RSES Journal Winter 2025, RETA-RSES

information is inescapable. Schiavo warns that this merits careful consideration of much of what viewers see and hear online. “While new [Internet] training oppor tunities are valuable, they have also created confusion around proper troubleshooting, repair and installation practices. Trial and error has no place in HVACR, particularly given today’s complex technologies and safety concerns,” Schiavo cautions. Schiavo advises HVACR professionals to approach this flood of information with patience and discernment. “The key is to rely on credible sources— industry associations, trusted publications, manufacturer training and recognized certification programs—rather than react ing to every headline or social media post,” Schiavo says, while also staying current with ongoing accredited education, “which ensures professionals are operating with the right knowledge, but also allows them to confidently translate complex issues into clear, accurate guidance for customers. By doing so, they can cut through confusion, build trust, and reinforce their role as reli able experts in an everchanging industry.” “Clear, standardized procedures and safety guidelines are essential to ensure ON THE SAME TRAINING PAGE The need for people, training and con tinuing education is a common theme running throughout the 2025-26 AHR Expo Trend Report. • RETA-RSES: Companies are work ing to attract and train the next generation of skilled technicians while navigating persistent cost pressures and material availability, and we plan to be there to assist in qualifying those techs for avail able positions. IAPMO: The biggest opportuni ties for HVAC and plumbing in the coming year will be in how we educate, advocate and collabo rate. The technology is here with geothermal and Thermal Energy Networks to utilize AI driven con trols. The real win will be getting more people trained to use it effectively. That means expand ing hands on education, creating clearer pathways into the trades, and equipping the next generation with skills that match the pace of change. ASHRAE: As HVACR continues to receive mainstream attention, professionals must focus on staying informed through trusted resources, continuing education and updated standards. • •

RETA-RSES IN THE PODCAST PAVILION AND SEMINARS

RETA-RSES Executive Director Vern M. Sanderson will be presenting on "Fundamentals of Training," from 4:30-5:30 on Monday, Feb. 2 in Room S221. This session will explore key elements of a strong training program for professionals at all levels. Topics include effective workplace training and the attributes that make it successful, different types of training, the skills and qualities of an effective trainer, and strategies for creating an inclusive learning environment. RETA-RSES Education Coordinator Scott Melton will join Copeland's Lenny Diddario for "Cool Under Pressure: Preventing "Compressor Failure in HVACR," Tuesday, Feb. 3 from 9AM-10AM in Room S231. Designed for HVACR technicians, this course focuses on real-world methods for diagnosing and preventing compressor failures in the field, including: spotting early warning signs; pinpointing root causes like electri cal faults, system contamination and/or improper charges; and applying proven techniques to keep systems running smoothly. The session will round out with a brief discussion on the importance of HVACR training and certification in order to stay up to date on today’s technology and best practices for working with it. RETA-RSES will present a podcast at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 3 in AHR Expo Podcast Pavilion 2. RETA Breeze and RSES Journal Editor Terry McIver welcomes Scott Melton, Vern M. Sanderson and Lori Schiavo, for a discussion on the changes taking place within RETA and RSES, and the solutions both organizations are offering in support of HVACR technicians’ “educational stewardship.”

Sanderson

Diddario

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technicians not only learn the right way to do things, but also recognize when a source of information may be unreliable. Building that sense of discernment has become one of the most important train ing priorities in the industry,” Schiavo says. This has always been the RETA-RSES way. Licensing & Certification Also related to training, Cindy Sheri dan , CEO of Plumbing-Heating-Cool ing Contractors – National Association (PHCC) says PHCC supports stronger enforcement of licensing and certification requirements to ensure safe and optimal performance of advanced heating and cool ing systems. Like training, this is where it all comes together in the field. All the equipment advancements in the world will not matter if products are poorly installed and maintained, whether it be furnaces, heat pumps, controls or ductwork. “PHCC continues to support the AIM Act and believes EPA should ensure compe tent personnel are doing this work,” Sheri dan says. PHCC is also working to protect contractors from government policies that restrict their activities and reduce their solutions. “Even with a new Congress and presi dential administration that is much more favorable to consumer energy choice, PHCC remains vigilant (especially at the state and local levels) in ensuring that residential and commercial build ing owners have unlimited options when

it comes to the utilities and appliances necessary for building performance, regardless of energy source,” Sheridan says. “We are working with Congress and the administration to identify ways to intervene in order to protect consumers from heavy-handed policies that prevent or highly restrict the use of natural gas and delivered fuels when those energy solutions are often the most appropri ate. As Congress prepares to debate the possible reform of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1974 (EPCA), we see an opportunity to address this matter and provide clarity when it comes to federal preemption.” Thinking Globally “The HVACR and water heating indus try has the solutions and experience to help countries and regions to achieve their sustainability goals,” says Steve Yurek , Presi dent & CEO, Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI). “This year’s watchword is affordability, as policy makers around the world strive to ensure progress toward their energy and environ mental goals while ensuring continued consumer access to economical, efficient, reliable equipment,” Yurek says. “Our continued efforts to expand our global reach—we recently opened our 6th global office, in Singapore—will help policymakers there and in many other parts of the world use our standards and certification programs as paths to achieve sustainability goals. Other pressing issues

24 RSES Journal WINTER 2025

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