LG Air Conditioning Technologies USA is debuting two new case studies in the LG Project Profile Series - The Ebell of Los Angeles, a historic Los Angeles performance art facility, and The Lido House, an Autograph Collection by Marriott hotel, a high-end property in Newport Beach, California. The projects showcase how LG's unique heating, ventilation and air conditioning technologies can be applied in commercial environments where historic and design implications are of paramount importance. LG's Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) technology and ducted and duct-free solutions are making major inroads in the United States where the demand for high-performance, flexible HVAC technology continues to grow. LG's air conditioning systems are designed to minimize efficiency losses found in conventional HVAC systems, provide sustainable energy savings, and offer one of the lowest lifecycle costs of any system on the market today. LG's growing set of controls are helping building managers to seamlessly manage and regulate their systems with the simple touch of a button. The Ebell of Los Angeles LG's Air Handling Unit (AHU) Conversion Kits paired with Multi V 5 VRF condensing units were installed Opened more than a century ago, The Ebell of Los Angeles and the accompanying Wilshire Ebell Theater encourage the educational, cultural and social growth of the Los Angeles community. Working with a wide range of artists and promoters from around the world, the Theater brings performing arts to the diverse population of the city. Since 1927, the complex has been owned and operated by the Ebell of Los Angeles women's club, and it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1994, solidifying its status as an iconic structure. With the need to replace old, inefficient cooling towers and a chiller system that only cooled the theater space, The Ebell of Los Angeles' management team sought a new, innovative HVAC solution to address the needs of the larger complex beyond the theater and the occupants. Ultimately, LG's Air Handling Unit (AHU) Conversion Kits paired with Multi V 5 VRF condensing units were installed. They could be easily mounted within the confines of the space and met the careful consideration of many preservation and aesthetic requirements. LG's industry-leading VRF technology was selected as it excels at sensible cooling and the modularity of the design enables the overall system to properly condition the varied spaces throughout the theater and event spaces despite the heating and cooling load changes caused by shifting occupancy. The Lido House, Autograph Collection by Marriott LG was identified as the ideal solution due to its expansive offering, design flexibility and energy-efficient units Designed with an effortless sense of style and definitive beach-house vibe, Lido House by Marriott has quickly become one of Newport Beach's favorite upscale destinations. The Lido House features 130 stylish guest rooms, along with five unique cottages – each curated by a local designer, paying homage to the unique ambiance and coastal lifestyle of the affluent community. The resort also includes a full-service restaurant, rooftop deck and full day spa for guests. With a location just minutes to the beach, the property often faces fluctuations in weather and temperature, necessitating an HVAC solution that provides year-round heating and cooling with superior energy efficiency. Once plans for the design were complete, LG was identified as the ideal solution due to its expansive offering, design flexibility and energy-efficient units. The Lido House management team specified LG's Multi V 5 and Multi V S VRF systems, both known for incredible energy efficiency, flexibility in design and installation options. The team also installed two LG AC Smart central controllers to help building managers effectively control the HVAC system throughout the main building space. "LG is continually focused on bringing the most innovative, energy-efficient and forward-thinking HVAC solutions and controls to customers across a range of projects, from iconic institutions to luxury hotel properties and everything in between," said Kevin McNamara, senior vice president and general manager, LG Air Conditioning Technologies USA. "We're challenging the industry standard with our suite of award-winning solutions and helping building owners, managers, architects and contractors better plan for and manage a variety of installations."

Johnson Controls will enhance classroom environments throughout three Tennessee school districts – a combined 22 schools – with projects estimated to be completed this fall. Updates throughout the districts will include infrastructure, energy management and water conservation strategies to address deferred maintenance and improve efficiencies. Energy Savings Performance  The school districts partnering with Johnson Controls include Lake County School District in Tiptonville, Overton County School District in Livingston and Smith County School District in Carthage. The combined $7.7 million in improvements are enabled through Energy Savings Performance Contracts (ESPC) and Tennessee’s Energy Efficient Schools Initiative (EESI). These engagements will help fund project implementations using guaranteed savings to offset the cost of the upgrades. The HVAC unit provides air conditioning in a gym that previously had no temperature regulating systems Lake County School District’s $1.6 million in improvements include LED lighting, Wi-Fi thermostats, window and cooling tower replacements, and an HVAC rooftop unit above the district’s high school gymnasium, completed in May. The HVAC unit provides air conditioning in a gym that previously had no temperature regulating systems. Upon completion, Lake County will have realized more than $1.9 million dollars in energy, operations and maintenance savings, guaranteed over the 16-year agreement. The district also utilized a Tennessee Valley Authority incentive to fund electrical needs. Energy savings “Through our partnerships, we can help Lake County, Overton County and Smith County School Districts capture energy savings that can be reinvested to address deferred maintenance and improve district learning environments.” said, Ryan Ball, Performance Infrastructure Account Executive, Johnson Controls “For years, our gymnasium has been uncomfortable for classes and graduations. The installation of air conditioning is a monumental step towards improving the comfort and productivity of our learning environment for students and faculty,” said Sherry Darnell, Superintendent, Lake County Schools. Partnering with Johnson Controls “Partnering with Johnson Controls not only allowed us to make necessary infrastructure upgrades that will help enhance energy and operational efficiencies, but also to truly understand what implementations were vital for our unique needs and goals.” Overton County School District is implementing $2.9 million to improve its infrastructure, including the installation of HVAC rooftop units, LED lighting, energy management systems and water conservation methods, as well as boiler, pump and WSHP unit replacements. These upgrades will result in $3.5 million in energy, operations and maintenance savings, guaranteed over the 12-year agreement. The district can then reinvest these savings into additional curriculum upgrades for students, including Advanced’s STEM Program, to foster a more creative and productive learning environment. Energy management systems Smith County School District’s energy efficiency upgrades include LED lighting and energy management systems Smith County School District’s energy efficiency upgrades include LED lighting, water conservation methods and energy management systems. The $3.1 million in improvements will also be used to install access controls, in addition to the replacement of its cooling tower, boiler and pumps, WSHP unit and PTAC unit. These updates will help the district provide a more comfortable, efficient and safer learning environment for students and faculty. Upon completion, Smith County School District will have realized over $5.6 million dollars in energy, operations and maintenance savings over the 12-year agreement, allowing for these savings to be reinvested into additional student resources, including Advanced’s STEM Program. STEM Program “Through our partnerships, we can help Lake County, Overton County and Smith County School Districts capture energy savings that can be reinvested to address deferred maintenance and improve district learning environments,” said Ryan Ball, Performance Infrastructure account executive, Johnson Controls. “These improvements will help further the mission of each school and enhance student and faculty comfort and productivity.” Johnson Controls has a long history of working with K-12 schools and educators throughout North America to create environments that inspire and engage both students and faculty. Through Performance Infrastructure projects, we have helped 1,018 schools modernize equipment and building systems, improve infrastructure and energy spend, and address on-going maintenance needs.

Johnson Controls will help Lubbock County, Texas address deferred maintenance in 43 facilities, improving lighting, HVAC and plumbing as well as installing a building asset management system. The upgrades will be enabled through a Tax-Exempt Lease Purchase (TELP) that is expected to produce $7.3 million in energy savings over 15 years. Lubbock County was able to address aging infrastructure without disrupting their budget, bond rating or raising taxes. Future capital funds that would have been spent on equipment failures or replacements can now be redirected into other projects within the county to help provide its community with a safe, comfortable and more efficient environment. Upgrading HVAC and plumbing We’re pleased to help Lubbock County improve efficiency through upgrades to HVAC" “We’re pleased to help Lubbock County improve efficiency through upgrades to lighting, HVAC and plumbing,” said Jennifer Edwards, account executive, Johnson Controls. “We’re pleased to help Lubbock County improve efficiency through upgrades to lighting, HVAC and plumbing,” said Jennifer Edwards, account executive, Johnson Controls. “By reducing the amount of water and electricity needed on a daily basis, the improvements will contribute to a more efficient environment overall. In addition, by engaging in a TELP, the county will be able to implement the upgrades without impacting taxpayers.” “By partnering with Johnson Controls, we’re able to provide the necessary improvements to modernize our aging infrastructure and enhance water and energy efficiency,” said Lubbock County Judge Curtis Parrish. “We are excited to implement these upgrades and drive sustainability forward in our county.” Johnson Controls has a long history of working with local governments throughout North America to create communities that inspire and engage both residents and visitors. Through Performance Infrastructure projects, we have helped 579 cities and counties modernize equipment and building systems, improve infrastructure and energy spend, and address on-going maintenance needs.

Together with its partners and customers, Viessmann is expanding its involvement in China. The family-run company has built a new plant in Pinghu, a city close to the metropolis of Shanghai. The plant was inaugurated on November 5, 2019. Wall-mounted gas boilers will be manufactured here on a floor area of 12,000 sq. m. The site also has a research and development center for new technologies and services. Viessmann's Pinghu facility Through this newly acquired proximity, we will be able to supply the market with solutions even more effectively" “We see an enormous potential on the Chinese market. Because of that, we decided to expand our production capacities here,” said Dr. Martin Viessmann in his welcome address. The inauguration of the Pinghu site, approximately 90 kilometers southwest of Shanghai, represents a further milestone in the company’s involvement in China, which extends back over 20 years. The new site is centrally located in one of the most important commercial areas of the country. In addition to Viessmann’s partners and customers, many suppliers are also based here. “Through this newly acquired proximity, we will be able to supply the market with solutions even more effectively,” said Martin, CEO of the Viessmann Group. Altogether, the company has five sales offices and hundreds of showrooms. China, major HVAC solutions and equipment market “China is one of the most important markets in the world, not only for individual heating systems but also for innovative and comfortable living,” said his son Maximilian Viessmann, co-CEO of the Viessmann Group. The country is a true champion of innovation, especially concerning digital applications – and is therefore also a role model for Europe. “We want to make the most out of these opportunities,” said Maximilian. Alongside their Chinese partners, the goal is to create living spaces for generations to come. To symbolize this and the joint commitment to climate protection, a tree will be planted in the dry western region of China for each of the attendees present at the inauguration ceremony. Wall-mounted gas boilers The plan is to constantly expand the manufacturing of wall-mounted gas boilers and increase the capacity in the medium term from one to three production lines. In addition to a tour through the manufacturing area, the program also included an ‘Experience Tour’ for the guests of the inauguration – which included representatives from the management, politics and around 70 Viessmann partners. The Integrated Solution Offering of Viessmann was presented during the inauguration using a typical Chinese housing scenario as an example. Vitopure water treatment system Viessmann is offering the Vitopure water treatment system for the purification and softening of drinking water In addition to heat, clean drinking water is also one the basic human needs. Because of that, Viessmann is now also offering the Vitopure water treatment system for the purification and softening of drinking water. Water treatment using the Vitopure system can also ensure the optimal efficiency and durability of heating systems. A further core theme of the ‘Experience Tour’ was the seamless networking of heating systems and services – the also an important step in creating comfortable living spaces for generations to come. Integrated Solution Offering Viessmann is constantly evolving from a heating manufacturer to a solutions provider for the complete living space. For this, the company develops seamless climate solutions that fill people’s surroundings with the optimal room temperature, warm water, energy and good air quality. In its Integrated Solution Offering, Viessmann seamlessly unites products and systems through platforms and digital services on the foundation of the right energy source. On top of that, it also offers a variety of additional services. The focus here is on finding the right balance between renewable energy sources and obtaining the maximum energy efficiency from fossil fuel sources.

Johnson Controls will address deferred maintenance and aging building systems at Gervais School District’s elementary, middle and high schools in Gervais, Oregon. Upgrades, including the installation of intelligent LED lighting fixtures, building controls and an updated building envelope, will improve energy and operational efficiency, reduce associated costs and enhance the environment for student learning and faculty performance. The improvements will be enabled through an Energy Performance Contract (EPC), which will help Gervais School District use guaranteed savings to offset the cost of the upgrades. A comprehensive list of updates includes LED lighting upgrades, building envelope upgrades, replacement and installation of a new boiler, classroom unit vents replacement, building controls replacement, installation of a plug load management system and installation of solar photovoltaic panels. Modern future-ready school “Improving efficiencies and reducing associated costs throughout Gervais School District is only the start of our project,” said David Nellis, Performance Infrastructure account executive at Johnson Controls. “We’re thrilled to provide students a modern, future-ready school where they can remain comfortable and productive for years to come.” With funds received through the Oregon Department of Energy program, allocated specifically for energy efficiency projects, Gervais School District needed a company who could help determine the best design and implementation of solutions based on its unique needs.  Johnson Controls helped the district find the best interest rate available using a tax-exempt lease purchase and implemented projects evaluated for potential utility incentives and use of SB 1149 funds. Improving efficiencies Johnson Controls has a long history of working with K-12 schools and educators throughout North America “Our collaboration with Johnson Controls has helped us get the most out of current funds by prioritizing improvements based on our district’s needs and objectives,” said Dandy Stevens, superintendent of Gervais School District. “This approach will allow us to improve efficiencies, which will free up funds to reinvest in education programs and additional facility improvements, ultimately enhancing student experiences.” With these upgrades, Gervais School District will realize over $1.4 million in project benefits, which are guaranteed over the life of the 20-year agreement. The project is expected to be complete by April 2020. Johnson Controls has a long history of working with K-12 schools and educators throughout North America to create campus environments that inspire and engage both students and faculty. Through Performance Infrastructure projects, Johnson Controls has helped 1,018 schools modernize equipment and building systems, improve infrastructure and energy spend, and address on-going maintenance needs.

Each January, hundreds of thousands of technology enthusiasts attend CES (Consumer Electronics Show) in Las Vegas. It’s the global showcase for the latest in consumer technology. And while there are miles of trade show aisles to peruse, the best of the best can be found in one spot: the CES Innovation Showcase. This year, Resideo's Honeywell Home M5 Series received a CES Innovation Award for elevating the expectation beyond just temperature control to monitoring a home's critical systems. The CES Innovation Awards is an annual competition honoring outstanding design and engineering in consumer technology products. professional security Available later this year, the M5 Series smart thermostats offer whole home monitoring when paired with other Resideo solutions and comes in two distinct designs: The M5 Classic design is inspired by the original The Round thermostat, the 1953 T86 thermostat that today sits in the Smithsonian Museum. The design team took the simplicity and beauty of the original, classic design and updated it for today's connected world.  The M5 represents a new era for thermostats. The user interface helps homeowners get more out of their critical systems – from air, to energy to water and eventually professional security. They'rebasically offering the new Resideo Home app on the wall.

The energy savings, efficiencies and reduced operating costs produced as a result of integrating Variable Frequency Drives (VFD) into HVACR systems will be highlighted at AHR Expo in Florida. The VFD technology from Invertek Drives used in HVACR applications will be on show at the event in Orange County Convention Center in Orlando. Invertek Drives USA will be showcasing the Optidrive E3, Eco and Compact 2 VFDs. VFDs are used in a variety of HVACR applications, from controlling air conditioning and refrigeration systems, to renewable energy, pumps, fan and building automation, including elevators. Reducing energy costs “Invertek’s VFD innovations are making a big difference for HVACR equipment manufacturers and the end users in a wide range of applications globally,” said Wayne Morris, Vice-President of Invertek Drives USA. “Integrating our drives into such systems brings immediate benefits, from reducing energy costs by up to 50 per cent to reducing overheads and downtime.” The Invertek team will be on hand throughout the expo to discuss and demonstrate the range of Optidrive technology developed and produced by Invertek Drives.

Johnson Controls will showcase its unmatched portfolio of advanced, sustainable and future-ready HVACR solutions at the 2020 AHR Expo (Booth 3833) Feb. 3-5 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. The Johnson Controls booth will be centered around the company’s new brand focus – ‘The power behind your mission’ – which reinforces its commitment to advancing the safety, comfort and intelligence of spaces and places to power its customers’ business goals. “The HVACR industry is constantly evolving and Johnson Controls is well-positioned to meet changing consumer demand with more efficient, sustainable and smart-ready products,” said Jeff Williams, president, Global Products, Johnson Controls. “The 2020 AHR Expo brings together a collection of our latest and most advanced products to help simplify building management, increase energy efficiency and reduce operating costs.” seamless integration The units are Smart Equipment enabled and provide seamless integration with building controls systems YORK Sun Choice: The new 15-27.5-ton commercial rooftop units exceed Department of Energy (DOE) 2018 regulations by up to 25% and surpass future DOE 2023 part-load standards by nearly 10%. The units feature a lightweight design that is up to 33% lighter than existing Johnson Controls models and up to 22% lighter than competing products. Large-tonnage commercial rooftop units: The new series of 27.5–50-ton commercial rooftop units seek to provide class-leading performance to deliver comfort without compromise – all in a cost-effective package. The units are Smart Equipment enabled and provide seamless integration with building controls systems, including Verasys, which helps maximize control for greater efficiency, extended equipment life and reduced operating costs. communicating zoning system New Communicating Zoning System: YORK will launch the new Wi-Fi-enabled Hx 3 communicating zoning solution, offering a range of devices to build systems supporting up to eight zones in homes resulting in maximum efficiency of equipment. The communicating zoning system can be controlled on the equipment, individual room thermostats or remotely controlled on the upgraded Hx Pro mobile application. When paired with this new technology, YORK Affinity Variable Capacity Systems are smarter, more connected, more efficient and more reliable than ever before. The Ducted Systems group will also feature the 2020 AHR Innovation Award-winning YORK TL9E Ultra-Low NOx Gas Furnace. Metasys Release 10.1: The latest version of the Metasys building automation system (BAS) includes an award-winning Cyber Health Dashboard and a new family of Network Engines to help drive system performance and cybersecurity. An exclusive first look at Metasys enhancements that will be available later this year will also be on display, including new supervisory and equipment controller models and fault detection, and fault triage capabilities. commercial refrigeration system The Johnson Controls building automation team will also exhibit next-generation hardware for Facility Explorer, including a brand new supervisory controller, a new family of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) for critical environments and other additions to its robust building automation portfolio as part of the recent EasyIO acquisition. YZ offers outstanding efficiency, an impressive operating map and a low total cost of ownership PENN Connected Refrigeration: This new tool leverages the cloud, IoT, mobile applications and data analytics to provide real-time data to optimize commercial refrigeration system efficiency, performance and reliability. It’s a cost-effective solution to ensure food stored in refrigeration equipment is always safe. Johnson Controls will feature a wide range of commercial and residential thermostat controls. Designed to help occupants efficiently and easily manage indoor comfort, the LUX portfolio provides a commercial line of thermostats of all types – from mechanical and pneumatic to smart Zigbee and zWave controls – to fit almost any project. HVAC systems design process Pros can see first-hand the simplicity and design of the LUX line of smart thermostats, including the KONO Smart, KONOz and KONOzw, CS1, GEO and the award-winning LUX P series of programmable thermostats, as well as the latest Johnson Controls TEC3000 and WT4K for commercial applications. HVAC Designer: This new web-based tool speeds up the HVAC systems design process by assisting with many time-consuming tasks necessary to design a complete system, such as a rooftop system with Verasys controls. The tool can import loads from diverse sources, create your schematics, automatically complete industry-standard HVAC calculations, guide product selections that meet system performance requirements, and create project documentation. heat recovery systems Hitachi multi-module water source VRF heat pump and heat recovery systems (Booth # 3819): The new multi-module systems are the largest capacity water source variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems in the industry – ranging from 6-48 tons – and offer the capability of connecting multiple single-module units. A new development for the award-winning YORK YZ Magnetic Bearing Centrifugal Chiller will be announced at the show. Johnson Controls has developed an integrated heat exchanger option available in YORK air handlers Launched in early 2018, the YZ is the first chiller fully optimized for ultimate performance with a next generation low-global warming potential (GWP) refrigerant. The YZ offers outstanding efficiency, an impressive operating map, sustainability and a low total cost of ownership. Johnson Controls Innovates Wrap-Around Heater Exchangers for a Compact Air Handler Footprint: With the growing need for energy-efficient dehumidification methods, Johnson Controls has developed an integrated wrap-around heat exchanger option exclusively available in YORK air handlers. temperature and lighting control The result is a compact design offering a significant footprint reduction vs. alternative systems. Wrap-around heat exchangers offer dehumidification benefits for many HVAC system applications including schools, hospitals, laboratories and gymnasiums. Manufactured on the same line as other YORK AHRI 410-certified coils, Johnson Controls guarantees the performance and reliability of the entire system without need for onsite installation or additional manufacturing lead time. Johnson Controls Companion: This personal occupant app combines temperature and lighting control, space reservation, desk usage, way finding, helpdesk, ticket request and mobile access/e-badge management to enable the workplace and workforce of the future. The easy-to-use app gives occupants more control while making buildings smarter and more efficient. advanced cloud-based platform Smart Connected Chillers provide machine learning-enabled, value-added analysis, including vibration analysis Johnson Controls Enterprise Management: This advanced cloud-based platform is machine learning-enabled and allows users to monitor and manage building operations data, space utilization, tenants, equipment and systems from a single pane of glass. An advanced Fault Detection and Diagnostics (FDD) engine, predictive capabilities and integration with preferred work order system provides quick and measurable ROI. Smart Connected Chillers: Evolving from preventive to predictive condition-based maintenance, Smart Connected Chillers provide machine learning-enabled, value-added analysis, including vibration analysis, to aid in early detection of machine faults with proactive recommendations to make smart decisions around equipment performance. critical environment controls FMS-2000 Critical Environment Controller: Triatek will display the latest addition to the critical environment controls portfolio, the FMS-2000 Critical Environment Controller. It features a larger five-inch-high definition touch screen with increased font size that makes verifying temperature, pressure and humidity easier across operating rooms and other critical spaces. An updated interface will provide a consistent user experience across Johnson Controls products, and users can customize which parameter(s) to display on the screen. Two different password-protected access levels provide facility managers and healthcare staff with the peace of mind that certain settings are only accessible to approved staff. The FMS-2000 can control and monitor up to six parameters across four rooms, which makes it a cost- effective choice. It includes the patented Safety Halo edge lighting that provides 360˚ of color-coded status visibility. The FMS-2000 seamlessly integrates with Metasys and Facility Explorer, and will be available globally in 17 languages in March 2020. energy efficiency Service and Maintenance: Johnson Controls offers the industry’s most comprehensive options for service and maintenance of HVAC equipment and controls in North America, including both smart-ready Johnson Controls products as well as competitive products.  Johnson Controls will also offer educational presentations addressing key trends in the industry, including the 2019 Energy Efficiency Indicator Survey. Clay Nesler, Vice President, global energy and sustainability for Johnson Controls, will unveil findings of the 2019 Energy Efficiency Indicator (EEI). The annual survey tracks current and planned investments, key drivers and organizational barriers to improving energy efficiency in facilities.

Resideo, Inc. is set to redefine the smart-home industry at an event that they are holding on Wednesday, Dec. 4, in Austin, Texas, at the historic Austin City Limits Live at the Moody Theater. More than 750 of the company’s professionals, distributors, partners, local stakeholders and employees are slated to attend the event, where they will share their vision to simplify the smart home industry through a network of more than 110,000 plumbing, HVAC and electrical contractors, and professional security dealers. Technical knowledge in smart home solutions Every day, these pros meet with homeowners with deep technical knowledge of how to maintain the critical networks of the home: Air, water, energy and security. And these pros have the technical expertise and training that positions them to become the home heroes for homeowners. Scott Harkins, vice president and general manager, Connected Home, Resideo stated, “I recently celebrated my 31st year in this industry, having started in the late 80s as a sales rep selling security products. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege to see many different sides of the business, from my current role overseeing our connected-home efforts to a time when I ran our Americas Security Business”. Security systems with integrated home automation The first automated solution that Scott sold during his early days was a security system with integrated home automation He adds, ”One thing that has been constant in all my years has been change, and that is no different today. As I reflect on my career, I’ve seen a lot of companies come and go, and it instills in me the confidence of Resideo’s heritage of more than 100 years, with controls in more than 150 million homes and more than 6.5 million connected devices.” Interestingly, one of the first automated solutions that Scott sold during his early days in the company was a security system with integrated home automation using X-10 power line carrier or home control. It could even be controlled by a phone, e.g. - a touch-tone phone. Smart Home Automation technologies The rapid change of new technologies and the coming and going of new products and companies have made this a dynamic but ultimately very confusing market for consumers. Many of these changes have left homeowners who bought those products frustrated and scratching their heads in confusion. This week, Resideo is going to roll out some exciting new programs and products to position the customers and professionals to be successful in helping consumers protect their homes. Not a bright shiny object coming out of Silicon Valley but the core technologies that help keep them comfortable and safe at home, their largest investment.

Members of the HVACR community reported a continued positive business outlook heading into 2020 in the latest AHR Expo and ASHRAE Journal Annual Economic Outlook Survey. The survey was distributed to past and prospective attendees, as well as industry manufacturers, to gauge the market leading into the new year. Additionally, for the first time, the 2020 report includes input on trends, issues and opportunities as outlined by representatives from industry associations regarding their respective areas of expertise. According to the report, 79% of respondents indicated good or excellent predicted sales prospects as we cross into 2020. While there continues to be shifts in the market, overall, the industry remains in a positive economic position. For example, heading in to 2019 the ‘retrofit and renovation’ segment was ranked as having the highest business growth potential. This year, it fell to second place, falling behind maintenance and replacement jobs. Introducing new and innovative products Each year, the AHR Expo kicks off business Q1 with the industry’s first chance to see what’s new in HVACR “Manufacturers and our attendee shareholders alike are reporting a strong economy,” said Mark Stevens, manager of AHR Expo. “Our recent report reveals that members of the HVACR community expect the successes of 2019 to hold in the new year. This will be evident on the Show floor as our exhibitors continue to introduce new and innovative products that meet the rising demand for smarter and more efficient solutions.” Each year, the AHR Expo kicks off business Q1 with the industry’s first chance to see what’s new in HVACR. Exhibitors use the opportunity to launch products at the Show and discuss new opportunities ahead. As a precursor to the Show, the survey conducted at the end of Q4 provides the opportunity to gauge what’s expected in the year ahead. Changing customer demands “The HVACR industry remains in a season of change, with innovation and advancement happening in all sectors,” continued Stevens. “Considerations such as the global market, changing customer demands and new innovation demands are shaping product designs and the way we approach the built environment. Across the board, whether entirely new concepts or improvements upon existing product lines, our exhibitors are thinking smarter and delivering impressive solutions.” When asked about 2019 sales, 34% of respondents reported an increase of 10% or more, and 70% indicated sales growth of at least 10%. Additionally, respondents reported expected growth in nearly all areas of the industry, with light commercial, health and residential markets identified as having the highest potential in 2020 at 72%, 67% and 64% respectively. Changing DOE regulations Reliability holds steady as the most important consideration factor for consumers when making purchasing decisions As in previous years, reliability holds steady as the most important consideration factor for consumers when making purchasing decisions. Both exhibitors and attendees alike ranked it as the most important, coming in at 81% for exhibitors and slightly more than 98% for attendees. For the second year in a row, both energy efficiency and indoor air quality secured a top spot in relation to consumer importance among exhibitors, at 67% and 64% respectively. Attendees, however, placed initial costs second at right under 98%, and comfort considerations third at 96%. Areas of concern include rising tariffs and the need to recruit and retain a strong skilled workforce. Additionally, changing DOE regulations and R22 refrigerant phase-out remains high on respondent radars. Areas of opportunity include automation and self-diagnostic controls and continued growth in the IoT/IIoT space. On the horizon for potential impacts to the industry include the forthcoming 2020 Presidential election, growth of big-box retailers and the viability of new technologies in the market. The Annual Economic Outlook Survey of HVACR manufacturers and attendees is compiled by AHR Expo, the world’s largest HVACR event, and ASHRAE Journal.