Energy Star

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.

During its recent online meeting, the Eurovent Product Group ‘Evaporative Cooling Equipment’ (PG-CT) elected Mr. Frank Stocker (Managing Director, Gohl-KTK) as the successor of Mr. Doïc Hordern (CEO, JACIR) in the role of Vice-Chairman of the group. Mr. Laurent Petiot (General Manager France Benelux Maghreb, BAC) continues as Chairman of PG-CT. The Eurovent Product Group ‘Evaporative Cooling Equipment’ recently met in a fruitful online session. The meeting included Chairman and Vice-Chairman elections, as well as a redefinition of the group’s scope to include all hybrid and adiabatic technologies. PG-CT is turning its attention to the review of Ecodesign Regulation for professional refrigeration (ENTR Lot 1), in which new efficiency requirements are being considered for process chillers connected to an evaporative condenser. Ecodesign Regulation Mr. Frank Stocker, newly elected PG-CT Vice-Chairman, stated: “With the review of the Ecodesign Regulation for professional refrigeration around the corner, we are facing a great opportunity to promote the energy saving potential of evaporative cooling technologies. By making the Eurovent voice heard in the review, we can support the EU to achieve its climate targets.” Mr. Laurent Petiot, Chairman of PG-CT, added: “The European industry faces important challenges, regulations are getting stringent and Eurovent is instrumental in supporting the manufacturers. Our Product Group pledges to closely monitor the review process to ensure the highest energy efficiency requirements for Europe.”

In a new video series from Motili, the company highlights PropTech,CRE, multi-family, and single-family industry news. Motili’s latest video outlines how residential and commercial building owners can increase their property’s energy efficiency utilizing smart thermostats. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heating and cooling account for about half of the total energy consumption for a typical household. That translates to approximately $900 USD spent on heating and cooling per household each year. Given these statistics, it is important to increase energy efficiency in homes and buildings. One way to accomplish this is with smart thermostats. Smart Thermostats Smart thermostats can be used to decrease energy consumption in several ways including scheduling and geofencing, through the use of smart room sensors and through demand response programs. Smart thermostats can schedule heating and cooling to turn on and off based on when the tenant is home or away. Geofencing creates a boundary around a smart device based on GPS or radio identification signals, alerting the thermostat to when the homeowner is close by and away. This is an ideal solution for people that do not have a set schedule. Smart room sensors can be placed in any room. They monitor and maintain specific temperatures for its specific surroundings. Smart room sensors can control humidity and ventilation in rooms, as well. Demand Response A method used by utility companies to reward home owners for reductions in energy consumption Demand response is a method used by utility companies to reward home owners for reductions in energy consumption. Demand response begins by signing up with the utility and pairing your smart device with them. During high energy demand, users receive a notice that their system is using excess energy. If the user responds and decreases their system’s energy requirements, they will be rewarded through that utility’s specific rewards program. Energy Consumption “Smart thermostats make energy savings easy for the residential or commercial building owner. They are easy to use and the benefits, in terms of cost and energy efficiency, can be significant. Smart thermostats help keep a building comfortable for its tenants, as well,” said Matthew Sallee, VP Business Development, Motili. “As HVAC accounts for half of a home’s energy consumption, one of the central themes at Motili is to seek out the best products and practices to help conserve energy. Smart thermostats are an excellent way to easily make a positive impact on that number.” HVAC Services 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 to provide HVAC and hot water services, across the US, to customers large and small.

ABB has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hitachi Construction Machinery to share their expertise and collaborate in bringing solutions to market that will reduce the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with heavy machinery in mining. The companies will explore possibilities to apply ABB’s electrification, automation, and digital solutions to mining trucks and excavators provided by Hitachi Construction Machinery as part of wider efforts with mine operators to electrify all processes from pit to port. Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) Hitachi Construction Machinery also brings expertise in driverless operation and labor-saving technologies. The aim of the combined solutions is to enhance the efficiency and flexibility of customer businesses, contributing to the reduction of CO₂ and the realization of a sustainable society. The collaboration with Hitachi Construction Machinery is one of many that ABB are looking to develop with OEMs to accelerate the transition to all-electric mines. Emissions Reducing Technologies “ABB is calling for more collaboration between OEMs and technology companies to fast-track the development of new emissions-reducing systems with electrification and automation of the whole mining operation the goal. We are ready to work more with OEMs to establish a common approach for the market, and through strategic collaboration provide solutions that can help enable a low-carbon society and make mining operations more responsible,” said Joachim Braun, Division President, Process Industries, ABB. “New emissions-reducing technologies can transform the energy-intensive mining industry to achieve an even more productive, but also sustainable future.” Integrate Electrification In Mines Co-creation of solutions with OEMs and mining companies is needed to integrate electrification in mines ABB has over 130 years of experience in the mining industry and delivers complete electrification, automation, and digital solutions, industry-specific products, and lifecycle services across every stage of the mining cycle. “Today, the challenge of our customers is on electrification of trucks and the time to change is now. But nobody can achieve this transformation alone. Co-creation of solutions with OEMs and mining companies is needed to successfully integrate electrification in mines.” said Max Luedtke, ABB’s Global Head of Mining. Advanced Solutions ABB’s digital applications draw on advanced libraries and software solutions to reduce process complexity and can integrate with existing equipment and technology. ABB Ability™ MineOptimize is a digitalized portfolio of connected solutions that is already improving the energy efficiency as well as productivity and optimization of CAPEX and OPEX of open pit and underground mines worldwide. The agreement between ABB and Hitachi Construction Machinery was signed by Joachim Braun, Division President, Process Industries, ABB Ltd., and Sonosuke Ishii, President of Mining Group, Senior Vice President, and Executive Officer on March 22, 2021. Eco-Friendly Technologies “This collaboration will enable the two companies to more effectively work towards our shared vision for mining,” said Sonosuke Ishii, President of Mining Group, Senior Vice President, and Executive Officer at Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd. “We are delighted to be collaborating with ABB as we continue to invest our efforts in introducing eco-friendly technologies and systems for the mining industry.”

Johnson Controls, the global company in smart, healthy and sustainable building solutions, will host its ‘Game On’ Rooftop HVAC Conference virtually on April 21, 2021. The interactive training conference will offer a free online learning experience, with in-depth presentations developed by our HVAC experts. The courses will cover the product and service of Johnson Controls, YORK and TempMaster commercial rooftop systems along with trending industry topics, which are available for professional development hour (PDH) credits. ‘Game On’ Rooftop Conference This conference is created for anyone involved in designing and specifying, building, installing or servicing commercial rooftop systems. Participants can create a personalized itinerary with 16 unique courses to choose from within three primary conference tracks: Industry and Application Education: The industry and application education track offers a number of trending industry topics, including the transition to low-GWP refrigerants, HVAC systems’ impact on a building’s indoor air quality and the effects of ASHRAE1 on package unit design, all for PDH credit. Product Information: The product information track will consist of interactive presentations with product managers about the company’s rooftop HVAC equipment and controls portfolio, along with open time to meet the product managers and ask questions. Product Start-up and Service: The product start-up and service track courses are hosted by Ducted Systems Academy trainers, as they demonstrate key setup and configurations on 15 - 80 ton commercial rooftop units and control panels, and answer participant questions. Importance of continuous learning in HVAC industry The HVAC industry is always changing, so continuous learning is no longer optional" “The HVAC industry is always changing, so continuous learning is no longer optional,” said Joseph Oliveri, Vice President and General Manager, Global Ducted Systems, Johnson Controls, adding “We’re thrilled to be able to offer this truly unique educational opportunity to give our customers a leg up in their business and also expose them to what we have to offer. It’s game on!” Participants will also be given the opportunity to connect with their representative to discuss future opportunities. In addition, after the conference, participants will get first access to the new ‘Game On’ website, which offers additional information, including 360-degree video tours of the Rooftop Center of Excellence in Norman, Oklahoma, the facility’s world-class testing lab and the Ducted Systems Academy in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. At the completion of the conference, participants will receive 10% off one future Ducted Systems Academy course and will have full access to recordings of all conference classes also through the ‘Game On’ website.

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.  

How grooved solutions have been making contractors and engineers reimagine the way they construct risers in vertical buildings? Enter into the right pub, or head to a city’s museum or town hall, and you can often find a picture of how the surrounding area used to look. An image from twenty years ago and the difference isn’t too vast. Fifty years back and there’s a definite change. A picture from over a hundred years ago and it’s practically unrecognizable. And what’s the common theme running through these images? Cities are getting taller. As more people migrated to urban areas, developers saw the need to go higher. But with this comes its own unique set of challenges. How can the safety of ground floor be transferred to, in the most extreme case, level 163? Grooved mechanical pipe joining solutions When it comes to high-rise buildings, there are a number of potential challenges for a piping engineer To find out how grooved mechanical pipe joining solutions are helping developers & engineers go higher, we spoke to Matthew Strohm, Director of Product Development (Piping System Design) at Victaulic. When it comes to high-rise buildings, there are a number of potential challenges that a piping engineer will need to take into consideration, most of which relate to thermal movement and the resulting forces on the building. Other issues such as seismic activity and building creep (the natural movement of a building due to settlement) also need to be taken into account. Compensating for thermal expansion and contraction Specifically related to piping systems and subsequently, pipe joining solutions, is the unique problem of having to compensate for thermal expansion and contraction, while at the same time, accommodating for higher pressure. Change in pipe diameter is not an uncommon concern for engineers, however, providing a solution which could operate at a pressure gauge of 25 bars, or the fluctuating temperature of water, presents its own challenges. It’s with these issues in mind that engineers choose their joining solutions, which is why these are the very criteria we set our Victaulic pipe joining solutions against. Grooved vs. Traditional Pipe Joining For decades, the traditional solutions for joining pipes have been welding, threading or flanging. These are good solutions to choose from, but there is a distinct lack of flexibility in a solution that fuses or flanges system components together. This is where flexible grooved couplings come in. They are solutions that allow controlled linear and angular movement at each joint to accommodate not only for thermal expansion and contraction, but also building sway and creep. So how do flexible grooved couplings manage this? It’s essentially down to the design of their components. The dimensions of the pipe coupling housing key is narrower than the pipe groove, allowing room for movement. Furthermore, the width of the pipe coupling housing allows for pipe end separation, which in turn allows the grooved pipe joint to accommodate movement. Benefits of Grooved couplings There are many benefits of grooved couplings, with space-saving being a key advantage on projects, both large and small There are many benefits of grooved couplings, with space-saving being a key advantage on projects, both large and small. As many project managers and engineers know, saving on space can be the key to unlocking extra value above initial planning. Additionally, grooved couplings are perfectly placed to accommodate for piping movement, whereas welded joints that in their very nature are designed to be fixed in place, need to have an area of space to allow for a welded expansion loop or alternatively, enough space to allow the star-pattern tightening of a flanged flex connector. Saving time, money and labor Besides the savings on space, grooved connections offer contractors savings in three key areas: time, money and labor. The installation-ready design of Victaulic’s grooved couplings allow for an easier installation, meaning a process which might take 30 minutes through a welded solution for instance, can now take just five minutes. As any contractor will testify to, this is valuable time that can be used for other parts of the project. With a reduction in time comes savings in cost and labor. Naturally, less labor is used for the same job and in the case of grooved couplings, less skilled labor is required (in comparison to the high skill level needed for welded joints). It’s these aspects that will ultimately deliver contractors with valuable project savings. Grooved connections offer savings in three key areas: time, money and labor Mechanical riser solutions There are 3 ways to accommodate for thermal movement within risers using a grooved mechanical system: The first method is called top of riser free-floating method and involves installing rigid couplings on the riser and two flexible couplings on the horizontal adjacent piping at the top of the riser, which can reduce the need for riser clamps or other structural during installation and allows the system to move freely within the design tolerances. The second method involves working with grooved expansion loops that help to save up as much as 2/3rd of the size of welded U-shaped expansion loops and avoids forced welded pipe deflection. While welded expansion loops require eight welded joints to assemble, the forces exerted on the joint are far greater than those applied on a grooved expansion loop, and generate greater stress, which ultimately requires larger anchors and guides in order to direct the movement. The third method is working with grooved expansion joints instead of traditional in-line expansion joints, which typically have wear parts and manufacturer-recommended maintenance cycles of five years, which also poses problems due to riser accessibility once the construction is complete. Grooved expansion joints like the Victaulic Style 155 are maintenance-free for the life of the system. Importance of anchors In a system using only flexible joints, risers are installed with anchors at the top and bottom and the piping guided every other length to prevent angular deflection at the joints within the piping run. Anchors distribute the movement forces across the structure and also provide the important task of directing pipe movement. At the pipe anchor location, there will be no differential movement between the piping and the building structure, which forces the pipe to thermally expand or contract from that location. This allows the design engineer to control how and where the movement in a system occurs and to provide the best solution to accommodate that movement. A10 Grooved Riser Anchors upgraded A good manufacturer will always listen to customer demand, especially in an evolving market A good manufacturer will always listen to customer demand, especially in an evolving market. Off the back of strong feedback from contractors, Victaulic recently upgraded its A10 Grooved Riser Anchors to a standard product. With the primary functions of carrying the weights and forces that act downward to the base of the riser and connecting the riser to the rest of the structure, the anchor has been providing sturdy support for some of the tallest buildings around the world. Future trends for high-rise buildings One trend already taking place, and I expect to continue, is contractors bringing riser experts into the project at an earlier stage. It just seems to make logistical sense to operate in this fashion. it’s a more efficient use of time to collaborate early in the process. I believe contractors and engineers will seek assistance from companies such as us to help design blueprints together, working in tandem to produce the right solution. Vertical buildings are on the rise. For generations, people have been moving to urban areas, putting greater demand on housing residents and employees. Through the use of grooved coupling solutions as an alternative to traditional methods, contractors can benefit from greater flexibility, reliability, ease of installation and ultimately and most importantly, speed of the installation process.

Air conditioning has become a huge part of our lives whether we know it or not. Most offices have them so that members of staff can enjoy a regulated working environment without having to shiver or overheat. This often makes the office a nice place to work in and helps staff to stay productive throughout the day, regardless of what is going on with the weather. Commercial air conditioning is something that we often take for granted because we barely realize that it’s there. The only time that we notice it is when it breaks down or it doesn’t function as efficiently as we want it to. Why is it important to regularly maintain an HVAC unit? When an AC unit isn’t looked after in the right way, there can be a number of things that can either go wrong Air conditioning maintenance is something that so many people overlook. This can be for a whole host of reasons, including whether it’s that they are unaware that it needs regular maintenance or they think it’s too costly to take on. These are often the most common reasons that air conditioning units aren’t looked after properly. When an air conditioner unit isn’t looked after in the right way, there can be a number of things that can either go wrong and disable air conditioning or just hinder its ability to do its job. Temperatures With a well looked after, fully functioning commercial air conditioner, you’ll find that the temperatures are very accurate and work as intended. This means that everything within your unit is in top condition and working well. For example, on a hot day, when you set your thermostat to a low temperature, you’ll get exactly that.  Over time you may find that your air conditioning starts to struggle a little. This can be in a few different forms. You may detect that it takes a lot longer for your air conditioning to get up or down to the right temperature. This can be for a whole host of reasons and so keeping it regularly maintained will help to reduce this risk. Cost-effective As mentioned, a poorly maintained air conditioning unit will likely mean that it takes longer to get to the right temperatures or it may not be efficient enough to even reach the temperature you’re after. With that in mind, it can start to cost a lot more to run your HVAC system in this state. Due to the fact that it might take longer to reach your preferred temperature, you could end up paying more as time goes on. If you don’t rectify this problem, you may end up with an air conditioning unit that no longer works enough to be worth running. This will have adverse effects on the working environment and your members of staff. Safety of staff Depending on where you are in the world, heatstroke is also a very dangerous problem One of the biggest concerns for a business owner, the HR department and the individuals themselves, is that the office needs to be suitable to work in. From a health and safety standpoint, employees need to be safe and protected. Often air conditioning maintenance falls under this and is a necessity. Depending on where you are in the world, heatstroke is also a very dangerous problem. Having an inefficient air conditioning unit that can’t keep up with the rising temperatures could potentially put your employees at risk! The same also goes for those in more densely populated cities like London, New York City and even France. The air quality in and around these cities can be awful and so having air conditioning to clean and filter the air before it arrives in your office can make a big difference. Preventative maintenance Preventative maintenance is possibly one of the most important parts of owning any sort of machinery. Whether we’re talking about a car or air conditioning, preventative maintenance is a must. Preventative maintenance is just the act of regular maintenance throughout the lifetime of a product. It often involves changing of parts or fluids, even if they don’t need it in that instant. For example, if you take your car for a service and the engine oil is still sort of okay but will need replacing in 2 months’ time, would you just leave it or get it changed there and then? This type of preventative maintenance is designed to make sure that everything is in top condition and works perfectly all of the time. The biggest problem we face is that people think preventative maintenance isn’t necessary and while, yes your AC system will run without it, it’s likely to cost you so much more in the long run and could end up upsetting your staff too with a drop in temperatures. Employee satisfaction Commercial air conditioning is still a huge part of employee satisfaction Although at the time of writing this, many people are working from home, commercial air conditioning is still a huge part of employee satisfaction. Having an operating office, warehouse, school or indeed home, with air conditioning can help to keep people happy throughout the year. As a business owner, HR or general manager, it’s part of your job to keep employees happy and working in an optimal environment. Without this, employees may start to get fed up with attending an office that’s way too hot to work in. Importance of a regular maintenance plan A regular maintenance plan is going to help you keep your air conditioning system in the best state possible. You‘ll be able to detect faults and malfunctions before they have a direct impact on your commercial air conditioning system and prevent any further damage. Through the utilization of a proper plan, you should find that your system has a longer lifespan than those that don’t and should work more efficiently saving you time, money and the hassle of a broken system. Keeping your staff members happy is also a must and so dedicating some of your budget to air conditioning maintenance might just help you to keep morale and employee satisfaction on the right level.

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.

The connectivity of the Internet of Things (IoT) provides new tools to monitor the well-being of an HVAC system, to provide instant alerts to any operational problems and even to predict when problems are likely to occur. Being alert to early warning signs of a problem enables deployment of less-expensive fixes before the problem escalates. predictive analytics Remote monitoring and predictive analytics of HVAC systems have been even more valuable during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, when many buildings have been empty. Potential problems come to light faster and can be repaired less expensively, even if no one is on site to complain about an obvious failure. When buildings are occupied, the customer experience is even better and operational and maintenance costs are lower. These capabilities can be integrated with other Building Management Systems (BMS) to provide a broad-based view of various operating systems throughout a facility. In addition to early warning of system failure, system monitoring can also provide new and smarter tools for keeping track of indoor air quality (IAQ) and to minimize energy consumption. Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Cloud Predictive and preventive maintenance are key to ensuring that issues are addressed before they can do damage Sensors and other devices deployed in today’s systems provide hundreds of new data points that are interpreted by Artificial Intelligence (AI) operating in the Cloud. The combination provides detailed and useful insights into how a system operates over time, thus maximizing operation and minimizing energy usage in ways that are more in tune with environmental needs than ever before. Predictive and preventive maintenance are key to ensuring that issues are addressed before they can do serious damage, according to Johnson Controls (JCI). Smart data analysis enables more informed and smarter decisions, thus resulting in reduced maintenance costs, improved efficiency, and overall peace of mind, as per the company. Connected Services Johnson Controls (JCI) offers Connected Services to provide customers with constant equipment monitoring and data analysis, and uses the data proactively to identify faults before they occur and even predict future optimization opportunities and efficiencies. Integration of both equipment and software into a single system makes it more than a sum of its parts. Johnson Controls lists some key benefits of implementing an integrated system: Identify energy savings opportunities. Regular reports on the operational performance provide insights on areas of improvement. Extend asset life. Identifying and managing required maintenance helps to extend equipment lifespan. Minimize repair costs. Faults mitigated at an early stage avoid major failures. Reduced emissions. Operational performance reporting enables chillers to operate in the most efficient range. Monitoring system performance Emerson’s Sensi Predict line goes to the root of HVAC systems to monitor performance, identify issues and alert contractors and home owners to the efficiency, energy usage and overall performance of HVAC units. An internal Emerson study reviewed the most common HVAC failures and determined that installing the technology could detect up to 80% of failures in these areas, before a home owner suffers system outage. Real-time and connected systems use a variety of sensors that constantly monitor the functioning of an HVAC system. Connectivity puts more information than ever at the fingertips of HVAC professionals, making them more responsive than ever to customer needs.

The demographics of the HVAC workforce are changing and more women are being welcomed into the HVAC industry in a wider variety of roles. In part, the changes are because of necessity as Baby Boomers retire from the workforce and leave a labor and skills gap to be filled. HVAC commercial service business, HB McClure Company, based out of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, is embracing change and encouraging more women to consider a career in the HVAC workspace. The company’s female employees are happy to speak up about the advantages of working in the HVAC industry. Promoting women in HVAC industry Kara Boeckel began working at HB McClure Company as an HVAC technician and is now a Preventive Maintenance Coordinator. Back in trade school, she was the only woman in her class. She faced negative preconceptions about her capabilities compared to male counterparts and there were no female role models. Women were 50% of the U.S. labor force in 2019, but only 2% of employees in the HVAC field were women Despite the challenges, Boeckel found her vocational pathway. Now, her peers at HB McClure Company give her support and help her get past any fear of being a minority in a male-dominated field. “Now I don’t see being a female as a weakness,” said Kara Boeckel, adding “I see it as a strength.” Women were 50% of the U.S. labor force in 2019, but only 2% of employees in the HVAC field were women. And that number had increased from an even lower figure eight years before – 0.6%. Need for more HVAC technicians According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, HVAC employment will likely increase 15% through 2026. The growth, combined with the current labor shortage, means technicians are needed to fill the estimated 115,000 new positions that the industry expects to have available by 2022. If trends continue, many of them are likely to be women. However, more awareness is needed to attract employees of any gender to the HVAC market. “Students are not as exposed to the prospects in this industry,” said Shelly Matter, HB McClure’s Director of Business Development, adding “There is a shortage of skilled tradespeople, male and female.” Monetary benefits in HVAC After completing the required field training and certifications, many possibilities open up for women to grow their career, with job positions ranging from Foreman to Project Manager, Engineering to Sales. Shelly Matter has been in the commercial/industrial HVAC industry for more than 20 years. Now, she makes presentations at expos, conferences and local school career fairs. The number one question among prospective HVAC employees that she meets is, ‘How much does it pay?’ Shelly Matter is happy to assure students that it’s possible to make a generous living in HVAC, after one establishes capability and reliability. Challenges and opportunities in HVAC The best part is meeting wonderful customers and helping them solve their commercial HVAC problems" Kelly Overlander, New Business Development Representative at HB McClure, was formerly the owner of a successful hair salon for more than 15 years. After she sold her salon and entered the mechanical trades industry, Overlander is proud of her ability to bring value to customers. “My job delivers a variety of challenges and many opportunities for professional growth,” said Kelly Overlander, adding “The best part is meeting wonderful customers and helping them solve their commercial HVAC problems.” Importance of role models Having good role models is a critical aspect of women seeking to enter the HVAC business. Angela Klingler, HB McClure New Business Developer, sees a need for more female trade school instructors and appreciates the value of women surrounding themselves with people who have expertise and then learning from their strengths. She advocates mentoring, sharing industry opportunities and partnering with organizations, such as the Partnership for Career Development, to help bridge the gap between industry and education. It all comes down to identifying what one is passionate about, and then combining that passion with a career that aligns with those passions. “When you go to a nursing home and the heater isn’t working, you not only fix it, but you have taken care of bringing warmth to someone’s grandmother, and she’s thanking you,” said Kelly Overlander, adding “Working in HVAC is very rewarding.”

Manteca Unified School District plans to use OptiClean air scrubbers in every classroom to provide improved indoor air quality across its facilities To prepare for its facilities fully reopening to students and staff, northern California’s Manteca Unified School District has installed 1,500 Carrier OptiClean™ Dual-Mode Air Scrubber & Negative Air Machines to purify the air in classrooms across its 30 schools. OptiClean The OptiClean units will help to improve indoor air quality (IAQ) for the district, as its more than 27,000 students, teachers and staff return to campuses. Carrier is a part of Carrier Global Corporation, the pioneering global provider of healthy, safe and sustainable building and cold chain solutions. “We’ve spent the last several months analyzing every facet of our organization in order to develop a comprehensive strategy designed to create a healthier environment for our students and staff,” said Dr. Clark Burke, Superintendent, Manteca Unified School District. “The air quality in our area is often affected by the extensive local agricultural industry and lately, regional wildfires have also contributed to poor air quality. After reviewing a number of indoor air quality solutions available, we are confident that the OptiClean product is the right fit for our needs. By placing an OptiClean unit in each classroom, we feel that we’ll not only help improve our IAQ, but also provide peace of mind to our students, their parents and staff.” indoor air quality Manteca Unified School District is one of several to choose OptiClean equipment as part of its IAQ solution “Schools and school districts continue to evaluate the IAQ of their facilities and what can be done to help improve those environments for their students and staff,” said Justin Keppy, President, NA Residential & Light Commercial, Carrier. “We’re pleased to be working with Manteca Unified School District by providing one part of the solution for healthier and safer indoor environments. Our OptiClean units can help reduce contaminants in classroom air and inspire confidence for parents, students, teachers and staff as school districts safely return to in-person learning.” Manteca Unified School District is one of several in California to choose OptiClean equipment as part of its IAQ solution. Among others are southern California’s San Bernardino City Unified School District and Alvord Unified School District. The two recently purchased 3,700 and 1,500 units respectively, in anticipation of the return of their collective 80,000 students, teachers and staff. OptiClean Air Scrubber The OptiClean Dual-Mode Air Scrubber & Negative Air Machine has been named one of TIME’s 100 Best Inventions of 2020. It was developed through rapid innovation in early 2020 to help support infectious isolation rooms in hospitals as a negative air machine. TIME featured the OptiClean Air Scrubber & Negative Air Machine in the Medical Care category of its prestigious annual list that recognizes 100 ground-breaking inventions that are making the world better and smarter. OptiClean is one of a number of solutions offered through Carrier's Healthy Buildings Program, which was recently expanded to help K-12 students, teachers and staff safety return to in-school instruction. The new BluEdge K-12 program provides an outcome-based approach to help schools easily select the best IAQ kits for their needs, with attractive pricing and easier implementation.

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.

After a successful trial of two seed vehicles, Petit Forestier has supplied 123 new rigid trucks into a major logistics customer, all featuring Carrier Transicold SYBERIA MT (multi-temperature) systems. The largest UK order to-date for Carrier Transicold’s powerful engineless truck refrigeration technology, the new vehicles will help to improve sustainability across the customer’s fleet. Carrier Transicold is a part of Carrier Global Corporation, the pioneering global provider of healthy, safe and sustainable building and cold chain solutions. Supplied by Petit Forestier on full-service contract hire, the new assets include a mix of 15, 18 and 26-tonne DAF trucks and will make food and beverage deliveries to well-known high street coffee shops and a national chain of hotels. The vehicles feature specialist bodywork from Solomon Commercials, with chilled and frozen compartments that incorporate a moving interior spine to allow both cages and pallets to be transported. In addition, as the SYBERIA unit is mounted above the cab and has no need for a separate fuel tank, space is freed on the chassis to store and carry waste intended for recycling. Carrier’s engineless technology The SYBERIA system runs on power derived directly from the truck’s ultra-clean Euro VI diesel engine “We’ve worked closely with Carrier and our customer to ensure every aspect of the build helps them improve the sustainability of the fleet,” said Helder Ribeiro, Managing Director, Petit Forestier. “Having performed impeccably on two trial vehicles, Carrier’s engineless technology plays an integral role in this process. With no need to run an auxiliary diesel engine, we can deliver a significant cut in emissions, without sacrificing performance.” The vehicles delivering to coffee shops feature twin compartments for transporting chilled and frozen food to a chain of 2,500 outlets. Those operating on the hotel contract benefit from triple compartments for delivering frozen, chilled and ambient products. All the trucks will operate on high-intensity, multi-drop delivery routes, making powerful, reliable refrigeration unit performance imperative. The SYBERIA system runs on power derived directly from the truck’s ultra-clean Euro VI diesel engine, thanks to Carrier Transicold’s ECO-DRIVE power module. The system uses a hydraulic pump connected to the truck engine’s power take-off, driving a generator capable of delivering electrical power to the unit that can provide 100% refrigeration capacity, even at standard idle speed. SYBERIA system This project was designed to showcase our customer’s commitment to sustainability and the environment" Each ECO-DRIVE unit is fully integrated into the SYBERIA system above the cab, leaving more space on the chassis to house the truck’s recycling lockers. The SYBERIA system also boasts rapid temperature pull-down capability and operates at a PIEK-compliant level below 60 dB(A) – making it an ideal solution for any intensive urban delivery route. The 123 vehicles replace older assets, after Petit Forestier won a competitive tender to supply the trucks on a seven-year contract hire basis. “The build process has gone seamlessly from start to finish, and that’s down to how closely all involved have worked together,” said Ribeiro. “This project was designed to showcase our customer’s commitment to sustainability and the environment, and Carrier has played a major role in this successful outcome.” The vehicles will operate across the UK, clocking up between 45,000 and 67,000 miles per year. The SYBERIA MT system is one of the solutions offered through Carrier’s Healthy, Safe, Sustainable Cold Chain Program to preserve and protect the supply of food, medicine and vaccines.

Tribe Transportation is expanding its fleet with 111 new 53-foot trailers equipped with Carrier Transicold X4™ 7500 refrigeration units to help it meet demand in the fast-growing life sciences sector, which includes the transport of pharmaceutical products. Carrier Transicold is a part of Carrier Global Corporation, a pioneering global provider of healthy, safe and sustainable building and cold chain solutions. The acquisition includes Carrier Transicold TRU-Mount solar panels, which help to maintain the charge of the refrigeration unit batteries. Additionally, Tribe acquired 100 Carrier Transicold ComfortPro® diesel auxiliary power units (APUs) to help maintain cab climate control for its drivers. “The new refrigeration units, with their high capacities, precise temperature control and proven reliability, are helping us to meet the exacting needs of our pharmaceutical and life sciences customers,” said Todd Gooch, Vice President of Transportation for the Gainesville, Georgia-based fleet. X4 7500 model Tribe’s trailers are equipped with telematics devices powered by the refrigeration units’ batteries Native American woman-owned Tribe Transportation is one of the fastest-growing minority carriers in North America. Now in its 16th year of operation, the fleet has more than 400 tractors and nearly 900 trailers, serving the refrigerated and deep-frozen freight needs of its expanding customer base. “We haul everything from candy and produce to ice cream and cryogenic pharmaceutical products, and that unit serves us best over a wide array of customers,” Gooch said about the X4 7500 model, Carrier Transicold’s highest capacity trailer refrigeration unit. For temperature monitoring and asset tracking, Tribe’s trailers are equipped with telematics devices powered by the refrigeration units’ batteries. Carrier Transicold’s high-performance TRU-Mount solar charging system supplements battery charging, helping to keep all trailers visible through Tribe’s telematics system. ComfortPro diesel APUs “That’s a big plus for us,” Gooch explained, noting that in a drop-type environment where a trailer may be parked without the refrigeration unit running, the battery could lose its charge without the support of the solar panel. The fully featured ComfortPro diesel APUs provide air conditioning, heating, cab power and engine warming Tribe considers the panel’s secure mounting to the top of the refrigeration unit an advantage because it stays with the unit if it is relocated to another trailer. The fully featured ComfortPro diesel APUs provide air conditioning, heating, cab power, engine warming, and truck battery monitoring and charging. In addition to reducing engine wear and fuel consumption, the APUs improve comfort, which helps with driver retention. fleet expansion “The APUs are rock solid and the drivers love them,” Gooch said, adding that Tribe’s commitment to the Carrier Transicold brand extends beyond the local dealership, MHC Carrier Transicold, to the entire Carrier Transicold dealer network, which provides service support to the fleet throughout the contiguous United States and Canada. “Tribe’s fleet expansion moves the cold chain forward to help ensure that medicines reach the people who need them,” said Bill Maddox, Senior Manager, Product Management, Carrier Transicold. “We are pleased to support this effort, at a time when it matters most.”

Rapid response to an emergency cooling requirement results in the installation of class-leading technologies, a compact footprint and superior energy efficiency Ashford Hospital in Middlesex represents one of two sites that form the medium sized district general hospital, Ashford & St Peter’s Hospitals NHS Foundations Trust; the other site being St Peter’s Hospital in Surrey. The Trust, formed in April 1998 following a merger of the two hospitals, represents the largest provider of acute hospital services throughout the Surrey region, serving a population of more than 380,000 people. air conditioning system Ashford Hospital provides a wide range of medical and day surgical services, outpatients’ services, ophthalmology, a dedicated stroke rehabilitation unit and incorporates the Ashford Health Centre and a Rapid Access Centre. St. Peter’s Hospital was originally built to serve casualties of the Second World War and since then has been rebuilt, developed and extended to include maternity services, a clinic area and a new operating theatre complex. One unit had already failed beyond economic repair, leaving a single chiller to provide all cooling requirements At Ashford Hospital, the chilled water to the Outpatients Department’s air conditioning system was being provided by two packaged air cooled chillers that were still operating on the HCFC refrigerant R22. Both units were manufactured in 1988 and had become unreliable. In fact, one unit had already failed beyond economic repair, leaving a single chiller to provide all cooling requirements for the building. However, in May 2012 this chiller also failed and although there was an engineer on site who tried to repair it, there was no hope of a successful outcome. Johnson Controls chiller overcomes challenges Since Johnson Controls recently replaced chillers at St Peter’s Hospital, Ashford Hospital contacted our Retrofit team to see if we could provide them with details of companies able to deliver a chiller hire service. Not aware that Johnson Controls offers such a service, we explained that we could fulfil this requirement. Ultimately Johnson Controls took full responsibility for ensuring the hospital had cooled water being pumped round the air conditioning system in its Outpatients Department. Finding the Right Cooling Solution Within two weeks of the original call from Ashford Hospital we had removed the two old YCSA chillers and installed a single hired-in chiller to provide a temporary cooling solution. In the meantime, Ashford Hospital ordered a brand new YORK YLCA 120 TP chiller, which was shipped to site just 2 weeks and 2 days after the hired-in chiller had been installed. Benefits YORK YLCA chiller system By selecting the YORK® YLCA model, the hospital benefited from class-leading technologies Our Retrofit group’s expertise in temporary cooling solutions, HVAC products, project management and installation services enabled Ashford Hospital to use one roof supplier, to support placement of the chiller, for the entire project. By selecting the YORK® YLCA model, the hospital benefited from class-leading technologies, a compact footprint and superior energy efficiency; all of which optimize the total cost of ownership. The YORK® YLCA range of air cooled chillers use HFC 410A refrigerant which has zero Ozone Depleting Potential and offers users high efficiency at full and partial loads, as well as reduced levels of noise. Johnson Controls Chiller Solution Exceeds Expectations The solution was delivered with the minimum amount of disruption to the hospital’s daily operations. This included them keeping the temporary chiller running until switching over to the new permanent YLCA unit. The installation of the YLCA chiller met with the hospital’s requirements to keep hire costs to a minimum as the temporary chiller was going to be needed until the end of 2012 at least (a hire period of around 6 months). The removal of the hired-in chiller and the installation of the YLCA chiller was all completed within just one day.

Panasonic Corporation has announced, in collaboration with Grab Holdings Inc. (Grab), the international superapp creator in Southeast Asia, to further raise GrabCar Premium standards by providing cleaner and more comfortable traveling experience for GrabCar Premium passengers, using nanoe X. The initiative will see 5,500 GrabCar Premium vehicles in five cities across four countries, including Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Singapore, Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi (Vietnam), and Jakarta (Indonesia), to be equipped with nanoe X generators, which will be available from the middle of January 2021. Panasonic air quality solutions In recent years, interest in air quality has been increasing worldwide. Under the slogan of ‘Quality Air for Life’ mainly in Southeast Asia, Panasonic is providing air quality solutions that control temperature, humidity, ventilation, and airflow to deliver high-quality air environments tailored to homes, stores, offices, etc. At the core of these solutions is Panasonic’s proprietary nanoe clean technology. nanoe X nanoe X is a nanosized particulate ion produced by applying a high voltage to water in the air and contains hydroxyl radicals nanoe X is a nanosized particulate ion produced by applying a high voltage to water in the air and contains hydroxyl radicals (highly reactive components) that easily act on various substances. The production of these hydroxyl radicals has been increased tenfold, compared to conventional products. nanoe X is used in home appliances such as air purifiers, air conditioners, washing machines, and refrigerators, as well as in automobiles, trains, and commercial air conditioning equipment because of its various effects such as deodorization, suppression of bacteria and allergens. nanoe X generator The nanoe X generator, which will be installed in GrabCar Premium vehicles, is powered by a USB port and is compact enough to fit in a car cup-holder, making it easy to generate nanoe X to clean the air inside the car. Panasonic will continue to pursue the realization of ‘Quality Air for Life’ in various areas of everyday lives and society, including home appliances, automotive, and housing-related fields, to deliver a healthy lifestyle.

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?

Sustainability has been a core concept in the HVAC industry for decades. Environmental concerns often drive product innovation, for example. However, environmental challenges persist and there is ongoing pressure on the industry to respond responsibly. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: What steps is the HVAC industry taking to address climate change and sustainability?

New technologies continue to drive change in the HVAC market. HVAC’s image as a mature and stable industry can overshadow the high level of innovation taking place. Meeting environmental challenges and creating more cost-efficient systems are among the forces fueling the change. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: What will be the next big product trend in the HVAC market?