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As I See It

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by Robert Mader Apr. 24, 2013

Days of on-off control are fading

The heating system had been “upgraded” over the last 150 years to the point where it no longer functioned. Our story talks about how Rich Swatton,....More
by Robert Mader Mar. 22, 2013

What are your economic indicators saying?

Associated Builders and Contractors Chief Economist Anirban Basu is similarly enthusiastic about the commercial market. “Nonresidential construction....More
by Robert Mader Mar. 22, 2013

Forecast shows 2013 inching along

A year ago at this time, I think Chris Peel was pretty much on the mark. Peel, chief operating officer for Rheem, said the common wisdom at the....More
by Robert Mader Nov. 28, 2012

Lead-free sooner rather than later

The manufacturers we talked to at the American Society of Plumbing Engineers - Engineered Plumbing Exposition aren’t waiting to convert their....More
by Robert Mader Oct. 25, 2012

Graywater appliance shows promise

Graywater recycling is not a new concept but doing it right and doing it economically remain challenging. Their idea is to make it an appliance....More
by Robert Mader Oct. 24, 2012

Rethinking commercial building energy sales

I recently had the pleasure of hearing Mark Jewell, president of the Energy Efficiency Funding Group, speak at the Mechanical Service Contractors of....More
by Robert Mader Oct. 10, 2012

Radiant heating and cooling industry is well served — twice

John Abularrage, Advanced Radiant Design Inc., is a perfect example of the collegiality that should exist between the two groups. One week he was in....More
by Robert Mader Sep. 4, 2012

Rainwater capture next for plumbing contractors

According to the ARCSA’s website, www.arcsa.org, the Old Testament mentions cisterns at least 10 times, and rainwater harvesting systems in the....More
by Robert Mader Aug. 13, 2012

Plumbing contractors must go to Mechanical Systems Week to find the answers

This is the first time we've been included in the hugely popular Mechanical Systems WEEK, this year located in Chicago. There will be industry trade....More
by Robert Mader Jul. 15, 2012

American manufacturing is making a comeback

EMCOR Group CEO Anthony Guzzi has told us that for all intents and purposes it doesn’t cost any more to manufacture in the southeastern United States....More
by Robert Mader May. 14, 2012

How to spend millions on a dubious DOE program

It has long been the opinion of many within the HVAC industry that BPI “standards” related to HVAC industry did not adequately address the rigorous....More
by Robert Mader May. 12, 2012

PILC — bad acronym, stellar group to watch

“The real purpose and value of our coming together is that I don’t want anyone else creating our industry’s future for us,” Russ Chaney said. “It’s....More
by Robert Mader Apr. 10, 2012

What about science and engineering?

I recently got a book in the mail from the conservative Heartland Institute entitled Roosters of the Apocalypse. In addition to being one of the....More
by Robert Mader Apr. 10, 2012

IAPMO is exactly the right home for the new RPA

When IAPMO stepped in to salvage what was left of the RPA, we were relieved especially since the words “plumbing and mechanical” are part of its name....More
by Robert Mader Mar. 5, 2012

Why George Brazil is important to all of us

I owe an immense debt to the Frank Blau's, the George Brazil's, the Mike Diamond's, and, more recently for me anyway, the David Heimer's and Matt....More
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Robert Mader

Bob Mader is the editor of CONTRACTOR magazine, Green Mechanical Contractor magazine, and Radiant Living magazine. He has been writing about plumbing, mechanical, green building and HVACR topics for...
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