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.

Constellation’s Offsite Renewables Plus (CORe+) retail power product, combined with Johnson Controls’ commitment to renewables, is supporting the development of two new Welcome Solar renewable energy facilities.

Like many universities across America, the University of Cincinnati faced a major infrastructure challenge: having to operate aging central utility plants with older technology.

By splitting the absorption process into two steps, lithium bromide solution concentrations are lower in the system, enabling lower hot water temperatures within the generator, lower hot water flow rates, and the elimination of crystallization risk within the chiller.

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?

The 8 CFM Vacuum Pump from Fieldpiece Instruments earned its place atop the Electronic and Hand Tools category.

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.

The most important features of electronic measuring devices have been established in customer surveys and are discussed in this article.

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

Is it time for our industry to consider using pascals for static pressure measurements? What would the transition from inches of water column to pascals look like and how hard would it be?

Technicians have the choice of using either a digital or mechanical manifold gauge. Each one has its benefits and disadvantages, which is why it may pay to own one of each kind.

Posted by Claire Dubois on Nov 11

Posted by Matt Corallo on Nov 11

Here are a few ideas that contractor can use to prime the marketing pump for this holiday.

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

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.

With a little ingenuity, HVAC contractors could come out on top in the smart homes market for years to come.

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

The smart thermostat market continues to get crowded.

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.

Internet-connected thermostats are gaining wider acceptance in the marketplace. About 30% of residential thermostats in the U.S. and Canada are connected thermostats.

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.

Through the new integration, ecobee thermostat owners who also own Generac home standby generators can easily see the status of the generator and remedy potential issues.

Lennox received a 2023 Green Builder Sustainable Product of the Year recognition.

Motivated both by rising energy costs and sustainability concerns related to climate change, consumers have grown more desirous of energy-efficient living.

Since HVAC contractors are usually the ones installing the systems, not to mention performing maintenance, when necessary, their opinions on comfort controls are not to be taken lightly

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.

While government incentives, savings in utility bills, word-of-mouth, and increasing popularity have led to homeowner’s increased awareness of smart thermostats, there is still a lot of room in the market for growth.

Thermostat manufacturers say they have the studies to show that the use of their smart, connected thermostats can help homeowners save on their HVAC-related energy costs.

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.

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. 

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

Food retailers shared their concerns and experiences with refrigeration systems that use alternative refrigerants at the Food Marketing Institute’s (FMI’s) 2023 Energy & Store Development Conference.

ABC argues the rule could end up hurting legitimate contractors in the building trades, who are already strapped for workers.

California, New Mexico, New York, and Hawaii are the first states to apply for federal rebate money for high-efficiency equipment. Twenty-three states have received funding to set up and manage rebate programs.

The rule will effectively ban the sale of non-condensing gas furnaces and, according to the American Gas Association (AGA), will affect 55% of U.S. households.

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.

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.

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.

In early July, the Biden administration proposed a rule that addresses excessive heat in the workplace, as tens of millions of them were under heat advisories — the nation’s No. 1 weather-related cause of death.

Honing in on the high-end heating market, there have been several changes over the years, but four primary trends stand out among the rest: connectivity, efficiency, aesthetics and health, and upgraded technology.

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.