Trane - Experts & Thought Leaders

mSupply, a pioneering North American distributor of appliance, HVAC, and plumbing parts and equipment, is pleased to share that Midwest Regional Vice President Steve Raimondi was featured as a "40 Under 40" professional by ACHR News. In its August issue, AHCR News featured Raimondi, 40, as one of the next generation of HVAC pioneers to watch. Client service and deep HVAC facts "Steve has grown alongside the HVAC industry for more than 20 years now," said Keith Kramer, mSupply's Senior Vice President of HVAC. "His dedication to customer service and deep HVAC knowledge has helped Munch's become among the very best." Cost-effective ways to customer service At Munch's Supply, he focuses on helping dealers find cost-effective ways to continually improve customer service Raimondi began working at Munch's Supply while in high school and enjoyed a career that grew organically, through roles in operations, sales, and leadership. He currently oversees about 500 employees at 17 Munch's locations throughout Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan, representing mSupply’s largest business unit. At Munch's Supply, he focuses on helping dealers find cost-effective ways to continually improve their customer service. He also champions the industry's vast career opportunities for young adults, promoting the economic stability it offers. Decades of HVAC distribution "Even though this started as a teenage job, my time at Munch's has become pivotal to my career," he said. "I found a passion for this industry and a deep desire to help the people I've met along the way. I look forward to helping shape the coming decades of HVAC distribution in the Midwest and beyond." With a focus on reliable and knowledgeable service, Munch’s Supply is a 69-year-old company and premier distributor for Trane, American Standard, and Mitsubishi Electric Trane US LLC. It is one of 11 HVAC companies operated by mSupply, a St. Louis-based distributor that serves the appliance, HVAC, and plumbing industries.

Trane - by Trane Technologies, a global climate innovator, announced plans to expand operations at its manufacturing facility in Fort Smith, Arkansas. The expansion project supports the production of thermal management solutions and provides the opportunity to increase the full-time workforce in Fort Smith by about 20% over the next year. "We’re excited to expand our operations in Fort Smith, strengthening our manufacturing capacity in support of our customers and their sustainable business growth," said Holly Paeper, President, Commercial HVAC Americas, Trane Technologies. Commitment to innovation “We appreciate the longstanding collaboration with the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce, and thank the leaders of Sebastian County and the city of Fort Smith.” “Their support has been instrumental in making this expansion a reality and underscores our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and the creation of high-quality jobs within the community," concluded Holly Paeper. “If there's one thing Arkansans can appreciate, it’s a good HVAC system in the heat of summer,” said Governor Sanders. “I am grateful for the nearly three decades Trane has invested in the people and community of Fort Smith, and I am excited about what their latest expansion means for Arkansas’ workforce and economy.” Trane business The facility has been an integral part of the Trane business and a member of the Fort Smith community  The facility has been an integral part of the Trane business and a member of the Fort Smith community for nearly 30 years. The site showcases Trane’s commitment to sustainability, with upgraded HVAC, lighting and water systems to help substantially reduce energy and water usage, while creating a more comfortable, efficient environment, and eliminating wood waste to landfill in 2021. It also has a long track record of providing a safe and uplifting work environment for its workforce. In February 2024, the facility celebrated twelve consecutive years – more than 5,000,000 hours – without a lost time safety incident and is on track to reach 6 million hours without a lost time incident by October 2025. Fort Smith community Trane employees continue to actively support the Fort Smith community through volunteerism Trane employees continue to actively support the Fort Smith community through volunteerism, already more than doubling recorded volunteer hours in 2025, compared with 2024. “Trane Technologies is an international manufacturing leader, and the company has chosen Fort Smith, Arkansas for its latest expansion. This new expansion will create more than 60 new jobs, making a significant impact on the local economy,” said Clint O’Neal, executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. “Fort Smith has all the elements needed for business success, and we congratulate the city and its leadership on this latest win.” Capital investment "Trane’s capital investment and expansion in Fort Smith reinforces our city's role as a center of advanced manufacturing,” said Fort Smith Mayor George McGill. “The addition of more than 60 new jobs reflects their confidence in our skilled workforce and our community's business-friendly environment.  With nearly 300 employees already here, Trane's continued growth is a strong indicator of Fort Smith's economic momentum and industrial strength". Industrial landscape “Trane has long been a cornerstone of our industrial landscape, and we are grateful for their commitment to our region.” “This exciting expansion is the direct result of a strong and seamless collaboration between Trane, the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce, and the city of Fort Smith. It demonstrates what can be accomplished when the public and private sectors work together toward a shared vision of economic progress,” said Tim Allen, President/CEO of the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Trane® – by Trane Technologies, a global climate innovator, is honored to be named a 2025 National Preferred Partner by David Weekley Homes, one of the nation’s largest privately held home builders.  Trane is one of 12 manufacturing partners, recognized for exceeding expectations, based on the results of a comprehensive survey and evaluation process by David Weekley Homes team members. This is Trane’s 14th year receiving the award, presented annually since 2005. Strategic approach to mutual growth “Recognition from the David Weekley Homes team is meaningful because it reflects our strategic approach to mutual growth,” says Brad Trevillian, Vice President of Sales, Residential HVAC, Trane. He adds, “Serving the residential new construction market is an exciting opportunity for us to innovate and deliver exceptional experiences for our valued partners by providing systems and technologies that deliver comfort and efficiency for their homeowners.” Home builder’s supplier evaluation The award recognizes field and manufacturing partners who consistently operate at world-class levels The award recognizes field and manufacturing partners who consistently operate at world-class levels, as determined through the home builder’s supplier evaluation.  This comprehensive process, anchored by the National Preferred Trading Partner Survey, evaluates companies in the areas of quality and customer service. High-quality products and services “At David Weekley Homes, we’re grateful to have incredible National Preferred Partners, like Trane, who consistently exceed expectations,” said John Schiegg, Vice President of Purchasing and Supply Chain Services for David Weekley Homes. He adds, “With these valued partners providing high-quality products and services, we’re able to deliver on our brand promise to provide the best in design, choice and service to our customers.” National Preferred Partner Survey The National Preferred Partner Survey asks David Weekley Homes team members to evaluate their current partners, rating their performance with two questions on a 1-to-5 scale. Those with the highest scores out of the 118 partners surveyed are presented with the prestigious National Preferred Partners Award, with only 20 percent achieving the designation in 2025. HVAC products and customer service “It’s an honor to again be recognized by David Weekley Homes with this prestigious award, which reflects our deep commitment to providing exceptional HVAC products and customer service in support of our home builder partners and their homeowners,” said Andy Stallworth, Manager for Strategic Relationships for Trane’s residential HVAC business.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DoE) Commercial Heat Pump Accelerator program is designed to enhance building efficiency and electrification. Running from 2024 through 2027, the program aims to overcome adoption barriers, promote advanced heat pump technologies, and create sustainable solutions for HVAC professionals. Compared with conventional packaged rooftop units (RTUs) with natural gas heating, heat pump RTUs are estimated to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy costs by up to 50%. For those in the HVAC industry, this program is an opportunity to boost operational efficiency, align with emerging sustainability standards, and unlock new business. Transforming Commercial HVAC with Heat Pumps Known for their dual heating and cooling abilities, heat pumps save energy compared to conventional HVAC systems The DoE’s program centers on accelerating the adoption of high-efficiency heat pumps for space conditioning and water heating. By working collaboratively with stakeholders—including manufacturers, utilities, and facility managers—the initiative seeks to integrate energy-efficient solutions into commercial buildings nationwide. Known for their dual heating and cooling capabilities, heat pumps save energy compared to conventional HVAC systems. The Accelerator program prioritizes cutting-edge systems to lower energy consumption and operating costs for businesses. As decarbonization becomes a global priority, electrification of HVAC systems is also key. By reducing reliance on fossil fuels, heat pumps contribute to a cleaner energy future. Practical Benefits for Professionals For HVAC professionals, the program provides a framework to explore new markets and enhance service offerings. With the Accelerator program’s emphasis on efficiency, HVAC professionals can help clients reduce energy bills, providing a tangible ROI for heat pump installations. Participants in the program also gain access to technical guidance, best practices, and case studies, fostering skills to implement heat pumps effectively. As building owners seek energy-efficient solutions, HVAC professionals are positioned as experts in heat pump technology in order to gain a competitive edge. Success of the residential challenge The retail program is a growth of an earlier program related to residential technologies The commercial program is an expansion of an earlier program related to residential technologies. Last fall, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced that eight manufacturers in the Residential Cold Climate Heat Pump Challenge completed rigorous product field testing to demonstrate energy efficiency and improved performance in cold weather. Bosch, Carrier, Daikin, Johnson Controls, Lennox, Midea, Rheem, and Trane Technologies participated in the residential challenge. Cold climate heat pumps (CCHPs) developed as part of the challenge will soon enter commercial production, manufacturers say.  Building upon the success of the residential challenge, DOE is now working with nine heat pump manufacturers to advance rooftop units (RTUs) for commercial buildings through a new technology challenge. Commercial Building Heat Pump Challenge Expanding with the Commercial Building Heat Pump Challenge through its Better Buildings program, DoE is now working with heat pump manufacturers AAON, Addison, Carrier, Daikin, Johnson Controls, Lennox, LG, Rheem, and Trane Technologies to improve the energy efficiency and performance of RTUs in cold weather. The manufacturers will partner with DoE and national laboratories to create prototypes and test product performance and durability. They will then lead field validations with Better Buildings partners, including Amazon, General Motors, Ikea, the Los Angeles Unified School District, Target, Whole Foods, and others. Tackling Challenges in Heat Pump Adoption The DoE program recognizes common challenges HVAC professionals face in promoting commercial heat pump adoption and provides strategic solutions. Cost Barriers: The upfront cost of heat pumps can deter clients. The program encourages collaboration with utilities to offer incentives and financing options, making the transition more affordable. Performance in Cold Climates: Heat pumps have historically underperformed in colder regions. By focusing on technological advancements, the Accelerator addresses performance issues, ensuring systems work efficiently even in extreme weather. Workforce Training: To ensure seamless implementation, the DoE supports workforce development through training programs, thus empowering HVAC professionals to deliver high-quality installations. A Collective Push for Change The Accelerator agenda thrives on alliances, leveraging the expertise of diverse stakeholders The Accelerator program thrives on partnerships, leveraging the expertise of diverse stakeholders. For manufacturers and innovators, the program promotes advanced heat pump technologies that meet the diverse needs of commercial buildings. For utilities and energy providers, there are incentives to encourage adoption and offset initial costs. Building owners and facility managers can benefit from sharing insights and case studies to demonstrate the practical benefits of heat pumps in real-world scenarios. In general, HVAC professionals can benefit by staying connected to these networks, keeping abreast of new technologies and customer-centric solutions. Heat Pumps and a Greener Future Heat pumps align with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and meet regulatory requirements. For HVAC professionals, this means not only improving the environmental impact of their services but also helping clients achieve compliance with evolving energy codes and standards. The DoE’s Commercial Heat Pump Accelerator program offers HVAC professionals a clear path to embrace innovation, improve energy efficiency, and secure a leadership position in a rapidly changing marketplace. By participating in the program, HVAC experts can drive the industry forward while enhancing their businesses and delivering meaningful value to clients. As the HVAC landscape evolves, those who seize this opportunity will not only adapt but thrive, setting new benchmarks for efficiency and sustainability in the years to come.

Recently, nine states pledged to accelerate the transition to clean buildings in their states, including a goal of deploying heat pumps to make up 65% of residential heating, cooling, and water heating by 2030. California, Colorado, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, and Rhode Island signed a memorandum of understanding in February outlining their collective efforts to accelerate the deployment of clean technologies such as heat pumps in new and existing homes.  Benefits of heat pumps Fifteen percent of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions come from the heating and cooling of buildings and homes, and accelerating the use of heat pumps advances the goal of a cleaner, healthier environment.   “The door is closing on reasons to shy away from heat pumps because the technology is here, and the incentives and support from government programs are on the rise,” says Katie Davis, VP of Engineering and Technology at Trane Residential. “There is no better time than now to make the change for a more sustainable future.”  portfolio of residential heat pumps The new portfolio yields an emissions reduction of over 35% (compared to 2019), and the new 15 SEER heat pump Beginning this month, Trane Residential launches its new portfolio of residential heat pumps that achieve new levels of emissions reduction. The new portfolio yields an emissions reduction of over 35% (compared to 2019), and the new 15 SEER heat pump will meet Energy Star requirements.   “We saw the change in refrigerant regulation as an opportunity to propel us forward in technology toward a better environment,” says Davis.   Heat pump technology Heat pump technology has been around since the mid-1800s, and it has evolved significantly since that time. Within the last 10 years, improvements have been made in efficiency, in both the heating and cooling cycles. The use of vapor injection technology in the heating cycle has greatly improved the capacity and efficiency of heating with heat pumps.   Comfort mode Comfort mode provides a level of comfort similar to that of fossil fuel-burning furnaces Trane heat pumps also can deliver very warm air at the register through Comfort mode, which provides a level of comfort similar to that of fossil fuel-burning furnaces, says Davis. Homeowners who prefer furnaces due to the temperature of the discharge air have similar capabilities with Trane heat pumps.  Sustainability and efficiency Trane Technologies seeks to challenge what’s possible for a sustainable world, says Davis. “Sustainability is the foundation of how we design our products for the future of HVAC,” she says. Improvements in the efficiency of Trane Heat Pumps have a direct correlation to reduced emissions, which translates to energy savings on a homeowner’s utility bill.   Trane Link systems Other factors that assist in driving the transition to the electrification of heating are utility rebates The Trane Link systems provide up to an additional 5% energy savings to the homeowner using smart technology that efficiently manages the home load environment. Other factors that assist in driving the transition to the electrification of heating are utility rebates and a program that assists homeowners in making the shift.  Of course, "indirect emissions" and the greening of the grid have an impact on emissions as the industry moves toward the use of heat pumps and away from fossil fuel-burning systems. emissions reduction by design Trane is achieving industry-pioneering emissions reduction by design, and as the grid becomes greener, it will accelerate the impact the Trane portfolio will have on the industry and the environment, says Davis.  “At Trane, we utilize a multi-variable approach to reducing emissions in our product portfolio,” says Davis. “While a greener grid can help to accelerate the reduction in emissions, our systems utilize smart technology, lower global warming potential refrigerants, and improved efficiency in heating design to achieve industry-pioneering emissions reduction for our systems.”  alternative energy sources When designing for sustainability, several levers can be pulled to yield the best results Heat pumps play a role in encouraging more efficient energy sources. HVAC accounts for over 40% of the energy usage in a home. There is an opportunity for the development of capabilities in alternative energy sources for heating and cooling as well as improved energy management for the home. When designing for sustainability, several levers can be pulled to yield the best results. One of those levers is related to digital controls and smart systems.  Trane Link Variable Speed Trane Link Variable Speed Systems provide over 700 speeds to provide a pinpoint match to a homeowner’s load demand in a home. The system provides temperature control within 0.5 degrees F, humidity control to the exact setpoint defined by the homeowner, and provides up to 5% energy savings on utility bills.   By utilizing the digital technology within the control system, the heat pump manages comfort as well as efficiency to provide the best for the homeowner and the environment. For dealers, Trane provides Dealer Diagnostics that give precise information on runtime and system performance, in real time, to ensure the most optimal operating parameters for the best system performance and efficiency.  heat pump heating capability Two obstacles are cost and the customer perception of heat pump heating capability Two obstacles remain in the transition journey. They are cost and the customer perception of heat pump heating capability. “As we accelerate this transition, the time is now for utilities and government programs to step up and assist homeowners in electrification of heating,” says Davis. Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) funding is a step toward this assistance, but more is needed across the industry to ensure a rapid transition to cleaner equipment.   Consumer concerns In addition to cost, homeowners have not been properly educated on the advancement of heat pump technology over the last decade, and heating with heat pumps has improved significantly.  “The cost to convert from furnaces to heat pumps can be prohibitive, but with government incentives, like the IRA rebates, this becomes less of an issue,” says Davis. “Other concerns from consumers are energy bills and the concern that energy costs will rise with the use of heat pumps. While it is true that electric energy bills may rise, homeowners should see a reduced cost of use of other energy sources,” says Davis. “In the end, we move closer to parity.” 

The idea of Energy as a Service involves shifting the traditional business model from selling energy as a commodity to providing a comprehensive package of goods and services to address a customer’s energy use and management. Rather than selling energy, the approach encompasses complete stewardship of a company’s energy needs in exchange for a monthly fee. Because 40% or so of a company’s typical energy needs are related to heating and cooling systems, implementing Energy as a Service (EaaS) is tied directly to a company’s HVAC systems. heat pumps and HVAC technologies In the EaaS scenario, an outside company pledges to meet a customer’s energy needs at a discount, say 5%, below what they currently pay. By then strategically seeking to lower the customer’s energy costs by more than 5%, the EaaS company uses the extra margin to pay its own costs and to attain a profit. For example, if a customer’s energy costs can be lowered by 30%, the EaaS company retains 25% every month for the term of the agreement, typically 10 years. Any costs associated with providing the service come out of the 25%. In the EaaS scenario, an outside company pledges to meet a customer’s energy needs at a discount Specifically, working to lower energy costs by that much involves an upfront investment in infrastructure, such as heat pumps and HVAC technologies, to lessen energy consumption. The idea is that the profitability of lowering energy costs will offset even a substantial investment over time. Energy-related infrastructure Briefly stated, that is the business model of Budderfly, which assumes management of a company’s energy infrastructure and becomes the “account holder” with the utility. Once an EaaS contract is signed, Budderfly then invests to upgrade the customer’s energy-related infrastructure, including LED lighting, refrigeration, etc., in addition to HVAC. The goal is to decrease energy usage by 30% or more.  Budderfly typically upgrades the variable frequency drive (VFD) When upgrading the infrastructure, Budderfly “owns” any new infrastructure assets for the term of the EaaS agreement, say 10 years, and amortizes the cost over the timespan. At the end of the term, the assets are turned back over to the customer unless they renew the contract. In the HVAC arena, Budderfly typically upgrades the variable frequency drive (VFD), economizers, and other equipment in a rooftop unit or other machinery when it takes on a new customer. Embraces the EaaS scenario EaaS has a direct incentive to invest in the newest technology to slip the client energy usage “Looking at the opportunity to save 5% of their energy costs, many customers think it seems too good to be true,” says Al Subbloie, President, CEO and Founder at Budderfly. The price of the EaaS contract is based on a two-year review of the customer’s utility bill, which creates a baseline against which the 5% discount is provided. On the consumption side, replacing a rooftop unit with a new Lennox, Carrier, or Trane high-efficiency unit can provide 30 to 40% savings in energy usage. When a customer embraces the EaaS scenario, the EaaS company has an immediate incentive to invest in the newest technology to lower the customer’s energy usage. The more they save on energy, the more they earn in profits. EaaS approach In contrast, in a business model involving energy purchased as a commodity, there is little urgency to upgrade the equipment. That explains why so much equipment currently installed is so out-of-date and energy inefficient, says Subbloie. “We did not expect the infrastructure to be so bad,” he says. “I am sharing something the world is not aware of. As long as cool and hot air are coming out of the vents, no one is looking at the energy impact.” In fact, the EaaS approach is a growing factor in decarbonization. “We are a private capital method to save the world,” says Subbloie. “We are aligning capitalism and putting it to use to save the world (from climate change),” he says. Additional investments by Budderfly Budderfly can make a profit on an EaaS contract if it can achieve 30% savings on total energy costs Subbloie says Budderfly can make a profit on an EaaS contract if it can achieve 30% savings on total energy costs. Of the 30%, Budderfly returns 5% typically to the customer and then spends about 15% on capital improvements, amortized over 10 years. Additional investments by Budderfly include 3 to 4% on technology such as thermostats, metering and controls, and data systems. Other costs are to pay Budderfly’s 300 or so employees.  In the refrigeration realm, which might account for 15 or 20% of energy usage, Budderfly deploys controllers (such as KE2 Therm Solutions and NRM) to smartly regulate the compressor operation in refrigeration units. Door alert monitors and upgraded seals avoid any leakage of cool air. Deploying R-290 (propane) refrigerant systems boosts energy efficiency. EaaS strategy When Budderfly deploys solar systems, the cost becomes just another line on the customer’s bill – there is no purchase agreement or lease involved. Budderfly is transparent with the customer in terms of the money they invest in infrastructure and other costs. In addition to providing the customer with the initial 5% discount, Budderfly also typically shares with the customer half of the proceeds of any energy savings they can achieve above 30%. The EaaS strategy is applicable to a variety of markets, but Budderfly is finding initial success in the quick-service restaurant (QSR) market, where repeatable footprints of individual locations make EaaS calculations predictable and scalable. Probably 80% of their business is in casual dining and QSR installations, including 75 or so well-known restaurant brands; they work with large franchisees who operate multiple brands. top-down relationships Budderfly also has firms in healthcare needs, nursing facilities, office buildings, amenity stores Budderfly is also working to establish “top-down” relationships at the restaurants’ corporate level, which has the ability to impose EaaS as a standard throughout its footprint. “As the climate focus becomes more important, a restaurant brand might say to do it everywhere,” says Subbloie. Hotels and motels are another vertical markets amenable to this approach, and Budderfly also has business in healthcare markets, nursing facilities, office buildings, convenience stores, and other retail. They seek to limit each building’s size to 200,000 square feet or less. Regulated and deregulated rates Budderfly has a team that handles the onboarding of new customers, which involves a short, two-page agreement. Their automated system is connected to 500 utilities, and Budderfly tracks all the regulated and deregulated rates. If rates go up, their billing increases, still based on the 5% reduction that is part of the agreement.  Budderfly benefits from its high-volume acquisition of HVAC equipment at lower prices. “We buy a lot of stuff, we have agreements to buy at volume pricing, and we are constantly negotiating to lower the price,” says Subbloie. “We buy the best of the best to achieve the greatest energy-saving outcome, for obvious reasons. We negotiate prices on the expectation that our volume will make it lucrative (for OEMs).” Subbloie says Budderfly is the largest buyer of roof-top units in the country. Energy-efficient HVAC systems Budderfly’s model enables the facility of the latest and most energy-efficient tools In the scenario of buying energy as a commodity, customers have less incentive to proactively replace their HVAC infrastructure with more efficient models. They also may not have the means to invest in capital improvements to achieve better energy efficiency outcomes. In contrast, Budderfly’s model encourages the installation of the latest and most energy-efficient equipment, and that the equipment is fine-tuned and maintained. By pushing the transition to decarbonization based on an old-fashioned business motive (i.e., profit), Budderfly seeks to jump-start the adoption of more energy-efficient HVAC systems on a large scale. “We have an economic model that is sustainable,” says Subbloie. Investment in AI Budderfly also provides customers with abundant data on their energy usage, including submetering architecture that does 20 to 40 measurements per location.  Each point of energy use reports back every five seconds, providing operational data and suggesting a possible investment in artificial intelligence (AI) to make operations even smarter.