COVID-19 Response

State of Michigan Opening Up

June 22nd, 2021

Per the State of Michigan’s guidelines, all B-Y locations will now be open to 100% capacity, with no mask requirement. Please continue to take health and safety precautions as you deem necessary. Thank you for your patience and cooperation during the past 16 months, and we are excited to be back to business as usual!

MASKS REQUIRED IN B-Y LOCATIONS IF NOT VACCINATED

May 18th, 2021

Following the guidance from the Michigan Department of Health and the CDC, if you are fully vaccinated (2 weeks following the second shot), you no longer are required to wear a mask while in a B-Y building. If you are not vaccinated, the current policies remain in place, with masks required.

According to both the Michigan Dept of Health and the CDC, it is recommended that people who have had COVID get the vaccine because it is unknown how long the antibodies last, and they know that people can be re-infected with COVID even if they’ve had it. For this reason, even if you’ve had COVID, you will still need to wear a mask if you’ve not been vaccinated. Guidance from the above agencies is that you are able to get the vaccine 90 days after you’ve had COVID.

BRANCHES BEGINNING TO RE-OPEN

February 19th, 2021

Fortunately the number of new COVID-19 cases has been declining across most of our territory, we are seeing the easing of restrictions by the state governments in Michigan and Ohio, and the vaccine distribution has begun. While all of this is positive, our teams must remain vigilant with all the safety measures that have been instituted. COVID-19 is still amongst us, as are the risks it has presented over the last year. With that said, on Monday, February 22nd, 9 of our 18 branch locations will be re-opening to customers.  The re-open plan includes all safety measures previously put in place. Masks will be required by everyone entering our buildings. We will continue to monitor the new case counts closely so we can quickly action curbside service again if necessary in the future.
 
These are the branches that will re-open on Monday;
 
•         Grand Rapids
•         Muskegon
•         Traverse City
•         Lansing
•         Comstock Park
•         St. Joe
•         Kalamazoo
•         Saginaw
•         Jackson
 
The remaining branches will continue with curbside service until local case counts fall further and our teams feel comfortable re-opening to customers.

WE'RE CONTINUING CURBSIDE SERVICE

January 6th, 2020

Our plan for January is to remain in curbside service mode. At the end of the month, we will reevaluate the COVID risk factors and make a decision on either reopening our facilities to customers or remaining in curbside mode for a longer period. Please know that these decisions are made with the safety of our team and our customers as our first priority.

WE'RE OPEN WITH SAFETY PRECAUTIONS IN PLACE

November 19th, 2020

Effective November 23, we will be temporarily closing our wholesale showrooms to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and ensure the health and safety of our customers and associates. Customers can continue to pick up orders at their local branch or have them delivered to their business or jobsite.

Below are some tips for safely receiving HVAC/R products from B-Y.    

Placing Orders
We offer several options to place orders – online, phone, email, text and fax. Navigate to b-y.com/locations to find your local branch’s contact information.
 
Picking up Orders
Pick up your orders at your local branch during our hours of operation, Monday-Friday between 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM. Call or text in advance and we’ll have your products waiting for you. B-Y branch associates will also be available to assist with loading larger products, while taking precautionary measures to maintain a safe distance from your team.
 
Delivery
Take advantage of delivery to your business or job site. Simply place your order and let us do the rest. Our drivers will take precautionary measures to maintain a safe distance from your team while unloading your order.

Thank you for your continued business and for taking safety precautions during this uncertain time. 

BRANCH RE-OPENING GUIDELINES

June 10, 2020

Safety is and will remain our number one priority! Here are our guidelines for re-opening.

Hours of Operation - All locations will maintain our current 7:30 am to 4:30 pm hours of operation.  Service before or after these published hours will be treated as one-off activities and managed by the Branch Manager. 

Symptom Checklist and Touch-less Thermometers - All team members will be required to complete the Symptom Checklist prior to starting their shift. Managers will be required to take all team members temperatures prior to the beginning of their shift. If a team member displays any symptoms or has a temperature over 100.4°, they will be required to return home immediately.

Signage and Social Distancing Floor Decals – We have designed and produced several signs that highlight our policies and safeguards against the spread of COVID-19. These signs should be displayed near or at our entrances on the easels that have been provided, in our restrooms and on our main entry door. These will serve as public safety reminders to those entering our facilities. In addition to the signage, we have produced floor decals to promote social distancing. These decals should be primarily used near or at our counters where customers tend to congregate. Many of our branches have chosen to put tables in front of their counters to increase distancing from customers.   

Masks, Face Shields and Protective Glasses - We have provided KN95 masks, Surgical Masks and Protective Face Shields for team member protection. Team members can choose to use the masks we provided or an alternative form of face protection that they bring in from home. Protective Glasses are available from our inventory as an alternative to Face Shields.  

• Masks, Face Shields or Protective Glasses will be required for all team members while loading and serving customers when 6 foot social distancing is not possible.
• Masks, Face Shields and Protective Glasses will be optional when our team members are working behind protective counter shields or in our warehouses when 6 foot social distancing is possible.

Disinfecting and Sanitizing – All locations will be required to clean and disinfect common touch areas a minimum of two - three times daily. This will include doors, door handles, counters and any commonly touched places by customers. Team members will be required to disinfect and sanitize their workstation at both the beginning and ending of their shifts. This will include countertops, keyboards, telephones and headsets.

Customer Invoice Signatures – Another preventative measure put in place to protect both B-Y employees and our customers is two containers for pens. One is labelled “Sanitized” and the other is labelled “Not Sanitized”.

Contact Tracing - In lieu of creating special sign-in forms for customers, we have made the decision to ask customers to add their cell phone number to the invoice as they sign for product. If more than one customer comes in for a product pick up, we are asking that all names and cell phone numbers be added to the invoice. This is the most responsible thing we can do to be able to notify customers if a positive COVID-19 case should appear in any of our locations.

Gloves – In order to provide the maximum amount of protection to our team, gloves can be used for product handling. In this situation, please follow the proper removal process as given in the PPE training. The use of gloves should not be considered a substitute for hand washing and sanitizing.   

Product Handling - We will not be able to prevent handling product previously touched by customers once we re-open. In order to provide maximum protection to our team members, hand washing or sanitizing will be required after each transaction.

Disinfectant Foggers – By the end of June, all locations will have Foggers with disinfecting solution. This will allow B-Y employees to fog their work areas for added protection. The Fogger will also allow us to disinfect returns and reduce the quarantine period to 24 hours before processing.     

CARES ACT TAX BENEFITS NOW AVAILABLE

May 13th, 2020

The CARES Act contains a number of tax savings for businesses, to upgrade or replace older commercial systems with tax savings opportunities. Download the attached documents for more information from Bryant.

COVID-19 HEALTH AND SAFETY MEASURES POSTER

May 8th, 2020

Download a copy of Behler-Young's COVID-19 Health and Safety Measures poster, for use in your workplace. Reach out to [email protected] if you are interested in ordering a larger poster size.

RESIDEO PANEL ON BEST PRACTICES FOR ESSENTIAL SERVICES DURING COVID-19

April 29, 2020

Watch this panel of experts from the security, residential services, and HVAC/R industries discuss how to navigate during the COVID-19 crisis. 

ACT NOW! Limited Funds Available from COVID-19 Relief Package

April 24, 2020

On Thursday, April 23, the House voted to pass legislation providing roughly $484 billion in coronavirus relief for small businesses, hospitals and expanded medical testing.

With additional funds available, it is very important that the HVAC/R industry contact your banks about the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and submit your applications to receive this funding. According to the Consumer Bankers Association, with the current backlog of applications the funding could be gone in 48-72 hours.

The PPP, established through the CARES Act, provides small businesses with funds to pay up to 8 weeks of payroll costs including benefits. Funds can also be used to pay interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities.
 
In addition, on March 18, 2020 the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) passed and requires certain employers to provide their employees with paid sick leave or expanded family and medical leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19. Tax credits are also available to employers for wages paid under FFCRA. 
 
Our goal is keep you updated with current programs and information. After you review these programs, we encourage you to seek guidance from your professional network, i.e. your bank (SBA loans/PPP program), CPA (tax credits), or attorney (labor laws).

RESOURCES:

U.S. Department of the Treasury CARES Act
https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/top-priorities/cares-act/assistance-for-small-businesses

Small Business Association Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options/paycheck-protection-program-ppp
 
US Department of Labor Families First Coronavirus Response Act
https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic/ffcra-employer-paid-leave
 
In addition to these resources, the HARDI (Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International) organization has compiled a resource guide to help serve HVAC/R distributors and contractors during the outbreak. These links include videos that answer important questions specific to the HVAC/R industry.
 
COVID-19 Resources
https://hardinet.org/covid-19-resources

Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA)
https://hardinet.org/ffcra 

Small Business Association Loans
https://hardinet.org/sba-loans

A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM DOUG YOUNG

April 9, 2020

Watch this Message from Doug Young addressing the actions Behler-Young is taking during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

IMPORTANT UPDATE FROM B-Y

April 7, 2020

Learn more about the actions B-Y is taking during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

• Placing Orders
• Picking Up Orders
• Deliveries
• People
• Payments
• Warranties & Returns
• Training & Events

Read more

NAVIGATING LEGISLATION REGARDING SMALL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE & RESPONSIBILITIES DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

April 3, 2020

In an effort to keep our customers informed of their legal responsibilities regarding time off for their employees and potential financial relief options for small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, we have gathered information to provide HVAC/R contractors the resources they need to navigate the programs available to them.

Beginning today, April 3, 2020, small businesses and sole proprietorships can apply for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) through the CARES Act. This program provides small businesses with funds to pay up to 8 weeks of payroll costs including benefits. Funds can also be used to pay interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities.

On March 18, 2020 the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) passed and requires certain employers to provide their employees with paid sick leave or expanded family and medical leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19. Tax credits are also available to employers for wages paid under FFCRA. 

Our goal is keep you updated with current programs and information. After you review these programs, we encourage you to seek guidance from your professional network, i.e. your bank (SBA loans/PPP program), CPA (tax credits), or attorney (labor laws).

U.S. Department of the Treasury CARES Act
https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/top-priorities/cares-act/assistance-for-small-businesses

Small Business Association Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options/paycheck-protection-program-ppp

US Department of Labor Families First Coronavirus Response Act
https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic/ffcra-employer-paid-leave

In addition to these resources, the HARDI (Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International) organization has compiled a resource guide to help serve HVAC/R distributors and contractors during the outbreak. These links include videos that answer important questions specific to the HVAC/R industry.

COVID-19 Resources
https://hardinet.org/covid-19-resources

Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA)
https://hardinet.org/ffcra 

Small Business Association Loans
https://hardinet.org/sba-loans

HVAC/R INDUSTRY IS CONSIDERED ESSENTIAL IN MICHIGAN AND OHIO

March 27, 2020

We care about your health and well-being and we know there are many questions regarding COVID-19 and whether or not the HVAC/R industry is considered “essential.”

MICHIGAN HVAC/R CONTRACTORS:

Governor Whitmer's executive order for citizens to “Stay Home, Stay Safe” recognizes the importance of the services provided by HVAC/R contractors that provide heating, cooling, ventilation and refrigeration to homeowners and essential commercial businesses.

In regard to Executive Order No. 2020-21, Michigan’s Department of Health and Human Services frequently asked questions includes the following statement in which HVAC/R contractors and distributors are included:

Q: Are people who repair homes considered critical infrastructure employees for the purposes of Executive Order 2020-21?

In general, yes. Under the order, critical infrastructure workers include workers “who provide services that are necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences.” To the extent your workers perform jobs that are necessary to the safety, sanitation, and operation of homes, they may be designated as critical infrastructure workers.

Reference: https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus/0,9753,7-406-98178_98455-522631--,00.html

If you have questions about COVID-19, call the hotline at 888.535.6136, 7 days a week, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM or email [email protected].

OHIO HVAC/R CONTRACTORS:

Governor DeWine released a stay-at-home order from the Ohio Department of Health closing all non-essential businesses and asking residents to stay-at-home March 23 - April 6. The Ohio Department of Health’s Director’s Stay at Home Order declares that the HVAC/R industry including contractors and distributors as essential work.

The following is an excerpt from this order which can be read in full here:

https://htv-prod-media.s3.amazonaws.com/files/stayathomeorder-1584906494.pdf

12. Essential Businesses and Operations. For the purposes of this Order, Essential Businesses and Operations means Healthcare and Public Health Operations, Human Services Operations, Essential Governmental Functions and Essential Infrastructure, and the following:

j. Hardware and supply stores. Hardware stores and businesses that sell electrical, plumbing and heating material;

k. Critical trades. Building and Construction Tradesmen and Tradeswomen, and other trades including but not limited to plumbers, electricians, exterminators, cleaning and janitorial staff for commercial and governmental properties, security staff, operating engineers, HVAC, painting, moving and relocation services, and other service providers who provide services that are necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences, Essential Activities, an Essential Businesses and Operations.

q. Supplies for Essential Businesses and Operations. Businesses that sell, manufacture, or supply other Essential Businesses and Operations with the support or materials necessary to operate, including computers, audio and video electronics, household appliances; IT and telecommunication equipment; hardware, paint, flat glass, electrical, plumbing and heating material; sanitary equipment; personal hygiene products; food, food additives, ingredients and components; medical and orthopedic equipment; optics and photography equipment; diagnostics, food and beverages, chemicals, soaps and detergent; and firearm and ammunition suppliers and retailers for purposes of safety and security;

All Behler-Young branches remain open to support you during this unprecedented time and we’re taking extra precautions to keep our customers and associates safe. We’ll continue to provide any updates to you by email, on our social channels and our website at behler-young.com/covid19.

WE'RE OPEN AND HERE TO HELP

March 25, 2020

As we continue to deal with the rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation, we encourage you to take advantage of B-Y's technology solutions by contacting our e-commerce team to establish an account and to learn how to search and shop our products online, view inventory, create lists, download and pay invoices and much more. 

Schedule a 60-minute training session utilizing our online calendar and our team will contact you with virtual meeting details - we're here to help!

Placing Orders
In addition to ordering online, you can place your order by phone, email, text and fax - go to b-y.com/locations and click your branch for details. 
 
Picking up Orders
Pick up your orders at your local branch during our new hours of operation, Monday – Friday between 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM. Call or text in advance and we’ll have your products waiting for you. Our branch associates will also be available to assist with loading larger products, while taking precautionary measures to maintain a safe distance from your team.
 
Delivery
Take advantage of delivery to your business or job site. Simply place your order and let us do the rest. Our drivers will take precautionary measures to maintain a safe distance from your team while unloading your order.
 
Payments
We currently are only accepting credit cards, checks or charging your account (no cash transactions will be accepted at this time for health reasons).

Returns
With the recent development of the Stay at Home Order, many of our team members are working remotely to serve you. In the spirit of exercising safe social distancing for you and those associates that are working in our facilities, we are suspending warranty processing and returns effective immediately.

We are continuously monitoring this situation and will continue to share what we’re doing to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and how we're providing a safe and healthy environment for our customers and associates.

We truly appreciate your continued business.

HVAC/R IS CONSIDERED “ESSENTIAL” FOR RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL SAFETY AND INFRASTRUCTURE  

March 23, 2020

By providing heating equipment and related products, Behler-Young is considered an “essential business” for our customers, HVAC/R contractors, that provide heating, cooling, ventilation and refrigeration to homeowners and essential commercial businesses.

We know from already released guidance from various shelter-in-place orders that other state governments are supporting HVAC/R as essential.  

Our branches and our distribution centers REMAIN OPEN. Please refer to this page to learn what we're doing to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and to keep our customers and associates healthy and safe.

UPDATED HOURS & PICK-UP PROCESS

March 19, 2020

To ensure the health and safety of our customers and associates, we have made a difficult decision to temporarily close our retail showrooms, however, we are still OPEN FOR BUSINESS.

Placing Orders

We offer several options to place orders – online, phone, email, text and fax.  Visit our website at b-y.com to place your order or b-y.com/locations to find your local branch’s contact information.

Picking up Orders

Pick up your orders at your local branch during our NEW hours of operation, Monday – Friday between 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM. Call or text in advance and we’ll have your products waiting for you. Our branch associates will also be available to assist with loading larger products, while taking precautionary measures to maintain a safe distance from your team.

Delivery

Take advantage of delivery to your business or jobsite. Simply place your order and let us do the rest. Our drivers will take precautionary measures to maintain a safe distance from your team while unloading your order.

Payments

Please note that we currently are only accepting credit cards, check or charging your account (no cash transactions will be accepted at this time for health reasons).

Rest assured, we are continuously monitoring this situation and will continue to communicate any additional steps we are taking to provide a safe and healthy environment for our customers and associates.