Industry News

Propane Council expands program funding aimed at reducing greenhouse gases while increasing a homebuilders bottom line. 

Residential homebuilders can apply now for the Propane Construction Incentive Program and take advantage of money for installing propane appliances. Supported by the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC), the expanded program amplifies efforts to install propane appliances in new homes and remodels.

“Homebuilders are being told that electric or solar are the only clean-energy options for homes, but this simply isn’t true,” said Bryan Cordill, director of residential business development at PERC. “Propane—a clean energy option that works in tandem with other energy sources or on its own—should be considered when building or remodeling.”

The Propane Construction Incentive Program encourages the installation of propane appliances by offering a baseline incentive of up to $1,000 to builders or remodelers who upgrade to propane appliances in a new build or a remodel. To qualify, at least one of these propane appliances must be installed: 

• $500 Incentive: Boiler, Furnace, Hydronic Air Handler, Combi Boiler (not a heat pump).
• $300 Incentive: Water Heater (tankless or storage tank).
• $300 Incentive: Hybrid Heat Pump with propane emergency heat.

Additional propane applications:

• $100 Incentive (Per Appliance): Cooktop or Range, Clothes Dryer, Standby Generator, Fireplace or Gas Log Set, and/or Propane Gas Piping for Outdoor Equipment.

Applicants can also earn a $500 bonus for installing a propane appliance specific to their region of the country. 

The 2022 incentive program helped eliminate more than 18 million pounds of carbon dioxide (CO₂) equivalent from the environment. Last year, PERC awarded $1 million in funding to construction professionals who provided data from the Energy Planning and Analysis Tool comparing the emissions of the propane appliances in their new build and remodeling projects to their electric alternatives. Installations included propane furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces, cooktops, ovens, clothes dryers, outdoor grills, and standby generators.

“Participants are not only creating a competitive advantage for themselves, but they are also helping decrease greenhouse gas emissions,” said Cordill. “Propane is available right now and its use is having an immediate and positive impact on the environment. I’m excited to see how many pounds of greenhouse gases we reduce with the help of the expanded program. ”

Learn more about the additional incentive program funding and qualifications, and complete an application at Propane.com/ConstructionIncentive.

What: 

A. O. Smith, a leader in water heating and water treatment, will use its September and October A. O. Smith University classes to educate professionals on its broad line of gas and electric water heating solutions. A. O. Smith University will continue to offer its monthly virtual classes in addition to its popular in-person training.

The September in-person class will take place Sept. 12–14 at the A. O. Smith training center in Ashland City, Tennessee. The course will cover installation, maintenance and installation-related troubleshooting for commercial gas, commercial electric and tankless gas units. Individuals can register online for in-person classes, but please note registration is not guaranteed until participants receive a confirmation from A. O. Smith. For more information on virtual and in-person training classes, visit                          www.university.hotwater.com/virtual-campus/.

When:              

Sept. 5, 8:00 a.m. CDT                  Residential Heat Pump Contractor Training

Sept. 6, 8:00 a.m. CDT                  Tankless Contractor Training

Sept. 12, 8:00 a.m. CDT                In-Person Contractor Training

Sept. 13, 8:00 a.m. CDT                In-Person Contractor Training

Sept. 14, 8:00 a.m. CDT                In-Person Contractor Training

Sept. 19, 8:00 a.m. CDT                VOLTEX AL Heat Pump Water Heater Contractor Training

Sept. 20, 8:00 a.m. CDT                Commercial Gas Contractor Training

Oct. 3, 8:00 a.m. CDT                    Residential Gas Contractor Class

Oct. 4, 8:00 a.m. CDT                    Tankless Single Heater Installations

Oct. 17, 8:00 a.m. CDT                 Residential Gas Power and Power-Direct Vent

Oct. 18, 8:00 a.m. CDT                  Commercial Electric Contractor Class

Oct. 31, 8:00 a.m. CDT                 Residential Electrical Contractor Training           

Where:             

A. O. Smith Customer Care Facility

106 Adkisson St

Ashland City, TN37015

Following the catastrophic Maui wildfires, which are among the deadliest in US history, and with the state of Washington now grappling with its own destructive blazes, the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) is urging governments, communities, and individual property owners alike to take science-backed steps to prepare for wildfire, reduce risks, and support more robust firefighting efforts at the local level.

“The recent tragedy in Maui and the ongoing fires in Washington underscore the vital need for collective action,” said Lorraine Carli, NFPA vice president of outreach and advocacy.  “From local homeowners to the highest government levels, we must embrace mitigation strategies to protect our communities.”

Nearly 45 million homes are in the wildland/urban interface (WUI). According to the National Interagency Fire Center, approximately 71.8 million properties in the U.S. are at some risk from wildfire. Each year, some of the largest-loss fires occur in the WUI. In the past five years alone, wildfires have destroyed nearly 63,000 U.S. structures, most of which were homes, not including the recent losses in Maui.

The U.S. Forest Service estimates that less than 10 percent of at-risk communities have developed community action plans to reduce loss from wildfire.

“These alarming statistics point to the urgent need for a comprehensive response to the wildfire crisis. NFPA’s Outthink Wildfire™ initiative provides a policy framework and recommendations to prepare for, mitigate, and fight wildfires,” Carli said.

The Five Tenets of Outthink Wildfire:

1. Require all homes and businesses in the wildland/urban interface (WUI) to be more resistant to ignition from wildfire embers and flames. Assistance by way of guidance, incentives, and clear requirements is vital in helping property owners reduce ignition risk. With tens of millions of homes and businesses in wildfire-prone areas, risk reduction must be undertaken at a speed and scale that matches the problem’s severity. Outthink Wildfire policy initiative position paper.
2. Current codes and standards and sound land use practices must be in use and enforced for new development and rebuilding in wildfire-prone areas. Governments are strongly encouraged to use and enforce current fire codes, building codes, and land use practices proven to mitigate risks. NFPA provides essential guidance and documents to aid this effort: Using Codes and Standards to Reduce Risk in Wildfire-Prone Areas.
3. Fire departments for communities in the WUI must be prepared to respond safely and effectively to wildfire. NFPA research reveals a critical need to provide local fire departments with the necessary training, protective clothing, and equipment. Most departments respond to wildfires but lack sufficient resources for safe and effective action.
4. The government must increase resources for vegetative fuel management on public land. The Outthink Wildfire policy initiative highlights the importance of fuel treatments on federal, state, and tribal lands, emphasizing methods such as cultural burning, prescribed burning, mechanical treatments, and restoration practices.
5. The public must understand its role and take action in reducing wildfire risk. Individual homeowners play a vital role in wildfire preparedness. Effective measures can be taken to prepare homes and families for the dangers of wildfires. Resources available at www.nfpa.org/wildfire

For more information, visit www.nfpa.org. All NFPA codes and standards can be viewed online for free at www.nfpa.org/freeaccess.

Richard Karn, Jon Dorenbos and Tommy Mello to take centerstage during 2023 Service World Expo October 3-6, 2023

Service World Expo has been the nation’s leading event for HVAC, plumbing, electrical, smart home, remodeling and general business professionals. Now in its seventh year, the show is set to return October 3-6, 2023 at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Arizona.

With a robust lineup of keynote speakers, breakout sessions, and business training sessions, the 2023 Service World Expo will offer attendees fresh business insights. Plus, hundreds of exhibitors will be on hand, showcasing their latest industry-focused innovations and services to help add value to businesses nationwide.

“This event is highly focused on training, education and networking with fun sprinkled in as well,” said Tom Peregrino, President of Service Nation. “Our training and education are designed by revenue level, so no matter what size a company is, they’ll receive valuable information for where they are on their journey. We’ve also made it even easier than ever to network with other successful contractors. I’m excited that The New Flat Rate has combined their conference with ours to further increase the value. It’s like getting two conferences for one price! The shared learnings and best practices that can be gained from attending the Service World Expo are invaluable and unlike anything offered at other shows.”

Industry-Leading Speakers

Taking center stage during the four-day event will be a number of noteworthy keynote presenters, each of which will provide thought-provoking conversations and unforgettably entertaining moments. Kicking the festivities off will be a conversation with renowned actor and author Richard Karn. Throughout the duration of the show, attendees will have opportunities to also hear from other notable luminaries including former Philadelphia Eagle and magician Jon Dorenbos, whose presentation “Life is Magic” will both inspire and amaze, as well as entrepreneur Tommy Mello, who will present “Elevate: How to Build a Business Where Everybody Wins.”

Women of Service World

In addition to a jam-packed schedule of educational sessions, a special Women of Service World Breakfast and Panel Discussion will take place on Thursday, October 5^th at 7 a.m. Bringing together five leading female industry voices, the panel will be moderated by Service Nation’s Director of Association Management, Carol Longacre, who will lead a spirited conversation about the evolution of trade industries and the growing prominence of women across them.

Added Educational Opportunities

Beyond the Women of Service World Breakfast and Panel Discussion, Serivce World Expo will offer a thorough and comprehensive mix of educational seminars. Topics addressed over the course of the show will include discussions surrounding financials, such as cashflow and how lenders look beyond credit scores, to best operating practices which examines everything from building systems in your business to the importance of investing in onboarding. The full schedule of seminars and events can be found at www.serviceworldexpo.com/schedule/.

Business Uncensored Conference

On top of the in-depth offerings being provided throughout the Service World Expo, a special partnership with The New Flat Rate, a highly acclaimed price generating software for home service contractors, will bring the popular Business Uncensored Conference to Service World Expo. Being held in a dedicated area within the Service World Expo, the Business Uncensored Conference is targeted at providing home service business owners and their implementers with proven strategies that help them improve overall profitability while maximizing their growth potential.

“We have always strived to provide attendees with as many valuable resources as possible,” added Sarah Blackhall, VP of Creative. “By partnering with The New Flat Rate, we are now able to offer an unprecedented amount of resources and knowledge to those attending Service World Expo.”

Registration for the 2023 Service World Expo is still open and tickets for the show can be purchased at www.serviceworldexpo.com. Additional updates and information on the show can be found through the Service World Expo’s Facebook and Instagram pages, as well.