The Florida Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractors Association (FRACCA) and a statewide coalition of mechanical, electrical and plumbing contractors, the MEP Coalition for Fair Competition, today asked Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate the business practices of Florida Power & Light (FPL). Specifically, the groups claim that FPL is misappropriating regulated public assets to enter private for-profit markets.

"FPL is using utility ratepayer funds and assets to buy their way into HVAC, electrical, plumbing and other industries and their goal is to put small local companies out of business and control these markets," said Jaime DiDomenico, the President of Cool Today, an HVAC, plumbing and electrical company based in Sarasota, and a member of the MEP Coalition for Fair Competition. "We hope the Attorney General will intervene to protect local businesses, jobs and consumers."

FRACCA originally filed a complaint with the state's Public Service Commission (PSC) on April 18, 2018 to prevent FPL from subsidizing Jupiter-Tequesta A/C through FPL Energy Services. Currently, Jupiter-Tequesta A/C is marketing itself as an FPL Energy Services company and is utilizing FPL's name and logo in all of its advertisements. FPL is also subsidizing Jupiter-Tequesta A/C in other ways such as recruiting employees, transferring incoming calls directly to the for-profit subsidiary, marketing their services in utility customer invoices and sharing a myriad of infrastructure and other ratepayer funded resources.

NextEra Energy, FPL, FPL Energy Services and Jupiter-Tequesta A/C all share officers and directors. In addition, FPL has admitted to collecting pricing data and customer information from independent contractors participating in rebate programs.

Due to the PSC's inaction, FRACCA and the MEP Coalition for Fair Competition sent another letter today seeking clarification of FPL's positions and providing supplemental information to the PSC for consideration. They are also asking the Attorney General's Antitrust Division to intervene and to initiate an investigation.

Added Tray Batcher, a Partner with Cotney Construction Law which represents FRACCA, "We believe FPL is subsidizing a for-profit affiliate using regulated ratepayer funds. It is outrageous, unfair and extraordinarily damaging to local small businesses and FPL ratepayers."

Link to Letter: http://www.mepcoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/PSC-Letter-91218.pdf

By John Hielscher Staff Writer 

Posted at 5:05 PM Updated at 5:05 PM

A group of air conditioning contractors is protesting Florida Power & Light’s expansion into the home services business.

The new alliance, MEP Coalition for Fair Competition, includes business owners from Southwest Florida who accuse FPL of “predatory practices” by leveraging assets from its state-regulated power business to move into unregulated services like air conditioning.

The coalition wants the state Public Service Commission, which regulates FPL electric rates, and the Legislature to intervene and protect their interests.

“They will not stop with HVAC,” Keith Martin, co-owner of Badger Bob’s Services in Sarasota, said in announcing the coalition. “If they are allowed to get away with it, they will continue their expansion into electrical, plumbing and additional industries.”

Officials from FPL did not respond Wednesday to a request for comment.

The utility, Florida’s largest that serves 10 million people across half the state, operates FPL Energy Services, an unregulated subsidiary that offers energy-related products and services like surge protection, water heater and plumbing protection and backup generators.

The coalition contends that as the nation’s third-largest electric company, FPL can improperly access customer data, infrastructure and market power to dominate smaller businesses in air conditioning and other services.

“We are not afraid to compete, but we should not have to compete against a ratepayer-funded monopoly,” said Jaime DiDomenico, president of Cool Today in Sarasota. “We want a level and fair playing field.”

Organizers of the coalition — MEP is an acronym for mechanical, electrical and plumbing — include the Manasota Air Conditioning Contractors Association, whose members are from Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties. Others are the South Florida Air Conditioning Contractors Association, the Southwest Florida Air Conditioning Contractors Association and the Florida Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractors Association.

http://www.heraldtribune.com/news/20180912/private-contractors-organize-coalition-to-oppose-fpls-new-services

Companies take note: hiring a veteran of the U.S. Military comes with a host of benefits.

A number of Quora users responded to the question "What are the advantages of hiring someone who has been in the U.S. Military?" Of the responders, retired Marine sergeant and current hiring manager Jon Davis outlined ten key reasons employers should hire military veterans.

We have summarized his response below.

1. Veterans come from a previous culture built for mission accomplishment in mind.

"Few cultures have been engineered like the one military veterans have been a part of and even fewer ... focuses entirely on mission achievement, cooperation and personal development. The fact is that there is no culture in the world that shapes people in the way the military does," Davis notes.

2. Veterans have ingrained leadership talents

The average age of a Marine, Davis notes, is 19. At 20, most Marines become non-commissioned officers who are placed in leadership positions. As one advances through the military's ranks, the burden of leadership becomes greater and greater.

3. Veterans take their responsibilities seriously

"Military people get responsibility because when they were very young there were serious consequences to the decisions they made," writes Davis. Veterans have passed through trials that most people haven't, ensuring that they are responsible individuals who can successfully carry out their duties.

4. Intuition is a skill, and the military teaches it

"What many people think is that leaders are born. Not in the military. The fact is that many people in military are faced with making life and death decisions in the blink of an eye," Davis writes. Military personnel have been trained to absorb as much information as possible from a variety of sources — so as to always intuit the best choice available to them.

5. Military people will openly tell you when something is wrong

Military personnel have a questioning and honest mentality, and will not be afraid of telling bosses when an idea could use a second look.

6. Military people will get the job done

"Military people know what it means to have something that needs to be done. They have a sense of urgency and have seen the world through a big picture type mentality," notes Davis.

7. When given the necessary support, veterans are extremely capable

"When given a proper framework and adequate training [veterans] can amaze you at how hard they can work and what they can get done," Davis writes.

8. Veterans are independent

Veterans are more likely than other demographic groups to start their own businesses, and possess a resourcefulness can help companies grow quickly from the inside.

9. Military personnel know the meaning of hard work

"When on deployment we also work every day. Every single day. There are no holidays, no weekends, no birthdays. It is the same thing every day," notes Davis.

10. The government pays for veteran education

The government provides veterans with financial assistance for pursuing higher education. By hiring a veteran, companies ensure that they will have employees who can consistently improve while on the job through continuing education initiatives.

http://www.businessinsider.com/reasons-companies-should-hire-military-veterans-2016-11

Workforce Development non-profit CareerEdge Funders Collaborative has a donor interested in funding an entry-level, fast-track HVAC program at Manatee Technical College. CareerEdge can help market the class and recruit people directly to participating HVAC companies who will then screen the candidates and choose the students they want to hire. Only those chosen would be eligible to attend this ‘express’ night class, which is 250 hours (about 4 months) and outlined in the attachment as the HVAC Helper (course #ACR0041).

CareerEdge will fully fund this class, and include our soft skills training. If you are interested in participating, please contact Deborah Chapman at 328-6985 or chapman@uwsuncoast.org

The future looks bright for many HVAC technicians, with more jobs and opportunities for higher salaries on the horizon. The construction industry is booming, and more buildings mean more work. HVAC technicians with the right skill sets will be in high demand. The landscape of the industry is changing though, as technology plays a bigger role in building operations and maintenance.

Source: The Complete HVAC-R Industry Salary Survey for 2018; https://connecteam.com/hvac-r-salary-survey-2018/

Getting a raise might mean adopting new technical skills or undertaking more education for many veteran technicians. For those getting into the industry, a combination of education and hands-on experience will help them leverage their job prospects and salary. Staying on top of new industry developments along with these new skill sets will give both groups an advantage in their careers.

1- Computer Literacy

In the HVAC world being computer savvy is now as important as being able to change out a fan motor. Most HVAC systems are now being tied to a Building Automation System (BAS) that will control every function of its operation from startup to cool down. The HVAC tech of tomorrow will need to understand devices such as actuators and sensors that are tied to the BAS or sophisticated smartstats for connected homes, as well to be able to service them. No matter how high level or basic the controls, the one common denominator for all of these systems is that they are monitored and maintained by building HVAC technicians. For those new to the industry, familiarizing themselves with digital control systems will be necessary before starting a new job. Having this new skill set is also great for those experienced in the field because it gives them an opportunity to beef up their resume and increase their take-home pay.

2 – Interdisciplinary Management

The future of work includes a set of “human” skills as well as technical skills. Gone are the days of single skill jobs in the HVAC industry that require little to no interaction with others. The key to assuring your job security now is to combine a unique set of skills such as executive presence, empathy, and communication with your technical skills. This means you’ll be expected to collaborate, for example, with an office manager to implement a water safety program or work with a patron’s IT or security management teams to buy, install and use building access and security technology.

3 – Certificates and Continued Education

On-the-job training has been the only method for learning about HVAC for decades and provides valuable skills to technicians. But with the increased use of technology, skills learned in the classroom are becoming more important. In fact, HVAC degree courses can put potential candidates at the top of the short list and give them leverage when asking for salary requirements. Studies show that after about 10 years in an HVAC position, salary increases tend to taper off, so certifications and continuing education is a great way to position yourself for a raise if you’ve been in the industry for a while, too.

As we move into the age of technology-driven buildings, having experience is just one piece of the puzzle to get the job and salary you desire. Today’s technicians need to develop new interdisciplinary skills, develop computer and technology skills, and pursue certifications and degree programs if they wish to be successful. Today’s technician works smarter and uses tools to finish tasks effectively. One of those tools is online calculators used to easily calculate chemical scale cleaner such as the ones formulated by Goodway. The ability to learn and adapt is the key to achieving the HVAC career you want.

Provided by:  Carrier/Goodway 

To read more:  http://www.goodway.com/hvac-blog/2018/03/top-three-ways-to-maximize-your-hvac-technician-earning-potential/?utm_source=social&utm_medium=Facebook&utm_campaign=20180325_Newsfeed-HVAC-Earning-Potential-ZGM

As your residential and commercial customers are preparing to turn on their air conditioners for the season, it is important to remind them of the role coil cleaning plays in air conditioner maintenance. While condenser and evaporator coils have different functions within the a/c unit, keeping them clean offers the same benefits.

Benefits of Coil Cleaning for A/C Unit Maintenance
It is recommended that a comprehensive coil cleaning service be performed at least once per year in order to achieve the following benefits:

• Energy Savings – When the coils within an a/c unit are coated with dirt and grime, their energy efficiency drops dramatically. This means the unit has to work harder to run, resulting in higher electric bills among your customers. With coil cleaning alone, your customer can experience a 16% efficiency gain.

• System Performance – The condenser and evaporator coils are key components of an a/c unit, so it stands to reason that if they are dirty, the performance will be impacted. Even the most expensive, top-of-the-line equipment simply can’t function optimally with dirty coils. In fact, dirty coils can cut a unit’s cooling capacity by 7%.

• Equipment Life Cycle – Dirty coils force compressors to work harder, cutting down their lifespan. If there is too long of a gap between coil cleanings, the compressor can even fail completely, requiring a replacement. Additionally, the built-up grime on the coils can cause corrosion, which requires a coil replacement instead of just a coil cleaning.

• Air Quality – Due to the liquids involved in the air conditioning process, the evaporator coil and condensate pan are breeding grounds for dangerous bacteria, mold spores and fungi. As air comes into contact with the coils, it can absorb these harmful substances on its way. This not-so-fresh air is then blown into the building and is breathed in by the occupants.

How to Minimize the Need for Coil Cleaning Going Forward
Clearly, coil cleaning is a crucial aspect of air conditioning maintenance. In addition to the annual coil cleaning that is recommended, you can advise your customer to take additional preventive action during the year. This can include removing any visible debris that appears on the a/c unit or considering future replacement with specialized coils that are pre-treated at the factory to reduce damage and prevent corrosion.
By performing an annual coil cleaning as part of your customer’s air conditioning maintenance, you can help them enjoy increased energy efficiency and improved air quality.

provided by http://news.carrierenterprise.com

The State of Florida, Department of Financial Services, Division of Workers’ Compensation offers Free Seminars and Webinars for Florida employers regarding Workers’ Compensation and Workplace Safety.

In addition, the Division of Workers’ Compensation has partnered with OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and the University of South Florida’s “Safety Florida Consultation Program” to bring valuable safety information to Florida employers.

Free Seminars are held in various locations around the state. Please see the attached Flyer and Registration forms for the events scheduled from January 2018 through June 2018

Free Webinars are also available to Florida employers. The Webinars contain the same information as the classroom settings and are held monthly via your computer and telephone.

Schedule Flyer         seminar registration            webinar registration

CEUs

Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are available to contractors licensed by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation: Construction Industry Licensing Board and Electrical Contractors Licensing Board.

Dates & Locations

Please find attached flyer and registration forms with the dates, times and locations for the Seminars (classroom settings) and dates/times for the Webinars January 2018 through June 2018 .

To register for any of our events please complete the appropriate registration form and email it to me at BocSeminars@MyFloridaCFO.com or fax it to (239) 338-2786.

To help you better understand some of the key elements, we are sharing answers to some of the frequent questions we are receiving from HVACR Educators and Trainers across the country. 

Fact Sheet: 2019 Leak Rate Calculations for Appliances that Contain Non-Exempt Substitute Refrigerants

The EPA’s Updated Refrigerant Management Requirements

Q: When will the new exam be available?

A: A new Section 608 EPA Certification Exam has been developed to incorporate the new regulations. It is currently being reviewed by the EPA prior to release. When the EPA allows its release, all registered proctors will be notified. Until such notification, registered proctors should continue to use the current exam. 

Q: Will technicians need to be re-certified?

A: Persons currently certified as Section 608 technicians do not need to be re-certified. However, they will be required to comply with the regulatory changes. 

Q: As an instructor, my lesson plans are created months in advance. To prepare for testing my students, will I have to switch to the new exam immediately when it is released?

A: When the new exam is released, proctors will be able to offer both exams for a period of time. This will allow people currently training students to use the current program, or use the new one if they are ready. 

Q: Will someone be providing proctors an overview of the changes?

A: Members of the ESCO Institute team will be holding webinars to help instructors understand the changes in the program. 

Q: Does the EPA offer any simple facts for me to share with students or customers?

A: The EPA has created summaries of the changes for specific industries affected by the changes. Additionally, there is a fact sheet for leak rate calculations that contain non-exempt substitute refrigerants. 

Q: Where can I find a complete list of regulations?

A: The update to the Section 608 Refrigerant Management Program can be found in the Federal Register here. 

The purpose in sharing these emails is to assure you have the facts. If you have any questions, please feel free to call us at 1-800-726-9696. 

Sincerely,

Eugene Silberstein, CMHE, B.E.A.P.

Director of Technical Education and Standards

Phone 800 726-9696│Direct 877-394-5253│Fax 800 546-3726

Effective 12/31/2017 - CODE Changes Are you sure that you are ready to apply the latest provisions in building technology and safety? The 2017 Florida Building Codes are fully integrated publications that combine ICC’s 2015 International Codes® with customized amendments adopted statewide.  - Protect Your Business -

Click Here to View/Order Publications from the ICC Direct

To Register -
Please Visit The Conference Website

 Click Here: 2018 EDUCATIONAL CONFERENCE

Exhibitors & Sponsors
Once on the Website - Click the Exhibitor Tab
Please review and select your choice of Sponsorship Levels. We encourage you to register and pay now through the Website to secure your reservation at the Conference. There is a limited amount of booth space, and will be first come, first served.
Attendees
Once on the website - Click the Contractor Tab and Register
or Click Here - Contractors 
Please note that Full Class Schedules will be available January 2018 and Attendees will be contacted by a FRACCA Staff Member to complete your selection for classes.  You may register and pay now through the Website to secure your reservation.

If you have an interest in Speaking at the event, please contact
Paula Huband, FRACCA Executive Director at
Conference@FRACCAAir.com or 727.576.3225