Trane - Experts & Thought Leaders

A global climate innovator, has announced the new Trane® Hydronic Branch Conductor that helps retrofit and new buildings achieve higher energy efficiency and zone comfort from decarbonized, electrified heating and cooling without major structural disruptions. The Hydronic Branch Conductor, patent pending, supports simultaneous heating and cooling capabilities, and in certain applications can improve heating efficiency by more than 35%. Expanding Sustainable Chiller Solutions The company is expanding its portfolio of chillers, adding efficient, sustainable process chillers“To advance the decarbonization of buildings, we need innovations that simplify the retrofitting process to more efficient heat pump systems,” said Oakley Roberts, Vice President of Product Management, Commercial HVAC Americas, Trane Technologies. “The Hydronic Branch Conductor from Trane is an excellent example of such an innovation, effectively addressing this challenge in hydronic-based thermal systems.” The company is expanding its portfolio of chillers, adding efficient, sustainable process chillers. “The recent acquisition of Italian-based manufacturer MTA has strengthened our sustainable HVAC offerings and today we announce Trane’s first series of process chillers built specifically to meet the cooling needs of manufacturers, including pharmaceutical, food and beverage, and automotive manufacturers, among others,” added Roberts. Advancing Low-GWP Refrigerant Transition Trane has also announced it has transitioned Series R™ RTWD and RTHD models and the remainder of the Axiom™ Water Source Heat Pumps portfolio to low global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants. A practical path to decarbonization for new buildings and retrofits, the new Trane Hydronic Branch Conductor is a system component that enables the repurposing of existing water piping for both heating and cooling distribution, even in buildings with existing two-pipe branch systems, to help achieve sustainable comfort with minimal structural changes and installation costs. Optimized Heating and Cooling Efficiency When it is paired with hydronic heat pump systems, building owners and managers can: Change heating and cooling loads zone by zone multiple times a day without the need to switch from hot to cold water seasonally for the entire building. Replace six-way valves at each terminal unit on a branch with a single conductor. Convert existing buildings with 140 to 180 degrees Fahrenheit hot water (60 – 82 degrees Celsius) to a more energy efficient 105 degrees Fahrenheit hot water electrified heating supply (40 degrees Celsius). The Hydronic Branch Conductor is ideal for education and government buildings, commercial offices, hotels, medical offices, and high-rise residential buildings with multiple thermal zones. Trane Expands Industrial Chiller Line Following its acquisition of MTA, Trane now offers chillers purpose-built for industrial process cooling, with different cooling capacities that meet the specialized needs of pharmaceutical, food and beverage, automotive and general manufacturers, and more. Fully packaged with a compact design, the TAEevo TECH and TAEevo TECH MINI are well-suited for indoor and outdoor applications that have space constraints. The TAEevo TECH has a nominal cooling capacity of 2 to 53 tons and the TAEevo TECH MINI has one ton. These models also have: A finned-tube evaporator to provide lower pressure drop and reduced fouling. Cleanable, removable aluminum condenser air filters and hail guards for added condenser protection and ease of maintenance on units from 3 tons and under. Pre-packaged on-boarding pump(s), coolant buffer tank, and controls for plug-and-play installation. An insulated, pressure-rated tank for a steady supply of cold process fluid that operates as an open or closed loop. Trane Series R Chillers Go Greener The RTHD model, with a larger capacity range of 175 to 400, now uses R-513A for all requirementsTwo proven workhorses known for reliable performance, the Trane Series R helical rotary screw chillers RTWD and RTHD, have transitioned to low-GWP refrigerants R-513A and R-515B.  The RTWD model, with a capacity range of 80 to 250 tons (600 to 3,000 MBH), utilizes R-513A for comfort cooling and low-temperature needs, and R-515B for heating, achieving temperatures of up to 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius). This helps make the RTWD an ideal solution for boiler replacement in a wider range of applications. The RTHD model, with a larger capacity range of 175 to 400 tons (2,100 to 5,000 MBH), now uses R-513A for all requirements. Smarter Controls for Greener Buildings Both chillers are now available with Trane’s Symbio® 800 equipment controller, which integrates seamlessly with building automation systems (BAS), providing improved energy management and operational insights. Trane has completed the redesign of the Axiom Rooftop Water Source Heat Pump portfolio, adding 3- to 10-ton and 17.5-ton rooftop units designed to help improve energy efficiency and reach decarbonization goals. All Axiom units have now transitioned to low-GWP R-454B refrigerant and include factory-installed leak detection, when required, for peace of mind while helping to save time and costs associated with installation. Versatile Heating Solutions Ideal for education, warehouses, government, hotels, apartments, and condominiums, the 3- to 25-ton Axiom Rooftop Water Source Heat Pumps include standard Symbio® 700 controls to help improve system performance and serviceability, and support BAS integration.

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.

Trane® – by Trane Technologies, a global climate innovator, proudly announces the expansion of its advanced thermal management systems tailored for mission-critical environments. A global pioneer and trusted advisor in sustainable thermal management systems for commercial buildings and mission-critical infrastructure, Trane is bolstering its data center thermal management systems with new liquid cooling capabilities and introducing the Trane Coolant Distribution Unit (CDU). thermal management systems “We’re excited to extend our thermal management systems offerings, testing, modeling, and service leadership to include liquid cooling for our mission-critical customers,” said Steve Obstein, Vice President and General Manager, of Data Centers & High-Tech, Trane Technologies. “We are redefining thermal management systems and optimization to deliver consistent and reliable thermal management tailored for mission-critical environments.” liquid cooling solutions Tested, validated, and certified, Trane’s thermal management systems deliver optimized performance Trane liquid cooling solutions are engineered to provide precise thermal management by helping to control the delivery and return of coolant to IT racks and are specifically designed to handle high-performance workloads while significantly reducing energy consumption. Tested, validated, and certified, Trane’s thermal management systems deliver optimized performance, driving energy efficiency and lowering operational costs. 1MW Coolant Distribution Unit (CDU) Trane’s 1MW Coolant Distribution Unit (CDU) with up to 1350kWs is an ideal solution for data center environments seeking to implement direct-to-chip solutions as they shift to hybrid cooling. The Trane CDU leverages proven LiquidStack® technology to enhance Trane’s comprehensive thermal management capabilities. This advanced system not only provides precise thermal management by controlling the delivery and return of coolant to IT racks but also integrates seamlessly with Trane's high-efficiency chillers. This integration optimizes performance for one of the key consumers of utility within the thermal management system, ensuring optimal energy efficiency. sustainable thermal management By combining cutting-edge liquid cooling technology with advanced system design, Trane is setting a new standard in sustainable and efficient thermal management for mission-critical environments. “I’m thrilled that Trane is bringing LiquidStack high-performance CDU technology to its global network of customers seeking to uplevel their cooling strategies to meet the extraordinary heat rejection needs of AI,” said Joe Capes, CEO, of LiquidStack.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DoE) Commercial Heat Pump Accelerator program is designed to enhance building efficiency and electrification. Running from 2024 through 2027, the program aims to overcome adoption barriers, promote advanced heat pump technologies, and create sustainable solutions for HVAC professionals. Compared with conventional packaged rooftop units (RTUs) with natural gas heating, heat pump RTUs are estimated to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy costs by up to 50%. For those in the HVAC industry, this program is an opportunity to boost operational efficiency, align with emerging sustainability standards, and unlock new business. Transforming Commercial HVAC with Heat Pumps Known for their dual heating and cooling abilities, heat pumps save energy compared to conventional HVAC systems The DoE’s program centers on accelerating the adoption of high-efficiency heat pumps for space conditioning and water heating. By working collaboratively with stakeholders—including manufacturers, utilities, and facility managers—the initiative seeks to integrate energy-efficient solutions into commercial buildings nationwide. Known for their dual heating and cooling capabilities, heat pumps save energy compared to conventional HVAC systems. The Accelerator program prioritizes cutting-edge systems to lower energy consumption and operating costs for businesses. As decarbonization becomes a global priority, electrification of HVAC systems is also key. By reducing reliance on fossil fuels, heat pumps contribute to a cleaner energy future. Practical Benefits for Professionals For HVAC professionals, the program provides a framework to explore new markets and enhance service offerings. With the Accelerator program’s emphasis on efficiency, HVAC professionals can help clients reduce energy bills, providing a tangible ROI for heat pump installations. Participants in the program also gain access to technical guidance, best practices, and case studies, fostering skills to implement heat pumps effectively. As building owners seek energy-efficient solutions, HVAC professionals are positioned as experts in heat pump technology in order to gain a competitive edge. Success of the residential challenge The retail program is a growth of an earlier program related to residential technologies The commercial program is an expansion of an earlier program related to residential technologies. Last fall, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced that eight manufacturers in the Residential Cold Climate Heat Pump Challenge completed rigorous product field testing to demonstrate energy efficiency and improved performance in cold weather. Bosch, Carrier, Daikin, Johnson Controls, Lennox, Midea, Rheem, and Trane Technologies participated in the residential challenge. Cold climate heat pumps (CCHPs) developed as part of the challenge will soon enter commercial production, manufacturers say.  Building upon the success of the residential challenge, DOE is now working with nine heat pump manufacturers to advance rooftop units (RTUs) for commercial buildings through a new technology challenge. Commercial Building Heat Pump Challenge Expanding with the Commercial Building Heat Pump Challenge through its Better Buildings program, DoE is now working with heat pump manufacturers AAON, Addison, Carrier, Daikin, Johnson Controls, Lennox, LG, Rheem, and Trane Technologies to improve the energy efficiency and performance of RTUs in cold weather. The manufacturers will partner with DoE and national laboratories to create prototypes and test product performance and durability. They will then lead field validations with Better Buildings partners, including Amazon, General Motors, Ikea, the Los Angeles Unified School District, Target, Whole Foods, and others. Tackling Challenges in Heat Pump Adoption The DoE program recognizes common challenges HVAC professionals face in promoting commercial heat pump adoption and provides strategic solutions. Cost Barriers: The upfront cost of heat pumps can deter clients. The program encourages collaboration with utilities to offer incentives and financing options, making the transition more affordable. Performance in Cold Climates: Heat pumps have historically underperformed in colder regions. By focusing on technological advancements, the Accelerator addresses performance issues, ensuring systems work efficiently even in extreme weather. Workforce Training: To ensure seamless implementation, the DoE supports workforce development through training programs, thus empowering HVAC professionals to deliver high-quality installations. A Collective Push for Change The Accelerator agenda thrives on alliances, leveraging the expertise of diverse stakeholders The Accelerator program thrives on partnerships, leveraging the expertise of diverse stakeholders. For manufacturers and innovators, the program promotes advanced heat pump technologies that meet the diverse needs of commercial buildings. For utilities and energy providers, there are incentives to encourage adoption and offset initial costs. Building owners and facility managers can benefit from sharing insights and case studies to demonstrate the practical benefits of heat pumps in real-world scenarios. In general, HVAC professionals can benefit by staying connected to these networks, keeping abreast of new technologies and customer-centric solutions. Heat Pumps and a Greener Future Heat pumps align with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and meet regulatory requirements. For HVAC professionals, this means not only improving the environmental impact of their services but also helping clients achieve compliance with evolving energy codes and standards. The DoE’s Commercial Heat Pump Accelerator program offers HVAC professionals a clear path to embrace innovation, improve energy efficiency, and secure a leadership position in a rapidly changing marketplace. By participating in the program, HVAC experts can drive the industry forward while enhancing their businesses and delivering meaningful value to clients. As the HVAC landscape evolves, those who seize this opportunity will not only adapt but thrive, setting new benchmarks for efficiency and sustainability in the years to come.

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 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 a Service (EaaS) is tied directly to a company’s HVAC systems. heat pumps and HVAC technologies In the EaaS scenario, an outside company pledges to meet a customer’s energy needs at a discount, say 5%, below what they currently pay. By then strategically seeking to lower the customer’s energy costs by more than 5%, the EaaS company uses the extra margin to pay its own costs and to attain a profit. For example, if a customer’s energy costs can be lowered by 30%, the EaaS company retains 25% every month for the term of the agreement, typically 10 years. Any costs associated with providing the service come out of the 25%. In the EaaS scenario, an outside company pledges to meet a customer’s energy needs at a discount Specifically, working to lower energy costs by that much involves an upfront investment in infrastructure, such as heat pumps and HVAC technologies, to lessen energy consumption. The idea is that the profitability of lowering energy costs will offset even a substantial investment over time. Energy-related infrastructure Briefly stated, that is the business model of Budderfly, which assumes management of a company’s energy infrastructure and becomes the “account holder” with the utility. Once an EaaS contract is signed, Budderfly then invests to upgrade the customer’s energy-related infrastructure, including LED lighting, refrigeration, etc., in addition to HVAC. The goal is to decrease energy usage by 30% or more.  Budderfly typically upgrades the variable frequency drive (VFD) When upgrading the infrastructure, Budderfly “owns” any new infrastructure assets for the term of the EaaS agreement, say 10 years, and amortizes the cost over the timespan. At the end of the term, the assets are turned back over to the customer unless they renew the contract. In the HVAC arena, Budderfly typically upgrades the variable frequency drive (VFD), economizers, and other equipment in a rooftop unit or other machinery when it takes on a new customer. Embraces the EaaS scenario EaaS has a direct incentive to invest in the newest technology to slip the client energy usage “Looking at the opportunity to save 5% of their energy costs, many customers think it seems too good to be true,” says Al Subbloie, President, CEO and Founder at Budderfly. The price of the EaaS contract is based on a two-year review of the customer’s utility bill, which creates a baseline against which the 5% discount is provided. On the consumption side, replacing a rooftop unit with a new Lennox, Carrier, or Trane high-efficiency unit can provide 30 to 40% savings in energy usage. When a customer embraces the EaaS scenario, the EaaS company has an immediate incentive to invest in the newest technology to lower the customer’s energy usage. The more they save on energy, the more they earn in profits. EaaS approach In contrast, in a business model involving energy purchased as a commodity, there is little urgency to upgrade the equipment. That explains why so much equipment currently installed is so out-of-date and energy inefficient, says Subbloie. “We did not expect the infrastructure to be so bad,” he says. “I am sharing something the world is not aware of. As long as cool and hot air are coming out of the vents, no one is looking at the energy impact.” In fact, the EaaS approach is a growing factor in decarbonization. “We are a private capital method to save the world,” says Subbloie. “We are aligning capitalism and putting it to use to save the world (from climate change),” he says. Additional investments by Budderfly Budderfly can make a profit on an EaaS contract if it can achieve 30% savings on total energy costs Subbloie says Budderfly can make a profit on an EaaS contract if it can achieve 30% savings on total energy costs. Of the 30%, Budderfly returns 5% typically to the customer and then spends about 15% on capital improvements, amortized over 10 years. Additional investments by Budderfly include 3 to 4% on technology such as thermostats, metering and controls, and data systems. Other costs are to pay Budderfly’s 300 or so employees.  In the refrigeration realm, which might account for 15 or 20% of energy usage, Budderfly deploys controllers (such as KE2 Therm Solutions and NRM) to smartly regulate the compressor operation in refrigeration units. Door alert monitors and upgraded seals avoid any leakage of cool air. Deploying R-290 (propane) refrigerant systems boosts energy efficiency. EaaS strategy When Budderfly deploys solar systems, the cost becomes just another line on the customer’s bill – there is no purchase agreement or lease involved. Budderfly is transparent with the customer in terms of the money they invest in infrastructure and other costs. In addition to providing the customer with the initial 5% discount, Budderfly also typically shares with the customer half of the proceeds of any energy savings they can achieve above 30%. The EaaS strategy is applicable to a variety of markets, but Budderfly is finding initial success in the quick-service restaurant (QSR) market, where repeatable footprints of individual locations make EaaS calculations predictable and scalable. Probably 80% of their business is in casual dining and QSR installations, including 75 or so well-known restaurant brands; they work with large franchisees who operate multiple brands. top-down relationships Budderfly also has firms in healthcare needs, nursing facilities, office buildings, amenity stores Budderfly is also working to establish “top-down” relationships at the restaurants’ corporate level, which has the ability to impose EaaS as a standard throughout its footprint. “As the climate focus becomes more important, a restaurant brand might say to do it everywhere,” says Subbloie. Hotels and motels are another vertical markets amenable to this approach, and Budderfly also has business in healthcare markets, nursing facilities, office buildings, convenience stores, and other retail. They seek to limit each building’s size to 200,000 square feet or less. Regulated and deregulated rates Budderfly has a team that handles the onboarding of new customers, which involves a short, two-page agreement. Their automated system is connected to 500 utilities, and Budderfly tracks all the regulated and deregulated rates. If rates go up, their billing increases, still based on the 5% reduction that is part of the agreement.  Budderfly benefits from its high-volume acquisition of HVAC equipment at lower prices. “We buy a lot of stuff, we have agreements to buy at volume pricing, and we are constantly negotiating to lower the price,” says Subbloie. “We buy the best of the best to achieve the greatest energy-saving outcome, for obvious reasons. We negotiate prices on the expectation that our volume will make it lucrative (for OEMs).” Subbloie says Budderfly is the largest buyer of roof-top units in the country. Energy-efficient HVAC systems Budderfly’s model enables the facility of the latest and most energy-efficient tools In the scenario of buying energy as a commodity, customers have less incentive to proactively replace their HVAC infrastructure with more efficient models. They also may not have the means to invest in capital improvements to achieve better energy efficiency outcomes. In contrast, Budderfly’s model encourages the installation of the latest and most energy-efficient equipment, and that the equipment is fine-tuned and maintained. By pushing the transition to decarbonization based on an old-fashioned business motive (i.e., profit), Budderfly seeks to jump-start the adoption of more energy-efficient HVAC systems on a large scale. “We have an economic model that is sustainable,” says Subbloie. Investment in AI Budderfly also provides customers with abundant data on their energy usage, including submetering architecture that does 20 to 40 measurements per location.  Each point of energy use reports back every five seconds, providing operational data and suggesting a possible investment in artificial intelligence (AI) to make operations even smarter.