Johnson Controls - Experts & Thought Leaders

Johnson Controls, the global pioneer for smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, announced the launch of Metasys 15.0, its flagship open building automation system. Engineered to meet the demands of mission-critical environments, Metasys 15.0 delivers unmatched scalability, built-in resiliency and instant energy intelligence giving facility managers the tools to optimize building performance, ensure compliance and accelerate decarbonization. New features include support for up to 1,000 IP devices per server — 60 percent more than most Building Automation Systems available today, along with multi-server redundancy offering simultaneous backup and a preconfigured ready-to-use Energy Management suite that delivers real-time insights and actionable data. Latest release of Metasys “Building operators today must navigate a complex landscape of energy goals, operational demands and evolving workforce needs,” said Kaishi Zhang, Vice President of Product Management for Building Automation Systems at Johnson Controls. Kaishi Zhang adds, “The latest release of Metasys delivers a secure, intuitive BMS platform that ensures reliability, simplifies energy oversight and reduces reliance on specialized labor – essential for deploying across critical applications where performance and uptime matter more than ever before. We’re thrilled to launch this highly anticipated release, a technology that symbolizes the roots of Johnson Controls and where our experts continue to redefine building automation.” Key features of Metasys 15.0  Metasys 15.0 simplifies deployment and can be scaled across multiple buildings and sites, bringing competitive advantages to mission-critical industries such as healthcare systems, data centers, and large campuses, while bolstering uptime and efficiency. Key features include: Market-pioneering scalability: With support for 50,000 objects and 1,000 IP devices per server, Metasys 15.0 can be seamlessly deployed across large healthcare campuses, universities, or multi-site enterprises without costly hardware upgrades. By allowing IP devices to communicate directly with the server, organizations can reduce infrastructure costs by up to 60% by eliminating the need for intermediary components. 24/7 data resiliency: New multi-server redundancy ensures critical alerts, trends, and audit logs are backed up on two Metasys servers simultaneously, helping to ensure operational continuity, data availability and compliance in mission-critical environments like hospitals and data centers.  Ready-to-use energy management applications: The Energy Management suite offers ready-to-use applications that allow users to easily access and understand data across energy management, engineering productivity, and cybersecurity to improve operations and planning.  Fast industry configuration: Facility managers can now more easily configure and manage the system directly using a web client, reducing equipment setup time by nearly 95% compared to previous versions and eliminating the need for server shutdowns or external support. Interoperability: as an open BAS solution, Metasys 15, along with previous iterations, is widely recognized by field technicians for its leading ability to support a wide range of third-party IT and OT protocols such as BACnet, MSPP, M-Bus, and more. OpenBlue smart building ecosystem Metasys is a cornerstone of Johnson Controls’ product ecosystem, delivering seamless integration across a broad spectrum of building technologies to unlock energy efficiency, system-wide optimization and thermal performance. The combined impact of Metasys together with Johnson Controls’ advanced HVAC, fire, security technologies as well as the OpenBlue smart building ecosystem and network of more than 40,000 field and service technicians can deliver lower operating costs and a stronger return on investment.

Johnson Controls, the global pioneer in smart, safe, healthy and sustainable buildings, has expanded its data center thermal management offerings with the launch of its Silent-Aire Coolant Distribution Unit (CDU) platform. This latest addition to Johnson Controls’ end-to-end thermal management portfolio enables data centers to seamlessly transition to liquid cooling as rack densities rise. The Silent-Aire CDUs offer a wide range of scalable cooling capacities from 500kW to over 10MW in flexible designs that are uniquely tailored to suit the needs of any data center deployment. Launch of this expanded series “The launch of this expanded series of CDU technology marks a pivotal step in our commitment to advance data center cooling, from chip to chiller,” said Austin Domenici, Vice President and General Manager, Data Center Solutions at Johnson Controls.  Austin Domenici adds, “By collaborating with renowned ecosystem players in the hyperscale, colocation and semiconductor industry, we’ve engineered an innovative and scalable platform that meets the demands of next-generation AI training and inference hardware, delivering consistent performance and reinforcing our role as a strategic partner to data center professionals scaling for the digital economy.” Rapid growth of AI Silent-Aire CDUs are designed for flexibility to support a wide range of liquid-cooling configurations  With the rapid growth of AI and increasing demand for computing power, denser chips are generating more heat, making cooling innovation a critical priority. Silent-Aire CDUs allow for precision cooling of this equipment, enabling data center owners and operators to deploy the latest in semiconductor technology. Positioned either within the rack row adjacent to heat-generating equipment or in the whitespace perimeter, Silent-Aire CDUs are designed for flexibility to support a wide range of liquid-cooling configurations and hybrid designs to deliver precise, efficient cooling of high-performance environments ranging from edge-based inference to large AI factories. Broad portfolio This launch is built on Johnson Controls’ broad portfolio of existing Silent-Aire, York and M&M Carnot thermal management products that serve data centers worldwide. By adopting Johnson Controls’ comprehensive thermal management solutions, owners and operators can significantly improve total facility efficiency. Since 2020, large data centers have typically devoted more than 30% of their energy to cooling and other non-IT functions. However, Johnson Controls’ solutions can reduce non-IT energy consumption by more than 50% in most North American data center hubs. For a gigawatt-scale AI factory, this reduction translates to enough energy savings to power over 200,000 households annually. Data center development Johnson Controls manufactures the Silent-Aire CDUs at facilities across North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. With more than 1.8 million square feet of production floorspace, this global footprint helps to increase capacity needed to meet the accelerated pace of data center development. A robust network of over 40,000 field and service technicians backs Johnson Controls’ building technology to ensure reliable service, maintenance and parts delivery worldwide. In 2025, Johnson Controls was named a top thermal management provider for data centers by ABI Research, recognizing its excellence in innovation, implementation and customer-centric approach.

Johnson Controls, the global pioneer for smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, announces the launch of new PENN System 550 C550A web-enabled control modules designed to streamline the transition from analog to digital temperature, humidity and/or pressure sensing within commercial HVAC-R equipment. System 550 C550A is an easy-to-configure functional replacement for legacy System 350. PENN System 550 C550A C550A control modules feature a guided setup that allows users to easily configure the device  PENN System 550 C550A control modules support one temperature, humidity, or pressure sensor input and serve as functional replacements for System 350 A350 (temperature), P352 (pressure) and W351 (humidity) control modules, which were recently discontinued. C550A control modules feature a guided setup that allows users to easily configure the device to match the System 350 control module being replaced. “We’ve designed the new C550A control modules to retain the popular legacy System 350 qualities, while facilitating ease of replacement with a guided setup,” said Keith Gifford, Senior Global Product Manager, Johnson Controls. “All System 550 control modules include the option to connect to Johnson Controls System Cloud platform, which is a significant benefit, especially when there’s high risk associated with equipment downtime.” C550 control modules All C550 control modules (C550C and C550A series) provide two-way remote connectivity  All C550 control modules (C550C and C550A series) provide two-way remote connectivity with an annual subscription to the Johnson Controls optional Controls System Cloud. On-board Wi-Fi connectivity allows authorized users to remotely monitor HVAC-R system health via the PENN Controls System Cloud. Backed by Johnson Controls' service expertise, when an issue is detected, cloud-based connectivity can automatically notify a technician via email or text to help expedite service and maximize uptime. This capability is amplified by Johnson Controls' field leadership, anchored by a global network of service technicians with deep technical knowledge in building systems. LCD screen A full-character LCD screen enhances ease-of-use and offers customized sensor and output naming to simplify maintenance and serviceability. C550A control modules come in two output types: The C550ACN control module features two relay outputs and is a functional replacement for System 350 control modules with a relay output (e.g., A350A, A350B, A350E, P352A, and W351A series). C550SCN relay expansion and C550SQN analog expansion modules can be added to the C550ACN control module, providing up to ten outputs (relay and analog). The C550AQN control module features two analog outputs and is a functional replacement for System 350 control modules with an analog output (e.g., A350P, P352P, and W351P). If more than two analog outputs are needed, customers will need to use the C550CQN series analog control module. System 550 modules System 550 modules are not backwards compatible with System 350 modules. All System 350 modules must be replaced with the required System 550 module. By transitioning to new C550A control modules, OEMs can increase sensing outputs, including A2L refrigerant leak detection, using fewer modules than legacy systems have typically allowed. This can result in cost reductions and space savings within equipment designs. The C550A supports hundreds of applications, with the most popular being heating and/or cooling control, staged boiler or chiller control, boiler and chiller loop water temperature rest control, humidification and dehumidification control, and combination temperature and humidity control.

The HVAC industry is undergoing a rapid transformation, driven primarily by new environmental regulations and the integration of smart technology. From changing refrigerants to stricter efficiency standards, from smart technology to better sustainability, the HVAC market continues to evolve at a breakneck pace. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: Which current technology will revolutionize the HVAC market in the next 10 years?

Because we spend about 90% of our time indoors, Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is critical. Poor IAQ, including pollutants such as mold and chemicals, directly impacts health, causing respiratory issues, headaches, and fatigue. Good IAQ enhances comfort, productivity, and overall well-being. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: How can HVAC systems ensure better indoor air quality (IAQ)?

With the acquisition of Johnson Controls’ residential and commercial HVAC business, Bosch’s Home Comfort Group has vastly expanded its global footprint. The acquisition, which was finalized on July 31, expands Bosch’s North American presence to complement its already dominant positions in the rest of the world. Champion in the HVAC and water space The newly combined businesses will include 26 research and development facilities globally and 33 factories worldwide.  Previously, about 80% of Bosch’s Home Comfort Business was in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa region “Bosch has really expressed their desire to be a global champion in the HVAC and water space, so that’s really the premise behind the global acquisition,” says David Budzinski, President, Bosch Home Comfort Group, Americas.  Previously, around 80% of Bosch’s Home Comfort Business was in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa region. The acquisition adds particular strength in the North America and Asia-Pacific regions, resulting is a trinity of big regional businesses combined under the Bosch global umbrella. Tremendous potential for growth in US There will be no immediate changes noticeable in how the businesses operate, according to David Budzinski. Over the next several years, one can expect more integration where it makes sense, yielding eventual cost benefits.  “We are always looking at ways to decrease the cost of our products for contractors and consumers alike,” said Budzinski, adding “We want to leverage the strengths from both sides.” The acquisition provides tremendous potential for growth in the United States. “Bosch is very serious about growing in the Americas, and so it’s an incredibly important market, arguably one of the most important for the company,” adds David Budzinski. Residential and light commercial HVAC businesses Bosch will continue to use the brand names Hitachi and York under licensing agreements The acquisition includes the Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning joint venture in addition to JCI’s other residential and light commercial HVAC businesses. Bosch will continue to use the brand names Hitachi and York under licensing agreements, in addition to their Bosch branding. The businesses are merging with Bosch Home Comfort Group, part of the global company’s Energy and Buildings business, one of four main pillars of the vast company.  JCI residential and light commercial businesses The combination of the legacy JCI residential and light commercial businesses with Bosch’s existing business in North America positions Bosch as one of the “Big Six” HVAC manufacturers in North America. Bosch was already a North American pioneer in heat pumps and water technologies. An advantage of the combined companies is a larger product portfolio, included ducted and ductless technologies provided by the JCI-Hitachi unit. It’s a whole new side of the portfolio, joining Bosch’s strength in air-to-air and air-to-water heat pump technologies. Bosch was already a North American pioneer in heat pumps and water technologies. Economics of scale and synergy A regional approach allows the company to cater the strategy to each individual region “Being a global HVAC company allows us to continue and expand our existing economics of scale and synergy,” says David Budzinski.  A regional approach allows the company to cater the strategy to each individual region, whether North America, China, Japan, or Europe. The goal is, in effect, to do “whatever it takes for us to win,” said David Budzinski.  “It takes a slightly different strategy to win in the U.S. versus what it takes to win in Europe versus Japan or China,” says David Budzinski, adding “Bosch has been a global player for over 100 years, and we have a very strong strategy.” Switch to lower-GWP refrigerants Investment in research and development (R&D) is critical in the U.S., given the ever-shifting business and regulatory environment. For the last six years, the focus in the U.S. has been responding to regulatory changes. With that transition in the rearview, including the switch to lower-GWP refrigerants, it is time to focus more on end users and contractors, says Budzinski.  “We are focused on portfolio enhancements and helping our end users and contractors install the product faster and easier in order to essentially decrease the cost of the product, including installation time,” states David Budzinski, adding “We are growing our portfolio to help consumers be able to afford to replace their HVAC.” Broad Bosch portfolio Uncertainties in the replacement cycle and housing market are among the unknowns Uncertainties in the replacement cycle and housing market are among the unknowns as one looks ahead to the future, but Bosch is responding. “We’re doing our part to work with contractors, our dealers, and distributors to make sure we continue to make new installations achievable and affordable with or without incentives for homeowners,” adds David Budzinski.  The broad Bosch portfolio, including the products that are part of the acquisition, ensures the company can serve customers regardless of what happens on the political or regulatory front.  Benefits of the new ownership  “We are going to produce, engineer and develop products that our customers want, and that’s super critical as a business and helps us to be more agile,” said Budzinski. Overall, Budzinski expects Bosch’s business to grow faster than the overall market. “The acquisition helps us leverage economics of scale, which was one of the main drivers of the transaction,” adds David Budzinski.  Among the benefits of the new ownership is operation by a private company (Bosch) as compared to a publicly traded company (JCI). Being a private company enables a longer-term emphasis on growth and investment, rather than focusing on short-term concerns such as exceeding quarterly earnings estimates, for example. Private companies are well-equipped to weather market volatility. Impact of tariffs for Bosch’s supply chain partners Given the ongoing uncertainties about tariffs, Bosch is well-positioned with manufacturing and R&D facilities in the U.S., including large facilities in Oklahoma and Kansas. There will be some expected impact of tariffs for Bosch’s supply chain partners; some components are made outside the United States. Bosch’s U.S. facilities support the currently popular notion of “Investing in the United States,” according to Budzinski. “We have created a global climate comfort champion,” said David Budzinski, adding “We are a large, global-scale company that focuses on creating the best products and technology for our customers.” Bosch’s forecast Bosch’s forecast is that sales of air conditioning units worldwide are hoped to rise to more than 200 million per year According to Bosch analyses, the global market for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems amounted to more than $160 billion USD (150 billion euros) in 2024. Air conditioning systems alone accounted for two-thirds of this. Demand will continue to increase significantly in the coming years.  According to Bosch’s forecast, sales of air conditioning units worldwide are expected to increase to more than 200 million units per year by 2030, almost a fifth more than in 2024. Ambitious growth targets “With the largest acquisition in our company history, we are accelerating our growth, expanding our global footprint, and balancing our business by strengthening our energy and building technology – this makes Bosch more powerful and robust, in line with our corporate strategy,” says Stefan Hartung, Chairman of the Bosch board of management.  “We have ambitious growth targets in all regions of the world. We are consistently focusing our new organization on this,” says Jan Brockmann, Executive Management President of Home Comfort, adding “By strengthening regional responsibility, we can meet customer needs even better.” Strategic investments in growth areas “Bosch wants to be one of the pioneering companies in each of its industries by 2030 and is expanding its business with strategic investments in growth areas, among other things. Acquisitions are also part of the strategy,” says Christian Fischer, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Management and responsible for strategic growth initiatives and portfolio management. Christian Fischer adds, “The current acquisition perfectly complements our portfolio. We can now offer our customers the entire range of HVAC technologies – from a single source and worldwide.”