contractors

Caleffi North America, a leader in state-of-the-art engineered solutions for hydronic and plumbing systems and committed to Excellence in Education, announces that registration is now open for Coffee with Caleffi™ LIVE at AHR 2024, Booth #S7941. With training content suitable for contractors, engineers, and distributors, AHR attendees can register for up to three of the unique in-booth training events Read more

Caleffi North America, a leader in state-of-the-art engineered solutions for hydronic and plumbing systems and committed to Excellence in Education, announces that registration is now open for Coffee with Caleffi™ LIVE at AHR 2024, Booth #S7941.

With training content suitable for contractors, engineers, and distributors, AHR attendees can register for up to three of the unique in-booth training events that were inspired by the popular Coffee with Caleffi™ technical training webinar series.

Coffee with Caleffi LIVE will engage attendees with informative, lively conversations being lead by by industry experts like Mechanical Hub’s John Mesenbrink, Tim Ward, Eric Aune and Andy Mickelson as well as esteemed Carlson-Holohan Award Alumni including John Siegenthaler, Dan Holohan, David Yates, Bob Rohr, Ingrid Mattsson, John Goshulak, David Hughes and perhaps a surprise or two!

Free Registration and Schedule at a glance: 

For those who pre-register, a special gift will be provided (one per attendee, while supplies last) and the opportunity to enter a drawing to win a one-of-a-kind sculpture by Bob “Hot Rod” Rohr.

A barista will be on hand to prepare a made-to-order Americano, espresso or cappuccino to compliment your Coffee with Caleffi LIVE experience.

“It’s like Disney World for engineers and contractors,” said one visitor on the tour. The Mechanical Hub team made a quick visit to Apple Valley, Minn., to visit Uponor North America as the company celebrated the grand opening of its newly constructed Uponor Experience Center with a “pipe-cutting” ceremony. The team was treated to a Read more

“It’s like Disney World for engineers and contractors,” said one visitor on the tour. The Mechanical Hub team made a quick visit to Apple Valley, Minn., to visit Uponor North America as the company celebrated the grand opening of its newly constructed Uponor Experience Center with a “pipe-cutting” ceremony.

Uponor, Uponor Experience Center, plumbing, piping, PEX piping, supply chain, contractors, engineers, plumbing contractors

Andres Caballero (fifth from left) performs the pipe cutting for the new Uponor Experience Center.

The team was treated to a behind-the-scenes tour of the new 4,500-sq.-ft. customer experience center, which features hands-on displays, full-scale residential and commercial training areas, and cutting-edge innovation showcases, and a place to bring MEP students from the area to get a taste of the trades. The new Uponor Experience Center is a flexible education and discovery space designed to advance the technical skills of current and potential customers. In addition, it will help foster innovation within the plumbing and HVAC industry and provide an immersive experience for employees and visitors alike.

Uponor, Uponor Experience Center, plumbing, piping, PEX piping, supply chain, contractors, engineers, plumbing contractors

Some displays mimicked true applications.

The new Uponor Experience Center occupies the company’s previous customer training area, which was originally built in 2000 and renovated in 2010. It is at the center of the North American headquarters campus, surrounded by corporate offices, an R&D facility, and manufacturing space.

Uponor, Uponor Experience Center, plumbing, piping, PEX piping, supply chain, contractors, engineers, plumbing contractors

Andres Caballero thanks his staff for all of the hard work and dedication that went into planning and constructing the experience center.

“The opening of our new Uponor Experience Center signifies the importance we place on keeping the needs of our customers, employees, and key stakeholders top of mind as we continue our mission of becoming the global leader in sustainable water and energy solutions,” says Uponor North America President Andres Caballero. “The ‘X’, as our employees have begun to call it, is a culmination of our rich history and decades of innovation coming together to generate awareness and create enthusiasm for moving water more efficiently, effectively, and sustainably.”

With original concepts beginning back in 2020, the Uponor Experience Center was several years in the making. The thoughtful design, which takes into consideration the company’s rich Finnish roots, resulted from many months of internal team collaboration, as well as feedback from customers, partners, and industry influencers.

Uponor, Uponor Experience Center, plumbing, piping, PEX piping, supply chain, contractors, engineers, plumbing contractors

Mechanical Hub took the opportunity to record parts of the Appetite for Construction podcast with Des Clancy, director of training, Uponor, and the “architect” for the new center.

As guests move through the front doors toward the back of the space, they first experience displays depicting who Uponor is as a company along with the customers served and the unique value provided to key audiences and the industry.

Uponor, Uponor Experience Center, plumbing, piping, PEX piping, supply chain, contractors, engineers, plumbing contractors

Experience center visitors will get the full hands-on treatment as seen here with one of its gracious partners Milwaukee Tool and its PEX Expander.

Then, there are product showcases and interactive displays for plumbing, fire safety, radiant heating/cooling, hydronic piping, and pre-insulated piping system solutions for residential and commercial markets. Finally, there is an oversized training area, featuring both wood and steel structures, where professionals will learn proper hands-on installation techniques as well as how Uponor’s emphasis on problem-solving and productivity delivers results for their businesses.

Uponor, Uponor Experience Center, plumbing, piping, PEX piping, supply chain, contractors, engineers, plumbing contractors

Doug Vetter, center, and Brian Spjut, left, from Vetter Plumbing, came all the way from Seattle to get a first glimpse of the space. (Pictured right is Uponor’s Dan Hubbard.)

“We wanted the Uponor Experience Center to extend beyond simply training customers on our products and systems,” says Vice President of Sales Matt Bahr. “As a result, we’ve created a holistic experience that spans a broad spectrum of who we are as a company, showcasing the depth and breadth of our product portfolio and sustainable solutions as well as providing access to the best trainers in the industry.”

With the focus not only on customers but also employees and those in the community, Director of Training Des Clancy says the planning team was very thoughtful about creating an elevated experience for everyone.

“At any given time, we will have contractors, builders, engineers, owners, students, employees, civic leaders, and other guests coming through the doors,” he says. “From tours and training, to onboarding and education sessions, the Uponor Experience Center offers something for everyone, and we are proud to showcase all we are offering to the industry and our community.”

Uponor, Uponor Experience Center, plumbing, piping, PEX piping, supply chain, contractors, engineers, plumbing contractors

Mechanical Hub’s John Mesenbrink (l) and Tim Ward (r) complete the “Uponor sandwich” as they also toured Uponor’s Distribution Center in Lakeville, Minn., with tour guide and director of logistics and warehousing, Nate McIntosh.

Taco Comfort Solutions has partnered with Contractor Rewards, a free program designed to reward professional contractors, plumbers, builders, and remodelers for buying the industry’s leading products. Customers earn points on Taco’s heating and plumbing products that can be redeemed for thousands of possible rewards – anything from movie tickets to tools or live events and Read more

Taco Comfort Solutions has partnered with Contractor Rewards, a free program designed to reward professional contractors, plumbers, builders, and remodelers for buying the industry’s leading products.

Customers earn points on Taco’s heating and plumbing products that can be redeemed for thousands of possible rewards – anything from movie tickets to tools or live events and vacations.  Taco’s full catalog of residential heating and plumbing products is eligible.  Points are earned on circulators, zone valves, or switching relays that were going to be purchased anyway.

Enroll today and use the bonus code GreenRewards to earn 200 points, free.  This jumpstart is Taco’s way of saying “thank you” to loyal customers.  Signing up is free and only takes a minute.  Just go to ContractorRewards.com and answer a few questions.

For questions, email ContractorSupport@ContractorRewards.com or call 1-877-286-7064.

Scholarships awarded to children, grandchildren and employees of Carrier and Bryant distributors and contractors nationwide Carrier and Bryant have announced the recipients of this year’s Carrier & Bryant Distributors’ Education Foundation scholarships. Recipients will receive funding for their post-secondary or vocational program during the 2022-2023 school year. Carrier and Bryant are part of Carrier Global Corporation (NYSE: CARR), the leading global provider Read more

Scholarships awarded to children, grandchildren and employees of Carrier and Bryant distributors and contractors nationwide

Carrier and Bryant have announced the recipients of this year’s Carrier & Bryant Distributors’ Education Foundation scholarships. Recipients will receive funding for their post-secondary or vocational program during the 2022-2023 school year. Carrier and Bryant are part of Carrier Global Corporation (NYSE: CARR), the leading global provider of healthy, safe, sustainable and intelligent building and cold chain solutions.

Established in 1981 the Carrier & Bryant Distributors’ Education Foundation was created to commemorate the late William A. Blees for his many years of service as an advisor to Carrier and Bryant distributors. Since inception, the foundation has awarded scholarships to over 400 students. Today, the foundation continues to serve the children, grandchildren and employees of distributors and contractors while also honoring the industry’s founder, Willis Carrier.

Willis Carrier attended Cornell University on a full, four-year merit scholarship. He earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, became a successful inventor and businessperson, and, in 1902, invented the founding principles of modern air conditioning. Willis Carrier was a consummate scientist and an educator who attended college on scholarship, just as our recipients will in his honor.

“The Carrier & Bryant Distributors’ Education Foundation scholarships are a special way for us to say ‘thank you’ to our contractors and distributors for their expertise and support,” said Justin Keppy, President, NA Residential & Light Commercial HVAC, Carrier. “This year’s outstanding scholarship recipients embody all of the values and characteristics we look for in future leaders, and we’re proud to support their educational endeavors just as Willis Carrier was supported in his.”

Scholarships from the foundation are available to children, grandchildren and employees of Carrier and Bryant distributors and contractors and their employees throughout the U.S. Students are awarded the scholarship based on academic achievement, extracurricular activities, demonstrated leadership potential, and personal motivation. A short essay about the candidates’ educational and career aspirations is required during the application process. There were 119 total applicants from 27 states for this year’s scholarships.

The 2022 Carrier & Bryant Distributors’ Education Foundation scholarship recipients include:

Jordan Acuna San Marcos, CA
Jacob Baker Monroe, NC
Joshua Bedwell Candler, NC
Hallei Bittlinger Hebron, KY
Yvette Castaneda Mission Viejo, CA
Lillian Cleaves Lima, OH
Audry DeSantis Springfield, OH
Domiy DiTomasso Hahira, GA
Mary Drinkard Rome, GA
Gary Faulks Stamford, TX
Eva Griffin Springfield, IL
Derek Helsten New London, WI
Mary Kulis Kent, OH
Anne Leaman Willow Street, PA
Addyson Lingafelter Griffin, IN
Shayna Lloyd Eden, NC
Camden Meadows Cartersville, GA
Josiah Paul Stoutsville, OH
Rachel Rawlings Chillicothe, OH
Myora Slaughter Blue Springs, MO
Rachel Strausman Moorpark, CA
Cheyanne Wandrey Boone, IA

For more information about Carrier or Bryant, please visit https://www.carrier.com/residential/en/us/ or www.bryant.com.

HVAC technicians or contractors are well-trained professionals who are experts in everything HVAC. They are well versed in every component inside the HVAC system. Besides, for HVAC repair or maintenance tasks, they follow the proper guidelines and handle the HVAC unit very cautiously. But should you consider hiring an HVAC contractor or do DIY for Read more

HVAC technicians or contractors are well-trained professionals who are experts in everything HVAC. They are well versed in every component inside the HVAC system. Besides, for HVAC repair or maintenance tasks, they follow the proper guidelines and handle the HVAC unit very cautiously.

But should you consider hiring an HVAC contractor or do DIY for HVAC repairs?

1.   Follows Strict Protocols During HVAC Cleaning

HVAC systems are complicated and need to be handled cautiously. When you hire a novice HVAC technician or handyman who doesn’t have enough experience handling an HVAC unit, he will likely damage the HVAC system. On the flip side, when you hire an expert HVAC contractor, he strictly follows the HVAC cleaning protocols.

For example, for cleaning the outside AC unit, an experienced HVAC contractor will first disconnect the cooling system. Then if there is debris in the cooling unit, he will clean them. After that, he will clean the AC fins and coils. When the HVAC contractor cleans the AC fins and coils, he will straighten the AC fins and level the HVAC unit. Similarly, there are protocols for cleaning the parts inside the AC unit.

When the protocols are followed strictly, there is zero risk of damaging your HVAC unit. But a person who doesn’t have experience in handling HVAC systems doesn’t know this HVAC cleaning protocol. As a result, if that person tries to clean the HVAC system, it can cause severe damage to the HVAC system. This is why for HVAC cleaning, you should never DIY. Instead, it is advised to hire an HVAC contractor to clean the unit.

2.   Fast & Reliable HVAC Service

HVAC contractors are well versed in the HVAC unit. They undergo extensive training, and most professional HVAC contractors have an HVAC license. Having an HVAC license indicates that you know the ins and out of an HVAC unit and can handle any type of issue. Besides, an HVAC contractor has all the necessary tools to repair an AC or furnace.

On the flip side, when you hire a regular repairman, they don’t have the required tool to handle the HVAC unit. As a result, at first, they will have to collect all the required tools and start working later. But this will take a lot of time and make the HVAC repair or maintenance process less efficient.

This is why if you want efficient, quick, and reliable HVAC service, you must call an HVAC contractor or technician.

3.   Helps Increase HVAC Efficiency

Over time, HVAC units start to lose their efficiency and have wear and tear. But HVAC efficiency can be increased by regular maintenance. Here, an HVAC contractor will help you out.

A professional HVAC contractor knows which type of repair to do to keep the HVAC system efficiency at an optimum level. On the other hand, a regular repairman won’t know what to do to increase efficiency. As a result, he will suggest random AC or furnace repairs. But these repairs are of no use. That is why for the correct type of HVAC service, you must hire a professional HVAC technician or contractor.

4.   Does Home Evaluation

When using an HVAC unit, you will have to factor in your home’s condition and size. Without proper home evaluation, you will have issues such as hot and cold spots, inefficient cooling, high energy bills, etc. However, you can avoid these issues by hiring an HVAC contractor.

An HVAC contractor not only looks after the HVAC system but also evaluates your home’s condition. For example, if you are planning to purchase a new air conditioning unit, you will first have to consider the size of the room. Because if you purchase an AC with less or more capacity than the actual demand, you won’t get the desired comfort.

Besides, ventilation plays a key role in keeping your house comfortable, and without proper home evaluation, correct ventilation design is not possible.

Measuring the room size, ventilation design, calculating the HVAC capacity, etc., may sound a bit complicated. But when you hire an HVAC contractor, he will do all these and provide you with the best HVAC solution.

5.   HVAC Insurance

Mistakes can happen during a repair, and if the component isn’t covered by insurance, you will have to pay from your own pocket. But when you hire an HVAC contractor, you won’t have to worry about it at all because most HVAC contractors have HVAC insurance coverage. As a result, if there is a need for additional repairs, HVAC insurance will cover those costs. But when you hire a handyman, they usually don’t have such HVAC insurance. Thus, if it requires additional repairs, you will have to pay for it.

Conclusion

For HVAC cleaning or regular maintenance, always call an HVAC contractor. Besides, when it comes to an HVAC unit, you should never rely on DIY methods. Because sometimes, DIY ways are not effective and cause more harm than good to the HVAC system.