Industry Forecast Continued from page 65


earth” systems in my area. At some point a high efficiency gas-fired mod con


could outperform the heat pump, in heating mode, and cost less to operate. Only properly designed and installed geo systems will reward the owner with the advertised COP numbers. Remember you have a 33- 35% efficiency from a lump


of coal to the electricity at your meter. Don’t forget to include the cost of operating the pumps in the system also. Many opportunities exist tying geo with solar thermal.


This should present an attractive option for consumers and still leave a viable opportunity for the wethead con- tractors. Without a doubt, the ability to heat, cool and provide domestic hot water (DHW) favors the geother- mal technologies. I see a similar issue in the solar market. Big name, deep-pocketed PV manufacturers are better positioned to drive solar electric to the consumer. At least a small per- centage of the public realizes the difference between solar electric and solar thermal. Just as hydronics has been a tough message to get mainstream, solar thermal sees the same challenge. Solar incentives at the federal level seem to be safe for


now. On one hand, this will help keep the solar message viable. But is it creating a false economy? When the incentives end will the solar industry fall flat? Quality products and professional installations are a must to prove that solar thermal is a technology that works and keeps giving beyond the payoff. That is our job as the manufac- turers, specifiers, dealers and installers. Learn the technol- ogy, research the product offerings, and install the systems so future generations can point to them with pride. Solar thermal started out with a bang in 2007 and 2008. Residential projects seem to have dropped off but the commercial market continues to see moderate growth. I see the economy turning around and rebounding, but


at a slower pace then we might like. Maybe this is a bless- ing in disguise. In slow times, use the opportunity to advance your knowledge. Absorb all the new technology you can. The www’s allow you to take classes from the comfort of your home or office. Look to manufacturers for webinars and other training opportunities. Increase your participation in appropriate trade associations. Pass on the knowledge you have learned. Offer to pre-


sent a seminar for local trade techs, realtors, associations, ASHRAE meetings; the list is endless when you consider ways to spread the knowledge. I always am encouraged to see the manufacturers offer-


ing new products, regardless of the slow market. I see new boilers, circulators, controls, tools and accessories being presented in the magazines and at the trade shows. Take it from a man who has orbited the sun more than


a few times. When it comes to the economy, the sun will come out again. n


Bob ‘hot rod’ Rohr has been a plumbing, radiant heat


and solar contractor for more than 30 years. A long-time RPA member, Bob is manager of training and education for Caleffi North America. He can be reached at hotrod radiant@mac.com.


Page 66/Plumbing Engineer


Are you positioned for progress?


By Frank Maddalon, PHCC – National Association President


W


ith positive indications of an economic turn- around, optimism is inching its way up the scale. The signs are there. The latest industry


forecast indicates that – after hitting a low point last year – construction spending should rise 3 to 7 percent in 2011. Consumers are finally beginning to spend money on home repairs and improvements. And, construction industry reports are predicting that 2011 will be a transition year leading to a “real recovery” by 2012.


Be Strategic While, on paper, these signs appear more as a blip than


a surge, bit by bit they’re pointing in a positive direction. PHCC is advising members that it is time to build on this momentum, examine this changed market and take delib- erate steps toward positioning their companies for progress. Consistent, calculated moves will not only get their business back on track, but also give them the com- petitive edge. What are we hearing from our members throughout the


U.S.? Although generally positive, as a whole they are still very uncertain about what’s ahead. The way they have typically done business in the past has changed, and prob- ably will never go back to the way it was. They’re won- dering: What is the best way to market your company with all the new online and social media opportunities out there? How do you train your workers to find more cost- effective solutions for customers who don’t want to spend any money? How do you get up-to-speed on the latest “green” technologies? And how do we make sure our voice is heard on important legislative and regulatory issues that affect our bottom line? There are definitely a lot of distractions for a p-h-c busi-


ness owner these days. The successful businessmen are strategically analyzing their companies and making changes to move forward. They’re reviewing existing sys- tems, processes and procedures to determine whether they are relevant and efficient; re-examining the changed mar- ket and adjusting their business operations and marketing strategies, as needed; re-evaluating services and diversify- ing into new areas when appropriate; investing in training; and finding ways to offer something unique and indis- pensable to their clients to retain current customers and attract new ones... ...As 2011 gets under way, PHCC is optimistic that


things will turn around. And for those that are in tune with the best strategies to succeed, and have access to the resources and network to help improve the way they do business, the future will be even brighter. n * Excerpts of this report were taken from Phc News, Plumbing Engineer’s sister publication. Contact PHCC online at www.phccweb.org or via email at naphcc@naphcc.org.


January 2011


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