Bryant Heat Pumps

As the UK continues to battle through the coronavirus crisis, HVAC business owners and installers can be putting some of their enforced downtime to good use. This period of subdued trading is a rare opportunity to get into better shape for when economic activity picks up. One way of doing this is by sharpening the focus on markets which promise strong growth – and few markets are growing faster than that for heat pumps.   The potential here is huge. Some 28,000 heat pumps are currently installed in the UK every year, and before the pandemic this number was rising annually at a rate of 15-30%. That equates to sales doubling every three to five years. New-builds account for the majority of those sales, but 30% are retrofits, and about 30% of those retrofits are in private residences. This means there’s a big opportunity for doing conversions from oil boilers to heat pumps at rural homes not connected to the gas grid. The ‘New Normal’ and Heat Pumps It is only realistic, of course, to expect a lingering dip in HVAC sales of all kinds, including heat pumps, until the post-pandemic world gets back on its feet. But when we do turn the corner into the ‘new normal’, heat pump sales will again climb strongly. One reason for this is consumer demand, the other is government policy. End-users are now increasingly aware of the dangers and disruptions threatened by carbon emissions and climate change – informally known as ‘the Blue Planet Effect’ – and more are being guided by their consciences to make environmentally-responsible heating choices. An Expected Spike In Demand Many end-users are also encouraged by the prospect of receiving payments from the government through the Domestic RHI tariff. When we do turn the corner into the ‘new normal’, heat pump sales will climb strongly If RHI tariffs are the carrot, however, the government is also going to wield a big stick. The Chancellor’s spring statement last year dropped the bombshell that low-carbon heating systems, not fossil-fuel heating, should be installed in all new homes built after 2025. Though this policy might perhaps get slightly delayed and diluted, there can be no doubting that radical change is on the way.           With all this in the pipeline, the industry should be preparing now to cope with the increased demand. But there’s some way to go: of the UK’s 120,000 registered gas engineers, merely 600 or so are MCS-registered to install heat pumps. Many more will be needed. MCS Certification Some installers are already recognizing this opportunity. Some 28,000 heat pumps are currently installed in the UK every year, and before the pandemic this number was rising annually at a rate of 15-30% This is evident in the heightened level of interest in the one-day introductory heat pump courses run nationwide by the Viessmann Academy. These courses provide a useful overview of what heat pump installations involve, helping participants decide whether or not they would like to go on to qualify with the MCS quality assurance scheme. This is a crucial decision, because having MCS certification is an obligation when installing equipment eligible for Domestic RHI payments. Some course participants decide to take the next step to MCS certification straight away, others decide to wait a while – but standing still in a fast-moving market can mean getting left behind! F-Gas Certification So what else must HVAC businesses and installers consider about heat pumps, in order to stay ahead of the game? In addition to MCS certification, F-Gas certification is also necessary when split air source heat pumps are installed. This is because the outdoor and indoor units have to be connected on-site with refrigerant pipework. Some installers choose to get F-Gas certified themselves, others sub-contract this part of the job to someone who’s suitably qualified. Of the UK’s 120,000 registered gas engineers, merely 600 or so are MCS-registered to install heat pumps It is possible to sidestep this need, however, when it is appropriate to install a monobloc heat pump – and the widening choice and affordability of monobloc designs is making them appropriate for a wider range of properties. A good example of this is Viessmann’s new Vitocal 100-A, an outdoors unit which has no need for a complementary indoor unit and is also easy to install because most components are integrated in the unit. New, compact and affordable air source heat pumps such as this, offering much-needed space-saving solutions for urban homes, are another reason why the heat pump market will boom. The Challenges Of Heat Pump Installation Though technological advances are making things easier, installing a heat pump isn’t ever going to be quite as straightforward as replacing an old boiler with a new one. Before starting an installation, first it is necessary to assess whether a heat pump is suitable for the property. This means checking that the property is well-enough insulated; checking the existing system’s radiators, which may need supplementing or replacing with bigger radiators or underfloor heating because of the lower flow temperatures of a heat pump system; and calculating the required size of the heat pump according to the building’s heat loss (and not including hot water demand). This period of subdued trading is a rare opportunity to get into better shape for when economic activity picks up At the installation stage itself, much of the work will be familiar to boiler installers, though weather compensating controls are obligatory for all MCS-approved work and as part of building regulations Part L. It’s also important to note that planning permission requires minimum distances between the heat pump’s outdoor unit, the plot’s borders, and neighboring properties. If this seems complicated, it doesn’t have to be: some heat pump manufacturers provide a calculator to simplify the task. Now Is The Time To Be Proactive Just as installers need a little time to assess whether a property should switch from a boiler to a heat pump, end-users also need a little thinking time, to consider adopting a technology new to them. By being proactive, HVAC businesses and installers can reap what they sow When customers get in touch because their existing boiler has broken down, the pressure for a quick fix can rule this out. But right now, when many of us have time on our hands, there’s the chance to inform customers of alternative heating solutions before their boiler needs replacing. Taking such pre-emptive action, by emailing information or mailing leaflets to customers, does require a little effort, but at least now there’s the time to do it. We are heading into a new era which will see boiler sales decline while heat pump sales rise. By making preparations for these profound changes, and by being proactive, HVAC businesses and installers can reap what they sow.

Strategic electrification encompasses a host of solutions aimed at decarbonizing Earth’s atmosphere, decreasing pollution and reducing the costs of modern comfort and technology. Also known as “beneficial electrification”, this movement requires increased energy efficiency and end uses powered with electricity from cleaner grids and renewable sources. The movement will transform both the built environment and society’s modes of transportation. Despite the complexity of its challenges, strategic electrification can no longer be dismissed as a niche or a possibility of the far future. The movement is happening now, driven by a mix of public and private entities on various levels proceeding along voluntary and mandatory paths. What Is Being Done? In the absence of formal federal action on climate change — including the Clean Power Plan and Paris Accord — cities, states, municipalities and utilities are continuing to develop their own decarbonization strategies. There are now nearly 450 cities in the U.S. that have committed to 80% carbon reductions by 2050 The goal is to achieve this through a variety of policy mandates such as taxes, building codes and portfolio standards. This is in addition to voluntary approaches that can include utility rebates and construction decisions such as choosing a passive house design; updated building efficiency targets; system-specific electric mandates; and comprehensive gas bans. Just recently, Santa Cruz became the 30th city or county in California to enact a measure limiting or prohibiting the use of natural gas in new construction, according to an article published by Yale Environment 360.  The Carbon Neutral Cities Alliance Many organizations have rallied around these strategies. For instance, the Carbon Neutral Cities Alliance (CNCA) is one of the many organizations that have rallied around the strategies that must be employed to reach carbon neutrality. CNCA is a collaboration of leading global cities working to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 80-100% by 2050 or sooner. They’ve adopted some of the most aggressive GHG reduction targets undertaken anywhere by any city. Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US was one of the organization’s first HVAC participants, providing expertise and product knowledge to support their continued efforts. Major CNCA cities include New York City, NY, San Francisco, CA and Washington, DC. If We Don’t Electrify, How Could That Impact the Environment? Cities are working aggressively to reduce fossil fuel use because our CO2 levels are trending in a dangerous direction. As a naturally-occurring greenhouse gas (GHG), CO2 helps earth retain enough warmth to sustain life but too much can lead to excessive warming. If our global energy demand grows and we continue to use fossil fuels in the same way, the average amount of atmospheric CO2 will likely exceed 900 ppm by the year 2100 For 800,000 years, before the Industrial Revolution and the widespread adoption of fossil fuel-burning technologies, the highest global average atmospheric amount of CO2 was 300 parts per million (ppm), according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). 407 ppm is the current average amount, per a trend report published by the Global Carbon Project. The NOAA also reports that if our global energy demand grows and we continue to use fossil fuels in the same way, the average amount of atmospheric CO2 will likely exceed 900 ppm by the year 2100. As atmospheric CO2 increases, the global temperature also increases, potentially reaching 1.5° C above pre-industrial levels between 2030 and 2052. At this temperature, the majority of climate scientists expect environmental changes to include rising sea levels, increased flooding, droughts, extreme heat, wildfires and new risks to human lives, infrastructure and biodiversity. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, buildings (residential and commercial) account for nearly 40% of the nation’s total energy demand — and about 75% of all electricity use. Where Does The HVAC Industry Fit In? Worldwide, all-electric heat pumps are the most popular technology for decarbonizing heating and cooling. VRF heat pumps and heat-recovery systems contribute to lower carbon footprints and benefit strategic electrification by reducing overall costs for commercial building owners, consumers and society. Instead of burning fossil fuels, a VRF heat pump provides heating to zones by introducing ambien heat its outdoor unit extracts from the air or a nearby water source. During cooling, VRF heat pumps reverse this process as indoor units transfer heat from zones to the outdoor unit which then rejects the heat. Until recently, some specifiers in northern regions felt obligated to select a gas-powered furnace or electric resistance for heating systems due to air-source heat pump derating at sub-freezing temperatures. Today that’s not the case. Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US' SUZ universal outdoor unit uses Hyper-Heating INVERTER technology Air-source VRF systems now use advances such as flash-injection technology in the compressor to offer unprecedented levels of capacity and efficiency at low outdoor ambient temperatures. This creates opportunities to replace fossil-fuel-burning equipment in more regions than before. VRF heat pumps and heat-recovery systems help building owners, architects and engineers solve challenges associated with decarbonizing the electric grid as well as emerging building codes, standards and legislation related to decarbonization. Federal standards and programs like ENERGY STAR®, tax credits and utility rebates will continue accelerating adoption of energy-efficient alternates to fossil fuel burning systems. The Decarbonization Challenge The decarbonization challenge is significant and complex, but change is happening now. At Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US, we’re passionate because we recognize the dangers of climate change and acknowledge the significant role we can play in decarbonization efforts. The decarbonization challenge is significant and complex, but change is happening now Legislation, codes, financial incentives, product innovations and environmental advocacy encourage the transition from fossil-fuel-burning equipment and will continue to evolve. We’re doing our part by researching, developing, manufacturing and providing training for the all-electric heat pumps and VRF systems that enable society to enjoy improved comfort while reducing both costs and carbon emissions. Ultimately, strategic electrification can only be successful if it’s associated with personal comfort and prosperous communities. 

Bryant Heating & Cooling Systems launched the latest additions to its tier Evolution™ series with the Evolution Extreme 26 air conditioner (Model 186CNV) and Evolution Extreme 24 heat pump (Model 284ANV). Both products showcase a number of features performance, which includes numerous technological advancements with 12 patents pending. Bluetooth® diagnostic information Bryant, a supplier of heating, ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC) equipment, is a part of Carrier, a global provider of innovative HVAC, refrigeration, fire, security and building automation technologies. Bryant also offers online troubleshooting and training modules, and virtual reality The Evolution Extreme 26 and 24 offer a number of enhancements designed with technicians in mind. Bluetooth® technology is available on the outdoor unit, making it unnecessary to access outdoor unit diagnostic information inside the home. Over-the-air software updates are available and technicians can assess over 130 diagnostic points. Sound output as low as 51 dB Plus, installations can use up to 250 equivalent feet of refrigerant line length, features two-wire installation, and the units are self-configuring and Evolution™ Zoning System-capable. Bryant also offers online troubleshooting and training modules, and virtual reality, 3D simulation training is available. Dehumidification can remove up to 70% more moisture per day than a single-stage system For most sizes, the Evolution Extreme 26 offers ratings for a ducted system at up to 26.0 SEER and 16.5 EER; while the Evolution Extreme 24 heat pump offers the in-class ratings at up to 24.0 SEER, 15.0 EER and 13.0 HSPF. Furthermore, both the Evolution Extreme 26 and 24 tout quiet operation with sound output as low as 51 dB. Ducted heat pump with a variable-speed The Evolution Extreme 26 and 24 include enhanced dehumidification and can remove up to 70% more moisture per day than a single-stage system. Plus, both units feature a variable-speed capacity operating range down to 25% in 1% increments and provide high-ambient cooling operation with full power up to 125 F. An Evolution™ air purifier will be included with the purchase of every Evolution Extreme 26 and 244 The Evolution Extreme 24 also offers heating operation to minus 15 F. In addition, it is has a ducted heat pump with a variable-speed, 5-ton unit that can achieve 13.0 EER and features the addition of vapor-injection technology. “We’re confident that homeowners will appreciate the features and benefits that are realized in our most ambitious development project to date. We’re also pleased to introduce enhanced installation and serviceability to our dealers, as we know that these improvements will make their lives easier,” said Todd Nolte, senior director, product and brand marketing, HVAC-Residential, Carrier. “The Evolution Extreme 26 and 24 are a true testament to the rigorous research and development that went into this project and we’re proud to be able to provide customers with such advantages.” Evolution™ air purifier destroys 99% germs and viruses In addition, an Evolution™ air purifier will be included with the purchase of every Evolution Extreme 26 and 244. The Evolution air purifier works silently in-line with the HVAC system and can improve indoor air quality. It uses Captures & Kills™ technology to trap up to 95% of particles, then uses an electrical charge to kill or inactivate up to 99% of germs and viruses. With every cycle of air that passes through this patented air purifying system, pollen, animal dander, bacteria and other pollutants are trapped and held tightly to the filter. An electrical charge then bursts the cell walls of pathogens it comes in contact with.

During the recent Bryant Dealer Rally, the company’s annual meeting where its top dealers are honored, Air Tech Heating, Inc. of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin was named Bryant Dealer of the Year, the highest honor a Bryant dealer can receive. Each year, this award recognizes the company whose hard work, expertise and business acumen have helped them to stand out as a leader in the industry. Bryant, a national supplier of heating, ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC) equipment, is a part of Carrier, a global provider of innovative HVAC, refrigeration, fire, security and building automation technologies. “We’re both honored and humbled to be selected as the 2019 Bryant Dealer of the Year,” said Dan Price, owner, Air Tech Heating, Inc. “I’m incredibly proud of the entire team at Air Tech and I appreciate being recognized for doing business our way, with honesty and integrity.” Bryant Factory Authorized Dealer “We’re proud to be a Bryant Factory Authorized Dealer and have the support of such a great company. I’m also grateful for the amazing relationships we’ve built with both Bryant and our distributor, Auer Steel, over the course of my 22 years owning the business.” Dan and his team serve as ideal examples for other Bryant dealers of how to run a successful business" Founded in 1997, Air Tech Heating, Inc. has become known as the “Best Heating & Air Conditioning Company in the Fond du Lac Area” for ten straight years by Gannett Readers’ Choice. In 2018, Price’s son, Jim, and his wife, Sarah, became co-owners of Air Tech Heating, Inc. ensuring that it will remain a fixture in the community for years to come. It’s even more fitting that Air Tech Heating, Inc. was selected as the 2019 Bryant Dealer of the Year, as Price retired shortly after the Dealer Rally. Indoor air quality equipment sales “Bryant dealers continue to help set the standard in our industry,” said Matthew Pine, president, Residential HVAC, Bryant. “Our 2019 Dealer of the Year, Air Tech Heating, Inc. is an exemplary organization and has risen to the top among the very best in our elite group of dealers. Dan and his team serve as ideal examples for other Bryant dealers of how to run a successful business and do ‘Whatever It Takes’ to care for our customers.” Bryant selected its 2019 Dealer of the Year from 22 Medal of Excellence winners, comprised of Bryant Factory Authorized Dealers from throughout North America. The candidates were judged on overall sales growth, high-efficiency and indoor air quality equipment sales, customer satisfaction and participation in dealer programs and promotions. Medal of Excellence Winners The 2019 Medal of Excellence Winners include: Affordable Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. - Cudahy, Wisconsin AGS HVAC Services - Westport, Massachusetts Air Tech Heating, Inc. - Fond du Lac, Wisconsin Bennett Heating and Air – Purvis, Mississippi Bob’s Heating & Air Conditioning - Woodinville, Washington Chadds Ford Climate Control - Chadds Ford Chapman Heating | Air Conditioning | Plumbing - Indianapolis, Indiana Chris Mechanical Services, Inc. - West Chicago, Illinois Cosby Heating - Mount Vernon, Ohio Dave’s Heating and Air - Lincoln, Nebraska Design Air, Inc. - Missoula, Montana Evergreen Gas, Inc. - Sherwood, Oregon Family Heating and Air - Pensacola, Florida Federal Elite Heating & Cooling, Inc. - Dresden, Ohio Fort Collins Heating and Air - Fort Collins, Colorado GAC Services - Gaithersburg, Maryland Gainesville Mechanical, Inc. - Gainesville, Georgia Haley Comfort Systems - Rochester, Minnesota IERNA’S Heating & Cooling, Inc. - Lutz, Florida Precision Heating & Air Conditioning - Twin Falls, Idaho Regal, Inc. - York, Pennsylvania Waychoffs Heating & Air Conditioning - Jacksonville, Florida In addition to the Dealer of the Year award, Bryant named Peck & Weis Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin as this year’s recipient of the Charles Bryant Award. The Charles Bryant Award, named in honor of the company’s founder, recognizes a loyal Bryant Factory Authorized Dealer (FAD) that epitomizes the characteristics of Charles Bryant, including professionalism, quality, reliability and community spirit.

Peck & Weis Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin was named the 2019 Charles Bryant Award winner. The Charles Bryant Award, named for the company’s founder, recognizes a loyal Bryant Factory Authorized Dealer (FAD) that epitomizes the characteristics of Charles Bryant, including professionalism, quality, reliability and community spirit. Bryant, a supplier of heating, ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC) equipment, is a part of Carrier, a leading global provider of innovative HVAC, refrigeration, fire, security and building automation technologies. national award Winner “Wow, what an honor it is for a small dealer from rural Wisconsin to receive this national award,” said Daryl Peck, owner, Peck & Weis. “A huge ‘thank you’ to our manufacturer Bryant and our distributor Auer Steel. Both have been outstanding to work with since 1985 and they’ve set the bar high from the very beginning.” “I especially want to thank our hardworking and dedicated staff at Peck & Weis. I also want to acknowledge all the support from our friends, family and community we’ve received over the years; without them, we’re nothing.” 300 years HVAC experience It is a local, family-owned company that is proud to serve the families they live and work amongst Peck & Weis has been serving the Lake Geneva community since 1985 with quality service, repairs and installation for commercial and residential properties. Its talented team of highly trained individuals has over 300 years of combined experience in HVAC, plumbing and electrical work. It offers 24-hour service 365 days per year. Peck & Weis takes pride in the community, and has deep roots in Lake Geneva. It is a local, family-owned company that is proud to serve the families they live and work amongst. Over the years, not only has owner Daryl Peck given his time as a member of the school board and the Chamber of Commerce, he has supported various service and charitable organizations and scholarship boards through volunteer time and donation as well. Charles Bryant Award The Charles Bryant Award is presented annually to a loyal Bryant FAD that makes a significant difference in its community, is active in the industry, provides superior customer service and is committed to developing its employees. “We’re proud to present this year’s Charles Bryant Award to Peck & Weis,” said Matthew Pine, president, Residential HVAC, Carrier. “This award celebrates those Bryant FADs that represent all the qualities for which our brand stands. Peck & Weis is an exemplary organization that has truly made a positive impact in its community and in the HVAC industry as a whole.”