Marketing Your Business – Tips for Website Optimization and Enhanced Online Marketing

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Growing your HVAC business is an important aspect of thriving in today’s competitive market space. There are many factors that account for the growth of your HVAC business, including your website. Website analytics can be a great way to increase conversion rates.

Tracking Website Visits

Website visits is an important number to track. Think of this number as if you had asked your sales representative to hit a new goal of $10,000 for the month. You would expect the sales representative to increase their calls and conversion rate to hit the new goal.  Similarly, website visits lead to conversions, so it’s an important number to help grow your business, driving qualified visitors to your website. In addition, investing in search engine optimization (SEO), pay per click advertising, and email marketing can positively impact the growth of your business.

Email Marketing

  • Send follow up emails to leads which haven’t been converted to jobs.
  • Send incentives and helpful ideas to past customers.

Search Engine Optimization

  • Add content to your website.
  • Post relevant content on social media profiles to drive traffic to your website.

Continue growing your HVAC business by developing a website strategy as part of your marketing plan. Invest in your website through some of the techniques mentioned above to ultimately increase traffic on your website.

Why Should You Choose UL (Underwriters Laboratories) Products?

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What are UL (Underwriters Laboratories) Certified/Recognized Products?

When it comes to making a purchase, finding a reliable product is sometimes difficult to recognize. Luckily, UL (Underwriters Laboratories) approved products make that decision simpler, ensuring required standards are met such as safety, sustainability, performance, and quality. In addition, UL certified products must pass testing that is set forth by UL and the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission).

The UL listed mark on an HVAC unit lets homeowners know that the unit has met the required standards. When a unit is UL certified, it means the components inside are also UL recognized components. This means that the manufacturers of these approved components are inspected at a minimum of four times per year. This ensures the products are being manufactured to the UL standard and the quality of the product hasn’t deteriorated. Nearly 22 billion products annually hold the UL mark. Looking for UL marks and labels when purchasing products ensure a reliable and honest manufactured product.

It is best to make sure that the compressor being replaced in your system holds the UL recognized logo to meet the same standards as the system requirements for UL Certification.

Underwriter Laboratories Mark

“The UL Mark typically consists of the appropriate UL LISTED, CLASSIFIED or CERTIFIED symbol with the corresponding word, a product identification, a control number consisting of the UL file number or 4 alphanumeric characters for Type R Marks, or an issue, lot, or serial number for Type L Marks.” – www.UL.com

The Benefits of UL Certified/Recognized Products

  • The OEM can be assured that the UL recognized or listed components they are installing in their units will perform properly and have been thoroughly tested for endurance and safety outlined by UL and IEC standards.
  • The contractor knows that if a component needs to be replaced, the UL recognized components are designed and tested with integrity in mind to meet the standards stated above.
  • In addition, building inspectors also look for UL marks during inspections to assist approval of the installations, knowing the instruction manuals are reviewed with the equipment.

Building Industry Knowledge Through Experience – Legends of HVAC Interview Series: Karl Zellmer with Becky Hoelscher

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This is the final podcast in our “Legends of HVAC” interview series with HVAC Legend, Karl Zellmer, VP of Air Conditioning Sales at Copeland and Becky Hoelscher, Director of Aftermarket Sales at Copeland.

In this episode, we talk to multiple industry experts, with a combined 220+ years of experience. The discussion centers around their thoughts and opinions on how they see the future of the industry, how the industry is impacted by the next generation of contractors, what Science of Livability means to them, and some final thoughts on memories of Karl over the years.

Host: Lindsay Headings, Digital Marketing and Content Manager, Copeland

Guests:

  • Karl Zellmer, VP, Air Conditioning Sales, Copeland
  • Becky Hoelscher, Director of Aftermarket Sales at Copeland
  • Mitchell Cropp, CroppMetcalfe Services
  • Tim Cropp, CroppMetcalfe Services
  • Andrew Oser, CroppMetcalfe Services
  • Vincent Gillette, Gillette Air Conditioning Co., Inc
  • Steven Miles, Jerry Kelly Heating & Air Conditioning
  • Brandon Miles, Jerry Kelly Heating & Air Conditioning

Timestamps:

  • 0:10 – Welcome
  • 2:00 – Science of livability
  • 5:56 – Understanding what consumers want
  • 8:55 – Engaging commercial customers
  • 10:23 – Two-Stage & Variable Speed equipment now v. 10 years ago
  • 14:25 – Evolution of digital controls
  • 15:43 – Future of technology
  • 21:09 – Attracting the younger generations to the HVAC career field
  • 27:45 – Additional comments toward trade programs

When You Should Call a Professional When Renovating Your Fixer Upper

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In a world with home improvement shows and Do-It-Yourself entrepreneurs, many of us are inspired to upgrade our homes over the weekend with the help of social media. With a great deal of information available, homeowners are capable of tackling most home renovation projects. However, there are times when it’s best to step aside and hire a professional.

Where to Draw the Line

HVAC equipment is safe to have in your home for heating and cooling. However, servicing and replacing this equipment can be dangerous for untrained homeowners and should be left to the professionals. The dangers include electricity, pressurized refrigerants, and flammable gas.

  1. Electricity: A Typical Residential HVAC system operates on 220 volts and 30 amps. According to the Electronic Library of Construction Occupation Safety & Health, 50-150 milliamps (.05-.125 amps) is enough to stop a person’s respiratory system.
  2. Pressurized Refrigerants: HVAC systems circulate a fluid called refrigerant. If the refrigerant meets human skin, severe frostbite can occur. In addition, releasing refrigerants from HVAC systems is illegal and carries hefty fines.
  3. Flammable Gas: Most furnaces use natural gas or propane for heating fuel. As a result, if the gas lines are not installed properly, a leak may develop which can be ignited outside of the furnace.

Should I call a Professional?

When it comes to making home improvements, you should never attempt a project above your skill or comfort level. When your HVAC equipment needs serviced or replaced, you should always consult a licensed HVAC contractor.

Here’s When You Should Upgrade Your HVAC Equipment

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Do you service and maintain your HVAC equipment, or do you wait until it breaks down and replace it? Regular maintenance will increase the life of your HVAC equipment and save you money. There are times when the HVAC system, or parts of the system, will need to be replaced. But before you search for a replacement, consider your options and decide whether a simple update would be better for your home and your wallet.

When to replace your HVAC equipment

  1. Condensing Unit: The outdoor unit houses the compressor. It needs to be replaced when an upgraded AC system or updated refrigerants are introduced.
  2. Evaporator Coil: The indoor unit needs to be replaced when the condensing unit or refrigerants are updated.
  3. Copper Line Set: The copper line set will need to be replaced when using an updated refrigerant. Remnants of oil from the old refrigerant can contaminate the new system.
  4. Duct Work: Duct work modification can range from a small transition piece to extensive rebuilds. Extensive rebuilds occur when the original system was not designed or installed properly. Extensive rebuilds are also required when upgrading the furnace to a high efficiency unit.
  5. Furnace: Furnace replacement depends on the condition of the unit. It’s common to upgrade the furnace while updating the AC portion of the HVAC System.
  6. Thermostat: Thermostat replacement will be required when upgrading from a single stage system to a two stage, or a single stage system to a variable speed system.

Are you getting a good deal?

Before making the final decision to replace your HVAC equipment, make sure to consult with multiple licensed contractors. This gives you the option to compare prices and serves as an additional measure that will help you enjoy the comfort of your decisions with confidence.

If you do need to replace your entire HVAC system, get tips on financing your new HVAC system here!

Comfort and Livability – Legends of HVAC Interview Series: Karl Zellmer with Shane Angle

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This podcast is the fourth in our “Legends of HVAC” interview series with HVAC Legend, Karl Zellmer, VP of Air Conditioning Sales at Copeland. In this episode, Karl and Shane share their inside advice to contractors on how to make their jobs easier through resources, apps, and tools that will help pave the way to becoming a comfort expert.

Be on the lookout for the final podcast in the series, where Becky Hoelscher, Director of Aftermarket Sales at Copeland joins Karl in a discussion with multiple industry experts, ranging from individuals with over 30 years of experience to those just entering the industry, to provide insight on what they see happening in HVAC.

Host: Lindsay Headings, Digital Marketing and Content Manager, Copeland

Guests:

  • Karl Zellmer, VP of Air Conditioning Sales at Copeland
  • Shane Angle, VP of Sales and Technical Services at Copeland

Changes in the Industry – Legends of HVAC Interview Series: Karl Zellmer with Shane Angle

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This podcast is the third in our “Legends of HVAC” interview series with HVAC Legend, Karl Zellmer, VP of Air Conditioning Sales at Emerson. In this episode, Shane Angle, VP of Sales and Technical Services at Emerson joins the conversation to discuss the many changes in HVAC industry.

The evolution of the HVAC industry has resulted in new technologies, refrigerants, and building codes. Be on the lookout for the next podcast in the series as Karl and Shane further discuss how the industry is evolving and the challenges that lie ahead.

Host: Lindsay Headings, Digital Marketing and Content Manager, Emerson

Guests:

  • Karl Zellmer, VP of Air Conditioning Sales at Emerson
  • Shane Angle, VP of Sales and Technical Services at Emerson

Timestamps:

  • 0:10 – Welcome
  • 1:51 – Changes in the market
  • 3:12 – Technology changes
  • 7:00 – Process of regulations
  • 11:52 – Today’s regulations
  • 16:50 – Future refrigerant regulations
  • 21:36 – How Emerson plays a role in the next round of standards
  • 24:47 – Wrap-up

Building Relationships in the Industry – Legends of HVAC Interview Series: Karl Zellmer

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This is the second podcast in the “Legends of HVAC” interview series with HVAC Legend, Karl Zellmer, Vice President of Air Conditioning Sales at Emerson. In this episode, Karl provides insight on how to create a strong reputation and lasting relationships within the HVAC community. Through preparation and hard work, Karl explains his journey to VP of Air Conditioning Sales. Be on the lookout for the next podcast in the series, where Shane Angle, VP of Sales and Technical Services at Emerson, joins Karl to discuss the many changes that face the HVAC industry.

Host: Lindsay Headings, Digital Marketing and Content Manager, Emerson
Guests: Karl Zellmer, VP, Air Conditioning Sales, Emerson

Timestamps:

  • 0:10 – Welcome
  • 0:50 – Karl’s story in the HVAC industry
  • 4:16 – Creating relationships within the industry
  • 6:40 – Wrap-up

Career Advice and Keys to Success – Legends of HVAC Interview Series: Karl Zellmer

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This podcast is the first in our “Legends of HVAC” interview series with HVAC Legend Karl Zellmer, Vice President of Air Conditioning Sales at Emerson. In this episode, Karl, a 37- year industry veteran, discusses his seven tips to career success. Additionally, he talks about his life, how he got started in the HVAC industry, and advice on how to get ahead in your career. Be on the lookout for the next podcast in the series, where Karl will be advising on how to build relationships in the industry.

Host: Lindsay Headings, Digital Marketing and Content Manager, Emerson
Guest: Karl Zellmer, VP of Air Conditioning Sales at Emerson

Timestamps:

  • 0:10 – Welcome
  • 0:27 – Who is Karl?
  • 4:55 – Advice to someone starting in the industry
  • 7:45 – Wrap-up

Six Benefits to Home Automation Technology

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Homeowners are reaping the benefits of new home automation technologies

Until recently, the idea of home automation was relatively unfamiliar to most people. However, as products and technologies become more accessible, homeowners across the country are upgrading their homes.

So what is home automation? Simply put, home automation allows homeowners to control basic home systems and appliances from a remote access point – like a smartphone app or a centralized unit inside the home.

Just like some of the futuristic technology seen on television shows like The Jetsons or Star Trek, it’s now possible to control things like your home temperature, lighting and even security systems with the touch of a screen or the sound of your voice.

If the idea of a smart, automated home sounds too “techy” for your lifestyle, or you think these kinds of products probably cost an arm and a leg, think again. The future is now, and it’s completely accessible. Plus, there are a lot of hidden benefits to automating the home that you might not have considered.

6 Benefits to Home Automation

1. Security

Tap your finger to turn on the lights before you get home, or turn on when you aren’t home to ward off potential robbers.

Door locks are another automated home product that can increase your home security. Worried that the kids didn’t lock the doors before they ran off to play? Or that someone will discover your not-so-secret hiding place for the extra key? Take control of your home from a simple app. With some products, you can even get an alert every time someone enters your home.

2. Energy Efficiency

Increase your home’s energy efficiency by remotely powering off systems and appliances when they aren’t being used. In addition to the standard home automation products that give you active control, some products actively monitor systems and arm the homeowner with knowledge, insight, and guidance to achieve greater control and energy efficiency.

3. Savings

Home automation pays off. When you use home systems and appliances only when needed, the savings will show up in your utility bills. No more wasting money on lights left on when you aren’t home or spending money on gas to drive home because you forgot to lock the door.

4. Convenience

Do you hate relying on neighbors to watch your house when you’re gone? With home automation, convenient control of your home is at your fingertips. You don’t have to trust someone else with your most valued possession.

5. Comfort

Ever leave for work in the morning when it was a comfortable 68° outside only to come home to a sweltering house because the temperature shot up to 90°? Connected home products like Wi-Fi thermostats let you adjust your home temperature from the mobile app, so your family is always comfortable.

6. Peace of Mind

One of the hidden benefits that come with home automation is peace of mind. There will be no more worrying if you turned off the lights, locked the door or turned off the television. For people who have a lot on their plates, home automation is definitely worth the investment.