Johnson Controls- Experts & Thought Leaders

Johnson Controls, the global pioneer for smart, healthy, and sustainable buildings announced the launch of the YORK® YK-CP Centrifugal Chiller designed to deliver high-efficiency performance, meet stringent sustainability standards, and aid in the decarbonization of large commercial buildings. YK-CP Centrifugal Chiller Available in 2,000 to 3,000 tons, it is optimized specifically for the use of the ultra-low GWP refrigerant R-1234ze(E) without requiring a larger chiller footprint or sacrificing efficiency. It can be equipped with an optional variable-speed drive for optimal utilization at both full and part loads, as well as under design and off-design conditions at varying ambient temperatures, resulting in operation up to 30% more energy-efficient than conventional chillers. That additional efficiency can be equivalent to cutting CO2 emissions by over 500 metric tons or removing over 100 passenger vehicles from the road each year, per chiller.   reduces costs and carbon impact “With an installed base that spans tens of thousands of installations in over 100 countries, YORK® YK chillers have built a reputation for delivering systems that are fully optimized for their environments and that have proven to operate more efficiently in real-world conditions,” said Greg Shirk, Associate Product Manager, Global Centrifugal Shillers, Applied Equipment, Johnson Controls. Greg Shirk adds, “The YK-CP model builds upon this legacy, allowing building owners to reduce costs and carbon impact with this long-term solution.” heat exchangers YK-CP features heat exchangers that use JCI's proprietary, falling film evaporator design An evolution of the successful, high-efficiency YK-EP centrifugal chiller, the YK-CP offers real-world efficiencies as low as 0.15 kW/ton (23.4 COP). This is due in part to the system’s high-efficiency economizer, which improves system efficiency and reduces operating costs. Further, it features heat exchangers that use JCI's proprietary, falling film evaporator design that allows the unit to operate more efficiently and with up to 40% less refrigerant charge than conventional chiller designs.   OptiViewTM Control Panel In addition to high-efficiency operation, the YK-CP features the proven OptiViewTM Control Panel with updated software, making it easier than ever to manage chiller operations, securely and efficiently. The updated panel interface helps streamline operations by providing operators with the information they need in a clear, accessible format while increasing efficiency and minimizing errors.  It also makes it easier for staff to learn and operate the system and provides the tools and insights needed to work both smarter and more efficiently. key dimensions The YK-CP is configured to optimize a large facility’s cooling needs. Designed with modularity in mind, the YK-CP has many different sizes of shell sets available while holding many key dimensions of the unit in place, which benefits facilities that need more than one cooling condition met. Additionally, the YK-CP can be equipped with different heat exchanger lengths to save on up-front costs while configuring the best-performing unit for each cooling need. delivery and capacity options Once on-site, commissioning costs are also reduced, thanks to faster start-up and integration The YK-CP can be ordered to deliver the exact capacity required, with a variety of options including heat exchangers, gears, and open-drive motors, minimizing the need to order a larger chiller package than might be necessary. Once on-site, commissioning costs are also reduced, thanks to faster start-up and integration with existing controls and/or building automation systems. Additional features Additional YORK® YK-CP Centrifugal Chiller features include:   Compared to chillers that can only use a minimum 75 F (24 C) ECWT, a YK-CP chiller can operate with ECWT as low as 45 F (7.2 C), reducing instantaneous energy consumption by as much as 50%.  Compared to other chillers in the market using low-pressure refrigerants, the YK-CP features a 22% smaller footprint, which can simplify transport and installation and further reduce carbon emissions.​ YK-CP chillers combine available OptiSound™ Control alongside optional VSD technology to minimize gas-flow disruptions that cause noise. The ISASecure® certified YORK® Chiller Access Manager provides secure access to chiller controls. This helps mitigate the risk of unauthorized access, safeguarding equipment operations and minimizing the potential for downtime due to security breaches.

airCore 700 with HeatForce is Hitachi's newest ENERGY STAR® certified cold-climate heat pump for light commercial and residential applications. Available up to 3 tons and utilizing low-GWP refrigerant R-32, it features a best-in-class piping length and a universal single-split outdoor unit with multiple indoor options to fit a wide variety of applications. With HeatForce technology, it offers 100% heating capacity at 5°F and 70% heating capacity or greater at -13°F, meeting most cold region climate rebates and incentives. Ducted Systems: Residential The cold climate-compatible YORK® HH8 Side-Discharge Heat Pump features variable-speed drive technology The cold climate-compatible YORK® HH8 Side-Discharge Heat Pump features variable-speed drive technology and can deliver approximately 70% heating capacity at 0°F. This sustainable residential solution has been optimized for use with low-GWP refrigerant R-454B, qualifying it for the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (25C).  With a side discharge, compact footprint, and the ability to be stacked, the highly adaptable HH8 can be hidden under raised decks or installed in zero-lot-line neighborhoods. Ducted Systems: Commercial Available within the company’s Ducted Systems Solutions App, the new Refrigerant Detection System (RDS) Calculator is a first-of-its-kind tool. After entering details about a job, such as refrigerant volume, supply air discharge height and total area being conditioned, the calculator provides contractors with an immediate report confirming if an RDS is required for A2L equipment or not. This ensures an installation is compliant with current regulations without requiring contractors to complete complicated calculations. BAS/Controls The newest iteration of the industry-pioneering Building Automation System, Metasys 14.0, is designed to elevate a commercial building’s overall performance and sustainability while enhancing occupant comfort, health and safety. It builds on the proven Metasys platform with revolutionary new features that offer an improved user experience, enhanced network efficiency, flexibility and security, simplified administration and improved energy management.  PENN® System 550 The new PENN® System 550 is a user-friendly modular electronic control solution  The new PENN® System 550 is a user-friendly modular electronic control solution that fulfills temperature, humidity, and/or pressure control needs.  System 550, the plug-and-play solution, is the first of its kind to include A2L refrigerant leak sensing and mitigation functionality and optional two-way cloud connectivity, providing a complete solution to meet A2L refrigerant regulations. Applied Equipment The next-generation YORK® YMAE Air-to-Water Inverter Scroll Modular Heat Pump is a high-efficiency, future-ready HVAC decarbonization solution for commercial and institutional buildings that want to minimize their environmental impact. The modular YORK YMAE is available in 2-pipe and 4-pipe configurations and can be configured with as many as 32 modules in a single control array, making it highly flexible to serve a wide range of applications. Variable speed inverter scroll compressors with enhanced vapor injection (EVI) technology efficiently widens the YMAE operating map, allowing it to provide water temperatures up to 130°F (55°C) at low ambient conditions of 0°F (-18°C). OpenBlue Enterprise Manager The OpenBlue Enterprise Manager suite of digital solutions, part of the OpenBlue digital ecosystem, now features significantly expanded AI capabilities. The updates include the first customer-facing generative AI applications, more autonomous building controls, and a significantly improved user experience. Coupled with equipment upgrades and proactive services, OpenBlue customers can reduce energy spend by up to 30%, reduce maintenance spend by up to 20%, and optimize space utilization by up to 10% - a win for the environment and the bottom line.

Johnson Controls Hitachi Air Conditioning UK & Ireland has announced a new partnership with HomeServe, one of the UK’s pioneering home assistance providers, to offer Annual Service Plans for Hitachi Air Source Heat Pumps. This partnership ensures homeowners and landlords can keep their heat pumps running smoothly year-round, with services carried out by qualified engineers. Heating and cooling solutions Partnership aims to provide customers’ peace of mind by offering service plans As part of its ongoing commitment to supporting customers, Johnson Controls Hitachi Air Conditioning UK & Ireland entered a partnership with HomeServe on 5 September 2024, an international home repairs and improvements company that helps customers address everyday problems in and around their homes. As the demand for sustainable heating and cooling solutions grows, this partnership aims to provide customers’ peace of mind by offering service plans designed to maintain optimal performance, extend the lifespan of Hitachi heat pumps, and ensure compliance with warranty and safety standards. HomeServe’s heat pump service plans With this partnership, Johnson Controls Hitachi Air Conditioning and HomeServe aim to make servicing sustainable heating solutions simple, convenient, and worry-free. Starting from just £15 per month, HomeServe’s heat pump service plans include a full inspection of the heat pump and its installation pipework to ensure safety and compliance with the manufacturer's guidelines. This includes, where required: Completing an operational and safety check and visually checking the refrigerant circuit for leaks Checking the general condition of the system, including electrical connections, control valves, expansion vessel, and controls Checking the external unit for debris and obstructions Checking the water quality and updating the service record Customers, whether homeowners or landlords, can choose from a range of service plans that best suit their needs. Comfort and energy efficiency “Johnson Controls-Hitachi is committed to delivering exceptional comfort and energy efficiency to homeowners." "Teaming up with HomeServe allows us to extend our commitment by offering servicing that keeps our heat pumps running at peak performance,” Tom Hall, Johnson Controls - Hitachi Air Conditioning Country Manager.

It’s often said the only constant in life is change. In the HVACR industry, that phrase has been especially true. We saw another year of transitions in 2024 that included evolving efficiency and refrigerant regulations, changing corporate net zero targets, the continued emergence of advanced heat pumps, and the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in building management.  Smart and sustainable Throughout these transformations, the industry continues to overcome challenges and innovate as we transform the places where people live, work, and play into smarter, healthier, and more sustainable spaces.    As we look toward 2025, we can expect to see a continued, industrywide focus on decarbonization, heat pump development, A2L refrigerants, and AI as regulations expand and new technologies emerge.    Decarbonization  Decarbonization continues to be a very high priority for both the residential and commercial sectors Decarbonization continues to be a very high priority for both the residential and commercial sectors. This focus has transformed the way we design and install HVAC equipment and has created tremendous opportunities for those who invest in educating themselves on the evolving technologies, regulations, and incentives. Today’s building professionals and homeowners have an unprecedented number of incentives available at the federal, state, and utility levels encouraging decarbonization transitions.  Digital and net zero services For example, tax credits such as 25C for consumers and 179D for commercial building owners were expanded under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and can significantly reduce the upfront costs of high-efficiency equipment, creating a compelling offer to replace less efficient systems. In commercial buildings, combining high-efficiency HVAC equipment like electric heat pumps with digital technologies and net zero services can help empower organizations to optimize their buildings and subsystems for both the short- and long-term. Heat pumps  Heat pump technology has advanced significantly in recent years, providing an electrified, high-efficiency HVAC option for nearly all applications – even those operating within colder climates. The Department of Energy’s (DOE) Residential Cold Climate Heat Pump (CCHP) Technology Challenge has propelled the successful introduction of heat pump prototypes that can withstand subfreezing weather. Similarly, the DOE’s Commercial Building Rooftop Heat Pump Accelerator program has helped drive packaged heat pump performance toward greater efficiency for commercial and light commercial buildings located in colder climate zones.  Water-to-water heat pumps Water-to-water heat pumps can replace legacy chiller and boiler combinations without the need for major changes Innovations in commercial water-to-water compound centrifugal heat pumps are also accelerating decarbonization within building retrofits. For facilities that require simultaneous heating and cooling, such as hospitals and universities, water-to-water heat pumps can replace legacy chiller and boiler combinations without the need for major changes to the existing HVAC infrastructure. This partial decarbonization approach can help building operators achieve their decarbonization goals while also lowering operational expenses (OpEx). In many instances, this reduction in OpEx also provides a path to funding additional decarbonization strategies.      A2L refrigerants   The EPA continues to make strides in reducing the consumption and production of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) under the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act. As part of the AIM Act, the Technology Transitions Program will usher in sector-based regulations beginning January 1, 2025, prohibiting the manufacturing of equipment using refrigerants with a GWP higher than 700.  New protocols As a result, new equipment will continue to hit the market throughout 2025. In tandem, many contractors and technicians will begin working with A2L refrigerants for the first time. Because these refrigerants are classified by ASHRAE as mildly flammable, new protocols for safe refrigerant servicing, storage, and transportation, and refrigerant leak detection (RDS) requirements will be necessary for some applications.   ACCA A2L refrigerant training Contractors should complete ACCA A2L refrigerant training and EPA section 608 certification With these changes, it is important to become familiar with updated codes, including UL 60335-2-40, 3rd and 4th editions, ASHRAE 15 and 15.,2, and the AHRI Safe Refrigerant Transition Task Force (SRTTF), as well as local and state regulations. Contractors should also complete ACCA A2L refrigerant training and EPA section 608 certification. Additionally, new digital tools such as RDS calculators can help contractors navigate A2L leak detection requirements and mitigation strategies while in the field.    AI and controls   AI is positioned to continue to make a huge impact in HVAC. We’re seeing more service techs using generative AI and co-pilots for troubleshooting rather than paging through manuals. At the same time, AI technology can predict if connected HVAC units may have issues, making it possible for service techs to address potential issues in their earliest stages or prevent them from happening altogether. Both of these use cases can help technicians service equipment more quickly, efficiently, and accurately, which can increase equipment longevity and reliability while reducing downtime and total cost of ownership.   Building performance AI-powered building controls can provide a holistic view into contextualized, full-building performance More HVAC systems are being equipped with AI-enhanced controls and reporting. The capabilities these tools provide can give building owners greater opportunities to optimize building performance, improve occupant comfort and well-being, and more easily reach sustainability targets. From a building management perspective, AI-powered building controls can provide a holistic view into contextualized, full-building performance, occupant experience, and sustainability. Openness and flexibility As AI becomes more commonplace, AI-centric building standards, such as ASHRAE Guideline 36, will also continue to emerge that balance sustainability with occupant comfort, health, and safety.    As we move into 2025, we can expect to see another year of equipment innovations, technology advancements, and evolving regulations. As an industry, we continue to face change with openness and flexibility. And it’s this mindset that empowers us to meet, and exceed, expectations – now and in the year to come.

Johnson Controls’ Advanced Development Engineering Center (JADEC) in New Freedom, PA., about 25 miles from Philadelphia, highlights and demonstrates the company’s capabilities related to development, testing and manufacturing.  The 357,000-square-foot facility is an advanced engineering and testing facility for water-cooled chillers, air-cooled chillers, air handlers, compressors, and heat pumps. Much of the development in the facility centers on advancements in a critical vertical market for the HVAC industry – data centers. Big challenge  Data centers are a big challenge – and a huge opportunity – for the HVAC industry. “You cannot ignore the tremendous growth opportunity in this vertical,” says Todd Grabowski, president, Global Data Center Solutions for Johnson Controls. Unlike other verticals that are more dominant in certain geographic regions, data centers are growing everywhere globally – and at a breathtaking pace. “As a growth company, it is critical that we have solutions to handle the growth and serve the customers in the data center market,” says Grabowski. Performance of various components Testing options at JADEC include testing the performance of various components Testing options at JADEC include the ability to test the performance of various components in a controlled environment that approximates how they will operate in the customer’s real-world setting. There are more than 20 testing labs available at the JADEC campus, covering some 250,000 square feet.  “We want everyone to understand the unique position Johnson Controls is in to use our technology and our manufacturing scale to accomplish desired outcomes,” said Grabowski. Non-compressor solution  JADEC displays the full breadth of what they offer, including a non-compressor solution using direct evaporative cooling and an air-cooled unit that uses a screw compressor or a magnetic-bearing centrifugal compressor. Also included are various water-cooled chillers.   Johnson Controls owns, develops, tests, and manufactures all the compressors on display. Customers are assured of getting a fully engineered and supported solution from Johnson Controls (e.g., no third-party compressors). Johnson Controls owns, develops, tests, and manufactures all the compressors on display. Colocated data centers  Grabowski emphasizes that each customer installation has site-specific needs that require unique solutions that Johnson Controls seeks to fulfill. The company works closely with data centers, including those operated by “hyperscalers” such as Amazon, Microsoft, Apple, and Meta, and colocated data centers that rent space and capacity to customers based on their growth and needs. Colocated data centers come in a variety of sizes and types; some of them are operated by companies such as Equinix and NTT. Data center solutions Sustainable methods include the use of refrigerants with ultra-low GWP The sustainability of data center solutions is a bigger issue than ever, given the sheer volume of data centers being built to handle the world’s growing computational needs. Sustainable approaches include the use of refrigerants with ultra-low GWP, and water-free systems that do not require higher costs or create higher demands on a locality’s water infrastructure. Magnetic bearing centrifugal compressors are more energy-efficient because no friction is lost in the compression; also, the equipment is quieter. Impact on global electricity demand “Sustainability has always been an important aspect, and now it is critical in 2024 and beyond,” says Grabowski. Because data centers are huge consumers of energy, they can put more strain on the electricity grid and have a big impact on global electricity demand. Lowering energy usage helps to address the challenge.  “We want to contribute to energy efficiency, be good stewards of water, and reduce noise,” says Grabowski. Increasing the challenges are the proliferation of new artificial intelligence (AI) chips, more common in newer data centers, which need more power and create more heat than older chips.   Advantages of water cooling  The liquid contained in a cold plate on top of the chip is denser than air and accept more transferred heat Closed-loop liquid systems are used to cool individual chips, an application that does not cause a strain on local water supplies. The liquid contained in a cold plate on top of the chip is denser than air and can accept more transferred heat.  However, chillers and cooling towers lose water through evaporation and can strain local water supplies. Johnson Controls is researching and testing systems that provide the advantage of water cooling without losing excess water to evaporation. Air-cooled systems  In contrast, air-cooled systems can cool chips to a point, but may not provide enough cooling for high-density chips. Johnson Controls provides air-cooled machines up to 600 tons and water-cooled systems up to 4,000-plus tons.  “As chip technology evolves, the way you cool, secure and automate the entire data center changes as well,” says Grabowski. “Companies such as Johnson Controls must keep up with evolving trends and provide unique solutions.” As chips become denser from a heat-generation perspective, systems must be optimized from a footprint and energy standpoint.  JCI provides air-cooled machines up to 600 tons and water-cooled systems up to 4,000-plus tons. Technological solutions “As chip density increases, we will have technological solutions ready for the next generation of chips when they come out,” adds Grabowski.  Johnson Controls is also involved in developing new approaches to managing the heat from data centers, such as the possibility of recapturing the heat and circulating it into a district-heating system for a nearby community, university, or hospital. A more widely deployed approach in Europe, the concept of district heating is gaining acceptance in the U.S. market. {##Poll1725623180 - What is the biggest challenge the data center market presents to the HVAC community?##}

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 watchwords as the industry journeys into 2024 and beyond. Refrigerant Transition Top of Mind  Patented R-454B refrigerant enables a simpler transition without redesigning equipment The technology transition is well underway for OEMs seeking to meet a pending AIM Act deadline at the end of the year. OEMs are choosing to embrace either R-32 or R454-B refrigerant to replace legacy R-410A, which is being phased out. Patented R-454B refrigerant enables a simpler transition without redesigning equipment, while R-32 offers advantages such as higher capacity, higher efficiency, and easier cradle-to-cradle management. Arkema Arkema is the only producer of R-32 refrigerant in the United States. The newer refrigerant is being embraced as HVAC OEMs seek to meet the deadline of Jan. 1, 2025, to use lower-GWP (global warming potential) refrigerants in their products. The technology transition is just part of the AIM Act implementation that will also limit allocation and require refrigerant management. Chemours Chemours is a manufacturer of R-454A, R-454B, and R-454C refrigerants. At AHR, they presented hourly education sessions on a variety of subjects. The refrigerant transition will impact everyone in the industry, including refrigerant producers, equipment manufacturers, contractors, and end users. R-454B refrigerant provides identical performance in HVAC systems compared to the previous refrigerant (R-410A). There is less need to redesign equipment; just adding sensors for leak mitigation can address the mild flammability of A2L refrigerants. Because of the 2025 deadline, 2024 will be the “year of new products” in the HVAC market. OEMs pioneering Innovation  Carrier and others are offering smaller footprints, seeking to meet environmental targets Innovation in the HVAC market is led by companies such as Carrier, which has introduced 100 new products each year for the past eight years. Carrier and others are offering smaller footprints, seeking to meet environmental targets, and providing flexibility for customers. New products include the AquaSnap 30RC air-cooled chiller and the AquaEdge 19MV chiller with low GWP refrigerant to meet pending regulatory requirements.  Copeland Copeland, recently divested from Emerson, also emphasizes innovation, including 12 research and development (R&D) facilities, 1,700 engineers, and more than 3,000 patents. At a press conference at AHR Expo, the 100-year-old company announced it is a “new” company owned by Blackstone Private Equity.  Products featured Among the featured products at AHR are Copeland’s oil-free centrifugal compressor with Aero-lift bearing technology; and Copeland’s CC200 case controller, specifically designed to handle the unique challenges of the current retail grocery refrigeration environments. Copeland also pledges to play a role in educating the market about new trends and the transition to new refrigerants.  Emphasizing a Smaller Footprint  Trailblazer AGZ-F is an R-32 air-cooled scroll chiller that delivers 10% greater capacity and efficiency Daikin Daikin highlights the Atmosphera, a single-zone ductless split system (using R-32) that can reduce carbon emissions by 80% (compared to R-410A). Also, Trailblazer AGZ-F is an R-32 air-cooled scroll chiller that delivers 10% greater capacity and efficiency. Products emphasize a smaller footprint and less weight than their predecessors. Rebel Applied is a packaged rooftop unit that continually adjusts operation to address the building load, consuming less energy. Trailblazer HP is an air-to-water heat pump chiller with a reversing function that allows the product to switch between cooling and heating based on temperature requirements.  Friedrich Air Conditioning Friedrich Air Conditioning features the Breeze universally flexible inverter heat pump, a ducted mini-split for upgrading traditional equipment. It works with any furnace or air handler, has side discharge, is 40% smaller, and is cold weather capable to minus 13. Friedrich's new Vert-I-Pak is a line of M1-compliant single package Vertical Heat Pumps (available in 9K, 12K, 18K, and 24K Btu), supporting decarbonization efforts with heat pump operation down to 10°F. High Efficiency for Commercial and Residential Johnson Controls Johnson Controls exhibits their highly efficient residential and commercial HVAC solutions designed for Department of Energy (DOE) 2023 compliance and helping customers achieve Net Zero goals through decarbonization. On display was the York High-Efficiency 18 SEER2 Side-Discharge Heat Pump with up to 30% smaller footprint than vertical-discharge equipment. Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning's Aircore 700 single split system is aimed at light commercial and residential. Midea Their 3-ton model achieved 118% of rated capacity heating output at minus 15 degrees Fahrenheit Midea, known for selling consumer products, has kept a low profile in the professional sector, selling products that are either OEMed for Carrier or private-labeled by a contractor company. Seeking to promote the Midea brand, the Chinese company is staking its claim on the trade market with an emphasis on performance: The company exceeded performance in the Department of Energy’s “ColdClimate Heat Pump Challenge:” Their 3-ton model achieved 118% of rated capacity heating output at minus 15 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat pump awareness Results of a survey conducted by Midea show that more than half of homeowners are not fully aware of heat pumps and their function. Awareness lags among contractors, too: 70% of contractors indicate they do not know that the current’s advanced heat pumps can generate 100% heat output to a minimum temperature of minus 4 F. Wide Selection of New Products Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US emphasizes all-electric heat pump solutions. The Deluxe Wall-mounted H2i sumo System connects with an outdoor unit, and the intelli-HEAT dual fuel system can determine the best source of heat – electric or gas – on cold days. Among commercial products, Heat2OHeat Pump Water Heaters are designed to produce high-volume domestic hot water for commercial facilities in any climate. LG Electronics LG Electronics’ booth includes a wide product range, including advanced heating, ventilating, air conditioning LG Electronics’ booth includes a wide product range, including advanced heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and building management solutions for residential and commercial applications. Home electrification products include the LG R32 Air-to-Water Heat Pump Monobloc system; the LG Inverter Heat Pump Water Heater the LG Electronics Home 8 Energy Storage System, and ThinQ, LG’s mobile app. LG Art Cool Gallery multi-zone wall-mount indoor unit The LG Art Cool Gallery multi-zone wall-mount indoor unit features a customizable picture frame that doubles as a cooling and heating vent. Also, LG’s Medium and High-Temperature Hydro Kit Systems use a refrigerant-to-water heat exchanger to produce chilled or heated water. LG’s Split Compact M3 DOAS with Multi V S is suited to light commercial use where single-phase power is available and as an HVAC solution for outdoor air treatment. Easier Access for Technicians  Rheem Manufacturing New equipment at the Rheem Manufacturing booth at AHR Expo includes true multi-zone operation, smaller footprints, lighter weights, and components that are positioned for easy access by technicians. An LED in the control cabinet displays a fault code that identifies the problem to service technicians. The Resolute and Renaissance lines are commercially packaged heat pump units. The company is emphasizing the transition from R-410A to R-454B refrigerant by the end of 2024. Aeroseal Whether a new install or a retrofit, the product saves energy, saves money, and keeps customers compliant Aeroseal seals ducts by spraying a vinyl acetate polymer substance to increase HVAC efficiency. Whether a new install or a retrofit, the product saves energy, saves money, and keeps customers compliant, and a 30% tax deduction is available through the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).  Airzone Airzone is a Spanish company that controls inverters and VRFs (variable refrigerant flow units). Their communication gateway controller incorporates protocols from various manufacturers, and the Easyzone is an easy-to-install zoning system.  Infinitum Infinitum manufactures a motor system that leverages a printed circuit board as a stator, making the motor system lighter weight and also smaller, quieter, and more efficient. The Aircore EC uses a standard printed circuit board manufacturing process to eliminate bearings. The component is used in blowers by OEMs Lau, Acme, Canarm, and Peerless, whose products are displayed at the booth.  Bell & Gossett Bell & Gossett debuts its line of smart, connected products designed to improve sustainability Bell & Gossett, a Xylem brand, debuts its line of smart, connected products designed to improve the sustainability of commercial buildings and reduce complexity in the design process. Combining pumps and smart motors are the e-1510 end-suction pump, e-80 vertical in-line pump, and TECHNOFORCE e-HV packaged booster system.  NIBCO Simplifying the job of an HVAC installer is the PressACR copper press connection system from NIBCO, which connects copper pipes without brazing, which involves soldering and high temperatures, thus a fire hazard. The patent-pending groove design and crimp pattern support the higher-pressure requirement of an HVACR system. Pipes are pressed together using PressACR jaws and adapter jaws in a variety of sizes. NIBCO also displayed its Webstone brand of residential and commercial valves.  Control Products Provide Data  Resideo Resideo displayed home system products, including the Honeywell Home T10+ thermostat with RedLINK 3.0; sensors enable temperature balancing for hot and cold spots. Pro-IQ Services provides software tools designed for the connected home, including insights on heating, cooling, water, and indoor air quality devices to help contractors track customers. Professional-grade water damage prevention, the First Alert L2 WiFi Water Sensor and Switch provide alarms if there is a water leak.  Schneider Electric The EcoStruxure Building Operation system is open system software for building and facility management Schneider Electric seeks to be “digital partners for our customers,” working with Fortune 500 companies seeking to achieve ESG (environment, social and corporate governance) goals. They help customers establish where they are currently vis-à-vis their goals and then deploy science-based key performance indicators (KPIs) to direct them to where they want to be. The EcoStruxure Building Operation system is open system software for building and facility management, including two products for the small and medium building (SMB) market. Energy measurement Schneider measures energy usage through power meters, indoor air quality, and energy spent to achieve efficiency, compiling data according to what the customer wants to achieve. They sell through a national sales team, direct branch business (20 branches), and 200 system integrators (EcoXperts). Their customers include QSR (quick-service restaurant chains) that control climate centrally with data compiled in the cloud.  Siemens Siemens displays solutions for smart, adaptable buildings for a sustainable tomorrow, including the Building X system and the Sustainability Manager application, providing an understanding of a building’s performance and tracking it against sustainability and compliance targets. The Building X Lifecycle Twin tracks operational building performance via a “digital twin,” providing an augmented reality (AR) headset through which one can view equipment with information superimposed on the screen. Uponor  Uponor seeks to leverage the capital cost of heating systems to deliver heating and hot water. They make pipes and connectors and other technologies, including the AuqaPort, which improves water quality and energy savings in domestic hot water (DHW) applications. They seek to future-proof buildings by combining energy efficiency and comfort. Water recirculates and provides hot water on demand using 40% less piping. A “radiant roll-out mat” is preconfigured piping that can be rolled out to simplify installation.