HVAC Industry News

The Heating and Hotwater Industry Council (HHIC) is calling for greater support for hybrid systems in the Government’s net-zero strategy, in order to provide a practical method of achieving low-carbon heating for consumers. Launched in October 2021, the Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy’s (BEIS) Heat and Buildings Strategy outlined the key technologies in the UK’s transition to net zero. The £450 million Boiler Upgrade Scheme was the centerpiece of...

Despite an intensifying climate crisis and global uncertainty in energy markets, the world’s largest energy-using countries are making only limited progress in reducing energy waste and planet-warming emissions, according to the 2022 International Energy Efficiency Scorecard, published by the non-profit American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE). To meet their climate goals, the report says, countries will need to rapidly scale their efficiency efforts. No country came close...

On 1st February 2022, Airedale hosted a panel discussion featuring industry-respected contributors from both end-user organizations and engineering contractors, to discuss the burning topic of sustainability with data centers. Broadcast on the DCD platform, and available to watch here, this article summarises the discussion. The panel consists of the following people: Abed Jishi – VP Design, Vantage Andy Hayes – CTO, Yondr Dan Loosemore – mediator, DCD Daniel Burczy...

Earlier this month, the U.S. Government released a new COVID-19 preparedness plan for protecting Americans against the SARS-COV-2 virus and its variants. In 96-pages, the National COVID-19 Preparedness Plan lays out a strategy for protection, prevention, treatment, and preparedness. It also provides guidance for reopening schools and moving the economy forward, as vaccinations and testing increase. National COVID-19 Preparedness Plan The National COVID-19 Preparedness Plan lays out four main...

In facilities with high volumes of foot traffic, the constant opening and closing of doors not only lets in chilly air but can cause heating problems for the entire building. Cold drafts bring the temperatures down, so while main rooms benefit from the warmth of the building’s primary heating system, many other areas are left to deal with the arctic side effects. Vestibules, lobbies, entrance ways, and hallways are frequently populated, so it’s imperative that facilities hunke...

There are opposing forces occurring right now in the data center industry. It seems that while big facilities are getting bigger, there are also architectures that are trying to shrink footprints. So as a result, densities are increasing. Part of the conversation is shifting to density efficiency, being able to support an economy of scale but also the ability to support that in a much more sustainable manner. Follow the Customer’s Journey For most, especially over a multi-year transitio...

Building Talent Foundation (BTF) has announced the main findings of a residential construction workforce engagement study designed to probe into tradespeople opinions about their career plans. To improve industry strategies for building talent retention, BTF launched the survey with the support of Leading Builders of America (LBA). Amid increasing competition for frontline workers due to the COVID-19 pandemic, BTF and LBA sought to better understand the current levels of engagement and prioriti...

Ministers should launch a national campaign to recruit an army of plumbers and heat installers as ‘Climate Heroes’ cutting Britain’s dependence on imported gas, a renowned global think-tank, Social Market Foundation (SMF) has reported. The Social Market Foundation said that the United Kingdom (UK) needs to recruit and train many more plumbers to install heat pumps, in order to replace millions of gas boilers, if the target of a Net Zero economy by 2050 is to be met. Cutting t...

Hydrogen has long been regarded as a key element in the success of the energy transition because it links the energy, transportation, buildings and industry sectors, and can be used as a CO2-neutral energy source, storage and supply medium. For example, ‘green’ hydrogen generated through electrolysis from renewable electricity and water can be transported via the existing gas infrastructure, temporarily stored and then used in buildings as an energy supplier for CO2-free heating. As...

Pure Air Control Services headed into the summer months this year, the Delta variant of the coronavirus became dominant. Before this, businesses started reopening with many workers returning to buildings. However, many also decided that working from home was a safer option. Not everyone had a choice and a surprising number of workers stated they would prefer to leave their jobs entirely if working from home was not an option for them. In fact, in a post published in July, Pure Air Control Ser...

The beauty of an Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) – and the energy recovery wheel inside of it – is its ability to allow to create an HVAC system that’s 20 to 40% more efficient than one without an ERV. But, what if a specific type of wheel could save even more money over the course of its life, due to how it’s made? While often not examined out of the gate, considering which type of wheel to use in the system can have a significant, tangible impact on cost and perform...

Like never before, facility operators are working to improve the quality of the air in their buildings. While ventilation – or air changes per hour inside a building – plays a critical role in this effort, it’s often thought that increased ventilation is too costly. Luckily, that’s not true. In fact, one can simultaneously ventilate the building, reduce the energy costs, and future-proof the building for unforeseen pandemics. How? By incorporating energy recovery venti...

The pandemic and shift to home dining and takeout changed the recipe for the food supply chain. Here’s how food companies are devouring new challenges. As more food travels directly to consumers rather than moving on pallets from distribution centers to stores, maintaining the cold chain becomes more complicated and challenging. Restrictions "One reason is a shortage of technicians who have earned the necessary certifications in these systems," says Dana Krug, Vice President and Gen...

In early 2021 schools and businesses across the country continued to reopen even as the Delta variant of COVID-19 emerged in the U.S. This created school and workplace safety concerns. We covered topics that stressed the importance of air purification to restore worker confidence. We also discussed how schools used funds from the American Rescue Plan to address aging mechanical systems, and we ended with a call to businesses to raise their IAQ standards to keep occupants safe. Let’s take a...

Commercial air conditioning is an essential part of comfortable space. If the business is at a crossroads with upgrading or installing new units, then it’s time to consider the argument of financing vs. paying cash. Let’s look closely at the pros and cons of financing and cash.  Financing Pros and Cons When you finance the air conditioning system, you are spreading the cost over a period of time in which you’ll be using it. It also allows you to pay what you are able...

With lockdown measures further easing across England – including allowing people back inside restaurants and pubs – the British Medical Association (BMA) has raised concerns that many premises may not be sufficiently ventilated to prevent airborne transmission of Covid-19. Calling for the Government to issue ‘explicit specifications’ on ventilation requirements for pubs, bars and restaurants, workplaces, and other public settings as they welcome the public back in...

According to the Carbon Trust, around 40% of commercial floor space is expected to be air-conditioned by 2020, compared with only 10% at the end of 1994. Demand is therefore increasing rapidly and due to this, building owners and operators are encouraged to look carefully at energy consumption, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, in particular, to see where savings can be made. The Carbon Trust also suggests that specifying a new air conditioning system should consider both user and...

The pandemic not only raised concerns about public health but also increased public awareness of the impacts our buildings have on the planet. A healthcare facility’s purpose is to serve the health of the community and promote public wellness. Hospitals account for 4.4% of global emissions, so to truly protect the health of the community, healthcare leaders need to make sure they are also protecting the planet. Public Health Issue The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)...

Aircuity, the front-runner in creating healthy and sustainable buildings, released new data showing that its clients in the life sciences industry are achieving record-setting levels of energy savings and environmental quality in their critical laboratory spaces and across their portfolios. According to the analysis, more than 50 life sciences organizations are using Aircuity’s platform to save 158,353,872 pounds of carbon dioxide (CO2) annually, while simultaneously saving more than one...

World Quality Day on the 11th of November is an annual event to raise the awareness of quality levels in companies and to recognize the efforts and contributions of quality professionals. The Elta Fans quality team shares how they’ve been ensuring quality management is consistently implemented throughout the business. Setting the scene At Elta Fans, quality is not only integral to the running of the business, but it’s the ethos: “We manufacture the highest quality of air mov...

Panasonic Heating & Cooling Solutions has reported that its IFS Remote Assistance solution has had a positive impact on improving customer service efficiency across Europe. The company reports that the initial response times have been improved, the remote diagnostic and fault resolution has been increased, and a higher customer satisfaction level was achieved. As the HVAC+R support teams throughout Europe have taken up the use of this tool, the appreciation for the benefits this technolog...

The Government’s Heat and Buildings Strategy is a welcome development in decarbonizing the UK heating sector but must be supported by the further policy if net-zero is to be achieved, according to polymer pipework specialist, REHAU. UK’s Heat and Buildings Strategy The long-awaited strategy was launched in October 2021, by the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), with the £450 million Boiler Upgrade Scheme being the centerpiece of the development. Fr...

Trane Technologies, a global climate innovator – is making it easier to understand and optimize home comfort, including the quality of air in your home. “The COVID-19 pandemic has made many of us rethink the air we breathe indoors,” said Jason Bingham, President of Trane Technologies’ Residential HVAC business. “An important aspect of helping people feel safe indoors is alleviating airborne health risks, especially those related to viruses, bacteria, pet dander,...

The Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction (GlobalABC) was set up as a voluntary partnership in 2015 during the 21st Conference of Parties (COP21). It involves 30+ countries and 100+ members with different backgrounds and fits within the United Nations Environment Programme. The aim is to work towards a zero-emission, efficient, and resilient buildings and construction sector. Background The main concern is that the buildings standing in 2050 have not yet been built and that the numb...

In 1991 Eurovent, together with the American, Canadian and Japanese associations founded ICARHMA, the International Council of Air-Conditioning, Refrigeration, and Heating Manufacturers Associations. Meanwhile, the membership has increased to eleven members covering many parts of the world. ICARHMA allows the association to discuss global issues related to energy and environmental related issues. Global Perspective ICARHMA members meet in general twice per year, once at the time of the AHR Ex...

When it comes to smoke ventilation it requires a thorough approach to servicing in order to ensure optimum operational effectiveness. Elta Fans Applied Technology to discuss the five common traps one often fall into with smoke ventilation maintenance: Fitting and forgetting The smoke ventilation systems are the most important component in providing a level of reassurance across all applications and are an integral part of building safety. However, as a result of only being required in worst-...

New research reveals that 22nd October, 2021, over a week before the clocks go back, will be the day when the majority of the United Kingdom turns on their central heating, for the autumn and winter seasons.  The research, commissioned by Toolstation, one of Britain’s fastest growing suppliers of tools, accessories and building supplies, found that 60% of households were worried about being able to afford to keep their home warm, during the harsh winter months. Toolstation research...

As summers get hotter and extreme heat events to become more common, it is increasingly uncomfortable to live without air conditioning. According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the vast majority of American households do have air conditioning, but about 9% do not have any air conditioning unit. Many of these households are located in cities with historically temperate climates, but climate change is expected to make extreme heat events not only more frequent but also more severe. Even are...

Though the end result may be the glow of a light bulb or the click of the kettle, the journey energy takes to reach homes is a long one that involves many people in a myriad of roles around the world. This means that the price of wholesale energy - the energy that people buy to supply their homes - is prone to fluctuation. While SO Energy and most energy suppliers will pass any savings on to the customers, and absorb rises in wholesale costs, in order to keep things affordable for them, there a...

The latest round of financing from the UK Government’s Green Heat Network Fund (GHNF) will be key to ensuring that low-carbon district heating schemes are delivered from 2022, according to polymer pipework specialist, REHAU. Green Heat Network Fund (GHNF) The Green Heat Network Fund (GHNF) is the latest funding scheme, launched by the government’s Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, building upon 2018’s Heat Networks Investment Project (HNIP). As part o...