Increased cooling capacities, remote monitoring technology, and the need for backup units are all part of the mix in the portable a/c market, experts say.

Since its inception, air conditioning has saved lives and driven technological innovation – take a deep dive into its transformative role.

Evaporative cooling is growing in demand as cooling needs are expanding.

Renewable energy enthusiasts now have reason to celebrate: EVAPCO offers a solar-powered evaporative cooling tower. The SUN cooling tower is paired with PV panels to dramatically reduce energy consumption.  

A product round-up of chillers on the market.

Although evaporative cooling is great at saving energy, it does consume some water, but the benefits on energy savings outweigh the water usage, which in some places is a scarce resource.

The city of Phoenix sought an energy-efficient HVAC solution that would restore Phoenix Art Museum’s lost efficiency and improve the indoor climate for the museum’s specialized environment while also contributing to the city’s energy conservation goals.

The rapid expansion of data centers has raised concerns about their massive energy use and carbon footprint. However, adopting sustainable HVAC solutions can reduce a data center’s environmental impact and energy consumption.

How does a tech know the a/c compressor he or she is diagnosing is actually failed and that the problem is not a crankcase heater, condenser fan, or rubbed out wire?

Technology is redefining how consumers control their homes. That includes everything from lighting to mood music to heating and air conditioning.

While “smart” tools and tablets are becoming more and more common in an HVAC tech’s toolbox, there are still plenty of things an app just can’t do.

Smart tools continue to grow in the HVACR industry, spurring manufacturers to create connected, digital devices that will make work in the field less manual and more automatic.

Advancements in technology have brought a lot of opportunity to the tool market, with items like reporting, mobile apps, and wireless data transmission.

The Fieldpiece booth commanded a lot of attention on the show floor at this year’s AHR Expo in Atlanta. Those who didn’t have time to wait in line to find out why may be wondering, “What was all the rage about?”

It was a celebration for Yellow Jacket as the company kicked off its 70th anniversary. In a square booth with a large, lit banner, attendees were invited to explore what the company had produced from 1949 to 2019.

Much like subcooling, understanding and calculating superheat can be somewhat difficult for newbie technicians.

Now available with Bluetooth, this product provides users full access to all features of their devices, such as apps and email.

Thermostats are like other pieces of interactive equipment: People are thrilled by each development but move on quickly when the next feature comes along.

It’s the contractor’s job to ensure consumers understand the functionality of smart thermostats without becoming overwhelmed by the features and data.

When homeowners purchase a Nest product, Google will connect the customers to a qualified installer, a “Nest Pro.”

It is hard to find a contractor who does not have a firm opinion on Nest and if the company is good for the HVAC industry.

Lack of comfort is a highly overlooked reason for poor sleep. Most people don't know that inadequate rest is a leading cause of various medical problems.

As people spend more time at home due to the lingering effects of the pandemic, the buzzwords that come to mind are comfort and convenience. The influx of smart controls and thermostats can help fulfill these desires.

Smart thermostats offer preventive maintenance options and rebates for customers, but contractors should be sure to get educated — and educate homeowners — on utility rebates like demand-response programs.

Programmable thermostats that can be accessed through an internet device are old hat. Here are just a few of the residential HVAC controls products featured at the Georgia World Congress Center, the host venue for this year’s Expo.

When considering the multitude of HVAC thermostat options available on the market, who better to decipher the best from the rest than those responsible for their installation and operation?

Smart HVAC systems optimize energy usage without sacrificing comfort by using data analytics and machine learning to regulate the indoor environment.

Winners of the The NEWS’ eighth annual Dealer Design Awards’ HVAC Commercial Equipment category have brought new ideas to the commercial market that should help contractors meet the commercial challenges they face.

Heat-only, direct-fired, and indirect-fired makeup air units have been added to the company’s product line. 

The NEWS was very busy at the AHR Expo in New York City, visiting as many booths as possible in search of new products. Below is a comprehensive list of all the HVAC commercial equipment we found on the show floor.

The NEWS honors the 2014 Dealer Design Award winners in the HVAC Commercial Equipment category.

According to the manufacturers that make equipment for schools, there are often many options available to districts looking to make those much-needed upgrades.

HVAC manufacturers share their latest heating products — including photos, specifications, warranty info, and more — in this detailed showcase.

While traditional hospital HVAC systems often consist of chillers and boilers, other types of equipment are becoming more widely accepted in the health care market, including variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems, air curtains, and geothermal heat pumps. 

A lot of refrigerant reclaimers aren’t charging for mixed refrigerants anymore, which may in turn, mean an opportunity for HVAC contractors to make more money.

Chris Forth, VP at Johnson Controls, navigates the complex challenges in the HVAC industry, which include addressing regulatory, code, and environmental concerns.

AHRI launched an interactive US map showing state codes for A2L refrigerants, alongside a video series on low-GWP refrigerant transition.

In comments to EPA’s proposed rule regarding HFC management, many HVACR stakeholders expressed concern over issues including tracking cylinders, training technicians, and reclaiming refrigerant.

The Florida Legislature’s budget plan for the next fiscal year reinstates federal rebate money for high-efficiency home HVAC equipment and energy-saving upgrades. The governor’s office said he is reviewing the budget.

In recent years, the cost of HVAC equipment has increased significantly, and regulatory changes, such as the phase-down of R-410A, will make the new A2L units even more expensive.

“While the recent news is a formality, it makes the victory over these burdensome regulations official."

Not only has VRF technology been widely accepted by contractors and end users alike, virtually every major U.S. manufacturer is now offering these systems, as well.

While ductless HVAC is not without its flaws, the technology has evolved exponentially to now provide customers with numerous configurations at affordable prices appropriate for nearly every application, which is music to the ears of entrepreneurial contractors.

In collaboration with Tropic Supply, Cooper&Hunter has gifted Daytona State College with six complete HVAC systems, considering the donation as a useful investment in the next generation. The on-campus working stations, which include units from Cooper&Hunter’s modern “Sophia Mini-Split Single Zone Series,” will give students hands-on learning opportunities with technology that is becoming increasingly popular in the U.S.

Friedrich recently sponsored a NEWS webinar titled “Ductless Split System Innovations That Matter to Your Bottom Line.”  Below are questions taken from the Q&A portion of that webinar.

With over 1,000 Sunday service attendees and many church activities throughout the week, energy efficiency for the sake of cost savings was critical.

Both commercial facilities and residential domiciles are taking advantage of heating and cooling technology at accelerated rates.

As HVACR technology advances, contractors often find themselves navigating new learning curves on a regular basis. VRF is no exception.

The EEV is often used in modern refrigeration systems, but troubleshooting its common failures may be complicated.

Cleaning coils is a fairly simple task, but one that plays an important role in keeping a unit running strong.