NCI Article Library

High-Performance HVAC Resources

Don’t Be Victor Frankenstein

Don't Be Victor Frankenstein In 1818, Mary Shelley published Frankenstein, her best-selling horror classic about an experiment that goes horribly wrong. Swiss student, Victor Frankenstein, uncovers the secret to bringing life to that which is lifeless. In assembling...

Does CO Certification Impact Your Liability?

What's my liability when I make the job right? This is a commonly asked question once contractors are taught how to diagnose and fix combustion safety and efficiency problems. My first response is another question: "Does ignoring or not diagnosing problems reduce your...

Do Your Customers Pay With a Smile?

Collecting money is one of the least favorite tasks for a small business owner. Many contractors would rather avoid the awkwardness and just send a bill. This can really hurt cash flow, considering how much you have tied up in a typical installation. Getting your...

Do You Get Paid What You’re Worth?

Vendor Spotlight, Rodney Koop, founder of The New Flat Rate.

Diagnostic Tests That Teach and Sell

Since the mid 1980's most contractors have been selling air conditioning and heating using methods like slick calculations that promised return on investment and energy savings. Times have changed and so have our customers. Today's buyers are better equipped to make...

Diagnosing Water Heater Pilot Defects

Trying to solve water heater pilot problems is one sure way to experience feelings of frustration and uncertainty. The challenge is to learn to recognize all the conditions that can cause them to go out and then quickly bring to mind the host of repairs available to...

Developing a Customer Referral Plan

Developing a Customer Referral Plan By Nita Brooks, NCI Business Solutions Development Manager Your company should invest in developing a good customer referral plan to reward and give incentives to your loyal customers to spread the word on your products and...

Design Vs. Redesign

We've looked, but can't find it. There are mountains of information about how to design a new HVAC system, but nothing much that addresses how to redesign one. It would take hundreds of pages to completely detail the process, but let’s take a stab at the basic ideas....

Delivering Peace of Mind for a Living

Don Ball, Ball Heating & Air Conditioning Contractor Spotlight.

Declare Independence from the Weather

Declare Independence from the Weather by David Holt Outdoor temperatures have been exceeding 100° F all across North America this summer. HVAC contractors in these "hot spots" have been racking up some serious overtime trying to handle all the emergency no-cooling...