Posted by Matt Corallo on Nov 11

In the past few years, the thermostat has become a cutting edge electronic. This creates new opportunities for HVAC contractors.

The path to temperature control through smart thermostat technology is more involved than many customers realize.

Thermostats have come a long way since the first thermostat hit the market. So, it makes sense that consumers demand more from the technology’s capabilities than ever before.

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.

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. 

The Magnitude^® magnetic bearing centrifugal chillers from Daikin Applied not only reduce maintenance requirements and offer increased efficiencies, according to one Dealer Design Awards judge, but they also feature nearly nonexistent compressor vibration and top-tier customer support. 

BasX Solutions, a manufacturer of custom engineered products including HVAC solutions, announced that it has completed its acquisition of the clean room product line from Seasons 4.

The U.S. Department of Commerce is investigating whether Chinese HFCs are circumventing the 2016 antidumping duty order on HFC blends.

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

The HVACR industry was initially surprised by a date-of-install requirement, mandating installation of certain equipment by January 1, 2025, but EPA extended sell-through period to January 1, 2026.

The EPA initially faced backlash from the industry regarding the sell-through mandate for certain HVAC systems. The Agency revised the provision by allowing one additional year, until January 1, 2026.

The U.S. District Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit recently turned down the city of Berkeley’s request for another hearing in the case brought by the California Restaurant Association (CRA), which had challenged the ban.

The transition to A2Ls will likely serve as an interim solution. Europe has already embraced propane in certain heat pump systems, and the U.S. may follow suit, albeit with a different low-GWP refrigerant.

ALDI aims to become the most sustainable grocer in the U.S., by committing to transition to natural refrigerants in all stores by 2035.

New A2L-related code requirements will impact HVAC system installation and include warning labels, ventilation, leak detection, and limits on refrigerant amounts for comfort air conditioning.

While refrigerant regulations are important, there are other rules and regulations being implemented that HVACR contractors need to understand.

Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives are pushing back on attempts to regulate consumer appliances.

In preparing for the refrigerant transition, contractors and distributors should review their inventory and become educated on the regulations.

The NEWS’ Extra Edition page is home to hundreds of online-exclusive service and maintenance, technical, and business management articles. Here are some of the best.

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.

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.

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

Manufacturers are starting to introduce their A2L systems in the U.S., so contractors and technicians must learn how to service and install this new equipment.

With the impending deadline right around the corner, manufacturers have started introducing their A2L systems in the U.S.

Troubleshooting refrigeration systems can be complex and frustrating, so put aside any assumptions and inspect the system thoroughly before making any diagnosis.

The proposed new approach to chilled water HVAC systems promises to provide significant capital cost savings, energy cost savings, and a path to eliminate CO₂ emissions.

Just because an HVAC technician installs a system according to current codes and standards, it doesn’t always mean it’s safe.

Timely refrigeration repairs are crucial to avoid product loss; temporary fixes can sometimes keep systems running until parts arrive.

Ensuring a vacuum pump system is evacuated and free of air, nitrogen, moisture, and other contaminants is a crucial step to keep the system running optimally.   

Since President Joe Biden invoked the DPA back in June 2022, HVAC-related energy efficiency incentives and renewable energy technology, have made their way into the spotlight. Many of those who work in the geothermal industry have been “waiting for this day” for decades.

Decarbonization and electrification, the refrigerant transition, and incentives were big topics among geothermal companies at the AHR Expo. Consumer education and ease of product serviceability were also discussed.

Unfortunately, we can easily forget the role that suction driers can play in protecting the compressor and the compressor oil.

Musk confirmed that his company could make use of their current heat pump technology to develop a smart HVAC system for home use.

Four core components work together to control when refrigerant is absorbing heat, and when it is releasing heat.

Determining the right pump to save energy in a given application can be broken down into three general steps.

The pandemic has marked a turning point for an underutilized technology for infectious disease control in buildings.

The growing electricity demands being placed on the country’s century-old grid are resulting in an increased number of unexpected power outages across the U.S.

The 30-day ANSI public review period closes May 14.  

Equipped with an Oilon LN30 ultra-low NOx burner and Nationwide’s Eagle PLC-based Control System, the 250 hp package boiler achieved average emissions performance of 5 ppm NOx and 0 ppm CO (corrected to 3% O₂) during third-party testing.

CO₂ refrigeration systems demand both classroom knowledge and hands-on experience, which is why blending theory with practice creates top-notch technicians.

Posted by Eli Schwartz on Nov 10

Posted by lists on Nov 10

Posted by Jeroen Roovers on Nov 10

Posted by Fay Stegerman on Nov 10

Posted by Ali Polatel on Nov 12

Emerson continues to evolve its equipment lines in an effort to introduce its technologies to a broader customer base.

United Technologies Corp. (UTC), the parent company of Carrier Corp., recently opened the new UTC Center for Intelligent Buildings in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.

In supermarkets, where HVAC and refrigeration equipment use 50 to 60 percent of all electricity consumed, new technologies and advanced control strategies have been developed to help boost energy efficiency as well as reduce emissions.

Here are two examples of the difference that high-performance building features and high-efficiency HVAC technology can make.