HVAC Industry News

SNAP Rule 26 marks an important milestone in the transition from commercial refrigeration to new refrigerants. The rule lists refrigerant substitutes that provide a spectrum of technological solutions to meet required performance, global warming potential (GWP), safety, and environmental standards.  SNAP stands for Significant New Alternatives Policy, a program by the U.S. EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) under the Clean Air Act. In general, the program aims to evaluate and regulate...

Humidity can influence employee health and productivity in the workplace. Humidity, temperature, and ventilation all work in concert to create a healthy indoor environment that supports overall occupant well-being. “Dry indoor air can cause discomfort in the form of dry skin, eyes, and throat for staff and visitors,” says Jennifer Montville, Director of Marketing at DriSteem, a manufacturer of humidification systems. Air-related health issues “There are real costs associate...

It takes a proliferation of data centers to serve the growing computing needs of the Internet, and all those servers churning away create plenty of heat. Might some of that heat be harnessed and used for residential or commercial heating? The emergence of district heating systems, which provide thermal energy to multiple buildings from a single source, demonstrates the approach has broad possibilities. Air-cooled chillers and air-handling units used to cool data centers are like the technologi...

Recently, nine states pledged to accelerate the transition to clean buildings in their states, including a goal of deploying heat pumps to make up 65% of residential heating, cooling, and water heating by 2030. California, Colorado, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, and Rhode Island signed a memorandum of understanding in February outlining their collective efforts to accelerate the deployment of clean technologies such as heat pumps in new and existing homes. ...

The flammability of the new class of low-GWP refrigerants is a source of misunderstanding and unnecessary anxiety among contractors who will be working with the newer materials, which must be used by HVAC equipment manufactured beginning Jan. 1, 2025.   A2L refrigerants The newer A2L refrigerants, specifically R-454B, perform similarly to previously used materials such as R-410A, and flammability is so mild as to be almost negligible. What’s needed is more education to make co...

An expansive construction boom is underway in Saudi Arabia, amplified by the Saudi Vision 2030 initiative promoting global engagement, enhanced quality of life, and economic diversification beyond petroleum. Mega-projects pioneering the way include The Line, a linear smart city that is only 200 meters (220 yards) wide, towers 500 meters (550 yards) above sea level, and stretches 170 kilometers (105 miles) from the Neom 26,500-square-kilometer (10,200 sq. miles) urban area across desert valleys...

The idea of Energy as a Service involves shifting the traditional business model from selling energy as a commodity to providing a comprehensive package of goods and services to address a customer’s energy use and management. Rather than selling energy, the approach encompasses complete stewardship of a company’s energy needs in exchange for a monthly fee. Because 40% or so of a company’s typical energy needs are related to heating and cooling systems, implementing Energy as...

AHR Expo 2024 was abuzz with activity, befitting a dynamic industry in the throes of change.  Industry developments such as electrification and the refrigerant transition render business opportunities on the AHR Expo show floor, where exhibitors display a determination to meet the challenges and thrive in the process. Walking from booth to booth during the three-day show in Chicago, I saw the best the HVAC industry has to offer, up close and personal. Innovation and adaptability are the w...

Businesses in the HVAC market were high-profile participants at the COP28 conference in Dubai. Several big HVAC companies had a presence at the conference, and the industry’s technologies are an important tool to achieve the conference’s stated climate goal of net-zero global greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. COP28 The Conference of Parties of the United National Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) took place Nov. 30-Dec. 12 in Dubai. Some 35,000 people were involved in...

Revised building codes, based on model “I-Codes” developed by the International Code Council (ICC), are being widely adopted to allow A2L refrigerants to be used in comfort air conditioning applications. Previously, the use of A2L refrigerants, which are “mildly flammable,” was not allowed by building codes in force in 2021 and before because of safety concerns.   benefits of A2Ls However, the benefits of using A2Ls instead of refrigerants with higher global...

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...

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...

HVAC systems perform an important function in healthcare facilities, ensuring an environment conducive to healing and optimum health. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: How can the industry address HVAC challenges in hospitals and healthcare facilities?  

President Biden’s plan to switch from burning fossil fuels to a reliance on more renewable sources, such as wind, solar, and geothermal, could bring the grid to 100% clean electricity (zero net greenhouse gas emissions) by 2035 and put the United States on a path to economywide, net-zero emissions by 2050.  In the built space, this includes replacing traditional, fossil fuel-burning sources of space and water heat with electrically powered alternatives, namely, high-efficiency heat p...

Fire risks related to HVAC include factors such as overheating motors, faulty electrical wiring, and leaky fuel lines. Educating consumers on the fire risks of HVAC systems contributes to fire prevention. Proper installation and maintenance of HVAC systems can significantly reduce the dangers of factors such as gas leaks.  residential fire hazards Among residential fire hazards, an HVAC system is probably not at the top of the list. However, there are fire risk factors related to HVAC t...

Esthetics have historically not been a primary consideration when it comes to HVAC vents and grilles. Rather, HVAC vents have been typically concerned with performance and ease of production, manufactured from stamped metal or extruded. “There have been limited efforts to make HVAC components that are also interior design elements,” says Mark Mascarello, Head of Design and Production of InviAir. It’s a missed opportunity. “I’m not an interior designer, but I feel...

Data-driven control of centralized home and building HVAC systems is helping to minimize energy usage, lessen sustainability concerns, and provide greater levels of comfort for lower costs. However, room air conditioners are globally the fastest growing segment, each operating independently with the aid of a remote control. How can the lessons and capabilities of data-driven control systems be applied to the world of room air conditioners?  Sensibo is looking to do just that. Sensibo aims...

Like most industries, the future of the HVAC market is being driven by technology. In the world of HVAC as in life, technology touches nearly everything we do. Changes in technology can affect the demand for various products or even make products obsolete. Current technology shifts in HVAC are likely to have profound impacts and change the industry as we know it. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: What is the biggest technology change currently happening in the HVAC market?

Rising material prices and inflation, in general, are likely to continue to plague companies in trade services businesses, according to a new survey conducted by the business management software platform Simpro. In the survey, 20% of owners, CEOs, and business managers in trade service businesses say they are more likely to face inflation concerns this year. staff retention Another big concern across all trade service businesses is staff retention. Even higher percentages of survey responden...

The steps toward building decarbonization will accelerate organizations’ net-zero journey. Taking steps will also reduce operational costs and deliver better indoor environments. Improvements in heat pumps and digital solutions have enabled these opportunities and, as they continue to advance, deeper and deeper building decarbonization will become achievable. Optimal solutions Mark Lessans, Senior Director of Sustainability and Regulatory Affairs, Johnson Controls, for insights into how...

Selling maintenance agreements are a great way to build long-term relationships with customers, increase revenue, and improve customer satisfaction. Maintenance agreements can provide a steady stream of revenue, which can be especially important during slower months. Additionally, maintenance agreements can build customer loyalty and trust. Regular maintenance optimizes the performance and lifespan of HVAC systems, prevents breakdowns, and ensures efficient operation. HVAC installers Regular...

The HVAC market is in the midst of monumental change this year as trends such as electrification, refrigerant transition, and greater connectivity transform the technology building blocks central to our business. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable to weigh in on this question: What will be the biggest trends in the HVAC industry in 2023?

Excessive consumption of single-use plastics and other packaging materials is an emerging concern in the HVAC market. Use of plastic and non-recyclable materials in equipment packaging is contributing to HVAC’s environmental footprint. For an industry building its future on concepts of decarbonization and the environment, seeking to minimize packaging materials is a natural concern. More HVAC manufacturers need to transition towards a more sustainable future and implement organic packagi...

The American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act is among the environmental initiatives and regulations driving the phasedown in the use of hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants in the HVAC industry. The AIM Act’s schedule seeks to phase down HFCs by 85% by 2036. The first significant reduction in consumption and production under the AIM Act began on Jan. 1, 2022, representing a 10% reduction from a baseline value. The next major step begins Jan. 1, 2024, with an additional 30% reductio...

Data centers have been around as long as the Internet, although the introduction of the iPhone in 2007 significantly increased the demand for data centers. When the COVID pandemic required more people to work from home, the impact was to push digital demand to even higher levels. In short, as of 2023, it is a challenge to build data centers fast enough. environmental aspects Thousands of computer servers operating in a data center give off a lot of heat, so cooling is a critical need. A typi...

The 486,805 square feet of exhibit space at AHR Expo 2023 in Atlanta provided clear evidence of how technology innovation in HVAC has accelerated in the last decade. Change and progress were everywhere among the 1,779 exhibitors, including 425 international exhibits. HVAC systems on display New electronic tools, cloud-based solutions, higher efficiency ratings, mini-split systems, new regulations, and new control strategies are driving product development enabling HVAC systems to deliver new s...

In its simplest terms, artificial intelligence (AI) enables machines to mimic the operation of the human brain. Combined with the Internet of Things (IoT), AI currently has a higher profile than ever. In effect, AI is changing how we use information, analyzing massive amounts of data, and improving decision-making. The impact of AI is being felt in many industries and markets, from real-time monitoring of manufacturing processes to analyzing medical data trends to enable early detection of canc...

Some of the technologies in the HVAC market are mature, although the newest innovation is always just around the corner. Newer systems seek to be more sustainable and energy-efficient, and digital control technologies play a role in maximizing their performance. Trends such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart systems are the basis for the newest connectivity and control approaches. These innovations tie into the broader environment of smart buildings. Systems are also providing remote acce...

The building sector is a major player when it comes to lowering greenhouse gas emissions and increasing energy efficiency. High-performance buildings with very low energy consumption are key to addressing the climate and energy crisis. Passive House Standard The Passive House Standard ensures that buildings are designed to be healthy, comfortable, durable, and resilient with very low energy needs. The focus is on making use of “passive” concepts to save energy rather than needing...

From supply chain challenges to decarbonization, from data analytics to maintenance programs, the themes that ranked highest among visitors to HVACinformed.com in 2022 reflected the dominant topics of conversation throughout the industry. As demonstrated by the most-read articles on the site, technology trends and regulatory issues all converged and had a profound impact on the industry in 2022. Timely and important issues in the HVAC marketplace dominate HVACinformed.com‘s list of most-c...