows that industry, environmentalists and lawmakers can work together to phase down harmful HFCs and help the United States maintain its leadership in replacing them with climate-friendlier alternatives,” said David Doniger, senior strategic director of the Natural Resources Defense Council. AHRI president and CEO Stephen Yurek praised the leadership of Kennedy and Carper, adding: “It is our hope that the Senate will move expeditiously on this bill and that the House will shortly follow suit so that this transition can begin in earnest.”

Reasonable

Suspicion

Testing

Reasonable Suspicion Training Offered by Courthouse Concepts By now, we all know the dangers and costs associated with drug and alcohol abuse in the workplace. Having supervisors who are capable of identifying potential substance abuse at work is a must for virtually every organization, whether regulated by DOT or not. Employee drug and alcohol testing cannot be performed based on a mere hunch. Reasonable Suspicion Supervisor Training delivers the necessary tools and skills to recognize and appropriately handle employees exhibiting signs of substance abuse. To eliminate guesswork from the employee's drug and alcohol testing process, CourtHouse Concepts developed its own Reasonable Suspicion Training Program for Supervisors! This course prepares supervisors for determining whether or not reasonable suspicion exists and what to do when they suspect it.

(We welcome our colleagues in Gloucester, England as contributors to the HVCR NewsMagazine. The Cooling Post is an independent online magazine dedicated to the global air conditioning, refrigeration and heat pump industry.

Established in 2013 the Cooling Post is edited by Neil Everitt, a journalist who has been active in the heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigeration industry for nearly 40 years. His experience includes over 12 years as assistant editor and then editor of UK magazine Heating & Ventilating Review and well over 20 years in two spells as editor of Air Conditioning & Refrigeration News (ACR News).) You can directly link to this reprinted article at https://www.coolingpost.com/world-news/us- senators-introduce-bill-to-phase-down-hfcs/

In Arkansas, in order to qualify for the AR Voluntary Drug-Free Workplace

Joining Hands with Cooling Post

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Program, company supervisors are required to have 60 minutes of drug and 60 minutes of alcohol testing training – CourtHouse Concepts’ program meets those requirements. The course content also meets DOT mandated 49 CFR Part 40 requirements. • Effects of drugs and alcohol in the workplace • Supervisors' responsibilities in a DOT/Non-DOT testing program • Drug and alcohol testing processes • Effects of common drugs and alcohol • Physical, behavioral, speech and performance cues related to substance abuse • Detailed descriptions and images of prohibited drugs • Scenarios and guidance for dealing with employees suspected to be under the influence • Interactions an communication with personnel Reasonable suspicion drug testing can play an important role in helping to shape and maintain drug-free workplace programs. CourtHouse Concepts Course Content Includes:

both dissuade and detect drug and alcohol use in the workplace.

For more information about Supervisor Reasonable Suspicion Training, contact CourtHouse Concepts.

Paul Hickman, 877-750-3660 p.hickman@courthouseconcepts.com

Hope you aren’t drug testing today.

When properly done, it is a fair and reliable testing method that can help to