RAC News & Trends

Bluon, Inc., an innovative software company focused on bringing productivity gains to HVAC contractors and their service technicians introduced MasterMechanic, a breakthrough AI tool for HVAC technicians that allows them to instantly diagnose and solve problems in the field, using only natural language. The beta product is available publicly to the entire industry for a limited time at bluon.ai.  MasterMechanic MasterMechanic is the first generative AI tool created to assist HV...

The "Wreaking HVAC on our planet" report was published, highlighting the severe environmental impact of the global Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning industry – which is a bigger producer of CO2 emissions than all passenger vehicles, flights, and every country except China. The report estimates that HVAC (used only for comfort) produces 5.5 gigatons of CO2 each year (5,500,000,000 tons), or 15% of global energy-related emissions. It highlights the cyclical problem of extreme tempe...

Atlantic Westchester, a globally renowned provider of commercial and industrial HVAC solutions in the NY metro region, announced that Jesse Alley has been promoted to the position of General Manager. Jesse Alley previously served as the company’s Director of Service Operations. New General Manager appointed "After three years of being a part of the Atlantic Westchester team, I am thrilled to be taking on this new leadership role," said Jesse Alley, General Manager of Atlantic Westcheste...

The Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES) is pleased to announce the selection of Ann R. Klee as Chair of the C2ES Board of Directors. Ann R. Klee, who has served on the C2ES Board for 11 years, brings a unique perspective on the interplay between business and government in solving the complex environmental challenges the world faces today. She is taking the role at a key time for the organization, which has doubled in size in the past two years. New Chair of the C2ES Board of Directo...

When it comes to the functioning of Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems, insulation plays a crucial role in maintaining energy efficiency and temperature control. However, the HVAC insulation health hazards associated with older and degraded fiberglass insulation within single-walled air handler units cannot be overlooked. Over time, as fiberglass insulation breaks down, it can release particles that contaminate occupied spaces within buildings, posing potential risks to h...

Modine, a globally renowned technology provider in the HVAC industry, is partnering with TMS Johnson to help empower school pioneers and facility managers to provide excellent indoor air quality (IAQ) solutions by offering a full range of school-focused HVAC products. As part of the partnership, TMS Johnson will represent Airedale in Minnesota and Western Wisconsin. Modine and TMS Johnson partnership This new partnership is a great win for the school market in the Midwest" “This new pa...

During its last meeting, the Eurovent Product Group ‘Residential Air Handling Units’ expanded its scope and re-elected Xavier Boulanger (ALDES) and Jaroslav Chlup (2VV) as its Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson for the next term. The Product Group changed its name to PG-RVS (Residential Ventilation Systems) during the group’s last meeting, which took place on 17 May 2023. The approach extends the scope of the group to include components of residential ventilation systems such as...

SMS Environmental is thrilled to announce that it will be transitioning the responsibility and authority of the organization to its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mike Crook, and his newly formed Senior Leadership Team. The Senior Leadership Team forms a powerful partnership that combines forward-thinking strategies and an inclusive mindset, propelling our company towards unparalleled success. The members of SMS Environmental’s exceptional new Senior Leadership Team are: Toby Madd...

When it comes to keeping homes comfortable year-round, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems play a crucial role. Traditional HVAC systems that rely on ductwork have been the go-to choices for decades. However, a newer and increasingly popular option has been gaining momentum- the ductless mini-split HVAC system. Ductless mini-split HVAC system These units are connected by refrigerant lines, allowing for efficient temperature control As the name suggests, a ductless mini-...

GE Appliances, a Haier company, announced a US$ 34 million investment to expand refrigeration manufacturing and create 150 new jobs at its wholly owned subsidiary, Monogram Refrigeration LLC (MRO), located in Selmer, Tennessee, USA. The investment will increase the size of the plant and add new fabrication equipment and an assembly line to build Monogram® and Café™ brand integrated bottom-freezer refrigerators. The expansion will double the available capacity in Building Two,...

Hydronic cooling systems (also known as chilled water systems) are closed-loop, tempered water systems that convey heat away from a conditioned space or process, using water as the heat transfer medium. These systems use standard compressed refrigerant in tubes or coils, or evaporative cooling, to cool the water. The cooled water is pumped through the system piping to an end-point heat exchanger/cooling coil. The heat-exchanging coil surface is cooled by the chilled water. Air-to-air heat exch...

Carrier has released its latest i-Vu Express building automation device. The new connected device comes pre-installed with i-Vu Express v8.5 software and can receive automatic software updates. Packed with features, the i-Vu Express building automation system provides a 360-degree view of a building’s entire operation allowing operators to maintain comfort for occupants, optimize energy usage and resolve problems faster. Carrier is a part of Carrier Global Corporation, a global provider...

Paul Marsden, Technical Specification Manager at Baxi, has been appointed as the new Chair of the Society of Public Health Engineers’ Industry Working Group. Society of Public Health Engineers - SoPHE aims to provide a higher profile and focus for public health engineers within the Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE), as well as within the building services industry. Extensive industry experience Paul Marsden’s entire career has been centered on commercial h...

When was the last time the air conditioning or heating system inspected? It’s easy to overlook the importance of regular inspections, but it could be costing users in more ways than one. Not only can inspections help residents to stay more comfortable in their home, but they can also save money in the long run. In this blog post, Stack Heating, Cooling & Electric explores the benefits of HVAC inspections, how often should they be done, and tips for ensuring the HVAC system runs effici...

Cielo Linked is a cloud-based platform that revolutionizes smart integrated HVAC controls. It enables users to effortlessly link their central air conditioning system with room air conditioners, such as mini-split, window, and portable units, using Cielo smart climate control products. With Cielo Linked, users can create an intelligent automated environment control system for their home. They can set up links to automatically switch between the central and room air conditioners based on weather...

Ensuring the health and well-being of students and staff is a top priority for any K-12 school. Mold growth is a common concern that can negatively impact indoor air quality (IAQ) and, subsequently, the overall learning environment. In this article, Pure Air Control Services Inc. delves into the importance of addressing mold concerns in school buildings and HVAC systems, offering actionable solutions to create a safe and healthy atmosphere for all. Mold Concerns in Schools Impact Health and Le...

GE Profile™ (part of GE Appliances) continues to bring superior features and smarter innovation with the launch of the GE Profile 4-Door French Door Refrigerator with Dual-Dispense AutoFill Pitcher. In 2022, more than 44% of consumers purchasing 3+ door refrigerators chose a model with no external dispenser, signaling an appetite for a refrigerator that has a clean exterior aesthetic without sacrificing convenient access to premium filtered water in the fridge. New GE Profile 4-Door Refr...

Johnson Controls International plc (JCI, the ‘Company’ or ‘Johnson Controls’) has announced that it has commenced tender offers to purchase for cash the debt securities issued by the Company. The tender offers consist of offers to purchase for cash, on the terms and conditions set forth in the offer to purchase, dated August 7, 2023 (as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, the ‘Offer to Purchase’), up to US$ 100,000,000 aggregate principal amo...

The National Education Association cites that nearly 57.5 million students and school employees enter the doors of the nation’s schools every day. According to estimates from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, half of these adults and children spend their school days breathing air polluted with toxic chemicals, mold, viruses, bacteria, asbestos, pesticides, smog and particulates from vehicle pollution, and more. While the threat of severe illness from viruses such as COVID may have...

As the summer break comes to a close, it’s time to prepare the primary school for the much-awaited back-to-school opening. One of the most critical aspects of this preparation is creating a safe and healthy learning environment for the students and staff. One key factor that often goes unnoticed but has a significant impact on the well-being of everyone in the school is indoor air quality (IAQ) and the proper functioning of the HVAC system. This article will provide facility managers...

The Chemours Company (“Chemours”), a chemistry company with pioneering market positions in Titanium Technologies, Thermal and Specialized Solutions, and Advanced Performance Materials, recently announced important achievements in the development and manufacture of Opteon™ 2P50, a new heat-transfer fluid for two-phase immersion cooling (2-PIC). The proprietary fluid is currently in the final testing stages for manufacturing capability, with initial commercialization targeted fo...

Following the Climate Change Committee’s (CCC) latest Progress Report to Parliament stating the United Kingdom (UK) is falling behind on its building decarbonization goals, Elta Fans have been calling on the building solutions supply chain to utilize available resources, such as TM65 reports and take measures to decarbonize current construction processes. The Climate Change Committee states the industry lacks urgency in its pace of reaching 2050 targets and needs more help to decarbonize...

Armstrong Fluid Technology has relocated its sales office from Mannheim, Germany, to a larger site in Frankfurt, in order to support the company’s European expansion. Armstrong has had a dedicated European HQ since 2018, following its acquisition of the Circulator Pump Business Unit of German-based HALM Circulators. New Frankfurt office Having outgrown its current site, the company has moved to larger offices to make possible the next stage in its European expansion. The new Frankfurt o...

Bosch Home Comfort (formerly Bosch Thermotechnology), a global source of high-quality heating, cooling, and hot water systems, recently launched Bosch Home Comfort PRO, HVAC contractors’ new one-stop shop for their every servicing need.  Benchmark User Interface This new portal improves upon the features offered by Bosch’s previous ABC program, brandishing a host of valuable new tools and rewards for loyal installers. Its industry benchmark user interface (UI) is designed for...

Intelligent power management company - Eaton has announced the release of a new digital product targeting the healthcare sector. Leveraging Eaton’s smart breaker technology, the smart ambient monitoring Application Programming Interface (API) enhances energy usage data using proprietary machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms. Application Programming Interface (API) API access can be granted on a subscription basis to owners/users of Eaton’s smart circuit brea...

During the 2023 Eurovent Annual meeting in Rotterdam, Netherlands, the Eurovent Commission appointed Britta Permats, Managing Director at Svensk Ventilation, as its new Vice-Chairperson. Britta Permats succeeds Ilkka Salo, Managing Director at Talteka in the position of the Eurovent Commission Vice-Chairperson. She will be supporting the continuing Chairperson Lennart Ostergaard, Senior Manager at VELTEK Ventilation. Britta Permats elected Eurovent Commission Vice-Chairperson As Commission Vi...

Interplay Learning, the provider of online skilled trades training, is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with Southern Home Services Corporation, a residential home services provider specializing in HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and generator service, replacement, and maintenance. This important collaboration names Interplay Learning the exclusive content engine for technical training and the designated LMS provider across Southern Home Services' growing network of 25+ locations. trai...

Airedale by Modine, the critical cooling specialists, has announced the launch of MultiChill, a modular, low-GWP, free-cooling heat pump chiller range to join its new series of cooling solutions, as they continue to strive for a more sustainable future for all. MultiChill offers flexibility and efficiency as a smaller capacity heat pump chiller with modularity built into its design. With individual unit capacities between 53kW and 103kW, up to 16 MultiChill heat pump chillers can be connected o...

Katie McGinty, the Vice President and Chief Sustainability and External Relations Officer at Johnson Controls, joined CNBC Co-Anchors - Karen Tso and Arabile Gumede for a live broadcast on June 30, 2023 to talk about: the imperative for decarbonization to tackle the 40% of global greenhouse gas emissions coming from buildings; the clean, green premium driving growth in the real estate sector; the AI revolution driving that transformation in buildings; and ESG as just good business to cut waste a...

Worldwide demand for sustainable cooling and ventilation solutions continue to grow, and government policy is starting to reflect the societal movement towards reducing the impact of industrialization on the planet. The cooling industry is no exception, and it continues to be challenged to find more efficient solutions, that deliver reduced emissions, reduced energy consumption and reduced waste, without compromising on performance. This article highlights how taking a systems approach to chill...