DOE

Daikin Comfort Technologies North America, Inc. (Daikin), a global pioneer in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) manufacturing, has advanced to the final stage of the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Residential Cold Climate Heat Pump Technology Challenge. This milestone follows the successful completion of multiple field tests, underscoring Daikin's commitment to product innovation in energy-efficient electric heating solutions.  Residential Cold Climate Heat Pump DOE's Residential Cold Climate Heat Pump Challenge aims to foster collaboration among manufacturers, utilities Launched in 2021, the DOE's Residential Cold Climate Heat Pump Challenge aims to foster collaboration among manufacturers, utilities, and other stakeholders to develop next-generation heat pump technology capable of delivering reliable and energy-efficient heating in extreme winter conditions. The goal of this challenge aligns with Daikin’s commitment to providing high-performance low Global Warming Potential (GWP) R-32 inverter heat pump solutions to every climate one in the U.S. and Canada.  decarbonization goals "Daikin is thrilled to continue to the final phase of the DOE's Residential Cold Climate Heat Pump Challenge. Our collaboration with the DOE underscores our mission to accelerate decarbonization goals across the U.S. and Canada with innovative, energy-efficient inverter heat pump technology," said Takayuki Inoue, Executive Vice President and Chief Sales and Marketing Officer for Daikin. Takayuki Inoue adds, "This challenge plays a critical role in raising public awareness that will drive the adoption of advanced heating solutions, and we are eager to see the positive impacts unfold in the years to come." Commitment to develop sustainable technologies Reflecting its commitment to developing sustainable technologies, Daikin will continue to collaborate with the DOE and key stakeholders to strive for the successful completion of this challenge. 

The 887-page Project 2025 policy agenda for a conservative administration swings an axe at federal clean energy programs. The Heritage Foundation-led plan would repeal the Inflation Reduction Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and eliminate many Department of Energy programs. That includes efficiency tax credits, home energy rebates, industrial demonstrations, appliance standards, the entire Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, ARPA-E research, loans for clean energy projects, and much more.  Project 2025 To pick one important example, while Project 2025 does not mention “weatherization” once, it says the whole “Office of State and Community Energy Programs . . . should be eliminated or reformed” (page 369). That office includes the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP). The proposal echoes budgets President Trump proposed while in office, which would have also zeroed out WAP. Ending federal weatherization assistance would stop tens of thousands of low-income households annually from getting home improvements that lower their bills year after year while making homes safer and healthier. It would be a painful mistake. A proven program for reducing utility bills It funds and trains a network of CAPs around the country to implement the weatherization work Created in 1976 by a law signed by President Gerald Fold, WAP has improved the energy efficiency of more than 7 million homes of low-income families. It funds and trains a network of community action programs (CAPs) around the country to implement the weatherization work, either through contractors or their direct employees.  Reducing winter heating costs After an energy assessor identifies problems in a home, weatherization workers make needed improvements, such as sealing air leaks, adding insulation, and replacing old HVAC equipment. The improvements reduce winter heating costs (for gas, electricity, propane, or oil) and summer cooling costs (for electricity). Households that have been weatherized with the program's assistance save an average of $372 every year, according to a national laboratory evaluation. Safety and health Well-sealed home can maintain safe temperatures for days longer if heating or air-conditioning is lost Weatherization also protects safety and health. It helps residents keep their homes from getting dangerously cold or hot, and it reduces indoor allergens and irritants, including dust and mold. This reduces asthma rates, ER visits, medical costs, and missed work and school days. And with power outages from extreme weather becoming more frequent, a well-insulated, well-sealed home can maintain safe temperatures for days longer if heating or air-conditioning is lost, saving lives.  Basic home repairs In addition, many homes receive basic repairs, like mold remediation or fixes to leaking roofs, that are needed before energy work can begin (if the “pre-weatherization” is extensive, CAPs use other funds). More than 68,000 homes were weatherized through the program with federal funds in 2022, according to data from the National Association for State Community Services Programs. Program funding Terminating the central program in the Department of Energy would likely shut down the entire network The number of homes weatherized has varied significantly over the years based on funding; the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act provided a significant boost set to last across five years. Funding for the program comes from a combination of the Department of Energy, the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, states, and utilities. Terminating the central program in the Department of Energy would likely shut down the entire network. Weatherization improves lives For the families helped by WAP, the benefits are meaningful. Bennie Tillman Jr., of Athens, Georgia, said his house was drafty in the winter and expensive to cool in the summer. However, after contractors paid for by the weatherization program, added insulation, and sealed gaps, Tillman’s monthly bills in the hottest and coldest months were reduced by roughly $200. Or consider Nikia Pickett of Baltimore, whose young son experienced frequent asthma attacks. Weatherization helped significantly. “Not having the exposure to the outside elements and the things that trigger his asthma—those things significantly decreased his asthma attacks,” said Pickett. Weatherization has been attacked before Both chambers of Congress advanced appropriations bills largely maintaining or increasing funding President Trump proposed four budgets that would have eliminated funding for WAP. However, both chambers of Congress advanced appropriations bills largely maintaining or increasing funding for the program, and over the four years increased the program’s funding by 27% in real dollars. Trump administration delays in the implementation of weatherization funding received bipartisan rebukes. Eliminating WAP would require congressional action. But Trump has previously attempted to impound funds to withhold dollars allocated by Congress in several areas, and some powerful conservative voices are calling for him to do so again more widely if he is elected in November. More weatherization funding, not less, is needed The next presidential administration and Congress should increase funding for weatherization, not cut or shrink a program with a strong record of reducing costs for American families. WAP’s budget is small compared to the task at hand. About 30% of households meet the program's income requirements; many have high energy bills, drafty homes with poor insulation and old heating and cooling equipment, or members with asthma. It is easy to casually suggest eliminating a federal program. For a family that sees its energy bill reduced by hundreds of dollars year after year because of weatherization or has a child with asthma who can breathe well again, it is no small matter.

The U.S. Department of Energy (“DOE”) recently awarded Daikin Comfort Technologies North America, Inc. (“Daikin”) a $39 million grant to support the manufacturing of domestic inverter heat pumps. The grant will enable Daikin to enhance its production capabilities of these advanced, affordable, and energy-efficient electric heating alternatives. With this funding, Daikin, a pioneering global manufacturer and pioneer of advanced inverter heat pump technologies, will expand its product offerings to include air-to-water systems and will lead the evolution of heat pump technology in the U.S. Already widely deployed in Europe and Japan, these systems, known for their versatility and superior performance even in extreme conditions, will be the vanguard of next-generation heat pump technology in the U.S. Carbon emissions reduction goals “Daikin is honored to receive this funding, which will significantly advance our cutting-edge inverter technology,” said Satoru Akama, CEO of Daikin. “This award from the DOE underscores our unwavering commitment to expanding access to energy-efficient heat pumps and accelerating our decarbonization goals.” As the HVAC industry continues to develop innovative solutions to meet state and national carbon emissions reduction goals, this grant will further aid Daikin in its efforts to help facilitate the transition to clean heating. The grant will also enable Daikin to advance its mission of cultivating a highly-skilled, clean-technology-focused American workforce. This funding will create approximately 275 new jobs, enhance certification opportunities, and expand technical training for current employees within the Daikin Texas Technology Park community, which encompasses Waller, Houston, and Prairie View, Texas, USA.

According to some recent estimates, the cooling industry accounts for approximately 10% of global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. To place this in perspective, the transportation sector, as the highest contributor, accounts for approximately 20% of global CO2 emissions. While some may see this as a “glass half empty” scenario, the better approach is the one taken by key players in the HVACR space. As we see it, because the cooling industry has been a source of significant emissions contributing to global warming, we have a huge opportunity to turn the tide through innovative chemistry and technology. Certainly, having a sizable impact on improving the health of the planet won’t be as fast as “flipping a switch.” Nor should it be. What is required is a thoughtful, well-planned and well-supported strategy that allows everyone involved in the HVACR industry—from refrigerant and equipment manufacturers to retailers, service shops, and end users—to transition to better solutions in ways that best work for them as well as for our planet in crisis. Industry’s Contributions to CO2 Emission CFC use has been reduced to less than 1% of where it was in the 1980s This transition is already well underway. Long before recent estimates about the industry’s contributions to CO2 emission were shared, providers in HVACR got to work innovating solutions to take refrigeration off “the environmental hot seat,” much like we did decades before when scientists pointed to chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) as a major cause for ozone layer depletion. If you recall, the 1987 Montreal Protocol unified many countries in the effort and drove industries to find and use CFC alternatives, such as the solutions found in zero ozone depletion potential (ODP) hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants. CFC use has been reduced to less than 1% of where it was in the 1980s, and it’s expected that, except for the polar regions, the ozone layer will be completely recovered by 2040.  Industry’s contribution to global warming To minimize the cooling industry’s contribution to global warming, we started by looking at two areas that stood to make a major impact—improving the overall energy efficiency of equipment and lowering the overall climate impact associated with HVACR. While not the sole solution for making these improvements, we knew refrigerants could play a significant role. Companies like Chemours went to the labs and harnessed the power of chemistry to innovate a new class of refrigerants consisting of hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) and HFO blends.  In addition, OEMs engineered new systems and retrofit solutions that worked with these HFOs In addition, OEMs engineered new systems and retrofit solutions that worked with these HFOs, which have zero ODP, offer a global warming potential (GWP) significantly lower than the legacy products they replace, and enable equipment to run with better energy efficiency. At present, in terms of refrigerants, the industry is headed toward an HFO-centric—and more specifically, a low-toxicity, low-flammability A2L-centric—future. A2Ls and megatrends Industry and the world operate under the influence of several megatrends that continue to put focus on emerging next-generation refrigeration. These include: Fast-tracking the move toward decarbonization Circularity—maximizing the use of renewable energy and minimizing waste through reclamation and the infinite reusability of materials Shortage in skilled workforces—making it imperative for businesses to have technicians who can work with HFCs, Class A1 and A2L HFOs, and even CFCs and HCFCs Increased demand for products that not only support a greener environment but that are manufactured responsibly Business of HVACR Solutions need to offer versatility to support everyone from small family-owned shops These megatrends will continue to influence refrigerant transitions. So will the business of HVACR. In addition to supporting the environment, refrigerants and equipment need to cool effectively and efficiently. They also need to minimize energy consumption, offer low or no toxicity, maximize safety for the people working with them, and have price points that make them accessible to most businesses. Lastly, the supply chain needs to be able to support demand, and solutions need to offer versatility to support everyone from small family-owned shops to global corporations.  Ensuring these needs mesh cohesively with the megatrends requires striking the best possible balance of all the factors. This is where continual refinement of refrigerant chemistry becomes critical. At Chemours, this process started with the first products in our Opteon™ line of HFO-based stationary refrigerants. Chemours Opteon™ XP products, such as Opteon™ XP40 (R-449A) and Opteon™ XP10 (R-513A), are nonflammable refrigerants offering excellent retrofit solutions for replacing higher-GWP legacy HFCs, such as R-404A, while maintaining an A1 safety listing. ISO Safety Classification of A2L From here, chemists continued to develop ways to further lower GWP and maximize performance, operating efficiency, and energy savings. At Chemours, this resulted in the Opteon™ XL line. Poised to be next-generation refrigerants, these have an ASHRAE and ISO Safety classification of A2L and deliver very low GWP. Due to their low flammability, A2Ls are used in new equipment only. A2Ls can also lower operating costs throughout the life cycle of the equipment In addition to supporting regulatory compliance, A2L performance attributes include increased system efficiency, lower energy consumption, low toxicity, and improved safety for use in a broad range of applications. A2Ls can also lower operating costs throughout the life cycle of the equipment. We're seeing the path to that A2L-centric future take shape. For example, Opteon™ XL41 (R-454B) has already been selected by most pioneering global OEMs, including Carrier, Johnson Controls, and Rheem, which have announced alignment with Chemours for the utilization of this product.  Preparing for the transition Because regulations vary around the world, we find some regions are highly advanced in the transition to HFOs and A2Ls, while others are just getting started or fall somewhere in the middle. Consequently, there is no single plan to prepare for the refrigerant transition. However, the following considerations can help guide what steps you take, and when you take them. Your corporate responsibility mission. The systems you use, sell, or support should be charged with a refrigerant that is in line with your commitment to the health and sustainability of the planet. Your employees. Consider the people working for you. Will pride in working for a green company impact productivity, job satisfaction, and retainment?  Customers and clients. Comfort, safety, being “green and clean”—all come into play in attracting and retaining customers and clients. The age of current systems you service/support. Older HVACR systems have greater potential for refrigerant leaks. In the case of ammonia, a leak can pose fatal health risks, and in the case of HCFCs and HFCs, can result in subpar performance. Older systems also tend to require costly repairs and operate less efficiently. Market awareness. Keep an eye on supply trends and make sure refrigerant supply can meet the needs of the systems you support. Your bottom line. Newer-generation refrigerants and the systems that work with them have been developed to lower energy consumption. Determine when the time is right to make a larger upfront investment in new equipment, which can pay dividends in the form of lower energy bills and overall operating costs. Technician training. A2Ls look, feel, and work like R-410A or R-404A, but there are key differences due to their low flammability. Ensure technicians are properly trained to work with A2Ls as well as their predecessors. In conclusion—collaboration In a world that continues to demand and expect more, the criticality of HFO refrigerants—and, more specifically, next-generation A2L solutions—is undeniable, because of their environmental and performance advantages over existing alternatives. When you think of the role cooling plays in every part of our everyday lives, it’s easy to see how and why what we do as an industry now stands to have a major influence on the future of our planet. From being essential to every step along the cold chain—from farm to fork—to ensuring both comfortable and healthy living environments to providing the cooling that makes the data centers that make modern-day necessities and conveniences possible, refrigerants are a permanent fixture in lives, and will remain so as the world in which we live, work, and play continues to evolve. By collaborating, we can all advance a transition that leads to a healthier, more sustainable planet and opens opportunities for every application in the industry to provide customers and clients with higher-performing, safer, and more sustainable solutions.

When your HVAC system isn't working correctly, it's often difficult to pinpoint the exact issue. Does your home have hot and cold spots? Do doors randomly close on their own? Is your A/C blowing warm air on a hot summer day? If so, your HVAC might have an uneven airflow. There are many symptoms of uneven airflow and many solutions. Amid the increasing demand for HVAC repair, homeowners need to learn how to keep their home system operating at its best. Understanding the potential causes of uneven airflow can help you troubleshoot the problem and get your HVAC system back up and running efficiently. Evenly distributing air How to Know If Your HVAC Has Uneven Airflow: The desperate temperatures naturally separate, creating deposits throughout your home There Are Hot & Cold Spots in Your House - One of the most common signs of uneven airflow is hot and cold spots in your home. If you notice that certain rooms are always warmer or cooler than others, there's a good chance that your HVAC system isn't evenly distributing air. When air can't flow evenly through the HVAC, the desperate temperatures naturally separate, creating deposits throughout your home. You Don't Feel Much (If Any) Air From the Vent - Another way to tell if your home has uneven airflow is by feeling the air coming out of the vents. If you don't feel much air coming from a particular vent, that's an indication that not enough air is flowing through that area. Alternatively, if you feel a strong blast of air from one vent and barely any from another, that's another telltale sign of airflow errors. Creating pressure imbalances Doors Are Shaking or Closing on Their Own - Have you ever jumped when a door seems to slam on its own? Don't worry, it's not a ghost. Uneven airflow creates pressure imbalances that can cause your doors to swing open/shut or rattle. Vents Blowing Warm Air When A/C Is Turned On - If your air conditioning is cranked down, but the vents are still blowing warm air, that's a problem. Don't turn the temperature lower when this happens. Call your local HVAC technician to diagnose the cause of your inconsistent airflow. Ensuring optimal airflow Causes & Solutions For Uneven HVAC Airflow: Clean or Replace Your Filters - A dirty air filter is one of the most common causes of uneven airflow. When your filter gets clogged with dust and dirt, it restricts the amount of air that can flow through your HVAC system. Some research suggests that using an air purifier can extend the life of your filters You should change or clean your air filters three or four times per year. Pets, smoking, and improperly sealed doors and windows can create extra debris that soils filters sooner. Some research suggests that using an air purifier can extend the life of your filters, but it's still a good idea to change them regularly to ensure optimal airflow. Lower-Rated MERV filters Find the Right MERV Rating For Your HVAC System - When you're looking for a new air filter, it's important to find one with the right MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating. The MERV scale rates how well an air filter can remove particles from the air; the higher the MERV rating, the more particles the filter will capture. Some homeowners assume that the highest MERV rating is best, but this isn't necessarily true. You need to choose a MERV rating that's compatible with your system's motor. If the filter is too dense, it will reduce airflow throughout the home. Additionally, it could overwork your motor and lead to a premature replacement of your HVAC system. If you choose to use air filters with a higher rating than your system's capabilities, you'll need to change them more frequently than you would with lower-rated MERV filters. Preventing proper airflow It's best to build a fence or shed that leaves plenty of ‘breathing room' Clutter Around The Outdoor Unit - If you have an outdoor air conditioner unit, it's important to keep the area around it clear of debris. Grass, leaves, and twigs can prevent proper airflow and cause your system to overheat. It's a good idea to check the area around your outdoor unit every few weeks and remove any debris that has accumulated. Some people choose to cover up their HVAC to increase curb appeal. It's best to build a fence or shed that leaves plenty of ‘breathing room.’ Any greenery around an HVAC unit can quickly overtake your system's airflow without constant maintenance. Maintaining comfortable temperatures Improperly Fitted HVAC Unit - Bigger isn't always better, especially when it comes to your HVAC unit. A unit that's too large for your home will turn on and off frequently, which can lead to uneven airflow. HVAC units that are too small have to work overtime to maintain comfortable temperatures HVAC units that are too small have to work overtime to maintain comfortable temperatures in the home. This also causes the system to turn on and off frequently and can cause uneven airflow. The right size HVAC unit will depend on the size of your home. If you have an especially large home or if you've converted your single-family into a duplex, you might consider installing two HVAC systems. Specific refrigerant levels The Refrigerant Needs to Be Refilled - Low refrigerant levels is another reason you might feel warm air when the AC is turned on. Refrigerant is responsible for balancing the flow of cool air into the home and pushing warm air out of the home. When refrigerant is low, the air delivered to your home will feel warmer. Replacing refrigerant isn't as easy as adding coolant to your car. HVAC manufacturers dictate specific refrigerant levels. Imbalanced levels can lead to expensive repairs, so it's best to leave this job for the professionals. Save Money & Increase Comfort By Balancing Your HVAC Airflow - If your HVAC has uneven airflow, there are many possible causes. The good news is that most of these causes have relatively simple solutions. If you can't seem to get your airflow under control, be sure to consult a professional. With just a little bit of troubleshooting, you should be able to keep your home comfortable all year round.

A preventive maintenance program could save 12-18% over reactive maintenance, as the U.S. Department of Energy predicted in 2010. For many businesses, the savings could be higher, considering the risks of downtime and today’s economic conditions pushing up costs across the supply chain. It’s also possible for a program to miss the mark. By one measure, 50% of the costs of a preventive maintenance program are often wasted. The question is, how do you know if your maintenance program is generating savings or just adding expenses? preventive maintenance program Statistics can only describe maintenance outcomes in the abstract, usually with averages including businesses outside your industry. Your facility, and the outcomes you need to prioritize, aren’t averages. If you’re going to understand how or if your preventive maintenance program is saving or wasting money, you’re going to have to measure your costs and your desired outcomes. If you do, you may be amazed by the value of your preventive maintenance program. deficient maintenance When a maintenance program doesn’t reduce repair costs, it’s the maintenance provider who benefits from that Or you may find yourself asking why you aren’t seeing the benefits you should. The answer may be that your program is designed to benefit someone else. When a maintenance program doesn’t reduce repair costs or increase equipment life as long as it should, it’s the maintenance provider who benefits from that deficient maintenance, because that deficiency gets them paid faster for the inevitable repair and replacement. Does your service provider want your system to fail? As the provider of both your preventive maintenance and your reactive maintenance, a service provider has an inherent conflict of interest. The optimal outcome for them, on paper, looks like preventive maintenance that has the least possible positive outcome for the client, since that also maximizes their repair and replacement. Of course, there are other factors at play, including the question of whether it's ethical to provide “just enough” preventive maintenance, or perhaps worse, to “overdo” planned preventive maintenance when it won’t benefit the client more than a more cost-effective approach, such as condition-based preventive maintenance. How would I know a program is compromised? To help decide whether a full assessment of your maintenance is warranted, check the list of “green flags” You may be reluctant to devote time and energy to fully investigating the cost-effectiveness of your maintenance program without some indication that you should be worried. Of course, if it’s too time-consuming or frustrating to figure out how effective your maintenance is, that’s already a red flag, your program either lacks transparency or just isn’t prioritizing measurable outcomes. To help you decide whether a full assessment of your maintenance is warranted, check the list of “green flags” below. The fewer green flags you find, the more you should consider a full assessment. 1) 50% less is spent on repairs than our maintenance program. A good rule of thumb to start with: if your business spends over half the cost of your maintenance program on additional repairs, then the maintenance program isn’t prioritizing saving you those repair costs. 2) We’ve experienced no unscheduled downtime within 3 years. One of the main benefits of preventive maintenance is improved control over downtime. By planning maintenance tasks to fit your productivity needs and avoiding equipment failure, you avoid unscheduled downtime. If your maintenance isn’t providing that benefit, then either maintenance schedules or equipment conditions need more attention. 3) Air filters are rated MERV 8 or above and changed at least quarterly. The CDC recommends using the highest efficiency filters possible, considering the impact on the HVAC system Without proper filtration, particulates contaminate your indoor air and cost your system useful life by accumulating inside the system and accelerating wear-and-tear, for instance, particulates that bypass filtration can contribute to coil fouling. To be clear, MERV 8 is not a recommendation for air quality purposes. For instance, the CDC recommends using the highest efficiency filters possible, considering the impact on the HVAC system, while ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) recommends a minimum of MERV 13. 4) Maintenance tasking is based on equipment conditions and customized by attributes. This is one place waste easily occurs. Maintenance that ignores conditions, and is only time-based, can over-maintain and waste the useful life of parts. Condition-based maintenance doesn’t rely solely on models that estimate aging but also monitor data and tests for variables that indicate needed maintenance. One study found that only 15-20% of equipment failures were age-related, while the rest were caused by random effects. Since 99% of equipment failures are preceded by some kind of condition or indication of failure, tasking preventive maintenance based on data, rather than schedules, can prevent premature failures that time-based maintenance would miss and increase cost-effectiveness by taking advantage of longer useful life. 5) All technicians in our buildings train on safety and electrical workplace hazards, including the NFPA 70E standard. Maintenance functions can be dangerously siloed when it comes to safety, and sometimes, HVAC technicians are only trained on HVAC tasks. It’s easy to believe that only electrical workers need electrical safety training, but nothing could be further from the case. HVAC technicians also require safety training to deal with hazards they may encounter in the work environment The National Fire Protection Association’s latest report on fatal electrical injuries in the workplace highlights deadly incidents involving work on ventilation systems, and the report on non-fatal injuries states that installation, maintenance, and repair workers suffered the largest share of injuries from exposure to electricity, with service occupations next. HVAC technicians also require safety training to deal with hazards they may encounter in the work environment, such as fall protection, heat stress awareness and approved procedures for confined spaces. A program that doesn’t prioritize safety training can’t pretend to be cost-effective if it opens the door to injury and liability. Avoid conflicts of interest If your maintenance program is compromised, more transparency, with clear, measurable results, can help. Service providers can also prove they prioritize your results by removing that conflict of interest. How? By offering preventive maintenance with quality assurances, such as guarantees to replace maintainable parts at their own cost. That not only removes the conflict of interest but also aligns their interests with yours. By taking your risk of repair costs on themselves, service providers prove they have no conflict of interest, and you can trust they are prioritizing better outcomes for your cost-efficiency.

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. 

From supply chain challenges to decarbonization, from data analytics to maintenance programs, the themes that ranked highest among visitors to HVACinformed.com in 2022 reflected the dominant topics of conversation throughout the industry. As demonstrated by the most-read articles on the site, technology trends and regulatory issues all converged and had a profound impact on the industry in 2022. Timely and important issues in the HVAC marketplace dominate HVACinformed.com‘s list of most-clicked-on articles in 2022. In the world of digital publishing, it’s easy to know what content resonates with the market: Our readers tell us with their actions; i.e., where they click. Let’s look back at the Top 10 articles posted at HVACinformed.com in 2021 that generated the most page views. Supply Chain Challenges Persist as Demand for HVAC Grows HVAC installers are playing a guessing game about what stock might be available Supply chain issues continued to plague the HVAC marketplace in 2022, causing longer waits for customers. Diesel fuel costs and shortages are the latest factors contributing to delays, alongside continuing manufacturer setbacks and transportation challenges. The supply chain situation changes from day to day. HVAC installers are playing a guessing game about what stock might be available and what will not. The situation persists despite the efforts of warehouses to ensure they had sufficient equipment this year. One installer estimates that two out of 10 clients are waiting on parts. What Does a Successful Maintenance Program Look Like? A preventive maintenance program could save 12-18% over reactive maintenance, as the U.S. Department of Energy predicted in 2010. For many businesses, the savings could be higher, considering the risks of downtime and today’s economic conditions pushing up costs across the supply chain. It’s also possible for a program to miss the mark. By one measure, 50% of the costs of a preventive maintenance program are often wasted. The question is, how do you know if your maintenance program is generating savings or just adding expenses? Four Strategies for Moving the Building Decarbonization Needle The importance of caring for the environment has become a top priority both around the world The importance of caring for the environment has become a top priority both around the world and increasingly in the United States. As regulations and social expectations become more stringent, future-proofing our infrastructure — beginning with energy consumption in buildings — is a natural first step. There are four key strategies a building owner or facility manager can focus on to improve energy efficiency and reduce a building’s carbon footprint, all while improving building performance. How Can Data Analytics Be Used to Enhance HVAC Solutions? Multiple components work together to make an HVAC system run smoothly and efficiently. One of the newer components in today’s systems is data, whether it is information about historic performance trends or the weather outside. A variety of sensors work together to provide data that can be crunched by various algorithms to provide useful information to system installers and end-users, and to help systems run better and longer. Copper: The Material of Choice for Air Conditioning Systems As the demand for air conditioning continues to increase, so too will the demand for copper pipes. Copper is a trusted and reliable material that air conditioning installers have been using for many years and, not only that, it’s also infinitely recyclable – making it a sustainable alternative to materials like plastic. Grant Program and Government Funds Available for HVAC Improvements A $500 million grant program seeks to upgrade the infrastructure of U.S. schools, including improving HVAC systems. Many schools rely on outdated HVAC systems that make classrooms less comfortable and may pose health risks. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is launching the grant program to lower energy costs, improve air quality and prioritize schools most in need. Disposable Cylinder Ban Looms, And Impact on HVAC Will Be Stark 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. The Role of Hydrogen in Achieving Net-Zero By 2050 Some of the solutions currently being evaluated include the use of hydrogen as a replacement fuel Some 38% of greenhouse gas emissions emanate from residential housing, specifically heating and cooling systems. Given the goal of 'net-zero' carbon emissions by 2050, new approaches have emerged to achieve that target. Some of the solutions currently being evaluated include the use of hydrogen as a replacement fuel, to store electricity from solar or wind power, or in fuel cells that use an electrochemical process combining hydrogen and oxygen to produce electrical energy and water. Considering The Advantages of Heating and Cooling ‘As A Service’ 'As a service' is a familiar pattern in business today, especially in the technology arena. 'Software as a Service' is as common as Microsoft Office 365, and companies have been providing services, such as telephony and internet access for decades. 'As a service' is a familiar pattern in business today, especially in the technology arena But how can the model be applied to the HVAC market? It’s not a common approach today, but the benefits of applying “As a service” to HVAC are many – for customers and for equipment and service providers. Notably, an ‘As a service’ approach can help customers sidestep the higher costs of transitioning to more expensive green technologies, thus accelerating the green trend and avoiding pollutants and greenhouse gases. Summer Increases Demand for HVAC Services, Often to Breaking Point High outdoor temperatures are a great indicator of demand for HVAC services, and HVAC companies are feeling the heat as they struggle to meet higher demand for services even as they face unprecedented supply-chain challenges and a critically tight labor market.  HVAC contractors across the country agree that demand this summer is higher than ever. The phones are ringing off the hook, and HVAC employees are working long hours just to keep up. Some are working 12-hour days and on the weekend. The situation is basically ‘all hands on deck.’

The HVAC market is at an inflection point, in the throes of switching refrigerants to meet regulatory goals, improving energy efficiency to meet more stringent standards, and struggling with supply chain issues. What the industry needs is a new technology at the nexus of environmental issues and energy conservation, enabling the drive away from fossil fuels and toward zero-carbon emissions. Blue Frontier is working to bring such a system to market with a core air conditioning/energy storage technology that integrates desiccant-enhanced indirect evaporative cooling, thermochemical energy storage, and an efficient converter for transforming renewable electricity into heat. ultra-efficient air conditioning The company is seeking to commercialize the new concept of ultra-efficient air conditioning. From Blue Frontier’s world headquarters in Boca Raton, Fla., 30 employees are working to advance the technology from the lab to the field, focusing on design for manufacturability. Proven in the lab, the technology will be validated at scale and then manufactured reliably. Founded in 2017, Blue Frontier has licensed patents from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and seeks to advance and transform a Technology Readiness Level 5 prototype into a fully commercialized and manufactured system. air dehumidification After proving the technology to the industry, Blue Frontier could license it to other manufacturers. The technology involves regeneration, which heats a desiccant (a proprietary salt solution) to increase its concentration by emitting water into the atmosphere. As water is driven from the concentrated solution, it is ready to do the work of air dehumidification (absorbing water from the air) and is available for air conditioning. concentrated solution When air conditioning is needed, the concentrated solution is placed in contact with air via indirect evaporative cooling The concentrated desiccant is stored in a plastic tank, where it remains ready to use in the air conditioning process when necessary; in effect, it is stored energy in the form of "dehumidification potential." The desiccant (salt solution) has no impact on the environment or human health. When air conditioning is needed, the concentrated solution is placed in contact with air, which it dehumidifies, enabling temperature reduction via indirect evaporative cooling (dew-point style cooling). 50 to 90% electricity reduction The system separates and independently controls humidity and temperature. It provides up to 100% fresh air ventilation. Thermal energy storage enables load shifting. In effect, the system decouples the direct relationship between the temperature outside and the electricity needed by an air conditioning system. In terms of electricity bill savings, Blue Frontier offers a 50 to 90% reduction in electricity usage and a 98% reduction in peak demand. transformational approach The new approach saves energy, reduces peak demand, and does not rely on refrigerants. A drop-in replacement for technology in a 100-year-old market, it is 300% more energy efficient than vapor compression and eliminates the use of refrigerants. Unlike the lighting market, for example, air conditioning efficiencies have not improved and are ripe for a transformational approach. HVAC technology “As the world becomes hotter and more humid, our system allows people to increase the use of air conditioning without contributing to global warming,” says Greg Tropsa, Blue Frontier’s Executive Vice President for Business Development. “The system works in all climate zones, and the hotter it gets, the more cooling capacity it provides, which is the opposite of vapor air systems.” The technology evolved from a 2009 Department of Energy grant seeking to mitigate the threat of anthrax using HVAC technology. Using liquid desiccants dries the air and eliminates the growth of spores of a variety of air pathogens. The cooling benefits of the approach evolved as the technology was developed. air-conditioning energy EIA projects that air-conditioning energy use will grow faster between 2022 and 2050 The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) projects that air-conditioning energy use will grow faster than any other use in buildings between 2022 and 2050. In fact, by 2050, the global consumption of energy for air conditioning will equal the combined total electricity consumption of India and China currently. The growth is not sustainable with current technologies. rooftop units Blue Frontier’s initial manufactured products will be rooftop units in 5-ton to 20-ton sizes. Paving the way to growth are installation first costs that are low or equivalent to the market today, achievable while providing incremental benefits. “It is almost impossible for technologies to make it to scale,” says Tropsa. “This has all the earmarks of being able to achieve that.” Series A financing Blue Frontier recently raised a $20M Series A equity investment led by Bill Gates-founded Breakthrough Energy Ventures, 2150 Urban Tech Sustainability Fund, and Volo Earth Ventures. Blue Frontier's commercialization and manufacturing partner, Modern Niagara, also participated in the funding round. The Series A financing will accelerate Blue Frontier's ability to bring its product to market, propelling the company towards its goal of creating gigaton reductions in greenhouse gas emissions by decarbonizing building cooling. Reducing carbon footprint Between 2022 and 2024, the company will be seeking to install tryout systems at early-adopter companies The timeline for introduction and commercialization is early 2024 when Blue Frontier will seek to unveil its product at the AHR show. Between 2022 and then, the company will be seeking to install tryout systems at early-adopter companies. “Today we are looking for early adopters who have high sustainability goals and public commitments to reduce their carbon footprint,” says Tropsa. Performance  During 2023-2024, the company will release a limited number of units (1,000) to prove its performance. In the 2024-2025 timeframe, they will accelerate market penetration by working with utility companies seeking to lower electricity usage. Electric utilities are attracted to the technology as a “non-wire alternative,” (NWA) a route to lowering energy demand rather than having to build more capacity. The desiccant is recharged and stored when electricity is the cleanest or lowest cost, and later used to deliver cooling when electricity is dirty or costly. Saving money Customers save money on electricity bills, decarbonize their systems, and reduce the impact of air conditioning on the environment. Air conditioning in buildings is responsible for 10% of greenhouse gas emissions (including energy usage and the impact of refrigerants).  Blue Frontier's systems address every major issue associated with present-day air conditioning with a ground-breaking replacement for Packaged Rooftop Units that dominate the commercial buildings air conditioning market:  Eliminates high Global Warming Potential ("GWP") refrigerant with liquid desiccant technology. Dramatically reduces AC electrical consumption by 50-90% depending on weather and usage. Eliminates peak electrical demand by integrating energy storage with a proprietary saltwater solution, which allows AC to intelligently store and use excess renewable energy. Enables early replacement of traditional ACs with HVAC-as-a-Service, a business model designed to speed market adoption by removing capital investment requirements.

When Harry Lau, Administrator for Facilities and Operations for the Livonia Public Schools, joined the district in 2013, he identified a significant need to improve the HVAC equipment throughout the entire school system. All 25 buildings, including schools and administration offices, had significant inefficiencies with their HVAC systems. The infrastructure was outdated and the horizontal unit ventilators that were in use were from the 1950s and 60s and were well beyond their life expectancy. The old units were prone to freezing, and there were control issues that further exacerbated the problem. Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) and inefficient temperature controls led to discomfort among staff and students, impacting the overall learning environment. His primary goal was to reduce the number of environmental air quality concerns, reduce district utility and maintenance costs, and improve the overall comfort and air quality throughout the system. The Solution To address these issues, Livonia Public Schools secured funds via a successful bond measure To address these issues, Livonia Public Schools secured funds through a successful bond measure. There were multiple contractors and manufacturers involved for the entire system upgrade, but for the classrooms specifically, the district chose to upgrade to Airedale by Modine Classmate® vertical units. Looking at the specifications of these units, Harry was certain the Classmate® would meet their needs.  The previous units had structural and design issues that led to multiple repairs, and Harry knew that they would have fewer maintenance issues with the Classmate® because of the way they are designed. They also chose to modernize control of the system by implementing a building management system allowing for real-time monitoring and centralized management of the HVAC systems across all buildings. The Results The HVAC system upgrades have resulted in dramatic improvements in IAQ and energy efficiency. The new systems have provided better temperature control, faster cooling, and heating, and have reduced energy consumption by 20%. The upgraded systems also led to a quieter environment, enhancing the learning experience. The ability to monitor and manage the HVAC systems in real time has allowed for proactive maintenance and further cost savings. Harry said he wanted the classroom instructors to have some anonymity with temperature control. While the set points follow ASHRAE recommendations, the units are equipped to give the teachers some control to bump the temperature up or down a few degrees to suit their comfort level and those of the students.  "With partners like Modine, they opened our eyes on ways of doing things," said Harry Lau, adding "It has been refreshing to actually be heard by the professionals." Implementation of HVAC upgrades Livonia Public Schools has been recognized by the U.S. DOE’s Efficient and Healthy Schools Program Because of their commitment to improving IAQ and energy efficiency, Livonia Public Schools has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Efficient and Healthy Schools Program. This program recognizes and assists school districts seeking to implement high-impact indoor air quality and efficiency improvements. They were honored for optimizing their operations to improve building performance. The district was also recognized by the city as a green energy partner. Harry said that the classroom learning environments have been dramatically updated and they have seen a significant improvement. The consistent modulation of the fresh air has been greatly noticed. Livonia Public Schools’ proactive approach to HVAC upgrades A huge point of pride for the district was being able to confidently inform their staff and parents that they were ahead of the curve in ensuring quality indoor air once students and staff were able to return to indoor classroom learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Livonia Public Schools’ proactive approach and successful implementation of HVAC upgrades have set a benchmark for other districts aiming to improve their learning environments through better air quality and energy efficiency.

Kepier School's phased transition to low-carbon CIAT heating technologies has delivered generous energy savings within a year of installation. CIAT worked with partners to initiate the school’s journey to net zero in 2022, returning to measure performance and optimize the system. CIAT is a part of Carrier Global Corporation, a global pioneer in intelligent climate and energy solutions. New high-efficiency heat emitters CIAT worked with BREng Hull Ltd, AA Projects, Quora Group, and Cool Designs Ltd to create a phased decarbonization plan for Kepier School in Northeast England, aided by the Condition Improvement Fund (CIF). Recognizing the challenges faced by many schools, Oliver Sanders, Carrier Commercial HVAC Director, United Kingdom, and Ireland, said, "For schools with new gas boilers aiming to reach net zero, it's most cost-effective to integrate them into a modernized heating infrastructure, ready for the next transition phase to heat pumps when the boilers reach end-of-life." Project featured a heating audit The project involved a heating audit identifying the need for new high-efficiency heat emitters The project involved a heating audit identifying the need for new high-efficiency heat emitters. Conventional radiators were replaced with seven surface-mounted high-level CIAT MajorLine and 31 CIAT COADIS fan coil units (FCUs). The seven gas boilers installed in 2019 were integrated into the new system's infrastructure, enabling them to be replaced as required to improve system efficiency and cost savings. Sizeable energy savings A subsequent review revealed sizeable energy savings. Gas usage was compared before and after the pandemic to avoid skewed data due to COVID-19 school closures. Findings revealed an 8.6% reduction of 2,824 m3 (~31,446.41 kWhr) from March 2022 to March 2023 compared to the period from March 2019 to March 2020. This achievement reduced the school’s carbon footprint and resulted in an 8% annual cost saving of ~£800 (average based on gas price fluctuations between March 2019-2020 and March 2022-2023). CIAT project partners BREng Hull  CIAT project partners BREng Hull and installer Quora Group returned to the school to optimize system operating gains Following commission, CIAT project partners BREng Hull and installer Quora Group returned to the school to optimize system operating gains.  "The process doesn’t stop once a solution has been designed, installed, and commissioned," said Rob Smelt, Managing Director of BREng Hull, adding "Experience shows that there are often significant additional gains to be made by optimizing the system in light of its real-world operation." The inspection revealed that some areas were imbalanced while others operated at sub-optimal temperatures. These issues were addressed to improve occupant comfort and reduce energy use and running costs. Carrier’s 2030 ESG Goal "The comfort level has improved significantly," said Brian Dixon, Kepier School Estates Manager, adding "We already gained control over specific rooms and areas, as opposed to the old ‘on or off’ heating system, and the latest work seems to have improved things even more. Future phases in our decarbonization plan will yield even greater energy and cost savings for the school." BREng Hull worked closely with equipment supplier Cool Designs Ltd during the scoping and specification stages, supported by CIAT application specialists. Projects like these contribute to Carrier’s 2030 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Goal of reducing its customers’ carbon footprint by more than one gigaton.

To adequately heat the 111 Murray Street residential skyscraper in New York, the owner sought an effective way to maintain the aesthetic of the mostly glass building without being obtrusive to its design. Custom convection style heaters, mounted in the building’s millwork by Faber Industrial Technologies, proved to be the game-changing resolution. Residential And Commercial Applications “Convection heaters provide warmth and heat to a specific area or room by circulating air and heating it using a highly efficient electric element,” explained Andrew Martin, Manager of Product Management with Marley Engineered Products. Andrew Martin adds, “Designed for quiet, controlled comfort, they are ideal for both residential and commercial applications, including living rooms and bedrooms, offices, hallways, lobbies, conference rooms, retail stores, and buildings with floor-to-ceiling windows.” Installing Heaters While Maintaining Aesthetics Due to mechanical constraints exacerbated by the building’s slim design, hot water was not available Located in the Financial District and Tribeca neighborhoods in Lower Manhattan, 111 Murray Street is a 792-foot-tall residential skyscraper with 156 luxury condominiums and 2,100 square feet of retail space on the ground floor. Due to mechanical constraints exacerbated by the building’s slim design, hot water was not available in most of the upper residences, rendering hydronic heating systems impractical. Berko ASL3 convector heaters Therefore, the client requested Berko ASL3 convector heaters from Marley Engineered Products to be installed for elegant, supplemental comfort for heat loss, condensation prevention, and continuous warmth throughout each condo. The challenge, however, came from their preference to keep the heaters hidden for aesthetic reasons. Custom design “The varying heights and angles of the millwork in each condo limited our ability to install the heaters directly where we wanted them,” said Christopher Smith, a Heater Manufacturing Representative with Faber Industrial Technologies. He adds, “Therefore, we needed a custom design that enabled us to mount the heaters properly while also keeping them out of sight.” Delivery of convector heaters Another issue was revealed when the contractor requested the materials be delivered to each floor Another issue was revealed when the contractor requested the materials be delivered to each floor. Working in tandem with Technical Air Systems, Inc., a regional supplier of HVAC equipment to the metropolitan New York and New Jersey areas, Marley Engineered Products’ customer service and shipping teams were instrumental in coordinating the delivery of the convector heaters in a congested lower west side intersection between West Side Highway and Murray Street. Hidden Heat For Unmatched Comfort And Elegance The solution involved fabricating and supplying custom dual inlet convector heaters, which were then mounted within the millwork of each condominium unit. Using a thermocouple array, the engineering team at Marley tested the Berko ASL3 connectors, at 125 watts per foot and 120V inside a customer-supplied demo millwork section sent from New York City.  After making some adjustments to the design, thermal couplers were utilized on both the heaters and their enclosures to ensure their surface temperatures were within Marley Engineered Products’ limits to pass a UL site inspection. Invisible solution Next, Smith coordinated with the electrical and mechanical contractors on-site to fit the heaters into each condo’s temperature control system using power relays. The result was an 'invisible solution' in which none of the controls or heaters could be seen in the residential units. Seamlessly blending functionality and aesthetics Innovation and collaboration converged as we tailored a custom heating solution" “Innovation and collaboration converged as we tailored a custom heating solution, seamlessly blending functionality and aesthetics,” explained Smith, adding “In fabricating this ‘invisible solution’ for the client, our dedicated team and the coordination of skilled contractors transformed these condos into spaces that harmonize comfort and elegance and exemplify the blending of form and function.” UL evaluation The success of the project not only resulted in an extremely satisfied customer but also left the contractors pleased with the uninterrupted delivery and installation of the heaters. They were further impressed when the custom heater and millwork system passed the UL site inspector's test after just one evaluation.  2023 Jim Herring Memorial Silver Fox Award To acknowledge the innovative approach and exceptional achievements demonstrated by the Faber team in overcoming the challenges faced during this project, Marley Engineered Products awarded Smith the 2023 Jim Herring Memorial Silver Fox Award at its recent national sales meeting. “This award for excellence in solution design embodies the spirit of Herring, who was always up for a challenge and most happy when solving a unique heating or ventilation problem,” said Sean Pesce, Acting Director of Sales for Marley Engineered Products, adding “Chris and his team perfectly captured Jim’s talent for finding creative solutions to the most complex issues and left a lasting impression on the client.”

For schools, improving indoor air quality (IAQ) is a basic function of HVAC systems, which also ensures a high comfort level for students, teachers and staff. Schools can be a lucrative market for HVAC systems, but there are challenges, such as long sales cycles and the lingering impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: What are the challenges for HVAC in serving the education/schools market?

The practice of working from home soared during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and many observers see a likely continuation of the trend, as infection risks gradually subside. Both environments – home and office – depend on HVAC systems to keep occupants comfortable (and safe!). Therefore, the industry stands to be impacted whichever way the trend plays out. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: How will remote working affect residential and commercial HVAC?

The Internet of Things (IoT) is the network of physical objects embedded with sensors, software and other technologies to facilitate connecting and exchanging data with other devices and systems over the internet. Use of the IoT is expanding among both business and residential applications. However, there are hurdles to overcome, including security, privacy and networking challenges. As more HVAC devices embrace the IoT, we asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: What is the impact of the Internet of Things (IoT) on the HVAC market?