Making Life Better, an AHRI Podcast

Ep 8: Global Energy Efficiency Regulations

We're taking a deep dive into one of AHRI’s lesser known topics: Global energy efficiency regulations, which are multiplying every day. It’s crucial for equipment manufacturers to know about these regulations so they can access global markets. The way that global regulators design and implement these regulations can make the difference between fair and equitable market access for all manufacturers, or barriers to entry. For this episode, AHRI Senior Director of Global Services Michael LaGiglia explains the specifics of this issue, what’s at stake, and how AHRI is increasing its efforts to work with global regulators. Any time that AHRI submits comments on a country's proposed MEPS, an article with a link to the comments will be available in the AHRI Update. Subscribe here: https://ahrinet.informz.net/AHRINET/pages/AHRI_Update_Newsletter_Subscription_Form [https://ahrinet.informz.net/AHRINET/pages/AHRI_Update_Newsletter_Subscription_Form].

Ep 7: Workforce Development and SkillsUSA

This year, one of the priorities of AHRI’s Chairman of the Board is to strengthen workforce development opportunities. With the Baby Boomer retirement cliff looming, the U.S. is on track to experience a huge drop off in the number of skilled technicians to work on HVACR equipment. Keep in mind, that will all happen while the country is already experiencing a shortage of skilled workers, making the problem even worse. One of the strongest voices in advocating for trade schools and technical education is Skills USA. It is a workforce development program with chapters in thousands of middle schools, high schools, and post-secondary institutions across the country. Its premier event -- the Skills USA National Leadership and Skills Conference -- is held every June in Atlanta, Georgia. During that week, thousands of students, teachers, and industry representatives gather for skills competitions, educational sessions, and a Tech-Spo, which is what they call their expo floor! AHRI is proud to participate as an exhibitor to help connect people with the resources that allow them to pursue a valuable career in the trades. Our guest today is Betz Rother Duffield, AHRI’s Manager of Member Services, to tell us more about AHRI’s recent workforce initiatives and her trip to Skills USA! Learn more about the Rees Scholarship Foundation: https://www.ahrinet.org/scholarships-education/ahri-rees-scholarship-foundation Apply for a Rees Scholarship: https://www.ahrinet.org/scholarships-education/ahri-rees-scholarship-foundation/apply

Ep 6: ASME Boiler Appeal Explainer

In this episode, we’re taking a deep dive into one of AHRI’s more technical topics: codes. The American Society of Mechanical Engineers’ Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code is under consideration for a scope change that would remove three key exemptions from the scope of section 8 of that code. This change would have a huge impact on our industry, driving up the cost and wait time for maintenance and repairs of essential equipment. AHRI Senior Director of Codes Tom Deary explains the specifics of this issue, what’s at stake, and how AHRI is preparing for the next step in this appeal process. Read AHRI's white paper here [https://www.ahrinet.org/system/files/2024-08/AHRI%20ASME%20BPVC%20White%20Paper%20-%20Rev%201%20-%20Final.pdf].

Ep 5: Policy Symposium Preview

Like we told you in our State Summit episode, the spring months are often some of the busiest for our government affairs team! Our signature advocacy event – the Policy Symposium – is only a few weeks away. Every year, this meeting happens in the heart of Washington, DC and serves as an opportunity for all of our member companies to connect directly with congressional offices and key regulators. The first day focuses on education, with panels from key legislative and regulatory players and remarks from keynote speakers at breakfast and lunch. On the second day – AHRI heads to Capitol Hill en masse for dozens of visits with members of Congress and their staff. There are a lot of moving parts to this event, and I’m excited to introduce you to several members of our policy team who help to bring them all together! Register for the Policy Symposium here. The Capitol Hill visit training webinar recording is available on the members-only dashboard, under the Government Affairs/Advocacy dropdown menu: https://www.ahrinet.org/user/member-dashboard [https://www.ahrinet.org/user/member-dashboard]

Bonus Mini-Episode: AHRI Certification Mapped Ratings Explainer

AHRI’s Certification program has been around for almost 90 years. Over the decades, it has expanded to include more products and to offer more services – like regulation compliance verification in the U.S. and around the world. HVACR and water heating products are complex, and one of the most valuable things AHRI Certification offers is performance assurance, not only to homeowners, but to consulting engineers and architects. In the latest episode of the Making Life Better podcast, AHRI Senior Vice President of Global Services Henry Hwong, joins host Regan Spencer to discuss how AHRI provides that assurance as products and systems evolve to serve more markets and become more efficient. Learn more about AHRI Certification: https://www.ahrinet.org/certification Visit the AHRI Certified Directory of Certified Product Performance: https://ahridirectory.org