Building Management

Viessmann has launched a range of electric heating products to the UK, following strategic acquisitions by the Viessmann Group, to grow its electrified heating offer.  A new 4-24 kW Vitotron electric system boiler, three Vitotherm direct hot water heaters and three Vitoplanar electric space heaters can be purchased from various merchants in the UK, building on Viessmann’s long-established range of electric heat pumps. Fossil boiler ban “Centralized electricity generation is becoming greener and more sustainable and in line with that, it is expected that the cost of electricity will reduce to be closer with gas and oil, making electric heating a more attractive proposition for an increasing number of UK homes,” says Viessmann Marketing Director, Darren McMahon. They will also benefit from lower installation costs compared to conventional boilers" “Heat pumps are not suited to every property, particularly apartments and smaller properties that have low heat losses and require a small system with just a few radiators. Here, Viessmann’s compact Vitotron electric boiler can deliver the desired comfort for a significantly lower installed cost. We expect electric boilers to be popular with housebuilders, as well as electricians, in the face of the 2035 fossil boiler ban. They will also benefit from lower installation costs compared to conventional boilers, due to the absence of flues and gas supply pipework,” continues Darren McMahon. Heater power modulation Viessmann’s Vitotron 100 boiler system is equipped with a 5-liter expansion vessel. It is available as a 4-8 kW model for single phase power and up to 24 kW with three phase and has 99.4% efficiency. Advanced controls bring a range of functionalities designed to keep operating costs down, including regulation of water temperature in the heating circuit from 20 to 85 °C, automatic heater power modulation when fitted with the weather compensated control option, temperature programming and a ‘time of use’ tariff for reduced overnight charges, or in conjunction with new smart energy tariffs. It’s simple to install and can operate in conjunction with other heat sources, such as solar PV. Viessmann is also introducing three Vitotherm hot water heaters that only consume electricity when hot water is needed, ideal for homes and offices. Underfloor heating mats The ES4 model is available as an under or over sink heater in five or 10-liter versions The ES4 model is available as an under or over sink heater in five or 10-liter versions; the Vitotherm EI5 is tankless. The Vitoplanar range of space heaters includes the EC4 model, a slimline wall-mounted convector heater with 500-2000 W output; the EI2 and EI6 infrared panel heaters, available in mirrored glass or white steel finishes with outputs from 325-900 W; and the Vitoplanar EF2 electric underfloor heating mats with outputs from 150-1275 W for installation in screed or tile cement type floors. These products come with a standard two-year warranty and are available now from merchants nationally, such as Viessmann Direct. Viessmann plans to offer remote training in the future. In 2019, Viessmann acquired KOSPEL, a Polish manufacturer of instantaneous water heaters, electric boilers and DHW cylinders and in 2020 it bought shares in Etherma, an Austrian manufacturer of direct and infrared electric heating systems.

With a great deal of interest in the benefits that switching from fossil-fueled power to air source heat pumps can bring, Panasonic will be showcasing its Aquarea Heat Pumps at - The Future of Living, at ExCel, London on 23-24th November on Stand H614. Achieving net-zero Simon Brown, Panasonic’s heat pump specialist, will be presenting at this live event and sharing his air source heat pump expertise. He will explain how this low carbon solution can work for the UK residential housing sector. Simon's presentation is on Wednesday 24th November at 10.15-10.45am on the Knowledge Stage. The event is for those involved in the retrofit challenge, achieving net-zero and providing quality and affordable homes for the UK's social and affordable housing sector. It presents an ideal opportunity to come together and share best practices. Lowering carbon targets Simon commented, “Panasonic is hugely passionate about the environment and I believe we can help the UK housing sector meet its low carbon targets through supporting and advising social housing providers and developers." "Switching technologies from traditional systems powered by Mains Gas, Oil or LPG to an Air Source Heat Pump such as the Panasonic Aquarea Range, can deliver significant cost savings, improvements to heating performance and low sound levels. We look forward to meeting and sharing knowledge at this important event.”

Plumbers have been overlooked in the Government’s plans to end the use of gas boilers in British homes, putting the whole Net Zero agenda in jeopardy, a think-tank warns. heat installer workforce project The Social Market Foundation said that the Government strategy aimed at decarbonizing home heating does not give plumbers and other workers enough incentive to get training to install the heat pumps that ministers want to replace gas boilers. The SMF is undertaking a major research project with the heat installer workforce. Its interviews with plumbers suggest that many see little reason to spend time and money getting the skills needed for heat pumps. Net Zero Plans The government’s stated ambition is for the deployment of 600,000 heat pumps installed a year by 2028 The UK’s Net Zero plans mean decarbonizing the heating of buildings, including homes, which account for 14% of carbon emissions. Over the coming decades that will mean replacing millions of domestic fossil-fuel-burning heating systems with new ones, including heat pumps. The Government’s stated ambition is for the deployment of 600,000 heat pumps installed a year by 2028. The Heat Pump Association estimates that 50,200 fully trained heat pump installers will be required to fit one million heat pumps a year by 2030. But the SMF found that the Government does not appear to know how many installers are currently trained for heat pumps Official Net Zero documents use different figures, the SMF found. Heat strategy The Heat and Buildings Strategy, published by the business department, suggests that there are 1,100 fully accredited companies. The Net Zero Strategy, published by Boris Johnson on the same day, suggests there are currently 3,000 trained fitters. SMF analysis of the heat strategy concludes that the policies it sets out do not give plumbers and installers enough reasons to train for heat pumps.  The strategy overlooks the fact that most of the relevant workers are self-employed sole traders, who must spend their own time and money on training. Justification of training The heating strategy does not do enough to support household demand for heat pumps Many plumbers do not currently believe that such training will be soon justified by work installing heat pumps, the SMF found. The heating strategy does not do enough to support household demand for heat pumps, it concluded: the 450 million set aside for grants will support just 90,000 new pumps a year for three years.   The heating strategy also postpones a decision on whether to support the use of hydrogen in boilers as an alternative to fossil fuel gas. That creates uncertainty among plumbers about heat pumps, the SMF said. Risk of unskilled workers Finally, the SMF found that some plumbers, especially those closer to pension age, are calculating that existing gas boilers will create enough work for them until they retire. Ministers have said they hope to end all installations of new gas boilers by 2035, but have not set a firm deadline and insist that no one will be required to replace a pre-existing boiler. The combined effect will be that Britain risks being left with not having enough workers with the skills and training needed to replace millions of gas boilers, the SMF said. The government isn’t creating enough incentives for plumbers and other heat workers to get the training needed" Inadequate incentives Amy Norman, the senior researcher at the SMF, said, ‘Taking the carbon out of home heating is a vital part of Net Zero, and the Heat and Buildings Strategy is a good start." "But as things stand, the government isn’t creating enough incentives for plumbers and other heat workers to get the training needed to replace gas boilers with greener alternatives. That can still be fixed, but unless it is, forgetting to call the plumber could put Boris Johnson’s whole green agenda at risk.” “Plumbers, installers, and heat engineers are vital to Britain’s greener future. They’re skilled workers who are used to making sure they have the right training to meet customers’ needs. But when you’re your boss, you need to know the costs of training are going to be worthwhile, and right now Net Zero plans don’t offer enough incentives to train.”

Filtration Group announced that Janet Bawcom has joined its team of entrepreneurial leaders on a mission to make the world safer, healthier, and more productive. Bawcom has assumed the vital role of General Counsel, in which she will serve as chief legal counsel for the company and lead all aspects of Filtration Group’s legal, regulatory, and public affairs around the world. Trusted advisor “As we continue to build a remarkable, mission-driven company, we rely on talented leaders like Janet to help make our vision a reality,” said Tim McCarty, President & CEO of Filtration Group. “Janet is an accomplished legal strategist and I look forward to working with her as our trusted advisor as we navigate our rapid growth.” Experience Bawcom was drawn to Filtration Group due to the company’s genuine resolve to make a positive impact on the world Bawcom is the former Senior Vice President, General Counsel, Corporate Secretary and Chief Compliance Officer of Ingredion Incorporated, a global provider of food ingredients. Before assuming her position at Ingredion, she served as Senior Vice President-Corporate, Securities & Finance Counsel of Dell Technologies Inc., where she worked for nearly 20 years and held prior roles leading the legal teams supporting Dell’s consumer and small & medium business sales and marketing organizations. Making a positive impact “I was drawn to Filtration Group because of the company’s genuine resolve to make a positive impact on the world,” said Bawcom. “I look forward to being a part of a culture that is truly entrepreneurial, built on a foundation of trust and bias for action, where everyone is working together toward a common goal.”

Johnson Controls recently donated two FlowSafe Stable Vortex™ Fume Hoods and an air handler unit to the Ray W. Herrick Laboratories at Purdue University, supporting two separate projects and further enhancing the Johnson Controls-Ray W. Herrick Laboratories partnership. Aiding research grants The fume hoods will help aid research funded by numerous federal government grants, which are focused on additive manufacturing (3D printing), energetic materials, and polymer processing. The fume hoods are utilized to exhaust chemicals throughout the processing and protect lab occupants from harmful chemicals. Traditionally, Variable Air Volume (VAV) fume hoods are used when conducting this work, but Herrick Laboratories needed a fume hood that did not require an extensive exhaust system infrastructure. Improving clean air It is critical for the fume hoods to provide high-quality ventilation systems for the efficient exhaustion of chemicals “Johnson Controls maintains an important relationship with Ray W. Herrick Laboratories at Purdue University, and we remain proud in supporting the research the laboratory will conduct with our fume hoods,” Johnson Controls, Director of Healthy Buildings Services and Solutions, Jon Douglas said. “It is critical for these fume hoods to provide high-quality ventilation systems that allow for the efficient exhaustion of chemicals, while also enabling Herrick Laboratory researchers to continue improving the amount of clean air in their buildings." FlowSafe Stable Vortex™ Fume Hoods FlowSafe Stable Vortex™ Fume Hoods are constant volume fume hoods that exhaust the same amount of air consistently all the time and have a stable flow of air without needing re-balancing, thus saving energy in the process. What makes this fume hood unique from others is the stable vortex. The vortex allows for the fume hood to operate at lower exhaust airflows, all while still maintaining containment. Processing hazardous materials "The new fume hoods from Johnson Controls will allow us to process and handle hazardous materials and chemicals in a lab space that previously did not have a safe ventilation system,” Herrick Labs Research Engineer, Bryce Geesey said. “Now that we have two large, state-of-the-art fume hoods we can pursue more impactful materials in our research with the confidence that we can handle these compounds safely." Supporting a new project and delivering comfort and safety The donated Johnson Controls air handler made by Kreuger will support a new project at HBIL At the Ray W. Herrick Laboratories, testing and research are also being conducted to deliver comfort and safety within a smart building infrastructure. The donated Johnson Controls air handler made by Kreuger will support a new project at Herrick’s Human-Building Interactions Laboratory (HBIL). “We truly appreciate the generosity of our friends, colleagues, and alumni at Johnson Controls who continue to be strong partners with the Ray W. Herrick Laboratories and Purdue University writ large,” Ray W. Herrick Laboratories, Director, Jeff Rhoads said. “Relationships akin to this allow us to build upon our world-class research in heating, ventilation, and cooling, while also pursuing new research directions related to materials and sensing.”

AAON, Inc. a front-runner in innovation and production of premium quality, highly energy-efficient HVAC products for non-residential buildings, announced it has entered into a membership interest purchase agreement to acquire 100% of the equity interests of BasX, LLC, dba BasX Solutions (“BasX”), a front-runner in the manufacturing of high-efficiency data center cooling solutions, cleanroom systems, custom HVAC systems, and modular solutions. The transaction terms require an upfront payment of $100 million, subject to customary adjustments. Additional payments valued at up to $80 million are subject to earn-out milestones that extend through 2023. As a condition to closing, AAON will also sign a real estate purchase agreement with BasX Properties, LLC, an affiliate of BasX, to acquire the real property and improvements utilized by BasX for an additional $22 million, subject to customary closing conditions and adjustments. AAON plans to fund the transactions through a combination of cash, borrowings under its revolving credit facility, and equity. About BasX Solutions BasX specializes in the design, engineering, and manufacturing of custom, energy-efficient cooling solutions for the rapidly growing hyper-scale data center market. BasX products are highly engineered, customized products, fully complimenting AAON’s existing business model BasX also designs and manufactures custom solutions for cleanroom environments for the biopharmaceutical, semiconductor, medical and agriculture markets, as well as custom, energy-efficient air handlers and modular solutions for a vast array of markets. Headquartered in Redmond, Oregon, BasX operates a manufacturing footprint of 200,000 square feet. In 2021, BasX is expected to realize revenue of approximately $70 million. Strategic Rationale There are several factors that led AAON to believe this was a compelling acquisition: BasX brings the Company exposure to attractive end-markets into which AAON had minimal exposure. The products that BasX manufactures are highly engineered, customized products, fully complimenting AAON’s existing business model. There are high barriers to entry. The sophistication of the equipment, the high cost of failure if the equipment fails, and the strong customer relationships with a concentrated group of blue-chip companies all act as a moat to this business. The acquisition is accretive to organic growth. BASX has experienced a five-year sales CAGR of 45% and has a robust backlog that supports future growth. AAON anticipates revenue and cost synergies to result from the acquisition. The AAON brand and the financial support will help BasX penetrate their markets at an accelerated rate. AAON also foresees cross-selling opportunities related to having manufacturing locations in different geographies of the U.S. and R&D-related synergies. Cost synergies are related to the procurement of materials and components, productivity improvements associated with the sharing of best practices, and vertical integration opportunities. AAON anticipates the acquisition will be accretive to earnings immediately, excluding upfront acquisition-related costs and ongoing purchase accounting amortization expenses. Lastly, AAON gains a premier leadership team that has a multi-decade track record of success in the industry. Conditional to the deal, BasX’s management team will remain intact for at least three years following the close of the acquisition. Innovation and financial benefits BasX will provide AAON with an immediate presence in the high-growth data center and cleanroom markets “Upon closing this acquisition, we will continue to advance our long-term strategy of focusing on innovative, semicustom and custom, energy-efficient HVAC solutions for non-residential applications,” commented Gary Fields, AAON’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “BasX will provide AAON with an immediate presence in the high-growth data center and cleanroom markets, both of which the Company has historically had minimal exposure. The growth and profitability fundamentals of these new markets are very compelling for AAON. We also believe there are material revenue and cost synergies that will result from the combined entity.” “Moreover, BasX is led by a management team that has decades of experience in developing products that have shaped today’s industry, an attribute that is fully complementary to AAON’s strategy. Overall, we believe the strategic and financial benefits resulting from this acquisition are compelling for our Company and all of our stakeholders. We look forward to welcoming the BasX team to the AAON family and are excited about the opportunities ahead.” Value-added solutions BasX and AAON are aligned in company cultures, engineering expertise, production efficiency, and commitment to deliver Matt Tobolski, Ph.D., President and Co-Founder of BasX stated, “Since our inception, the BasX team has focused on delivering value-added solutions by engineering and building industry-leading custom products that meet the most stringent demands in the data center, cleanroom, and commercial markets.” “The creativity, collaboration, and execution of projects by our team will be strengthened as we enter this new chapter with AAON. BasX and AAON are extremely well aligned from company cultures, engineering expertise, manufacturing efficiency, and the steadfast commitment to delivering on promises to our customers.” Adding value to customers and shareholders Dave Benson, BasX CEO and Co-Founder added, “As BasX joins the AAON family, we are confident that the incremental add-in product offerings and market segments will result in fantastic value to our collective customers and shareholders.”

Every six years, the United States Department of Energy (DOE) reviews how much energy certain home appliances and mechanical systems use and determines if an increase in energy efficiency requirements is justified. New energy conservation standards As a result of the 2017 assessment, the DOE has mandated new energy conservation standards that take effect on January 1, 2023, for all newly manufactured residential and commercial air conditioners, heat pumps, and gas furnaces.  In addition to the new standards, there are also new, more stringent test procedures for all residential and 3-5-ton light commercial, single-phase equipment manufactured on or after January 1, 2023. The new, more rigorous testing procedure will determine energy efficiency ratings for all residential and light commercial single-phase, air conditioners and heat pumps manufactured on or after January 1, 2023. The procedure increases external static pressure (ESP) by 60%, from 0.3 to 0.5, which more accurately reflects field conditions. New testing metrics The new test procedures will result in reduced, yet more precise, efficiency ratings Compared to the current SEER, EER, and HSPF ratings, the new test procedures will result in reduced, yet more precise, efficiency ratings. Because of this, new metrics and nomenclature were developed, including SEER2, EER2, and HSPF2. Minimum efficiency ratings will be reduced for these versus the 2023 SEER, EER, and HSPF minimum efficiency ratings for each region. “Johnson Controls is committed to helping our dealers, contractors and partners overcome the challenges that these new regulations bring through educational offerings that cover all new HVAC products and testing updates to make this transition as smooth as possible,” says Chris Forth, Vice President, Codes & Environmental Affairs, Ducted Systems, Johnson Controls. Webinars and training programs Specifically, Johnson Controls is updating all HVAC products beginning in 2022 to meet minimum requirements for air conditioners and heat pumps manufactured for 2023 DOE compliance and simultaneously making additional performance and efficiency improvements. They are also complying with new DOE testing procedures to conform to upcoming regulations. Johnson Controls’ ongoing webinars and training on the new regulatory changes will continue through 2022 and 2023 regulatory training will be provided for each future product update and launch. Efficiency standards Air conditioners installed in northern climates must achieve a 14.0 SEER rating or 13.4 SEER2 For air conditioners, efficiency standards vary by region. The U.S. is divided into three regions based on climate: North, South (east), and Southwest. The climate makes a big difference in how often air conditioners and heat pumps operate; those that operate more have greater opportunities for energy savings. Therefore, air conditioners installed in northern climates must achieve a 14.0 SEER rating, or 13.4 SEER2, while those installed in the southeast and southwest must achieve a 15.0 SEER rating or 14.3 SEER2. For heat pumps, efficiency standards are the same for each region. Heat pumps in every region must achieve a minimum efficiency of 15.0 SEER or 14.3 SEER2. Testing capabilities “Manufacturers need to retest, optimize and relaunch every product tier by the new testing procedure,” says Forth. “For some, the scale of this project is huge and unprecedented. Many manufacturers expanded their testing facilities and advanced their technology to ensure all products are tested and ready when they are needed. Johnson Controls has dedicated our Rooftop Center of Excellence in Norman, Oklahoma, to driving innovation in manufacturing technologies and testing capabilities.” Residential and commercial equipment The new efficiency minimum for commercial, single-phase air conditioners and heat pumps are 13.4 SEER2 For now, the new energy conservation standards and new testing procedures will affect residential equipment more than commercial equipment. The new requirements apply only to commercial equipment with a single-phase power supply. The minimum efficiency of commercial equipment with a three-phase power supply will continue to follow 2018 requirements until these systems convert to the new SEER2 levels at some point in the future. The new efficiency minimum for commercial, single-phase air conditioners and heat pumps are 13.4 SEER2. IEER will remain the primary metric for commercial, three-phase products above 65K Btu/hr, making part-load efficiencies more important and increasing the use of variable-frequency drives (VFDs). Consequences of non-compliant equipment There are several possible enforcement consequences DOE can take should a dealer or contractor installs non-compliant equipment, if a distributor supplies non-compliant equipment, or if a manufacturer knowingly sells non-compliant equipment. They might have to replace non-compliant equipment at their own expense, and repeat violators may be placed on a national “no-sell” list. They might also be prohibited from purchasing any of the seven classes of products identified in the Code of Federal Regulations (10-CFR-430.32) and could be subjected to fines. HVAC professionals can avoid accidental non-compliance by familiarizing themselves with the specific DOE regulations and by keeping accurate, up-to-date records of products sold per DOE requirements. 2023 DOE compliant equipment One of the biggest misconceptions among homeowners is how the standards affect their existing systems" Johnson Controls and other manufacturers are also helping dealers, contractors and technicians learn about the new requirements and working with them to ensure they have compliant equipment now and when the new requirements become effective on January 1, 2023. “One of the biggest misconceptions among homeowners is how the standards affect their existing systems,” says Forth. “It’s important for contractors to communicate to homeowners that the 2023 requirements only apply to new systems manufactured to meet the new DOE 2023 efficiencies. The functional equipment they currently have installed in their home does not need to be replaced.” Reducing energy consumption   The new DOE minimum energy efficiency requirements are part of ongoing efforts to reduce energy consumption in the U.S. and save home and property owners money. When the time comes to replace or upgrade existing systems, home and property owners will be able to select new higher efficiency, 2023 DOE compliant equipment, says Forth. “If HVAC installers have questions, most contractors and distributors are ready to help them understand and prepare for the 2023 minimum efficiency change and answer any questions they have,” says Forth. “Understanding the efficiency standards for their region is going to be critical before the standards go into effect. Preparation and planning now as to which systems and components meet their region's requirements regulatory requirements will make the transition easier.”

Even though the COVID-19 pandemic is seemingly drawing to a close, living, working and learning at home is set to continue. Under this new normal, home electricity use is expected to double by 2050. Simultaneously, as climate change devastates communities around the world, we are faced with a moral and economic obligation to cut CO2 emissions from houses. Our goal is to build Net Zero houses and we can't get there fast enough. Fossil fuels use in heating systems Many countries continue to rely on coal, oil, or gas to power their heating systems. Continuing to rely on these fossil fuels, to keep us warm through harshening winters and cool throughout intensifying summers, simply adds to CO2 emissions. In fact, households account for 72% of global greenhouse gas emissions and energy-intensive HVAC systems are a core contributor to this. Whether you live in a hot or cold country, the result is the same - unsustainable carbon emissions. Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning is the inception point for homes to become sustainable. Sustainable standards in the home Regulation is already driving change in countries like the United Kingdom and the Netherlands It’s crucial that efforts to cut emissions don’t also cut living standards. Turning the heating off and suffering through the cold just isn’t an acceptable solution. The priority should be to cut emissions, not necessarily power consumption. Therefore, the use of clean energy for heating and cooling, as well as heating with ambient heat and heat pumps, could be an effective solution.  Regulation is already driving change in countries like the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. In these countries, fossil fuels are being banned where more sustainable, renewable alternatives are available, chiefly for powering homes. Some countries use other mitigation strategies: in California, for example, all new homes must be fitted with solar panels by law.  Heat pumps popular in Europe As another way to sustainably power homes, heat pumps have already proven extremely popular in Europe, especially in Scandinavian nations. Electricity in these countries is already generated mainly by climate-friendly wind and hydropower. According to calculations by Fraunhofer ISE, heat pump systems in Sweden generate 90% fewer carbon emissions, in comparison to heating systems that rely on natural gas. Electrical vehicle (EV) charging However, renewable generation alone won’t be enough. When the wind isn’t blowing or the sun shining, renewable energy sources can suffer intermittency issues. Sadly, we’re not yet at the point, when all our domestic power needs can depend on renewable energy Electrical vehicle (EV) charging, which is becoming more popular, is a heavy load and expensive to charge at peak times. This can force us to switch back to traditional carbon-based sources when our power needs outstrip supply. Sadly, we’re not yet at the point, when all our domestic power needs can depend on renewable energy. At least, not without assistance from digital technology. Sustainable smart home technology To decisively cut emissions in the home, clean energy must be paired with the use of sustainable smart home technology. IoT-connected sensors and intelligent systems can provide the deep insight that we need to make impactful and responsible energy decisions. Effective energy management is central to efforts to decarbonize our dwellings. A lot of the energy consumed by HVAC is inevitably wasted, either through forgetting to turn it off, when it’s no longer needed, or heating rooms that aren’t occupied for most of the day. Preventing this becomes much easier, once you have visibility and control through smart energy management systems. Smart systems enable efficient renewable energy use Any home can be digitally retrofitted to become more efficient. Once energy is made visible through digital and IoT (Internet of Things), only then it can be measured and analyzed. Consumers are then empowered to make small changes to their consumption habits, to reduce wasted energy and its resulting emissions.  Smart systems can also facilitate more efficient use of renewable energy sources. When all smart systems are interconnected under one platform, AI algorithms can automatically adjust what source the house draws energy from. Combining digital retrofits, energy storage, and management When a home has access to energy storage technology, it can store up excess power generated by renewable sources When a home has access to energy storage technology, it can store up excess power generated by renewable sources, which can be used later, when the power demand is high. This ensures that non-renewable energy sources are only tapped, when absolutely necessary.  By combining digital retrofits, energy storage, and robust AI-powered energy management solutions, we can decarbonize our HVAC systems and our homes. A smart, connected approach to consumption can keep us warm in winter and cool in summer, without impacting the biodiversity around us. Smart homes: Powering change As our homes become fitted with more advanced IoT-connected devices, the ability to effectively manage our homes’ energy needs is indisputable. To keep costs and emissions down, a secure interoperable power management system is crucial, to becoming more sustainable and enhancing our quality of life. Businesses and governments need to ensure that people have the freedom to make sustainable living choices within the home, which don’t undermine living standards.

Seasonal transitions are the perfect time to take inventory and inspect a building’s various systems. We’ve been reminded for years that when we set our clocks back, we should also replace the batteries in our smoke detectors. The same thought process can be applied in support of seasonal preventative maintenance for a building’s HVAC system. Now that the cooling season has passed for a large part of the country, it is time to ensure that HVAC systems have been shut down properly for the winter months. A few simple checks and changes help ensure that the HVAC system is able to transition without failure, from the cooling season to the heating season. Enhancing energy efficiency of HVAC systems Home and building owner inspections can go a long way in increasing the energy efficiency of a system or in mitigating a more complex system failure. Taking a few minutes to inspect an HVAC system for irregularities can help keep repair costs and energy waste to a minimum. Here is a short and easy to complete HVAC inspection check list to execute to help maintain the system and ensure it runs in an energy efficient manner as the outdoor temperature begins to fall. Air filters The change of seasons is the perfect time to change out an HVAC system’s air filter The change of seasons is the perfect time to change out an HVAC system’s air filter. Filters are a key point in a building’s HVAC system, helping keep dust, pollen and larger particulate matter out, and potentially saving it from damage. HVAC equipment accounts for 40 percent of energy usage in a building, so any actions that positively affect energy efficiency are impactful. Not only is changing filters easy to do, but it also provides several benefits, such as improved energy efficiency, cost savings and it helps limit unnecessary stress on the HVAC system, by keeping the air entering it as clean as possible. Dirty, unchanged filters are a leading cause of issues with an HVAC system. The bottom line is that an air filter that has not been changed since the summer needs to be replaced. Inspect the HVAC system Now is a good time to walk around and view the entirety of a building’s HVAC system. How does it look? Make sure the system is clean and in good repair. Examine the ducts to ensure they are clean, undamaged and venting properly. If they are dirty or if there is suspicion that they are clogged, a duct cleaning by a professional may be needed. Remove any leaves or sticks that have gathered around the compressors. Clean the coils of any debris with a garden hose. Trim back any trees or bushes, which are in close contact with the unit. Make sure the condenser unit is still level. If it is not, it can impede the flow of refrigerant and oil, thereby leading to costly repairs. Take a look at the HVAC system to make sure there are no leaks, cracks or structural damage. A quick scan around and cleanup of an HVAC system can help it run longer and more efficiently. Inspect the boiler system Inspect the boiler system by looking for signs of old leaks, which can include stains around the boiler Corrosion is often associated with boiler systems. Inspect the boiler system by looking for signs of old leaks, which can include stains around the boiler or warped floorboards under radiators. Also, be on the lookout for water spots on the ceiling that is below the floor with radiant heat pipes. Make note of any corrosion you find throughout the system, including on the radiators, valves and other components. It’s a smart idea to have a professional inspect a boiler system each year, in order to maintain its functionality and ensure it is running safely, and optimally for a long time. Air Leaks An inspection may also reveal air leaks around doors and windows. These small leaks can add up to significant heat loss and energy costs. If sunlight is peeking through the areas around the perimeter of a window, door or skylight, there’s an air gap to be filled. A quick fix with caulking or weather stripping can ensure optimal energy efficiency. Also, inspect window panes for any cracks, as they will need to be replaced. Furthermore, double check that the windows and doors all close and lock properly. If they don’t, there’s an air leak that needs repair, as well. An inspection of doors and windows can keep a house warmer longer, and help keep the furnace from running over time to maintain a building’s ideal temperature. Shut down AC system for the season At the end of the cooling season, it is recommended that the air conditioning side of the HVAC system be shut off. When doing this, take a few minutes to clean the compressor with a brush and vacuum. Cover the unit with an insulated, waterproof cover that completely covers the whole unit. Secure the cover tightly, so it stays in place over the winter. This simple maintenance can help set up the system for success next year, while also maintaining its energy efficiency. Need for proactive system inspections and maintenance It’s important to evaluate a building’s HVAC system every season, as well as maintain its filters It’s important to evaluate a building’s HVAC system every season, as well as maintain its filters and the environment around the system. Being proactive about systems inspections and maintenance is the best way to keep a system running at peak efficiency, saving money and the environment, as well as providing peace of mind. With a few simple actions, home and building owners can keep their HVAC systems in good shape for longer, and be ready to go for the next season ahead. Motili’s predictive analytics improves budgeting accuracy Motili brings contractors, operations teams and the industry’s most advanced property management technology platform together, to assess and complete HVAC work requests, from start to finish. Motili automatically schedules, dispatches, manages and invoices job requests, and its predictive analytics improves budgeting accuracy, by predicting product life cycle. Motili leverages its nationwide network of over 2,000 contractors and 1,000 distribution centers, in order to provide HVAC and hot water services, across the United States of America, to customers both large and small in size.

HVAC systems typically operate on a schedule. Heating, cooling and ventilation systems start and stop at fixed times of the day, scheduled around when and how a building is used. But, shouldn’t the number of occupants in a building or a room have an impact on how the HVAC system operates? Considering occupancy, when addressing HVAC needs, is an especially timely approach, given that building schedules are less predictable now, since the COVID-19 pandemic changed work patterns, possibly forever. ‘Hybrid’ work arrangements mean employees could be working or not, at various times of the day or night, no longer adhering to the traditional 9 am to 5 pm workday. Operation of HVAC systems should be just as flexible. Nomad Go Nomad Go uses ‘edge computer vision’ sensors to count the people in a room and provides that data to the Cloud Occupancy represents a key variable, when determining HVAC requirements and a system called Nomad Go enables an HVAC system to operate based on occupancy. Nomad Go uses ‘edge computer vision’ sensors to count the people in a room and provides that data to the Cloud, where it is used to direct operation of a building’s (or a room’s) HVAC system in real time, based on occupancy. “Combining computer vision with artificial intelligence provides a balance between saving energy and ensuring comfort,” said David Greschler, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Co-Founder of Nomad Go. Impact of HVAC systems on carbon emissions He adds, “The system also emerges at a time of greater awareness about climate change and the impact of building HVAC systems on carbon emissions. The stars have aligned to make the solution we have developed very powerful.” Occupancy data is captured using the low-cost computer vision sensors, manufactured by Sony. Each sensor captures video data at 30 frames per second and uses computer vision processing to determine occupancy. Inference analysis occurs inside the device (at the edge). All video is captured anonymously, no individual is identified and video does not leave the sensor. Computer vision sensors David Greschler adds, “Computer vision sensors provide absolute precision and are ten times more accurate than other means of sensing occupancy. Computer vision is the only solution that gives you the precision you need for HVAC. The sensors employ ‘hyper-local learning’, that is, intelligence at the edge continuously improves the device’s accuracy.” In addition to occupancy information to drive the HVAC system, computer vision can also sense other factors, including mask or hard-hat compliance. This added functionality can be provided to Nomad Go customers. Fine-tuning HVAC system operation Fine-tuning HVAC system operation to conform to occupancy data also requires consideration of variables Fine-tuning HVAC system operation to conform to occupancy data also requires consideration of variables, such as how much time it takes to adjust a room to a required comfort level and how hot or cold an empty room is allowed to reach. “What we are really doing is widening the set points in unoccupied mode and narrowing the set points in occupied mode,” said David Greschler. At 1 am, for example, the system would allow room temperature in unoccupied mode to drift, but not so far as to require too long to return to the occupied comfort level. Factors impacting these variables include the outside weather, the time of year, the number of people involved, etc. “We look at how fast it takes for the room to go from unoccupied to occupied set points,” said David Greschler, adding “If it takes less time, we can widen the set points. We are constantly monitoring based on real data. We are saving money in unoccupied mode, but we need to quickly return to a comfortable temperature, if someone enters the room. We also constantly poll the ‘time to comfort’, to adjust the unoccupied temperatures, to ensure a rapid return to comfort.” Occupancy information processing in the Cloud Processing of occupancy information occurs in the Cloud and the system depends on technologies, such as Power over Ethernet (PoE) and WiFi. The system can communicate with building automation systems (BAS) too, in effect injecting occupancy as a new variable in building systems. Alternatively, it can communicate directly with a smart thermostat, such as Nest. The Microsoft Azure cloud platform provides resiliency to the system and Microsoft’s strong Internet of Things (IoT) management tools facilitate the exchange of IoT data with devices. The system also integrates easily with other systems. For example, it can work with Microsoft Outlook calendar software, so as to manage when rooms are likely to be occupied, based on what meetings are planned. Nomad Go operations similar to Nest smart thermostat Nomad Go substitutes occupancy data from computer vision for the smartphone location signal David Greschler compares Nomad Go’s use of occupation data to how a Nest smart thermostat can adjust a home owner’s HVAC system, based on location data from a smartphone. When an occupant (and his or her smartphone) is away from home, the Nest system operates in ‘economy mode’ and then cranks up the system, when the occupant returns home. For the commercial and multi-family environment, Nomad Go substitutes occupancy data from computer vision for the smartphone location signal. (Nomad Go is used in common areas of multi-family residential spaces.) Environmental benefits contribute to ROI “The system involves a monthly subscription fee, which is offset by a likely reduction in energy usage of 30%,” said David Greschler. With the broader trend toward net-zero emissions and large carbon footprint of buildings, environmental benefits also contribute to return on investment (ROI).

Society is prioritizing the mitigation of climate change, and new, potentially flammable, low-Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerants are a key tool in broadly lowering the rate of global warming. The detection of fugitive (leaking) refrigerant is a new regulation emerging as HVAC equipment manufacturers convert to low-GWP refrigerants. Both A2L and A3 low-GWP refrigerants, while climate-friendly, are flammable. As such, OEMs will have to integrate refrigerant sensors that detect leaked refrigerant that could potentially cause a harmful event. Gas detection sensors Refrigerant gas sensors quickly detect gases before they reach explosive levels and alert users to the need for mitigation. Commercial buildings and medium-to-large residential units have the most essential need and gain the most benefit from detecting gases at pre-flammable levels.  Gas detection sensors have been used for decades in other applications, such as industrial safety and home monitoring. Adding the right sensing technology to HVAC equipment will not be a significant burden to most businesses and homeowners. As a general rule, the better and more robust the technology, the less maintenance needed over a long lifespan, and the lower the total cost of ownership (TCO) for the systems. Property management companies Legacy technologies have shortcomings that limit their performance, according to NevadaNano Meeting the need in the market is the MPS refrigerant sensor from NevadaNano, a sensor engineered specifically for the detection of harmful refrigerants within HVAC equipment. Legacy technologies have shortcomings that limit their performance, according to NevadaNano. In contrast, the MPS is designed for a 10-plus year life, is immune to poisoning, and never requires re-calibration. “Since the MPS is a smart sensor module, it performs a self-test every two seconds and immediately reports a fault or a condition if it ever operates out of normal parameters,” says Bob Christensen, NevadaNano’s Senior Director of Business Development. NevadaNano is actively engaged with HVAC equipment providers to integrate and optimize the ability to detect leaked refrigerant quickly and accurately. “As A2L refrigerants become the standard, it’s critical that businesses, property management companies, and homeowners can be confident that their facilities are safe,” says Christensen. Eventual replacement sensors “In addition, our sensors remove the burden and uncertainty associated with legacy technology and faulty sensors.” Legacy nondispersive infrared sensor (NDIR) and pellistor technologies often require human intervention to work properly and require frequent re-calibration and eventual replacement sensors. These traditional sensor technologies require frequent tests to verify that they are operational and able to detect refrigerant gas within specification. In this bump test, a technician introduces a known volume of gas and verifies the sensor works within proper safety parameters. If the sensor does not read the gas correctly, the sensor may be corrected or recalibrated. However, most sensors’ performance decays over time, and will need to be replaced. NevadaNano’s MPS does not require field-testing or re-calibration, an advantage over traditional sensor technology, says Christensen. 

The concept of district heating refers to a group of customers, or even a whole city, which shares a system providing ambient heat, often using steam or water heated by sources that emit less carbon dioxide. A network of insulated pipes, constructed underground in a community, transports the heat among customers, and various meters and billing systems keep up with how much heat is provided. District heating District heating is seen as an increasingly important option, as municipalities seek to lower their carbon footprints to ‘net zero’. In addition to producing less pollution than individual alternatives, district heating systems also have competitive pricing. The option is especially attractive in areas that are more densely populated and where new blocks of housing or businesses are being constructed. In the United Kingdom, district heating can help to achieve new Sustainable Development Goals. Leverage central supply of hot water A district heating system might leverage a central supply of hot water, transported through a network of pipes A district heating system might leverage a central supply of hot water, transported through a network of pipes, located underground in a community. Heat sources might include waste from forests, such as branches or wood timber, waste timber from building sites, or even surplus heat from industry or data centers. Heat waste from industries can be reprocessed and reused. In recent decades, renewable heat from geothermal wells, solar collectors and biomass fuels have also been introduced. High taxation of natural gas in some jurisdictions provides an incentive to seek out alternatives, such as district heating. District cooling District cooling has also been deployed in some areas. The first district cooling system was introduced in Sweden in 1992. The United States leads the world in district cooling (chilled water networks). Although an emerging option in many areas, district heating has been popular for years in Scandinavia. In Sweden, for example, district heating was introduced in 1948 and more than 50% of the country’s commercial and residential buildings are served by district heating. The technology dominates the business-to-business segment in Sweden, with more than 90% of the market share for multi-dwelling buildings and around 80% for non-residential buildings. Space and cost savings District heating is also used in single-family residential houses, industrial premises, and ground heating for snow removal. District heating allows customers to save space and expenses, by avoiding individual installation, operation, and maintenance of in‐building heating, cooling, and water‐heating equipment. Using economies of scale, district systems often distribute heat generated by combined heat and power (CHP) systems, to use thermal energy that is produced more efficiently. Renewable and lower-carbon energy resources include biomass, geothermal, surplus industrial heat, solar energy, or cold lake or ocean water that may not be feasible on an individual-building basis. District systems in commercial buildings District systems are more commonly found in commercial clusters of buildings District systems are more commonly found in commercial clusters of buildings, such as colleges, hospitals, downtowns, healthcare, and government campuses. In the United States, common applications for district heating and cooling systems include colleges/universities, central business districts, residential and mixed-use clusters, military bases, healthcare campuses, schools and prisons. By aggregating the thermal loads of dozens, hundreds, or even thousands of buildings, district energy systems facilitate investment in lower-carbon resources, and enable enhanced economic resiliency. Communication and transparency Communication and transparency, among inhabitants, heating providers, energy suppliers and property owners, are important factors in an effective district heating system. Centrally distributed heat will become more common as the industry works toward net zero goals, but factors, such as customer service and satisfaction will also need to be addressed.

As part of the Evotech Technical Services Group, a national HVAC engineering company founded in 2003, Evotech Air Quality (Evotech) is a growing team of engineers, technicians and data scientists passionate about the air we breathe. Evotech helps UK businesses and organizations create safe working environments by transforming indoor air quality. They began offering the Airthings for Business solution in June 2020 for accurate, accessible air quality data. In this case study, Evotech shall explore their installation at No1. Whitehall in Leeds. Indoor air quality "Airthings share our belief that everyone has the right to breathe clean air, and today the importance of indoor quality has never been greater. Using their industry-leading sensor platform, we have been able to provide our customers not only with enhanced indoor environmental surveillance, but, by integrating their technology with other 3rd party systems, we are creating greater end-user value through improved building performance and optimization.’’- Evotech. Evotech saw indoor air quality, pre-COVID-19, becoming the next asbestos health crisis Evotech saw indoor air quality, pre-COVID-19, becoming the next asbestos health crisis. In the UK, we have legislation for electric, gas, water hygiene, and safety, etc. but not for air quality. Then COVID-19 struck and indoor air quality (IAQ) became even more important. Enhanced environmental sensors Their objective was to help their clients provide safe, healthy indoor spaces, using IOT technology advancements. To do this, they provide enhanced environmental sensors above and beyond what a traditional building management system provides. By utilizing real-time data from Airthings IAQ sensors, they can optimize how buildings perform and achieve greater levels of energy efficiency. What’s more, Airthings sensors can alert them to issues with the HVAC system, so they could resolve it quickly, even before clients reported it. Improving operational management and energy efficiency Ensuring the health and wellbeing of employees and visitors Building management system Evotech really does offer the best to their clients, while drawing data from the Airthings solution Evotech really does offer the best to their clients, while drawing data from the Airthings solution via our API, they can also integrate with other IoT solutions and tailor to the needs of each client. For No. 1 Whitehall, Airthings air quality data enabled them to optimize a building management system using accurate IOT environmental data, monitor in real-time how the building performs, and respond to environmental changes and HVAC plant failures proactively. In early September, Evotech installed 22 Wave Plus for Business sensors at their client site, No.1 Whitehall Riverside Leeds, a circa 12,000 sq.m modern multi-tenanted office building. Let’s see how they got on! Incoming fresh air Insights, confidence, and comfort. Live monitoring of environmental conditions has given Evotech’s operational team real-time insight into on-site HVAC performance and provides their client with the confidence that their indoor spaces are safe and healthy. No. 1 Whitehall uses humidifiers designed to condition incoming fresh air No. 1 Whitehall uses humidifiers designed to condition incoming fresh air in order to keep indoor humidity at optimal levels. These are maintained in line with SFG20 guidelines, and Evotech visits them quarterly throughout the year to undertake scheduled maintenance to ensure that building occupants enjoy the healthiest air. Planned maintenance visit However, in early December 2020, the Airthings sensors reported low humidity levels throughout the building. After investigating, it was found that some of the humidifiers had stopped due to component failure. This can happen to anyone. Evotech knew instantly and ordered parts to replace them quickly. They got the humidifiers back online before the humidity levels dropped even lower. They demonstrated excellent foresight and a quick turnaround time simply by being able to access air quality data remotely thanks to the Airthings Dashboard and API integration. “Without the deployment of the Airthings sensors on site this HVAC plant failure would have gone unnoticed until our next scheduled planned maintenance visit, due many weeks later, or possibly until we attended site following occupant complaint(s).” – Evotech. Fully functioning chiller High temperatures were reported by the Airthings sensors in June 2021 on several floors In May 2021, the Airthings sensors reported unusually warm readings of 29 degrees Celsius at No. 1 Whitehall. As a result, an engineer was instantly deployed and a pressure issue was found in the chilled water system, which they were able to rectify immediately, allowing the air temperature to return to normal levels. Similarly, high temperatures were reported by the Airthings sensors in June 2021 on several floors in the building. Again, Evotech’s engineering team was immediately sent to investigate and identify a small refrigerant leak in one of the chiller circuits. Without the air quality data, they would have had to rely on tenant complaints. Instead, using the air quality data, they were proactive and returned the comfort cooling system back to full use. Acting immediately reduced the amount of refrigerant wasted and prevented the system from expending extra energy trying to cool a building without a fully functioning chiller.

The carbon emissions of HVAC systems in energy-intensive manufacturing industries are seen as a top priority by only 21% of UK senior management, despite accounting for up to 40% of a site’s energy consumption. Primary HVAC concern Recent research among facilities managers from across the life sciences, pharmaceutical, and high-tech manufacturing sectors has revealed that for 79% of companies, the primary HVAC concern for senior management is a system’s ability to deliver thermal comfort, low running costs, or uninterrupted operation. Worryingly, in the wake of a series of net-zero pledges affirmed by both governments and manufacturers alike at the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow, 81% of those surveyed would class their site as efficient despite less than a third (31%) admitting to continuously monitoring a facility’s carbon emissions. Unregulated costs and emissions Life science, pharmaceutical, and hi-tech manufacturing are all notoriously energy-intensive sectors" Paul Walsh, General Manager EMEA at building analytics specialists CIM, which commissioned the research, commented, “Life science, pharmaceutical, and hi-tech manufacturing are all notoriously energy-intensive sectors, with HVAC accounting for up to 40% of site’s overall utility consumption. However, due to the nature of the sector and its ultra-tight cleanroom controls, once the temperature, humidity, and differential pressures have been validated, alterations are rarely made.” “Worryingly, this ‘set and forget mentality can easily pervade into all areas of a manufacturing facility, with settings having the potential to deviate significantly from the intended parameters over time. All of this leaves HVAC costs and their associated carbon emissions at best unregulated and, at worst, increasing to unnecessary levels.” Industrial decarbonization strategies He continues, “Despite a collective willingness at board level for manufacturers to take proactive action around sustainability, it remains a concern to see the carbon emissions of energy-intensive HVAC systems which in reality, represent the real low-hanging fruit deprioritized to the extent they currently are.” “The solution lies not in extensive capital investment or the diversification of energy sources, but in better use of Building Management System (BMS) data, especially in non-validated areas of a plant. Identifying and rectifying inefficiencies here can make significant inroads into reversing the over the delivery of energy, and play a tangible role in wider industrial decarbonization strategies.”

Carrier Global Corporation, a global provider of healthy, safe, sustainable, and intelligent building and cold chain solutions is delivering a full suite of innovative building technologies at Emory Healthcare’s new cutting-edge Musculoskeletal Institute (MSKI) in Atlanta, Georgia. Advanced solutions Carrier and Emory are collaborating to implement advanced solutions from Carrier’s Healthy Buildings Program – including HVAC, building automation, fire detection, access, and video management and digital services – at this state-of-the-art facility. Carrier’s portfolio features products that optimize indoor environments to improve occupant experience, operational efficiency, and inspire confidence in everything from physical safety and security to improved health, productivity, and cognitive performance. Eco-friendly building design Emory’s vision to be a model of transformative practices serves as the inspiration for the eco-friendly design" “Emory’s vision to be a model of transformative practices and sustainable choices at every level serves as the inspiration for the eco-friendly design of the building,” said Scott D. Boden, MD, Director of Emory MSKI and Professor and Chair of the Department of Orthopaedics, Emory University School of Medicine. To deliver this vision, it was important for Emory to partner with an innovative building technologies company like Carrier that provides the most advanced solutions. Intelligent technologies “At Carrier, we recognize the potential for indoor environments to help shape a healthier future. We are pleased to provide Emory’s MSKI with our full suite of intelligent building technologies. It’s through relationships built on a shared vision of innovation, that we can see the full potential of our technologies,” said Mead Rusert, President, Automated Logic Corporation, a Carrier Company. “I am confident that patients and staff will see and feel the benefits of the technologies in this world-class facility.” From the most fundamental elements of safety and security to the cognitive and health benefits of improved air quality and ventilation, Carrier’s high-performing building solutions at the Emory MSKI facility enhance the occupant experience. WebCTRL® building automation system WebCTRL helps customers achieve their sustainability and energy-efficiency goals by optimizing equipment At the core of the enhancements is the Automated Logic WebCTRL® building automation system, a powerful web-based platform that provides the MSK Facilities Team with software tools and insight to keep occupants comfortable while managing energy consumption and to identify, prioritize and analyze operational issues. WebCTRL helps customers achieve their sustainability and energy-efficiency goals by optimizing equipment and proactively identifying issues. Carrier’s Abound IoT platform will integrate into WebCTRL and will monitor indoor air quality and operational performance, displaying the data on user-friendly dashboards in the main lobby and on MSK’s website. Safety and security MSK chose products from Carrier’s Fire & Security portfolio, including LenelS2 and Edwards, to enhance the safety and security of the facility. The LenelS2 OnGuard® access control system secures the facility by leveraging mobile credentialing technology through the MyWay app, eliminating a significant number of access touchpoints and affording a safer, more secure, healthier experience for building occupants. In addition, through LenelS2’s continued collaboration with Milestone Systems, a provider of video management software, MSKI operators benefit from a unified security management system that incorporates access control, video surveillance, and other technologies to help keep people and property safe. EST4 enhances system survivability through advanced encryption and safeguards, managing cyber threats EST4 emergency communications system The facility also utilizes the Edwards EST4 premier emergency communications system. Featuring new network architecture, EST4 enhances system survivability through advanced encryption and safeguards, managing today's cyber threats. The system also benefits from Edwards’ Signature Optica™ detectors which distinguish between different types of fires, enhancing the protection of people and property, while reducing the number of false alarms that cause business interruption and unnecessary responses by fire departments. Location Located in Emory’s Executive Park health innovation district, Emory’s MSKI is a six-story,180,000 square-foot building that focuses on innovation, improving the patient experience and research while providing all musculoskeletal services in one convenient location for patients.

A historic Art Deco icon meets cutting-edge luxury at The Sinclair, a Marriott Autograph Collection hotel. Built during the early 20th Century oil boom of Texas, the Sinclair Building has stood as one of the most recognizable landmarks of downtown Fort Worth, since 1929. The Sinclair, a historic hotel Designed to reflect the Gilded Age Art Deco style of the roaring 1920s, the Sinclair Building served the surrounding business community and employed thousands of Texans over the decades before undergoing a dramatic transformation. Addressing the need for an innovative, intelligent luxury and lifestyle hotel in Fort Worth’s Sundance Square district, the Sinclair Building was restored to its original splendor beginning in 2017, completing its restaging in 2019 when the hotel opened its doors to guests. Blending advanced technology with effortless style The Sinclair’s mission is to create an unforgettable and luxurious experience for its guests Re-defining smart sophistication, each of the 164 boutique rooms and suites at The Sinclair, seamlessly blends advanced technology with effortless style, to create a high-end experience for guests. The hotel property includes a variety of spaces, ranging from a large lower-level restaurant and rooftop bar with impressive views of the city’s downtown to tech-savvy meeting rooms.  The Sinclair’s mission is to create an unforgettable and luxurious experience for its guests, in a classic building environment. The hotel’s owner and design team sought state-of-the-art technology, to power, sustain and manage the entire property, while carefully maintaining the historic building’s unique design and architectural details. Retaining the integrity of original hotel design Retaining the integrity of its original design and intricate artistic architectural accents was paramount, with the desire to pay homage to the historic building’s storied past, while keeping an eye to the future, with some of the most cutting-edge technology concepts available. In this drive to create a beautifully designed and technologically advanced space, the building’s owner and managers were required to play within the confines of the existing structure, as much as possible. HVAC system upgrade With guest comfort of the utmost importance, the team looked for an HVAC system that could address the complex needs of the space itself. First, there was a need to replace the inefficient air conditioning system (an older model chiller system) that had taken up precious real estate on the property’s lower level, upper level, and rooftop, areas that could be repurposed for other uses. Additionally, the property’s slab-to-slab heights were much lower than is now common and the team sought to keep as much ceiling height as possible. This posed a particular challenge in the individual guest rooms themselves. Another challenge that was related to the guest rooms, as well as the restaurant, was noise and the need to minimize operational sound, as much as possible. Lastly, space was also at a premium in the exterior portions of the building, with very limited room outside to put condensing units, thereby emphasizing the sizing and placement criteria of the desired HVAC solutions. “I work with some of the most innovative and forward-thinking partners around the globe, when developing my properties and creating an unforgettable experience for my guests is of the utmost importance,” said Farukh Aslam, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Sinclair Holdings. Power-Over-Ethernet technology for energy efficiency The hotel aimed to be low-voltage and the management team explored Power-Over-Ethernet (PoE) technology To that end, it was paramount that The Sinclair renovation includes the right mix of advanced technologies, to deliver on this exceptional guest experience. The hotel aimed to be low-voltage and the management team explored Power-Over-Ethernet (PoE) technology, in order to help achieve many of The Sinclair’s energy-efficiency and forward-thinking technology goals. The adoption of PoE aims to increase the integration of technologies that can be seamlessly run by one source of power, lending itself toward the overall goal of creating a future-ready building for the present time. Heating and cooling for the lobby bar and reception area The hotel required individual control of its HVAC system, throughout 164 guest rooms (featuring 50 different room types), and sufficient heating and cooling for the lobby bar, reception area, and large basement restaurant. The hotel management wanted to work with a partner that was not only able to fulfill a myriad of HVAC needs but also create a complete building ecosystem with its range of innovative technologies across an expansive portfolio. To achieve the gold standard of technology and energy efficiency desired, the hotel sought out a supplier that would allow them to integrate a range of solutions that were compatible with this cutting-edge technology. LG’s Multi V IV Heat Recovery Unit For the HVAC system, LG's award-winning Multi V IV Heat Recovery Unit was selected for its ability to provide individual room comfort for each space within the larger property. Offering a compact footprint without sacrificing power, the Multi V IV contributes to building energy efficiency, high performance, and flexibility in design and installation options. Installation versatility was a key factor, as the historic building was restricted in regard to lower ceilings, as well as space for outdoor equipment. Recognizing the importance of the quieter operation, especially in The Sinclair’s guest rooms, HVAC and Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) technology experts, Texas AirSystems, advised on the installation of a variety of indoor air-handling solutions. LG’s AC Smart controller Texas Air Systems also specified LG’s AC Smart controller, which allowed for virtually seamless control of the HVAC system Their recommendations included versatile wall-mounted units and LG ceiling cassettes that did not require bulky ductwork to accommodate the tight ceiling area constraints while supporting the tranquil environment required of guest rooms. The technology works behind the scenes, translating to the overall comfort and experience of a guest's stay. Texas Air Systems also specified LG’s AC Smart controller, which allowed for virtually seamless control of the HVAC system, for the building management team. This innovative control solution is compatible with a variety of applications and offers a single LG platform that drives both VRF technology and energy efficiency. Property managers can now easily manage, set, and monitor the building’s heating and cooling performance. LG’s VRF technology Prior to installing LG’s VRF technology, the building relied on an old chiller system to condition the entire building, which also required a great deal of space in the building's lower and upper levels. After switching to VRF, the hotel was able to gain a significant amount of usable floor space for the large lower-level restaurant and executive top floor suites. On the exterior of The Sinclair hotel, LG outdoor units with slim, minimal features were installed, to further increase saved space. LG’s industry-renowned VRF technology helps minimize efficiency losses, energy consumption, and life cycle costs. LG OLED hotel TVs installed in guest rooms With an eye towards implementing cutting-edge technology, the developer also incorporated a stunning array of LG OLED hotel TVs into every guest room, the first hotel to have OLED TVs in every guest room. Premium OLED displays deliver a picture with perfect blacks and incredible color, even from wide viewing angles. It uses self-lighting pixels that can be individually turned on and off for exact control of image brightness and quality, delivering an infinite contrast ratio optimized for high-dynamic range content. In addition to the guest room displays, a number of other LG commercial displays are featured throughout the property's public spaces, including the lobby, restaurants, and bars. “Thanks to our strong relationship with Sinclair's owner and building managers, there are multiple products across an array of LG business units installed throughout the property,” said Doug Bougher, the Director of Sales for LG Air Conditioning Technologies USA. Advanced suite of LG solutions The advanced suite of LG solutions across the entire property helped satisfy a multitude of needs Doug Bougher adds, “Aligning with a partner like The Sinclair, on our shared goals to power the building of the future, allowed an ecosystem that connects our industry-renowned air conditioning technologies and other LG innovations to create a comfortable, elevated experience for guests across the entire property.” The advanced suite of LG solutions across the entire property helped satisfy a multitude of needs, required by the management staff, creating this innovative and groundbreaking establishment, and delivering a comfortable, elevated experience for guests. The team employed what is believed to be one of the first applications of PoE to a large array of end points, in order to achieve many of the energy-efficiency and forward-thinking goals that the Sinclair desired. Reliable, energy-efficient HVAC solution From an HVAC perspective, LG’s Multi V IV Heat Recovery unit system served as a more advanced and energy-efficient solution for the property’s need to heat and cool its numerous spaces across individual guest rooms and shared spaces. For nearly the same cost as a traditional system, The Sinclair now has a highly reliable, energy-efficient HVAC solution that is designed to deliver effortless occupant comfort and convenience. Farukh Aslam said, “I am very sold on LG’s technologies and the results are quite impressive, thanks to its amazing energy efficiency and quietness, contributing to the tranquil atmosphere, throughout the property.” High-class, high-technology hotel The Sinclair Hotel is a ground-breaking example of the hotels of the future. Farukh Aslam adds, “There's no hotel as forward-thinking as ours – from the power generation of the entire building to the most advanced tech toys, like the OLED TVs, found in each room, The Sinclair is a study in high-class high-tech.” LG’s wide offerings, from HVAC to OLED TVs and commercial displays, solar energy offerings, appliances, and everything in between, can help customers like The Sinclair create a truly comprehensive building ecosystem, with one trusted brand.

The owner of a 107-year old home sought an advanced hydronic heating solution for a major basement finishing project and to alleviate his existing heating woes on the first and second floors of the residence. The installation of an innovative and highly efficient boiler from Weil-McLain helped make the basement remodel a success and the family's home comfortably warm throughout. Hydronic heating solution Michael Bartholomay-Berreth, owner of the 2,700 square-foot, two-story Craftsman residence, built in 1914, in Fargo, North Dakota, had been having issues with the home’s boiler, which provides heat and hot water, for some time. The family also had decided to convert their unfinished basement into a warm, livable space consisting of a living room and bedroom with radiant heated floors. “We live in Fargo, so obviously a house is only as good as its heating system,” said Michael Bartholomay-Berreth, adding “Heating the basement was a major concern because it got very cold down there in the winter, sometimes dipping below 50 degrees. On top of that, our existing boiler was really inefficient and was the only heat source for the first and second floor radiators.” Heating system upgrade Upon inspection, the heating system consisted of a very old boiler and an old gravity system" Michael Bartholomay-Berreth contacted John Robinson, at Esser Plumbing & Heating (Aire Serv of Fargo - Esser Plumbing), which performs commercial and residential installations, and services, throughout the Lakes Area in Minnesota and the Fargo-Moorhead area, to handle the upgrade. John Robinson stated, “Upon inspection, the heating system consisted of a very old boiler and an old gravity system, with pipes hanging below the ceiling and 2-inch lines connected to the boiler. With limited space for the boiler replacement, the homeowner sought a single boiler solution, to heat the basement’s new radiant floors and provide a multi-zone capability, for the main floor and second floor radiators.” ECO Tec 150 MBH gas boiler installed After careful review, John Robinson recommended installing a Weil-McLain brand high-efficiency ECO Tec 150 MBH gas boiler featuring powerful, intuitive controls and built-in zone control designed to provide targeted, abundant heat for all levels of the home. As part of the basement re-modeling project, the contracting team broke up and removed the entire concrete floor from the basement. Then, they dug out the ground to lower the floor level by a foot, to make room for the installation of radiant floor heat. Radiant heat and new concrete flooring With the radiant heat and the new concrete flooring installed, the team connected the radiant flooring and all the existing cast iron hot water radiators on the upper levels of the home, to the new ECO Tec boiler. The team also installed an indirect tank for hot water, also powered by the ECO Tec boiler. “The location of the boiler is in a cramped space, the size of a small closet and Esser did such a great job installing and feeding all of the lines in there,” said Michael Bartholomay-Berreth, adding “Thankfully, this boiler is designed for easy access and installation into tight areas.” ECO Tec boiler installation benefits The Weil-McLain brand 95% AFUE high-efficiency ECO Tec boiler features heat only and combi versions The Weil-McLain brand 95% AFUE high-efficiency ECO Tec boiler features heat only and combi versions for all residential space and domestic hot water heating. It features a durable stainless steel fire tube heat exchanger with sound dampening air silencer, corrosion-resistant condensate collector base, easy-to-use setup wizards, and touch screen display. Michael Bartholomay-Berreth has experienced several benefits from the new Weil-McLain brand ECO Tec boiler installation. He said, “The new Weil-McLain brand system was the ideal solution to our problems. Esser Plumbing & Heating did an unbelievable job in getting the system up and running quickly. The result was a new boiler that provides highly-efficient heat and hot water for our entire home.” Michael Bartholomay-Berreth also enjoys learning more about the user-friendly ECO Tec unit. Featuring intelligent boiler control “I've been monitoring the boiler to see how the system works and to use the cool touchscreen,” said Michael Bartholomay-Berreth, adding “I like to see which zones are receiving heat at any given time to learn more about how it works. The unit is pretty slick. Its intelligent boiler control is able to supply higher temperatures to the radiators and water heater, for them to operate as designed; and a lower temperature to the radiant floor system, for a warm even heat.” Most importantly, the house is a warmer and more comfortable environment. Michael Bartholomay-Berreth concludes, “This is a special house that has been around a long time. And our new boiler system lets us appreciate and enjoy it that much more.”

Florida Gators Sports Properties and Air Pros USA, a residential and commercial air conditioning services company and the official Air Conditioning partner for Gators football, came together for the annual ‘Saluting Those Who Serve’ initiative to recognize a local Veteran. Working with the Alachua County Veteran Services Division, Air Pros USA and the Florida Gators awarded 88-year-old Eddie Thomas, a decorated Korean War Veteran, with a brand-new air conditioning unit and installation, free of charge. Life changing opportunity Thomas was nominated by the Alachua County Veteran Services Division because of his service to the country and he has a 23-year-old A/C unit in need of being replaced. Thomas served in the United States Air Force from 1954-1958, as well as during the Korean War. His service included overseeing security at his base in Germany as well as the K-9 units. Thomas says that the military was ahead of its times in terms of diversity and inclusion to put him in such a supervisory role at a young age. "I am so pleased that our local Korean War Veteran, Eddie Thomas, was selected for this wonderful opportunity,” says Kim Davis, Executive Director for Alachua County Veteran Services Division. “Our Veteran Services Team is very dedicated to our Veteran Community as we strive to help them with their needs and when something special comes along, it warms our hearts to see a deserving Veteran receive a life changing opportunity." Good Conduct Ribbon Like many who call South Florida home, we are passionate about the Florida Gators" During active-duty Thomas earned a Good Conduct Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Outstanding Unit Award, Small Arms Expert Award, the National Defense Medal, the Korean Defense Service Medal, and the United Nations Service Medal. His military service is such a source of pride for him. Thomas, who is legally blind, still volunteers and serves on the Korean War Veterans of America Color Guard at Veteran events and funerals. “Like many who call South Florida home, we are passionate about the Florida Gators and giving back to the community we serve,” said Anthony Perera, President of Air Pros USA. “Honoring those who have served our country will always be a priority for Air Pros USA not only with donations and giveaways but also in our hiring initiatives and event support.” Other prestigious companies “We are excited that Air Pros, like several other prestigious companies, is joining us in our annual Saluting Those Who Serve initiative in supporting the Florida Gators,” said Scott Stricklin, Athletics Director at the University of Florida. “They are truly exemplary not only as one of the fastest-growing Heating and Air Conditioning companies in the state but also in their commitment to veterans and giving back.” Air Pros USA is continuously finding ways to give back to the community, including Veterans and military service members, to thank them for their service.

For schools, improving indoor air quality (IAQ) is a basic function of HVAC systems, which also ensures a high comfort level for students, teachers and staff. Schools can be a lucrative market for HVAC systems, but there are challenges, such as long sales cycles and the lingering impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: What are the challenges for HVAC in serving the education/schools market?

Shifting demographics suggest a need for ‘new blood’ in the HVAC industry. It has never been a more important time to attract new applicants into the industry. Fortunately, there is a range of exciting opportunities for applicants of any age, including new disciplines and skills needed as HVAC systems transform in the digital age. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: What are the emerging career opportunities in the HVAC industry?

The practice of working from home soared during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and many observers see a likely continuation of the trend, as infection risks gradually subside. Both environments – home and office – depend on HVAC systems to keep occupants comfortable (and safe!). Therefore, the industry stands to be impacted whichever way the trend plays out. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: How will remote working affect residential and commercial HVAC?