Smart Home

Quilt, a pioneering home climate technology startup, released new consumer research, revealing a growing consumer desire for upgraded heating and cooling. The findings highlight an increase in awareness for heat pumps, and a preference for a more efficient, design-forward, and intuitive approach to home climate control.  The company’s ductless heat pump system is modernizing home comfort with its superior efficiency, smart technology, and sleek design, setting a new standard for heating and cooling solutions. Key findings Quilt's Heat Pump Awareness and Perceptions Research revealed key findings: Year-over-year research shows dramatic increases in positive perceptions of heat pumps: 67% of homeowners see heat pumps as a good heating option (up from 54%). Nearly half of homeowners (47%) now see heat pumps "for people like me" (up from 34%). Heat pumps, contrary to belief, can cool homes (58% of homeowners agree, up from 50%). 40% of homeowners recognize heat pumps increase home value (up from 28%). Quilt’s findings also show that heat pumps are increasingly seen as a practical solution that can benefit the entire family: Heat pumps provide more control over home comfort (49% of homeowners agree, up from 36%). Heat pumps are seen as healthier than gas heat (45% agree, up from 43%). Heat pumps offer long-term affordability (43% agree, up from 38%). Benefits of heat pumps "The future of home comfort is all-electric," says Paul Lambert, CEO of Quilt. "Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the benefits of heat pumps, and are ready for a home climate solution that’s not only efficient, but seamlessly integrates into their lifestyle and elevates the design of their homes." Four expertly engineered parts The Quilt mini split is a single system made of four expertly engineered parts, delivering the world’s most intuitive, advanced, and efficient home climate solution. Key features include: Superior efficiency and performance: Quilt is the most efficient 2-zone heat pump on the market, having earned an Energy Star Most Efficient 2024, and Energy Star Cold Climate label. Quilt boasts a SEER2: 25, HSPF2: 12, CEE Tier: 2. Smart technology: Quilt's vertically integrated technology boasts 500 times the processing power of traditional heat pumps, enabling intelligent occupancy detection that automatically adjusts temperatures to save energy and lower bills. Likewise, intuitive room-by-room control, accessible via the Quilt Dial and Quilt App, personalizes temperatures for every household member, while over-the-air updates ensure the system continues to get smarter, more efficient, and gains new features over time. Elegant design: Quilt's architectural design seamlessly blends into any home, offering customizable indoor units with white oak or paintable/wallpaperable white front covers. The mini split’s compact design (under 8” tall) allows for versatile placement, and the units can even be used as a warm accent light source. Quilt's presence at AHR Expo is an opportunity to discuss these innovative offerings and the company’s commitment to sustainable comfort.

Build4Asia — Asia’s Innovative Technology Showcase for Building, Electrical Engineering, and Security Industries is set to embark on an exciting new chapter in 2025. Event aim Originally scheduled for May at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, the event will take place from 15-17 July at AsiaWorld-Expo, co-locating with three other technology-focused exhibitions including The Battery Show Asia, Mobility Tech Asia, and the brand-new Data Center Asia. Through this strategic move, the event aims to sharpen its focus on cutting-edge technologies, expand its impact across Asia, and deliver the same level of excellence Build4Asia is known for.  Enhanced Exhibits and Broader Visitor Base through Co-Location  Spanning six halls at AsiaWorld-Expo, this comprehensive technology showcase accelerates digital transformation Build4Asia will be co-located with three prominent tech shows: The Battery Show Asia, Mobility Tech Asia, and Data Center Asia. Leveraging the success of the parent shows in the US and Europe, the three events are all making their first Asian edition in Hong Kong. Spanning six halls at AsiaWorld-Expo, this comprehensive technology showcase accelerates digital transformation across sectors. It enhances Hong Kong’s connectivity to regional markets, positioning it as a key hub for technological innovation and collaboration.  Efficiency and sustainability In addition to building up regional presence, the co-location significantly expands the event’s exhibit profile and customer base, drawing in more buyers from a diverse range of sectors including energy storage, system integration, environmental sustainability, power generation, IT and infrastructure, engineering, property development, facility and building management, physical and cybersecurity, risk management, as well as venture capitalists and investors. This convergence equips building professionals with comprehensive tools to enhance project efficiency and sustainability, fully capitalizing on the evolving demands of smart and resilient cities.  Charting the Hybrid Landscape for Smart City Advancement  Build4Asia 2025 unveils a forward-thinking new theme “Charting the Hybrid Landscape for Smart City Advancement”, focused on creating smart, inclusive, and equitable cities. This vision unfolds through a thoughtfully crafted two-stage approach. The first stage emphasizes integrated infrastructure planning, striving to enhance urban efficiency by reimagining the construction and management of buildings and utilities, from design and architecture, waste management, water and energy consumption to transport systems. The second stage delves into the transformative potential of data and technologies, seamlessly blending physical infrastructure with digital intelligence. Hub for data sharing and collaboration Build4Asia 2025 not only drives the evolution of urban landscapes but also enriches the quality of life for citizens By showcasing innovative products and services across these stages, Build4Asia 2025 not only drives the evolution of urban landscapes but also enriches the quality of life for citizens, fostering a brighter and more sustainable future. This vision is further realized through the strategic co-location with other technology-centric expos, connecting key sectors such as construction, energy, data centers, and transportation to create a comprehensive blueprint for smart city development. By moving beyond traditional focuses on infrastructure, hardware, and software, Build4Asia aims to establish itself as a vibrant hub for open information, data sharing, and cross-industry collaboration.  Strengthening Connectivity and Influence Across Asia  This year, Build4Asia is making a strategic shift from local to regional, expanding its reach to encompass the North Asia and Greater China markets, particularly in the burgeoning Greater Bay Area (GBA). This evolution is facilitated by the relocation to AsiaWorld-Expo, a prime venue situated near the city’s key infrastructures. Located right next to the Hong Kong International Airport, one of the world’s top three airports for international passenger traffic, the event provides unmatched convenience by drastically reducing the travel time for international participants. Seamless access Additionally, the venue’s proximity to the Guangdong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge, which connects GBA to Hong Kong in only one hour, ensures seamless access for visitors from Macau and Mainland China, further enhancing the overall ease and appeal of the event. To further enhance accessibility, Build4Asia will provide a variety of personalized transport services, including shuttle services from the city center and other requested locations, discounts on Airport Express, and many more, ensuring a tailored and effortless travel experience for all. Saving time The new venue, coupled with enhanced accessibility options, offers unrivaled connectivity to a global audience The services are designed to streamline the whole sourcing journey, allowing attendees to save time and focus on what truly matters.  The new venue, coupled with enhanced accessibility options, offers unrivaled connectivity to a global audience, allowing them to forge wider connections with industry counterparts from across Hong Kong, Asia, and beyond.  A New Chapter for Building Excellence  Build4Asia is taking a significant step forward in 2025, positioning itself as a leading regional platform where the most advanced building technologies and forward-thinking regional professionals converge. Driven by an enhanced focus on building technologies, co-location with cutting-edge tech shows, and a strategic relocation to strengthen its regional influence, Build4Asia 2025 will surpass all previous editions in scope and impact, serving as the definitive technology hub for Asia’s building industry. Join us from July 15-17, 2025, at AWE to experience this exciting new evolution.

Hive has announced an upgrade to its smart thermostat technology, which now includes OpenTherm, delivering customers with OpenTherm-compatible Combi boilers a reduction of up to 12% in gas consumption. OpenTherm allows constant communication between the thermostat and the boiler, resulting in greater modulation of the flow temperature within a home heating system. OpenTherm-compatible heating kits The eco-tech brand will be rolling out its new OpenTherm-compatible heating kits The technology enables the boiler to adjust its output more accurately based on the current heat demand, making it run more efficiently and reduce household emissions. The eco-tech brand will be rolling out their new OpenTherm-compatible heating kits from 16th January.   Hive’s OpenTherm upgrade will also help to extend the lifespan of its customers’ boilers and has been designed to enhance the efficiency of central heating systems and provide homeowners with advanced control over their home's temperature and energy consumption. Innovative home heating solutions Gerry Fergus, Product Development Analyst for Smart Heating at Hive, said: "We’re on a mission to deliver innovative home heating solutions that benefit our customers and the environment, allowing them to save money on their bills, while reducing their carbon emissions." He adds, "Upgrading our thermostat technology not only aligns with our objective of making home heating smarter and more efficient for our customers."

I remember Dr. Dave Bowman from Kubrick's "2001: A Space Odyssey" commanding HAL 9000 to open the pod bay doors, and HAL chillingly responds, "I'm sorry, Dave. I'm afraid I can't do that." Fortunately, unlike the fictional HAL," ChatGPT and other GenAI tools remain compliant and helpful, far from refusing commands or leaving us stranded in space. In the rapidly evolving landscape of technology, artificial intelligence (AI) should play a pivotal role in transforming various aspects of our daily lives, using climate tech. One significant domain where AI should make substantial strides is in the realm of smart homes. With the advent of Generative AI (GenAI), the capabilities and possibilities for enhancing smart homes can reach unprecedented levels. New level of personalization Machine learning algorithms can analyze user behavior over time, learning patterns and anticipating needs GenAI brings a new level of personalization to smart homes by understanding and adapting to individual preferences. Machine learning algorithms can analyze user behavior over time, learning patterns and anticipating needs. This allows for the creation of highly personalized automation systems that can adjust lighting, temperature, music, and other home settings based on the occupant's habits and preferences. For example, GenAI can learn when occupants typically wake up and adjust the thermostat and lighting accordingly. It can also integrate with other smart devices to streamline daily routines, such as brewing coffee when it senses the user waking up or adjusting the home security system based on historical usage patterns. Landscape of smart home technology In an era defined by the pressing need to address climate change, one of the most significant contributors to energy consumption is often overlooked—the ubiquitous air conditioner (AC). The key to addressing this issue lies in the synergy of AI and cutting-edge technology. In the ever-evolving landscape of smart home technology, climate tech startups must disrupt the dated and non-smart devices of air conditioners and heat pumps to reduce CO2 emissions and the loads on power grids.  The key to addressing this issue lies in the synergy of AI and cutting-edge technology In mid-January 2024, Sensibo, the pioneering Climate Tech IoT company combining smart heating and cooling devices with a more sustainable world, took a giant leap forward with the integration of an advanced AI Assistant powered by OpenAI's ChatGPT. This innovation represents a significant advancement in Climate Tech IoT, specifically in the realm of smart heating and cooling devices. I’d like to exemplify how Sensibo utilizes Large Language Models (LLMs) to enhance user experiences, conserve energy, and optimize HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) performance. Understanding the AI Assistant's Capabilities Voice-activated assistants have become a staple in smart homes, and GenAI can significantly enhance their capabilities. Natural Language Processing (NLP) algorithms powered by GenAI enable more nuanced and context-aware interactions. This means users can communicate with their smart homes in a more natural and conversational manner. The integration of GenAI with voice assistants allows for improved comprehension of user commands, pioneering to more accurate responses. Additionally, GenAI can learn from user feedback and adapt over time, making the voice-controlled interface more intuitive and user-friendly. Sensibo AI Assistant Sensibo's AI Assistant is planned to understand complex user bids and hire in telling talks The Sensibo AI Assistant is not just another voice-activated tool. Unlike traditional voice assistants with predefined commands, Sensibo's AI Assistant is designed to understand complex user requests and engage in meaningful conversations. This includes responding to simple commands like "I'm cold" by adjusting the heating to a desired temperature. Moreover, it can handle more intricate tasks, such as creating schedules based on weather forecasts and energy considerations. This functionality not only adds a layer of interactivity but also empowers users to seamlessly integrate AI capabilities into their daily heating and cooling routines. The advanced system goes beyond mere understanding; it empowers the AI Assistant to take direct actions with connected HVAC systems. Integration Timeline: ChatGPT in Sensibo Sensibo raises an enhanced AI assistant, leveraging the capabilities of the ChatGPT The journey began in 2023 when ChatGPT was initially integrated into Sensibo. Initially, the focus was on offering suggested recommendations based on user behavior patterns. This included automated AC schedules tailored to individual preferences and personalized Climate React recommendations.  Building upon this foundation, Sensibo now introduces an enhanced AI assistant, leveraging the capabilities of the ChatGPT Large Language Model. Leveraging AI for Energy Efficiency Traditional heating and cooling devices are notorious for their inefficiency, contributing significantly to global energy consumption and CO2 emissions. OpenAI's innovative technology, driven by the AI Assistant into smart HVAC, aims to revolutionize how users manage their heating and cooling systems. The integration of AI allows users to issue commands to the cloud, which, in turn, controls HVAC devices within their premises. This goes beyond understanding and processing user requests; it translates into taking direct actions that optimize energy consumption. The potential for energy savings is up to 40%, showcasing the transformative impact of AI on AC performance and overall energy bills. The integration of the ChatGPT Large Language Model into AI Assistants marks a significant stride in smart climate technology. The marriage of advanced AI capabilities with climate control systems showcases the potential for sustainable living through energy-efficient HVAC management. As the AI revolution deepens, climate tech companies must embrace these new technologies and research and develop how they can benefit the users and our climate.

Using air conditioners and electric fans to stay cool accounts for nearly 20% of the total electricity used in buildings around the world, according to a report from the International Energy Agency. hybrid work model As a unique mix of key factors, such as the adoption of the hybrid work model and escalating heatwaves in certain regions of the United States keep people indoors for longer periods, this 20% share represents an increasingly costly line item on household budgets. Those within the market are responding by seeking out products that can help them control climates more efficiently. Smart thermostats and inverters Markets for smart thermostats and inverter HVAC controllers are clear illustrations of in-demand technology Given what the industry is experiencing, the markets for smart thermostats and inverter HVAC controllers, which are clear illustrations of in-demand technology, are experiencing growth. But as they do, are the technologies growing together or growing apart? Rapid Growth in Both Markets  Discounts and incentives The smart thermostat market has expanded steadily in recent years, with that growth projected to continue through the 2020s in part due to savings of up to 8% on energy bills homeowners can recoup with the best smart thermostats. The sleek design and digital interface of modern smart thermostats, coupled with the increased control capabilities provided by mobile applications, seem to offer homeowners unprecedented control over their indoor climate. Moreover, the growing popularity of rebate programs providing discounts and incentives is making these solutions even more attractive. Real-time heating/cooling needs with Inverter/VRF Inverter/VRF HVAC systems are capable of adjusting the frequency of the compressor precisely Concurrently, the market for Inverter/VRF HVAC control systems is also expanding. It is estimated that the global Inverter/VRF market will grow from USD $17.6 billion (2020) to $31.9 billion (2025) at a CAGR of 12.7%, with the US identified as the fastest-growing Inverter/VRF market. Unlike their single-speed system counterparts which operate on an on/off or all-or-nothing dichotomy, Inverter/VRF HVAC systems are capable of adjusting the frequency of the compressor to precisely match the real-time heating/cooling needs of an environment. By regulating the fan speed and airflow, Inverter/VRF systems are extremely efficient at keeping an environment at a precisely set temperature.  Enhanced HVAC system performance or not? Given the rapidly expanding markets, one might think that the easy interface of the current smartest thermostats and the operational efficiency of the best Inverter/VRF HVAC controllers could combine to create an exceptionally comfortable and cost-efficient experience for homeowners, and an easily interoperable install for HVAC pros. However, the question remains: have these devices genuinely enhanced HVAC system performance in terms of accuracy, consistency, and efficiency? More importantly, have they made living spaces more comfortable? Have these growing markets and technological advancements made life easier for industry pros?  Persistent and pervasive incompatibility This communication breakdown leads to issues such as set temperature variance, inefficient operation Many are surprised to discover that the response to these important queries is frequently negative and “no”, due to a persistent and pervasive incompatibility between smart thermostats and Inverter/ VRF HVAC controllers. It is this incompatibility that ultimately negates the advanced features and intelligence of each product. This communication breakdown leads to issues such as set temperature variance, inefficient operation, and energy consumption.  Confronting the Critical Interoperability Challenges Ideally, the current smart thermostats, and the benefits they bring such as user-friendly interfaces, would integrate flawlessly with high-efficiency Inverter/VRF HVAC systems, enhancing comfort and cost-efficiency while simplifying installation for HVAC professionals. Unfortunately, this ideal scenario is elusive. The core problem stems from these technologies developing and evolving separately, and in isolated environments. Inadequate two-way communication While individual support for certain protocols may exist, they fail to communicate complex instructions effectively While individual support for certain protocols may exist, they fail to communicate complex instructions effectively due to inadequate two-way communication. When a smart thermostat is improperly paired with an intelligent Inverter/VRF HVAC system, the resulting communication breakdown forces the HVAC system to revert back to single-speed operations, completely undermining its full potential, and sophisticated features. Inefficiency and discomfort Given its prevalence, what does this incompatibility mean for HVAC professionals and their clients? Consider a scenario where a user desires to adjust the indoor temperature to 68°F via a smart thermostat. Since the Inverter/VRF unit can only be adjusted by means of its own communication protocol, and the output of the smart thermostat is a dry contact closure, the 68°F would never be properly relayed to the air conditioner. In other words, the smart thermostat does not provide information on how hard the system is working or the deviation of the current temperature from the desired set point. As a result, the system cannot modulate its output to precisely match the temperature needs of an environment, and the air handling unit within the system is forced to always operate at high speeds creating inefficiency and discomfort.  On-and-off mode Homeowners miss out on the benefits of their investment, and installers find themselves in the predicament Moreover, this style of operation is quite noisy, as the HVAC system drones on at full capacity every time it is reactivated. This on-and-off mode of operation consumes more energy, comparable to stop-and-start gas-guzzling city driving versus smooth highway cruising. Both homeowners and installers bear the brunt of these drawbacks, homeowners miss out on the benefits of their investment, and installers find themselves in the predicament of either explaining this intricate issue or spending valuable time troubleshooting. What Can Be Done to Address Incompatibility?  While this convergence of technology and home comfort presents significant potential and profound challenges, this situation is not without a solution. The industry’s most advanced smart thermostats and efficient Inverter/VRF HVAC controllers both possess impressive capabilities, but the key to success lies in improving their ability to fluently exchange commands and information.  Translator between smart thermostat and Inverter/VRF These remarkable devices contain the unit's protocols, deftly translating the commands of the smart thermostat Thankfully, there are solutions within the market from industry pioneers that act as a "translator" between the smart thermostat and the Inverter/VRF unit. These remarkable devices contain the unit's protocols, deftly translating the commands of the smart thermostat, creating a seamless conduit of communication. Enhancing interoperability Enhancing interoperability is a prevailing trend across the smart home sector, and it is imperative the HVAC industry works to align with this trend. By embracing such changes, HVAC professionals can offer unparalleled value and functionality to their clients while simultaneously reducing installation complexities. This paradigm shift offers a unique opportunity to alleviate their challenges while providing customers with extraordinary value and performance from their HVAC systems. 

AI (Artificial Intelligence) is a smart buildings’ biggest ally. Without it, a building could hardly be classed as smart. For building owners and managers, AI is imperative to create a secure and comfortable experience for their occupants every day. What a building platform should do is gather data from various sources from the building management system and other smart technologies, to gather it all in one place. The data should then be fed into a flexible, scalable cloud-based platform that stores it securely and standardizes the data. However, that still doesn’t make it a smart building. Building platforms integration with built-in AI Truly smart buildings are made, when building platforms are integrated with built-in AI. These technologies facilitate integration and enhanced intelligence, across a building or estate, all the while improving building operation for its occupants. They can also monitor building and equipment performance, and factor in building system data, and external input, including weather and traffic. Ultimately, this allows for Machine Learning to constantly monitor building spaces and when systems need to be optimized. This allows for increased building efficiency and lowered costs, with limited human intervention. AI offers predictive analysis in HVAC AI can also apply predictive analysis in HVAC, lighting and appliances, as well as fault detection and diagnosis AI can also apply predictive analysis in HVAC, lighting and appliances, as well as fault detection and diagnosis. Any potential issues can then be addressed, prior to something serious happening and an engineer can be sent out to fix it, with the right part, the first time itself. For rooms that aren’t in use, energy-efficiency savings can be made easily and effectively, by reducing energy consumption in those areas. AI uses sensors to monitor room occupancy and makes real-time decisions, based on the insights. Occupants can then have the optimal levels of ventilation, temperature and light for the rooms they are in, but precious resources can be saved in the rooms that aren’t. All in all, this helps both the buildings bottom line and the planet. The Personal Benefits of AI When it comes to smart building technologies, the most important aspect is that the technologies work exactly how they need to. This is why AI is such a useful tool, as every Building Manager, Operations Executive, or Health and Safety Officer can plug into the platform, and make decisions based on real-time data. This comes from creating a scalable platform in the Cloud, helping monitor and action everything from HVAC to access control, to occupant experience to fire detection. However, it’s not just those people who are responsible for the building’s operations, can get hands-on experience with AI. Many smart buildings now put their technology in the hands of each occupant, including office workers, teachers, CEOs, or nurses. Smartphone apps, unique to your building or estate, can help guide visitors from A to B, book meeting rooms or operating suites, or inform maintenance, when something goes wrong, all from the palm of their hand. AI-enabled security cameras To access buildings, users can present their access control credentials, in the form of a card or pin To access buildings, users can present their access control credentials, in the form of a card or pin, as they traditionally have, but then face a camera to further verify their identity. These cameras use AI algorithms to identify users with very high confidence and the combination of facial recognition, and traditional card access provides a higher level of assurance for secure access, while minimizing disruption for the users. Importance of utilizing the right AI technologies Buildings that utilize the right AI technologies in the right ways can be truly transformed. For building management businesses, it can closely align them to a tenant organization’s business and deliver the experiences occupants need and want. In turn, they benefit their own business, both financially and operationally. Making buildings smarter – or smart in general – will help overcome some of our most prevalent challenges. In particular, the aggressive net-zero and sustainability targets that businesses have promised to reach. For most, the issue isn’t with having the data, but rather with actioning the insights to see real change. With AI, it becomes possible, and we can start to see real changes in our buildings.

An expansive construction boom is underway in Saudi Arabia, amplified by the Saudi Vision 2030 initiative promoting global engagement, enhanced quality of life, and economic diversification beyond petroleum. Mega-projects pioneering the way include The Line, a linear smart city that is only 200 meters (220 yards) wide, towers 500 meters (550 yards) above sea level, and stretches 170 kilometers (105 miles) from the Neom 26,500-square-kilometer (10,200 sq. miles) urban area across desert valleys to the Red Sea.  sports and tourism investment An unprecedented investment also includes sports and tourism and has attracted the attention of major players in the construction industry, who are gathering at the Big 5 Construct Saudi exhibition in Riyadh. The event enables attendees to connect with government representatives and other visitors involved in Saudi Arabia’s gigantic construction projects.  HVAC systems HVAC systems play a major role in the construction boom, including the construction of new district cooling plants Given the hot climate, HVAC systems play a major role in the construction boom, including the construction of new district cooling plants and an enormous number of data centers, which require extensive cooling systems to operate. HVAC R Expo is one of the “Big 5” categories at the exhibition, enabling companies access to top contractors, project managers, distributors, and engineers involved in growth opportunities across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia.  Victaulic’s grooved solutions Victaulic, the mechanical pipe joining specialist, is a major supplier playing a role in the Saudi expansion, which also includes a future Vision 2040 plan that will begin in 2027. Active in the Saudi market for 25 years, Victaulic’s grooved solutions are used throughout the burgeoning Saudi construction industry, including in the commercial, fire protection, water, oil and gas, and mining sectors.  multitude of applications Victaulic’s prefabrication and modularization services accelerate the installation process even further In the HVAC sector specifically, Victaulic solutions serve a multitude of applications from district cooling to data centers to cooling systems for large skyscrapers. Victaulic’s grooved couplings can be installed quicker than traditional welded or flanged joints and without specialist labor. By reducing the work carried out on the job site, Victaulic’s prefabrication and modularization services accelerate the installation process even further. This is important for keeping up with the fast pace of construction projects in Saudi Arabia while ensuring the highest quality and reliability.  Sustainability Sustainability is another priority for Vision 2030 projects in the Kingdom. Because there is no welding required to join pipes with Victaulic’s technology, energy consumption and emissions are significantly reduced during the installation process. The couplings themselves are made from 98% recycled content in electric induction furnaces that emit 85% less CO2 per ton than a traditional blast equivalent. And they are infinitely reconfigurable, reusable, and recyclable as buildings are extended or repurposed in the future.  one-stop solution provider Cooling such a tall building involves multiple chiller stations connected with building riser solutions (pipes) At the Big 5 event, Victaulic aims to showcase its abilities as a one-stop solution provider for pipe joining. However, given the raft of high-rise construction in Saudi Arabia, particularly in Riyadh and Jeddah, cooling systems for tall buildings will naturally be in focus. For example, the Jeddah Tower, currently under construction, will be 1 kilometer (3,280 feet) tall and become the tallest building in the world when it is completed. Cooling such a tall building involves multiple chiller stations connected with building riser solutions (pipes) that run the entire span of the building. use of expansion joints Traditionally, in a tall building, thermal expansion and contraction require the use of expansion joints that accommodate the impact of changing temperatures on the pipes. Victaulic’s couplings, however, are inherently flexible to a degree, which eliminates the need for space-consuming expansion loops or expansion joints that can fatigue over time. This improves the reliability of the system as well as keeping shafts as narrow as possible to maximize sellable floor space.  investment focus Continuing investment by banks and trust funds in key Saudi projects encourages Victaulic Continuing investment by banks and trust funds in key Saudi projects encourages Victaulic to continue its commitment to the region. “This region has committed to continuous investment,” says Zeyd Ammoura, Victaulic Division Manager for the Middle East, Africa, and Turkey. “These projects translate into a massive need for products, and they have a vision as more investment focuses on the region. Our vision is to walk parallel hand-in-hand with the Saudi 2030 vision.” Reason for Big 5 exhibition participation “They need a lot of data centers, and they need a lot of district cooling plants,” adds Ammoura, “so that's also something that is getting a lot of our attention. And that's one of the major reasons we are going to be participating in the Big 5 exhibition.” While historically population centers in Saudi Arabia were mostly concentrated, the new vision includes development throughout the large country including areas where infrastructure did not previously exist and must be created. Thousands of new cooling systems will be needed for the new buildings, data centers, stadiums, and other facilities. Infrastructure development Investment is also being made to expand the infrastructure to accommodate future waves of construction In addition to near-term construction projects, investment is also being made to expand the infrastructure to accommodate future waves of construction. “They are building now to serve expanded projects in the future,” says Ammoura. “Saudi Arabia is our top priority for the next five to 10 years in the region.” Air conditioning (AC) usage A stadium, planned as part of The Line, will host the 2029 Asian Winter Games, the 2034 FIFA World Cup, and other big events. With scorching summers and limited natural cooling, Saudi Arabia has the highest air conditioning (AC) usage globally. This intense cooling demand accounts for nearly 50% of the country's annual electricity consumption, reaching 70% during peak periods. These factors drive the need for district cooling systems, which distribute cooling capacity in the form of chilled water or other medium from a central source to multiple buildings through a network of underground pipes for use in space and process cooling.  Reducing fossil fuel use Victaulic is furnishing a large exhibition booth at the Big 5 event to highlight their technical solutions Saudi Arabia is seeking to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels for energy production, and district cooling systems can be powered by renewable energy sources like solar, further contributing to sustainability.  In addition to promoting its profile at Big 5 Construct Saudi, Victaulic is increasing its number of local employees and is looking into opening a local facility in the area to support the big growth in business. Victaulic is furnishing a large exhibition booth at the Big 5 event to highlight their technical solutions. piping and flow control systems Ammoura says that Victaulic’s capabilities expand beyond the manufacture of piping and flow control systems. The company also pledges to be a delivery partner and engineering company that builds solutions. “We help to design and optimize the project and help to build better construction,” says Ammoura. Victaulic has participated in many Saudi district cooling plants so far and plans to continue to be a part of building engineering and construction capacity.  BIM (building information modeling) Victaulic utilizes BIM to provide 3D visualization of systems before they are built and installed Victaulic utilizes BIM (building information modeling) to provide 3D visualization of systems before they are built and installed. The company’s virtual design and construction department works with companies and allows customers to “walk through a project” virtually and optimize design and innovation, thus taking out the guesswork before a needed change becomes overly expensive and delays the project.  reassurance and reliability “The challenges in any project cycle, regardless of scale, means owners, general contractors, and construction teams require reassurance and reliability from designated partners, and Victaulic has expanded offerings to become a comprehensive one-stop solutions provider, including design, fabrication, spooling, and quality control." "We are committed to being a partner for our customers and contributing to Saudi Arabia’s construction boom as efficiently, reliably, and sustainably as possible,” Ammoura says.

Data-driven control of centralized home and building HVAC systems is helping to minimize energy usage, lessen sustainability concerns, and provide greater levels of comfort for lower costs. However, room air conditioners are globally the fastest growing segment, each operating independently with the aid of a remote control. How can the lessons and capabilities of data-driven control systems be applied to the world of room air conditioners?  Sensibo is looking to do just that. Sensibo aims to be the brains of an indoor climate system, using data to provide the best comfort, energy efficiency and air quality to every home and office. The company’s systems connect to ACs and may be remote-controlled via a mobile app, along with full integration with Google Assistant, Alexa, Siri, and Apple HomeKit. HVAC systems The backgrounds of Sensibo founders Ran Roth and Omer Inbar are not in the HVAC market. Coming from the world of data and artificial intelligence (AI), they were looking for an industry that could benefit from data more than it was. Constituting a quarter to a third of the energy used by humanity and representing substantial sustainability challenges, the HVAC market had the potential to benefit greatly from an approach using data, computational power, and machine learning. Computational power to leverage the data points into knowledge of how to control the HVAC systems In fact, Ran Roth, Sensibo’s CEO and co-founder, says there were two major elements previously missing from how HVAC systems were controlled. The missing elements were data points, provided by various sensors and other information, and computational power to leverage the data points into knowledge of how to control the HVAC systems. “The combination of computation power in the cloud and more data from systems can save a lot of energy, 20% on average,” says Roth. Sensibo control systems Emerging control systems such as Nest, Ecobee, and Emerson’s Sensi provide high levels of control for centralized HVAC systems, but what about the 87% of systems that use room air conditioners? How can new technologies address this fastest-growing market segment? Sensibo’s low-power solution controls any room air conditioner that uses a remote control and is among the easiest systems to install for do-it-yourself homeowners. Some 99% of users install the units themselves. Sensibo control systems communicate using the infrared remote-control protocols of the 30,000 or so available models of room air conditioners. The company mapped out more than 1,000 protocols used by various models, and “reverse-engineered” them to be controlled by the system, a process that took about three years. The technology is also compatible with variable refrigerant flow (VRF) and mini-split ductless systems – basically any system that uses a remote control. Sensibo’s mobile application Sensibo’s mobile application suggests recommendations based on a user’s behavior patterns In the area of artificial intelligence (AI), Sensibo recently integrated OpenAI’s ChatGPT into its smart AC products. The advanced language model uses a deep learning architecture called transformers. For the first stage of integration, Sensibo’s mobile application suggests recommendations based on a user’s behavior patterns, such as an automated AC schedule based on the customer behavior of the user and climate react personal recommendations.  “Since we come from the field of AI, we are very excited about the recent developments (regarding ChatGPT),” says Roth. “There is a lot of hype, but there are also results beyond the hype. We were amazed by what it could do.” Traditional approaches Sensibo is using the new technology to fine-tune products and to improve how they process results, with more accuracy and better cost-effectiveness. “With Chat GPT, you get both good results, and you can understand why,” says Roth. The company expects to see additional uses for the technology over time. Traditional approaches to analyzing AC data require a lot of fine-tuning in terms of signal processes. Advanced language models and other new technologies make it easier to develop a smart system at scale. “We can analyze data in new ways and come up with new answers and fewer customizations,” says Roth. “It’s a game changer.” Environmental elements Sensibo collects more than a billion data points a day from more than a million unique uses Sensibo systems collect more than a billion data points a day from more than a million unique uses by customers. The resulting data, including factors such as humidity and temperature, and air quality elements such as volatile organic compounds and carbon dioxide, enables computations that allow the system to control environmental elements more precisely. The system also considers factors such as local weather conditions based on geolocation, and presence sensors that let the system know if a home or room is occupied. “We found that around 37% of people use a totally incorrect temperature on (their thermostat setting),” says Roth. “Because of various circumstances they may never reach the target temperature and then you spend more and more energy in an ineffective way.” The system also analyzes air quality indoors versus outside and may advise a user to open a window for greater ventilation, for example. Sensibo’s technology Interfaces and notifications are provided through a smartphone, and the system’s application programming interface (API) enables integration with 100 home automation systems and with programs of utility companies, which might subsidize or pay for the unit. Directing power usage to non-peak hours, the system saves money for consumers and helps utility companies shift usage patterns to be the most cost-effective. “If a house is insulated, you can pre-cool before you arrive home from work (in a non-peak period) for less money,” says Roth. Sensibo’s technology is not compatible with smart thermostats. Currently, Sensibo sells mostly through Amazon and the company website Currently, Sensibo sells mostly through Amazon and the company website. They are looking to expand their distribution in big-box stores and to work with professional HVAC installers and trade distribution. “It’s a product people love,” says Roth, who urges interested HVAC installers to contact the company through their website. Customer Involvement A benefit of the product is greater customer involvement in how their AC system operates. They might use the app several times a day, which provides greater potential to connect and, possibly, more service and maintenance opportunities for HVAC professionals. “Part of our philosophy is that indoor climate is not just about heating and cooling,” says Roth. “The gases around us are more than just how we feel. We see air quality as part of the same system. Currently air quality systems are disconnected from the heating and cooling systems, but they should be the same systems.”

The 486,805 square feet of exhibit space at AHR Expo 2023 in Atlanta provided clear evidence of how technology innovation in HVAC has accelerated in the last decade. Change and progress were everywhere among the 1,779 exhibitors, including 425 international exhibits. HVAC systems on display New electronic tools, cloud-based solutions, higher efficiency ratings, mini-split systems, new regulations, and new control strategies are driving product development enabling HVAC systems to deliver new solutions for customers. The 42,794 attendees at AHR Expo 2023 took notice. Heat pumps continue to lead product innovation, with many systems targeting better performance in colder climates. Combination systems that incorporate water heating along with ambient heating and cooling are also more common. solutions rather than equipment More than one exhibitor at AHR Expo 2023 noted that their emphasis this year is on “solutions rather than equipment.” It’s no longer just about products, or even about how things work. Rather, it’s about how they work together, and what problem(s) they can solve. Digital systems Digital systems are higher-profile this year than ever, somewhat supplanting the dominance of large equipment displays of years past. Instead of showing the big equipment, some exhibitors embraced schematics and animated simulations to demonstrate their operation on a video screen. Virtual displays also highlighted the operation of electronic control systems and other digital elements of the latest HVAC systems. Regulations, positive economic winds Regulations are ensuring a continuing demand for new equipment, and tax incentives are creating new business growth An economic slowdown is a possibility later in 2023, according to economists, but there was little concern evident at AHR Expo. Exemplifying an industry in the process of reinventing itself, the show reflected positive economic winds that will make HVAC more lucrative than ever in the coming years. Regulations are ensuring a continuing demand for new equipment, and tax incentives (such as those in the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act) are creating new business growth. Several exhibitors helpfully highlighted which of their products are eligible for tax incentives. new sustainable HVAC technologies As part of the broader trend of digital transformation in the built environment, HVAC is interfacing with building systems in new ways. As a major player in decarbonization, new HVAC technologies will lead the way to a more sustainable future. IAQ and decarbonization HVAC is also at the center of concerns about indoor air quality (IAQ) that follow a worldwide pandemic. “IAQ and decarbonization are the two most important trends in the built environment and will remain so for decades to come,” says David Budzinski, President, of Global Residential & Light Commercial at Johnson Controls.   electronic offerings An integration tool called NODE-Red enables various IoT sensors to be configured virtually into the system An example of electronic offerings at AHR was Delta Controls’ Red5 room controller which combines HVAC controls with Internet of Things (IoT) capabilities, enabling more devices to interoperate and communicate in a building system. An integration tool called NODE-Red enables various IoT sensors to be configured virtually into the system. Also, the O3 sensor detects motion to assess the number of room occupants without using video (less intrusive); it also measures humidity, temperature, sound, light intensity, etc. AIM Act With Jan. 1, 2025, looming for compliance with the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act to phase out the use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), there is still a lot of work to do. A proposed rule prohibits the manufacture of equipment containing HFCs by Jan. 1, 2025.   Energy transition “If all of our work together, whether manufacturers, contractors, or distributors, we can keep this conversation front and center and be ready for the transition,” says Brandon Marshall, Chemours’ North American Marketing Manager for Thermal & Specialized Solutions. “If we work together, we can navigate the change, and training is a key piece of it.” Best practices Becoming better informed enables everyone to understand and get comfortable with the solutions" Some new refrigerants are rated “mildly flammable.” Although this is a consideration, it should not be a major concern, says Marshall.  “Best practices can ensure you are managing the product safely, and becoming better informed enables everyone to understand and get comfortable with the solutions.” awareness Chemours conducts webinars, publishes documents, and makes updates available about the refrigerant transition. “We have to pay attention to the regulatory environment,” says Marshall. “Jan. 1, 2025, is coming fast.” More awareness is needed as the industry works toward the deadline. Contractors should also beware of low-quality or counterfeit refrigerant products, says Marshall. skilled labor shortage The skilled labor shortage in HVAC and other trades was another theme at AHR 2023. The labor shortage increases the need for training. “If you want to grow your business 20 to 30%, you should grow your people that much both the number of people and the knowledge of staff,” says Dan Clapper, Market Director, Interplay Learning. He adds that a company should devote up to 10% per week to training. Interplay Learning’s interactive, 3D simulation-based training platform is “as close to on-the-job training as you can get.” In effect, the simulations provide “before-the-job training.” Training investments Another training company, BDR (Business Development Resources), notes that their clients demonstrate 38% higher revenue per employee and 81% higher gross profit per employee. Revenue per service truck increases to $40,000 from the industry average of $12,000 after investments in training, says BDR, which provides in-person classes. Another exhibitor, XOi Technologies offers a smartphone app that provides expertise to lesser-trained HVAC installers. Their slogan is “We’re your journeyman on every job.” Journeyman is the brand name of the helpful app.

The Olsen Group, based in Boca Raton, Florida, is a national pioneer in HVAC energy optimization. Donald Olsen and his seasoned team of HVAC control specialists have been in business for two decades, integrating energy-saving solutions into over a thousand commercial and large-scale residential projects. In the process, the Olsen Group has become one of North America’s top suppliers of Verdant thermostats. Verdant devices leverage intelligent occupancy sensors and proprietary software to reduce HVAC runtimes by 45 percent on average. HVAC control integration Verdant’s effectiveness, reliability, and broad compatibility have made Verdant the energy management solution of choice for thousands of hotels and MDUs, including multifamily buildings, senior living, and student housing.  The Olsen Group has forged a productive two-way partnership with Verdant. Donald Olsen and his team have made it a priority to share data, customer feedback, and requirements with Verdant – and Verdant, in turn, has come to rely on Olsen when they need to field test a new solution. In May of 2024, Verdant reached out to Olsen for help with a new pilot program aiming to facilitate more effective HVAC control integration, easier service, and deep energy savings for MDU projects around the globe. The Challenge Commercial VRF systems have an extremely attractive set of upsides for hotel operators Inverter (VRF) system design is becoming increasingly common in hospitality settings. Commercial VRF systems have an extremely attractive set of upsides for hotel operators. They are significantly more energy efficient and quieter than traditional VTACs or PTACs; they can provide simultaneous heating and cooling to different zones for optimal guest comfort; and they allow both individual room-level setpoint control and building-level centralized management. However, the majority of VRF units cannot connect directly to a third-party smart thermostat. Because they rely on proprietary manufacturer protocols for variable speed commands and internal diagnostics, VRF units require an external control solution to facilitate bidirectional communication with Verdant thermostats. Installation and commissioning process Every additional component in a system adds complexity and opportunity for human error. In hotels, that complexity is multiplied across hundreds of rooms. “HVAC systems are installed dark for new builds, with no power running to the site,” says Donald Olsen, President and Owner of the Olsen Group. “There’s no way to test as we go. If there are any mistakes during installation, we find out about it when the lights go on after project completion.” And mistakes are nearly inevitable. Some third-party controllers have prominent dipswitches that can be easily snagged or tripped during transportation or installation, altering their configuration and causing them to fail once the system is powered. These switches are often accidentally tripped multiple times throughout the installation and commissioning process, pioneering to a never-ending cycle of errors and service calls. VRF control solutions  Adding to the issue, not all third-party control keys have the ability to retrieve and solve system error codes “Once properly configured and installed, VRF control solutions tend to be incredibly reliable,” says Olsen. “Getting them there is a real challenge, however. Accidents, human error, and repeated recalibrations can drive serious project overruns and client dissatisfaction.” Adding to the problem, not all third-party control solutions have the capability to retrieve and translate system error codes. “If the central management system isn’t getting certified manufacturer control signals from the control device, it may no longer recognize the thermostat. The system will continue to function, but it will always show up in the central manager with an error message,” warns Olsen. Airzone Aidoo Pro control solution These false error reports degrade the overall utility of the central management system, robbing operators of the ability to detect and mitigate problems proactively and requiring onsite testing to diagnose any issues. As VRF systems become the norm for hospitality projects, Verdant needed a solution to reduce the possibility of accidental misconfiguration and improve visibility into system functionality. They called on Olsen to conduct a pilot program, retrofitting sixteen VRF units in the Jacksonville Beach, FL Springhill Suites with the Airzone Aidoo Pro control solution. The Solution For the pilot, the Olsen Group outfitted each VRV unit in the loop with an Aidoo Pro controller The Jacksonville Beach Springhill Suites is a 156-room hotel with a state-of-the-art Daikin VRV rooftop chiller system. The Airzone Aidoo Pro ships preconfigured for the specific HVAC unit model, reducing the possibility for errors during initial installation. For the pilot, the Olsen Group outfitted each VRV unit in the loop with an Aidoo Pro controller. This 1:1 system design simplifies operations and troubleshooting: Any issue can be immediately traced back to a single unit, minimizing the scope and duration or repair downtime. “The Airzone Aidoo Pro offered two key upgrades as a VRV control solution,” says Olsen. “First, the dipswitches are recessed, making them much harder to trip accidentally. Second, Aidoo makes the system much easier to service. We can read error codes, run tests, and diagnose issues remotely, without ever needing to disrupt a guest’s stay.” Airzone’s expansive library This advanced remote management is enabled by Airzone’s expansive library of manufacturer protocols. “Because of our close relationship with HVAC manufacturers, Aidoo Pro can provide the proprietary control signals the central management system is expecting to see,” says Borja Fernandez, Director of OEM Solutions, Airzone. “That preserves all the features of the HVAC unit and thermostat, while also eliminating persistent false error codes. With Aidoo Pro, the central management system can function as a single-pane-of-glass HVAC monitoring and control solution for the building, as intended.” Results and Next Steps The pilot program is expanding to new builds around the globe, including projects in the UK Olsen reports that Springhill Suites is happy with their upgraded VRV system. “They have more visibility into the system and fewer services calls,” says Olsen. “When there is an issue, we can diagnose it remotely for faster resolution and less guest room downtime. It’s a much better customer experience overall.” Verdant is encouraged as well. This pilot program is expanding to several new builds around the globe, including projects in Central America, the Caribbean, the UK, and the EU. HVAC energy savings “There is a massive untapped market for energy-efficient HVAC upgrades in the Caribbean region,” says Olsen. “Energy costs there can exceed a dollar per kilowatt hour. Cost-effective devices like Verdant thermostats and the Airzone Aidoo Pro pay for themselves very easily in that scenario.” Verdant and the Olsen Group have built global brands by helping commercial properties realize significant HVAC energy savings. Through the Airzone Aidoo Pro pilot program, they are continuing to innovate, enabling reliable integration and enterprise-grade control on highly efficient VRF units. “The demand for commercial VRF control is definitely there,” says Olsen. “With Verdant and Airzone, we can deliver it with ease.”

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

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. “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. He 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 111 Murray Street is a 792-foot-tall residential skyscraper with 156 luxury condominiums 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. 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. “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, adding “Therefore, we needed a custom design that enabled us to mount the heaters properly while also keeping them out of sight.” 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 convectors – 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. Berko ASL3 convector heaters The result was an ‘invisible solution’ in which none of the controls or heaters could be seen in the residential units 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. “Innovation and collaboration converged as we tailored a custom heating solution, seamlessly blending functionality and aesthetics,” explained Christopher 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.” Berko ASL3 convector heaters 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. 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. Solving unique heating or ventilation problems “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. He adds, “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.”

Some of the technologies in the HVAC market are mature, although the newest innovation is always just around the corner. Newer systems seek to be more sustainable and energy-efficient, and digital control technologies play a role in maximizing their performance. Trends such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart systems are the basis for the newest connectivity and control approaches. These innovations tie into the broader environment of smart buildings. Systems are also providing remote access to enable technicians to analyze system operation and troubleshoot any problems. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: What's new in connectivity and control systems for HVAC?

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?