Posted by Chris Hills on Nov 13

In the past few years, the thermostat has become a cutting edge electronic. This creates new opportunities for HVAC contractors.

The path to temperature control through smart thermostat technology is more involved than many customers realize.

Lennox received a 2023 Green Builder Sustainable Product of the Year recognition.

Smart HVAC systems optimize energy usage without sacrificing comfort by using data analytics and machine learning to regulate the indoor environment.

Heat-only, direct-fired, and indirect-fired makeup air units have been added to the company’s product line. 

It’s time again for the Commercial Cooling Showcase. The NEWS’ annual issue has traditionally introduced the latest air conditioning units available for the upcoming summer season. The intent is to help contractors prepare for this busy period by doing the research that will help them distinguish between brands.

According to the manufacturers that make equipment for schools, there are often many options available to districts looking to make those much-needed upgrades.

Across the country, school administrators are realizing the importance of good IAQ and a comfortable indoor environment, which both contribute significantly to student success. 

The NEWS' annual issue has traditionally introduced the latest air conditioning units available for the upcoming summer season. The intent is to help contractors prepare for this busy period by doing the research that will help them to distinguish between brands.

Chris Forth, VP at Johnson Controls, navigates the complex challenges in the HVAC industry, which include addressing regulatory, code, and environmental concerns.

The rule will effectively ban the sale of non-condensing gas furnaces and, according to the American Gas Association (AGA), will affect 55% of U.S. households.

In preparing for the refrigerant transition, contractors and distributors should review their inventory and become educated on the regulations.

The equipment in this month’s troubleshooting situation is a split system that has only been in service for two years, but there is a lot of history — several service calls since the equipment was installed, and an on-going complaint that the system just doesn’t keep the ranch-style home comfortable.

Many of Fujitsu General America’s Halcyon mini-split system products now qualify for Energy Star Most Efficient certification.

The two-story lake house totals 4,600 square feet above ground and 2,000 finished square feet in the daylight basement.

Across seven product categories, LG’s HVAC solutions again pass AHRI's comprehensive performance certification program.

Cleaning coils is a fairly simple task, but one that plays an important role in keeping a unit running strong.

With the impending deadline right around the corner, manufacturers have started introducing their A2L systems in the U.S.

Ensuring a vacuum pump system is evacuated and free of air, nitrogen, moisture, and other contaminants is a crucial step to keep the system running optimally.   

The moment for geothermal seemed to have arrived several times since the 1970s. A number of factors are forecasting wider use of this type of heating and cooling solution.

Heat pumps for both space and water heating will be required in most new homes in the state of Washington beginning next July.

Though geothermal systems can cost several times more than traditional HVAC units, the energy savings may be substantial.

When it comes to moisture control, sizing the heat pump correctly is the most effective step an HVAC contractor can take.

Kyle Gargaro, editorial director, The ACHR NEWS, traveled to Oklahoma City to talk with Climate Control Group COO Kevin McNamara about the state of the geothermal industry.

As the federal government plans millions in grant funding to boost heat-pump manufacturing in the U.S., a big player in the market as well as a newcomer are thrilled with the opportunity.

With the geothermal market enjoying an enormous surge in popularity due to financial incentives and its reputation for sustainability, now is the time for contractors to strike while the iron is hot and add geothermal to their offerings.

Selecting a VFD that features remote startup can decrease the number of individuals needed onsite and provide valuable safety benefits.

A variable speed drive (VSD) controls the speed of the high-torque, direct-drive motor for optimal fan operation.

The "magic number" 1.08 is convenience factor. It is a bunch of math combined into one factor as a shortcut, although sometimes more precise calculation is better.

The growing electricity demands being placed on the country’s century-old grid are resulting in an increased number of unexpected power outages across the U.S.

During the installation of a new walk-in cooler or freezer, it is imperative the box remain square and level during the assembly of its panels.

The 30-day ANSI public review period closes May 14.  

Equipped with an Oilon LN30 ultra-low NOx burner and Nationwide’s Eagle PLC-based Control System, the 250 hp package boiler achieved average emissions performance of 5 ppm NOx and 0 ppm CO (corrected to 3% O₂) during third-party testing.

The first time a technician has to tackle a ductless mini-split can be nerve-racking, but by following these 10 tips, the job can be done without all the anxiety.

CO₂ refrigeration systems demand both classroom knowledge and hands-on experience, which is why blending theory with practice creates top-notch technicians.

AC drives are an essential part of the HVAC marketplace, and the growth of the market looks to be exceptional over the next few years. According to MarketsandMarkets, the market is expected to grow from an estimated $15.72 billion in 2016 to $22.07 billion by 2021.

State and local regulations are driving new building construction as well as existing buildings to implement energy-efficient technologies in order to meet future carbon emissions reduction goals. These facilities, known as high-performance buildings, strive to deliver optimal efficiency, reliability, value, and comfort to tenants.

Panasonic Corp. of North America is honing in on its focus to make it easier for both residential and commercial building owners to control the temperature and comfort level within the space. The company hit its targets with the introduction of two new products — the ECONAVI air conditioner and the Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) Smart Connectivity Controller.

Economizers used in rooftop units and air handlers are multipurpose devices that can improve both the energy efficiency and indoor environment in a wide range of commercial buildings.

HVAC contractors could invest in all kinds of technology, ranging from tools to management systems, but often, the question lies with the payoff.

Smart products enable service providers to take a more proactive approach to addressing HVAC system and equipment issues, said Susie Gornick.

Aircuity has been named a New York State Energy Research and Development Authority Qualified Vendor for the RTEM program.

After six meetings, the working group reached consensus and provided recommendations for energy conservation standards, test procedures, and metrics.

The benefits of portables, including speedy implementation, reduced downtime, and cost-effectiveness, are continuing to gain recognition from end users. And, as end users experience these benefits and the resulting uptime, industry experts expect the portable market to continue to heat up.

Every year, The NEWS introduces the latest heating equipment that is available for the upcoming winter season. The intent is to help contractors prepare for this busy period by doing the research that will help them to distinguish between brands.

The manufacturers provided all of the data included in the product grid as well as the photo feature. Therefore, any questions should be directed to them via the contact information provided in the photo feature section.

This brief year-end tool review rounds up a handful of items that might make the work a little easier in 2021.

Technological developments are consistently improving the tools technicians have to use.

Posted by John via Snort-sigs on Oct 29