Younger-generation consumers consider it important for businesses to sponsor regular charitable giving in their communities. If your home services company is aligned with local or national charities, promote your involvement through social media channels. 

In most encounters, the first impression is important. Contractors want to ensure that any team member communicating with clients is perceived as professional and knowledgeable. Richard DiToma discusses how this can be accomplished before and after arriving at the job site.

I recently visited with a friend who runs a large company that includes multiple showroom locations.

On September 12, 2023, the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia issued its opinion in American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) v. Public.Resource.Org, Inc., holding that non-commercial use of standards incorporated by reference into law is fair use and not copyright infringement.

Domestic hot water accounts for more than 25% of all scald burns in children. Ron George discusses the codes and standards covering hot water temperatures and how temperature-actuated mixing valves help prevent scalding issues.

As hydronic designers and technicians, our priorities are increasing customer comfort and system efficiency — and air elimination should be at the top of our lists. If we implement best practices, our customers will have trouble-free and efficient hydronic systems.

As plumbing flow rates have declined since the passage of the Safe Drinking Water Act in 1991, the potential for Legionella growth in building plumbing systems has risen. Engineers must consider this — as well as scald risk and chemical eradication of the bacteria — when designing plumbing systems.

When it comes to arbitration in a contract dispute, it is important to remember to read the contract. Courts give parties wide latitude to structure their own arbitration agreement. Parties may agree on arbitration as a method of dispute resolution, the specific rules to be followed and the scope.

For a comprehensive understanding of the water supply for a fire sprinkler system, fire protection engineers should identify the water resources, understand large water users, research historical data and adjust for variability.

Design, installation and maintenance are all important for properly operating a building’s hot water system. Who an owner hires to maintain the building is critical. Most maintenance personnel may not know how to troubleshoot hot water issues properly. Ron George has provided a checklist for domestic hot water systems’ design, installation and commissioning.