If you could ask the CEO of a major manufacturer a serious question, what would it be

[the editor]

For the first time in its history, Comfortech is hosting an Industry Leadership Symposium where five top executives representing manufacturers in the HVAC, Plumbing, and Hydronics industries will take on questions submitted by contractors.

This is an outstanding opportunity for you to hear and interact with these manufacturing executives in a question-and-answer format that will be facilitated by Contracting Business.com and Contractor magazines.

Today, right now is the time to submit questions that are important to you, your employees, and your businesses.

The executives will offer their insight on the mechanical systems marketplace of today and tomorrow, tackling questions that can range from the state of the economy to the impact on your businesses of legislative issues such as energy efficiency, water conservation, and much more.

If you have questions that you'd like to ask, whether you're attending the event or not, here is the place to ask them. Please post your questions here or send them directly to Mike Weil (HVAC industry questions) or Bob Mader (hydronics/plumbing industry questions). We will accept questions through September 6th.

When you ask your question, please include your name and company name and city/state in which you are located.

The Industry Leadership Symposium will be held on Friday, September 20th from 11 AM to 12:15 PM and includes a free lunch.

This is the final session of Comfortech 2013 and it will colse with an exciting Harley Davidson motorcycle giveaway to a lucky contractor in attendence.

[HeyBob]

What are their plans if any (Lennox) for the future expansion into big box stores. What are their plans in the future (Lennox) for dealing with major utility companies.

As for the big box stores, plumbers and electricians have had their business seriously compromised by them, all they have to sell anymore in a lot of cases is their labor and you sure can't make a living off of that alone.

The reason I ask regarding utilities is because they have been collecting information from us via information supplied to them by us doing tune-ups and furnace installations. My guess is their next move is to take that information and market everyone that has an old furnace where a tune-up was done and move them into more efficient equipment, cutting out the contractor.

[the editor]

Great questions, Bob. Thanks for sharing!!!!!

What are their plans if any (Lennox) for the future expansion into big box stores. What are their plans in the future (Lennox) for dealing with major utility companies.

As for the big box stores, plumbers and electricians have had their business seriously compromised by them, all they have to sell anymore in a lot of cases is their labor and you sure can't make a living off of that alone.

The reason I ask regarding utilities is because they have been collecting information from us via information supplied to them by us doing tune-ups and furnace installations. My guess is their next move is to take that information and market everyone that has an old furnace where a tune-up was done and move them into more efficient equipment, cutting out the contractor.

[54regcab]

What are their plans if any (Lennox) for the future expansion into big box stores. What are their plans in the future (Lennox) for dealing with major utility companies.

As for the big box stores, plumbers and electricians have had their business seriously compromised by them, all they have to sell anymore in a lot of cases is their labor and you sure can't make a living off of that alone.

The reason I ask regarding utilities is because they have been collecting information from us via information supplied to them by us doing tune-ups and furnace installations. My guess is their next move is to take that information and market everyone that has an old furnace where a tune-up was done and move them into more efficient equipment, cutting out the contractor.

Thats not what we are seeing in our area. The local utilities want to sub out the work to quality contractors. The local utiliies dont want the liability associated with doing the work themselves. As somebody who subcontracts for a major utility I have seen it happen.

Lennox and other manufactures would be wise to manufacture smartgrid compatible thermostats. Energate, Carrier, and Ecobee already have them. We have already installed over 50,000 in our service area.

[HeyBob]

So you are working for the Utilities? Not very smart in my eyes if you are.

[timebuilder]

Question:

How is the HVAC industry going to raise wages and professional stature so that the next generation will be attracted to become technicians?

Right now, the number of talented, motivated young people is dwindling in the trades in general, and wages being offered are not commensurate with other choices that the same individuals have as high school graduates. Will the HVAC industry rise to the occasion to make itself attractive?

[the editor]

Question:

How is the HVAC industry going to raise wages and professional stature so that the next generation will be attracted to become technicians?

Right now, the number of talented, motivated young people is dwindling in the trades in general, and wages being offered are not commensurate with other choices that the same individuals have as high school graduates. Will the HVAC industry rise to the occasion to make itself attractive?

Excellent question and thanks for posting it.

[Roof Rat in Kc]

when will we get hinged hail shields we just put in a goodman there must be 30 screws per. the doors are hinged so why make coil cleaning take longer than necessary. I understand cost up front but these coils will be cleaned dozens of times over the units life.

[timebuilder]

Excellent question and thanks for posting it.

My pleasure, Mr. W.

[cbielich]

Why do you never create a 4.5 Ton unit?

[truck12]

Whats wrong with the copper used in todays coils?
Why are X13 motors still in use?

[54regcab]

Whats wrong with the copper used in todays coils?
Why are X13 motors still in use?

X13 motors offer much of the energy efficiency advantages of a VS motor but cost less.

[truck12]

but cost less.

You're a funny guy. How about after a big storm and we have 15 sitting in the shop waiting for their replacements. All from units less than a year old. "So and So a/c INC installed this system and it needed a new motor 2 months later." Whats that do to a companies reputation? You think they seen any energy savings in that 2 months? You think they're happy to be without air? You think the ones out of the one year labor warranty are happy to pay for a warranty motor? You think the techs that have to explain all this are happy? These motors are a s*** stain on our reputation.