Technology
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If You Can’t Measure It, You Can’t Improve
It’s what tells you what you need to know about your customers’ needs and expectations so you can serve them better. It’s what drives customers to choose you over other contractors. It’s what helps you track callbacks so you can minimize their impact … or lead conversion rates so you know how much time and money you put into making a sale. It’s what helps associations like PHCC identify and …
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I Love My Pipe Wrench
The call came from the editor of Solutions magazine – "It’s time to write your final column as PHCC—National President. Can you highlight technology/innovation in the plumbing industry? Please try to stay on topic." (I guess I veered outside the lane in past articles.) So, technology/innovation in the plumbing industry … huh … I think that started when dad purchased automatic transmissions in …
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Federal and State IRA Rebate Programs Preparing for Take Off
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is a piece of federal legislation that was signed into law by President Joe Biden over two years ago. While not necessarily indicated by its name, the IRA is touted by its supporters as the largest investment in clean energy in American history. As it relates to home appliances, one main program in the IRA that contractors and installers should know about is the …
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For Appliance Energy Conservation Standards, the Political Pendulum Does Not Swing
Observers of American politics often note that policymaking swings like a pendulum. One political party will earn control of government and enact policies they believe will improve the country. Later, the opposing political party will inevitably seize governmental control and undo much of the work of their predecessors. This process then repeats. While there may be examples of this idea proving …
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Education Program Announced for CONNECT 2024
Premier education exposure and opportunities for all attendees at CONNECT 2024. FALLS CHURCH, Va. – August 2024 – The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association (PHCC) reveals educational programming including knowledge, technology and podcast hubs, for CONNECT 2024 in Birmingham, Alabama. With over 20 education sessions, CONNECT will cover relevant topics...
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Auntie Em: It’s A Twister!
When it comes to the state of affairs surrounding natural gas bans, refrigerant changes, licensing, efficiency limits, and more, sometimes I feel like I’m swept up in a twister. I’m desperately looking for the calm after the storm and for help to navigate my business. PHCC has been incredibly resourceful in supporting the licensed plumbing and HVAC contractor. Thank goodness for PHCC’s …
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More States Looking to Policies to Outlaw Natural Gas
Since the City of Berkeley passed an ordinance that prohibited natural gas hookups to newly constructed homes in 2019, the future of natural gas as a building fuel source has been a hotly debated topic in our industry. Indeed, Berkeley was followed by dozens of other California communities that adopted similar policies, and Washington State even enacted residential and commercial building codes …
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Keynote Speakers Announced for CONNECT 2024
Leading experts, Jeff Butler and Mary Kelly, to speak at CONNECT 2024. FALLS CHURCH, Va. – July 2024 – Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors National Association (PHCC) unveils Jeff Butler and Mary Kelly as the keynote speakers for CONNECT 2024 in Birmingham, Alabama, October 7-10, at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex. Jeff Butler is a workplace strategist, who has offered expertise to …
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Speed is King! Consumers Are Making Rapid Decisions, Requiring Rapid Responses
More than half of consumers are deciding on a home services provider.
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DOE Final Rule on Commercial Water Heater Efficiency Standards Takes Effect in 2026
Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) published a Final Rule for energy conservation standards for residential water heaters. While this topic has understandably caught the attention of many in our industry who are still working on examining and analyzing the document, it in some ways serves as a reminder that DOE has already finalized energy conservation standards for …
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