Efficiency

Pelion, the connected IoT device service provider, and subsidiary of Arm, jointly announced a partnership with Johnson Controls, the pioneer for smart, healthy and sustainable buildings. This partnership will accelerate innovation in connectivity, security and intelligence at the edge for Johnson Controls OpenBlue technology. “This partnership combines Johnson Controls deep domain expertise in healthy buildings with Pelion’s device and edge management capabilities to usher in an era of truly smart, updateable facilities at cloud scale.” said Mike Ellis, chief customer and digital officer for Johnson Controls. Device management security “OpenBlue’s AI capabilities at the edge will consolidate diverse points of intelligence distributed across various floors, sites or even continents into insights and actions, creating an updateable building that can self-heal and evolve over its lifespan.” This innovation mirrors the automotive sector, where software, multiple sensors and AI-trained models have transformed the industry by enabling autonomous driving and software updates that blend data to continually improve vehicle capabilities and experience. Connected device platform Pelion’s connected device platform will standardize the onboarding process" Johnson Controls is applying the concept to the built environment. They will leverage Pelion’s flexible device management capabilities to unite diverse device types and application layers to feed AI models that respond to dynamic workloads. “Johnson Controls has the strategic foresight to rely on a partner to streamline the complexity of IoT device management security and secure firmware updates over the air,” said Hima Mukkamala, CEO of Pelion. “Pelion’s connected device platform will standardize the onboarding process for all systems, including the edge and endpoint devices that run on them, plus offer world-class public key infrastructure for secure and simple integration with third-parties.” Constrained temperature sensors This secure, open, and flexible approach to device management will allow OpenBlue to run any device and hardware configuration, from hardware gateways to constrained temperature sensors. In order to provide sustainable, low cost and low power intelligent processing at the edge, the partnership will utilize proven energy-efficient processors from Pelion’s parent company, Arm, which are a key part of Johnson Controls’ distributed hardware deployment.

Johnson Controls, a pioneer for smart, healthy, and sustainable buildings, announces it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Silent-Aire, a provider of hyperscale data center cooling and modular critical infrastructure solutions. This all-cash transaction is valued at up to $870 million, including an upfront payment of approximately $630 million and additional payments to be made subject to the achievement of post-closing earnout milestones. Silent-Aire specializes in the design, engineering, and manufacturing of mission-critical custom air handlers and modular data centers for hyperscale cloud and colocation providers. Data center solutions Silent-Aire's portfolio of data center solutions allows for rapid deployment of critical infrastructure in flexible configurations, with a focus on quality, scalability, and speed-to-market. Silent-Aire's revenue for the fiscal year 2021 (May) is expected to approximate $650 million. Johnson Controls has a significant opportunity to increase our focus on the data center vertical" "With Silent-Aire, Johnson Controls has a significant opportunity to increase our focus on the data center vertical and accelerate growth in this attractive end market by combining the strengths of our global scale in manufacturing and service, with leading-edge innovation and a broad portfolio of technologies dedicated to serving hyperscale providers," said George Oliver, Johnson Controls chairman and CEO. "This acquisition perfectly aligns with several of our key strategic growth initiatives and underscores our focus on creating shareholder value," Oliver continued. greater geographic reach "We are incredibly excited to welcome Silent-Aire to the Johnson Controls family as we look to build upon their success of nearly 30 years of innovation, operational expertise, and deep customer relationships." The continuous migration of applications to the cloud (SaaS) has resulted in unprecedented demand for computing power and the rapid expansion of data center infrastructure. Hyperscale providers have unique capabilities in deploying large-scale computing power Over the last several years, this trend has overwhelmingly favored the development of hyperscale cloud and colocation facilities. Hyperscale providers have unique capabilities in deploying large-scale computing power with increasingly more efficient, more rapidly deployed solutions and with greater geographic reach. To accomplish this, hyperscalers require trusted global partners, such as Silent-Aire, that provide highly efficient, sustainable, and reliable products along with consistent and dependable execution. Traditional design barriers "Silent-Aire grew up with the cloud and our DNA translates what it means to be a Hyperscale Data Center Company," said Lindsey Leckelt, Silent-Aire, Co-CEO. "Being an innovative partner with early adopters, we broke through traditional design barriers that pushed energy initiatives in what led to how most Hyperscale Data Centers are cooled and engineered today," he continued. "The culture in our business captures this unique skill set and is scaled through to our engineering, operations, and manufacturing teams to keep up with the explosive growth of cloud providers. Johnson Controls shares our vision to scale as a Data Center Platform business, which will enable us to serve our partners globally." Silent-Aire is headquartered in Edmonton, Alberta, and has approximately 3,000 employees globally, with a legacy of providing mission-critical data center technology, a commitment to customer-centricity, and a clear focus on sustainability. Fostering environmental excellence The transaction is expected to close in the fiscal third quarter of 2021 "Sustainability has been a major focus as we've grown our family business throughout our history," added Dan Leckelt, Silent-Aire, Co-CEO. "Maintaining our growth to match our customers' demands has taken us from 30 employees to 3,000 over this period," Leckelt continued. "Through this growth, our global expansion to Europe provided a glimpse of the opportunity the rest of the world has to offer. As a measure of continuing long-term sustainability for our customers and employees; while pushing technological advances fostering environmental excellence, a partnership with Johnson Controls Inc. provides Silent-Aire the best opportunity to succeed." Subject to the receipt of regulatory approval and customary closing conditions, the transaction is expected to close in the fiscal third quarter of 2021. The transaction is expected to be immediately accretive and add $0.07 to $0.09 to Johnson Controls adjusted EPS from continuing operations in fiscal 2022.

LENNOX EMEA, a company in the design and manufacture of heating, air conditioning, air treatment, and refrigeration equipment, through its three brands Lennox, Friga-Bohn, and HK Refrigeration, is hosting a content-rich ‘Learning Month’, which will run from April 15th to May 15th. Learning Month will comprise a series of free online webinars (in local languages) that provide professionals in the HVAC-R (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration) industry with targeted insight and strategy to take their skills to the next level. Regulatory changes Among the primary ambition of these enlightening webinars is to provide information and guidance on new industry developments and trends. There will be a particular focus on different European regulatory changes, such as F-Gas and EcoDesign 2021, giving customers the essential keys to prepare for the high season and maximize potential gains. A comprehensive understanding of regulatory changes is vital for all professionals in the HVAC-R sector, from consultants and design engineers to installers, facility managers, and maintenance personnel. Delivered by the renowned Lennox University, each webinar focuses on a specific topic identified as an ‘area of concern/interest’ through discussion with customers. Use of A2L in refrigeration For example, the first webinar will center on the use of A2L in refrigeration applications. Taking place on April 15th and available in English, Spanish, and French, refrigeration installers and wholesalers will learn more about A2L refrigerants, their composition, and their use in line with current regulations. Relevant regulation studies will reveal the main benefits of A2L refrigerants, while participants will also discover more about the calculation for permissible refrigeration charge/load limits and the principles of risk analysis. Refrigerant transition Staying abreast of regulatory changes is paramount from the perspective of sector professionals, so this webinar presents a great opportunity to build knowledge and learn more about the refrigerant transition. HVAC Applications Installers, engineers, and end-users learn more about R32 as an A2L refrigerant, its suitability, and its applicable regulations in the webinars Subsequent webinars focus specifically on HVAC applications. For instance, on April 22nd, Lennox, through refrigerant comparison, will explain why R32 is a wise choice for rooftop units and how to achieve a smooth transition from R410A. Installers, engineers, and end-users will learn more about R32 as an A2L refrigerant, its suitability for different projects, and its applicable regulations in the webinars. Six language options are available: German, Dutch, English, Spanish, Italian and Portuguese. Refrigerant specifications On April 28th attention turns to understanding more about the specifics of the refrigerant changeover in HVAC applications. This webinar will set out how the F-Gas regulation is shaping the HVAC industry, and highlight the emergence of several lower-GWP refrigerants. Installers and engineers will hear about the impact of this trend and how to ensure a pain-free transition. The language options for this webinar are German, Dutch, English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese. Energy consumption These same language options apply to the next webinar, on May 4th, which will pinpoint the key facilitators that deliver optimized energy efficiency. Both end-users and maintenance professionals will benefit from registering for this presentation, the focus points of which include selecting the right IAQ (Indoor Air Quality) solution while managing energy consumption, upgrading fan technology, cloud-based monitoring, and EcoDesign 2021. Rooftop v/s chiller/AHU solution Rounding off Learning Month will be the webinar on May 11th: choosing between a rooftop or chiller/AHU solution. The differences between the two solutions, along with best-practice selection criteria, 1/2 will help installers, engineers, and end-users grasp the fundamentals required to reach the optimum decision. This webinar is available in German and Dutch. Ultimately, knowledge provides many opportunities, not least the chance to make astute selection decisions, optimize refrigeration and HVAC units for performance and efficiency, and become a source of advice and expertise. All those participating in any of the webinars at Learning Month will also get the opportunity to ask questions of the respective Lennox HVAC-R specialist.

Carrier Commercial Refrigeration’s PowerCO2OL™ system for high capacity refrigeration has won the gold Innovation of the Year award at the ATMO Natural Refrigerants Virtual Trade Show (VTS). Carrier Commercial Refrigeration is a part of Carrier Global Corporation, the pioneering global provider of healthy, safe and sustainable building and cold chain solutions. VTS attendees voted on the winning products. Five natural refrigerant systems were finalists for 2021 Innovation of the Year awards that recognize products expected to have a significant impact on the industry and environment. groundbreaking technology “PowerCO2OL is Carrier’s most powerful refrigeration rack, combining sustainable CO2 refrigeration with energy efficiency that can achieve up to 30% energy savings. We are proud to have won Innovation of the Year based on our groundbreaking technology,” said Guillaume Burvingt, Marketing Director, Carrier Commercial Refrigeration. Highly adaptable and efficient, the PowerCO2OL platform is suitable for a variety of applications such as medium to large warehouses, distribution centers, food processing sites, sport venues and more. It can be designed as a single- or dual-temperature solution and has high-energy efficiency due to its integrated and patented CO2OLtec® Evo modulating ejector technology. PowerCO2OL achieves a cooling capacity up to 1.5 megawatts per rack. PowerCO2OL Launched in 2020, Carrier has designed installations up to five megawatts by combining five racks with full heat recovery capability, ideal for sanitary hot water. PowerCO2OL has been installed in major European distribution centers and at iconic sites such as SNØ, Norway's first indoor ski arena, where winter sports enthusiasts can enjoy skiing year-round. The PowerCO2OL system is part of Carrier’s Healthy, Safe, Sustainable Cold Chain program, which provides fresh foods and medications to people around the world and ensures the safe storage and transport of critical vaccines through advanced connectivity and visibility.

Armstrong Fluid Technology has announced that Design Envelope pumps with Permanent Magnet motors are available NEMA 4X/IP66 rated, for outdoor installation. Pump Features Featuring advanced performance mapping technology and load-limiting logic, the new pumps reduce energy consumption by as much as 30% compared to pumps supplied with a loose variable speed drive. Together with new more efficient pump hydraulics, the new 1 to 10hp pumps can save an additional 20% compared to competing integrated products with induction motors. Other features of the new Design Envelope outdoor pumps include: Cover to protect touchscreen user interface from dirt & sunlight Overhead weather shield protects the motor fan from ice seizures Factory-tested NEMA 4X rated controls are TL approved Available Pump Manager service provides pump performance tracking along with alerts, alarms, and data storage Available Parallel Sensorless control provides additional energy savings through best-efficiency staging Reducing footprint and costs “The conventional approach to rooftop and outdoor pumps is to install VFDs in a central, outdoor-rated control panel, separate from the pumps. This adds unnecessary costs and requires a larger footprint,” said Zeljko Terzic, Global Offering Manager, Pumps. “Our new Design Envelope pumps feature integrated controls for a reduced footprint and substantially reduced installation costs.” 

To boost the confidence of professionals installing energy efficient heating and hot water products for residential new build developments, Baxi has continued to prioritize training with bespoke virtual learning modules. Throughout the pandemic, Baxi has supported housing providers, developers, and their contractors with virtual training opportunities. This approach has allowed for more valuable training to continue, covering the installation, commissioning and maintenance of the Baxi Assure complete home service range of boilers, hot water cylinders, air source heat pumps, energy saving accessories, and controls. Following government guidelines The virtual training program has proven so successful that Baxi will continue to offer it as an option, even when nationwide training centers re-open later in the year following government guidelines. The virtual training program has proven so successful that Baxi will continue to offer it Tom Murray, Specification Director Commercial and Residential at Baxi Heating, said: “With the energy transition to a net-zero future at the forefront of the residential specification market place, being able to train customers on new technologies and products that will aid the industry to meet the carbon challenge is really important.” Energy saving accessories “For the residential new-build market, this will mean a greater emphasis on the importance of technologies such as air source heat pumps. However, our training valuably covers the complete range of our products including our gas and electric boilers, hot water cylinders, energy saving accessories including the SHRU, FGHR and heating controls.” As part of the complete home service, advice from qualified Baxi SAP assessors to help boost efficiency and a Baxi Design service is provided for accurate sizing and specification. Projects benefit further from support at every stage from a dedicated team of specification managers, and a Project Hub to manage project product registrations, in addition to technical support and advice from installation to legislation.

In what can only be described as a very turbulent year, many businesses have had to shut their doors and have all but forgotten about the general upkeep of their sites. With priorities shifted to keeping companies afloat and staff employed, maintenance and servicing has taken a backseat, and many systems will be deteriorating unnoticed. It goes without saying that one of the first tasks that employers will have to tackle when returning to work is a deep clean. As we are still in the throes of a pandemic, a clean and disinfected workplace is the number one priority that needs to be ensured, before any staff can be welcomed back to work. This should be closely followed by maintenance of the site’s equipment. Importance of regular HVAC maintenance Regular HVAC maintenance is extremely important as it keeps systems performing efficiently and effectively Regular HVAC maintenance is extremely important as it keeps systems performing efficiently and effectively. The nature of HVAC maintenance does change depending on the time of year, and with some sites being shut for months and through different seasons, managers will need to review their current equipment to ensure it is compliant and working correctly as soon as possible as signs of normality start returning and facilities begin to reopen. While warehouses and factories may have still been operating in some capacity over the last 12 months, many office buildings have seen little to no employees for more than a year in some cases, therefore, risking deterioration and even damage to their systems going unnoticed and untreated. But with so many pieces of equipment at each site, it is often hard to know where to start and what to prioritize. Following HVAC manufacturer’s recommendations In order for businesses to keep functioning as best as they can and to avoid any more disruption, those in charge of maintenance and servicing need to be educated on how the conditions of a system affects the type of work it needs. Manufacturer’s recommendations should also be taken into account. To help define what these are and how to approach them, mechanical and electrical engineers recommend: The coils and pipes in HVAC equipment that are responsible for heat transfer are checked regularly, because if the equipment gets dirty, it won’t transfer heat and energy as well. Checking controls annually to ensure that the HVAC system is running properly, as control calibration can alter. By scheduling regular check-ups, accurate operation is maintained. Maintaining equipment with fans quarterly to maximize longevity. Three key areas include monitoring the impellers, belts and bearings for any dirt, wear and tear, friction or erosion. Keeping an eye on filters, as when they are clogged, it increases the pressure drop in a system, which makes fans work harder to maintain the same airflow. A quarterly clean is usually sufficient for most filters. This is also true of strainers in systems. Optimizing HVAC and electrical equipment With spring now upon us, businesses need to optimize their HVAC and electrical equipment for maximum efficiency With spring now upon us, businesses need to optimize their HVAC and electrical equipment for maximum efficiency. This includes reviewing the sequence of operations for a morning warm up and cool down. However, it’s important to remember that because of prolonged closures over the last 12 months, autumn and winter checks, and in some cases, even summer checks were not able to be carried out in 2020, so before the spring work begins, backdating the maintenance is a good place to start. Ensuring buildings’ energy efficiency With the help of experts, HVAC maintenance doesn’t have to be time-consuming and overwhelming, but it’s a critical part of maintaining an energy-efficient building that is both comfortable and reliable. With regular servicing and some basic knowledge of what is required, sites can maintain optimum efficiency all year round. Noise complaints can also be an issue, if HVAC maintenance isn’t carried out regularly. Spring is a good time for businesses to perform services on their equipment, prior to the summer months starting and should be used to ensure that condenser coils and air handler filters are both clean. The dirtier the equipment, the noisier and less efficient it becomes, which is bad news for any business. Preparing buildings for staff returning to work When a building is returning to normal occupancy after a lengthy closure, additional checks must be considered before reopening is discussed. When a building is initially mothballed, it must be prepared for long term vacancy, but many businesses will not have had this opportunity before the national lockdown, which basically entails that these checks will not have been carried out. After a building becomes unoccupied, it is not the case that maintenance activity should also stop After a building becomes unoccupied, it is not the case that maintenance activity should also stop. At the very least, the frequency of existing planned maintenance will change, but in some cases, more maintenance tasks are required in order to keep the site ticking over. This includes flushing of water systems, Legionella testing and insurance inspections to keep the property functional and compliant. Countering health and safety issues  As the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions are lifted across the United Kingdom and many businesses are gradually reopening, it will present health and safety problems that have not been faced before and will very likely see a surge in services and maintenance being required. With this in mind, it is vital that maintenance becomes a priority as normal service is resumed to not only ensure efficiency, but also to make sure that no employee or visitor to a site is put in danger. Emerging from a surreal 12 months, there is no doubt that companies will still face challenges, so it is crucial that avoidable maintenance problems do not become one of them, so don’t delay in booking routine checks.  

As part of the UK Government’s stated commitment to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, gas boilers, along with other fossil-fuel burning boilers, are to be banned in newbuild homes from 2025 under the Future Homes Standard. Although the ban has received a widespread welcome in principle, there has been criticism. Environmental groups have criticized the ban for not going far enough in tacking the escalating climate crisis, and the construction and home-building industries have criticized it for the challenges it brings in achieving a viable home-heating alternative in such a short space of time. Placing significant demand Despite the criticism, the ban doesn’t go far enough; applying to newbuild homes only, with, as yet, no plans to phase out gas heating in existing homes. New heating technology has to be ready to roll out before 2025, whether it’s to 160,000 homes per year (the annual approximate figure of new homes built) or the UK’s entire housing stock of 29 million. Despite the criticism, the ban doesn’t go far enough; applying to newbuild homes only The Home Builders Federation, in reaction to the Future Homes Standard, has said, “It’s going to be a challenge and a huge area of work.” And it is widely acknowledged there is significant demand placed on the building and HVAC industries to produce a long-term, viable solution. Challenges include the creation of new, cost-effective designs of energy infrastructures, and implementation in time for the short deadline of less than four years away. Gas boiler heating systems From energy design engineers to developers, suppliers, and energy companies, everyone in the supply chain is affected in delivering a solution that UK homeowners can afford and that developers can supply. The communications challenge also cannot be underestimated, to bring along the public to the reality that homes cannot, ultimately, continue to be heated by the gas boilers they are so familiar with.   The most likely low-carbon alternative to gas boiler heating systems is generally acknowledged to be heat pumps and heat networks, powered by renewables. It has been estimated by the Committee on Climate Change that by 2030 there will be 2.5 million heat pumps in new homes. Heat pumps offer comparable heating power to gas boilers and are powered by low-carbon electricity. Heat pumps have great potential for saving carbon; approximately 25-85 tCO2 per home over an average lifetime, reducing carbon emissions by 90%. Existing gas system But hydrogen is expensive to produce and although the existing gas system could be readily used for supply But for heat pumps to provide the level of warmth, particular in winter, and summer, weather in the UK, their effectiveness relies on excellent insulation, including triple glazing and adaptations to walls, floors, and ceilings. And while there has been a drive to get our draughty homes better insulated in the UK in recent years, with various grants and funding, this will be particularly crucial for newbuilds going forward. Hydrogen boilers could be an alternative to gas boilers. Hydrogen produces no emissions when burnt, only water and heat. But hydrogen is expensive to produce and although the existing gas system could be readily used for supply, and by consumers already familiar with a boiler system, it is not yet seen as a full solution to the replacement of gas. Technically qualified workers Trials are due to be carried out in the north-east with hydrogen-ready boilers. But the impending deadline and challenge for production and systems to be ready and tested, for mass implementation is unrealistic. Even before the Future Homes Standard was announced, there was an acknowledged shortage of skills. Engineering UK, in a recent survey, found that an additional 1.8 million engineers and technically qualified workers would be needed by 2025 in order to meet demand. But the impending deadline and challenge for production and systems to be ready and tested Nearly a third of HVAC firms have declared a skills shortage, with many feeling there is a crisis in the sector of sufficient qualified workers who can satisfy the new regulations. Now the demand is set to rise with the ban, as well as Brexit. A large proportion of qualified HVAC workers are sourced from the EU, further compounding the crisis of the skills shortage already faced.    Zero-Carbon technologies From imagining life without a gas boiler to a young person seeing their future career in engineering and renewable energy, effective communications and campaigns could go a long way. Targeted lifestyle campaigns, with positive, compelling case studies of homes of the future being powered by green, zero-carbon technologies could help to drive the momentum for innovation from a domestic base. Talent strategies could also combat the reality of an ageing and diminishing workforce in HVAC and other sectors. It’s vital now, more than ever, that young people see a career in renewable and eco-living technology as, not only rewarding but futuristic, global, and sophisticated. Any alternative to gas heating has to be affordable for UK households, and therefore for housing developers to adopt. Fuel poverty is a real risk. Energy-Saving measures The right help needs to be in place to support the development and take-up of the alternative According to the Committee on Climate Change, it costs £4,800 to install low-carbon heating in a new home, but £26,300 in an existing house while there are various funding initiatives for households adopting energy-saving measures, the right help needs to be in place to support the development and take-up of the alternative. Not just for newbuild homeowners, but beyond 2025 when existing households are called upon to switch. The Home Builders Federation have said of the Future Homes Standard, “Ambitious deadlines pose enormous challenges for all parties involved including developers, suppliers, energy companies in terms of skills, design, energy infrastructure and the supply chain.” Low-Carbon heating technology But there is also a stated dedication to achieving what can be realistically achieved, proving that there is a genuine commitment to ensuring our brighter, cleaner future and planet with low-carbon heating technology. The ultimate challenge now will be in Government, agencies, and industry working together, in a dedicated way, to be realistic about, and tackle the challenges across the board so the right solution for our home-heating future can be achieved, in time, and ready for a rollout for the new homes we build from 2025.

With the roadmap laid out for the government to guide us out of lockdown, the end of the pandemic seems as though it could be in sight. However, HVAC units remain outdated in hotels, hospitals, schools, and offices and there is a worry that COVID-19 can still spread quickly and easily through air vents, mitigating the effects of lockdowns and vaccinations. Dr. Rhys Thomas, Chief Scientific Officer at infection mitigation specialist PP-L and a frontline NHS doctor, says that the government’s neglect of using HVAC solutions to reduce transmission is a major oversight. Airborne transmission indoors By failing to follow the lead of other nations that are now recognizing the importance of ventilation in relation to the airborne nature of the virus, the UK’s approach hasn’t been as comprehensive or as forceful as it could be, with quietly introduced, piecemeal changes to regulations being too little, too late. At the moment, some governments don’t want to come out and admit that COVID-19 is an airborne hazard and that their failure to recognize it as such has led to higher infection and mortality rates and suffered even greater impacts from new variants. Research shows that 80% of the spread of the virus is through airborne transmission indoors– the inhalation of infected droplets that are moving around in the room’s air currents or ventilation systems– which a two-meter distance or the opening of the window is unlikely to combat. New quarantine hotels The UK was geared up for an influenza-like pandemic rather than an airborne one The airborne nature of COVID-19 is what has caught governments off guard and meant we are still playing catch-up while new variants are starting to appear, which was also always to be expected. In terms of preparedness, the UK was geared up for an influenza-like pandemic rather than an airborne one, such as the challenge posed by a SARS coronavirus. As with all airborne illnesses, the greatest risk of transmission is indoors and in confined spaces such as public transport, office buildings, factories, and even potentially the new quarantine hotels which are being introduced to prevent the spread of the virus. The governments ‘hands, face, space’ messaging cover the opening of windows to help with airflow, but the reality is much more complex. Latest SARS Coronavirus The risk of infection indoors is vastly higher than outside, and current advice simply isn’t enough. There’s a perception – even in hospitals – that fresh air is clean air. I’ve been shocked to see hospitals that I’ve visited assuming that simply opening a window is enough. That is simply not the case – the air needs to be disinfected by ultraviolet light for it to be clean enough to prevent the spread of coronaviruses. I saw this in practice in the first SARS pandemic in 2003, where UV was used and proved incredibly effective in South East Asian hospitals once again against the latest SARS Coronavirus that causes COVID-19. The spread of the virus around the Diamond Princess cruise ship, which hit global headlines in January 2020 when more than 700 passengers and crew tested positive for COVID-19, has become a case-in-point for the theory behind the airborne transmission. Killing airborne contaminants Part F of the Building Regulations on ventilation has been updated and is out to consultation Researchers from Harvard and the Illinois Institute of Technology developed a computer model of the cruise ship outbreak, which found that the virus spread most readily in microscopic droplets light enough to linger in the air. The research added to the pressure already being placed on the World Health Organization to recognize the airborne dangers of the virus, including an open letter signed by more than 200 experts. The key point here is that there has been some level of recognition from various government departments that the virus is airborne, and they have mitigated accordingly. Part F of the Building Regulations on ventilation has been updated and is out to consultation, and the Health and Safety Executive’s COVID-Secure Guidance for the Workplace on Ventilation has also been quietly updated in recent weeks to recommend the use of ultraviolet air filtration systems, which are proven to kill airborne contaminants. Key communication issue These UK regulations are now, at last, starting to get more aligned to other global institutions’ recommendations such at the renowned Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) who support the importance of ventilation and UV devices to significantly reduce infection risk. This is a positive step, but the key communication issue is that if the government don’t fully endorse and be more vocal about the airborne threat of COVID-19, and regulatory changes being made, then neither will the wider public. This is a huge issue because the government is already preparing for this virus to be around in some form for many years to come. With 40 million doses of vaccine set to arrive in 2022 and an overall supply line that is set to last until 2025, it’s clear that there is an acknowledgment that this will be a long fight. The SAGE scientists like Professor Chris Whitty and Sir Patrick Vallance are also referring to this virus as endemic now. Long-Term readiness The government is already building long-term readiness and diluting the risks by using different suppliers With 407 million doses of vaccine on order, the government is already building long-term readiness and diluting the risks by using different suppliers, but without the acknowledgment of the airborne risks, this can only do so much – it needs to be a joined-up, blended approach. Prevention is better than the alternative because in this case, there is unlikely to be a cure for a virus that spreads and mutates at the rate this one does. Trying to keep ahead of this virus is a dangerous game. It is incredibly adaptable and there is an awful lot of guesswork about predicting the spread and virulence of new and more easily spread strains. Ongoing lockdowns are simply not an option and are increasingly ineffective as people struggle with the monotony and isolation they bring. We need to get on the front foot and not only rely purely on medicine to help solve this crisis. Air filtration systems Engineered solutions like UV-C (also known as UVGI) and air filtration systems are needed wherever possible to help cut this virus at the knees and stop transmission in the first instance. These solutions are now being brought in by several industries and many countries around the world are specifically recommending them because they are recognizing that the guidelines in their current form aren’t doing enough. Those industries such as food manufacturing and production that rely on having people on the ground and in their factories are having to look beyond what they are advised and finding solutions that actually do work. Hospitals, schools, and hotels are the next places that need to be looking at this kind of response, especially with the government’s travel regulations meaning that potentially infected travelers are being kept in potentially inadequately ventilated spaces that could actually accelerate contagion spread to other travelers or staff. Action needs to be taken now, or we risk the further unnecessary spread of this dangerous pathogen.

The most likely scenario for the next 12 months in the United Kingdom is far lower risk of serious COVID-19 illness due to the vaccine. However, there will be big swings in R rates, and there is uncertainty about how effective vaccines will be against COVID variants. The ‘R’ rate is the number of people one infected person will pass a virus on to, on average. As the scenario plays out, and more companies open for business, issues of indoor air quality will continue to be top of mind. The UK cannot stay in lockdown forever, so the big question becomes: What will happen when R rates rise again? Significant illness transmission “People have become far more concerned about building safety issues because we are dealing with a deadly virus that transmits when people don’t realize they have it,” says Andrew Hobbs, CEO and founder of Surrey-based air quality and HVAC specialists Better Indoors. HAIs, including COVID, are still a major issue in National Health Service hospitals The guidance of increasing ventilation air changes and using passive systems like filters and UV has been the only mitigation for dealing with indoor air quality (IAQ) issues for many years, yet homes and offices still allow significant illness transmission, says Hobbs. Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), including COVID, are still a major issue in National Health Service hospitals in the UK, and R rates generally rise when physical distancing measures are relaxed. Air purification solutions “It is because ventilation and passive processes do not destroy viruses at the point of transmission and until we introduce technologies that do, we will always be stuck in this loop,” says Hobbs. Better Indoors works to create the safest possible indoor environments for homes, offices, factories and on transport. Their active air purification solutions destroy viral emissions at the point of transmission – an essential feature for controlling indoor R rates, according to the company. “We are the UK’s exclusive distributor of unique technology that has been around for over 20 years and is used in millions of applications around the world,” said Hobbs. “This attribute is proving to be a key differentiator as firms race to futureproof their buildings and make their indoor spaces as safe as possible for staff and customers.” Master exclusive distributor Better Indoors is a master exclusive distributor to RGF Environmental Inc. Better Indoors is a master exclusive distributor to RGF Environmental Inc. of the United States, with a territory in the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland. Better Indoors supports agents and wholesalers, providing training and education on how to specify, install and provide aftersales services. They also have a strong relationship with various operating businesses of Volution plc for their ventilation products. Passive technologies have been strongly promoted, as have ionization-only technologies. Less well promoted have been RGF Environmental’s photohydroionisation (PHI) and Reflective Electro Magnetic Energy (REME) technologies, which have had major impact where they have been installed. Photohydroionisation mimics nature’s air cleaning process indoors by creating an equilibrium concentration of ionized hydrogen peroxide molecules throughout the indoor space. More effective process These molecules react with viruses on contact, revert to water vapor and oxygen afterwards, and are replaced with new ones from the units. The process is continuous, safe and effective, says Hobbs. REME units contain an additional process of bipolarionization for particulate agglomeration also. Products include in-duct, in-AC units and standalone, plus individual units containing individual technology pieces to complement existing infrastructures. Our technology is the safest for COVID and every single future virus that comes along" Not all potential technologies have been tested in the fight against the novel coronavirus. If they had, the resulting guidance should include technologies that kill the virus at the point of transmission, which are safe and proven with millions of users. “Our technology is the safest for COVID and every single future virus that comes along,” says Hobbs. “You cannot get a safer more effective process than one that kills a virus at the point of transmission that is not dependent on the actions of behaviors of anyone or anything.” Offering maximum protection “We have learned the main route for viral illness transmission is in the air,” says Hobbs. “It is therefore essential that we future-proof our buildings and indoor spaces to the best extent possible so they offer maximum protection for when the next deadly pathogen comes along but also to minimize common illnesses going forward. The best possible protections come from IAQ processes that physically destroy viral emissions at the point of transmission rather than relying on moving it somewhere first like all filter and UV processes.” There are very few testing techniques that properly test certain technologies" One of the biggest misconceptions in IAQ is the difference between whether a particular passive IAQ process actually works and the limitations of how it works, Hobbs notes. “This is constantly misrepresented, misunderstood, and there are very few testing techniques that properly test certain technologies.” Technologies under consideration For example, the effect and performance of UV technologies are significantly limited by line of sight, inverse square law and dwell time, but this is rarely if ever mentioned, he adds. “Yes, it works but only if certain severely limiting conditions are met,” says Hobbs. “Furthermore, the industry-accepted testing metrics are designed for passives and not active systems, and this needs to be addressed also.” None of the other new technologies under consideration, such as Far UV, will be able to destroy the virus at the point of transmission because of their already known physical limitations. “We have been arguing for months that our active technology must be made mandatory for indoor spaces because it is the only method that can stop R rate rises regardless of which variant we have,” says Hobbs.

Innovation is a driving force behind most industries, including HVAC. Keeping up with industry research, and looking toward the future, helps HVAC professionals to anticipate upcoming changes to the industry, and to be prepared when they happen. There is no shortage of innovation in the sphere of HVAC. I recently came across some interesting designs (and one product already on the market!) that provide a useful glimpse into the types of projects that may shape the HVAC industry of tomorrow. Large-Scale Air Purification System A new purification system on the horizon provides higher levels of purification and sanitation for large-scale applications such as hotels and other big businesses. It also seeks to protect HVAC service employees from exposure to viruses when they service a system. Rather than filter out viruses, the system destroys them with photocatalysis, which uses a semi-conductor to create radicals to zap the viruses. Photocatalysis has been around for decades but is only now becoming refined enough to provide a marketable solution. Promethium, the company seeking to bring the filtration to market, evolved from the work of two the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) students, and a University of California (UC) Berkeley graduate. The technology can be used in several ways – from water purification to energy generation – but purifying air is the first priority. Each unit is customized for a specific application, but a “basic” standard unit starts at around $10,000 and can clean 40,000 square feet of space, enough for a casino gaming floor, for example. The project won $250,000 in a contest sponsored by UNLV’s Lee Business School and has also signed a research agreement with Purdue University. It should be ready to go to market this year. Dual-Mode Heating and Cooling Device Duke University is demonstrating the heating and cooling capabilities of nanomaterials, including a dual-mode heating and cooling device that could lower HVAC energy costs by nearly 20% in the United States if widely deployed. The invention combines mechanics and materials science to either harness or expels certain wavelengths of light. Depending on conditions, rollers move a nanomaterial sheet back and forth to expose either heat-trapping materials on one half or cooling materials on the other. Designed at the nanoscale, one material absorbs the sun’s energy and traps existing heat, while the other reflects light and allows heat to escape. Flair’s Smart Vents are DIY devices that fit into existing floor and wall register slots in standard sizes The cooling portion of the sheet has ultra-thin silver film covered by an even thinner layer of clear silicon. Together, they reflect the sun’s rays like a mirror. The unique properties of the materials also convert energy into mid-range infrared light, which does not interact with the gasses in the Earth’s atmosphere and easily passes into space after it is emitted. For heating, an ultra-thin layer of copper is topped by a layer of zinc-copper nanoparticles, which interact with the copper beneath them to trap light onto the surface, thus absorbing more than 93% of the sunlight’s heat. The “reversible thermal contact” allows users to switch between two modes of heating or cooling. The device would be especially useful in the world’s temperate climate zones that require both heating and cooling during the year – and sometimes requires both within a single 24-hour period. Do-It-Yourself Smart Vents Flair’s Smart Vents are do-it-yourself (DIY) devices that fit into existing floor and wall register slots in standard sizes. The vents control airflow across individual rooms to boost efficiency. Electronics for the low-profile devices are contained in a casing that rests under the floor level. They can be hard-wired for power or can use two C batteries. The Smart Vents work with smart thermostats and/or with Flair’s Puck cylindrical devices that include temperature control and monitoring. The Smart Vents coordinate their open/shut status depending on temperature needs. For example, the vents can be used to equalize the temperature and route heating and cooling intelligently. It can provide a solution if one room is too cold when cooling or too hot when heating. The approach is aimed at approximating the results of zoned HVAC systems at much lower costs and to replace existing wall ducts.

The cruise ship industry has cracked the code on keeping passengers and crew safe from the coronavirus (COVID-19) spread, including changes to on-board HVAC systems to use more outside air and to filter out particles as small as the novel coronavirus. The industry, which voluntarily suspended worldwide operations at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, under the guidance of international and national health authorities, plans to resume worldwide operations fully later in 2021. Health protocols to mitigate COVID-19 risk The cruise ship industry resumed sailing in parts of Europe, Asia and South Pacific in July 2020 The cruise ship industry resumed sailing in parts of Europe, Asia and South Pacific in July 2020 and completed more than 200 sailings by the end of 2020. The success of these early sailings demonstrated the effectiveness of new protocols to mitigate risk of COVID-19 among passengers, crews and at destinations. The industry will resume operation in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and elsewhere in 2021. Cruise operators, such as Royal Caribbean, have implemented new HVAC systems as part of the protocols. Supplying 100% fresh and filtered air Royal Caribbean says its HVAC system now continuously supplies 100% fresh and filtered air from outdoors to all indoor spaces. There is a total air change up to 12 times an hour in staterooms and about 15 changes per hour in large public spaces. Fan coil units provide an extra layer of protection in local spaces, such as public venues and staterooms, continuously scrubbing the air of pathogens and using MERV 13 filters to capture aerosols between 1.0 and 3.0 microns with 90% efficacy. Bio-aerosol assessment study Royal Caribbean participated in a bio-aerosol assessment of its ‘Oasis of the Seas’ ship by the University of Nebraska Medical Center. The study involved releasing billions of 1-micron aerosol-sized microspheres, each containing a uniquely DNA-barcoded inert virus surrogate, at pre-selected spaces throughout the ship. The test was intended to determine the efficiency and effectiveness of the vessel’s indoor air management strategies and to understand spread of aerosols through the HVAC system.  Low risk of cross-contamination of air Testing results led to minimal changes, such as ensuring air exchanges are close to hospital standards and using MERV 13 filters Over a week aboard the Oasis of the Seas, scientists released billions of the individually tagged microspheres and then tracked where they went and how long they lingered in the air, and on surfaces. Testing results led to minimal changes, such as ensuring air exchanges are close to hospital standards and using MERV 13 filters. The study confirmed that cross-contamination of air between adjacent public spaces is extremely low and undetectable in most test cases. Royal Caribbean’s Healthy Sail Center determined seven important elements the cruise line can do to manage indoor air and keep it clean. These elements include: Enhanced filtration to the highest level possible Optimize airflow patterns Use negative pressurization in isolation rooms Minimize unfiltered, re-circulated air Increase number of air changes per hour Use portable HEPA filters in congregate areas Maximize outdoor functions and physical distancing Facilitating return to operation of cruise ships At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, between March 1 and July 10, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) discovered nearly 3,000 cases of COVID -19 or suspected COVID-19 infections and 34 deaths across 123 cruise ships. In October 2020, the CDC lifted its no-sail order, laying out guidelines for big-ship cruising to resume operations in U.S. waters. The Cruise Lines International Association (CIA), which represents 95% of the cruise ship industry, has said its members will return when the time is right and that timing will be based on factors, including input from scientists and medical experts. Cruise companies also have new technologies available to them now. For example, the Italian company, Integra provides an air sanitizer that uses an odorless disinfectant to combat airborne illnesses. It can be installed in 15 minutes.

Carrier Commercial Refrigeration won orders in different countries in Europe to supply warehouse refrigeration systems for critical COVID-19 vaccine cold storage. While details of the projects are not being disclosed, Carrier Commercial Refrigeration is providing the critical temperature control components for a safe, effective cold chain thanks to its turnkey capability. Carrier Commercial Refrigeration is a part of Carrier Global Corporation (NYSE: CARR), the leading global provider of healthy, safe and sustainable building and cold chain solutions. Sensitivity of pharmaceuticals and vaccines requires an accurate control of the temperature throughout the cold chain to maintain efficacy. Carrier Commercial Refrigeration has a long track record of warehouse installations and a comprehensive line of refrigeration systems for the safe storage of pharmaceuticals, including vaccines. warehouse applications Key differentiators of Carrier’s warehouse applications: Precise temperature control up to +/-2 Kelvin 24/7 Remote monitoring experts on stand-by to react to potential alarms 760+ technicians throughout Europe to ensure installation and maintenance “Maintaining the temperature integrity of pharmaceuticals and vaccines is critical. Our turnkey approach ensures customers have full control over their storage cold chain,” said David Moon, President, Carrier Commercial Refrigeration. “From project design to rapid installation and operations follow-up, Carrier experts are on standby to support these special installations.” Ensuring strong control of the pharmaceuticals cold chain starts from the design phase. Carrier’s refrigeration experts have a deep understanding of the installation needs of customers. Carrier has a robust and reliable range of refrigeration units for warehousing applications that allow for the right product selection according the specificities of each site: the right refrigeration output for the designated surface, positive or negative temperatures to reach until -45°C, precise temperature control and redundancy when needed, all managed by user-friendly and flexible controllers. centralized remote monitoring service Carrier Commercial Refrigeration will continue to work with customers for other potential solutions Once the design phase is finalized, Carrier expert field teams bring the installation to life. The teams also provide support and maintenance in a timely manner thanks to the large geographical coverage, providing refrigeration technicians in many European countries. Carrier also offers a centralized remote monitoring service with refrigeration experts on standby 24/7 to react to potential alarms. This capability is especially important for critical installations such as those storing pharmaceuticals or vaccines, which can benefit from real-time monitoring. Carrier Commercial Refrigeration will continue to work with customers for other potential solutions that could further contribute to a healthier, safer and more effective cold chain. 

Carrier Commercial Service secured a three-year service agreement with Jefferson Regional Medical Center (JRMC) in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Under the BluEdge™ Elite service agreement, Carrier will maintain more than 100 heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) assets totaling 2,500 tons of cooling, as well as the hospital’s Carrier i-Vu® Building Automation System. Carrier is a part of Carrier Global Corporation, the pioneering global provider of healthy, safe and sustainable building and cold chain solutions.   The service agreement is for a three-year period and is the most comprehensive package Carrier Commercial Service offers to help ensure building comfort, efficiency and support, which will help meet the medical center’s operational goals. BluEdge The BluEdge service platform is Carrier’s new service and aftermarket offering that provides customers superior service throughout the lifecycle of their HVAC equipment. Through a deep understanding of customer needs and ongoing investments in cutting edge digital tools, BluEdge can help customers achieve enhanced equipment efficiency and performance – key components of Carrier’s Healthy Buildings Program. They understand how imperative it is for our equipment to remain online and effective" “Working with Carrier Commercial Service has been a true collaboration with the team taking into account what is best for our facility,” said Danny Holcomb, Facilities Manager, JRMC. “They understand how imperative it is for our equipment to remain online and effective. Choosing the Elite level of service was the ultimate peace of mind for the critical work we do.” Jefferson Regional Medical Center serves as the major referral center for an 11-county area of South Arkansas, with a patient base of approximately 220,000. remote monitoring “We’re proud to offer our highest level of service to JRMC,” said Gary H. Bobb, Vice President, Global Aftermarket, Commercial HVAC, Carrier. “Predictive analytics, continuous emergency support, remote monitoring and Carrier® SMART Service are the pillars of our successful service solution. Our team of highly-trained technicians are integrated into the facility and committed to keeping the building healthy and efficient.”    Carrier’s Commercial Service organization offers building solution assessments, modernization projects and factory-certified service for all brands of equipment.

Hawkes Place is a property like no other. Situated in Sevenoaks, Kent, one homeowner has created a truly unique building where every room is connected through home automation devices. Designed and built by Tony Gotts as a personal project, the three-bedroom, one-storey property was the first smart home he had built. The unique design sees each room completely curved, with no square corners in sight. With the entire house automated, including audio, lighting, heating, blinds, and front door access, the property has been built to a high standard to create a truly remarkable home. Controlled entrance system To support the installation, Mr. Gotts called upon the experience of the electrical contractor, Luke Kavanagh of Lake Home, who suggested one single supplier cover all of the home’s automation needs. To transform his property into a smart home, the owner wanted to connect the heating, lighting, blinds, and audio, while also incorporating a controlled entrance system. In addition, each room of the house required its own touch screen control system. Hawkes Place was the first property with which the owner had utilized home automation systems to this extent, and therefore an easy-to-use all-encompassing system was required. Door entry system Every room in the property had at least one element of smart technology installed Electrical contractor, Luke Kavanagh, recommended Legrand’s User Interface range, including its MyHOME Up system, coupled with its Bticino door entry and Nuvo audio systems. “As soon as I understood the brief, I immediately recommended the Legrand suite of smart home products,” Luke comments. “I contacted Chris Janes at Legrand, who drove out to Kent to discuss the different options with the homeowner in person. This was really useful as it enabled the owner to see exactly what was possible for the size of the property.” Every room in the property had at least one element of smart technology installed. Throughout the house, the heating, lights – both inside and outdoor – and blinds are all controlled by the MyHOME Up system, providing the end-user with full control at all times. The accessibility of the house was also enhanced, thanks to the use of a Bticino door entry system. Audio distribution system Additionally, the Legrand Nuvo multi-zone audio distribution system was installed throughout the property. Allowing audio to be managed and controlled in numerous rooms, users can connect music and audio streaming services and play in all areas of the home. For this project, one major advantage is the ability to bring together control of door access, as well as the lighting, heating, and blinds, on mobile phone apps. In addition to this, 7-inch touch screen panels were installed into every room, allowing complete control. For the installer, Legrand’s MyHOME Up system served two key benefits: its ease of installation and the functionality for the end-user. Once connected to the BUS system and the app is installed, the devices will set-up automatically. Intense training courses The app allows the installer to easily access multiple devices when starting up the system Luke comments: “Coming from an electrical background, the simplicity of Legrand’s systems means we are able to support project managers transform properties into smart homes. I don’t have expertise in IT, and I find that other similar systems require technical knowledge in order to complete the installation, which often includes expensive and intense training courses.” One of the key benefits of a MyHOME Up installation is that the innovative app supports the connection of all devices and is easy to control for both the installer and end-user. The app allows the installer to easily access multiple devices when starting up the system, thanks to the self-learning procedure, while the user can then manage their home automation scenes at any time. Confidently creating scenes Luke continues: “The whole installation process was very easy, not just from my point of view but the end user’s as well. The customer has gone from being a smart home novice to confidently creating scenes which improve day-to-day living habits. Since the installation was completed, we have already successfully recommended the system on another three projects.” In addition to installation and account support, Legrand also offers free training courses. The MyHOME Up range can be installed after just one day’s training, and installer Luke Kavanagh utilized this free service before installing the system. Luke adds: “I had previously undertaken a number of Legrand’s training sessions, including a session in Belgium, as well as for MyHOME Up. It is a really good program, and makes the system incredibly easy to install for anyone in the profession.” Creating smart scenes YouGov’s Smart Homes 2018 Report indicated that almost one-quarter of Britons own one or more smart home devices The course explains the role of smart devices in the home, and shows how creating smart scenes and actions can help end-users decrease their energy usage and waste. Free to attend, the training program is ideal for contractors and system integrators and takes place at Legrand’s state-of-the-art training center in Birmingham. Home automation is not new. In fact, YouGov’s Smart Homes 2018 Report indicated that almost one-quarter of Britons own one or more smart home devices, excluding smart meters, while one in ten have two or more. High customer satisfaction While adoption is becoming more common, electrical installers and contractors are tasked with the challenge of understanding this often-complex technology, to enable them to enhance their services to customers. Taking advantage of training from manufacturers, like Legrand, can make the installation much easier, while also providing high customer satisfaction. Luke Kavanagh concludes: “This project is an excellent example of how a simple, slick and extremely efficient home automation system can be installed. The Legrand products are very easy to install and the customers are always left smiling, testing new combinations each day. While not all systems are the same, I would recommend taking advantage of any available training because it not only equips you with the ability to install effortlessly, but it also provides the knowledge to answer any customer questions.”

It would be great if there was always a clear-cut sign to show that one needs something like furnace repair in Loveland, CO, wouldn’t it? Well, there actually are quite a few such signs, but they may not be quite as clear as one would like. The clearest need for furnace repair would probably be a completely broken down furnace, right? Well, sure—but obviously one doesn’t want to wait for the furnace to break down entirely before they have it repaired! That’s where the tips are going to come in handy. And the “good” news is that these are problems that one is already aware of. One may not realize that they alone are enough to justify system repairs or, at the very least, a call to have the system evaluated. Therefore, keep the system functioning properly and safely by scheduling prompt furnace repairs the moment that one has cause to suspect there is a problem. Unheated Furnace Air  The air coming from the furnace doesn’t seem hot enough. Oh well, it’s pretty cold out. The house will heat up eventually, even if it takes a little longer than usual. One should stop making excuses for problems like this. Regardless of how cold it may be outside, the furnace should be capable of heating the air in the home effectively. If it doesn’t seem like the air is hot enough, there could be quite a few problems at play. It’s possible, for instance, that one has leaky ducts that are pulling unheated air from unheated areas of the house (like between walls) into the system. One could also have a problem with the thermostat or with fuel delivery/combustion mechanisms. Furnace Running in Short Cycles A very dirty filter can actually create so much airflow resistance that the system winds up overheating It is called short cycling because a heater is not supposed to run in short cycles. Short cycling is a problem. One wants a heater to run in full, even cycles. So if one notices short cycling in their home, one may need repairs. There is one situation that one should rule out before scheduling repairs. That is a dirty air filter. A very dirty filter can actually create so much airflow resistance that the system winds up overheating, causing it to shut down to avoid damages. Then it starts up again, only to cycle back down before long. If the filter isn’t dirty, then one is likely to have a problem that is going to require professional service. Increasing Energy Bills There is very little that is truly “free” in this life, and heating a home is no exception. One has to pay for comfort. That doesn’t mean that one should accept overpaying for comfort, though. If the energy bills are too high, it could definitely be a result of a compromised system in need of repair.

Very few homeowners ignore the need for keeping temperatures in their homes at comfortable levels. One isn’t going to overlook the need for an effective heater when it is freezing cold outside, right? Of course not. That need is obvious. Not all needs are quite as obvious, though, even if they are equally important. For instance, the need for great indoor air quality in one’s home. Make IAQ services part of on-going HVAC services in Loveland. The problem with indoor air quality is that there are just so many different ways in which it may suffer. Fortunately, the IAQ professionals on the company’s team ensure that, no matter what is wrong with the indoor air quality, one will have the right solutions in place. Humidity Issues The company is sure that some people have little experience with portable humidifier and dehumidifier units Humidity is a tough nut to crack. Too little humidity in the home is certainly not desirable and can have a number of unpleasant consequences. These can include dry, itchy skin, nosebleeds, increased instances of illness, and more. However, too much humidity is not great, either. If the air in the home is too humid, then one may run into musty odors, issues with warping wooden floorboards, wood rot, and even the promotion of mold growth. The company is sure that some people have little experience with portable humidifier and dehumidifier units. However, if one is serious about optimizing humidity in the home, these are not what one should choose. One should want whole-house solutions to humidity problems, and that means that wanting a whole-house humidifier and/or dehumidifier installed in the residence. And that means hiring a professional to do the right job. Airborne Pollutants Perhaps the most common issue that homeowners encounter with their indoor air quality is that of airborne pollutants. Dust, dirt, pet dander, pollen, and other debris can get into the air in the home. Also about breathing all of those pollutants into the lungs. But, what can one do about it, right? It’s not like one is going to ditch Fido just because he sheds. The company suggests that there may be a way to completely eliminate the risk of airborne pollutants making their way into the home. However, one can remove the pollutants from the air that they breathe quite effectively with the right equipment in place. Whole-house air filtration systems, for example, or more advanced air cleaning systems, may be used to clean the air that fills the home. Biological Pollutants It may sound scary and the company is not trying to alarm the people. However, it has to be said. Biological pollutants in the home pose a health threat. With UV germicidal lights, one can destroy biological pollutants like viruses, mold spores, and bacteria that are putting health at risk.

Fort Collins Heating has heating systems that can heat the homes more efficiently. Times are tough for a lot of people right now, and a little bit of improved efficiency can go a long way.  And even if a person’s finances are fine, why pay more than they should have to for their home comfort? Doesn’t make much sense, does it? Follow the tips given below to keep costs in check and enjoy more affordable heating in Loveland, CO. Use ceiling fans  If one has ceiling fans and is not using them in the winter, then they are not using the ceiling fans properly. But before saying “okay” and just pulling that chain, one should stop to make sure that the ceiling fans are rotating in the right direction. If a person is not aware—and it’s not that uncommon—there is a switch on the body of the fan that allows switching its directional rotation. In the winter, one wants the ceiling fan to be spinning clockwise. Remember, these fans aren’t doing anything to actively cool the air in the summer. They just circulate air, helping to feel more comfortable.  And by reversing their direction in the winter, one can do the same. Hot air rises, so heat can get trapped up at the ceiling in the home. By running fans in a clockwise direction, one can force that heated air back down into the living space. Change air filter Pets, general cleanliness, and even the outdoor environment can all influence conditions in the home A person will change the air filter when they complete the heating tune-up. But that’s a once-a-year service, right? And once a year is not frequent enough when it comes to changing the air filter. It varies as to how frequently these filters need to be changed. Pets, general cleanliness, and even the outdoor environment can all influence conditions in the home—conditions that will, in turn, influence how frequently one needs to change the air filter. Remember, the purpose of an air filter is not really to protect the indoor air quality throughout the entire home. It is there to protect the HVAC system itself. A dirty air filter creates excessive airflow resistance, boosting energy usage and operating costs. Plus, it can lead to issues that further impede energy efficiency. Scheduling Heater Maintenance There should be no getting around this one. A properly functioning heater is an efficient heater. And the only way in which to keep the heater in the best operating condition possible is by scheduling routine, professional maintenance.  The maintenance program makes keeping up with routine maintenance easier than ever—and it offers a whole bunch of additional benefits.

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?

The Internet of Things (IoT) is the network of physical objects embedded with sensors, software and other technologies to facilitate connecting and exchanging data with other devices and systems over the internet. Use of the IoT is expanding among both business and residential applications. However, there are hurdles to overcome, including security, privacy and networking challenges. As more HVAC devices embrace the IoT, we asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: What is the impact of the Internet of Things (IoT) on the HVAC market?

The pandemic of 2020 presented unique challenges to the HVAC market, and in many instances, responding to those challenges relied on technical innovation. It’s safe to say that the pandemic accelerated several technology trends, redirected others, and overall raised the stakes in the industry’s ongoing challenge to meet customer needs across a wide spectrum. But what comes now? We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable to weigh in on this question: What technologies and trends will define the HVAC industry in 2021?