HVAC Plumbing

A recent survey by pioneering advertising, marketing, and public relations agency Mower revealed that 73% of electrical and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) professionals say they are always on the lookout for new brands, uncovering a tremendous opportunity for marketers to reach this desired audience.  These findings and more are the subject of Mower’s Building + Construction Specialty’s newest report, eight Insights for Building Better Connections with HVAC and Electrical Pros. Look for new products “With our research, we were able to gain a deeper understanding of how professionals are introduced to new brands, what motivates them to look for new products, and the channels they use to learn more about the industry offerings,” said John O’Hara, Vice President, PR, and Building and Construction Specialty Lead at Mower. “Our latest report is a look into the habits of these professionals and provides brand marketers with a roadmap for engaging with this key audience.” The top reasons that professionals switch brands are easier or faster installation Although 68% of professionals have stuck with brands they were introduced to during their initial training, this doesn’t necessarily mean they are fully brand loyal. The top reasons that professionals switch brands are easier or faster installation, better brand reputation, and quality issues with a professional’s current brand.  Electrical and HVAC professionals The most important factor for these professionals when considering new brands and products is brand reputation, which they assess through distributor recommendations, product demonstrations, or their own research. Trade shows are popular locations to show off a product and more than 64% of professionals surveyed indicated they plan to attend at least one key industry show in the coming years.  Ninety-two percent of electrical and HVAC professionals rely heavily on distributors to learn about new brands and products. Outside of distributors, online research and browser searches are the pioneering tools professionals use to learn more about a brand or product. Social media, particularly in video formats like YouTube, is another tool professionals use to consume content on new brands or products. 

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.

For over 25 years, Elta Group has been growing as an international group of air movement businesses – all to enhance the lives of people, animals, buildings, and equipment.  As an international group of businesses, their values have remained consistent since the beginning.  Making It Happen ‘Making It Happen’ has always been a core value of Elta Group, ensuring that as markets change and technologies evolve, they never lose their focus. This, along with other values, has led the group to where they are, still evolving and making things happen across the globe. The most recent venture is the acquisition of Air Movement Supplies in Ireland.  distribution network expansion The investment brings another manufacturing facility to the group, located in Dublin, providing the opportunity With AMS joining Elta Group, the group is set to significantly increase its distribution network across the Republic of Ireland, allowing it to better serve customers, strengthen its product range, and boost production capabilities.  The investment brings another manufacturing facility to the group, located in Dublin, providing the opportunity to enhance production and penetrate new and existing markets.  enhanced value and innovation In announcing the acquisition, Elta Group has assured the market that experienced industry pioneers David Kelly and John Grainger will continue to lead AMS as they have done for many years. Their expertise, dedication, and strong leadership have been pivotal to the success of AMS and will help lead the new relationship between Elta Ireland and AMS.  air movement and air quality Mark Russell, Managing Director at Elta Ireland, has said, "We are committed to maintaining the excellence you have come to expect from Elta Ireland while integrating the strengths of AMS." He adds, "This acquisition represents a unique opportunity for growth, allowing us to deliver enhanced value and innovation to our customers, alongside a brand that aligns with our values and commitment to air movement and air quality."  growth and greater collaboration CEO of Elta Group, Mark Rickard, also commented, "I do not doubt understanding the culture of AMS and its approach through focusing on the customer, as a Group, we can also learn, as well as add value to their capabilities." Mark Rickard adds, "This acquisition represents a unique opportunity for growth and greater collaboration with AMS, a brand that aligns with our values and commitment to air movement and air quality. We are enthusiastic about the future and the possibilities that this acquisition brings, not only in Ireland but further afield."

The Board of Directors at JULIE, Inc. (JULIE) announced its winner of the 2024 Gina Meehan-Taylor Damage Prevention Advocacy Award at its annual meeting in Joliet, on Aug. 1. Chris Schildroth, Public Awareness Specialist for Ameren Illinois., was chosen as the 2024 recipient of the Gina Meehan-Taylor Damage Prevention Advocacy Award for his dedication as an advocate of damage prevention to natural gas pipelines. Nationwide every six minutes, someone contacts an underground utility because they didn't call 8-1-1 before that first shovel or spike broke the earth. outreach, advocacy, and education Chosen from a pool of nominations from throughout Illinois, JULIE selected Schildroth because of the positive impact he has made through outreach, advocacy, and education. In the nomination submitted by a peer at Ameren Illinois, Schildroth was recognized for being proactive and a responsive advocate for safety. damage prevention "Chris is a champion of damage prevention with a tireless commitment to pipeline safety," said Jake Dukett, supervisor of Natural Gas Public Awareness for Ameren Illinois. "Every day, he travels to communities large and small throughout our service territory, preparing emergency first responders, contractors, and public works groups on how to respond to natural gas emergencies. He has also conducted countless public awareness sessions about pipeline and underground damage prevention for members of the general public." free service Ameren Illinois would like to remind customers that marking utility lines is a free service for homeowners – and it's the law. Follow these important steps to stay in compliance and avoid serious injury, loss of service and expensive repairs:  Call 811 at least two business days before starting a digging project. Requests can be made at no cost, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 811, the national call-before-you-dig phone number, automatically connects callers to JULIE in Illinois. Wait until a professional locator comes out to mark natural gas, electric, water, sewer, telephone, and cable lines. The approximate location of buried utilities will be marked with paint or flags so that users can avoid them. Each utility type corresponds to a specific color of paint or a flag, and all of them must be marked before the user can dig. Once the site has been marked, proceed with caution. Try to avoid digging within 18 to 24 inches of each utility mark, if possible. It’s important to use the appropriate tools to dig with care and follow safe digging practices. advocacy award JULIE established the advocacy award in memory of Meehan-Taylor, who was a damage prevention professional with Ameren Illinois. Meehan-Taylor was passionate about protecting underground utilities. She actively promoted calling 811 before digging and spread the message about the importance and need to contact JULIE before digging. She had also served on the JULIE Board of Directors and Public Education Committee.

Dominic Dorfner, Senior Vice President of the Automotive Division in Semikron Danfoss, will take over as President, when Claus A. Petersen retires on August 31, after 40 years in the Danfoss Group - the last 26 years leading Danfoss Silicon Power and Semikron Danfoss. Dominic Dorfner has been named the new president of Semikron Danfoss – a pioneering global manufacturer of power electronics based in Germany and part of the Danfoss Group. Dominic Dorfner joined Semikron Danfoss in 2021 as Head of the Industry business in Danfoss Silicon Power. For the past 13 months, he has been leading the Automotive Division in Semikron Danfoss. Danfoss Silicon Power and SEMIKRON Chairman of the Semikron Danfoss Board, Danfoss Power Electronics and Drives Segment President - Mika Kulju, says: "The board of directors for Semikron Danfoss are very pleased that Dominic Dorfner has accepted the role of president. It is an important continuation of the work that has been done in Semikron Danfoss since the company was established two years ago with the merger of Danfoss Silicon Power and SEMIKRON." Mika Kulju adds, "We are very excited to be working with him to continue the growth and realize the huge potential for Semikron Danfoss in energy efficiency, electrification, and in green energy." Replacing an industry legend Dominic Dorfner is taking over for Claus A. Petersen – a renowned name in the power electronics industry Dominic Dorfner is taking over for Claus A. Petersen – a renowned name in the power electronics industry. Claus A. Petersen has been with Danfoss for more than 40 years. He was named president of Semikron Danfoss when the merger was finalized in 2022. Before the merger, he was leading Danfoss Silicon Power, a position he has held since the company was established in Schleswig Holstein in 1998 with, at that time only around 20 employees. Semikron Danfoss Semikron Danfoss has around 4,000 global employees and annual sales of over EUR 1 billion. Though now retiring as company president, Claus A. Petersen is not completely leaving Semikron Danfoss, as he has joined the board of directors. "We are fully committed to the ambitions and the strategy for Semikron Danfoss that has been developed under Claus’ leadership. I want to extend a big thank you to him, both for what he has accomplished and for accepting to join the board. This will ensure a very smooth and proficient transition," says Mika Kulju, adding "Dominic Dorfner has big shoes to fill, but he has all the needed qualities to do so and strong teams around him." Never been more relevant Efficient power electronics are vital for decarbonization. Yet another reason why the new president of Semikron Danfoss is really excited about the challenge ahead. Dominic Dorfner said: "Our purpose is to enable a huge transformation towards a CO2-neutral world for us and our kids. To do so, we need extensive electrification, we need green energy, and we need to save energy much more through energy efficiency. All that needs power electronics with the best power modules and systems out there. We can provide that, and I can’t think of a better reason to wake up early and go to work."  The first day in the new role for Dominic Dorfner will be September 1, 2024.

Marcone announced expanded offerings in its Tulsa and Oklahoma City locations, representing the company’s growth as one of North America’s largest distributors of appliance, HVAC, commercial kitchen, plumbing and pool/spa equipment, repair parts, and solutions. As a Marcone business unit, O’Connor Company added inventory in those locations to include appliance parts and plans to soon bring in plumbing products, in addition to their existing HVAC solutions. The move allows customers to rely on Marcone-O’Connor as a full-service provider for solutions in a range of industries. Marcone’s vast resources "Marcone’s vast resources allow us to bring even more options to the Tulsa and Oklahoma City repair communities," said Jennie Bryan, O’Connor Company President. Jennie Bryan adds, "We are thrilled to provide our customers an easy way to access the full range of products they might need to complete a job." Marcone-O’Connor branches The Marcone-O’Connor branches are located at 1850 N. Indianwood Ave. in Broken Arrow and 315 Hudiburg Circle in Oklahoma City. Among the products they carry are: Appliance – Parts for cooktops, dishwashers, ice makers, microwaves, and more from top brands including GE, Whirlpool, and Electrolux. HVAC – Air handlers, flex duct, thermostats, registers, and more from quality manufacturers such as Trane and Mitsubishi. Coming soon: Plumbing – Supply lines, angle stops, gaskets and drains, and more from premier providers like Honeywell, Fluidmaster, and Milwaukee. Marcone Group's distribution network Marcone Group has expanded its footprint and product offering in recent years, entering the HVAC, plumbing, commercial kitchen, and pool/spa sectors. The company boasts nearly 200 locations in the U.S. and Canada, including distribution centers in most major metro areas. That vast distribution network affords next-day delivery to 93% of the United States and 100% two-day. "With a catalog spanning five industries, Marcone has created something that doesn't currently exist in today's marketplace," said Avichal Jain, Chief Executive Officer of Marcone, adding "Many of our customers work across multiple industries but always have had to keep their suppliers separate. In the parts distribution arena, the one-stop shopping offered by Marcone is truly unique."

The HVAC market is forecasted to grow at a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.9%, with a prediction to reach $370 billion by 2030. But in reality, the HVAC and plumbing industry is changing rapidly, with operators facing new challenges like never before. Whether it’s rising costs, the uncertain economy, increasing competition, or the workforce shortage, there’s no doubt the HVAC and plumbing market is evolving. So how do you adapt? That’s the key question. My take is that we can’t predict the future, but we can adjust based on the facts on the field. That’s why now is the time for industry operators to focus on strategies that elevate growth, relationships, and longevity. Here are three ways to tackle today’s market. 1. Diversify Service Offerings With the rising costs of customer acquisition and market competitiveness, it is increasingly challenging to build a successful, resilient trade business by just offering one service — especially if it’s a seasonal specialty. While one-service shops were the norm historically, things have changed in the market. The contractor’s relationship with the customer has never been more valuable, and offering multiple trades allows operators to keep relationships within the four walls of the company – without referring valuable leads (or the potential to lose a customer entirely) to the competition. While one-service shops were the norm historically, things have changed in the market By adding more services to your HVAC and plumbing line-up, you become the one-stop, go-to source for essential home services in your market. For the long-term sustainability of the business, it is crucial to ultimately offer the essential three services: electrical, plumbing/sewer, and HVAC. Additionally, when you provide a variety of services your business will experience less seasonal or cyclical highs & lows because it’s well-rounded, diverse, and, ultimately, healthy. 2. Build Scale through Investment It’s a fact: The home services market is highly fragmented, with over 100,000 contracting businesses active in the United States. It also continues to churn out profits — making it a quality investment for home services investors and private equity sponsors. The fragmented market dynamic is an ideal opportunity for consolidation – and there is more investment capital flowing into the market than ever before. Owners with ambitions to grow can be aggressive with tuck-in acquisitions to offer differentiated services Nationally, scaled Platforms backed by investors or large franchisors service ~20% of the market in a metro area. The benefits of scale are significant: substantial purchasing power (especially on equipment), robust digital/traditional marketing capabilities, programmatic recruiting/training functions, breadth of service offerings, and robust balance sheet to fund growth and investment – just to name a few. However, not every investor is the same. Many employ business practices inconsistent with the culture of founder/owner-backed businesses, which smart entrepreneurs/operators can use to their advantage. Owners with ambitions to grow can be aggressive with tuck-in acquisitions to offer differentiated services and build breadth/new skills in their businesses. Alternatively, businesses struggling to make it on their own or with owners approaching retirement, can partner with larger service providers so they can keep practicing their trade without having to run the day-to-day business – just be careful with selecting the right investor to protect your people and legacy. 3. React in Real Time One thing the HVAC and plumbing industry has proven over the last few years is its resilience – especially for the best operators. No matter what the economic climate is, homeowners still need to protect and stay comfortable in their most valuable asset. That should provide a sense of job security to HVAC and plumbing professionals — but also motivate you to go the extra mile to attract and retain business. Just because the HVAC and plumbing industry has shown signs of being recession-resistant (for now) does not mean it can’t be impacted by the economy. That’s why it’s crucial to manage the business daily – especially pricing and the components of gross margin. The best operators review cost inputs with their teams weekly and adjust mid-month, which ultimately helps the business maintain its health and profitability. As we head into the back half of 2024, it will be interesting to see how the rest of the year plays out for the industry, and I continue to be optimistic about a bounce back after a tough 2023. We will have to wait and see-but with the strategies above, businesses can position for success no matter what happens in the future.

How can UK businesses effectively tackle the challenge of cooling commercial and industrial buildings? Cooling commercial and industrial buildings can be a challenge for UK businesses. In recent years, the spiraling energy costs have put pressure on businesses with regard to finding new and innovative ways to achieve the same result with less capital outlay and less maintenance. New system installs have sometimes been put on hold and maintenance schedules squeezed, leaving many businesses with the challenge of managing aging HVAC assets and deciding when and where to invest. Systems without regular maintenance can experience unpredictable downtime and parts availability is not always guaranteed. Evaporative Cooling Evaporative cooling is an alternative cooling method that not only offers higher energy efficiency Business owners will always wonder how they can improve the cost-effectiveness, ease of maintenance, and sustainability of systems their business needs. When it comes to cooling business premises, there’s a solution that not enough people know: Evaporative Cooling.  Evaporative cooling is an alternative cooling method that not only offers higher energy efficiency than alternative HVAC solutions but also has cheaper running costs. Since then, it has been our mission to develop and use this technology to tackle the cooling challenges in industrial processes. Cooling Challenges in Industrial Processes With regard to cooling, many industrial processes have a high heat gain, whereby the process itself generates heat which must be managed. There are numerous sectors where this is occurring, two prime examples from our customer experience are industrial-scale bakeries and plastic molding facilities. The production line may be operational 24 hours a day, seven days a week In an industrial-scale bakery using modern production methods, the production line may be operational 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The constant production of heat and steam from large ovens working to high temperatures must be managed carefully, especially given the health and safety requirements for food production areas. Heat gain from the industrial processes Plastic molding facilities manufacture a variety of end products from everyday items such as plastic bottles for household goods to more specialist storage and packaging products. In a plastic molding facility heat is used to mold the liquid plastic but chemical particles may also need extraction to maintain a safe working environment. Production in any of these facilities may be adversely affected by the heat gain in the process itself. Unplanned and unmanaged heat in any manufacturing facility has the potential to stop production resulting in a cascade of business interruption, lost revenues, damaged stock, and missed productivity targets. All potentially severe impacts for any business to consider. Plastic molding facilities manufacture a variety of end products. In addition to heat gain from the industrial processes, we should also note that UK air temperatures are rising, the top 10 warmest years for the UK since records began in 1884 have all occurred since 2002. As the UK continues to experience temperature rises and more seasonal fluctuations we need to look to those more experienced with warmer climates to optimize and improve our own approach to cooling these spaces. So, let’s consider the choices to cool large commercial and industrial spaces. Conventional air conditioning (AC) systems Cotton mills and textile plants were among the early adopters of the technological advancement Most of us will be familiar with conventional air conditioning (AC) systems but let’s review how they work: The first “modern” air conditioning unit was built by the American inventor Willis Carrier in 1902 and was used to control the temperature in the Sackett-Wilhelms Lithographing & Publishing Company in Brooklyn, New York. This innovation helped to control the paper dimension and ink alignment. Cotton mills and textile plants were among the early adopters with the technological advancement soon spreading across the world. Today a conventional AC unit removes heat and moisture from the air. It uses a chemical refrigerant to cool the air which is then re-circulated in the building. The same air is then filtered as it returns to the unit. Key Facts of Conventional Air Conditioning Temperature can be controlled. Air is mostly recirculated within the space or building. The resultant energy performance of the system can be negatively impacted by high external temperatures, i.e., the hotter the external temperature the greater the amount of energy needed to run the unit and maintain the desired temperature. Complete systems are expensive to install and maintain due to the more complex requirements associated with the refrigerants used within the units. The cost to run large systems is expensive resulting in high and unpredictable energy bills. Chemical refrigerants are used ultimately negatively contributing to climate change. Conventional air conditioning cannot be said to be a bad choice however, in our experience, it is more suited to smaller spaces with a defined use. Office spaces would be a good example of where air conditioning systems can still be a good solution albeit without the benefit of reduced running costs. A fantastic sustainable alternative to conventional air conditioning is an evaporative cooling system. Historically championed in warmer climate countries, the technology delivers several benefits over and above conventional and familiar air conditioning. Evaporative Cooling Solutions Fresh, filtered air enters the system and is pulled through a cooling pad Reflecting on global history, examples of evaporative cooling can be seen as far back as 1350AD. One case describes how in Cairo, Egypt, a building was purposely situated up-wind, to catch the air and let it flow down the building and across a fountain which increased the relative humidity and lowered the temperature of the surrounding air. A fascinating early adoption of the evaporative cooling effect. Evaporative cooling systems as the name suggests use evaporation to cool the air; surprisingly no chemical refrigerants are involved in this process. Fresh, filtered air enters the system and is pulled through a cooling pad where the heat is absorbed. The resultant cooled air is distributed throughout the space via ducts. Key Facts of Evaporative Cooling Temperature and humidity can be accurately controlled. Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is improved because of the introduction of 100% fresh outside air this in turn improves employee comfort, health, and well-being and supports good productivity. Cooling performance is improved with increasing external temperatures–efficiency rises along with the temperature. Initial capital outlay costs are relatively low, in comparison to a like-for-like conventional air conditioning system. Running costs are low, lowering energy bills and energy dependence. Based on the evaporation principle and using only water to cool, combined with the lack of chemical refrigerant make evaporative cooling a responsible, energy-efficient, and sustainable choice for cooling your industrial or commercial workplace. Lowering Carbon Footprint with Evaporative Cooling The carbon footprint is a method of determining environmental impact Lower your business carbon footprint with an evaporative cooling system. When measuring a carbon footprint, it’s the amount of carbon dioxide directly or indirectly produced. The carbon footprint is a method of determining environmental impact. If an industry appliance uses a low level of electricity, it minimizes the environmental impact. Evaporative cooling systems can contribute to lowering the carbon footprint of your factory and warehouse in the following ways: Evaporative cooling products can use up to 82% less energy compared with conventional air conditioning. This is a huge saving both initially and across a lifespan of more than 15 years. Evaporative coolers also consume up to 30% less water than conventional AC systems despite relying on water to provide evaporation for the cooling effect!  Addressing Industrial Hotspots In addition, industrial manufacturing workplaces often have hot spots that are uncomfortable to work in and those spaces are not just hotter than the rest of the building, but hotter than external ambient conditions. Evaporative cooling may be used to “spot cool” these hot spots and therefore reduce the need for the multiple units that would be needed to cool the entire space. Evaporative cooling is a proven technology perfect for all kinds of HVAC applications across multiple industries, this includes manufacturing plants and commercial warehouses. When cooling these large areas, evaporative cooling is repeatedly more cost-effective than traditional air conditioning. The primary benefit being the initial capital outlay to design and install the system is lower than conventional air conditioning. Secondly, the day-to-day running costs are again less owing to the reduced energy demand by the sophisticated technology used in these coolers. Unusually, these cost savings are also underpinned by the eco-friendly credentials of the technology, potentially contributing to reducing the carbon footprint of your business. This can be further enhanced by installing supportive clean energy technology such as solar power.

From temperate climates that reach mid-90 F in June and mild winters allowing people to be outdoors without jackets to the “May flowers” that bloom in early March, it’s evident that society is experiencing World Refrigeration Day’s 2024 theme: “Temperature matters.” In addition to driving climate change, global warming is driving changes in how people live and how industries adapt and innovate to support new dynamics. This is especially true for the HVACR Industry. Over the past several years, contractors have been busy installing and servicing cooling systems in climate zones that historically haven’t needed them. There’s a major focus on achieving more energy efficiency and lower water consumption in cooling the world’s escalating number of data centers.  Impact on HVACR Industry There’s also increased demand to conserve water in cooling towers and/or adiabatic condensers and for elevated indoor environmental quality (IEQ) to improve health and productivity. A few examples show how rising global temperatures are impacting the HVACR industry These few examples demonstrate how rising global temperatures are impacting the HVACR industry. Sharing a huge part of the spotlight of industry solutions are refrigerants, which now need to work harder than ever to keep people comfortable and foods, beverages, and pharmaceuticals at proper temperatures. And they must do so without contributing to global warming and other environmental concerns. Refrigerant priority #1: lower GWP Assessing refrigerants for their ability to address climate change concerns starts with their global warming potential (GWP). That’s why attention has turned to A2Ls, which offer significantly lower GWP than legacy refrigerants. The three “big players” in the A2L arena—R-454A, R-454B, and R-454C—are now being selected for new-generation equipment solutions in various HVACR applications. A look at GWP reduction in a sampling of these applications tells the story: R-454A and R-454C can provide a 94% to 96% reduction in GWP as an alternative for R-404A, while offering similar performance Applications that historically would use a new R-410A unit can transition to R-454B, resulting in a 77% reduction in GWP. The industry is also choosing HFO-1234yf, an A2L currently used in air conditioners in 95 million vehicles on U.S. roads. HFO-1234yf has an AR4 GWP of 4 and is also used as a blend component in Chemours A1 and A2L products. Although A2Ls are for new equipment only, lower-GWP A1 refrigerant solutions can help in retrofits. For most applications using a higher-GWP HFC in an existing system, there’s likely a lower-GWP HFC/HFO blend for retrofit applications Other refrigerant priorities Of course, the value of a refrigerant is based on more than just low GWP Of course, the value of a refrigerant is based on more than just low GWP. The true innovation in refrigerant development lies in striking the optimal balance between environmental impact and performance for a diversity of applications. For example, after developing what are now considered three major players in the future of refrigerants—Chemours Opteon™ XL40 (R-454A), Opteon™ XL41 (R-454B), and Opteon™ XL20 (R-454C)—our chemists remain in the labs and work with pioneering industry partners to lower GWP even more, without compromising other properties. It’s important to consider how well a refrigerant addresses several key factors: Low GWP and zero ozone depletion potential (ODP) Reduced energy consumption Circularity—the ability to be recovered, recycled, and reclaimed Lower operating costs over the lifetime of equipment Safety—for everyone from technicians to end users Overall performance—measured by capacity, reliability, and efficiency Can be serviced by a large existing workforce of trained technicians Responsible manufacturing focused on reducing carbon emissions Availability and supply chain strength A2L refrigerants have been designed with these factors in mind, raising the bar in terms of performance and support for environmental priorities. Addressing climate zone challenges In addition to solutions designed for today’s many residential, commercial, and industrial cooling and refrigeration applications, the industry needs a full toolbox of systems, components, and refrigerants to meet—in a highly efficient manner—the challenges of cooling and heating in various climate zones. These range from Zone 1, which is very hot, humid, and dry, to the subarctic Zone 8 ASHRAE divides the U.S. into eight major climate zones. These range from Zone 1, which is very hot, humid, and dry, to the subarctic Zone 8. In between these two extremes, we find various levels of heat/cold, humidity, and dryness. These climate zones provide system engineers with guidance for choosing the best designs—including refrigerant selection—so that each zone can be equipped with the appropriate system, optimized for year-round capacity, efficiency, reliability, and more. New-generation heat pumps For example, the high heat and humidity of a tropical climate put heavy demand on cooling equipment—from air conditioners to refrigeration systems. These cooling systems are likely to run most of the year, so choosing a highly energy-efficient option is paramount. By contrast, we have zones with overall colder ambient temperatures. Heat pumps must be properly sized to ensure occupant comfort. Cooling systems in these climates have limited use during the year, but they must perform reliably when needed. In climates where heating buildings take priority over cooling them, we’re finding a significant transition from traditional AC-only units to new-generation heat pumps. Heat pumps must be properly sized to ensure occupant comfort and keep the heat pump from “struggling” to control humidity when operated in AC mode. Choosing refrigerant solutions There is no question the world’s temperature is on the rise. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, since 1982, the rate of the Earth’s warming has risen approximately 0.36 F (0.20°C) per decade—more than three times the average rate of all previous decades measured. The 10 warmest years on record all occurred in the past decade. And 2023 was the warmest year on record for North America, South America, and Africa, as well as the second warmest for Europe. As climate change continues to warm up winters and heat up summers, refrigerants will play an increasingly important role in “cooling down” people and products and helping to reduce the impact that industry and society have on “heating up” the planet. Everyone can do their part by understanding that temperature matters, then choosing refrigerant solutions that have lower GWP, support other environmental needs, and offer the right combination of performance attributes for a given climate zone.

It takes a proliferation of data centers to serve the growing computing needs of the Internet, and all those servers churning away create plenty of heat. Might some of that heat be harnessed and used for residential or commercial heating? The emergence of district heating systems, which provide thermal energy to multiple buildings from a single source, demonstrates the approach has broad possibilities. Air-cooled chillers and air-handling units used to cool data centers are like the technologies that cool residences and businesses. They just operate on a larger scale and require a higher degree of resilience and redundancy to ensure data center servers operate without interruption. District heating system The law of physics dictates that the energy you put into a data server will come out as heat, and heat is a byproduct of data center cooling systems. Rather than exhaust that heat into the outside environment, how can it be captured and channeled into a district heating system to heat water and/or to provide warmth to homes and businesses in the same neighborhood as the data center? Law of physics dictates that the energy you put into a data server will come out as heat  Mitsubishi Electric designs engineered solutions that both cool data centers and generate heat output that can be captured for district heating applications. “We want to capture the heat and repurpose it for someone else to use,” says Simon Prichard, Product Strategy Manager for Engineered Solutions for Mitsubishi Electric. Reusing wasted heat from data centers can help to decarbonize heating. United Kingdom's Energy Act 2023 An additional heat pump can be used to increase the “low-grade heat” generated by a data center to the temperature needed for district heating. Alternatively, district heating systems might be upgraded to accommodate the lower-temperature heat from data centers. Additional heat pump can be used to increase the “low-grade heat” generated by a data center. The United Kingdom and other governments globally are promoting the creation of district heating networks. Legislation such as the United Kingdom's Energy Act 2023 identifies areas within England where certain new and existing buildings will be required to connect into district heating networks. Legislation is pushing developers toward district heating and away from the use of fossil fuels. District heating applications Water cooling is a developing technology for data centers, which mostly use air-cooling systems In November 2023, the UK government awarded £36 million to a district heating system in West London that will share data center waste heat with up to 10,000 new homes. Hot air from a data center can provide some of the energy needed for a district heating system, and water-cooling systems can provide even more. Water cooling is a developing technology for data centers, which mostly use air cooling systems. Cooperation is needed to realize the scenario of capturing the heat from data centers for district heating applications. Government legislation can drive requirements to embrace the approach, but the multiple involved parties, including data center operators and the architects and engineers creating nearby communities, must also cooperate. Greater ESG goals Energy must be reused in the geographic area immediately surrounding the data center for the scenario to be financially viable. In an industrial estate, for example, the excess heat could be used for nearby farming; the reuse is not restricted to domestic or residential applications. The various parties tend to be “siloed,” so a concerted effort of “joined-up thinking” is needed to bring all the parties to the table to enable such a system. Construction of new data centers is accelerating, and the centers are getting larger. Construction of new data centers is accelerating, and the centers are getting larger. Currently, 4 or 5% of total electricity output is used by data centers, and ways to reuse that energy are a growing priority for ethical companies in the data center market. Large companies that use data centers are drawn to the district heating scenario to achieve greater ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) goals. Moving forward, it behooves everyone to think of data centers as not just generating data but as energy centers generating sustainable energy. Mitsubishi Electric’s products MEWALL mixes high version with energy efficiency, space optimization, and cost-effectiveness “We live in a connected world, and we need data centers,” says Prichard. “The world won’t work without them, but many people don’t know what a data center is and how much we rely on them. Society doesn’t realize how embedded they are.” Among Mitsubishi Electric’s products for the data center market is the MEWALL air handling unit, a “wall” of fans with built-in controls, valves, and filters that are mounted alongside a suite of data servers. MEWALL combines high performance with energy efficiency, space optimization, and cost-effectiveness. Water circulates inside the fans, using cold water produced by a chiller. View of the MEWALL system Smaller data center needs can be addressed using technology such as Mitsubishi Electric’s indoor s-MEXT high-precision air conditioner connected to a Mr. Slim R32 Power Inverter outdoor unit. The indoor unit is customized to the client’s requirements for use in a data center.  At the Data Center World trade show in London in March, Mitsubishi Electric used virtual reality (VR) to provide attendees with a simulated view of the MEWALL system. Given the dimensions of 4 by 2.3 meters, transporting the system to the show presented prohibitive cost and logistical challenges.

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 flammability of the new class of low-GWP refrigerants is a source of misunderstanding and unnecessary anxiety among contractors who will be working with the newer materials, which must be used by HVAC equipment manufactured beginning Jan. 1, 2025.   A2L refrigerants The newer A2L refrigerants, specifically R-454B, perform similarly to previously used materials such as R-410A, and flammability is so mild as to be almost negligible. What’s needed is more education to make contractors more comfortable with the newer refrigerants. And sensible precautions, of course.   flammability of refrigerants Among the trainers educating the industry on the benefits of, and needed precautions for, the new materials is Don Gillis, Technical Trainer of Chemours.   “The flammability part of it is the elephant in the room,” says Gillis. “Our training seeks to remove the fear of the unknown and to get ahead of what the expectations are.”  Don Gillis experience At Chemours, he is applying his real-world experience to address the practical aspects of the refrigerant transition Gillis’s background includes more than 32 years of experience in the industry, 24 of which were on a service truck. Before coming to Chemours, he was the Senior Technical Trainer for Copeland compressors where he helped to train thousands of contractors across North America.  At Chemours, he is applying his real-world experience to address the practical aspects of the refrigerant transition in hundreds of training sessions this year.   peculiarities and similarities of new refrigerants “Change is now coming so fast that technicians are struggling to keep up,” says Gillis. “We need more education, not just about the differences in the new refrigerants but also about the similarities. We need to understand the peculiarities and the similarities of new refrigerants compared to what we used in the past.”   Features of A2L refrigerants The refrigerants are safe when handled properly, offer lower toxicity, and have been used effectively around the world Working with A2L refrigerants such as Opteon XL41 (R-454B) is similar to working with R-410A. For R-454B systems, the installation and service procedures are similar. Moreover, the best practices that technicians have used for years remain applicable with A2Ls. These refrigerants are safe when handled properly, offer lower toxicity, and have been used effectively around the world to increase efficiency and reduce emissions.  When working with R-454B, processes that were once described as good practice will be required. These processes include purging a line with nitrogen to remove any residual refrigerant, testing lines under pressure for 60 minutes, and documenting the results.  training sessions Gillis is seeing higher-than-expected attendance at his training sessions this year, with actual attendance sometimes doubling what was expected. There are classes with more than 100 in attendance, even 200 and 300 in some cases. While most of the training is geared toward contractors, distributor training is similar, ensuring that the “counter people” speak the same language as their customers when it comes to the transition.   Urgency due to transition “We are not having an issue of people not coming to training,” says Gillis.  “I think right now there is a new urgency because [the transition] is happening. Dealers and distributors are telling them the new equipment is coming out, and they are peeking in to see what the hubbub is all about. We want everyone to get better. The more knowledge the better.”   R-454B refrigerant availability All equipment manufactured or imported beginning in 2025 will use newer refrigerants New equipment that uses R-454B refrigerant will be on the market within weeks. At least three original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) say they will have equipment out by the end of the first quarter. All equipment manufactured or imported beginning in 2025 will use newer refrigerants.  Misinformation Misinformation is a problem as the refrigerant transition looms, says Gillis. For example, 50 to 60% of attendees at a recent training session were still under the impression that the new refrigerants contain hydrocarbons such as propane. Not true. The flammability of A2L refrigerants more closely resembles the refrigerants currently in use than materials at the far end of the flammability spectrum.  Fact-checking and myth-busting A2L refrigerants have already been used safely for years in automobiles, window air conditioners, PTAC systems, and dehumidifiers.  “I’m all about fact-checking and myth-busting,” says Gillis. “You don’t know what you don’t know.” Some of the misunderstandings may have come from earlier messaging in the industry that addressed A2Ls along with other “flammable refrigerants” such as propane, thus confusing the matter.  Key points Key points Gillis seeks to communicate in his training sessions include:  ∙There are no hydrocarbons or propane in A2L refrigerants.  ∙Although similar to previous refrigerants, an A2L refrigerant cannot be used in an existing unit.   ∙No extra ventilation or placards are required for trucks carrying A2L refrigerants; tanks of Chemours’ Opteon XL41 (R-454B) refrigerant can be transported on their sides.   ∙The 440-pound maximum allowable refrigerant truck load stays in place.  ∙Safety and handling requirements and good installation and service practices are required.  ∙Factors such as servicing, installation, safety, pressure, temperatures, and oils are the same for R-454B as for R-410A.   To access educational resources, contractors and others may visit Opteon.com to request training by webinar, remotely, or in person. There are also YouTube videos available on demand.   training certificate Chemours provides a 2-hour certificate of attendance, with a number enabling “credit” with NATE, ACCA Although there is currently no EPA requirement for special training on the new refrigerants, the jury is out on whether a requirement might be forthcoming. There currently are also no federal or state certifications. Chemours provides a 2-hour certificate of attendance, with a number enabling “credit” with North American Technician Excellence (NATE), Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA), or whomever.   high-GWP refrigerants The U.S. AIM Act will limit the amount of high-GWP refrigerants that can be made in coming years. As the manufacture of legacy refrigerants is phased out over time, existing legacy systems will need to use more reclaimed/recovered refrigerants from existing systems. Fortunately, the processes of reclamation are improving, and even refrigerant mixtures will still have value in the market moving forward. {##Poll1709537519 - What is your preferred format when it comes to training on new aspects of HVAC equipment and installation?##}

When Mulalley and Co needed to update the existing boilers at its main office in Essex, a new Wessex ModuMax mk3 system from Hamworthy Heating – a trusted British manufacturer and supplier of commercial heating and hot water products – was installed to help maximize space at Teresa Gavin House. With its previous floor-standing system taking up much of the plant room floor at Teresa Gavin House, Hamworthy proposed a system using two Wessex ModuMax mk3 floor-standing, vertically stacked modules with a total power outlet of 464 kW, a new plate heat exchanger and a Chesil pressurization unit. In line with updates to the existing building regulations Part L, a new boiler flue was also fitted as part of the new installation.  New Wessex ModuMax mk3 system The new Wessex ModuMax mk3 system offers a practical alternative to larger floor-standing alternatives. This means that Teresa Gavin House now benefits from increased floor space and improved access to its plant room. Featuring a stainless-steel design for added protection against corrosion, Mulalley and Co. can also expect to benefit from valuable cost savings on future service and maintenance intervals. Keen to stick to a brand they could trust, the new upgrade at Teresa Gavin House replaces seven NGR floor-standing cast iron sectional boilers from Hamworthy Heating that have been in operation for nearly 30 years. Mulalley expects to benefit from valuable cost savings on future service and care intervals Michael Danes, Mulalley and Co. comments, “Hamworthy products offer a robust and reliable solution, backed by an exemplary service and market pioneering warranty. Any minor issues or questions we had during this process were handled quickly and easily by the Hamworthy team. We’re looking forward to seeing the expected benefits of the new Wessex ModuMax mk3 system at Teresa Gavin House.” Reliable and efficient heating system Available in five modules with outputs (@80/60°C) of 97, 116, 147, 196, and 254 kW, Wessex ModuMax modules can be stacked two or three high in up to 15 combinations up to 762 kW output. Providing the benefits of high turndown ratios and load matching for improved efficiencies, the system delivers the right amount of heat at the right time, with little or no wastage. Following a successful upgrade, Teresa Gavin House now benefits from improved efficiencies and increased space within its plant room. Completed in two months, building occupants are now benefitting from a reliable and efficient heating system.

CIAT Air Handling Units (AHUs) and Heat Recovery Units were installed at the Radisson RED Liverpool, the first outpost of the prestigious international hotel chain in the north of England. CIAT is a part of Carrier Global Corporation, a global pioneer in intelligent climate and energy solutions. Housed in a Grade II-listed property with roots dating back to the 1800s, the hotel is a blend of historical significance and contemporary design and a distinctive addition to the city’s hospitality offering.  indoor air quality The property, which was originally a hotel known as Northern Western Hall before becoming student accommodation in the 1990s, underwent extensive renovations to transform it back to its original use as a 10-story hotel with 201 guestrooms and suites.  The hotel decided to equip the property with CIAT’s HVAC solutions to ensure optimal indoor air quality for guests and staff.  CLIMACIAT Air Access units CLIMACIAT Air Access units cover all main areas of the hotel, offering exceptionally quiet operation Five CLIMACIAT Air Access units from the company’s flagship AHU range provide high-quality comfort and fresh air for guests and staff, with integrated heat recovery systems making use of energy that would otherwise be lost from the building for ambient space heating and hot water production. They cover all main areas of the hotel, offering exceptionally quiet operation, so guests are not disturbed.  CIATESA Heat Recovery Units Additionally, four CIATESA Heat Recovery Units provide filtered airflow and temperature and CO2 control for the meeting rooms in the basement area. CIAT worked closely with building services engineering specialists to ensure all of the equipment was delivered on time and to schedule. Simon Pearson, Area Chief Engineer at the Radisson RED Liverpool, said, "Ensuring the optimum comfort of our guests and staff is extremely important to us." a constant flow of clean air Simon Pearson adds, "The CIAT air handling units distribute a constant flow of clean air throughout the entire building, meaning we can rest assured our guests and staff are always in a healthy and comfortable environment. Additionally, they operate so quietly that they go virtually unnoticed, enhancing the overall ambiance of our hotel." flat pack service Dan Wood, Head of Sales for CIAT UK&I said, "Improving indoor air quality and comfort levels were key drivers in the overall approach to the project." He adds, "Due to site issues, we found storage for the AHUs and organized redelivery to meet the requirements of the site. Due to the size of one of the heat recovery units, we needed to provide our flat pack service to be able to get it down to the basement." CIAT monobloc chassis solution The equipment has been fully coastal-protected from the saline environment, as the hotel is less than a mile from the Liverpool Docks, and otherwise the moist, salt-laden air could corrode the metal surfaces of the AHUs. Each AHU came fully pre-built from the factory and mounted in a CIAT monobloc chassis solution to enable each AHU to be lifted as one whole piece to save time, overcoming challenges related to road closures during the project. The first crane lift with three of the AHUs happened overnight as the council couldn’t grant road closures during normal working hours.

A primary school and bowls pavilion in a South Wales village have switched to clean, renewable heating, but in an innovative way that cannot be replicated anywhere else in Wales. Ffynnon Taf Primary School and the Pavilion at Taff’s Well Bowling Club in Taff’s Well, Wales, have had a bold new heating system installed by Kensa, the UK-based Ground Source Heat Pump specialists, that uses naturally occurring heat from the only thermal spring in Wales – the historic Taff’s Well Spring. This unique water source heat pump system harnesses natural heat from the warm spring water, which emerges from deep beneath the earth at around 21°C, to provide the two council-owned properties with low-carbon heating and hot water. Kensa’s ground source heat pumps  Using the innovative clean heating method instead of gas is expected to cut the school and pavilion’s carbon emissions linked to heating by close to 80%. It also demonstrated a way of using Kensa’s ground source heat pumps without drilling vertical boreholes to access heat energy stored in the ground. The bold idea of using the Taff's Well thermal spring to heat buildings was initially proposed by the Friends of Taff’s Well community group, who were looking at other ways the historic spring could benefit the local community. Renewable heating installations The project follows other retrofit renewable heating facilities met in non-domestic buildings by Kensa This project follows other retrofit renewable heating installations completed in non-domestic buildings by Kensa. Using ground source heat pump technology the UK’s pioneering manufacturer and solutions provider has futureproofed heating and lowered carbon emissions caused by heat in multiple UK schools and council properties. The unique installation also highlights the versatility of Kensa’s ground source heat pump systems and forms part of Rhondda Cynon Taf Borough Council’s ambitious plans to decarbonize by 2030. How the system works Kensa’s ground source heat pumps, found in thousands of UK properties, are usually set up to source energy from the ground to provide heating and hot water. The one-of-a-kind installation at Taff’s Well pumps warm water from the spring and passes it through a nearby heat exchanger, which is connected to Kensa’s ground source heat pumps housed inside the school and pavilion. In this highly energy-efficient system, heat energy stored in the warm spring water is absorbed and converted by the heat pumps into usable energy for the school and pavilion’s heating and hot water systems. While in the system, the water is confined to its own pipework, mostly hidden under the ground and out of sight, and doesn’t encounter any other substances to ensure there’s no issue of contamination or pollution. To keep the connecting pipework hidden and to avoid above-ground damage, Kensa horizontally drilled hundreds of meters between the Well, the school, and the pavilion. After passing through the system, the clean water is emptied back into the Well’s overflow, feeding into the River Taff. This is the only system installed by Cornwall-based Kensa that uses a natural thermal spring as a heat source. New low-carbon heating Kensa’s Dr. Gadsden saw the site, along with reps from Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council On Tuesday, 16th July, Kensa’s Dr. Stuart Gadsden visited the site, along with representatives from Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council, to demonstrate to pupils from the Ffynon Taf Primary School’s Eco Committee how their new low-carbon heating and hot water system works. Dr. Stuart Gadsden, Kensa Contracting Commercial Director, said: “This is an incredibly unique system and really demonstrates how versatile Kensa’s ground source heat pumps are. It was great to show the pupils how their exciting new heating system works and how it will reduce their carbon footprint." Ground source heat pump technology Gadsden added: “Kensa has a proven track record of delivering the high efficiencies of ground source heat pump technology for numerous UK schools and local authorities, providing them with a futureproofed low-carbon heating system." “Using the historic Taff’s Well thermal spring as a renewable heat source is a brilliant example of how bold ideas can lead to something that benefits future generations. It’s something the whole community can be proud of, and we were pleased to play our part in making it happen.” Success of the thermal spring installation Ffynnon Taf Primary School Headteacher, Kathryn Price, said: “We are very excited about how Taff’s Well Thermal Spring has been utilized for the whole school community. Our Eco Committee thoroughly enjoyed learning more about the heat pump system and how this helps to reduce the school’s carbon footprint. We will continue to celebrate the success of the thermal spring installation in our community for many years to come.” Jon Arroyo, Energy and Carbon Reduction Manager at Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council said: “We have the ambition to decarbonize the Council by 2030 and we understand there is no one solution to decarbonize our heating systems, so it is important that we look at what heat resources are around or under us. As a Council, we see our role in exploring alternative solutions to help steer our businesses and residents in their journey towards a net zero future.”

Nearly Bergamo, Italy, there is a weather station that collects meteorological data and monitors air quality. Its operation requires professional equipment that, however, works without a permanent power supply or the presence of staff. Such conditions put the equipment and other assets at risk. In fact, the station had already suffered from several intrusion attempts and needed a security system to be put in place. Challenge Protect a remote object without a permanent power supply Like many remote objects, the weather station does not have a permanent power supply and cannot afford a full-time presence of staff members on the site. After several intrusion attempts, the client needed to secure an area of 600 square meters, prevent equipment theft, and put an end to the damage made to the agricultural produce growing on the site. They looked for a professional security system that could operate outdoors without mains power and was easy to manage remotely.  Solution Wireless outdoor security system with flexible power options and remote control The implemented security system consists of 11 Ajax devices, coupled with a third-party solar panel, battery, and case In response to the challenge, Von Wunster Next s.r.l. configured a solution for securing the object that has no permanent power source or staff on-site but has extensive sun exposure. The implemented security system consists of 11 Ajax devices, coupled with a third-party solar panel, battery, and case. At the core of the system, there is a Hub 2 (2G) Jeweller control panel with a low-voltage PSU 6V. The latter allows the hub to operate from an external 7 A h battery for years. The battery, in turn, is charged via the 25 W solar panel (10 A). If the external power supply fails, the hub switches to a built-in battery and continues to protect the object for up to 16 hours or even 60 hours if the Battery Power Saver feature is enabled. The client and central monitoring station of the security company instantly receive a notification about the power issue to be fixed. The company has enough time to get to the remote object for restoring power without compromising its security. A SIM card (2G) ensures connection with the network, so Von Wunster Next s.r.l. won’t miss a thing. StreetSiren DoubleDeck Other elements of the security system are wireless outdoor Ajax devices that operate with pre-installed batteries for up to 3 years. Several MotionCam Outdoor Jeweller cover the perimeter and detect movement within seconds. The device’s photo-by-alarm feature allows minimizing expensive patrol dispatches to false alarms and gives the client peace of mind. StreetSiren DoubleDeck activates the sound of up to 113 dB and bright LED indicators in response to an alarm to deter and expose intruders. Communication with the wireless devices is provided via Ajax proprietary radio protocols Jeweler and Wings at a distance of up to 2,000 m. It’s perfect for covering large areas such as that of the station. Ajax SpaceControl Jeweller key fobs Dealing with the security system is as easy as it gets for both the client and the security company The client can control security modes effortlessly. There are four end users with different rights, and they can manage the system in the Ajax app on their phones and with wireless Ajax SpaceControl Jeweller key fobs. Von Wunster Next s.r.l., which installed the system and conducts monitoring, can track the devices’ status and take care of their configuration and maintenance remotely in the majority of cases.  Dealing with the security system is as easy as it gets for both the client and the security company. All the devices are either weather-resistant or reliably hidden in the case to withstand the impacts of the environment. Constant exposure to rain or sun does not affect the security system. Why Ajax Flexible power supply options. Ajax's product portfolio includes PSUs designed to connect the system to a low-voltage power supply even when no permanent power source is available. Wireless Ajax devices operate with pre-installed batteries for up to 3 years. Visual alarm verification. With photo verification, system users and monitoring company operators can promptly verify whether an alarm is real and save costs on patrol dispatches. It is a particularly important feature for remote objects. Remote system management. The system can be managed, configured, and maintained through Ajax apps with no people present on-site, which is a cost-effective solution for a remote object. Products Hub 2 (2G) Jeweller - Security system control panel with support for photo verification MotionCam Outdoor Jeweller - Wireless outdoor motion detector with a photo camera to verify alarms 6V PSU for Hub 2/Hub 2 Plus/ReX 2 - Power supply unit for operation of the device from portable battery StreetSiren DoubleDeck Jeweller - Wireless outdoor siren with a clip lock for a branded faceplate Ajax SpaceControl Jeweller - A key fob for controlling security modes

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.

A development of 16 social homes designed and built to achieve the Passivhaus standard has been constructed in Dalbeattie, Dumfries & Galloway, with the support of Baxi and its air source heat pump solutions and services. To play its part in delivering these new net-zero homes for Loreburn Housing Association, heating contractor James Frew Ltd required a solution that would provide sustainable heat to the properties; in this case, air source heat pumps. Services, training, and products The team then needed to find a strategic partner that would be able to offer the solutions and onsite support to implement the technology. Facing stringent design requirements to make the homes efficient and low carbon, James Frew Ltd partnered with Baxi to benefit from its full range of support services, training, and efficient products. energy efficiency and comfort This type of home will play a key role as local authorities and housing associations such as Loreburn Designed By Architect, Robert Potter and Partners and built by main contractor Ashleigh (Scotland) Ltd, the two and three-bedroom properties were to meet the highest standards of energy efficiency and comfort, part of Loreburn’s commitment to delivering new homes fit for the future. This type of home will play a key role as local authorities and housing associations such as Loreburn look to deliver new homes in line with the New Build Heat Standard (Scotland) or Future Homes Standard. heat pump Using the Passivhaus model, the entire home had to be designed around achieving the best energy efficiency as well as the heating source being a heat pump. This involved specifying not only the insulation and windows to meet the standard but also the correctly sized heat pump for each home. Space was also a consideration in the homes. The design needed to guarantee there was ample room for the internal and external elements of the heat pump solution, without compromising on comfort for tenants. Air source heat pumps and uSense controls The James Frew team worked closely with Baxi’s experts – Specification Manager Craig McVicar and Engineering Solutions Manager Ryan Kirkwood – to ensure the correct specification of the heat pump for the design requirements of each house. Baxi’s air source heat pumps, compatible cylinders, and uSense controls were specified to provide the heating and hot water provision for each of the 16 homes through three radiators. training, installation, and commissioning They benefitted from expert support on site, ensuring the full system was designed correctly and could be installed As part of Baxi’s heat pump service, the team of engineers had access to the company’s specialist training to allow them to become familiar with the specified solution and be confident in installing it before the project began. They also benefitted from expert support on site, ensuring the full system was designed correctly and could be installed within the space. Baxi’s Commissioning Engineers, Michael Murray, and Adam Stock were on hand to oversee the commissioning of each of the heat pumps and make certain they would operate as expected once in place at each home.  design support Evan Peat, Senior Contract Manager at James Frew Ltd, said, “From tender to completion, it has been great to have the support of Baxi’s expert service throughout the process. The design support and training meant the team had peace of mind that the most suitable products would be going into the homes and that our engineers were comfortable with the installation of them." “It was also really important to have the support on-site from Craig and Ryan. Having their expertise on the ground meant we were able to overcome this challenge and still meet the Passivhaus standard.” net-zero social housing Rob Pearse, Director of Distribution Sales at Baxi UK, added, “This innovative project is a great example of how collaboration and consultation can result in amazing results for delivering net-zero social housing." "As heating solutions experts, we can work closely with social housing providers and their appointed contractors to consider the different approaches for low-carbon heating, selecting the most suitable solutions for the application." technology and intelligent design “Whether it is a new build project to Passivhaus standard like this one or decarbonizing existing developments through retrofit, we are committed to providing the complete home service to our social housing clients.” Alison Maxwell, Project Delivery Officer for Loreburn HA commented “The standard of these homes is a testament to Loreburn’s commitment to building warm and highly energy efficient homes, where technology and intelligent design come together to create a sustainable future for our tenants.” energy savings Speaking about his experience of living in one of the properties, Alan Vinnie, a Loreburn tenant added, “It’ll help to lower my energy bills which is a huge relief." "You can notice the change in the air and it’s so quiet. I think all future builds should be of this quality."

There is a severe shortage of skilled technicians in the HVAC trade, reflecting an urgent need to attract more employees to careers in HVAC. The estimated 80,000 unfilled positions across the United States are the result of multiple trends, from an aging workforce to a lack of training and education. There is also a public perception problem: HVAC jobs are often seen as dirty, sweaty, and unskilled positions. But how can the industry address the problem? We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: How can the industry attract employees to career opportunities in HVAC? 

The HVAC market is a rapidly changing environment on a variety of fronts, from the introduction of new refrigerants to the increasing use of artificial intelligence to the embrace of interconnected systems in the Internet of Things (IoT) environment. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: How will the HVAC market change in the next five years?

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?