Adding High-Performance HVAC™ to a company can be challenging. It’s easy to get lost in all the options and to know when to do what. Years ago, we published the PATH to Performance series. It outlined the sequential steps to apply the four pillars of air-side performance.
As companies reviewed how they applied pressure, airflow, temperature, and heat (Btus) in their daily procedures, it still seemed like something was missing — like things didn’t click.
A step-by-step approach to gradually integrating these tests into the company was lacking. Contractors needed a plan that starts with the end in mind and gets everyone in the company on the same page. This prevents having to try and add the pieces in a vacuum where no one understands how they apply.
As you’ll see, STEP is an acronym (Show, Teach, Equip, Promote) for the pieces needed to unify your company on the PATH (an acronym for Pressure, Airflow, Temperature, and Heat). If you’ve struggled with this problem, I hope the following four steps help you identify what might be missing and connect the dots.
Show
Before you add High-Performance HVAC to your company, it’s a good idea to internalize why you want to do it. Show yourself before you show others.
training and setting up ways for your techs to buy into
this much better way of doing things.
If you don’t believe it, no one else will. You need to develop a clear belief about what is possible soon so you can share a broader vision for everyone in the company to work towards. You must paint a big picture that is easy for everyone to understand, with no room for misinterpretation.
After sharing the big picture with everyone, get their feedback and see how they think they can help. Each person with a role within the company must understand their place within the overall picture. As you work through this step, there are two words your employees cannot hear — more work. If they hear more responsibilities added to their day, you’ll get a lot of push back before you ever start.
Instead, show them how High-Performance HVAC makes everyone’s lives easier and is a series of minor changes made gradually.
Remind them there’s a PATH to Performance for a reason. If you try to do everything at once, you’ll get frustrated and end up doing nothing. Focus on showing and applying one principle at a time. Then, slowly add the others.
At first, you will lead the charge and be the “Chief Airhead,” the one who serves as the point person. There will be times when it feels like you’re dragging everyone along as you begin this endeavor.
This feeling is 100% normal because it takes a lot of energy to start anything new. It’s your job to maintain the unity of the group and make small adjustments to realign everyone.
Once everything is up and running, you may want to assign the Chief Airhead role to someone else who shares your vision and has the respect of others in the company.
As you make progress, beware of the inevitable first obstacle. It will usually involve someone who doesn’t buy into what you’re trying to achieve, and they will infect others with their negative attitude.
That obstacle often causes many companies to give up and revert to old habits. Don’t let that happen to you and your team. Rally everyone and once again show them your conviction that High-Performance HVAC will succeed in your company.
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