HVAC Plumbing

Daikin UK has opened its first Sustainable Home Centre in Scotland, in partnership with The Natural Energy Company, one of the largest and most experienced renewable installation companies in Scotland. Thomas Nowak, the Secretary General of the European Heat Pump Association (EHPA), arrived fresh from COP26 to attend the opening – alongside Jennifer and Richard McLaren, Directors at The Natural Energy Company, Paul Robson, Senior Refrigeration Engineer for The Natural Energy Company and Alison Brown from Daikin. Government-Backed alternative The new Centre in Newport-on-Tay, near Dundee, will give homeowners the opportunity to familiarize themselves with Daikin’s air source heat pump technology and sit down with an expert to discuss and agree on the best solution for their home, before being partnered with a trusted local installer. Installers can also access products and win new business leads through the Center The Centre will also house a heat pump training center. Training delivered by Daikin and The Natural Energy Company will help local installers enhance the services they offer. Ensuring the long-term competitiveness of their businesses as fossil fuels are phased out and the UK further adopts heat pumps as the government-backed alternative. Installers can also access products and win new business leads through the Center. Carbon heating technology The launch also celebrated the unveiling of a new air source heat pump showroom at the Centre, which opened in April 2021. The Natural Energy Company not only covers low carbon heating technology but is also set up to advice on battery storage and solar PV – making it a one-stop solution for customers on their quest for decarbonization. Richard McLaren, Director at The Natural Energy Company, commented: “This is a huge milestone for us, and an exciting opportunity to put North East Fife at the forefront of the UK’s net-zero journey. We want our customers to receive the best quality products and service, which is why we’re working with Daikin.” Carbon reduction goals Partnering with Daikin means we’re not only able to advise and support homeowners" “We’re in a key period of change, with the government fully behind transforming how we heat our homes, as we move towards its target to become net-zero by 2050. Partnering with Daikin means we’re not only able to advise and support homeowners, but we can also offer training to installers, creating new job opportunities in the area and making our carbon reduction goals more achievable.” Iain Bevan, Commercial Manager – Heating & Renewables at Daikin UK, added: “COP26 and the recently announced Heat and Buildings Strategy has reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to net-zero and decarbonizing the countries heating, with heat pumps leading the way.” Heat pump technology “So, it’s never been more important that homeowners who want to go green can access expert advice and guidance, helping them find the best solution for their household’s heating and hot water needs. Being able to explore and discuss heat pump technology in person is vital, as is knowing that it will be installed by a highly-trained professional.” We’re proud to be supporting The Natural Energy Company in opening this important new addition" “To help us achieve the UK’s net-zero target, industry estimates predict that up to 7,500 new installers will need to be trained each year over the next four years, increasing to around 15,000 each year for the five years after. So, we’re proud to be supporting The Natural Energy Company in opening this important new addition to our network of Daikin Sustainable Home Centres.” Heat pump installation Thomas Nowak, the Secretary General of the European Heat Pump Association (EHPA), said: “It’s great to see the growing network of ideas, information and training that Daikin and its partners including The Natural Energy Company are pioneering in the UK.” “Bringing heat pumps to the high street and making advice personal and accessible will help to dispel myths around the technology and reassure consumers of the efficiency and viability of heat pumps, which is key to driving uptake across the country and helping us achieve the government ambitious targets.” Installers who join Daikin’s Sustainable Home Network can develop their heat pump installation and commissioning expertise by benefitting from free, hands-on-tools training at its training centers around the UK. Other benefits of joining the network include dedicated technical support, sales-ready leads, business support, and special offers.

ARC Thermal (ARC Thermal Products) has launched WHIZ (Wireless Heated Infrared Zone) heating solution, which provides thermal warmth for individual workstations, in factories, warehouses, distribution centers, and other industrial buildings. This is a cost-effective, energy-efficient, low-carbon, heating solution. Heating poorly insulated, large industrial spaces has always been a problem, particularly as heat rises, where there are high ceilings. WHIZ (Wireless Heated Infrared Zone) system The WHIZ system gives a soft, pleasant heat, which directly warms anyone located within the heating zone. By creating ‘heat islands’ around occupied areas, the WHIZ solution avoids the need to heat the entire building, as is the case with convection-based systems. As a result, WHIZ is one of the most cost-effective and energy-efficient heating solutions for maintaining a comfortable working environment, in large cold industrial buildings. Infrared heating enables a clean indoor climate The infrared heating reduces air movement, creating a hygienic indoor climate The infrared heating reduces air movement, creating a hygienic indoor climate, where the spread of airborne viruses is reduced. It, therefore, helps to reduce the spread of COVID-19 infection. Furthermore, the spread of allergens, dust, and odors is also alleviated. Additional benefits of the WHIZ (Wireless Heated Infrared Zone) heating solution include silent operation, no light emission, individual user temperature control, admin control remotely via smart devices, straightforward installation, low/no ongoing maintenance, an expandable modular system - up to 32 workstations, and a five-year manufacturer’s warranty. Energy-efficient warehouse heating solution ARC Thermal’s Managing Director, Andy Bloore, commented “COP26 has made everyone think even more deeply about climate change. Industrialists and warehouse owners are keen to play their part.” He adds, “Winter is coming and there has never been a better time to investigate energy-efficient warehouse heating solutions that can make staff happier and more productive.”

Panasonic is delighted to announce that it is has become a Sector Associate of the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) to assist the region in achieving its challenging targets of lowering carbon emissions. As part of this partnership, Panasonic will share with the association its extensive R&D knowledge and experience of low carbon heating solutions through training, seminars, webinars, spec design, and support services of its low carbon solutions such as air source heat pumps. Darren Reis, Regional Manager for Panasonic in Scotland, has a wealth of experience in the heating and cooling sector spanning 31 years, and currently advises organizations as diverse as installers, designers, and distribution partners to network suppliers and local government. Meeting the low-carbon target Darren welcomes this step and comments, “Panasonic as a company is hugely passionate about the environment and I believe we can help the region meet its low carbon targets through supporting and advising the social housing providers and developers in the region. We look forward to playing a full and active role with the SFHA.” Panasonic Aquarea Range delivers significant cost savings, improvements to heating performance, and low sound levels “Switching technologies from traditional systems powered by Mains Gas, Oil or LPG to an Air Source Heat Pump such as the Panasonic Aquarea Range, can deliver significant cost savings, improvements to heating performance and low sound levels. With heat pumps hitting the media headlines and following on from COP26, we have recently a seen a huge increase in demand from both homeowners and installers for more information and hands-on training centres." "We are meeting this challenge by opening a new dedicated training centre for installers in November 2021 in Livingstone, plus there is a mobile training unit to ensure the more remote parts of the region are covered. In addition, Panasonic is providing further online virtual training, advice and support by offering a remote service via their popular Smart Cloud and Service Cloud app.  It is certainly a very busy time and we very much look forward to working closely with the SHPA.” Aquarea A2W Heat Pump Panasonic is currently working with several social housing providers across the region, including West Highland Housing Association in Oban where approx. 80 Panasonic air source heat pumps have already been installed this year with a further 60 being installed over the next six months. The Panasonic Aquarea A2W Heat Pump range provides highly efficient heating and hot water, whilst also providing homeowners with a reliable system offering long-term energy savings.  Ivor Farnworth, Managing Director of Primrose Developments commented, “We recently looked into several systems but found the Panasonic Aquarea T-Cap heat pumps to be very quiet compared to competitors, aesthetically pleasing and have been impressed with the performance of the product.” Service and maintenance With a large region, with many remote areas, a robust service and maintenance system is a must. The Panasonic Aquarea Service Cloud provides a solution for HVAC professionals, service and maintenance companies - it is a useful tool that provides advanced remote service capabilities of multiple sites. With Aquarea Service Cloud, the entire service parameters of the HVAC systems are available, in real-time For successful service and maintenance, response time can be critical. With the help of the Aquarea Service Cloud, the entire service parameters of the HVAC systems are available, in real-time, showing any abnormalities, allowing issues to be identified and swiftly resolved, often before the fault even occurs. This smart approach can also reduce the number (and length) of site visits necessary by analyzing the behavior of the Aquarea system remotely and allowing for the optimum allocation of resources. Site owners can quickly and easily grant remote access to authorized parties for maintenance, with a simple click of a button. Darren concludes: “We are looking forward to meeting and to informing people of how we can help by supporting communities and organizations to develop and combat climate change.”

Panasonic is presenting its latest innovations for heating, cooling, and refrigeration at Climatización 2021 (C&R 2021), the international Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Fair which takes place on 16-19 November in Madrid. Highlights to be seen on the Panasonic booth (Stand 10D01) will include the latest additions to the Aquarea range of air-to-water heat pumps. Across Europe, many countries are highlighting the need to decarbonize heating and Panasonic is committed to developing low carbon technologies to assist in this vision. The company has innovation and the environment at the forefront of its R&D program working with world-class engineers and technologists to deliver solutions that will help improve people’s lives around the world. Innovation Gallery featuring the Aquarea EcoFlex Panasonic is honored that its Aquarea EcoFlex air-to-water heat pump has been selected to feature in the C&R 2021 Innovation Gallery. This special feature showcases just 11 examples of low carbon, cutting-edge solutions, and the Aquarea EcoFlex has been selected from among all the proposals submitted to form part of this cutting-edge showcase that will be on display at the exhibition from 16 to 19 November at the IFEMA MADRID exhibition center. Aquarea EcoFlex delivers reliable and efficient air conditioning, heating, and hot water supply The new Aquarea EcoFlex is a ground-breaking system that delivers reliable and efficient air conditioning, heating, and domestic hot water supply with just one outdoor unit. It has a heat recovery function that uses waste heat from Air Conditioners to heat water and is ideal for installations with limited spaces such as apartments. The Aquarea EcoFlex incorporates a ducted system within the property, which also features Panasonic’s ground-breaking nanoe™ X technology for improved indoor environments. Designed with Wi-Fi connectivity as standard, the Aquarea EcoFlex comes equipped enabling smart control and energy monitoring. It offers outstanding efficiency and energy savings with low CO2 emissions and will be available from Spring 2022. nanoe™ X: improving protection 24/7 Panasonic’s maintenance-free nanoe™ X technology produces hydroxyl radicals (also known as OH radicals), which are abundant in nature and have the capacity to inhibit pollutants including certain viruses and bacteria to clean and deodorize hard surfaces and soft furnishings. When integrated into air conditioning units, nanoe™ X can work independently from the heating and cooling operation when the unit is in fan mode. This, coupled with the use of Panasonic’s Comfort Cloud app helps improve protection 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Panasonic units with nanoe™ X as standard include the residential Etherea wall-mounted range and Floor Console unit and in Commercial Air Conditioning, the Adaptive Duct, the new Cassette 60:60, Cassette 90:90, Ceiling and Wall type are also available with nanoe™ X built-in. Other booth highlights Panasonic will be showcasing the new CO2 CR Series of CO2 condensing units, commercial refrigeration solution Panasonic will also be showing its most compact and natural commercial refrigeration solution, the new CO2 CR Series of CO2 condensing units which provide the ideal solution for supermarkets, convenience stores, and gas stations. The new condensing units utilize naturally occurring CO2 to provide two sustainable evaporation temperatures: a medium temperature of -20℃ for showcasing refrigerated goods; and a low temperature of up to -45℃ for the preservation of frozen foods. Panasonic's software and support solutions Support, connectivity, and ease of use are key themes for Panasonic this year. With a smart range of solutions that bring control to your fingertips, Panasonic will present its latest range of software and support solutions, including: The new Smart Multisite Control Solution, a twofold, enterprise-wide energy management platform for corporate HVAC installations. This smart solution offers a dual approach: AC Smart Cloud is designed to be used by business owners and facilities or energy managers for remote control, reporting and scheduling, while the AC Service Cloud is an ideal solution for HVAC professionals requiring remote access to a system for maintenance and monitoring purposes. Easy to install and with a simple, user-friendly interface, the Smart Multisite Control Solution is ideal for organisations wanting instant and comprehensive data of building or campus-wide (or even a global overview) HVAC systems. Aquarea Service Cloud - this easy-to-use software allows installers to take care of their customers’ heating systems remotely. It saves time and money and shortens the response time, thus increasing customer satisfaction. The latest ECOi and ECO G BMS interface allow a more reliable and straightforward integration between Panasonic HVAC units and BMS (BACnet, Modbus, KNX), without the need for an additional gateway to provide a faster, cheaper and easier solution for future projects. And for home automation projects, Panasonic systems now offer easy connection to KNX, Modbus, Lonworks, Bacnet and other proprietary Home Automation Systems. Aquarea Designer, the online tool is optimised to help professionals easily identify the most appropriate Aquarea air-to-water heat pump for a particular application, to calculate the savings compared to other heat sources and to calculate CO2 emissions very quickly.

A new report, published by the not-for-profit body Energy and Utilities Alliance (EUA) finds customers are typically facing a five-fold cost increase to install a heat pump, compared to a hydrogen-ready boiler. Households can currently expect to pay up to £15,000 for transition to a heat pump depending on the property type, compared to less than £3,000 for a hydrogen-ready boiler. In addition to the higher cost of the heat pump itself, the disparity is largely due to the additional energy efficiency measures needed to enable a heat pump to operate efficiently, plus the need to fit a hot water cylinder and new radiators. Some homes also require new internal pipework. Cost reduction target In its recent Heat and Buildings Strategy, the UK Government set an ambitious cost reduction target for heat pumps to reach cost parity with gas boilers by the end of the decade, with 25-50% of the reduction achieved by 2025. The Government is offering consumers £5,000 grants for the installation of heat pumps To support the initial upfront costs, the Government is offering consumers £5,000 grants for the installation of heat pumps, yet the allocated funding is only enough to support 30,000 heat pump installations per annum for three years – this equates to just 5% of the annual installation target of 600k heat pumps per year by 2028. For the first time, this report gives clarity for customers considering the switch to greener energy and is the first in a series that will track the progress towards the Government’s cost reduction target. Demanding massive reductions Introducing the report, Mike Foster, CEO of Energy and Utilities Alliance said: “We need to decarbonize homes if we are to meet our Net Zero ambitions but consumers simply do not have the cash to pay for the high upfront costs of many low carbon heating options. The recent Heat and Building Strategy is right to demand massive reductions in the cost of heat pumps, which according to this report can cost consumers up to seven times that of a simple boiler switch.” “Many heating industry experts are sceptical that the scale of the cost reduction can be achieved, with the claim that heat pump costs will be at parity with gas boilers by April next year, as simply implausible.” Hydrogen-Ready version “Regardless of what happens in the heat pump market, it is increasingly clear that they are not a like-for-like replacement of a gas boiler. Consumers will face considerable disruption, cost and the need for behavioral change to retrofit their homes with a heat pump.” It is recognized that the majority of UK homes are simply not suitable for heat pumps" “It is recognized that the majority of UK homes are simply not suitable for heat pumps. When an existing boiler needs replacing, installing a hydrogen-ready version, at no extra cost, means that a householder can switch over to clean-burning hydrogen when it’s available in the network.” There is no silver bullet to tackle the challenging target of achieving Net Zero by 2050 and every energy solution will be needed to play its part. Energy efficiency measures The report highlights that the costs of transitioning to cleaner energy can vary vastly in different homes, dependent on the fabric of the building and whether there are any energy efficiency measures in place. It is therefore vital that customers understand the options available to them so they can make the best decision. This will help to ensure an affordable and fair energy transition for everyone. Mike Foster concludes: “We urge the government to expedite a decision to mandate hydrogen ready boilers so that when a boiler reaches the end of its natural life it can replaced which one which is future proof. The UK’s leading boiler manufacturers have made a promise that the hydrogen-ready boilers can be produced at the equivalent cost of today’s natural gas equivalents and with the products already developed they are ready to start manufacturing.”

With the built environment contributing 40% of the UK’s total carbon footprint and the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) warning of the dangers of overheating buildings, a new whitepaper is highlighting the importance of sustainable HVAC systems to construction professionals. The new whitepaper, from polymer specialists REHAU, identify issues around building overheating, air quality and sustainability, and the need to decarbonize new and existing buildings to meet net-zero targets. Citing UK Green Building Council findings that heating and cooling is responsible for large quantities of buildings in use emissions, it explores the impact of sustainable HVAC systems on construction. Occupant health risks TABS uses pipework embedded within a building’s concrete structure for the premises heating needs Following CCC warnings that not adapting the built environment to changing climates could pose major risks to occupant health from overheating, the whitepaper looks into thermally activated building structures (TABS) technology’s role in resolving this. A means of space heating and cooling, TABS uses pipework embedded within a building’s concrete structure, running either an elevated chilled water temperature for cooling requirements or low-temperature hot water for the premise's heating needs. 47% reduced costs “TABS is growing in popularity because they are economical and efficient, yielding up to a 47% reduction in annual energy costs when compared to traditional HVAC systems,” says Franz Huelle, Head of Technical at REHAU Building Solutions. “This is because whether for heating or cooling requirements, water flows of different temperatures influence the temperature of the building’s concrete structure.” “By opting for such a system, specifiers eliminate the need to regulate temperatures in individual rooms with their specific load requirements. Instead, the pipework allows the building’s mass and thermal dynamic behavior to be used to maintain comfortable conditions, almost like a living organism.” Benefit of TABS Whitepaper explores the benefits of the technology’s high thermal inertia, and radiative heating and cooling properties Commonly used for larger buildings, TABS processes activate the large thermal mass of concrete structures, acting as a buffer for varying cooling or heating loads throughout the day. REHAU’s whitepaper explores the benefits of the technology’s high thermal inertia, large surface areas, and radiative heating and cooling properties, including reduced carbon emissions and increased occupier health and comfort. Franz challenges, “When it comes to selecting an appropriate HVAC system, everything always comes down to one fundamental question; does this technology offer a compelling business case? As our new whitepaper identifies, given the pressures to deliver buildings that meet future sustainability needs, TABS should be considered under these parameters.” High-performance insulation “For example, because these systems can continuously expel heat throughout the day, they are well-placed to tackle the urgent threat of buildings overheating in the warmer months. This is of particular importance as weather patterns become more extreme and high-performance insulation becomes the standard in new-build properties.” “Contractors, specifiers, and developers may therefore need to engage more specialist assistance to meet these challenges and other longstanding priorities such as lowering construction and maintenance costs,” concludes Franz. “TABS ability to realize these benefits while decarbonizing the nation’s building stock explains why building professionals should read this new whitepaper and explore the technology’s viability going forward.”

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

I am writing this the day after the Autumn Spending Review, which among many measures, included a huge focus on how the Government wants to ‘level up the country’, creating a new post-pandemic economy, with higher wages and higher skills. Part of this is the £500 million ‘Multiply’ scheme, which aims to increase numeracy and basic mathematics for adults in the United Kingdom via in person tutoring, digital training and flexible courses. Lack of basic skills to access digital training It is laudable, but there is an elephant in the classroom here, a lot of people do not have the basic skills and confidence, to access digital training and these are the ones, who are in danger of being left further behind. What does this have to do with heating their homes? It comes down to access and confidence around tech and that begins in the home. Smart technology inaccessible to most people During the COVID-19 pandemic, we heard from far too many people, who simply couldn’t get to grips with the tech We work at the sharp end of this, with many years of experience showing us that while smart tech and smart homes sound fantastic (and for the majority, they are indeed), however, for too many people, it remains inaccessible. They are the most vulnerable and they need help. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we heard from far too many people, who simply couldn’t get to grips with the tech and they were suffering as a result. Widespread adoption of digital control systems In a welcome drive to improve the energy efficiency of electric heaters, more sophisticated digital control systems have seen widespread introduction. However, for people who are not digitally savvy, they are now presented with a product that they struggle to use as intended. Sadly, many are subsequently bypassing the very systems designed to improve efficiency and resorting to basic manual control of their appliances. For many users, the complicated programming and multiple overrides is even leading to them having no heat at all. manual settings of heaters lead to High Energy consumption In too many cases, these energy-saving thermostatic controls have caused more anxiety and the energy-efficient controls are not being correctly used. Additionally, due to the heaters being left on manual settings, there are many cases of higher energy consumption than needed. The gadgets are great, but if you can’t understand them or use them, they are redundant and can even be counterproductive. System diagnostics Of course, during the COVID-19 pandemic, a home visit was not even an option for many customers Ordinarily, we would schedule a visit to diagnose these types of problems, but this can take too long, which causes frustration and affects the well-being of the customer. Of course, during the COVID-19 pandemic, a home visit was not even an option for many customers, who were self-isolating. However, new computer modeling research from Harvard University warns that intermittent measures may need to be maintained well into 2022, therefore, social distancing will remain a key concern for our vulnerable community. Current solutions for the digital savvy Current solutions available are for the digital savvy, however, these still do not provide early fault finding and they are not accessible to a huge part of our society, approximately 5.3 million adults, who have never used the internet in the United Kingdom and 53% of these adults are aged 75 plus. We decided to do something about this, by devising a robust solution that will eliminate multiple site maintenance visits and provide immediate solutions, without customers needing to understand digital technologies. CAVE smart thermostat with intelligent remote communications As a result, this winter will see the launch of Trust Electric Heating’s CAVE product, a smart thermostat for the confined, adults, vulnerable and elderly people. CAVE builds on our existing digital thermostat technology, further developing it to include intelligent remote communications. This will allow remote access to program the system, monitor/manage energy use and to diagnose and solve a variety of faults that would traditionally require a visit from an engineer. Transforming CAVE into a stand-alone product There are over 8 million adults over 70 years old in the UK, who are classed as vulnerable The pace of development has been accelerated by a strategic Knowledge Transfer Partnership with the University of Huddersfield and backed by Innovate UK, who awarded us with a further development grant, earlier in 2021, to transform CAVE into a stand-alone product that will work on all electric radiators. There are over 8 million adults over 70 years old in the UK, who are classed as vulnerable and around 1.5 million adults (some not over 70) have been asked to self-isolate due to their underlying health conditions as they are classed as our shielded society. For these individuals the present pandemic has changed their life significantly. Remote monitoring, diagnosis and control of electric heating systems CAVE is a web-based technology that enables remote monitoring, diagnosis and control of electric heating systems, providing help and support for this critically overlooked group. In an era, when the pace of change is already so fast, sometimes it pays to slow down a little and adjust the speed, as there are a lot of people who we must not leave behind in the digital economy.

The development of digital technologies in the Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) sector has been transformational for the industry, as well as for those who run HVAC systems. While the electrification and digitalization of machines, and assets has made a lot of operations simpler, it has also meant that the collection of machine data has never been more critical. Given that engineers can now view lots of different metrics on a single screen, including things like heating controls, humidity levels, and more, what exactly are the skillsets required of a modern HVAC engineer in the digital age? And, what will the role look like as digitalization and data-driven processes continue to evolve? Remote Working This real-time data can be used to ensure that assets are doing what is expected of them The most obvious change to the way HVAC engineers are operating in the digital era is the ability to perform diagnostic tasks remotely. Thanks to mission-critical assets being monitored and managed by the Internet of Things (IoT) solutions, engineers can see when burners are activated, or when defrost cycles kick into action. This real-time data can be used to ensure that assets are doing what is expected of them and if concerning behavioral patterns are flagged in the data, engineers can diagnose faults, without having to attend the site. Efficient fault diagnosis and repair Even with a machine right in front of them, engineers can often still learn more about what is going on inside, from their laptops. The ability to gain deep insight into how a machine is functioning, without having to physically ‘open it up and look inside’, is a benefit to both the engineer and the site. Engineers can diagnose faults more efficiently, without having to undertake invasive investigative work on a shop floor or workplace. New skillset for HVAC engineers The HVAC engineers of the digital age may be more likely to be sat with a laptop, rather than up a ladder, so what new skills does this role require? The reality is that HVAC engineering now requires maintenance professionals to understand the data, as much as the mechanics of the assets that they are trying to fix. There are lots of different sensors, control panels, and monitoring solutions, all presenting different forms of data, so engineers need to be able to interpret information, from all these different layers. As many manufacturers have their own digital controls systems, engineers will also be dealing with different naming conventions and unstandardized data, even within a single site. Controls agnostic IoT solutions The need for digital skills and comprehension of data analytics is still fundamental to the modern role Thankfully, recent innovations in controls systems means that engineers will have the digital tools that they need to translate this complex and disparate data. Controls agnostic IoT solutions sit across existing digital infrastructure, to connect directly to the asset and present the data in a simple standardized language, for engineers to analyze. The need for digital skills and comprehension of data analytics is still fundamental to the modern role, but it’s made a lot easier and more efficient, thanks to these progressive innovations. Real-time data analysis The ability to see data in real-time means that the way maintenance is carried out is starting to look very different. Thanks to machine behavior monitoring and trend analysis, engineers will be alerted to a machine starting to go wrong, much earlier than the point at which it breaks, enabling them to proactively visit sites, in order to fix minor faults, before they reach critical failure. The ability to proactively fix faults also saves end-users a lot of money, as maintenance calls will be less frequent and when they are needed, much less severe than they otherwise would have been, if the fault was only detected at the point of the asset breaking down. Digital Skills and the Future What does digitalization mean for HVAC engineers? A lot of the requirements for diagnosing and fixing faults in modern HVAC systems have developed over time, so skills have grown slowly and steadily. There hasn’t been a big bang of digitalization in HVAC, but rather a steady move towards integrating newer technology. This means that most engineers already have the skills, to carry out maintenance roles in the digital age and will continue to be able to learn new skills, at the rate of digitalization. Commissioning engineers, new HVAC specialist role There are a small number of new, specialist positions, which are important in the HVAC engineering profession There are a small number of new, specialist positions, which are important in the HVAC engineering profession, due to digitalization, with the most obvious being commissioning engineers. This role specializes in controls engineering to implement new digital systems, for either new or existing sites, at the beginning of an organization’s digital transformation journey. Much the same as the HVAC engineer of the pre-digitalization age, the commissioning engineer will work with site managers, so as to ensure systems are implemented correctly and to the right specifications, for a particular venue. Data-enabled future of automated HVAC The bottom line is that we’ll always need HVAC engineers, as there will always be assets that need fixing or replacing onsite. Even as we move towards the data-enabled future of automated HVAC machines, they are just that, machines that will break down on occasion and will need to be fixed by a professional. Furthermore, the HVAC engineer of the future will certainly see a shift in skillsets, as they are increasingly required to understand data analytics and software engineering. If you had to ask me to make a bold prediction, I’d say the HVAC engineer of the future will be at a desk, more than up a ladder, but their hands on skills and expertise will be required, for as long as there are physical machines with moving parts.

Natural gas heating and cooking are coming under more scrutiny, especially their negative impact on indoor air quality. In particular, nitrogen dioxide (NO2) emitted from gas stoves and furnaces aggravate childhood asthma. The issue has been obvious for years but is now getting renewed attention of regulators. Gas heating and cooking are popular throughout the United States and Europe. One estimate is that a third of U.S. homes use natural gas for cooking, which has been promoted for decades as a “clean” alternative. Need for Indoor air regulation The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has the authority to regulate outdoor air, but not indoor. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has jurisdiction over performance standards of consumer appliances but does not view gas ranges as a “significant contributor” to adverse air quality or a health hazard. (CPSC says they are “aware of recent studies.”) Building codes require that gas furnaces and water heaters be vented outside, but there are fewer requirements for ventilation of natural gas cooking stoves. Negative impact on health As awareness grows of the negative impacts on indoor air quality, gas cooking and heating will be targeted by regulators As awareness grows of the negative impacts on indoor air quality, it is more likely gas cooking and heating will be targeted by regulators. Natural gas-burning stoves and furnaces produce an array of pollutants with adverse health effects, including particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and formaldehyde. If a massive transition away from natural gas becomes likely, there are opportunities for the HVAC market.  Removal of gas appliances Recent research has helped to focus media attention on the issue, including reports from the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) and the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health. Older research was highlighted in a 2013 analysis of 41 studies on the subject, showing that children living in homes with gas stoves had a 42% higher incidence of asthma symptoms. The COVID-19 pandemic’s trend of staying and cooking at home has exacerbated the problem. Long-term exposure to elevated NO2 has also been correlated with a higher risk of COVID-19 death, according to an Emory University study. Because of the risks, the New England Journal of Medicine published an editorial recommending that new gas appliances be taken off the market. Switching to electrical appliances Around 40 cities and towns in California have adopted ordinances to require all-electric appliances California is the first state to address the health threats of gas appliances. In the Golden State, about two-thirds of homes rely on gas as the primary cooking and/or heating fuel. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has proposed that a statewide transition to electric appliances would provide substantial health benefits. CARB also supports better ventilation standards. Around 40 cities and towns in California have adopted ordinances to require all-electric appliances in new residential buildings. Indoor pollution and high prices Older homes and lower-income households are especially at risk. The UCLA research emphasizes that smaller spaces housing more people and with poor ventilation are more susceptible to higher levels of indoor pollution. Unvented gas-burning space heaters (which are illegal in California) can be even more dangerous than stoves because they tend to be used for longer periods.  Another trend that could impact demand for gas systems is the rising price of natural gas, now 99% higher year-to-date. The price is expected to continue going up and could double again if there is a cold winter. More consumers may be looking at alternatives, including electric heat pumps – more opportunities for HVAC professionals.

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

‘Net zero’ is an unavoidable reality in the continuing fight against climate change. For example, both the United Kingdom and the European Union have set targets of having net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. These objectives are in line with a commitment to global climate action under the Paris Agreement. Net zero - carbon neutral Net zero refers to the balance between the amount of greenhouse gas produced and the amount removed from the atmosphere. It’s another term for ‘carbon neutral’. Any activity that creates carbon emissions must be offset by corresponding actions that remove an equal amount of emissions. Examples might be to plant trees that remove CO2 from the atmosphere or to re-purpose emissions-free energy for additional uses. For the HVAC market, the goal of net-zero emissions presents a variety of challenges For the HVAC market, the goal of net-zero emissions presents a variety of challenges. More than 40% of today’s CO2 emissions come from buildings and 30% of energy in buildings is wasted. According to a 2018 International Energy Agency (IEA) report, around 20% of the electricity used in buildings is related to HVAC, and the number is set to more than triple by 2050. Connected systems and real-time data analytics Fortunately, the HVAC industry has developed technology tools to address the challenge, including real-time data analytics and connected systems, to scrutinize how and where energy is being used, and to optimize efficiencies and building performance. In addition to helping to eventually achieve net-zero emissions, these activities will also provide cost savings. The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic shutdown highlighted the potential impact of lowering greenhouse gas emissions. During the pandemic, global greenhouse gas emissions declined by 7% compared to the previous year, according to research from the University of East Anglia, the University of Exeter and the Global Carbon Project. However, the emissions have resumed as global economies have recovered.  Public-private cooperation to achieve net-zero emissions Achieving net-zero emissions will involve many stakeholders and will require public-private cooperation that includes local governments, building owners and other businesses. Part of the solution is regulation, as governments encourage construction of green buildings. Meeting the objectives involves not just internal systems and infrastructure in a building, but also the materials used, including options, such as smart glass windows and solar panels. There is also an opportunity to educate the public on the positive role that buildings, including HVAC systems, can play in the campaign to eliminate climate change. The public often associates pollution with vehicle exhaust, for example, and may not realize the role that building systems can have on the environment, for better or worse. Leveraging technology to reduce emissions Leveraging technology to reduce emissions in the buildings sector can have a positive impact on the environment Leveraging technology to reduce emissions in the buildings sector can have a positive impact on the environment and on public opinion of the industry’s role to achieve green goals. The role of the HVAC industry should not be overlooked. There are resources available to help guide the path. For example, the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building certification program provides a rating system that covers the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of buildings worldwide. U.S. Federal, state and local governments are positioned to require or reward LEED certification, including tax credits, zoning allowances, reduced fees or expedited permitting. building energy efficiency and electrification US President Joe Biden has also announced an initiative to invest federal dollars in building energy efficiency and electrification, with a goal of modernizing and upgrading the nation’s buildings to be affordable, resilient, accessible, energy-efficient, and electrified. Fortunately, manufacturers in the HVAC market as a whole are focused on providing energy-efficient and sustainable technologies to drive the net-zero future of the industry.

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

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

St. Vincent Fishers Hospital in Fishers, Indiana is part of the largest Catholic, a not-for-profit healthcare system in the United States of America. It serves its community, not only by providing the utmost in compassionate care, but also by implementing excellence in environmental stewardship, by obtaining LEED certification, under the healthcare rating system, and by being the first hospital in Indiana to do so. This explains why, in 2013, when St. Vincent Fishers Hospital needed to expand its emergency care clinic, to a full-service in-patient care hospital, it adopted its vision statement - ‘Expansion with the environment in mind.’ And why, when it came to its heating, humidification, and sterilization needs, St. Vincent Fishers Hospital chose to install Fulton boiler equipment. Fulton boilers Acting on the advice of Kevin McNutt of BSA LifeStructures, consulting engineer on the project, and working with Fulton representative and product specialist Byron Koch, President of A.B Young Company, St. Vincent Fishers Hospital installed: Three dual-fuel Fulton Vantage (VTG-2000DF) high-efficiency condensing hydronic heating boilers, and Two Fulton Classic (ICS-20) vertical tubeless steam boilers. In 2015, the ICS-20s, used for humidification only, were upgraded to two (bigger) Fulton Vertical Multi-Port (VMP-50), low-emissions, dual-fuel steam boilers. These boilers back-fed the existing surgery suite for sterilization and then, re-fed St. Vincent Fishers Hospital’s need for humidification, serving a much greater overall load. Vantage hydronic boilers installed The Vantage boilers are dual-fuel optimized for both, natural gas and No. 2 fuel oil The three installed Fulton Vantage hydronic boilers, as fully condensing boilers, achieve higher thermal efficiencies, of up to 99%, by recovering the latent heat of condensation from their own exhaust gases. The Vantage boilers are dual-fuel optimized for both, natural gas and No. 2 fuel oil. In fact, Vantage is the world’s first condensing boiler to offer full-time operation on No. 2 oil as a secondary fuel. Featuring Fulton ModSync controller The Vantage boilers were also installed with a Fulton ModSync controller, to offer outdoor reset and BACnet communication, to maximize system efficiencies, based on seasonal temperatures and integration with building software systems. Senior Mechanical Engineer at BSA LifeStructures, Kevin McNutt said, “Our firm has incorporated Fulton Vantages for hospital boiler plants, for at least the past 10 years, because of their ability to drop the heat and hot water temperature, so that we could get the condensing out of them, for energy savings. Also, there is a dual-fuel feature that we need for healthcare.” Dual-fuel on a condensing boiler Kevin McNutt adds, “We arrived at Fulton, because it’s a quality product, number one and number two, because you (Fulton) were the only ones who would provide dual-fuel on a condensing boiler, for a long time. Fulton products were used to generate cost savings, to generate more LEED points, to be more sustainable with hot-water heating systems.” I like how easily accessible the Vantage is for routine maintenance and safety checks" Matt Todd, Power Plant Specialist at St. Vincent Fishers, said “When it comes to the day-to-day operation of the Vantage boilers, I like how easily accessible the Vantage is for routine maintenance and safety checks.” Matt Todd adds, “In the two years, since I have been here, I haven’t had enough issues (with the Vantages) that I can be specific enough about, to complain about. The squeaky wheel gets the oil, as they say, but (the Vantages) haven’t made much noise at all. They have been wonderful boilers.” Vertical Multi-Port boilers (VMP-50s) While the Vantage hydronic condensing boilers were standalone boilers, the two Vertical Multi-Port boilers (VMP-50s) were shipped and installed, as part of a fully-skidded system. This system included a boiler feed unit, a 304 stainless steel tank and blow down separator, and a ModSync controller, in addition to the VMP’s dual-fuel and low-NOx capabilities. Kevin McNutt stated, “The first set (of ICS-20s) was ordered from Fulton in a three-skid arrangement, and those were installed without issue. What’s compelling about this story is that, a year down the road, when we decided that we needed to replace these boilers, to address long-term sterilization use, we replaced them with Fulton VMPs that were able to pass through standard door-sized openings, so that they could be easily installed on-site.” Byron Koch commented, “The very tight space of the boiler room presented an installation concern, but luckily the VMP system shipped as multiple units that broke down into sections. Moreover, the only way we could get the boilers installed in the limited space we had, was because of the vertical design of the boilers, which allowed them to fit, where other types of boilers, like horizontal fire tube and water tube, would not.” VMP boilers perform critical hospital functions Energy savings and installation is easy, as the VMP boilers at St. Vincent Fishers perform critical hospital functions Energy savings and installation is easy, as the VMP boilers at St. Vincent Fishers perform critical hospital functions, such as controlling the temperature and humidity in the surgery rooms, which helps maintain infection control. This can literally mean the difference between life and death. In fact, so critical is the function of boilers in helping maintain infection control in hospitals that the 2013 edition of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers’ (ASHRAE) HVAC Design Manual for Hospitals and Clinics devotes an entire chapter to it. In addition, they acknowledge the importance of installing boilers in hospitals that are low- maintenance, energy-efficient, and reliable. energy-efficient heating solutions Matt Todd stated, “In addition to sterilization and comfort needs, we feed our hospital humidifiers, with our Fulton Vertical Multi-Port (VMP) boilers and they, in turn, feed our operating room, which has to be in the range of certain specs, usually 30 to 60% (humidity).” He adds, “If out of range there, you have downtime in Surgery and the ER. So humidification plays a big role in it too and that includes our Labor and Delivery C-section room that also has the same strict humidification requirements.” Matt Todd concludes, “At St. Vincent, patients are always the number one priority, but number two is the power plant and the boilers that are installed in there. They (the boilers) heat the building, humidify our air and also sterilize our equipment. They are critical to patient care. We have to have them and Fulton has done a great job in helping us fulfill that need.”

With net zero now at the forefront of many businesses’ minds, all eyes are on the large travel players to set an example to others in their industries and undergo energy efficiency and sustainability overhauls, something that is championed by national services provider, Eco UK Group. As one of the most vital services in the world, aviation provides the only instant worldwide transportation network, making it essential for global businesses. It generates economic growth and has created 87.7 million jobs all over the globe, as well as facilitating international trade and tourism to millions. Sustainable aviation and energy efficiency In a bid to deliver sustainable aviation, the aviation industry is working on six key areas of focus In a bid to deliver sustainable aviation, the aviation industry is working on six key areas of focus, as part of its commitment to sustainable development. The strategy works to communicate the role of aviation in society, to support a better understanding of how the sector is delivering cleaner, quieter and smarter flying experiences. The six goals are the improvement of air quality, noise, climate change, natural resources, social and economic, and surface access. Backed by a number of airlines, high profile members are focused on finding collaborative ways of improving environmental performance, in order to ensure sustainable growth and energy efficiency within the industry, both in the air and on the ground. One of these members is London’s Heathrow Airport, home to the United Kingdom's only Express Center. Heathrow Airport The Express Centre has been providing customers with the fastest and most cost-effective way to move goods in and out of Heathrow airport, since 1983. Combining both manual and automated services, its expertise and the purpose-built facility offers a heavyweight service and works alongside some of the largest and most respected airlines in the world. The center handles a staggering 60+ daily flights from across five continents, 45 countries, and 85 airports, managing a substantial 130,000 kg of daily shipments. Energy-efficient LED lighting solutions Following its success in supporting works at Edinburgh Airport, Eco UK Group collaborated with both Millar Management Ltd and Orange Construction UK Ltd, on a project that showcased its specialist expertise in mechanical and electrical (M&E) services, and providing advanced energy-efficient LED lighting solutions. This application involved the relocation of the center to a neighboring building at Heathrow Airport, where extensive dilapidation works were completed, to further enhance its business process efficiencies and delivery excellence mindset. This included the installation of a new mezzanine floor and the incorporation of several offices, within the central office area. Power supplies and electrical works Eco UK Group engineers were responsible for the provision of power supplies to much of the facility Eco UK Group engineers were responsible for the provision of power supplies to much of the facility and for business-critical equipment, such as display screens, drivers’ kiosks, weigh scales, metal detectors and turnstiles, X-ray machines, a baggage conveyor system, caster deck, and lifts and over-door heaters. There was also a requirement for the supply and installation of 130 Category 6 twin data outlets and the installation of the associated cabling throughout the facility. These data points are located across the site in offices and restrooms and serve items, such as the drivers’ kiosks, workstations, printer stations, display screens, and a tea station. Eco UK Group’s in-house team supplied and installed the wiring, containment, and data points for the CCTV system and the fitting and commission of additional fire alarms. HVAC equipment work and LED lights Teams also installed energy-efficient LEDs to replace the existing inefficient fittings, in order to deliver the desired lux levels throughout the facility. Eco UK Group is proud to offer an array of the most advanced and technically innovative LED energy-efficient luminaires, emergency lighting conversion kits, and PIR sensor technology, which has previously surpassed customer expectations. This included the provision of both external LED linear lighting and replacement LED floodlights, located above the dock doors. Internally, the Eco UK’s electrical team supplied and installed a selection of industrial and office smart lighting solutions, such as LED high bay warehouse lighting, LED panel lights, and LED linear batten light fittings. Most of the lighting is controlled via PIR sensor technology and local key switch control for the emergency lighting. Commercial air conditioning units installed Additionally, Eco UK Group supplied and installed a state-of-the-art wall mounted commercial air conditioning unit Additionally, Eco UK Group supplied and installed state-of-the-art wall-mounted commercial air conditioning units, reconfigured the existing ventilation and mechanical pipework services (HVAC), and re-routed ducting and ceiling diffusers within the new partition layout. Provision and installation of new extract systems within the restrooms was also specified. Richard Emery, Director at Millar Management Ltd commented, “We were very happy to be working with Eco UK Group on the Heathrow Airport project.” He adds, “The team’s expertise is invaluable and having a company that can specialize in both mechanical and electrical services is of great benefit, to both us and the client. We have worked together well to fulfill the client’s expectations and create a great end result.” Incorporating Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs) Heathrow Airport has also recently announced its success in incorporating Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs) from Neste into the main supply for use across all flights. As part of its efforts to meet net-zero targets, the industry giant is now attempting to establish proof of concept for the wide-scale use of Sustainable Aviation Fuels, as it aims to reduce emissions from its flights and future-proof aviation, for many years to come.

Heatmasters has finished commissioning an electrical heat treatment furnace for a foundry in Europe. With a loading capacity of 9000 kg and an operating temperature of 1000°C, the furnace was designed according to the customers’ needs, in order to further expand their production capabilities. Electrical heat treatment furnace The furnace includes Heatmasters’ famous digital temperature control system and full automation of two wagons and pneumatic doors. It also implements advanced safety logic, developed by Siemens, which allows safe operation of the furnace, in all conditions. This furnace has been designed to meet the current and future heating requirements of the customer. Thanks to tight cooperation and communication between the customer and Heatmasters’ experts, the company was able to provide a cost-efficient and high-quality solution. Their wizards of metal will be able to provide support, in the form of maintenance and modernization services, to ensure the smooth operation of the furnace, for years to come.

When the USA’s elite special operations forces needed a specialized heating solution they turned to Tempco, for help. Seal Team 4, located in Virginia Beach, VA, needed to heat the aluminum fuel tanks in their Mark 7 Go Fast Boats. The aluminum fuel tanks held diesel fuel that needed to be kept warm when the boats were exposed to freezing temperatures during either cold weather deployment or during transportation via cargo plane. Challenge As temperatures drop to the freezing mark and below, diesel fuel is negatively affected. The paraffin wax within the fuel begins forming solid molecular bonds. These bonds become visible as the quantity increases, giving the fuel a hazy appearance. Under normal conditions, the paraffin wax acts as a lubricant to maintain the fuel’s viscosity. As more wax solidifies over time, it can clog a fuel filter blocking the flow of fuel to the engine. As one can guess, the result is a starved engine that will not run. That is not acceptable when the Navy Seals are called to duty. Silicone rubbers heaters The heaters needed to be compact and easy to install as well as removable for storage when not in use Tempco designed a pair of silicone rubbers heaters as a solution. The heaters needed to be compact and easy to install as well as removable for storage in custom cases when not in use. Additionally, they needed to stay below a specific temperature. The features of the flexible heater design include: Factory vulcanizing to Stainless Steel plates - the SS plates could then be easily mounted to and removed from the aluminum fuel tanks. Heaters were designed with a specific watt density to make sure the temperatures did not get too high. Silicone sponge insulation was used to help force the heat towards the tank. A standard electrical plug was used to make powering the unit easy and hassle-free. The units worked out great and the Navy used several sets for the required boats. Tempco is a proud American manufacturer of electrical heating elements, temperature sensors, and controls and were was happy to do what to help solve a problem for the United States Armed Forces.

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

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