Trane Technologies - Experts & Thought Leaders

Workiz, the pioneering provider of field service management (FSM) solutions, announced a new collaboration with Trane and American Standard Heating and Air Conditioning. The two brands account for a large share of the residential heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) industry. This strategic relationship marks another significant milestone for Workiz as it continues to grow its market share in the home services space and underscores its commitment to advancing the HVAC business landscape specifically. HVAC systems and controls Workiz aims to assign HVAC contractors with an FSM platform keeping simplified and easier operations Trane and American Standard, brands of Trane Technologies, a climate innovator, specialize in cutting-edge HVAC systems and controls, with Trane being named America’s Most Trusted Residential HVAC Brand for the 11th consecutive year by Lifestory Research. Through the collaboration with Trane and American Standard, Workiz aims to empower HVAC contractors with an innovative FSM platform supporting streamlined and easier operations to help support contractors’ business growth. Advanced reporting and data analytics solutions Trusted by over 120,000 service professionals, Workiz consistently earns the top spot on Forbes lists, G2 and other preferred software review sites, for ease of use, implementation, user adoption, and customer satisfaction. Workiz presents cutting-edge technology and provides industry-unique tools, including an AI-powered communication suite, advanced reporting and data analytics solutions, and a robust automation engine to streamline operational and commercial workflows. Integration of the Workiz price book Workiz offers a tailored package for HVAC contractors buying kit via the platform The integration of the Workiz price book and equipment tracking solutions presents a comprehensive solution tailored to the unique needs of contractors. Designed for small to midsize businesses, Workiz offers a tailored package for HVAC contractors purchasing equipment through the platform. “With its easy-to-use platform, Workiz offers our dealers an excellent FSM option. We look forward to collaborating with Workiz through future integrations that will bring further simplification to many of the tasks our dealers have to do day in and day out,” says Mary Beth Kime, Strategic Partnerships Pioneer at Trane Technologies. Insight into contractor inventory status The collaboration between Trane, American Standard, and the Workiz platform will offer far-reaching benefits beyond simplifying the ordering process, ensuring a seamless experience, from delivering immediate insight into contractor inventory status, equipment ordering requirements alongside crucial data on equipment availability, pricing, shipment details, acquiring parts from industry pioneers and more. In the long run, the collaboration promises to enhance the industry, offering HVAC professionals greater access to the SaaS platform and equipment, along with valuable discounts. User-friendly solutions for HVAC businesses The partnership with Trane and American Standard signifies a shared duty to innovation and convenience "This collaboration with Trane and American Standard represents a significant leap forward for Workiz and the HVAC industry." "We are honored to be chosen to collaborate with Trane and American Standard, reflecting our dedication to providing the most advanced and user-friendly solutions for HVAC businesses," said Didi Azaria, CEO at Workiz. Future of HVAC business management As Workiz invests in the future, the company is set to launch a suite of AI features that will further revolutionize the HVAC industry. The partnership with Trane and American Standard signifies a shared commitment to innovation and convenience. Welcome to the future of HVAC business management with Workiz – where innovation meets simplicity, transforming how HVAC contractors operate and thrive.

Trane® – by Trane Technologies, a global climate innovator, announces the new Trane® Connect™ for customers across North America, giving building owners and managers a modern, cloud-based all-in-one smart commercial building portal to access insights and controls. The integrated Trane Connect enhances building and operational efficiency that allows customers to improve utilization of labor, and energy, streamline maintenance and increase the life of HVAC equipment. The portal provides access to building systems and assets securely from anywhere 24 hours a day, saving time and operational costs. Building automation and management systems 20,000 users near the world aid from Trane Connect to access their building automation systems “This modern, cloud-based platform gives building operators and facility managers a single pane of glass with simple access to insights and controls,” said Riaz Raihan, senior vice president and chief digital officer (CDO) of Trane Technologies. “Smart buildings are talking, and Trane Connect is the newest, most powerful way to listen and turn building data into useful insights and better decisions.” 20,000 users around the world benefit from Trane Connect to access their building automation and management systems and energy insights, including Trane Tracer® SC+ and other control brands. Key Features of Trane Connect Data-Driven Insights: The platform collects and analyzes data from HVAC systems to provide actionable insights, empowering facility managers to make informed decisions that enhance system performance and occupant comfort. Enhanced Energy Efficiency: The platform utilizes advanced analytics to identify opportunities for energy savings, helping to reduce energy consumption and lower utility costs. Predictive Maintenance: Trane Connect's predictive maintenance capabilities allow users to anticipate potential issues before they become major problems, reducing downtime and extending the lifespan of HVAC equipment. User-Friendly Interface: The platform features an intuitive interface that simplifies system management, making it easy for users to navigate and access key performance metrics. Seamless Integration: Trane Connect integrates with existing building management systems and IoT devices, providing a unified solution for comprehensive building automation. Join Trane experts for a webinar on Feb. 25 for a deeper look into the new Trane Connect and learn how the simple cloud-based platform helps save time and operational costs.

Trane Technologies, a global climate innovator, announced the appointment of Matthew Pine, president and CEO, of Xylem Inc. to its Board of Directors, effective April 1, 2025. Sustainability, innovation “Matthew will be a strong addition to our Board of Directors given his global leadership experience and proven track record of transformation in large industrial companies,” said Dave Regnery, chair and CEO of Trane Technologies. “His passion for sustainability, innovation, and culture will benefit Trane Technologies as we continue to drive long-term value for shareholders and create a more sustainable future.” Matthew Pine Pine has more than 25 years of experience in general management, sales, marketing, digital Pine has served as president and CEO of Xylem Inc., a global water solutions company, since January 2024. He also serves on the Xylem Board of Directors. Previously, Pine served as Xylem’s Chief Operating Officer and also Senior Vice President and President of Xylem’s Applied Water and Measurement and Control Solutions segments and the Americas region. Before Xylem, Pine held leadership roles at United Technologies Corporation, Vestas Wind Systems, and Lennox International Inc. Pine has more than 25 years of experience in general management, sales, marketing, digital, and product management. Education Pine is a member of the U.S. Business Roundtable and the Alliance of CEO Climate Leaders, a CEO-led community facilitated by the World Economic Forum. He holds a Master of Business Administration degree in finance from Northeastern University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in marketing from the University of Alabama.

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.  Benefits of heat pumps Fifteen percent of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions come from the heating and cooling of buildings and homes, and accelerating the use of heat pumps advances the goal of a cleaner, healthier environment.   “The door is closing on reasons to shy away from heat pumps because the technology is here, and the incentives and support from government programs are on the rise,” says Katie Davis, VP of Engineering and Technology at Trane Residential. “There is no better time than now to make the change for a more sustainable future.”  portfolio of residential heat pumps The new portfolio yields an emissions reduction of over 35% (compared to 2019), and the new 15 SEER heat pump Beginning this month, Trane Residential launches its new portfolio of residential heat pumps that achieve new levels of emissions reduction. The new portfolio yields an emissions reduction of over 35% (compared to 2019), and the new 15 SEER heat pump will meet Energy Star requirements.   “We saw the change in refrigerant regulation as an opportunity to propel us forward in technology toward a better environment,” says Davis.   Heat pump technology Heat pump technology has been around since the mid-1800s, and it has evolved significantly since that time. Within the last 10 years, improvements have been made in efficiency, in both the heating and cooling cycles. The use of vapor injection technology in the heating cycle has greatly improved the capacity and efficiency of heating with heat pumps.   Comfort mode Comfort mode provides a level of comfort similar to that of fossil fuel-burning furnaces Trane heat pumps also can deliver very warm air at the register through Comfort mode, which provides a level of comfort similar to that of fossil fuel-burning furnaces, says Davis. Homeowners who prefer furnaces due to the temperature of the discharge air have similar capabilities with Trane heat pumps.  Sustainability and efficiency Trane Technologies seeks to challenge what’s possible for a sustainable world, says Davis. “Sustainability is the foundation of how we design our products for the future of HVAC,” she says. Improvements in the efficiency of Trane Heat Pumps have a direct correlation to reduced emissions, which translates to energy savings on a homeowner’s utility bill.   Trane Link systems Other factors that assist in driving the transition to the electrification of heating are utility rebates The Trane Link systems provide up to an additional 5% energy savings to the homeowner using smart technology that efficiently manages the home load environment. Other factors that assist in driving the transition to the electrification of heating are utility rebates and a program that assists homeowners in making the shift.  Of course, "indirect emissions" and the greening of the grid have an impact on emissions as the industry moves toward the use of heat pumps and away from fossil fuel-burning systems. emissions reduction by design Trane is achieving industry-pioneering emissions reduction by design, and as the grid becomes greener, it will accelerate the impact the Trane portfolio will have on the industry and the environment, says Davis.  “At Trane, we utilize a multi-variable approach to reducing emissions in our product portfolio,” says Davis. “While a greener grid can help to accelerate the reduction in emissions, our systems utilize smart technology, lower global warming potential refrigerants, and improved efficiency in heating design to achieve industry-pioneering emissions reduction for our systems.”  alternative energy sources When designing for sustainability, several levers can be pulled to yield the best results Heat pumps play a role in encouraging more efficient energy sources. HVAC accounts for over 40% of the energy usage in a home. There is an opportunity for the development of capabilities in alternative energy sources for heating and cooling as well as improved energy management for the home. When designing for sustainability, several levers can be pulled to yield the best results. One of those levers is related to digital controls and smart systems.  Trane Link Variable Speed Trane Link Variable Speed Systems provide over 700 speeds to provide a pinpoint match to a homeowner’s load demand in a home. The system provides temperature control within 0.5 degrees F, humidity control to the exact setpoint defined by the homeowner, and provides up to 5% energy savings on utility bills.   By utilizing the digital technology within the control system, the heat pump manages comfort as well as efficiency to provide the best for the homeowner and the environment. For dealers, Trane provides Dealer Diagnostics that give precise information on runtime and system performance, in real time, to ensure the most optimal operating parameters for the best system performance and efficiency.  heat pump heating capability Two obstacles are cost and the customer perception of heat pump heating capability Two obstacles remain in the transition journey. They are cost and the customer perception of heat pump heating capability. “As we accelerate this transition, the time is now for utilities and government programs to step up and assist homeowners in electrification of heating,” says Davis. Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) funding is a step toward this assistance, but more is needed across the industry to ensure a rapid transition to cleaner equipment.   Consumer concerns In addition to cost, homeowners have not been properly educated on the advancement of heat pump technology over the last decade, and heating with heat pumps has improved significantly.  “The cost to convert from furnaces to heat pumps can be prohibitive, but with government incentives, like the IRA rebates, this becomes less of an issue,” says Davis. “Other concerns from consumers are energy bills and the concern that energy costs will rise with the use of heat pumps. While it is true that electric energy bills may rise, homeowners should see a reduced cost of use of other energy sources,” says Davis. “In the end, we move closer to parity.” 

The U.S. Department of Energy (DoE) has challenged manufacturers to accelerate the development of heat pumps that can perform well in colder climates. As part of its Initiative for Better Energy, Emissions, and Equity (E3 Initiative), the DoE’s Residential Cold Climate Heat Pump (CCHP) Technology Challenge seeks to demonstrate performance in the lab and at pilot sites before implementing new technologies in the market. Nominal capacity requirement To meet the DoE CCHP Challenge, a heat pump 4 tons and lower must have a coefficient of performance (COP) of 2.4 while providing 100% of nominal rated capacity at an ambient temperature of 5 degrees F. A heat pump larger than 4 tons must have a COP of 2.1 with the same nominal capacity requirement at 5 degrees F. There are no products on the market that currently meet these performance specifications In addition, the heat pump must have an HSPF2 = 8.5 in Climate Zone 5 (a cold northern climate where annual minimum temperatures range between negative 20 and negative 10 degrees Fahrenheit). There are no products on the market that currently meet these performance specifications. COP is the relationship between the power (kW) that is drawn out of the heat pump as cooling or heat, and the power (kW) that is supplied to the compressor. HSPF2 is a factor evaluating the efficiency of a heat pump during cold weather, measured according to the DoE’s new, more accurate scale. Cascade refrigeration systems There are several approaches to improving a heat pump’s performance in cold climates, including cascade refrigeration systems, various forms of multi-stage compression, vapor-injection, and liquid injection. The optimal solution will consider the trade-offs among customer needs, product cost, operational efficiency, reliability, and technology readiness. “It’s all about maximizing value for our customers while meeting their comfort needs,” says Katie Davis, Vice President of Engineering and Technology, Residential HVAC, Trane Technologies. Trane tested its CCHP prototype at the DOE’s lab, the Oak Ridge National Lab Facility. The prototype performed in temperatures as low as negative 23 degrees Fahrenheit, surpassing the mandatory negative 20 degrees Fahrenheit DoE requirement. “Our prototype pushed the limits of the testing with high performance even as temperatures moved beyond the trial scope,” says Davis. Trane tested its CCHP prototype at the DOE’s lab, the Oak Ridge National Lab Facility Ambient operating conditions “Passing the lab testing phase means we’re now able to conduct field testing with this heat pump, which will provide us with the opportunity to keep a family warm this winter,” says Davis. Trane’s unit will begin field testing in Boise, Idaho. The prototype will be placed in cold climate ambient operating conditions in a residential building. For Trane’s current CCHP prototype, the DoE may decide to extend the field trial testing into a second heating season. If this is the case, Trane will participate in the second field trial in 2023. If field trial testing concludes in 2022, Trane will continue toward the commercialization of the product Vapor compression cycle Colder ambient temperatures require changes to the vapor compression cycle Colder ambient temperatures require changes to the vapor compression cycle utilized in a heat pump to provide the heating capacity required at 5 degrees F and below. Compression technology has now advanced to the point where this capability can be incorporated into the system to provide the additional capacity required. Currently for residents in colder areas of the country, and until newer technology comes to market, a heat pump might be the right choice when matched with a furnace or other electric heating device. This way, a home will continue to stay warm on the coldest days or run more efficiently for most of the season. Environmentally minded furnaces Compared to a traditional furnace and air conditioner heating and cooling setup, heat pumps can save as much as $526* a year in energy costs. They also emit zero of the harmful emissions that have been proven to contribute to climate change. (*Estimated cost savings are based on ENERGY STAR's Savings Calculator for a 3-ton 21 SEER/10 HSPF heat pump and programmable thermostat versus the industry standard 14 SEER/8.2 HSPF 3-ton heat pump and standard thermostat in St. Louis, Mo.) Trane continues to provide the most efficient options available including heat pumps Trane continues to provide the most efficient options available including heat pumps, more environmentally minded furnaces, and the pairing of the two in dual-fuel systems. Like a hybrid car that runs on electricity when possible and switches to gas as needed, a dual-fuel system runs the electric heat pump as often as possible and switches to the gas furnace when needed. Other electrification incentives Hybrid systems offer those homeowners a way to adopt a heat pump and reduce their carbon footprint at a much lower total cost while keeping the safety net of a gas furnace, especially for those in colder regions of the country. The most efficient heat pumps, like the Trane Platinum XV20i Heat Pump, can operate in temperatures as low as 0 degrees Fahrenheit. The recently passed U.S. Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and other electrification incentives that exist in some markets will make heat pumps very attractive, even for homes that currently have a gas furnace. Hybrid systems offer those homeowners a way to adopt a heat pump Variable speed HVAC systems Homeowners seeking out sustainable solutions like heat pumps are becoming increasingly aware of governmental perks and tax rebates to reduce fossil fuels. They can take advantage of new clean energy tax credits and rebates available through the IRA, which includes an expansion of the Energy Efficiency Home Improvement Tax Credit (25C) and an extension and expansion to the New Energy Efficient Home Tax Credit (45L). The Trane Platinum XV20i Heat Pump is part of a new line of equipment featuring Trane Link, a communication technology designed to simplify installation, commissioning, and remote monitoring of Trane’s variable speed HVAC systems. Following a successful regional launch in spring 2022, the full line of Trane Link equipment will be available for Trane’s independent dealers to order nationwide beginning this month.