HVAC News, November 2023

As the world continues its push towards sustainability and reducing carbon emissions, heat pump technology has emerged as a solution for decarbonizing various sectors, particularly heating and cooling. Danfoss believes it's crucial to discuss and highlight the impact and potential of heat pumps in achieving a greener future. latest trends in heat pumps At AHR 2024, Danfoss will be on site to highlight the latest trends in heat pumps, including new applications and the critical role hydronic...

College was never the only path to success. There are many other nontraditional avenues to success, and I had the privilege of blindly venturing down one myself. My path included a short stint in college, then trade school, an apprenticeship, a role building a training program, a managerial role running a branch, and ultimately a leadership role running a large region of companies. I started my career as a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning technician, and I didn’t think I’...

Marcone, North America's pioneering distributor for appliance, HVAC, plumbing, commercial kitchen, and pool and spa parts, announced that the U.S. branches of its HVAC division recently joined together to thank military service providers in their communities. Veteran's Day In honor of Veteran's Day on November 11, Marcone HVAC locations celebrated servicemen and servicewomen with cookies and a show of gratitude. Employees who served our country were thanked internally and on social media. Cu...

BITZER, the refrigeration, air conditioning, and heat pump specialist, acquired Czech company BPOWER in late October 2023. This acquisition not only allows BITZER to offer components and Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) systems for generating power from waste heat, thus making an important contribution to decarbonization, but also enables system integration.  Efficient use of waste heat in the industry can go a long way in helping to make production more energy-efficient, reduce carbon emission...

A new zero GWP/ODP compact ammonia chiller has been developed to future-proof end users against F-gas changes, while offering excellent energy efficiency, low running costs, and extended working life.  The AMChill packaged chiller, developed by natural refrigeration specialist KGM Refrigeration Ltd with support from BITZER UK, runs on an ultra-low charge of ammonia, made possible by a new design that overcomes the need for a flooded evaporator.  lightweight and compact Based on high...

Tradespeople will now be able to face the ongoing battle of complying with building regulations for mechanical ventilation as Elta Fans returns to the market via a new dedicated division, Elta Trade. With many people not realizing that residential ventilation systems must adhere to the building's regulations alongside needing to test its airflow rates, Elta Trade aims to help contractors ensure their setup is compliant. Damp and mold problems According to the 2021 English Housing Survey condu...

Airedale’s AireWall ONE has been designed with input from industry experts, to deliver a flexible, efficient and global range of data center fan arrays for an industry striving for scalability and sustainability. Airedale by Modine, the critical cooling specialists, has announced the launch of AireWall ONE, a fan wall developed in collaboration with the data center industry. AireWall ONE AireWall ONE has built-in flexibility, with a parametric design allowing it to be configurable to ph...

Heat pump commissioning through Benchmark Online and certification via the MCS Installations Database are set to be integrated. This will result in a single point of data entry for the first time to simplify the process for Benchmark installers employed by the nearly 1,700 MCS-certified heat pump contractors. Benchmark, a longstanding trusted name within the installer community, transformed its previous paper-based checklist into an easy-to-use app over two years ago. The addition of heat...

Mitsubishi Electric will be exhibiting at CIBSE Build2Perform Live 2023, from 5th to 6th December, 2023 at ExCeL, London, United Kingdom, showcasing the range of commercial heat pumps and Hybrid VRF air conditioning solutions, including the Ecodan QAHV commercial heat pump and the City Multi Vertical Hybrid Branch Controller (HBC). The Ecodan QAHV utilizes CO2 and is specifically designed for commercial sanitary hot water applications. It can deliver hot water up to 90°C, making it an ideal...

Pioneering UK heating and hot water solutions provider Baxi has held an inaugural graduation ceremony at the Coventry Building Society Arena to celebrate the successes of its first group of apprentices. The event recognised the outstanding achievements of Baxi’s first cohort of field engineer apprentices, its degree apprentices, and colleagues from departments across the company who have completed apprenticeships in the last twelve months to help further their career. A visit to the Engin...

This time of year, a lot of planning is underway. Companies throughout the HVACR industry are mapping out the best path to maintain their current level of business, pursue growth while staying in their lane, or expand into a new area based on changing customer needs and industry opportunities. Whether you’re a small family-owned residential HVAC shop, a major player in commercial HVACR service or manufacturing, or anywhere in between, it’s helpful to be aware of the strong dynamics...

Intelligent power management company - Eaton has announced the opening of its newest global Innovation Center near Montreal in Brossard, Quebec, Canada, following nearly four decades of developing cutting-edge software in the region. At the 35,000-square-foot space, Eaton will accelerate the research and development of distributed energy resource (DER) technologies enabling sustainable electricity for buildings, homes, industry and the electric grid. Eaton is bringing approximately 150 highly s...

There is a severe shortage of skilled technicians in the HVAC trade, reflecting an urgent need to attract more employees to careers in HVAC. The estimated 80,000 unfilled positions across the United States are the result of multiple trends, from an aging workforce to a lack of training and education. There is also a public perception problem: HVAC jobs are often seen as dirty, sweaty, and unskilled positions. But how can the industry address the problem? We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: How...

As the crisp autumn breeze ushers in a kaleidoscope of colors, it also brings with it a challenge for many individuals – allergies. For university students and staff, navigating through fall can be a sneeze-inducing endeavor. However, as an institutional facility manager, they have the power to create a healthier indoor environment and minimize autumn allergies, particularly by focusing on the air conveyance system. Air conveyance systems Understanding the Challenge to Minimize Autumn...

Mitsubishi Electric has announced the launch of its Ecodan R290 heat pump, further contributing to the decarbonization of home heating. The new model, manufactured in its factory in Livingston, Scotland, results from Mitsubishi Electric's decades of experience in producing heat pumps. The launch of the Ecodan R290, with its low global warming potential (GWP) refrigerant, is a big step towards more sustainable home heating. Using a hydrocarbon refrigerant that can achieve high Coefficient of Per...

Danfoss Power Solutions, a global supplier of mobile and industrial hydraulics, as well as electric powertrain systems, has launched its next-generation air conditioning hose for liquid lines in agriculture, construction, and commercial vehicle applications. EverCool EC005 Type G A/C hose The new EverCool EC005 Type G A/C hose simplifies installation, while offering weight reduction and proven reliability. The new EC005 hose is fully thermoformable, even over long lengths, eliminating the nee...

Heating and hot water solutions provider - Baxi has hosted the first official visit to its €13 million commercial heat pump R&D and laboratory site in Vilafranca del Penedès, Spain.  Baxi is part of the €2.2 billion turnover BDR Thermea Group, one of the largest producers of heating appliances worldwide. commercial heat pump technology The 7,000 m2 Baxi factory, located near Barcelona and opened in 2022, is focused on developing and producing commercial heat pump tec...

Ventive is delighted to announce that it has recently secured its next round of funding, as the company works towards delivering its all-in-one Heat Pump technology to homes across the United Kingdom (UK).  Ventive designs and manufactures intelligent heating and ventilation solutions to make buildings healthy, comfortable, efficient, and affordable. investment program The deal, led and syndicated by the deep tech and venture capital specialist EMV Capital, is an investment package provi...

Gradient, a company built by thermal scientists to rethink HVAC and build products that are good for the planet and great at cooling and heating homes, announced the All-Weather 120 V Window Heat Pump. The new product from Gradient provides efficient, climate-friendly heating and cooling in the coldest winters and hottest summers, all while operating quietly and minimizing noise.  Selected by the Biden administration to feature at American Possibilities: White House Demo Day as an example...

NIBCO INC., a global provider of flow control solutions, announced its Board of Directors has approved several executive leadership appointments.  These new appointments are effective immediately and reflect the company’s commitment to its long-term growth strategy. new executive appointments Steve Malm Steve Malm has been appointed as the new Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Malm has been with NIBCO since 1996 and has served as President and Chief Operating Officer from 2006...

Danfoss Turbocor, manufacturer and pioneer of the first oil-free, magnetic bearing compressor for the HVAC industry, is celebrating its 10th anniversary as a wholly-owned Danfoss company. Initially founded in 1994 and later becoming a joint venture with Danfoss in 2004, its Turbocor® compressors have delivered versatile and unmatched efficiency, with low-Global Warming Potential compatibility, helping to reduce emissions while earning strong return on investment for customers. Zero perform...

Midwest-based HVAC distributor - Munch's Supply has announced that Steve Raimondi and Adam Slusher will lead operations in the US states of Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan. Munch's Supply is part of Marcone Group, North America's distributor of appliance, HVAC, plumbing, commercial kitchen, and pool and spa parts. New Responsibilities As Market President of Illinois/Indiana, Steve Raimondi will oversee operations at nine locations throughout the two states, incorporating 400 employees. Adam...

The transition away from hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) as refrigerants for HVAC systems is well underway, and the process is accelerating. A 10% reduction in HFC production was mandated last year, and an additional 30% reduction is pending in January 2024. Meanwhile, a January 2025 deadline looms for the elimination of the manufacture of HVAC equipment that uses refrigerants with high potential for global warming (GWP).  impact of regulatory shifts The production step-downs ensure a co...

Bradford White Corporation, an industry-renowned manufacturer of water heaters, boilers, and storage tanks, announced a $50,000 grant through its Industry Forward® initiative to help Pennsylvania’s Energy Coordinating Agency (ECA) launch a pilot internship program for youth and emerging workers from Philadelphia’s disadvantaged communities. The grant will support a 60-hour internship program for up to 30 participants in ECA’s signature heat pump water heater installation a...

Residents are opening their Passive House buildings for the 20th time. Interested parties can see the benefits of high energy efficiency for themselves. Passive House Open Days The Passive House Open Days will again take place on the second weekend in November. From 10 to 12 November 2023, many buildings around the world will be open to the public. Residents also present their homes in a video. In Germany, among other activities, there is a workshop on highly energy-efficient school buil...

TML Supply Company, part of top North American distributor - Marcone, announced that it has been named Canadian Tempstar Distributor of the Year for the fourth time. The award, given by ICP/Carrier, recognized TML's performance in customer service and sales growth during 2022. TML also earned the award in 2013, 2016 and 2019. Service and product availability "TML's dedication to top-notch service and product availability is an overarching value for our organization," said Mark Mininch, TML Pr...

Business Development Resources (BDR), the training and business coaching authority for home services industry professionals, announces its 2024 program for Trailblazer Sales Academy, an ongoing online training program for territory managers and distribution sales team members that focuses on developing sales skills, leadership agility and a strategic vision for territory growth. top territory managers Trailblazer Sales Academy features four live virtual workshops from January through May to he...

Weil-McLain®, a global provider of high-efficiency commercial and residential hydronic comfort heating solutions, has launched a limited-time promotion for members of the company’s new growth and loyalty program, The Weil-McLain Advantage™. From now until the end of December, contractors from Weil-McLain’s five sales regions (West, Central, Mid-Atlantic, New York/New Jersey, and New England) can compete to register the most Weil-McLain boilers. The top “driver&rdquo...

American Standard® Heating and Air Conditioning, a globally renowned provider of high-quality residential heating, ventilation, and air conditioning solutions for over a century, has announced its sixth annual Building a Higher Standard award winners, three of the brand’s exceptional independent dealers nationwide.  Selected from a group of high-achieving nominees, the 2023 winners were ultimately recognized by a blind panel of judges for being champions of American Standard&rsqu...

Dilution is the Solution – Increasing outdoor ventilation is essential for diluting and reducing the concentration of airborne pollutants in an indoor space. Dilution of contaminants by supplying clean outdoor air is an integral part of improving indoor air quality (IAQ) and maintaining the health and comfort of occupants. Proper temperature and humidity control of the inside space is also important for achieving optimal IAQ. To maintain a healthy indoor environment, air flow should not b...