Arkansas HVACR NewsMagazine November 2019

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.