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National Oilheat Research Alliance
NORA Update: Evolving Tactics
John J. Huber, President
 
One of the themes of the new NORA will be creative solutions provided by industry professionals. While everyone in the industry is proud of our achievements in getting NORA reauthorized,  the rate of $.002 stayed the same. At the same time volumes of oilheat have fallen dramatically due to the sustained high price environment we have been in for nearly a decade.  As a result, NORA's ability to throw money at a problem to solve it will be much reduced.  However, this should not mean that we will not be able to help move the industry forward, but it will mean that we will have to alter our tactics.

 

First, we have an industry of leaders and volunteers. The oilheating industry has always worked hard for its survival and success.  The businesses are close to their communities and customers and are self-reliant.  This leads to strength as these individuals work together to build a stronger industry.  

There was a meeting with the Organization for Energy Service Professionals on March 29th to discuss NORA's gold program. Tthis was a Saturday afternoon, and approximately 50 people gave up their afternoon to work with us to ensure we had a strong program.  Money cannot replace that level of commitment.

 

Second, we have some new tools to work with our customers and industry with. The internet is not the magic bullet to solve all of our problems.  However, it does provide a low cost option to get information about the improvements we have made to oilheat consumers, and oilheat professionals. To use this effectively will require us to work cooperatively and smart. 

 

Third, we have to really focus on our employees. Ensuring every employee can help our customers make good choices is vital. These are the lifeblood of our industry, and we need to ensure they are supported so that our share of the energy market is protected.

 
NORA will need to ensure that we do everything we can do to make us successful.
 

Futures & Options
Springing Ahead
Philip J. Baratz, Angus Energy

 

It's that time of year again.  The snow has melted, the service calls have slowed down, and the Mets have their fans fooled into believing that THIS is the year they will make the playoffs.  It is also the time of year to reassess the past year's pricing plans, and start to get ready for next year's offers.

 

This past winter was one of sharp contrasts.  The weather was cold and stayed cold.  Demand was steady, without much in the way of crazy cold snaps.  Just a bunch of good ol' winter - the type that oil dealers like.  Yes, the snowfall did cause some challenges (and overtime) for dealers, but comparing the extra costs versus the additional revenues was certainly a win for the good guys.

 

Futures prices were somewhat stable, albeit hovering within 10 or 15 cents of $3.00 per gallon for the whole winter.  However, the combination of natural gas tightness, transportation/pipeline issues, interruptible utility demand and the introduction of new product specifications of heating oil in the Northeast all led to an extended time period of "disconnect" between the Merc futures and the spot (rack) costs-- not-too-fondly known as a "basis blowout".

 

If there were a year to speak to the value of a sophisticated hedging program, this was it.  Not only was there need for "flat price" (Merc) hedging, many of our clients protected against changes in basis, as well as the uncertainty of the weather-- how many HDD's would show up, and when they would how up. 

 

The consensus is that we will see a spike in the level of interest in pricing programs this coming winter.  If you are not aggressively offering a program, be prepared to have some of your customers enticed by someone who is-- even if your service (or "on-hold music") is superior.  More and more, customers vote with their wallets, and pricing uncertainty is a financial matter.

 

There is some good news in the fact that due to the wide swings in basis, it seems that SOME of the bizarrely low prices that we see offered during the summer-- no, not to existing customers, just to new customers!-- may not drop as low as we have witnessed recently.  Although that is an odd benefit to a volatility problem, it is a silver lining.

 

It is almost May, and the time to work on your programs is now.  There are many steps that are needed to plan, price, market and hedge.  Fortunately, none are very difficult, yet all are very necessary.  Speak with those who can assist you and simply be prepared.  This past year was a good one.  With proper planning, it can be the rule-- not the exception.

Environmental Issues
Comments Lay Blame for R-22 Debacle on EPA Data Collection

There are a number of factors that have contributed to the R-22 phase out debacle,  but during the recent comment period regarding the EPA's data collection efforts, more information surfaced that lays the blame directly on the EPA's collection process. The comments submitted by the law firm of Patton Boggs clearly shows why the EPA's unwillingness to correct a process they knew to be seriously flawed, led to the worst financial disaster in the history of the HVACR industry.

Gordon McKinney 
VP/COO 
ICOR International, Inc.



Field Controls Releases New Ventilation Guide

The 2014 Field Controls Residential Ventilation Guide has been released with 32 pages of up to date, comprehensive information regarding balanced ventilation systems, central fan integrated ventilation systems and others. Rich with installation instructions, system comparisons and detailed specifications and diagrams, the 2014 Residential Ventilation Guide is an invaluable resource to contractors who deal with home ventilation.

Access the guide free of charge by clicking here.

Field Controls was recently recognized with the Innovation Award from parent The Heico Companies, LLC, as well as the "Best in Class" designation.
People in the News
Wilo USA Names New National Sales Manager, Building Services
Schmittzeh
 
Wilo USA announced the appointment of Mark Schmittzeh to the position of National Sales Manager, Building Services. Schmittzeh joined the company in 2010 and served as Regional Sales Manager, Northeast prior to his promotion.
history
New Products

Taco FloodBreaker

Taco introduced the FloodBreaker leak detection system to prevent waste and property damage. Designed for residential use, the FloodBreaker monitors household water use and shuts off the main water supply once pre-programmed thresholds are reached. FloodBreaker detects even the smallest, most difficult to notice leaks that can cost money and cause major damage over time. 

Bosch Thermotechnology

New from Bosch Thermotechnology, communicating, customizable thermostats allow homeowners to be connected to their HVAC systems. With touch screen controls and digital displays, Bosch communicating thermostats keep operators apprised of everything from routine maintenance alerts to operational efficiency readouts. The thermostats can be used as part of Bosch's Total Comfort Control system or integrated into existing HVAC applications.


E Instruments AQ Pro

E Instruments introduced AQ Pro, a new handheld indoor air quality monitor designed for use in a broad variety of indoor settings. The compact Bluetooth-compatible unit provides monitoring of CO2 levels, temperature, relative humidity, barometric air pressure and differential pressure. Upgrades are available for monitoring of further air quality factors, including O2 and NO2 levels.


Burda Infrared Heaters/Coolers

Infrared heaters from Burda Worldwide Technologies GmbH help provide comfort and energy savings, both indoors and out. Burda's innovative line of heaters and heater/coolers is outfitted with infrared technology, emitting invisible light waves that heat objects with which they come into contact.

Events

Gas Appliance Service Training and Consulting

Presents Timmie McElwain

CETP Propane Courses - May/June 2014

 

May

6-8 4.1: Designing & Installing Exterior Vapor Systems

12 Fundamentals of Combustion

13 Circuitry & Troubleshooting

14 Hydronic Controls Circuitry

15 Gas Heating Electric Ignition Systems

16 Gas Heating Advanced Electric Ignition Systems

27-29 4.2: Placing Vapor Systems & Appliances Into Operation

 

June

9-12 4.3: Installing Appliances & Inside Vapor Systems

16 Fundamentals of Combustion

17 Circuitry & Troubleshooting

18 Hydronic Controls Circuitry

19 Gas Heating Electric Ignition Systems

20 Gas Heating Advanced Electric Ignition Systems

 

All classes will be held at 338 Metacom Ave., Warren, RI from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. 

 

Please note that no classes will be offered in July. To register and for payment information, contact Timmie McElwain at [email protected] or (401) 437-0557.

 

 

Xylem Little Red Schoolhouse Seminar Schedule

May

5-7 Service & Maintenance of Water Based HVAC Systems

19-21 Plumbing Systems Design

 

June

2-4 Design & Application of Water Based HVAC Systems

9-11 Large Chilled Water System Design

23-25 Modern Hydronic Heating Systems

 

Click here for enrollment information.

 

 

2014 Taco FloPro Factory Training

Taco's FloPro Training program for 2104 combine's 2-day factory courses at their new Innovation & Development Center (IDC) with many more single day training sessions offered remotely at wholesaler and rep locations nationwide.

   The company offers a broad range of professional development opportunities for plumbing and heating contractors. Participants learn to grow their hydronic expertise and boost profitability.

   According to Taco's Training Manager John Barba, "Residential Hydronics - Advanced Soup to Variable Speed Nuts" is Taco's newest main course, offered at the Cranston, Rhode Island factory in April-October.

 

The schedule is filling fast, so sign-up before 2014 is all sold out!

May 8-9

June 12-13                 Sold Out

July 31-August 1        Sold Out

September 18-19

October 23-24

 

Topics include:
Proper circulator selection

How to read pump curves
The truth about three-speed circulators
Flat curve pumps - vs - steep curve pumps

Calculating flow and head loss
Variable speed circs: the truth about electric savings and the value of Delta T
Piping and high efficiency boilers
Estimating fuel and electric consumption
Efficient zoning techniques
Wiring for multi-pump relays and zone valve controls
Modernizing existing systems

"The factory training sessions run two days, offering extensive hands-on experience with system wiring" said Barba. "The two-day, Cranston, RI sessions also include a factory tour and a night on the town."

The $299 tuition covers training, hotel, meals, and all class materials. Complete class information and online registration is available at www.floproteam.com

 
  
June 10-11, 2014, DCU Center, Worcester, MA. 

Contact NEFI for information, schedules and hotels. 

Phone: 617-924-1000 

E-mail:  [email protected]

  

  

OESP Road Show online registration is open  

Oil and Energy Service Professionals welcomes members as well as anyone in the HVACR industry to join them at Mohegan Sun in Connecticut for the first ever OESP Roadshow, May 12-13.

oesp  

Attendees will have the opportunity to focus on professional development classes, technical classes or both.  With over 13 hours of education available over this 2-day event, you just might want to mix it up. There are classes that are 1-hour in length up to classes that are quite in depth.  The technical session are geared more towards new technologies, alternative fuels and more.

  

"Early Bird" pricing is good until April 1 - after that, pricing goes up by $50.00.  All registered attendees that have booked a 2-day event package prior to April 1st will be in the running to win a complimentary 2 night suite at Mohegan Sun.    

 

Get more details and register here.

 

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