Arkansas HVACR NewsMagazine September 2024

News Magazine September 2024

Arkansas’ First and Only HVACR NewsMagazine

• In This Issue

HVACR Hiring

T O D A y

Hearings & Their Outcomes………………………..p 19 Energy Tax Credits……………………….……………..p 24 OSHA:Proposes Heat Protection Rule………..p 20 Kirk’s Corner: Preventing Frozen Condensate drains. …. p 32 Nick’s Thoughts : Driving in a School Zone……….. p 22 • Informative • Thought Provoking

If he can walk and chew gum I’ll Hire Him

As We Age, Who Will Support You

page 6

Jim Bergman addresses Labor Shortage page 9

October 1 : Fort Smith Chapter, Golden Corral, Fort Smith 5:30 October 3 : South Central Chapter, Ouachita Electric Cooperative, Camden, 6:00 October 8 : Hot Springs Chapter, National Park, Hot Springs, 6:00 October 10 : Northwest Chapter, Golden Corral, Fayetteville, 6:00 October 15 : Southwest Chapter, Arkansas REA, Texarkana, 6:00 October 17 : Northeast Chapter, Ron’s Catfish Buffet, Jonesboro, 6:00 October 22 : North Central Chapter, North Ark College, Harrison, 6:00 October 24 : Central Chapter, Whole Hog, Cantrell, Little Rock, 6:00 Free to Members : $50 to Others page 4

CE 23-10 Mechanical Code: History & Updates Free to Members

$30 for Others 2 Credit Hours Get Your Online Code CE from Arkansans page 5

Getting Techical Tech Safety is Forever………………………………………………..…..Tom Turner p 35

Diagnosing ECM & X13 Motors ……………………………………….Bryan Orr p 39

10 Methods to Clean Condensate Drains………………….Craig Migliaccio p 41

By Arkansans

For Arkansans

News Magazine September 2024

Table of Contents

14

Continuing Education Events Chapter Meetings with Code CE Online Mechanical Code History & Updates 23-21 CEU

PG 4

pg 5

Editorial

pg 6

As We Age, WHO WILL SUPPORT YOU

FEATURE STORY Addressing the Labor Crisis in the Residential HVAC Industry (Jim Bergmann)

pg 9

State, national, chapter news OSHA proposes first-ever heat protection rule Hearings & Outcomes Hearings and their Outcomes---Coming in November Driving in a School Zone (Nick Hall / Jim Moorhead)

pg 19

PG 20

pg 22

pg 24

Energy Tax Credits

pg 14

Education News Training Programs

PG 29

Tech News

PG 32

Preventing and Fixing Frozen Cndensate Drain Lines (Kirk’s Corner) Safety if a Forever Word (Tom Turner – The Air Evangelist) ???????? Diagnosing ECM & X13 Motors (Bryan Orr - HVAC School) 10 Methods to Clean Condensate Drains… (AC Service Tech, Craig Migliaccio)

PG 35

PG 39

PG 41 pg 30 PG 33 pg 36 PG 48

Short Cycling (Byan Orr - HVAC School)

http://www.edssupply.com/arkansas

Coming in the Fall

October

Click Here to Learn More

Click Here to Learn More

is no pressure. Just wanted to give you the opportunity to enjoy member pricing. Say Next. You are now ready to register for the class When registering, your license status is required. A, B, C, D, E, or Does Not Apply. If you enter a license class, you will also be asked to give your license number. Please enter all seven digits including a leading “0” if you have one. Very important. We need this so we can get you CE credit for your license renewal. After you have paid if you are not a member, you are ready to select the course. It is free to members. Should it charge you, your membership may have lapsed. You can go back to the existing member information and renew. If that is not correct, please pay the $30 and call the Association. We’ll get you refunded. We heartedly recommend that you spend time watching the “How to Take the Class”. It will make taking this and future classes much easier. One last note, when you have completed the class and passed the final assessment, you can download your certificate. Even better, that certificate remains as part of your profile forever. Loose your certificate and need a copy for license renewal? Just go back to your profile and download a replacement. No need to wait on someone to return your call and send it to you. This new system puts you in charge. Click Here to Learn More Online Classes From Those Who Know You Best

CE 23-21

Mechanical Code History and Updates

Yes, it is back. With a new Learning Management System with extra benefits, the Association’s first online course i s back up for you. It is a 2 hour course in Code and a convenient way to up date yourself and meet the License renewal for two hours of CE code instruction. The price is great: Member of the Association-----$0.00 (free) Non-member-------------------------$30.00 You still need two hours of technical or additional code instruction. The great thing about this is you can get technical from your distributor at one of their product classes. Learn what you sell, install, and service and come away with two hours of technical CE. What a deal. How to get started — 1. Go to the website arhvacr.org 2. Select Continuing Education and Training in the menu 3. Select Association Online Classes 4. Scroll down to the class Online Mechanical Code History & Updates 23-21 CEU 5. Select “Click Here to Visit Our Website 6. If you are a new user, just enter your email 7. Click Register 8. Enter and Confirm your Password 9. Click “Create Profile” If you are not a member, you have an opportunity to join so you can enjoy membership pricing. Click on Member Type and select your relationship to the industry or Say, “ No, Thank You ” . There

HVACR NewsMagazine September 2024

As We Age, Who Will Support You The first of this article is a summary reprint from the United States Census Bureau by Chanell Washington and Line Nana Mba, July 30, 2024. Modifications were made to fit the space available. In my opinion, the issue is not race. It is working age vs non-working age. The Question is, “How can so few support so many. The nation as a whole is getting older, [/library/stories/2024/06/metro-areas population-age.html] but not all race and Hispanic origin groups are aging at the same pace, a pattern that promises to alter the makeup of the U.S. working-age population for decades to come. About two-thirds of the total U.S. population was working age (ages15 to 64) in 2022 and about 17% were 65 and older. But the non-Hispanic multiracial population, for example, had the smallest share (about 6%) of its population age 65 and older and the non-Hispanic White population the largest share (about 22%) in 2022, clear evidence that while the nation as a whole is becoming older, [/library/stories/2023/05/2020-census united-states-olderpopulationgrew.html] not all race and Hispanic origin groups are aging at the same rate. Most race and Hispanic origin groups are projected to experience a decline in the working age share of their populations from 2022 to 2060. However, some groups are projected to experience a larger decline in the absence of high immigration.

By 2060, Less Than 60% of Non-Hispanic White Population and About 65% of Non-Hispanic Multiracial Population Will Be Working Age

From 2010 to 2019, the U.S. working-age population grew by only3.1% while the 65 and older population grew by 34% . Aging baby boomers,who will all be 65 or older by 2029, and declining fertility rates are expected to contribute to a continued rise in the median age of theU.S. population. [/library/stories/2020/06/working-age population-not-keepingpacewith-growth in-older-americans.html] An increasing older population and a shrinking working-age population have implications for the health care system, informal care giving, social security programs and the economy. But increases in fertility and immigration can help mitigate the impact because a greater share of immigrants are of working age than the native-born population, and fertility rates are higher among foreign-born women than native-born women. [https://www2.census.gov/library/publi cations/2024/demo/acsbr- 019.pdf] [https://www.pewresearch.org/socialtre nds/ 2016/10/26/births-outside-of marriage-decline-forimmigrantwomen/] The older population reached 55.8 million or 16.8% of the population of the United States in 2020.

HVACR NewsMagazine September 2024

One way to assess the potential “economic burden” of an aging population on the working-age population is through old-age dependency ratios: the ratio of the population age 65 and older to the population ages 15-64. Higher old-age dependency ratios indicate a greater number of people 65 and older who, in theory, need to be supported economically by the working-age population. Table 1 shows the old-age dependency ratios by race and Hispanic origin in 2022, as well as the projected dependency ratios in 2060 for the three alternative immigration scenarios. The main series, considered the most likely immigration scenario, assumes that future international immigration trends will mirror the latest trends. • The high immigration scenario assumes a 50% increase in international immigration. • The low immigration scenario assumes a roughly 50% decrease in international immigration. • The zero immigration scenario assumes no international immigration and is considered a baseline for evaluating the overall contribution of immigration to population change. The three immigration scenarios are •

One might take this information as a justification for immigration. Of course, most of us would perfer LEGAL immigration; but we so need immigration. Those in the construction industry know that everything would come to a screeching halt if you sent all immigrants to their countries of origion. You ’d also have to give up eating chicken. Ever been by a processing plant at shift change? But again, our intent by including this information is not to influence anyone on the subject of immigration. It is about seeing that the old-age dependency ratios are scary and everyone should take retirement seriously by enrolling in or having a solid safe retirement program. To illustrate the point lets take the most at risk population and the most likely immigration pattern — that is white folks and immigration that mirrors the latest trend. If you prefer, yes let ’s prefer , and use the Zero immigration projection. By 2060, 55.2% of the white, non- hispanic population will be 65 or older. How can so few support so many. Oh, that ’s right, we have Social Security, that will support the old folks. You must be dreaming. When Social Security was enacted in 1935, Retirement age was 65

HVACR NewsMagazine September 2024

and only 54% of adult men lived to that age. In 1990, 72% of adult men made it to age 65 and then have 15.3 years of remaining life. More news, according to AARP, the Social Security Trust Fund Surplus will be exhausted in 2035 and then recipients will only receive 83% of their entitled benefits. Forbes estimates exhaustion of the excess funds in more like 2032 and you ’ll only receive 76% of the promised payout. Retirees will only receive their fair share of that which workers pay in. Now here is where these two roads come together. What if the number of workers drops like a rock by 2060 — it is going to. If those in retirement depend on the workers to be their direct support without an existing reserve, pardon the expression, “The y up the stream without a paddle. ” So what is the purpose to this article and giving you this distressing information? Fore-warned is fore-armed. This is especially important to our industry. If your Social Security will only be 76% to 83% of that promised, what will you do? Do you think you can crawl around attics and in crawl spaces after you retire. If you are in your 50s and have have been in this trade for 30 years, you know your knees and back are wearing out. You ’ve made some good money but have you given serious thought to retirement? When you look at retirement, will your house be paid for? Will your car be paid for? Will you have a retirement fund giving you some income or at least some cushion money. OK! Anyone can scream at the night or curse the day. We, as an industry, must have a plan to educate our folks and to prepare a career path that includes

retirement. We must stop having jobs and start having careers. A career path includes the beginning, the progression, the attainment, and the retirement. That, my good friends in the HVACR industry, is what apprenticeship will give us. It will cause us to slow down and plan our futures. Not just for the worker but also for the business owner. We all know that this industry is changing so fast as to run off many of our legacy members. So what will we do when they are gone, we are short of help, and even more short of skill? We must give the new generation a path to success which includes, a livable wage based on production, insurance, retirement, and, just as important, respect and pride in ones career. All this will give consumers safe, efficient, effective comfort and refrigeration--the goal of everyone in the HVACR industry. In the next few months, you will hear a lot about apprenticeship. The Association is working with select HVACR college instructors to establish a program that establishes goals, skills, assessment, and attainment. I ’ll never support a program that wastes an appretice ’s time by taking them away from their family for classes without providing them skills that assures them of success. We need an approved program that benefits the apprentice, the business, and ultimately the consumer. So, if you hear about apprenticeship, know this. Right now it is all talk but there is a lot of talk. I don ’t think it is possible to have apprenticeship before 2026 and maybe not that soon. Oh, yes, there are those racing to establish programs that are disconnected and without a basis of specific skills and competency assessment. Stay away. Wait on a word from the Association. We ’ll keep you informed.

News Magazine September 2024

FEATURE STORY

installation woes to maintenance missteps. But what if we’re looking at it wrong? Our industry is extremely resistant to change, with business models, technical practices, and a social structure that haven’t kept pace with the rest of the developed world. As leaders of the industry, we toil daily to bring about a transition based on training excellence, but it often feels like pushing a rope. There are still too many HVAC businesses built on a foundation of assumptions, fear, and inexperience servicing homes across our country. There are still too many HVAC businesses entrenched in what has traditionally worked and not recognizing that we’re in the midst of major changes. The changes are occurring just slowly enough to not trigger immediate action, like the boiling frog fable. We seem stuck in a rut of “like for like” replacement and fixing low efficiency equipment that may be an ideal candidate for electrification. But change is coming, and we are in a short window where we have a choice: Do we continue our painful path of hiring and training, or do we stop treating the symptom and address the source of our pain – our approach?

Addressing the Labor Crisis in the Residential HVAC Industry

Jim Bergmann, measureQuick

A Framework For Immediate Workforce Solutions

This time last year, you probably read my rant about how we’ll never achieve our electrification goals without addressing the damaging approaches that run rampant in our trade. It’s easy to point fingers, and I don’t want to be that guy, so I’m trying to do something about it instead. At measureQuick, we’ve been obsessing over this problem for years, and now we’re ready to unveil our unique solution to the world. Our Workforce Woes: A Skills Gap, A Labor Gap, or… The Wrong Approach? We’re staring down a labor shortage of 80,000 and climbing. This deficit, coupled with a stark skills gap, has generated inefficiencies across the board – from

I don’t know about you, but I’m done with doing the same thing over and over again.

News Magazine September 2024

FEATURE STORY

unwilling, overtaxed, and under incentivized workforce. • HVAC Designers/Sales: Stuck in the rut of the free quote, these roles often fall short in actualizing energy efficient designs. Simple box swaps, still thinking gas is the best or only option for heating, and not talking about long term energy use versus simple up front costs are leading to suboptimal energy use and diminished system performance. • HVAC Installers: Key players in actualizing designs, yet often trapped in a cycle of speed over substance, missing critical system optimization steps. • HVAC Service Technicians: Frontline problem-solvers, yet often caught in a loop of symptomatic fixes, more often than not overlooking root causes and compromising system longevity and efficiency. At the heart of it, the industry is missing the concerted focus on thorough system design, commissioning , and meticulous maintenance . This gap is more than a missed revenue opportunity – it’s a roadblock to enhancing efficiency, profitability, and electrification efforts. The 3 hardest elements of residential HVAC for technicians to get right are: design, airflow analysis, quality installation (including refrigerant charging). These intricate tasks are often overlooked by our workforce, burdened by an outdated incentive system and a reluctance to adopt new methods. The reality is stark: most technicians lack essential tools for even basic 2: Our Workforce Skills Problem

It’s Not A Crisis – It’s an Endemic

Many of us talk about the labor shortage and skills gap as a crisis , but that’s not the correct term we should be using. A crisis is “a time of intense difficulty, trouble, or danger” – a temporary and severe disruption to business as usual. Our “crisis” has persisted for over a decade , and we haven’t found a solution yet. We are in an endemic. Our industry has a disease that we have learned to cope with, but not cure. Its clear to me that our current forms of treatment aren’t working, because we’re focused on the symptoms. We need to get to the root of our ailment to find the source of our pain.

The Source Of Our Labor Endemic

1: Our Workforce Structure Problem

The roles in HVAC haven’t changed much in the last few decades, but the demands put upon them have dramatically shifted, especially for front line workers. There is critical work that is impacting system efficiency and longevity to do which is never gettin g done, and it’s because we are forcing that responsibility onto an

News Magazine September 2024

FEATURE STORY

measurements like airflow, temperature, humidity, and static pressure.

gauges, oversized evacuation hoses and new techniques are ridiculed as being not needed. Technology is changing faster than we can teach it. The industry’s shift towards high-tech, sustainable solutions demands a broader, more agile response to bridge the widening skill gap and align with modern HVAC demands. How do we address these pressing issues promptly when traditional educational and training systems are inherently slow to adapt? Are trade schools or heavy-handed regulations going to solve this problem in time? We don’t think so. Thus, at measureQuick we have developed an alternative approach which will compliment our existing front-line professionals and provide them with some much needed support to ensure #betterHVAC outcomes.

Adding to the challenge, key metrics such as airflow and

refrigerant charge are constantly

changing with load, making one-time

measurements unreliable. It’s common for new installations to operate with factory-set charges, leading to inefficient systems. This skill gap is significant – we estimate that less than than 5% of technicians are fully trained, a concern supported by DOE studies.

3. Our Workforce Education Problem

Traditional

HVAC

training, deeply entrenched in trade schools and ongoing education, plays a crucial role in

The Wave of Technology Coming For the HVAC Industry

developing industry expertise. However, amidst rapid industry advancements, these methods are struggling to keep up. We recognize and commend the dedicated educators, influencers, and trainers striving to evolve within these constraints. Their efforts are pivotal, but the reality is, a more substantial, swift overhaul is essential. Our current system of apprenticeship often reinforces old outdated techniques and bad habits. Modern tools like smart probes, digital

But now, the tide is turning .

Cutting-edge technologies, once exclusive to labs or industrial settings, are becoming accessible and affordable: • Mobile Device Integration : Our industry’s processes are now streamlined into the devices (compact computers) we carry daily.

News Magazine September 2024

FEATURE STORY

• Tablet-based LiDAR : With innovations from Conduit Tech , HVAC designs are simplified – LiDAR scanners in tablets enable accurate system design, and fast room by room measurement quickly isolating and accounting for elements like windows and doors. soon to be integrated with FSM and commissioning software. • Bluetooth-Connected Tools : Wirelessly connected probes, manifolds, etc facilitate precise measurements, revolutionizing the traditional toolset. But without a platform like measureQuick, they are just a slightly improved interface to an analog tool. • Advanced Airflow Sensors : Tools like The Energy Conservatory’s revolutionary TrueFlow Grid offer accurate and repeatable airflow measurements, bypassing the limitations of manual methods. • Integrated Commissioning Software : This is the linchpin, synthesizing data, sensor readings, and Bluetooth tools in real-time for unprecedented system benchmarking. measureQuick is one example, but even PNNL has created an open source tool for accessible commissioning. • Real Time Data Integration: Synchronizing field measurements, photos, and metadata from the field to a design, sales or technical support assistant is now possible in real time. We can better leverage our best people in ways that were never possible. Despite these hardware and software advancements, the industry lags in fully harnessing this technological evolution. The cost of equipping every technician

and the time required for training are significant hurdles. Moreover, a deep seated resistance to change within our proud blue-collar culture persists. The solution is found in a fresh approach: technological breakthroughs to a new breed of workforce , one that’s ready to redefine HVAC efficiency and effectiveness with advanced tools and an untainted perspective. Introducing New Roles to Revitalize the HVAC Industry Let’s apply these

measureQuick proposes two pivotal roles for the industry:

BUY TES KIT @ TTT

Tech-Efficiency Specialists (TES)

BUY ARCS KIT @ TTT

Advanced Residential Commissioning Specialists (ARCS).

These roles are designed to address the immediate needs of the market while complementing the current workforce. Union or non-union workers, these professionals are desperately needed. What follows is our overview of the TES & ARCS roles, along with their responsibilities, training requirements,

News Magazine September 2024

FEATURE STORY

how they compliment our current workforce, and how measureQuick can help make these roles a reality.

and operate as intended, embodying reliability and efficiency.

• Role Overview : ARCS ensure newly installed HVAC systems are finely tuned to design specifications. Their work is crucial in validating system performance and efficiency. • Responsibilities : ARCS are responsible for duct leakage testing, precise evacuation, airflow adjustment, and accurately setting the refrigerant charge. They ensure peak system efficiency, contributing significantly to system longevity and reliability. In essence, ARCS aim to minimize service needs, focusing on standard preventive maintenance and ensuring systems operate flawlessly in their initial years.

Introducing Tech-Efficiency Specialists (TES)

TES professionals are revolutionizing routine HVAC maintenance by optimizing system operations and targeting potential upgrades. They serve a crucial role in ensuring systems are not just efficient, but also aligned with modern, sustainable energy practices. This role is vital for existing service contract customers and those considering electrification. • Role Overview : TES experts are at the forefront of enhancing homeowners’ heating and cooling experiences. They bridge the gap between homeowners and contractors, focusing on system efficiency and sustainability. • Responsibilities : TES duties include identifying systems ready for electrification or replacement during routine maintenance checks, thereby addressing issues usually discovered in emergencies. They advocate for energy efficient solutions, playing a key role in transforming maintenance into an opportunity for system improvement and profitable installations. • Introducing Advanced Residential Commissioning Specialists (ARCS) ARCS are the vanguards of quality in HVAC system installation, focusing on post-installation inspections and commissioning. Their expertise ensures new systems meet industry standards

Complementing the Current Workforce

Both TES and ARCS, rooted in digital technology, address the pressing needs of the residential HVAC market. They represent

new, community-centric pillars , offering solutions to the industry’s labor endemic and skill gap, only requiring a small subset of the traditional HVAC skills. These roles are two new specialists in an industry full of generalists.

News Magazine September 2024

FEATURE STORY

need to take them out of the field for retraining. • Optimized Investment : By equipping TES and ARCS with specialized tools, we achieve a higher return on investment and more consistent outcomes, rather than distributing several thousand dollars worth of seldom-used tools in each service truck. • Cultural Harmony : Introducing new talent pools, unburdened by conventional industry norms, mitigates cultural resistance, smoothly integrating change into a proud industry. • Boosting System Performance : TES and ARCS are the key to enhancing HVAC system efficiency, translating into energy savings and reduced costs for consumers. • Championing Green Initiatives : Their precise installation and commissioning efforts align with the industry’s push towards electrification and sustainable practices, marking a new era in HVAC evolution. • Solidifying Consumer Confidence : Their expertise in efficiency and sustainable solutions not only fortifies consumer trust but also fosters lasting relationships. This approach not only lowers customer acquisition costs but also amplifies company value in the long run. While TES are trained in basic electrical and mechanical safety, they are maintenance specialists with an eye for replacement/upgrade opportunity, instead of generalists in the trade. Primary skills include visual inspections, Training Requirements

• Bridging the Skills Divide : TES and ARCS excel in optimizing systems, advocating for energy efficiency, and pioneering sustainable practices. • Elevating Service Quality : TES and ARCS ensure a comprehensive approach, from the initial system assessment to meticulous commissioning, guaranteeing superior performance and heightened customer satisfaction. • Data-Driven Advancements : TES and ARCS are at the forefront of harnessing diagnostic data to inform strategies for HVAC companies, municipalities, and policymakers, fostering informed decision-making and industry-wide benefits. These workers do not need to know every intimate solution to every problem they may encounter. They only need to know how to use the technology to get the data to the solution providers. This is the secret of the shortened training cycle. It’s all about better leveraging the existing workforce! There is no need to disrupt the current workforce, instead we must compliment our front-line workers with much need support. By implementing these roles, we expect that the benefits will be numerous to all stakeholders. • Bypassing Barriers : By adopting these roles, we bypass the need for extensive retraining of existing service technicians, installers and salespeople, mitigating the Impact on the Market

News Magazine September 2024

FEATURE STORY

coil cleaning, filter changing, refrigerant leak detection, and refrigerant charging and identification of poorly scoring systems that would make a better candidate for replacement rather than repair – the skills which most technicians either struggle with or don’t want to do. On the air side, measuring static pressures, adjusting fan speeds and reading fan tables and basic wiring diagrams to identify fan speeds and dip switch settings. They use tools and leverage technology like measureQuick for system analysis and refrigerant charging. They use TrueFlow for airside analysis, and performance and Conduit for load calculations. This technology shaves years of training off to acquire the same outcome. A designer at the HVAC Unlike traditional roles that require extensive apprenticeships, training for TES and ARCS can be condensed into shorter, more intensive programs, in both union and non-union environments. Leveraging technology, we can likely produce these specialists in as little as 8 to 10 weeks. • Focus on Modern Technologies: Training includes a strong emphasis on modern HVAC technologies, energy efficiency practices, and the use of connected diagnostic tools. The software interfaces leveraged by these new roles will also provide just-in-time, continuous learning experiences. • Accessibility and Diversity: These training programs are designed to be more accessible, attracting a diverse range of candidates, including those company will select the system. • Shortened Training Cycles:

from non-traditional backgrounds or with prior experience in technology sectors. Because they are not setting equipment the physical demands are much lower. Lower Cost and Less Training: Both roles require a small subset of the training, tools and truck stock required for a service person or installer as the TES and the ARCS do not need to learn how to set equipment, assemble ductwork, braze, solder, wire disconnects, condensers, or controls. Distinguishing TES and ARCS from Similar Market Roles A few other front-line roles come to mind when exploring our solution. The TES and ARCS roles are a technology-first approach , distinctly separating them from traditional roles in the home building industry. • Program Management Technicians : Unlike the narrow focus of Program Management technicians on specific program goals, TES professionals perform a comprehensive assessment of home heating/cooling systems. They delve into system enhancements and electrification, stepping beyond the conventional scope to interact directly with homeowners, providing tailored, efficient solutions. • Energy Raters & Energy Advisors : The Raters’ primary role is to rate energy efficiency, but TES and ARCS go beyond this. They actively engage in optimizing HVAC systems, with ARCS specialists specializing in detailed system commissioning post-

News Magazine September 2024

FEATURE STORY

installation. This hands-on approach ensures each system operates at peak performance, a step further from the energy raters’ assessments. • Home Inspectors : Home inspectors provide general inspections without any repair or adjustment – their role is to represent the buyer and point out problems during a real estate transaction. Comparatively, the ARCS role is both holistic diagnostics and tuning to maximize performance, and the TES • The “Handyman” paradigm : The stereotypical jack of all trades often performs any and all small tasks around a house, but without strategy or structure. The training and technology which enables the TES and ARCS are strategically designed to achieve #betterhvac outcomes. To continue with our theme – these new roles are complementary to the existing workforce. So… How do we build this workforce? Where do we find these workers? Though we can obviously pull from similar trades, the skills required are not commonly found in hard-labor. We need people with people skills who are willing to learn technology. Some examples of where we can find these people are as follows: hospitality workers, retail workers, home inspectors, workforce development programs (eg YearUp), displaced technology workers, and cable & internet technicians. The ARCS and TES will become the jobs which may have the largest bottom-line impacts on revenue generation through sales and risk reduction through callback mitigation, which may mean they become

the highest paying careers in the industry. And these aren’t just box swaps, these are the lucrative, high performance systems that we all want to sell. This is framework is one of the key levers to create #betterhvac outcomes for our industry. We’re already doing it – now let’s scale it. Though these roles may be newly christened, we’ve been exploring this workforce upgrade with HVAC service company partners. in growing his company, and has been pioneering this approach for the last two years. By hiring non-traditional labor from the photocopying, automotive, and cable industries – paired with an accelerated training program, measureQuick , The TEC TruFlow Grid (and soon Conduit ) – they’ve been able to accelerate growth WHILE reducing callbacks and ensuring maximum performance and efficiency for every customer. Chad Simpson of Simpson Salute encountered challenges

News Magazine September 2024

FEATURE STORY

1. Contact Us: For more information on how to get involved, integrate these roles into your operations, or contribute to this transformative initiative, please contact us . Together, we can shape a more efficient and sustainable future for the HVAC industry. 2. Collaborate with measureQuick: Join us in this journey. With measureQuick’s technology and the upcoming specialized training curriculum, you have the tools and knowledge at your fingertips to make a real difference. 3. Implement the Change: We invite you to implement these new roles within your region or company. By adopting the TES and ARCS roles, you’re not just filling labor gaps; you’re elevating the industry standard.

measureQuick: Your Partner in Workforce Transformation The traditional slow pace of change is no longer viable – we need to act now to tackle these system issues within the industry. measureQuick, in collaboration with its partners, has developed the necessary technology to support a new workforce paradigm leveraging the TES and ARCS roles. To equip this new workforce, measureQuick is creating a targeted training curriculum, combining technological advancements with practical skills. You don’t need to go it alone, we are here to help with training and implementation. If you are a professional or policymaker in the state energy programs, part of a municipality, or involved in an HVAC company and are looking for workforce solutions, this is your opportunity to be at the forefront of this inevitable evolution of our industry.

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• 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.

HVACR NewsMagazine September 2024

Hearings & Outcomes

created and the contractor is informed about the date and the proposed penalties. 6. The penalties can be a. Up to $250 per code infraction b. Suspension of license c. Revolking of license 7. The Board holds the hearing. a. The contractor can testify at the hearing or via Zoom b. The contractor can bring counsel if desired c. The Board questions the inspector d. The Board questions the contractor if present or online. e. The Board goes off record to discuss the proposed penalties f. The Board goes back on record and a motion is offered and passed to find the defendant contractor guilty or innocent and to establish the penalties if there are any. 8. The Contractor is formally notified of the decision and the Department works out payment if the Board determined a fine. 9. If payment is not forcoming, the Department can file a civil suit to get a judgement against the contractor. Regretfully, none of this is restoration for the homeowner. Frequently, they paid the offending contractor most if not all of the quote and then had to pay another contractor to fix the system. Should the homeowner take the offending contractor to court, they will at least have the results of the hearing to use as evidence in their suit. The NewsMagazine hopes that by making these hearings public, it will encourage homeowners to be more careful about who they hire. Sometimes you get what you pay for.

Hearings and their Outcomes?

Yes, the NewsMagazine will now be including results of the HVACR License Board hearings. It is hard to appreciate what our inspectors and the department are doing to protect consumers and the industry without being present in the hearings. The Board meets monthly and almost all have at least one hearing. There would be more but some are pleaded out meaning that the defendant agreed to their guilt and the proposed penalty. At least they stepped up in the final stages of the process. What is the process? 1. A consumer complaint is logged. Sometimes the complaint is from a homeowner directly to the state office and sometimes it comes through the local inspector. The local inspector would bring in the state inspector when there is a question of code or the contractor is completely unresponsive. 2. The State Inspector visits the home, frequently with the local inspector. A report is made which includes comments from the homeowner, the local inspector, the contractor, and a list of code infractions and documenting pictures. 3. The contractor is given time to make the corrections. If the contractor is not licensed, another contractor must be hired by the homeowner to make the repairs. 4. If the licensed contractor fails to make the corrections, additional contacts are made. 5. If the licensed contractor still fails to make corrections, a hearing report is

Coming in November

HVACR NewsMagazine September 2024

State National Chapter News

OSHA proposes first-ever heat protection rule

Article furnished by McAfee & Taft Employer Lawyers By Connor Curtis

is either shaded or air-conditioned; and o must provide one or more areas for indoor workers to take breaks that is either air-conditioned or has increased air movement. • Employers must also allow new employees and employees returning to work after a period of leave to acclimatize whenever the heat index is at or above the initial heat trigger during the employee's first week of work, with one option being a gradual acclimatization plan in which the duration of the employee's exposure to heat is gradually increased by set percentages each day of work (i.e., 20% exposure the first day, 40% the following day, etc.). • When employees are exposed to temperatures at or above the high heat trigger (defined as 90 degrees Fahrenheit), employers must: o provide employees a minimum 15-minute paid rest break at least every two hours; and o notify employees prior to the work shift of the importance of drinking water, the right to take rest breaks, and the procedures to take in the event of a heat emergency.

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently proposed a rule that, if finalized, would establish the nation's first-ever federal safety standard addressing excessive heat in the workplace. While a heat protection rule was first recommended 50 years ago by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, this proposed rule marks the first efforts to develop and implement such a rule. In general, the proposed rule requires employers to evaluate heat risks for workers and implement requirements for drinking water, rest breaks, and control of indoor heat. • When employees are exposed to heat at or above the initial heat trigger (defined by the proposed rule as 80 degrees Fahrenheit), the employer must: o provide access to potable drinking water that is readily accessible to the employee, suitably cool, and of sufficient quantity to provide access to one quart of water per employee per hour; o provide one or more areas for outdoor workers to take breaks that Proposed rule highlights Some notable guidance from OSHA's proposed rule includes the following:

• Employers must develop and implement a "heat injury and illness

HVACR NewsMagazine September 2024

State National Chapter News

prevention plan" (HIIPP) and designate one or more heat safety coordinators to implement and monitor the HIIPP. Employers must seek the input of non managerial employees in developing and implementing the HIIPP, and the HIIPP must be reviewed at least once per year, as well as after the occurrence of certain heat-related injuries. The proposed rule expressly excludes firefighting organizations, employees who are exposed to the initial heat trigger for 15 minutes or less in any 60-minute period, and indoor work areas or vehicles where air-conditioning consistently keeps the ambient temperature below 80 degrees Fahrenheit. These regulations are not yet in effect. Once they are published in the Federal Register there will be a period for public comment before the proposed rule can be finalized and enforced. If finalized, OSHA projects the rule would affect approximately 36 million workers and substantially reduce heat injuries, illnesses, and deaths in the workplace, though critics are already expressing their concern about the increased cost to employers in implementing the proposed rule. Employers should begin contemplating whether and how their workforces may be affected by the proposed rule should it be finalized in the future. If you have questions, McAfee & Taft Labor and Employment Group attorneys are available to assist. 'Hot' take

ARHVACR NewsMagazine September 2024

S tate, National, Chapter News State national Chapter News

Driving in a School Zone

Nick Hall Article by Jim Moorhead

Driving in a School Zone

Remember the excitement of your first day of school? Now, as a driver, you've got a new set of responsibilities. School zones might look simple, but they require extra attention and care. With the hustle and bustle of parents dropping off their kids, buses pulling out, and children crossing the streets, it's very important to know exactly what to do. In most U.S. states, school zone speed limits range between 15 mph and 20 mph. These limits usually apply between seven and nine in the morning and two and four in the afternoon. Fines can be hefty if you're caught speeding in a school zone, so always adhere to the posted limits. School zones are often marked with warning signs, flashing lights, and speed bumps. Watch out for these signs and reduce your speed accordingly. If you're unaware of the approaching school zone, you may end up braking suddenly, creating a dangerous situation for yourself and the people around you. Obey School Zone Speed Limits Watch Out for Signs and Lights

Stop for a School Bus That's Stopping

When you see a bus slowing down or stopping, prepare to stop as well. School bus safety is critical, and failing to follow the rules can get you in hot water. When the yellow lights start to flash, this is your signal to slow down, and when the lights turn red, you must stop. No matter what state you’re in, it’s illegal to pass a school bus when the red lights are flashing, and the stop arm is extended. Avoid any type of distracted driving so you can make sure you see the school bus in plenty of time to safely stop. Also, don’t forget to be patient. You cannot legally start driving again until the stop arm is pulled back in, and the bus begins to move. Don't forget to keep a watchful eye on children waiting on the curb for their bus in the mornings and those being dropped off in the afternoon. Remember that kids often wait for the bus several feet from where it stops and may also be crossing the street to get on and off.

ARHVACR NewsMagazine September 2024

S tate, National, Chapter News State national Chapter News

Other Safety Tips for Back-to-School Driving In addition to the tips above, there are a few more things you can do to help ensure everyone’s safety when driving during the before- and after-school hours: • Adjust your route: If possible, avoid school zones altogether by taking a different route. • Be aware of pedestrian blind spots: When making turns, scan the area and turn your head so you can see around corners and windshield frames. • Look for pedestrian crossing signals: Be mindful of signs and pedestrian signals that require vehicles to stop and allow pedestrians to cross. Remember that some crosswalks are in the middle of the street, rather than at the corner. • Be alert when backing out: Always check for pedestrians and children when backing out of driveways or parking spaces. • Pay attention to crossing guards and traffic officers: They are there to ensure children's safety and control the flow of traffic. Crossing guards and traffic officers take precedence in school zones, so always follow their directions,

even if they contradict traffic signals or signs.

Time to Hit the Road Safely!

As a driver, you're not just responsible for yourself, but also for the safety of others, especially around school zones. With children's lives at stake, there's no room for carelessness. So, take these tips to heart, slow down, and keep your eyes open. Whether you're looking out for flashing lights, stopping for buses, or giving a friendly wave to a crossing guard, you've got the power to make the roads safer. Need to Save Money and Get Great Service? Now may be the best time to review your commercial insurance: General Liability, Workers Compensation, Vehicle, Building, etc. Travis Hill……………....(479) 424 -4918 Nick Hall…………………(501) 680 -1186

HVACR NewsMagazine September 2024

Rebate Programs & Incentives

• $2,000 per year for qualified heat pumps, biomass stoves or biomass boilers The credit has no lifetime dollar limit. You can claim the maximum annual credit every year that you make eligible improvements until 2033. The credit is nonrefundable, so you can't get back more on the credit than you owe in taxes. You can't apply any excess credit to future tax years. Business in your home? The tax credit can be applied to a home partly used as a business. As long as you do not claim more than a 20% use for business purposes, you can still claim the full energy tax credit. Doors, windows, and skylights must meet Energy Star and insulation and air sealing materials or systems must meet IECC standards that were in effect 2 years prior to the installation. To Repeat Doors are limited to $250 per door and a maximum of $500. Windows and skylights are limited to $600. Insulation and air sealing have no limit except the $1,200 annual limit for all the above; however, labor for installing building envelope components; i.e., insulation, does not qualify for the credit. Even gas furnaces can qualify as long as they meet the CEE’s, Consortium for Energy Efficiency, highest efficiency tier. The maximum credit is $600. Heat pumps meeting CEE’s highest efficiency tier can take up to $2000. Determining the rated efficiency of

Energy Tax Credits

We have been in a state of suspened animation for a few years, first by the DOE, the IRS, and the State of Arkansas. You may recall that we were adament that whatever our industry did should be aimed at helping Arkansans not just selling heat pumps, especially in homes that are not energy prepared for a heat pump. Since we are still some time away from knowing what Arkansas is doing which will determine how much federal money is available, we will address what we think we know about present law that Arkansas has nothing to say about. “ If you make qualified energy-efficient improvements to your home after Jan. 1, 2023, you may qualify for a tax credit up to $3,200. You can claim the credit for improvements made through 2032. ” (1) Beginning Jan1, 2023, the credit equals 30% of certain qualified expenses including: • Qualified energy efficiency improvements installed during the year • Residential energy property expenses • Home Energy Audits The maximum (total) credit you can claim each year is: • $1,200 for energy property costs and certain energy efficient home improvements, with limits on doors ($250 per door and $500 total), windows ($600) and home energy audits ($150) EEHIC, Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit