HVAC Maintenance

Carrier Global Corporation, a renowned global provider of healthy, safe, and sustainable building and cold chain solutions, is pleased to announce the launch of its new BluEdge service platform for Carrier and CIAT heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment in Europe. The tiered BluEdgservice platform is designed to meet unique customer requirements and keep equipment running efficiently throughout the product lifecycle. Long-term collaboration is the basis of exceptional service. Central to the BluEdge service platform is a tiered-service model that provides a range of dynamic options to fully meet customer needs. The tiers of service include: Core: An economical solution for customers with a connected chiller and need for standard support. The Core plan allows Carrier to support customer needs with a mix of online and onsite presence. Enhance: A complete preventive maintenance agreement that combines site presence with a high level of remote connectivity. Carrier maximizes equipment life, uptime, and performance with customized support for each HVAC asset. Services can be selected according to specific needs, system configuration, and fiscal goals. With an Enhance solution, Carrier guarantees compliance with F-Gas regulations. Elite: The Elite Plan is the ultimate worry-free program for clients who require the highest level of equipment reliability, uptime, and fiscal certainty. Repair or replacement of maintainable failed parts is included in this agreement, and a comprehensive cooling contingency plan can be put in place if desired. building automation technologies The BluEdge service platform helps to maximize performance, protect investments and maintain the HVAC budget. Carrier can create a plan for every customer that helps ensure equipment performance and longevity. Founded by the inventor of modern air conditioning, Carrier is a renowned provider of high-technology heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration solutions. Carrier experts provide sustainable solutions, integrating energy-efficient products, building controls, and energy services for residential, commercial, retail, transport, and food service customers. Carrier’s HVAC business is a part of Carrier, a global provider of innovative HVAC, refrigeration, fire, security, and building automation technologies.

Jobber, the provider of home service management software, announces a partnership with Wisetack to allow home service businesses to offer financing options to their customers. The new consumer financing feature gives homeowners the ability to pay for jobs such as home renovations, landscaping, roof repairs, a new furnace or air conditioner in monthly installments—giving them more flexibility to pursue large projects or deal with urgent and unexpected repairs. While homeowners will have the benefit of paying over time, home service businesses using Jobber will continue to receive full payment for a job as soon as it’s completed. Empowering small businesses “Consumer financing is another way that Jobber is helping home service entrepreneurs meet homeowner expectations, compete with bigger competitors, and ultimately be more successful,” said Sam Pillar, CEO & Co-Founder at Jobber. “Jobber’s customers can now offer premium services with more confidence, and homeowners can take on projects and repairs with a convenient and flexible payment option. We’re thrilled to add consumer financing to Jobber’s suite of financial solutions and further empower small businesses to deliver great service to their customers.” “Jobber’s reach among home services professionals means we can be more accessible to more businesses nationwide,” said Bobby Tzekin, CEO & Co-Founder of Wisetack. “We’ve gotten really great feedback from the service providers we’ve worked with so far and we’re excited to empower more businesses with this launch.” Consumer financing option To apply for monthly financing, homeowners fill out a short application and receive a decision instantly Through Jobber, consumer financing can be automatically offered on residential quotes between $500 and $25,000. To apply for monthly financing, homeowners fill out a short application and receive a decision instantly. Annual percentage rates (APR) range from 0 to 29.9 percent and there are no prepayment penalties, origination fees, late fees, or compound interest applied to the homeowner’s account. "My customer was extremely grateful to have this consumer financing option,” said Jobber customer Jeff Kerr, Owner and Operations Manager at Marlin Wastewater Services. “The repair came at a really bad time for her, and she was left with a really good feeling. I think it's an amazingly easy process, too." Home improvement project A Jobber-commissioned survey of 1,000 U.S. adults (age 25+) revealed how important the option of consumer financing is to homeowners, and how this offering could mean the difference between a service professional winning and losing a job. In fact, 62% of respondents said that they would choose one home service provider over another if the business offered monthly financing. Additional findings from the study include: Sixty-three percent (63%) of homeowners indicated that they would be willing to take on a more expensive project if there was a financing option available to them. More than half of homeowners (54%) have put off a project due to lack of funds, while one in four (25%) have considered borrowing against their 401k for a home improvement project. Emergency home repairs 66% of respondents would be more likely to use monthly financing for emergency work Sixty-six percent (66%) of respondents would be more likely to use monthly financing for emergency work, such as fixing a damaged roof or burst pipe. Nearly one in four homeowners (24%) said they have less than $500 available for emergency home repairs and 39% said they have $1,000 or less. Homeowners aged 45 -54 have the lowest amount of cash available for emergency repairs with more than half (53%) indicating reserves of $1,000 or less. Throughout the survey, younger respondents (25-34) displayed stronger opinions around the ability to finance home service projects. Eighty percent (80%) would pick a home service provider over another because they offered monthly financing—eighteen points above the overall average. Seventy-seven percent (77%) of homeowners in this age bracket would also take on more expensive projects if they could pay in monthly installments. More than half (53%) have put a home service project on a credit card so they could pay for it over time. Consumer financing is available to Jobber customers in the U.S. who meet the eligibility requirements and are approved by Wisetack.

Innovative home appliances, consumer electronics, solar panels and HVAC technologies from LG Electronics are delivering high performance, unparalleled home connectivity, enhanced convenience, and energy efficiency to The New American Home (TNAH) and The New American Remodel (TNAR), the official show homes of the 2021 International Builders' Show virtual experience (IBSx). The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) chose LG as Platinum Partner for the show's two featured "Net Zero" homes in the heart of central Florida. TNAH and TNAR are state-of-the-art showcase houses illustrating how any home can be transformed into a high-performance, high-tech space when integrating today's building and appliance innovations to reduce energy consumption, increase efficiency and enhance daily life. Solar Energy Solutions Key to TNAH's and TNAR's environmental sustainability and aesthetically appealing designs are rooftop installations of high-efficiency solar modules from residential solar energy provider LG Business Solutions USA. LG NeON 2 60-cell solar panels, the company's best-selling modules, will help power both homes to support their Net Zero designs. Designed with aesthetics in mind, these panels use thin, circular-shaped wires that give it a minimalistic appearance, thanks to its award-winning Cello Technology. LG modules are popular in the U.S. for new construction and renewable-energy upgrades to existing homes The implementation of this technology also improves the opportunity for light absorption resulting in an increase of power output. LG modules are among the most popular in the U.S. residential solar market both for new construction and renewable-energy upgrades to existing homes. Across its portfolio, they feature high power outputs and outstanding durability that perform well in a variety of environments and weather conditions. innovative Smart Appliances The LG NeON 2 panels are high-efficiency modules that generate more power from the same amount of sunlight than lower-efficiency modules of the same size while blending in unobtrusively to the look and feel of the home's design. The NeON 2 panels are backed by LG's strong 25-year product and enhanced performance warranty. LG's innovative smart appliances in 2021's TNAH and TNAR deliver added convenience with advanced technologies and come equipped with elevated design and designer-grade finishes. Led by the "LG Ultimate Laundry Rooms," a number of home appliance innovations from the LG Builder division are featured, including: LG STUDIO WashTowerTM (model WSEX200HNA/WSGX201HNA): Featured in TNAH, this industry-first single-unit, vertical laundry solution takes up half the floor space, giving consumers the flexibility to elevate their laundry experience while still tackling ultra-large loads. With an exclusive form factor, the smartly designed LG STUDIO WashTower inspires users to reinvent their laundry room design and laundry routine. smart steam closet The LG STUDIO Styler refreshes, deodorizes, and sanitizes with the gentle power of steam Housed in a sleek package complete with LG STUDIO's exclusive Noble Steel finish, this laundry solution features the unique Center Control panel for the easiest access ever, built-in intelligence, and advanced cleaning to make laundry day easier than ever. The ENERGY STAR certified LG STUDIO WashTower also includes a large capacity washer at 5.0 cubic feet that can tackle king-size bedding and more and a custom dryer rack for added convenience. LG STUDIO Styler Steam Closet (model S5MSB): Also found in TNAH, the LG STUDIO Styler refreshes, deodorizes, and sanitizes with the gentle power of steam - no chemicals needed. The new model features expanded capacity with room for five hangers and an additional pants hanger in the door for perfect creases, delivering unmatched flexibility - no plumbing required. Featuring an LG STUDIO-exclusive finish, Black Tinted Mirror for a full-length reflection, this smart steam closet transitions easily into any décor or space and CERTIFIED asthma & allergy friendly by the Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America. AI-powered customer support For the ultimate in convenience, all featured LG laundry products are equipped with smart technology and can be controlled from anywhere with the LG ThinQ mobile app or voice commands via Amazon Alexa and the Google Assistant. Users of LG's smart appliances (not including LG Styler) also have the benefit of extra peace of mind with LG's AI-powered customer support innovation, LG Proactive Customer Care. Developed to reimagine the customer experience and help users get the most of their appliances, Proactive Customer Care immediately alerts owners to potential problems before they occur, expedites repairs when needed, and offering useful maintenance tips to keep LG appliances performing their best. The chef's kitchens in both homes feature built-in appliances - advanced pro-style ranges, column refrigerators, freezers, wine refrigerators, and more - from LG's fast-growing luxury brand, Signature Kitchen Suite.  Home Entertainment Experience Bringing an immersive home entertainment experience to TNAH and TNAR, the homes feature a wide assortment of 4K Ultra HD TVs from LG Electronics, selected by the NAHB and the home designers as exclusive consumer electronics partner. Highlights include the unparalleled viewing experience of LG OLED 4K TVs, which offer perfect blacks and awesome color for impressive picture quality. Advanced TVs featured in TNAR include the award-winning LG OLED Gallery TV in the main great room Advanced TVs featured in TNAR include the award-winning 65-inch LG OLED Gallery TV in the main great room, a 45-inch LG OLED TV in the cabinet of the kitchen as well as a 55-inch pop-up TV in the second floor lounge and additional 50-inch LCD models in the first floor bedroom, exercise room and first floor office. Featured in TNAH are 77- and 65-inch LG OLED Gallery TVs in the family room adjacent to the kitchen.  Air Conditioning Technologies Complemented by LG sound bars, the LG OLED TVs are also featured in the master bedroom and guest bedrooms while other top-of-the-line LG TVs are installed within the cabana. Home offices include LG UltraWide computer monitors. Featuring efficient advanced HVAC systems and controls from LG Air Conditioning Technologies USA, TNAR embeds LG air conditioning solutions that complement the home's unique design characteristics. TNAR boasts two award-winning LG Multi V S 5-ton Heat Recovery outdoor units. They are connected to several LG Vertical Air Handler units, which feature LG inverter technology and offer discrete and flexible installation, effortlessly complementing the high-end design of the home while ensuring unmatched comfort. Seamlessly integrated with LG's own controls solutions, these customizable home comfort solutions are easily controlled via wall-mount or with a smartphone using the LG ThinQ app. Green Building Standard Both homes have achieved National Green Building Standard "Emerald" certification, ENERGY STAR building certification, and Net Zero status from the U.S. Green Building Council. Thousands of building professionals from around the world come to tour the homes and learn how to incorporate countless ideas into their projects. Tours of the homes are offered virtually. One can visit The New American Home's virtual experience as well as The New American Remodel's virtual experience to learn more about the construction process, as well as the final showcase homes. The final version of the homes will be available indefinitely on The Builders' Show’s official website.

Johnson Controls, a global provider of smart, healthy, and sustainable buildings, is leading the charge on sustainable manufacturing with its continued commitment to green energy. The company’s 1.3 million square-foot HVAC manufacturing plant in Wichita, KS, is now powered by 100 percent wind energy. The plant manufactures residential heating and air conditioning equipment for the YORK, Luxaire, Coleman, and Champion brands. With this switch to renewable energy, the plant’s electricity is offset by zero carbon electricity, which represents 19 percent of Johnson Controls U.S. manufacturing electricity consumption. local wind power “With the Wichita plant now operating on 100 percent local wind power, this is not only a major achievement for Johnson Controls, but also the community. This change has dramatically reduced emissions and the plant’s environmental impact for many years to come,” said Joe Oliveri, Vice President and General Manager, Global Ducted Systems, Johnson Controls. “This is a prime example of Johnson Controls commitment to sustainability and a healthier planet.” Johnson Controls Wichita plant is receiving its wind energy from Evergy’s Soldier Creek Wind Farm, a 300-megawatt wind farm in Nemaha County, Kansas, that was completed in November 2020. The energy cost savings projections from the wind power agreement are expected to be approximately $2.7 million over the life of the 20-year contract - the equivalent of taking 100,000 passenger vehicles off the road. improved capacitor banks Evergy applauds Johnson Controls leadership in sustainability by using local, renewable energy" In addition, Johnson Controls will be installing improved capacitor banks to more efficiently consume the plant’s wind energy. This will lower the plant’s energy consumption by nearly 5 percent, equaling an additional energy savings of $3 million over the next 20 years. “Evergy applauds Johnson Controls leadership in sustainability by using local, renewable energy,” said Jeff Martin, Vice President, Community and Customer Operations, Evergy. “This commitment helps grow wind development in our area, driving investment in local communities and creating green jobs.” renewable electricity usage Since 2017, Johnson Controls reduced its GHG emissions intensity by 26 percent and energy intensity by nearly 6 percent. Building on this history of success, in 2021, Johnson Controls set new ambitious environmental sustainability commitments such as aiming to achieve zero carbon emissions before 2040 as well as reducing the company’s operational emissions by 55 percent and reducing customers’ emissions by 16 percent before 2030. In addition, the company aims to achieve 100 percent renewable electricity usage globally by 2040.

Trane Technologies, a global climate innovator, has announced that the company leadership will participate in a virtual fireside chat at the 2021 Citi Global Industrials Conference. They will speak at 11:20 AM ET on Wednesday, February 17, 2021. Global Industrials Conference The live webcast of the 2021 Citi Global Industrials Conference will be accessible on the Trane Technologies official website, under the investor relations section. An archive of the webcast will be available 30 days following the event. Trane Technologies is a globally renowned climate innovator. Through their strategic brands, Trane and Thermo King, and environmentally responsible portfolio of products and services, the organization brings efficient and sustainable climate solutions to buildings, homes, and transportation.

ROCKWOOL has made selecting the optimum thickness of HVAC insulation quicker and easier, with the launch of ROCK-EQ, a new online calculator. Purpose designed for mechanical engineers, consultants, and insulation installers, ROCK-EQ produces detailed, project-specific calculation reports and recommendations in a matter of minutes. The new tool provides extensive calculation options. Users simply enter basic information about their specific site conditions and HVAC system, and ROCK-EQ calculates the optimum thickness based on the HVAC product selected. The calculator can be used to specify solutions for a range of requirements, including condensation control, heat gain or loss, personnel protection, and protection against freezing. Maximum energy efficiency As well as advising the thickness of insulation for maximum energy efficiency in line with BS EN ISO 12241, ROCK-EQ also identifies where specifiers can make financial savings by using a known thickness instead while still maintaining performance and compliance standards. The ROCK-EQ calculator now gives specifiers and installers access to information at their fingertips" “Working out insulation thickness for HVAC applications has traditionally been carried out in-house by our technical team,” said Coral Morgan, Product Manager – HVAC & Fire at ROCKWOOL. “The ROCK-EQ calculator now gives specifiers and installers access to information at their fingertips providing more freedom of design and optimization of solutions.” Fire protection performance “ROCK-EQ has been created to provide an easy to use HVAC solutions calculation tool, saving specifiers time, ensuring excellent thermal and fire protection performance with the right product and thickness, and allowing users to see potential financial savings. The quality of the report generated at the end of the calculation is perfect for project specification documentation, saving specifiers further time and paperwork.” For extra ease of use, ROCK-EQ has standard pipe sizes, equipment materials, and common claddings already built-in, but will also let users input specific data for their project if different from standard options. Additionally, the tool shows users the cost and energy savings that can be made by insulating equipment and features an estimate for installation works. The new ROCK-EQ calculator has been designed to work alongside the recently launched ROCKWOOL HVAC Systems Guide, bringing together all the information needed to specify effective HVAC insulation for every application.

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.

As we look back at 2020, we are all reflecting on the year that was, and what we have learned from it. In the HVAC space, the year provided us with opportunities for growth and change, as we adjusted to our “new normal.” Here’s a look at some of the HVAC trends we see happening now taking hold as we head into 2021. Advancements and applications in indoor air quality - especially in HVAC space (SF / MF / CRE) 2020 was filled with starts and stops with regards to innovation. Covid-19 halted work in some facilities altogether earlier in the year. The pandemic has brought with it a re-energized interest in the air quality around us, especially in the public sector. There has been a newfound imperative in creating indoor air quality solutions that ensure that air is circulated, sanitized and purified to reduce the likelihood of the spread of sickness. This is a massive issue and 2021 will see growing efforts in these areas and the increased introduction of systems that will purify air quality. HVAC building systems Continued push toward energy efficiency (mainly SF but also CRE) Energy efficiency will be an ongoing issue into the foreseeable future. Once we have looked back at 2020’s carbon emission reductions (because fewer people were flying and driving) there will be no turning back. The same can be said for HVAC. Increased efficiency will continue to be an ongoing pursuit in 2021 and beyond. On average, HVAC appliances consume 48% of a household’s total energy usage. The latest generation of smart thermostats that use the newer 410A refrigerant have brought about reduced energy consumption by up to 35% optimizing how HVAC building systems are operated (reducing the possibility of leaving the AC on too long, and when it’s not necessary to use). convenience and energy savings Increase in supply chain management / platform services HVAC services such as those that collect and manage data including HVAC unit age, efficiency and condition at the property and portfolio level will continue to see increased adoption. These convenience and energy savings they provide is being seen in the multi-family and commercial space, especially with some building owners having been grounded by the pandemic in 2020. New construction had a role in expanding interest in HVAC asset tagging and helping it gain traction in the industry The data gathered by these services can be used in the future to predict HVAC system failures with significant accuracy before they happen. The convenience and potential cost savings acquired by implementing these services will continue to push their popularity into 2021. Additionally, it is interesting to note that new construction in 2020 had a role in expanding interest in HVAC asset tagging and helping it gain traction in the industry. Cataloguing HVAC assets ensures the follow up and guarantees that warranty registration holds and can help track future maintenance during a hold. At the time of sale, the current owner can present true data of the maintenance of these systems, which can increase the current value of the property and can also be used as a tool in negotiation. performing regular maintenance Remote monitoring can be the end to end solution that completes the action behind the alert (CRE mainly) Remote monitoring will continue to see adoption in 2021. Service providers will continue to rely less and less on clients identifying and reporting a problem a heating/cooling issue. The complaint from the tenant may come in some hours after the problem actually starts, and then by the time they get a service request completed, several hours more. And by the time the contractor is on the scene, it is likely more time has elapsed. Remote monitoring also results in regular maintenance, extending the lifetime of a HVAC system. By proactively performing regular maintenance, the overall costs of maintaining a system can be reduced by 40 percent, in addition to ensuring that units are always using the least amount of energy necessary. seamless customer experience Consolidation of HVAC services and equipment - the way people buy - turnkey integrated services One stop shopping for HVAC services and equipment gained popularity in 2020 One stop shopping for HVAC services and equipment gained popularity in 2020 and we will continue to see increased traction in 2021. There are many reasons why developers what to buy equipment directly from the manufacturer, such as convenience, working with a supplier because of its reputation, cost and guarantees on product and services. As more developers buy equipment directly, these manufacturers are responding by helping out with mechanical drawings. This process cuts down the supply chain, allows certainty that correct equipment is quoted, and saves money. The HVAC industry is also turning the corner in becoming more proactive in remediating failing assets and contractors are redoubling their efforts to provide a seamless customer experience increasing customer satisfaction for multi-family communities as well as other means of optimization of services that positively impact tenants, helping increase retention. HVAC providers that can manage the entire process from installation, to job request to invoicing, even reporting and tracking for each job, will be increasingly in demand in 2021.

Until very recently the concept of unplanned shutdowns of HVAC systems and other evaporative cooling equipment in facilities was foreign to most building managers. Shutdowns would usually occur on a wholly scheduled basis, when equipment required planned maintenance, component repair, or replacement. But, with the occurrence of the global COVID-19 pandemic which saw hundreds of thousands of workers asked to work remotely literally overnight, we have seen thousands of buildings effectively mothballed with no time for planned system shutdown operations to take place. In this article, we will highlight best practices to follow after an unplanned shutdown of factory-assembled (package) cooling towers as well as inspection and start-up activities. As resources, we recommend following industry best practices as outlined in ASHRAE Standard 188 – 2018 and ASHRAE Guideline 12 – 2020. Additionally, your Water Management Plan, cooling tower user manual, and the advice of your cooling tower manufacturer and water treatment professional are essential resources. Follow HVAC safety protocols We have seen thousands of buildings effectively mothballed with no time for planned system shutdown operations to take place Before beginning inspection and start-up activities, consult with your safety officer and follow all safety protocols. Always shut off electrical power to the tower fan motor prior to performing any maintenance using lockout/tag out procedures. When planning to start up any cooling loop system after an extended period of shutdown, operators must consider the potential hazards that may exist in the stagnant water within the system. One concern is the potential growth of microorganisms, including legionella bacteria. Microorganisms, including Legionella bacteria, can grow in water distribution systems containing water that has been stagnant for longer than five days, as cited in ASHRAE Guideline 12-2020. These systems include community water supply pipes, building plumbing, and evaporative cooling equipment. First steps in starting up a cooling system The first step to a safe evaporative cooling system restart is to confirm that the quality of the water coming into the system is acceptable. That may mean flushing the facility’s feed lines as well as checking for “dead legs” throughout the distribution system. Microorganisms can grow in water distribution systems containing water that has been stagnant for longer than five days For the cooling tower specifically, fully draining and thoroughly cleaning all elements, including the cold and hot water basins and all mechanical equipment, is recommended. More on this later in the article. After cleaning, the cooling tower must be thoroughly flushed with fresh water and refilled. Your water treatment professional may recommend operating the cooling tower at elevated chemical levels verified via biological test before returning the system to standard chemical levels. Upon verifying acceptable water chemistry and biological activity, and documenting the treatment steps, the cooling tower components are ready for inspection before re-starting. Inspections and checks to do before restarting your cooling system Tower casing: Inspect the exterior of the tower for leaks and cracks. We recommend walking around the tower twice. First, be aware of trip points and focus on the lower portion of the tower. The second time look higher for cracks and leaks, signs of vibration and loose hardware, and presence of rust that may have been caused by an overflowing hot water basin. Louvers, Fill & Drift Eliminators: Check louvers for deterioration and excess scale build-up. Inspect the fill media for build-up of scale, algae, and other contaminants. Some light scale is typical on fill and can be easily removed with brushing. If the fill is heavily scaled and damaged, tower performance will be adversely affected. Drift eliminators should be clean and free of debris. Ensure the seals are in place and in good condition. Cold water basin: It is vital that your cold water basin and anti-vortex screens are clean, free of debris, and properly in place. If you have other equipment in your cold-water basin such as basin sweepers that go to side filtration, check nozzle placement to ensure proper water flow. Inspect water level probes, whether manual or electronic, for corrosion. When the basin is clean and operational condition of components is confirmed, refill the cold water basin to the recommended operating level. Hot water basin: Remove the basin covers to clean the water distribution system basin and nozzles. Then properly secure the covers. Piping: Check all supply and return piping to and from the tower; confirm valves are open and the water treatment system is operational. Mechanical Equipment – Fan, Motor, Gearbox, Belt Drive and Driveshaft Fan: Check the fan; blades must turn freely with proper tip clearance between the blade and the shroud. Verify blade pitch to eliminate vibration. Check the fan; blades must turn freely with proper tip clearance between the blade and the shroud. Verify blade pitch to eliminate vibration Motor: Turn the motor manually and confirm hardware is tight and free of corrosion. Moisture and heat are detrimental to motors. Check that open drain holes match motor orientation. Belt drive: Check tension on your belt drive. Inspect pulleys for corrosion and loss of metal in the grooves. Geardrive:  Check oil level. Check oil appearance for cloudiness or particulates, signs of water and other contaminants. Check and lubricate bearings. Driveshaft: Check alignment of driveshafts and couplings. Inspect for corrosion and damage. Check rubber components for cracks and brittleness. Start-Up Procedure Start pumps only with fans off. Check water level in hot water distribution basin and avoid overflow. Confirm water flow through the cooling tower is clean. Check cold water basin. If using a mechanical float valve, ensure that it is functioning correctly. Confirm water level sensor is operating correctly and that make-up water flows when required. Check below and around basin perimeter to rule out leaks. Start the fan motor at low speed – 25-30%. Observe fan operation and listen to confirm free movement with no obstructions. If fan operates freely, increase to full speed; Continue listening for unusual noises and monitor vibration levels in the cooling tower and on the fan deck. This article provides an overview the many considerations necessary to safely restart a factory-assembled cooling tower after an unplanned shutdown. These guidelines are merely a starting point for the process. Always consult the manufacturer and the cooling tower user manual and follow the recommended practices before proceeding. By Stephen Andrew, Parts & Service Manager - EMEA, SPX Cooling Technologies, Ltd., Worcester, UK and Robert Swafford, Aftermarket Channel Manager, SPX Cooling Technologies, Inc., Overland Park, KS, USA.

Data is playing an increasingly important role in smart buildings. Analysis of building system data is guiding an expansion of capabilities in the smart building environment, making building systems - including HVAC - more efficient, effective and smarter. The growth of intelligence in the HVAC market was among the more prominent industry trends in 2020. This article will revisit some of the year’s most popular articles on HVACinformed.com that focused on the trend toward more intelligent systems. "I don’t think many would disagree that the most talked about trend in the HVAC market is smart technology,” says Chris Windass of Incentiv Tec in an HVACinformed.com Expert Panel Roundtable article. “Smart technology like mobile apps allow building managers to control HVAC technology from one centralized point. With this smart technology, HVAC will be able to identify and alert building managers when maintenance is needed or assets have failed to operate.” smarter building technology A Johnson Controls survey found that 77% of organizations planned to make investments in energy efficiency and smarter building technology in 2020. “A complete overhaul of legacy systems is not necessary as small investments today can help position a facility to more easily adopt technologies at scale in the future,” says Lisa Brown, Senior National Director of Municipal Infrastructure and Smart Cities at Johnson Controls. More Intelligence in Home Systems Google’s Nest smart thermostat is offering a new capability that will alert homeowners of problems “As a first step, it’s important for building owners to conduct an assessment and establish a strategy that defines a comprehensive set of requirements and prioritizes use-cases and implementations. From there, incremental investments and updates can be made over a realistic timeline.” Smart systems are also a big part of residential HVAC systems. For example, Google’s Nest smart thermostat is offering a new capability that will alert homeowners of problems with the operation of their HVAC systems based on artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms that analyze system performance. The technology will empower Nest Learning thermostats to provide “early warning” of HVAC problems and even direct homeowners to a repair company. Remote Troubleshooting Emerges Sensors are another element of smart buildings. The Internet of Things (IoT) has enabled more sensors of different types to be deployed in more locations throughout the building easier than ever before. The point of installing and using IoT sensors is to gain deeper insight into how buildings are performing, and ensure buildings are healthier, more productive for people to work in, more effective to run and more energy efficient. In-room sensors, such as temperature, air quality and occupancy, work with the IoT to improve building performance. The benefits of IoT sensors are that they are easy to install, both physically and from a commissioning perspective. Remote troubleshooting is another smart capability that is generating interest. CoolAutomation’s Remote HVAC Service Solution enables HVAC service providers to remotely troubleshoot issues by analyzing real-time and historic data trends and analysis. Communicating in Smart Buildings They receive automatic error and anomaly notifications in their office or on their mobile phones They receive automatic error and anomaly notifications in their office or on their mobile phones. “The remote service solution provides the tools that HVAC service providers need to offer remote services to their existing clients while attracting new customers who understand the value of remote service for their business,” says Roy Muchtar, VP of Products at CoolAutomation. Communication is a central aspect of smart building systems, and now there’s a better option: a high-speed wireline communication standard called HD-PLC that is developed specifically for today’s industrial IoT and smart building applications. In 2017, after careful evaluation of various technologies, LonMark International adopted HD-PLC as its new channel standard. smart home standards And last October, the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) approved ANSI/CTA 709.8 LON HD-PLC (High Definition Power Line Communication) as a new standard by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Also related to communication, the Zigbee Alliance seeks to promote collaboration in the Internet of Things by creating, evolving, and promoting universal open standards that enable all objects to connect and interact. A quick search also provides a manual, wiring diagram and video training content for that specific unit Their effort took off when Amazon, Apple, Google and the Zigbee Alliance announced an industry working group in December 2019 to take the “best of market” technologies from leading smart home standards, portfolios and ecosystems and to develop a “super spec” that will be open, inclusive and a significant industry shift in the smart home market. The Project Connected Home over IP (CHIP) is looking to unify the environment, under one technology, one certification program and one logo. Training Technicians Using Technology Technology is also helping to fill the skills gap in the HVAC market. The XOi Vision platform helps on-site HVAC technicians in three ways. One is to “capture” images and videos. A technician can take a picture (with a smart phone or tablet), and the system’s machine learning can extract the text from the nameplate of a unit in the field, interpret the type of name plate, and provide full model number, serial number and other information about the unit, which is relayed automatically to the technician in a text message. A quick search also provides a manual, wiring diagram and video training content for that specific unit.

The year 2020 will forever be remembered for the global pandemic that transformed almost every aspect of our lives. COVID-19 impacted the HVAC market, as it did most other business sectors. However, HVAC also rose to a new level of prominence at the center of the pandemic, both as a potential cause of virus spread and as a source of solutions to fight the virus. This article will highlight the intersection of HVAC and COVID-19 based on articles published during 2020 at HVACinformed.com. Impact Of COVID On HVAC In an HVACInformed.com Expert Roundtable Discussion, several industry experts weighed in on the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the HVAC market. Contractors were either not allowed to or were reluctant to enter people’s homes for sales and installation purposes, resulting in decreased demand and, ultimately, decreased sales. However, during extraordinary times, it was encouraging to see a renewed focus on something the HVAC industry has been delivering for years – comfort. Survey By Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) A survey by the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) gathered insights on the effect the coronavirus pandemic is having on the HVAC industry. The survey in March indicated 65% of respondents expected COVID-19 to translate into long-term business viability concerns; 9% were concerned their businesses may not survive. HVAC industry employees were included among “Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers as designated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Roles Of Ventilation HVAC technicians and companies have risen to the challenges of social distancing and wearing masks There was increasing awareness of the role of air ventilation in fighting the virus. There has been renewed interest in air filtration, not to mention the benefits of UV-C to mitigate to mitigate germs circulating in the air. Furthermore, HVAC technicians and companies have risen to the challenges of social distancing and wearing masks as they are invited into customers’ homes and businesses during the pandemic. Resources To Maximize HVAC Systems ASHRAE developed resources to help maximize how HVAC systems can have a positive impact as the coronavirus spreads. The society recommends strategies such as dilution ventilation, laminar and other in-room flow regimes, differential room pressurization, personalized ventilation, source capture ventilation, filtration (central or unitary), and ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) (upper room, in-room, and in the airstream). Ultraviolet Light 2020 saw an unprecedented surge in demand for germicidal solutions. UV-C light is a short-wavelength, ultraviolet light that kills germs by inactivating a microorganism’s DNA. Although UV-C is effective in killing other varieties of coronaviruses, such as SARS and MERS, scientists do not yet know about the impact of UV-C on COVID-19. The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), the power provider in the United States, is offering incentives to businesses and schools to install UV-C germicidal lights to fight germs in indoor air. Role Of HVAC In Virus Spread Whether HVAC could contribute to virus spread was a repeated topic of interest. One theory goes that air conditioning, by removing humidity from the air, may enable infectious droplets to linger longer than they would outdoors or in another space where humidity is higher. More humidity can weigh down viral droplets as they float through the air. Minimize The Spread Of The Virus ASHRAE opposes the advice and asserts that keeping air conditioners on during this time can help control the spread of the virus Does it make sense, therefore, to turn the AC off to minimize the spread of the virus? according to ASHRAE, which officially opposes the advice not to run residential or commercial HVAC systems. In fact, ASHRAE asserts that keeping air conditioners on during this time can help control the spread of the virus. Also related to virus spread, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported on a case under the title “COVID-19 Outbreak Associated with Air Conditioning in a Restaurant, Guangzhou, China, 2020.” Research Trends And The Future The need for more research will continue after the pandemic. Broadly speaking, we know that crowded spaces with poor ventilation and/or low humidity levels tend to promote virus spread, that filtration can help to remove the virus, and that measures such as UV-C radiation can help to disinfect indoor air. More study is needed, and more time is needed to complete those studies and expand our base of knowledge on this important subject.  Preventing COVID Panasonic has conducted research that verifies that hydroxyl radicals contained in water can inhibit the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). The nano-sized electrostatic atomized water particles are generated by applying a high voltage to moisture in the air. Here is a statement from the company, "While Panasonic makes a wide range of products that generate these types of free radicals, none of these products has been tested for efficacy in the inhibition of the SARS-CoV-2 virus on surfaces or in the air.” Innovative approaches to fighting COVID include HVAC-equipped smart, glass-paneled bus stop shelters that that help to prevent pandemic spread in the Seongdong district in northeastern Seoul, South Korea. Ventilation And Air Filtration As schools worked to reopen safely in the midst of a global pandemic, HVAC was at the center of the mission. Adequate ventilation and effective air filtration are critical elements to ensure safe indoor air quality for educational institutions. Many schools are housed in older buildings that may not have been adequately maintained. Transforming them to address the new challenges of minimizing exposure to the novel coronavirus is that much more difficult.

Sustainability and environmental impact are core issues of the HVAC market in 2020 or any year. During the last year, HVACinformed.com has addressed multiple facets of sustainability in some of our most popular articles. This retrospective will highlight some of the sustainability articles published during 2020 at HVACInformed.com. An HVACInformed.com Expert Panel Roundtable commented on various aspects of sustainability, including the responsibility of HVAC manufacturers to develop more sustainable, energy-efficient products that can reduce a building’s reliance on fossil fuels. Energy consumption pattern Honeywell has launched a platform that incorporates newer technology. Combining self-learning algorithms with building automation, Honeywell Forge Energy Optimization is a cloud-based system that analyzes a building’s energy consumption pattern and adjusts its settings. Heat networks, or district heating, are becoming an ever-greater part of the industry’s involvement Pete Mills of Bosch Commercial & Industrial outlines how cities are using ‘heat networks’ to achieve carbon emission targets in the United Kingdom. Heat networks, or district heating, are becoming an ever-greater part of the industry’s involvement in larger-scale schemes. The ability to help the decarbonization of heat both now and in the future has made them an attractive solution to the new-build sector, as well as those undergoing deep renovation works. Centralized heat generator Generally, heat networks are defined as a system of supply pipes with a centralized heat generator (Energy Center) that serves multiple domestic or non-domestic dwellings. These are usually in different buildings, but sometimes within a single large building like an apartment block or a university campus. Some U.S. cities are taking the lead to make building performance standards mandatory, thus providing additional incentive for customers to invest in new, more efficient and climate-friendly HVAC technologies. New York City has deployed its Carbon Mobilization Act, which will cut six million tons of CO2 annually by 2020. Washington D.C. adopted the first Building Energy Performance Standard, which will reduce energy use in buildings by more than 20%, thereby lowering carbon dioxide emissions by a million tons annually. Improving environmental performance Newer buildings tend to be designed to be ‘green’, but what about older existing buildings, which still represent the largest share of environmental impact? There is more work to be done in the retrofit sector; and improving environmental performance of older buildings often involves ‘deep retrofits’ that are costly and impact multiple factors inside a building. In the COVID-19 era, there is also growing concern about needs such as circulating outside air, increasing humidity, and improving filtration systems even as older buildings seek to become greener. The consistent theme is a need to work toward better-designed, more energy efficient and healthier buildings The consistent theme is a need to work toward better-designed, more energy efficient and healthier buildings. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is moving forward with rulemaking that sets limits and deadlines to decrease the use of refrigerants with global warming potential (GWP) in the commercial refrigeration market and in the residential and commercial stationary air conditioning equipment markets. Air conditioning systems California regulations are widely expected to influence the direction of other states seeking to regulate GWP of refrigerants. The addition of biodiesel lowers the carbon content (and thus the environmental impact) of heating oil. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says biodiesel reduces greenhouse gas emissions, including nitrogen oxide. The process of making biodiesel from renewable and organic sources also boosts the environmental profile. The Wyss Institute at Harvard University has developed an evaporative cooling system that uses a specially coated ceramic to cool air without adding humidity. Researchers say the approach can yield more affordable and environmentally friendly air conditioning systems for the future.

It’s no secret that the pandemic has had a devastating impact on restaurants, bars, and wineries. With indoor seating restricted in so many places around the country, business owners have had to look for practical and cost-effective solutions to comfortably – and safely – service their customers in an outdoor setting. As the weather turned colder, this became more of a challenge. Two Twisted Posts (TTP) Winery in Purcellville, Virginia, successfully met this challenge by selecting infrared radiant heaters from Marley Engineered Products to warm their outdoor areas. Radiant heater configurations Working with O.T. Hall & Son, Inc., a family-owned electrical manufacturer’s representative firm that has covered the Maryland, D.C., Virginia, and Delaware markets since 1920, Brad Robertson, the owner of TTP, approved the installation of QMark infrared heaters from Marley Engineered Products to heat the outdoor spaces. Ideal for indoor/outdoor, total, or spot heating use, the infrared heaters feature heavy-gauge bright anodized aluminum reflectors and a steel enclosure. “Radiant technology puts warmth right where you need it, without having to heat – or pay for heating – the surrounding air,” said Mike Jennings, inside sales representative with O.T. Hall. “With no need for a fan or exhaust, radiant heaters provide a safe, quiet heating alternative for many indoor and outdoor spaces. We offer a variety of radiant heater configurations, sizes, reflector angles, and elements so that we can customize the right heater for the project and for a customer’s specific performance and design needs.” Forced-Air heaters The radiant heaters from Marley were installed in covered areas including a crush pad with three open sides “Heating the outdoor air with an open flame or forced-air heaters would be less efficient as that heat would just rise up and leave the space through the roof vents,” said Robertson. “Also, we have an all wood barn structure where open flames are not a good option. We sought a low-maintenance, efficient, and easy to control method to keep people seated outdoors comfortable enough to stay and drink our wine.” The radiant heaters from Marley were installed in covered areas including a crush pad with three open sides and on a covered porch along the length of the building. These areas feature 14-foot ceilings with no insulation and are open to the elements. From the original engineering diagram and with the size, spacing, and location of the heaters, the installation was projected to increase the temperature of the large space to within 20 degrees of the outside temperature. Heated covered area In the outside space next to the building, it was projected to increase by 10 degrees. To help deter wind and precipitation, Robertson also installed removable vinyl tent sidewalls around the outdoor spaces. With the heaters fully operational, Robertson placed a thermometer in the area to monitor the temperatures of the spaces. “On one check date, we had a temperature outside of around 32 degrees and a reading in the heated covered area of around 58 degrees,” he said. “Similarly, on a date when the outside temperature was 40 degrees, we had covered area readings of 60 degrees. These readings validate the engineer’s predictive performance and are making our outdoor areas much more comfortable for visitors.” Additional seating areas Robertson expects the added operational cost from the installation of the heaters to be minimal Robertson expects the added operational cost from the installation of the heaters to be minimal and much lower when compared to using propane to heat the same areas. He also believes his revenues should increase slightly because of the additional seating areas. “We were able to turn our patio into an ideal seating area because of these efficient heaters and this kept us open during the COVID pandemic,” said Robertson. “Without these heaters, we would have likely been forced to close for the winter season and not only would have lost revenue but may also have lost long-time employees and customers if we were closed for an extended period.” Now, wine connoisseurs can spend more time comfortably enjoying the high-quality bottles that TTP Winery produces. "We look forward to extending our outdoor season and using our outdoor space for special event groups that we previously had to turn away," added Robertson.

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.

Thermo King® customer Bottomley Enterprises greens up the holidays for millions of people across the United States each year. For many people, the holidays are simply not complete without a traditional tree, wreath, garland, swag, or some type of tabletop greenery – the fresh evergreen smells are often that final touch that make gatherings with family and friends memorable. And while millions flock to their local box stores for these holiday treasures, the odds are good that the products originated from the Blue Ridge Mountains and were delivered with love by Thermo King Customer Bottomley Enterprises. Producing exceptional quality “Our farm ships to large box retailers, the who’s who of retailers,” said Ken Kaelin, president of Bottomley Enterprises, the transportation arm for Bottomley Evergreens and Farms, which has been producing exceptional quality and service for nearly 30 years. What started out as a small family farming business in the hills of North Carolina has grown to produce a large variety of vegetables – think cabbage, corn, cilantro, collards, sweetcorn, pumpkins, green beans, and more, that feed consumers throughout the U.S. It also became one of the largest suppliers of holiday greenery in the eastern United States. The farming business led to the creation of Bottomley Enterprises in 2004 as founder Mitchell Bottomley fulfilled his dream of owning his own trucking company. While the businesses operate separately, Bottomley Enterprises still hauls the farm’s products. Home-Grown products Bottomley has depended on Thermo King refrigeration units to preserve the quality of the home-grown products From its beginning, Bottomley Enterprises has depended on Thermo King refrigeration units to preserve the quality of the home-grown products it transports. “The company started with just a couple tractors and trailers. Today, we are running a fleet of 70 tractors and 120 refrigerated trailers – all with Thermo King Precedent® S-600 units and a few legacy units that are used at the farm,” said Ken. “That number represents 40 percent growth within the past 15 months alone. Our trucking arm has enjoyed fast growth through our great culture, solid customer base and dedicated employees who understand that service is everything. All of this has really allowed for an exciting evolution for our companies.” Remote setting control Indeed, service is king for the Bottomley businesses, “And that’s a big reason why we have always chosen Thermo King to protect our products,” said Mitchell, who owns the company with his mother, Martha. “We are proud Thermo King users – it’s the only unit we have because we can depend on them. We love our Thermo King units.” The company not only depends on the refrigeration capacity of the units but also the telematics technology built into each unit. “We count on the TracKing® telematics,” said Ken. “The scrutiny of food safety and the ability to have visibility throughout the supply chain is like quenching a thirst for shippers. It helps us keep insurance and liability costs down. It offers remote setting control. It helps us track each load. It’s essential these days.” Keeping products safe Thermo King Central Carolinas also takes care of our reefer service work" Beyond the product is the service Bottomley receives from its home dealer Thermo King Central Carolinas and the entire Thermo King dealer network. “The partnership we get from Ben Cox, our service representative, is outstanding – he really is an extension of our employee team. He helps us manage our equipment and maintenance needs, and he provides our drivers with the product and operational information they need to run the unit efficiently – and keep our products safe.” “Thermo King Central Carolinas also takes care of our reefer service work, ensuring the equipment is tuned up and ready to go – this is wildly helpful to us. And if service is needed when our 120 team drivers are out on the road, we have an entire network to call on – that is added peace of mind,” said Ken. Refrigerated transport business Peace of mind is particularly important this time of year, when so many are depending on a fresh selection of trees and greenery at their local stores so they can decorate their homes with traditional holiday décor. The Bottomley family is poised to continue delivering for the long haul having recently opened a 33,000 square foot new trucking terminal in Mount Airy, North Carolina, that will accommodate many years of growth and create new jobs. “They have built a legacy – in both their farming business and the long-haul refrigerated transport business, and it truly is a pleasure to partner with them and see their continued successful growth,” said Ben.

Welsh plumbing, heating and green energy company, Heatforce, has entered into a two-year sponsorship of Glamorgan Cricket Club in association with Viessmann. The spectator terrace at Glamorgan Cricket’s Sophia Gardens Stadium, Cardiff, will be renamed ‘The Heatforce/Viessmann Terrace.’ Heatforce’s close relationship with Viessmann has led to the decision to explore a new audience, and to provide support for the Club. Local installation partner Sophia Gardens will host the World Cup champions when England take on Pakistan “As a Glamorgan Cricket supporter myself, I’m delighted that we are joining forces with Viessmann, to support the Club and to raise our brand awareness in the local area. We have big ambitions – just like the cricketing side – and we are very pleased to be able to back a Welsh sporting side, especially in these challenging times,” said Paul Maddocks, CEO of Heatforce, which has been serving homeowners in Wales for 35 years. Graham Russell, Viessmann’s Managing Director, said: “Viessmann is very happy to sponsor Glamorgan Cricket, together with our longstanding local installation partner, Heatforce. Having supported Welsh rugby in recent years, we’re looking forward to having a presence at Sophia Gardens and introducing our heating products to a new sporting family.” “Like many others, we can’t wait to get back to spectator sports and some decent cricket weather, and we don’t have to wait too long to be able to support Glamorgan from the new ‘Heatforce/Viessmann Terrace’.” Sophia Gardens will host the World Cup champions when England take on Pakistan, on Thursday 8th July 2021.

Tunnel ventilation systems are essential to the infrastructure of tunnels, which serve to connect people around Japan. Panasonic's solution is driven by a complex network of jet fans, electrostatic precipitators that clean the air, large exhaust fans, ventilation towers, and silencers. Together these components ventilate vehicle emissions, limit noise, and ensure a safe exit in case of fire. When driving through tunnels, they've probably seen what looks like a jet engine hanging from the ceiling. These are in fact jet fans, which help direct airflow to an extensive exhaust network. Sensors monitor conditions in tunnels and help save energy while cleaning the air for release. Silencers are used because the exhaust fans are incredibly loud. Tunnel ventilation solutions Safety is paramount as the large jet fans are installed in the tunnel ceilings above cars, thus Panasonic is vigilant in the manufacturing and installation process to ensure no errors. The ability to offer a one-stop solution is one of Panasonic's strengths. As an industry that began in 1964, Panasonic has years of experience, and its people feel an obligation to protect it and the responsibility to evolve it. Infrastructure advances such as Panasonic's comprehensive tunnel ventilation solutions are a major contribution to society. They provide clean air to the community and a safe driving environment, helping drivers feel confident as they cruise through Japan's tunnels.

The State of Texas has taken a proactive approach to health and wellness in preparation for the 2021 congressional session to begin. After a process of analyzing various purification technologies, the State of Texas selected Eagle Disinfection Group to provide its university validated technology as an enhanced layer of protection for elected officials in the Senate, House, staff and the local Austin community from the harmful effects of COVID-19 and other dangerous pathogens. Commercially licensed HVAC The Eagle Puradigm Technology was fully vetted and deemed effective and safe for use by state Epidemiologists and Virologists. Eagle Disinfection Group is supplying over 1,000 Puradigm HVAC and in-room units to the State of Texas to fully outfit the Capitol complex before the 2021 session officially begins on January 12th. Puradigm units vary in size and functionality giving Eagle Disinfection Group the ability to optimize continuous air and surface purification coverage throughout the Capitol complex. Eagle's commercially licensed HVAC and electrical service partner, Mako Industries, installed Puradigm HVAC specific units covering the House chamber, Senate chamber, and Capitol Extension. Volatile organic compounds Puradigm Technology was specifically tested and validated to eliminate SARS-CoV-2 The Eagle Puradigm Technology has been extensively tested and validated by American universities and health organizations worldwide to be effective against a wide range of viruses, bacteria, mold, fungus, mildew, odors, volatile organic compounds and other harmful pathogens. In June of 2020, Puradigm Technology was specifically tested and validated to eliminate SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, by the University of Florida's Biosafety Level-3 laboratory under strict FDA guidelines. The technology is also proven to deactivate Coronavirus 229E, one of the main causes of the common cold. Surface purification system The patented technology creates advanced purification by proactively dispersing pathogen fighting High Energy Molecule Clusters resulting in purified air and surfaces throughout indoor spaces and transit vehicles 24/7, while leaving no harmful residue behind. The High Energy Molecule Clusters are 100% eco-friendly and replicate Earth's natural purification process indoors. All products are registered with the EPA and certified to be safe for use in populated spaces under OSHA and FDA standards. The Eagle Puradigm Technology is a Buy American compliant Proactive Air and Surface Purification system that qualifies for CARES Act funding. The technology is extensively proven to be safe, scalable and provides 24/7 protection to all indoor environments.