HARDI - Experts & Thought Leaders

Modine, a globally renowned HVAC manufacturer, announces they will showcase their newest heating solutions, including the recently updated line of Hot Dawg® Unit Heaters, at the 2024 Heating Air-Conditioning Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI) Conference in Atlanta, on Dec. 7-10, 2024. During the conference, Modine will highlight enhancements to the rest of the Hot Dawg® line, which offers improved performance and efficiency. The gas-fired units have new features, including a dimpled heat exchanger tube to boost efficiency and reduce noise, plus some usability and esthetic improvements. Modine heating solutions "At Modine, we strive to provide the most efficient and reliable products on the market to our customers, and the updates to our Hot Dawg® Unit Heaters reflect that goal," said Elizabeth Casebolt, Marketing Manager of Modine’s Heating division. Elizabeth Casebolt adds, "Without the help of our distributors, it would be difficult for consumers to connect with Modine heating solutions. HARDI presents the perfect opportunity to reintroduce them to our products." Latest release of Amp Dawg™ Electric Heater Modine will also be marking the one-year anniversary of the release of their Amp Dawg™ Electric Heater Modine will also be celebrating the one-year anniversary of the release of their Amp Dawg™ Electric Heater as an alternative to the gas-powered Hot Dawg® units. Available in two sizes, the residentially certified 5.7 kW unit allows application flexibility in spaces like basements, garages, or storage areas, while the 9.0 kW unit provides two stages of controlled heat perfect for larger workshops and garages. Electric-powered infrared solutions The Amp Dawg™ heaters, along with recently added electric-powered infrared solutions, highlight Modine’s mission to provide top-of-the-line answers to any heating demand, regardless of the fuel source. "Since their introduction in 2015, Modine’s Hot Dawg® Unit Heaters have been a trusted brand in the heating space," said Richard Boothman, Director of North American sales for Modine, adding "Being able to showcase their improvements to distributors at HARDI provides the best path for the new products to reach consumers."

The AHR Expo (International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition) released the full schedule for the 2025 AHR Expo Education Program. The program will feature more than 250 sessions, including free industry seminars, a robust panel series lineup, new product presentations, and more. AHR education program “Educating our current and future workforce is an area of dedicated attention and effort across most industry conversations,” said Show Manager, Mark Stevens. “Over the years, the AHR education program has grown into an important complementary asset to the show floor experience, lending an opportunity for deeper understanding of what’s happening within the industry, how to apply skill and knowledge, and how to prepare for shifts.”  real-world applications Areas of niche discipline, as well as broader discussion of topics that stretch the full supply chain The AHR Expo Education Program provides attendees with expert advice aimed at better understanding real-world applications and learning relating to current trends and practices across the industry. Areas of niche discipline, as well as broader discussion of topics that stretch the full supply chain, will be available to stimulate industry conversation and professional development.  session learning “AHR Expo is a unique opportunity to pair session learning with application practice due to the complementary aspect of our education programming and the exhibition floor,” said Kim Pires, Director of Education. “Taking learning one step further, attendees can apply what they’ve just learned in a classroom to products, technology, or conversations on the show floor, creating a valuable opportunity that’s hard to find elsewhere in the industry.” Attendees can expect the program to address a wide variety of topics and are encouraged to explore the full program on the website.  2025 Panel Series AI and Plumbing: How Smart Applications Can Lead to Smooth Waters Ahead Monday, February 10th at 11:00 AM with John Mullen, IAPMO, and Susan Frew of PHCC leading a discussion for plumbing professionals. Everything users Need to Know About the Refrigerant Transition and A2Ls Monday, February 10th at 3:00 PM led by AHRI and including Chuck White, VP of Regulatory Affairs at PHCC; Jim Cika, Director of PMG Technical Resources at ICC; Samantha Slater, VP of Government Affairs at AHRI; Scott Stone, Founder and President at Glencoe Strategies LLC; and Tom Deary, Director of Codes at AHRI.  2025 State of the Industry: Today’s Market, Challenges, Opportunities & What’s Ahead Tuesday, February 11th at 10:00 AM moderated by Bryan Orr of HVAC School, including discussion with M. Dennis Knight, President 2024-2025 ASHRAE; Stephen Yurek, CEO of AHRI; Talbot Gee, CEO of HARDI; and Dominick Guarino, President and CEO at National Comfort Institute Inc.  Free Industry Series The 2025 show will feature more than 230 free sessions led by industry experts. Sessions will range from 20 minutes in the product theaters, and one to two hours in the classroom sessions and aim to address the industry’s most pressing challenges and exciting opportunities. Attendees are invited to attend general HVACR-related sessions, as well as those that dive deeper into specific professional practice areas.  AHR Expo Education Program “The AHR Expo Education Program is the industry’s best place to learn trends, tips, and growth strategies that span the full industry,” said Kimberly Pires, AHR Expo Education Program Director. “Our associations design their sessions to address the most pressing topics within their areas of the industry. The goal is to provide diverse perspectives from every professional and perspective in HVACR. The opportunity for shared insight supports healthy communication across the industry.” Additional highlights Attendees are encouraged to explore the full program. Additional highlights for the 2025 AHR Expo Free Industry Seminar program include:  Contractors Refrigerant Detection Systems for Flammable, A2L Refrigerants Chris Forth, Vice President of Regulatory, Codes & Environmental Affairs, hosted by WHVACR In this session, the user will review the transition to low-GWP refrigerants, including mildly flammable A2Ls, and learn about refrigerant detection systems (RDS). Join to gain an understanding of what features an RDS must have, how these systems function, and how to quickly determine if they are optional or required for an installation.  SMACNA Large Duct Construction & HVAC Duct Systems Inspection Shawn O’Hara, Senior Project Manager, SMACNA National; Geoffrey Parks, Senior Project Manager, SMACNA National, hosted by Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association In this session, users will learn what's driving larger ductwork in the industry today and how to properly construct and support larger ductwork using the SMACNA HVAC Duct Construction Standards (4th Edition).  Empowering Green Choices: How Financing Makes Energy Efficiency Affordable Erica Leonor, Director of Business Development at Goodleap; and Erik Summers, hosted by WHVACR In this session, users will discover how innovative financing options can empower homeowners to invest in high-end, energy-efficient HVACR systems through the exploration of financial tools that make eco-friendly upgrades accessible.  The Digital Revolution in HVAC: AI, Automation, and the Future of Customer Service Josh Crouch, Founder of Relentless Digital and Co-Host of Service Business Mastery Podcast, and Tersh Blissett, CEO, of Service Emperor; Co-Host of Service Business Mastery Podcast, hosted by AHR Expo  In this session users will learn strategies to integrate 'digital coworkers' into the business, enhancing efficiency and customer service by reviewing real-world examples of AI improving customer journeys and operations.  Distribution/Supply Chain Repair, Replacement or Maintenance: Which Strategy Aligns Best with Consumer Behavior? Megan Adair, Senior Account Development Manager, Mediagistic; Jennifer Helton, Account Development Manager, Mediagistic; hosted by WHVACR Attendees will gain deep insight into how consumer behavior drives better HVAC marketing outcomes. Discover how focusing on repairs, rather than installations, can be a game-changer for the HVAC business, as we reveal industry secrets and case studies that showcase significant growth through service-to-installation strategies.  Revolutionizing the business with OpenAI Colleen Keyworth, Director of Sales & Marketing, Online Access, hosted by WHVACR Attendees will learn more about the transformative impact of OpenAI technologies in business, focusing on ethical applications to enhance problem-solving, creativity, and efficiency.  Engineers Decarbonizing Commercial and Industrial Heating with Hydrogen Part 1 Paul Glanville, Sr. R&D Director, GTI Energy; Vince McDonell, Director, UC Irvine Combustion Laboratory, UC Irvine, hosted by AHRI Part 1, What is the Decarbonization Potential, will introduce the current state of research to define the upper practical limit of using H2 to decarbonize large commercial and industrial heating equipment currently using natural gas, the structure of the project for the California Energy Commission with partners GTI Energy, UC Irvine, EPRI, AHRI, and other industry partners (AHRI members); provide the context for displacing natural gas in heating equipment with H2 as a blend or through full conversion to 100% H2 with an overview of key developments and demonstrations in North America; and review the project’s preliminary Technoeconomic Assessment of using H2 in commercial/industrial facilities throughout California and review the Technical Survey of current research regarding the practical limits of using H2 in heating equipment.  Advancing AI-Driven Microcontroller Solutions: Innovations and Applications David Kniepkamp, President, of Smart Controls, hosted by LonMark International Attendees will uncover the challenges and opportunities of implementing AI-driven microcontroller solutions in commercial buildings, supported by real-world case studies showcasing significant energy savings, improved operational efficiency, and enhanced tenant satisfaction.  Empowering our Workforce with Emotional Intelligence: Building a Sustainable Future Karine Leblanc, ASHRAE Distinguished Lecturer, Engineer, and Author of How to Be Human in a Technical World, hosted by AHR Expo What is Emotional Intelligence (EI)? In this session, visitors will discover the importance of EI for HVAC professionals in managing client demands and team communication under pressure. They will explore the science behind EI, and the benefits of high EI and learn how to create a personal action plan through developing strategies that enhance emotional intelligence to improve leadership and performance in demanding scenarios. For Credit Courses  AHR Expo attendees have the opportunity to participate in professional development courses through ASHRAE Learning Institute (ALI), as well as short courses/professional development seminars approved for Continuing Education Units (CEUs) that can apply toward maintaining P.E. licensure. Attendees are required to register and pay tuition fees in advance of the show and can do so either onsite or by visiting the ASHRAE registration website. Starting the Path to Net-Zero Buildings Using ASHRAE 90.1-2022 hosted by ASHRAE Learning Institute Led by McHenry Wallace, P.E., Member ASHRAE, LEED®AP; Intermediate 3 PDHs/AIA LUs | Check with the state for their continuing education credits requirements. $249 ($189 ASHRAE Members); early bird discounts may apply.  Changing Environments and Loads for Data Center (High Density, Liquid Cooling, Edge Computing) hosted by ASHRAE Learning Institute Led by Brandon Gill, P.E.; Jeff Stein, P.E.; Entry Level 3 PDHs/AIA LUs | Check with the state for their continuing education credits requirements. $249 ($189 ASHRAE Members); early bird discounts may apply.  Commercial Building Energy Audits hosted by ASHRAE Learning Institute Led by Joe Hofstetter, P.E.; Intermediate 6 PDHs/AIA LUs | $629 ($509 ASHRAE Members); early bird discounts may apply. Check with the state for their continuing education credits requirements.  New Product Theaters Attendees are invited to follow up presentations with a visit to the booth for a more in-depth explanation Attendees are encouraged to sit in on exhibitor presentations in the New Product Theater. More than 145 presentations lasting approximately 20 minutes each are planned across all three days of the show. These free presentations will provide brief overviews of new product announcements and technologies that can be found in exhibitor booths on the show floor. Attendees are invited to follow up presentations with a visit to the booth for a more in-depth explanation and 1:1 interaction with products and representatives. No fee or individual session registration is required, however, show registration is required.  Safely Handling Flammable Refrigerants in Heat Pumps hosted by Sensata Technologies Inc. The core of any Heat Pump is the balance between the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant which drives system efficiency and safety, particularly with the safety measures needed to manage R-290 refrigerant. This session addresses sensor-driven solutions to handle flammable refrigerants.  Faced with the AIM ACT: 3 Simple Steps to Reduce the Impact of Refrigeration hosted by MATELEX The refrigeration market is undergoing major changes. Regulations are limiting the availability of fluids with high global warming potential, leading to higher prices and supply difficulties. At the same time, refrigeration plant leakage rates and energy consumption remain high, posing a challenge for refrigeration professionals. Matelex offers a simple 3-step solution to reduce the environmental and financial impact of refrigeration and simplify the management of a fleet of installations.  Sustainable & Data-Driven Cooling: Güntner’s Intelligent IOT Solutions hosted by Güntner U.S. LLC Discover the Intelligent IOT Solutions that can contribute to a better future. Güntner’s Intelligent IOT Solutions bring significant water savings, energy efficiency, low maintenance, and other benefits. The First Step in the building Decarbonization Journey hosted by ABB HVAC Building Automation and Controls ABB Ability™ Building Analyzer tracks both building data (occupancy, equipment runtime hours, temperatures, and costs) and utilities (energy, gas, water, steam) in real-time and provides actionable insights to help users save money while improving energy efficiency, sustainability, and occupant awareness. Attendees can view the complete AHR Expo Education Program schedule, including the New Product Theaters, on the AHR Expo website. Additionally, attendees are encouraged to manage their show floor and education program agenda by creating a free MyShow Planner account and downloading the AHR Expo app.

From now through year-end, wholesalers can help an organization build homes for injured Veterans, when they stock up on Decon7’s powerful HVAC cleaner and disinfectant, D7. In a promotion sponsored by Decon7, the company will make a donation to Homes For Our Troops (HFOT) for every D7 quart kit sold from October through December 31, 2024.  Disinfect and Donate 'Disinfect and Donate' is a partnership between Decon7 and HFOT to drive awareness of the non-profit’s mission to build and donate specially adapted custom homes nationwide for severely injured post-9/11 Veterans, to enable them to rebuild their lives. HFOT has been designated as one of America’s Top-Rated Veterans and Military Charities. It has also been the official charity of HARDI (Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International) for over a decade. helping the injured veterans “We are honored to support Homes For Our Troops, which does such meaningful work in helping our injured Veterans live better lives,” said Matt Bluhm, CEO of Decon7 Systems. He adds, “Our origins are rooted in serving the U.S. Military, and this promotion is a way for us to give back to the brave men and women who have given so much for our country.” chemical attack response The product was later introduced to the food processing industry and more recently was approved by the EPA D7 was created during the Iraq war to counter dangers that military and first responders could face due to chemical attacks and biohazard contaminants. The product was later introduced to the food processing industry and more recently was approved by the EPA for use as a disinfectant and cleaner for the hard surfaces of HVAC equipment, such as evaporator coils and drains.  free point-of-purchase display Wholesalers who participate in the 'Disinfect and Donate' promotion receive a free point-of-purchase display for each quarter pallet of one-quart kits that they order. Decon7 will donate $5 to HFOT for every kit sold, which is the equivalent of $160 per quarter pallet sold.  Wholesalers can learn more about the promotion by visiting Decon7.com and submitting a contact form. D7 D7 is an EPA-registered disinfectant, sanitizer, deodorizer, and powerful cleaner that kills up to 99.9999% of harmful pathogens, including mold, bacteria, viruses, and mildew. It also eliminates allergens and odors, making it a key tool for improving IAQ. When applied to HVAC systems, D7 works on coils and drain pans, targeting pathogens at the source When applied to HVAC systems, D7 works on coils and drain pans, targeting pathogens at the source. It can also be foamed into HVAC and plumbing drains to eliminate pathogens such as mold and mildew, as well as fogged into ducts for deodorizing purposes (except in California). Homes For Our Troops Homes For Our Troops is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization that was founded in 2004. Most of the Veterans served have sustained injuries including multiple limb amputations, partial or full paralysis, and/or severe traumatic brain injury. The homes restore some of the freedom and independence the Veterans sacrificed while defending the country and enable them to focus on their family, recovery, and rebuilding their lives.

Among the requirements of the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act of 2020 is a ban on disposable, single-use cylinder tanks used to transport refrigerants through the supply chain to an HVAC installer. A final rule posted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on October 5, 2021, will prohibit the use of disposable cylinders in the next several years.  HVAC installers use the disposable cylinders every day to transport hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants including R32 and R410A. Refrigerants transported in refillable cylinders Instead, under the ban, refrigerants must be transported in refillable cylinders, which are heavier and difficult to handle in cramped spaces or on ladders. Handling the heavier refillable cylinders will contribute to injuries and long-term strain on technicians.  Imports and placement of HFCs into new disposable cylinders must end by January 1, 2025, and an outright ban on the sale of disposable cylinders will happen on January 1, 2027, according to rules passed by the EPA. A proposed tracking system will use QR codes on each refillable cylinder, tied to a central database that will identify the producer or importer and track the “chain of custody” of the cylinder. eliminating the use of disposable cylinders The small amount of refrigerant will find its way into the atmosphere, either by leaking out or when the cylinder is crushed There are two stated reasons the EPA is eliminating the use of disposable cylinders. One is environmental concerns about the small amount of refrigerant left in a disposable cylinder after it is used. This small amount of refrigerant (the “heel”) will eventually find its way into the atmosphere, either by leaking out or when the cylinder is crushed for recycling. The other stated reason is to curb illegal HFC trafficking and imports because smugglers use the inexpensive and untraceable disposable tanks.  bipartisan legislation passed by Congress The AIM Act was bipartisan legislation passed by Congress and signed into law in late 2020; it gives the EPA authority to phase down HFCs to 15% of their baseline levels by 2036. Industry opponents contend the ban on disposable cylinders exceeds the authority granted to the EPA by the AIM Act. Opponents also contend that banning non-refillable cylinders is an unnecessary restriction that does almost nothing to protect the environment.  Hassles for the HVAC industry The ban would also impose financial and logistical difficulties on contractors and the broader industry The HVAC industry also sees the tracking database as onerous. For example, distributors would need to track individual cylinders with their EPA identifier number and report which cylinders are sold to which customers. The measure would also impose financial and logistical difficulties on contractors and the broader industry. One estimate of the cost to U.S. companies of setting up a fleet of refillable cylinders is $2 billion. There is also concern about how returned cylinders containing A2L refrigerants can be handled to meet fire code requirements for storage of flammable gases. Implementing the new requirements could also further constrain the cooling supply chain, which is already stressed. Worthington Industries petitioned the EPA to rescind Worthington Industries, the only U.S. manufacturer of disposable cylinders, has petitioned the EPA to rescind the ban and proposes an alternative approach – a lightweight, fully recyclable cylinder – that addresses concerns about smuggling and heel emissions.   HARDI, the U.S. association of HVAC wholesalers, has filed a lawsuit against the EPA in an effort to overturn the ban. They are joined in the petition by Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA), and the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors – National Association (PHCC).  Non-refillable, disposable cylinders have already been banned in several countries, including the European Union (EU), Canada and Australia. In these locations, smugglers have adapted to other types of containers.

HVAC industry employees are included among “Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers During the COVID-19 Response” as designated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The guidance memorandum states: “If you work in a critical infrastructure industry, as defined by the Department of Homeland Security … you have a special responsibility to maintain your normal work schedule.” The edict comes from the DHS Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency, whose goal is to provide a listing of essential workers to help state and local officials as they work to protect their communities. The list also seeks to inform critical infrastructure community decision-making to determine the sectors, sub-sectors, segments, or critical functions that should continue normal operations, appropriately modified to account for Centers for Disease Control (CDC) workforce and customer protection guidance. Business As Usual For HVAC Employees HVAC industry employees are included among “Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers During the COVID-19 ResponseSeveral sections of the March 19 document are relevant to the HVAC marketplace. Specifically, the guidance memorandum singles out “employees of firms providing services that enable logistics operations, including cooling, storing, packaging and distributing products for wholesale or retail sale or use.” It also specifies “workers such as plumbers, electricians, exterminators, and other service providers who provide services that are necessary to maintain the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences.” Under “information technology,” the document also mentions “data center operators, including …. HVAC and electrical engineers …” Furthermore, under an “Other” category, the document lists “workers to ensure continuity of building functions.” Vital Health and Safety Requirements A March 17 letter to “Federal, State and Local Officials” from a group of HVAC industry organizations made the case that their business is “essential.” As the COVID-19 crisis has unfolded, many states have targeted for closure non-essential businesses that typically involve crowdsThe letter reads: “While citizens are coping with a variety of unforeseen and unusual restrictions, it is essential that they are able to maintain their HVAC and commercial refrigeration equipment. Aside from providing comfort, this equipment is vital for health and safety in addition to productivity, particularly for air filtration and food and medical supply preservation, especially in this time of quarantine. When equipment fails, technicians must be able to repair or replace it as quickly as possible.” The letter continues: “Accordingly, as states and local jurisdictions consider their health crisis travel restriction plans, we respectfully request that HVACR technicians and engineers be considered essential businesses.” Representatives for the HVAC Industry The letter is signed by representatives of the Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI), Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA), Heating, Air-Conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI), Air Movement & Control Association (AMCA), and North American Technician Excellence (NATE). Also signing are Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA), Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning Contractors National Association (SMACNA), Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Contractors (PHCC), Heating Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI), and American Association of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). As the COVID-19 crisis has unfolded, many states have targeted for closure non-essential businesses that typically involve crowds.

HARDI, an organization of wholesale distributors in the HVACR market, is curating and publishing videos on various aspects of the industry. Heating, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI) has launched HARDI Hub, a platform with educational and informative videos that allow viewers to learn something new. As the Hub evolves, the hope is to see an increased contribution of content from members, allowing them to be able to teach their peers information they are the expert in. Video types include interviews, webinars, full conference sessions, and more. HARDI is also working with Supplier/Manufacturer and Service Vendor members to provide educational videos about their products and services, educating viewers about how to successfully use the product, or the benefits of implementing it into their business. These videos will be chosen similarly to their proven vendor program, verified by HARDI. Educating the HVACR market HARDI has full access to all aspects of the HVACR industry, says Emily Frost, Content Manager. “We can easily find out what is important to our members and then create or source the resources to provide the education and knowledge they are looking for.” The addition of Tim Fisher, Team Leader of Market Intelligence; and Brian Loftus, Market Research and Benchmarking Analyst, positions HARDI to create the content members are asking for.The video hub has content that anyone in business can use to grow their skills HARDI’s primary audience is HVACR Wholesaler Distributors. However, the video hub has content that anyone in business can use to grow their skills, says Frost. “While we are HVACR-focused, there are many skills and qualities that transfer over into general business needs.”  For example, the video “Perfect Your Facebook Marketing Strategy” with Antoine Dupont covers a topic that anyone can learn from and use to grow their business skillset. There are also Government Affairs videos with content that directly relates to HVACR Distribution, such as the "HFC Phasedown" video, discussing how the introduction of new refrigerants will affect members’ businesses. HARDI Hub videos come from a trusted source, and the association seeks to provide valuable content that will help members succeed Trusted source of information “Our members have always asked for a library of resources, and video is increasingly becoming the method of choice for how people wish to view content,” says Frost. “The industry needs a collective place they can go, to get reliable information they can use to grow their skills and their businesses.” HARDI Hub videos come from a trusted source, and the association seeks to provide valuable content that will help members succeed, resulting in increased awareness of wholesale distribution as a whole.Anyone can submit a video proposal to HARDI Currently, content providers include HARDI staff, industry experts from councils, and members or partners who are experts in a specific field. Anyone can submit a video proposal to HARDI, which will work together to determine if it is something valuable that members want to engage with. Videos from HVACR experts Currently, there are feature videos from Jason Bader, a known HVACR industry expert; Alan Beaulieu, a world-renowned Economist; and Alex Ayers, HARDI’s Government Affairs expert. The councils source experts in their designated fields to provide general content on topics such as Sales, Marketing, HR, and Supply Chain, or more industry-specific, like the Controls Council and their webinar on controls distribution.HARDI Hub is also frequently featured on social media pages when new videos are published To find HARDI Hub, members can go to the website, hardinet.org, and click the HARDI Hub tab at the top right of the screen in the menu bar. HARDI Hub is also frequently featured on social media pages when new videos are published. “We have also included videos in our association newsletters like the Thermostatus and Data Driven Newsletter (DDN) to reference content that relates to the featured article and in our blog,” says Frost. “Videos can be embedded on other websites, allowing the video contributor to share the video on their website. There are social media share buttons on each video as well, allowing anyone to share a video to their page. We also encourage members to subscribe to HARDI Hub, so they get an email notification when new content is published.”