Corporate News

COVID-19 has caused major disruptions in the lives of millions of people across the US and the world. As the pandemic gets under control users are dealing with the ripple effects of the virus. A shortage of raw materials, copper and steel in particular, as well as a shortage of semiconductors, create headaches for HVAC contractors. COVID is not the only cause of shortages. Other factors include high tariffs on imports from China, high summer demand, a shortage of drivers, rising ocean freight r...

BrainBox AI, a pioneer in autonomous building technology, announces a $24M raise to further deploy its AI technology in the built environment and develop its next phase of innovation. The first close of its Series A round includes new lead investor, ABB, and investments by Esplanade Ventures and Desjardins Capital. BrainBox AI offers predictive and self-adaptive artificial intelligence to optimize buildings’ energy usage, carbon footprint, and operational efficiency. To date, BrainBox AI...

Busy careers, bustling families, engrossing hobbies, and overwhelming responsibilities keep most people busy day in and day out. It’s understandable why worrying about the air filter in user heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems is probably way down at the bottom of the priority list.  maintenance However, the team at Tassio Temp Control wants to pass along a gentle reminder about the importance of this small maintenance task.  It takes only a minute or tw...

As part of its ambition to make buildings smarter, safer, and more secure, while also improving energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions, ABB (ABB Group) has announced an investment in Montreal-based building technology startup, BrainBox AI. Investing in BrainBox AI Launched in 2019, BrainBox AI has pioneered the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to reduce energy costs and carbon emissions from Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems in commercial buildings. Financia...

If users are a do-it-yourselfer in the house, they may be the type who wants to remove an old water heater, as opposed to having a plumber do it for them. Fortunately, it’s not all that complicated, and can be done. While it’s fairly easy to disconnect everything and get the heater ready to be moved, they’re often quite heavy. Sediment that has built up in the tank might make it even heavier, so be prepared to have help removing it, if need be. Removing an Old Water Heater...

Britain’s biggest generator of zero-carbon electricity, EDF, has been tasked by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) to help guide the public sector organization to significantly improve its energy efficiency. In accordance with the Scottish government’s target to achieve net zero by 2045, EDF will be helping it reduce the emissions associated with the energy used to power its buildings, as well as its extensive fleet of emergency vehicles. Zero-Carbon source The ongoing ca...

QM Power and the SPARK Lab at the University of Kentucky shared the combined results of a large-scale, multi-objective design optimization study, and lab testing of a prototype motor designed to meet the ambitious 2025 power density goals set by the US Department of Energy (DOE). The research demonstrated the high torque and speed capability of QM Power’s innovative permanent magnet motor technology. This, combined with advanced manufacturing and cooling technologies, achieved a record-hi...

Hiplus Aire Acondicionado (HITECSA), one of Spain's foremost manufacturers of HVAC equipment for the commercial sector, has been formally approved to join the Eurovent family during a recent online meeting of the association’s Board of Directors. Since 1982, HITECSA has been one of the Spanish market leaders in the design and manufacture of medium- and high-powered climate control equipment. Its range of products includes, for example, air-air and water-air packaged units, rooftop units,...

Eurovent Recommendation 4/23 (2021) is a comprehensive set of guidelines on the selection of air filters for general ventilation applications, which makes full use of potential EN ISO 16890 offers in terms of Indoor Air Quality. The document, which was jointly developed by the participants of the Eurovent Product Group ‘Air Filters’ (PG-FIL), is based on a deep technical understanding of filtration and the experience of global air filter manufacturers. It is addressed to all HVAC...

Proposals for a new solar farm across farmland south of the M20 and northeast of Aldington will be the subject of a second public consultation from Tuesday, 26 October to Monday, 29 November 2021. The proposed East Stour Solar Farm is being brought forward by EDF Renewables UK. It has the potential to generate up to 49.9MW of renewable electricity, enough to meet the equivalent needs of approximately 17,000 homes in the Borough of Ashford every year. Second public consultation This second pub...

American Coolair has named Bobby Graves Jr. as a Sales Representative in the Agriculture Sales Division. In this role, Graves will work with American Coolair customers in the greenhouse, poultry, and dairy industries. Experience and qualification  Bobby Graves Jr. has been with the company since 2017, starting as an Inventory Clerk while attending college. He has worked in the production and assembly departments, as well as in the onsite research and development facility to le...

The best way to maintain a healthy drainage system in the home is through prevention. As a rule of thumb, if users are watchful about what they put down the drains, it’s likely they won’t need to clear them too often. However, drains can still get blocked now and again and it’s important to know what to look out for and how to keep the drains in good working order. Healthy drainage system The first step to preventing clogged drains is to clean them as regularly as possible -...

Businesses and organizations across the UK are under pressure to implement commitments and actions to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. But, to truly commit to a carbon-neutral (or even a carbon-negative) future, cutting down on emissions is not enough. That's why technologies for energy reuse are beginning to receive a lot of attention from governments and other stakeholders. Over the last decade, the UK has been developing technological options to remove carbon dioxide from the atmos...

Newmarket research has revealed more support is needed to design and construct healthy buildings in the UK education sector.  Conducted by REHAU, the research analyses the insights of M&E professionals and architects working across the nation’s schools and universities. It uncovers areas where small adjustments in building design can not only support academic attainment but also equip estates with services fit for future needs, such as low-carbon heating and cooling. Market real...

Sharply rising energy prices, the carbon tax on fossil fuels, and inflation are driving up heating costs. But good news! Taking the right steps before winter can save a lot by the end of the heating season. Tracking energy thieves All it takes is one quick glance around the home for tenants and homeowners to spot “energy thieves.” Top of the list: keeping windows tilted open to constantly ventilate the home. It is far better to air out homes several times a day using a &ldquo...

The COVID-19 pandemic revealed many weaknesses in school buildings across the country. According to a recent report from the American Society of Civil Engineers, 53 percent of the public schools in the United States have building systems in need of replacement or upgrades. Forty-one percent of these schools report problems with their HVAC system. Half of those schools report systems that are either in poor or fair condition. Until these issues are addressed, students and staff remain at risk. W...

A group of healthcare professionals and ventilation experts were called for various groups, including the Center for Disease Control, the U.S. Department of Education, and the leading ventilation standards-making organization (ASHRAE), to focus on new approaches to improving indoor air quality for decreasing the risk of COVID and influenza outbreaks in schools, offices, and other indoor environments. Existing methods, including upgrades to existing ventilation systems, have proven somewhat...

Graham Russell, managing director of heating and cooling systems manufacturer, Viessmann, has commented on the publication of the UK Government’s Heat & Buildings Strategy: Viessmann wholeheartedly welcomes today’s publication of the UK Government’s Heat & Buildings Strategy. The new strategy sets out a plan to achieve substantial carbon reductions from the heat in buildings during this decade, towards meeting the net-zero target in 2050. Its publication, just a few da...

Columbus Industries, a pioneering global provider of air filtration products for indoor residential and commercial applications has joined Filtration Group, an affiliate of Madison Industries Columbus Industries’ comprehensive suite of performance-engineered air filters, manufactured to enable the highest efficiency with the lowest pressure drop, further enhances the breadth and depth of Filtration Group’s leading portfolio of world class indoor air filtration solutions to ensure saf...

DC Global Freight Management has chartered vessels directly from China to the UK, while the majority of shipping service operators will stop at several ports along the route to load and unload cargo. Many also stop in Rotterdam and Antwerp on the way and move containers to the UK with smaller vessels. Direct freight shipping service There have been global issues around ports being overly congested due to the pandemic, a national shortage of lorry drivers, soaring consumer appetite for goods, a...

Graham Russell, managing director of heating and cooling systems manufacturer, Viessmann, has commented on the publication of the UK Government’s Heat & Buildings Strategy: “Viessmann wholeheartedly welcomes today’s publication of the UK Government’s Heat & Buildings Strategy. The new strategy sets out a plan to achieve substantial carbon reductions from the heat in buildings during this decade, towards meeting the net-zero target in 2050. Its publication, just a...

The Sustainable Homes and Buildings Coalition, consisting of NatWest, Worcester Bosch, British Gas, and Shelter, has released its first comprehensive report titled ‘Home is where the Heat is.' The report ‘Home is where the Heat is’ directly engages with consumers, going into clear detail on how the UK can decarbonize homes and buildings across the UK. The aim is to place consumers at the heart of the conversations and ensure they have a better understanding of the technology o...

Aircuity, the front-runner in creating healthy and sustainable buildings, marked National Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) month by recognizing the increased need for “ventilation optimization” in commercial buildings. This strategy creates healthier IAQ and reduces carbon emissions enabling buildings to meet goals and standards for both which are being created on the national, city, and corporate levels. Ventilation Optimization Reduces IAQ-Associated Health Risks Ventilation optimizatio...

Valve insulation is commonly used to cover petrochemicals products and industrial equipment in the oil and gas industry. Similar to process line piping, valves often must be insulated to minimize heat loss for efficient performance or to keep contents of material passing through the valve at the desired temperature. Valves are a critical part of any industrial or commercial process. Fluid needed to make things run right in your facility is pushed through these valves quickly and efficiently. A...

The Heat and Buildings Strategy has been published which recognizes that to meet net zero, there is a huge decarbonization effort required with how buildings are heated. This presents huge opportunities for jobs, growth and technological advancements, if carried out correctly. However the priority for Government and those like themselves in the industry is to identify how all consumers’ needs can be met. There are still barriers we must overcome that this strategy does not yet solve. re...

A number of standard unit coolers from Friga-Bohn, which supplies a wide range of refrigeration solutions to the food industry, are now fully compatible with A2L refrigerants. The unit coolers support use with both new A2L refrigerants such as R1234yf, R454C and R455C, as well as existing HFC refrigerant solutions. As a result, a single unit can provide for present and future requirements, reducing inventory for wholesalers and easing selection choices for installers. The market for unit cooler...

Inspected (Inspected.com), a remote virtual inspection program, started in Florida, announced a new partnership with PowerHouse Electrical Services (PowerHouse), to provide remote video inspections, during electrical and generator installations. This partnership will benefit customers throughout the Southwest Florida region, by reducing installation time and labor costs accrued, while waiting for a city permit inspector to approve electrical work. It also benefits contractors working with Power...

Low carbon more efficient heating systems such as heat pumps will be no more expensive – and in many cases may end up cheaper – to buy and run than gas boilers, under government plans being announced on Monday, 18 October 2021. Through the Heat and Buildings Strategy, the government has set out its plan to incentivize people to install low-carbon heating systems in a simple, fair, and cheap way as they come to replace their old boilers over the coming decade. This will significantly...

Global water technology company A. O. Smith Corporation announced that it has acquired Giant Factories, Inc., a Canada-based manufacturer of residential and commercial water heaters, with trailing twelve-month sales of approximately USD $105 million. The purchase price is approximately USD $192 million in cash, subject to customary adjustments. Taking into account an expected tax benefit of approximately $6.5 million that the Company will achieve as a result of treating the transaction as a p...

Air purifiers are a popular way to improve indoor air quality with little time and effort on the homeowners' part. Despite their relative simplicity, it’s common for homeowners to have many questions about using their air purifier to its fullest.  As a company with over 40 years of HVAC experience, Van Drunen Heating & Air Conditioning provides the insight homeowners need. Follow Van Drunen's advice and let them know if they are interested in installing an air purifier. Understa...