The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has extended its HVAC Business Partners Program, which provides training and support to HVAC firms to use advanced diagnostic tools as part of national standards for Quality Maintenance of rooftop air conditioners. The inspection and maintenance of rooftop air conditioners outlined in these standards not only improve the performance and energy efficiency of rooftop air conditioners, but also identify procedures to provide healthy air quality and comfortable temperatures. A rooftop air conditioner unit that has been properly maintained can save businesses up to 30% of their air conditioning costs, depending on the condition of the unit. "The extension of the HVAC Business Partners Program provides a valuable competitive opportunity for HVAC firms that adopt and promote national standards to increase energy savings and comfort at their clients' facilities," said Francis Murray Jr., president and CEO of NYSERDA. "Quality maintenance reduces emergency calls, increases equipment efficiency and addresses tenant comfort, all strong selling points for their service." The HVAC Business Partners Program was established in October 2010 and has supported 30 Partners in performing more than 150 Quality Maintenance projects in 2011. The program is part of NYSERDA's strategy to educate and support companies in the building trades so they can provide quality service options that make commercial and industrial facilities more energy efficient. This program is developing an infrastructure of HVAC firms that adopt and provide the ANSI/ASHRAE/ACCA Standard 180 for Quality Maintenance as part of their business model. NYSERDA's support gives these partners a competitive edge over HVAC firms that have yet to adopt and offer these standards to their customers. Business partners are eligible to receive incentives from NYSERDA for each maintenance service they perform using these tools. Program partners who service customers in the Upstate region receive $250 for units sized from 4-14.5 tons and $400 for units sized 15-40 tons. The incentives for Downstate (ConEd) customers are $350 for units sized 4-14.5 tons and $550 for units sized from 15-40 tons. The new training sessions come at an opportune time, as the cooling season is approaching. HVAC firms who become partners and attend the trainings will be prepared to offer these services to building owners to ensure that their HVAC units will be operating as designed. All HVAC contractors who work with and primarily serve NYS customers are eligible for the HVAC Business Partners Program. Criteria for contractors interested in becoming program Business Partners include active professional trade association membership, five technicians or more, proven management dedication to customer service and proficiency in energy efficiency design, installation and maintenance. For information on registering for training, please visit: http://nyserda.ny.gov/hvac-training. For additional information on NYSERDA's HVAC Business Partners Program please visit: http://nyserda.ny.gov/hvac-business-partners. For HVAC firms interested in becoming a NYSERDA Business Partner please contact NYSERDA at 1-866-904-8027 or email us at [email protected]. NYSERDA, a public benefit corporation, offers objective information and analysis, innovative programs, technical expertise, and funding to help New Yorkers increase energy efficiency, save money, use renewable energy, and reduce their reliance on fossil fuels. NYSERDA professionals work to protect our environment and create clean-energy jobs. NYSERDA has been developing partnerships to advance innovative energy solutions in New York since 1975.