A manpower shortage in the sheet metal industry has been a looming problem for years. Now that it is coming to a head, the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association has plans to battle from all sides. Labor will be top of mind during SMACNA’s 75th annual convention this month in San Diego, California. But before then, we went to a few job sites to see how contractors are handling the crisis in real time.

For many years, utilities and large companies used thermal imaging to uncover potential heat problems across large areas and to keep track of heavy machinery.

Officials at the St. Louis Area Foodbank say the installation of a Verasys system by Johnson Controls is reducing utility costs and increasing energy savings. 

Semco’s updated Neuton Multiple Zone chilled beam pump module now has the ability to control active chilled beams in up to five small rooms — averaging 120 square feet each — in office buildings, hospitals, schools and other commercial buildings. 

Qualified homeowners can receive low-flow shower heads, high-efficiency light bulbs, programmable thermostats, HVAC equipment and duct sealing.

A basic, off-the-shelf, thermostat employs one wire to command each power, fan, heating and cooling operation in a HVAC system. It is an inexpensive, low-tech way to put comfort control on a customer’s wall.

Thermostat Recycling Corp. has added two of its first non-mercury thermostat manufacturers to its membership: Ecobee and Nest Labs.

HVAC construction and components manufacturer Danfoss has appointed Ashwani Girdhar its new Canadian sales manager.

Thermostat Recycling Corp. is changing eligibility requirements for its 2017 Big Man On Planet competition, which recognizes companies for their efforts in mercury thermostat collections.