HVAC Plumbing

Gryphon Investors, a middle-market private equity firm announced that it has acquired Southern HVAC from MSouth Equity Partners, a private equity firm based in Atlanta with an office in Nashville. Located in the Southeastern U.S., Midwestern U.S., and Texas, the Company is a leading provider of residential HVAC, plumbing, and electrical services across 15 brands. Southern HVAC's management team will remain with the Company and retain a meaningful equity stake. The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Operations and management Southern HVAC represents Gryphon's second home services acquisition in the last 10 months. In December 2020, Gryphon acquired Right Time Heating & Air Conditioning ("Right Time"), the largest independent residential HVAC services provider in Canada. Southern HVAC and Right Time will be owned by NAEHS (North American Essential Home Services) but will continue to operate independently, retaining their existing brand names and current management teams, while leveraging the combined scale and scope of the two businesses.  About Ian McKeen  Ian McKeen has become CEO of NAEHS and has over 25 years of experience in the home services industry As part of the transaction, Ian McKeen has become CEO of NAEHS. Mr. McKeen, a dual U.S., and Canadian citizen has spent more than 25 years in the home services industry and previously served as President & COO of Service Experts, a provider of residential HVAC and plumbing services in the United States and Canada.  Mr. McKeen said, "The holding company structure will allow each company to share in best practices and benefit from scale advantages while maintaining the separate strategies and management teams that have driven their success to date.”  “I look forward to working with Southern HVAC CEO Bryan Benak and Right Time CEO Craig Goettler to continue building two of the best home services businesses in North America." Collaborative opportunity Mr. Benak added, "Residential HVAC, plumbing, and electrical services remains a highly fragmented industry, with demand growth being driven as consumers spend more time in their homes.”  “We aim to expand our position as the leading residential services provider across Texas, the Southeastern U.S., and the Midwestern U.S. with support from Gryphon, Ian, and Right Time." Mr. Goettler noted, "We continue to enjoy our partnership with Gryphon and are excited about the opportunity to collaborate with the Southern HVAC management team." Strategic decision Acquisition of Southern HVAC represents a strategic fit for Gryphon's North American residential strategy" Alex Earls, Gryphon Deal Partner, and Jeff Balagna, Gryphon Operating Partner, further added that "The acquisition of Southern HVAC represents an excellent strategic fit for Gryphon's North American residential services strategy and is highly complementary to Right Time, which has performed ahead of expectations since our investment this past December.” “Common ownership of both of these companies by NAEHS should create significant value for stakeholders of both companies, and we are excited as part of this investment to support the organic and acquisition strategies of Southern HVAC and Right Time." Value creation Charles Stubbs, an MSouth Partner, said, "Bryan Benak and his team at Southern HVAC were critical to the value creation we experienced during our investment and in building one of the largest residential HVAC platforms in the South and Midwest through organic growth and a buy-and-build strategy. We were fortunate to partner with such an outstanding management team, and we look forward to watching their continued success." DLA Piper was legal advisor to Southern HVAC and MSouth. Stephens Inc. and Moelis & Company acted as Gryphon's financial advisors, while Kirkland & Ellis served as legal advisors.

Panasonic Heating & Cooling Solutions is pleased to introduce its Aquarea Designer, the online tool to help heating and cooling designers, architects, design offices, installers, and distributors alike. The newly developed air-to-water design tool is optimized 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. Features The easy-to-use online tool is accessible through Panasonic’s PRO Club and does not require any software downloads, making it a hassle-free solution. The tool has undergone major developments resulting in a modern, straightforward navigation interface, with easily identifiable tabs to help steer users where they need to go. It also includes a detailed ‘user guide’ for additional support if necessary. Functions Aquarea Designer will calculate the project's energy costs in terms of domestic hot water, heating, and cooling demand Panasonic’s bespoke program helps to promptly design and size an Aquarea heat pump system, allowing users to identify the correct application for them at a simple click of a button. Users can compare investment and operational costs compared to other heat sources. It also calculates the savings and swiftly calculates CO2 emissions. The system can produce a Heat Pump Design Report which includes product web links for heat pumps and DHW tanks and can be individually selected to include the following information: operational costs, investment costs, detailed product information, and ErP label. User benefits Aquarea Designer will calculate the project's energy costs in terms of domestic hot water, heating, and cooling demand. It will furthermore show the total heat consumption by operation mode and the calculated SCOP (Seasonal Coefficient of Performance). It then allows the designer to show clients a comparison with other equipment options such as heating by conventional gas-fired boilers, oil fuel systems, pellets, and standard electric heating.

Trimble’s MEPcontent, the library containing detailed BIM data of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems components, has reached 150,000 users. With an average of 90,000 downloads and 2,000 new users per month, the library offers over 614,000 pureplay MEP articles from over 400 building product manufacturers to MEP engineers, estimators, detailers, BIM managers, and owners working on MEP designs. Complete Article Information The available formats contain all information needed for a correct representation and calculation in a generic and specific model, including a symbolic, dimensionally stable, and a 3D representation, as well as manufacturer product codes. Before BIM components are placed on MEPcontent, they go through an extensive testing process to ensure that the parameters, level of detail, structure, and dimensions are correct. The Extended MEPcontent Standard (EMCS) has been developed by Trimble to provide MEP engineers and contractors all around the world with a clear understanding of the need for high quality and uniform content, i.e. graphical article information like it is offered on this content platform in close cooperation with leading Building Product Manufacturers.

Airthings, the globally renowned company in indoor air quality (IAQ) solutions for consumers, businesses, and professionals, has announced a new product addition to its portfolio, View CO₂ for Business. Battery-operated, wireless sensor The new battery-operated, wireless sensor will empower schools and offices everywhere, in order to take charge of their air quality, by warning them when carbon dioxide (CO₂) exceeds recommended levels and indoor air quality deteriorates. View CO₂ for Business combines easily with the rest of the products in the Airthings for Business solution View CO₂ for Business combines easily with the rest of the products in the Airthings for Business solution, which lets users monitor, visualize and control indoor air quality remotely, so as to ensure a safe and healthy environment. High CO₂ levels can increase the risk of airborne virus transmission and cause lower productivity, drowsiness, headaches and loss of concentration. Since the body expels CO₂, when breathing out, the levels can rise quickly in enclosed spaces with poor ventilation. Measuring CO₂ levels, a good indicator of IAQ For that reason, measuring CO₂ levels serve as a good indicator of indoor air quality (IAQ) and how well a ventilation system is working. Monitoring humidity and temperature indoors is also important, as both conditions correlate with virus transmission. In addition to carbon dioxide, the new View CO₂ for Business also measures temperature, humidity, virus risk, noise and light. The Virus Risk Indicator fuses data from Airthings core sensors into an algorithm, in order to calculate the risk of airborne virus spread, in an indoor space. The capability helps schools and offices understand their indoor air quality, and how it contributes to spreading airborne viruses, providing personalized insights to minimize the risk. The optional CO2 Alert feature lets anyone know, when a room needs a breather, by visually alerting them through a red LED light on the product, when CO2 levels get too high. View CO₂ for Business View CO₂ for Business includes a customizable, ultra-low power display, to maximize battery life up to ten years. Users can choose to show the live sensor data that matters most to them or a QR code so that anyone in the room can check the air quality in that space in real-time. The live sensor data will enable students, educators, and office workers to take immediate actions, in order to improve the air quality, while facility managers and building owners can remotely monitor and leverage advanced analytics, in order to optimize air quality and energy usage, saving both time and costs. Flattening the COVID-19 pandemic curve Countries, such as Belgium and the Netherlands, have already introduced regulations to monitor air quality in schools As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, schools and offices everywhere look for effective strategies, to ensure their indoor environments are safe for children and tenants. Countries, such as Belgium and the Netherlands, have already introduced regulations to monitor air quality in schools. The United Kingdom and several states in the USA, including California, are also looking at implementing similar measures. The Government of Quebec in Canada has also taken steps to address indoor air quality in its schools and has recently closed an agreement with Airthings to supply air quality monitoring to schools across the region, as part of a ten-year contract. Improving indoor air quality (IAQ) “When you know what’s in the air you breathe, simple actions, such as opening a window or increasing ventilation, can significantly improve the air quality in a space,” said Oyvind Birkenes, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Airthings. Oyvind Birkenes adds, “With View CO₂, we’re making CO₂ monitoring more accessible to everyone in times where it’s most needed. This powerful and easy-to-use product will empower facility managers, building owners, tenants, and office managers alike to take control of their air quality and protect the health of children and tenants.” Monitoring CO2 accessible for any establishment View CO2 for Business makes monitoring CO2 accessible for any school, office, or commercial building. Quick and easy installation, totally wireless sensors, user-friendly dashboard, and easy reporting ensure that anyone can take control of the indoor air quality. View CO₂ for Business is the latest addition to the Airthings for Business solution. Set up in a matter of minutes, the solution is easy to scale and customize to any new or existing space. Indoor air quality data with advanced cloud analytics is available via the Airthings Dashboard and users can create reports to ensure they comply with local regulations.

PowerPay, one of the fastest-growing home improvement financing technology company in the country, has announced integration with Sales Builder Pro platform, developed by Intelligent Mobile Support (IMS), the industry renowned company for HVAC proposal software solutions. The integration will provide current and future Sales Builder Pro users with access to superior consumer financing options by PowerPay. PowerPay offers consumer financing solutions with 0% dealer fees and rates starting at 4.99% with an instant loan approval process. PowerPay - Sales Builder Pro integration The use of the Sales Builder Pro platform will lead to a 22% increase in top-line annual sales The combination of powerful sales tools and instant financing options will help contractors run their business more efficiently and profitably. The use of the Sales Builder Pro platform will lead to a 22% increase in top-line annual sales and the now added instant financing will result in even higher tickets and bigger sales. David Haas, the Co-Founder and Chief Operations Officer (COO) of PowerPay said “This is the convergence of ‘point of sale’ and ‘buy now pay later. Sales Builder Pro's software enables the contractor and customer to quickly identify the best equipment options and final price. PowerPay's integrated finance options deliver an easy way to pay for the project with low, affordable monthly payments over time.” Powerful sales tool with integrated finance options “We created Sales Builder Pro to be the easiest, most powerful sales tool that a residential HVAC contractor can use,” explained John Steidley, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Founder of Intelligent Mobile Support (IMS). John Steidley adds, “Adding simplified financing through PowerPay improves the convenience of our sales tool, making it easier than ever for salespeople to present affordable financing options, to homeowners and close the sale.”

TZOA, pioneers of smart air quality technology for HVAC professionals and their home owner customers, have announced that they have become HAVEN (HAVEN IAQ) and launched the HAVEN Central Air Controller. HAVEN Central Air Controller Along with the bold new look and brand, comes an entirely fresh approach to air quality management. Combined with the existing HAVEN Central Air Monitor, the HAVEN Controller builds an ecosystem that makes any HVAC system smarter and homes healthier, by detecting harmful pollutants and automatically circulating fresh air within the home. HVAC systems are typically used for comfort to heat and cool the home. Recent environmental issues such as heat waves and forest fires, and health concerns such as COVID-19, have increased awareness of the need for improved air quality (IAQ) and led to a surge of interest in room air purifiers. air purifying solution Introduced in 2020, the HAVEN Central Air Monitor is unlike other IAQ devices Compared with other products that are loud, inefficient, and take up living space, HAVEN’s air purifying solution automatically manages the whole home, using the existing central HVAC systems to better address these concerns. Introduced in 2020, the HAVEN Central Air Monitor is unlike other IAQ devices, as it is the only system mounted directly within the duct, where it can monitor airborne pollutants, across the entire home. It combines the diagnostic power of miniaturized, research-grade particulate sensing lasers and chemical sensors, to detect levels of airborne contaminants, such as dust, pollen, pet dander, odors, and materials off-gassing. Enhanced filtration and ventilation The addition of the HAVEN Central Air Controller allows for the HAVEN system to automatically control an HVAC system and ancillary equipment, taking action and responding by optimizing filtration, ventilation, or humidity levels on-demand. “Room air purifiers are great for cleaning small spaces such as apartments, yet few know that for average to large sized homes, our existing HVAC systems are the best method for circulating the air and capturing contaminants,” explained Kevin Hart, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Founder of HAVEN. Developing advanced technology and software services Kevin Hart adds, “We developed the HAVEN brand and ecosystem, to allow any HVAC system to deliver clean air, as well as comfort. Today, more than ever, it is essential your home is safe, healthy, and free of pollutants that can harm your family. Our new name, look and feel reflects our fresh approach to air quality management, and we look forward to bringing it into millions of homes in North America.” Over the coming year, HAVEN will expand its ecosystem and develop more advanced algorithms, and additional software services for home owners and HVAC professionals. It also plans to expand its sales channel. Improving airflow quality in homes The flow of air within the home is the most important factor in improving air quality The flow of air within the home is the most important factor in improving air quality. The HAVEN ecosystem is the first to monitor airflow and controls filtration, ventilation, and humidity level, the three critical pillars that air movement enables. HAVEN improves the air even further, by avoiding the build-up of hyper-local airborne contamination caused by stagnant air and leverages the proven IAQ approach of dilution and dispersion. HAVEN Monitor Already deployed in thousands of homes, the HAVEN Monitor uses the ‘arteries’ of the home, aka ductwork, to capture an understanding of how the indoor environment is doing. It uses individually calibrated lasers that scatter light across the moving air within the duct to detect harmful particles known as PM2.5. It monitors air pollution and comfort levels, including chemicals known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particulate matter (PM), relative humidity, air velocity, and temperature to indicate whether a home needs improved filtration, ventilation or humidity control. Information via HAVEN IAQ app and HAVEN Pro web portal Information is delivered to homeowners via the HAVEN IAQ app and to HVAC Professionals via the HAVEN Pro web portal. Transmitted via WIFI, the app provides 24/7 air quality insights and historical data. The app also provides notifications and alerts as well as recommendations such as IAQ-friendly cleaning tips. In addition, it has an in-app ‘Contact your HAVEN Pro’ function to connect with technicians to address any major concerns, such as upgrading filters during wildfire events. The web portal allows HVAC professionals to monitor air quality for multiple customers within a single dashboard. Perfect for service/maintenance contracts, it provides individually tailored reports and ongoing touch points with customers to foster trust and long-term sales. HAVEN Controller and Monitor work in sync The HAVEN Controller works in harmony with the HAVEN Monitor, to intelligently automate and adjust HVAC equipment The HAVEN Controller works in harmony with the HAVEN Monitor, to intelligently automate and adjust HVAC equipment, when necessary. Connected to specific terminals of the HVAC system, it enables the professional installer or homeowner to use the data from the monitor, to create custom circulation schedules. This ensures air is circulated at specific times when the particulate matter may increase and can intuitively trigger equipment when an air quality issue is identified: for example, activate filtration when cooking particles are detected, or turn on ventilation when high VOCs are detected. Using the data, a contractor can also assess the need for equipment maintenance, so as to ensure optimal performance. Surge in demand for IAQ devices and purifiers Considering 90% of people’s time is spent indoors and that indoor air pollution is typically 2-5 times worse than the pollution outside, it is not a surprise there has been a surge in demand for IAQ devices and purifiers. HAVEN has a different approach to standalone devices that can only impact a single room. By building an ecosystem, it provides a solution throughout the entire home. In addition, through its HAVEN Pro offering, the company provides HVAC professionals with platforms to generate increased sales and provide additional services to customers. The HAVEN ecosystem is now available through HVAC contractors across the U.S. and Canada.

At the moment, it seems as though a day rarely goes by without low-carbon heating hitting the headlines. Whether it is reports of ‘revamping’ the Clean Heat Grant, to include a ‘boiler scrappage’ scheme, which may offer home owners up to £7000 to make the switch to a low-carbon alternative, to speculation that the Prime Minister is under pressure to push back the 2035 ban on gas boilers, the debate on how and when the low-carbon heating revolution will happen is ongoing. BEIS Hydrogen Strategy We have also seen the recently published, Hydrogen Strategy from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) that cements its plans to develop technologies that allow hydrogen-powered heating in people’s homes. In addition to this, the Future Homes Task Force, including some of the United Kingdom’s largest property developers, regulators, suppliers and environmental groups, have agreed to the sector-wide Future Homes Delivery Plan, to build homes that are ‘zero-carbon ready’ and sustainable by 2025. Alternative energy, key to hitting net zero targets by 2050 What is also clear is that tackling the decarbonization of heat is not a one-technology solution According to the Climate Change Committee, in a report published in December 2020, the UK’s homes are responsible for around 15 percent of emissions. As a result, the need to install alternatives to traditional fossil fuel heating systems will be crucial, to hitting our net zero targets, by 2050. This will be the key challenge that the delayed Heat and Buildings Strategy, now due in the autumn season, will need to address. Therefore, what is also clear is that tackling the decarbonization of heat is not a one-technology solution. Target to install air source heat pumps in UK homes So far, much of the focus has been on heat pumps, as the UK Government has set an ambitious target of installing 600,000 air source heat pumps (ASHPs) in UK homes each year, by 2028. However, there are a number of challenges to achieve this goal, as house builders will need convincing to install heat pumps in new builds, and home owners and landlords will need convincing to retrofit older properties. Cost, a key issue in air source heat pumps installation Cost will also be a key issue, even with a government grant and ASHPs can be complex to install. They can also emit noise that breaches legal limits, if placed too close to a neighboring property. In addition, they won’t be suitable for all properties, as the needs of a 4-bedroom new build home are very different to a 1970s apartment, a Victorian-era terrace, a social housing property or an off-grid home. Computer-controlled infrared heating (CCIR) One of the alternatives is computer-controlled infrared heating, which addresses many of the issues faced by ASHPs Taking all of these challenges into account, BEIS has said that it is ‘uncertain’ what the ‘optimal solution’ is, when it comes to low-carbon heating. Certainly, there is not a ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution for heating the UK’s homes, which is why it is vital that house builders, landlords, contractors, installers and developers explore the full range of low-carbon heating technologies that are available today. There are alternatives that can provide benefits that are much more likely to appeal to a wider range of end-user audiences. One of the alternatives is computer-controlled infrared heating (CCIR), which addresses many of the issues faced by ASHPs. High-performance heating Firstly, infrared is an intrinsically more effective source of heat than conventional convection heating, because it heats the material within a room, rather than the air, which can escape from doors and windows. CCIR systems also outperform many other low-carbon technologies, because the software within each panel constantly monitors each individual room and learns about the energy storage characteristics within it, adjusting its routine to maintain the ambient temperature within the room, maximizing its performance and using fewer units of energy, in comparison to a traditional heating system. KERS water heating system This keeps energy bills low, and meets increasing sustainability standards. Figures show that, out of 29 million homes in the United Kingdom, 19 million have an EPC lower than C. Together with Ambion Heating’s KERS water heating system, inefficient properties can be brought up to a minimum EPC C. CCIR also costs less to install than many other low-carbon heating alternatives CCIR also costs less to install than many other low-carbon heating alternatives. In a typical three-bedroom house, for example, the estimated cost of installing a CCIR system is around £6,000, compared to nearly £10,500 for an ASHP. They are also easy to install, whether they’re being retrofitted into an existing building or installed within a new build, because they can simply be wired into the mains, by a qualified electrician. Enhanced comfort and reduced emissions The heat CCIR provides feels more natural and comfortable, once the fabric of the room is saturated with energy, and it emits a comfortable, radiant heat. It also reduces humidity, as well as improves the air quality within a building, reducing the amount of circulating dust. In fact, in an independent performance review, CCIR provided the same levels of comfort within a room, using 60% less energy than a standard electric convection system, and on a par with ASHPs. Heating solutions for a low-carbon future While there is a real urgency, when it comes to decarbonizing heat, it’s vital to consider which technologies offer the most benefits to the end user. By understanding and investigating all of the alternatives to gas central heating, such as CCIR, the benefits will not only be felt in the short term, they are a sustainable solution for the longer term.

In today’s world, we spend almost 90 per cent of our time indoors, in our workplaces, leisure areas and our homes. It is no secret that the built environment has been relatively slow in its embrace of information technology and automation. According to KPMG’s ‘Building a Technology Advantage’ report, fewer than 20 percent of construction and engineering executives, and major-project owners said they are re-thinking their business models, so as to incorporate new technology. Yet, it has now become a necessity, as energy efficiency becomes a more prominent topic discussion, which is leading to sweeping changes across all aspects of our lives and none more so than in the built environment. Commitment to net-zero emissions Governments are beginning to impose tighter restrictions on building use, energy consumption and emissions. Policymakers around the world are committing to net-zero emissions targets, with more than 60 countries pledging to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. For example, the European Union (EU) is committed to become a carbon-neutral economy, with net-zero emissions by 2050 and all new buildings within the EU must be constructed as near-zero energy buildings. Meanwhile, China has legislated that at least 30 per cent of all new buildings must be ‘green’. Smart technology to better manage HVAC Technology can help optimize energy consumption and create energy efficiency in our buildings Given this new trend towards energy efficiency in the real estate sector, smart technology is needed to better manage HVAC and energy consumption. Buildings currently contribute 40 per cent of global carbon emissions, a problem exacerbated by extreme weather conditions across the globe, which increases demand for electricity, as more people rely on air conditioning for cooling. Technology can help optimize energy consumption and create energy efficiency in our buildings, alleviating many of the problems that we have today. Technology enabled by the Internet of Things (IoT) can optimize comfort and safety, while providing remote operability and access to everything from HVAC systems to security cameras. At the same time, data collection and integration with cloud-based services allow for powerful energy efficiency measures. Designing and operating Smart buildings The concept and operation of smart buildings is not new. Architects and developers have been installing separate systems to control lighting and HVAC for decades. Later systems have evolved and helped building managers control access to different areas of a site, mitigate fire risk and protect against power surges. What is new is the addition of web-based platforms, in order to allow these verticals to integrate seamlessly with each other. The building of tomorrow is achievable today, using the latest in automation intelligence to control lighting, air-conditioning and heating. With these digital solutions, everything can be controlled remotely and allow for complete control, whenever it is needed most. Increased use of smart technology The first step in managing HVAC energy is to understand exactly how much is being used and where it is used. With this information at hand, managers can highlight areas for improvement, which in turn will help a building become more efficient and ultimately, save money. Another step in managing HVAC energy is including smart technology alongside your system Another step in managing HVAC energy is including smart technology alongside your system, as it can minimize maintenance costs. Predictive fault-finding can save maintenance time and labor, as well as minimizing downtime for expensive equipment or services. It is estimated that smart-enabled predictive maintenance is three to nine times cheaper than a traditional reactive approach. Tenant and occupant satisfaction are often also higher, as systems that experience failure can be identified, repaired and re-booted quickly. Smart building systems Smart building systems, such as ABB i-bus KNX ClimaECO and ABB Cylon BACnet solutions, can combine HVAC in one holistic solution, from central control and management of heating and cooling systems, down to room-level automation. Smart systems simplify the implementation of intelligent automation in modern buildings and using pre-installed algorithms, can make autonomous decisions on things, such as adjusting lighting and HVAC levels, to reflect time of day, external environment, occupancy levels or other variables. Additionally, data collection and data analysis enabled by IoT allows for increased knowledge and better predictions of use. Working with a smart building, which is interconnected, can act and learn on this data, while providing remote access to data and analytics for human oversight. The ROI of smart technology implementation In addition to legislation driving change, being ‘smart’ provides other real benefits for developers and owners. As a building adapts to the demands of its users or the goals of its managers, it can save energy, cut emissions and reduce energy costs. More effective and efficient use of power can save money, quickly repaying initial technology expenditure Comparing energy savings to the falling cost of installing a basic smart management system, smart buildings immediately prove their worth. According to HSBC, if a smart system delivered an energy cost saving of 25 per cent, on an installation cost of US$ 37,500, for a 50,000 sq. ft building, the annual savings could be as much as US$ 23,000, giving a payback period of less than two years. More effective and efficient use of power can save money, quickly repaying initial technology expenditure. HVAC and lighting alone can account for about 50 per cent of energy use in an average commercial building, but by incorporating smart automation, managers may see decreased energy costs of up to 30 to 50 per cent. Leading the fight against climate change Technologies, such as IoT and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are crucial to help us in the fight against climate change. These technologies help users, owners, operators and facility managers interact with the buildings of the future effortlessly, with personalized comfort and maximum efficiency. Artificial Intelligence and IoT is constantly in a state of evolution, as more applications for the technology are discovered. Given the ever-changing nature of technology, the possibilities for smart buildings in the future are endless.

A quick glance at official COVID-19 mitigation guidance reveals that it promotes increased ventilation air change rates, as the most effective way to keep people safe. Sounds easy, doesn’t it? Just open a window or turn up your ventilation system, if you have one. The fact is, however, that the vast majority of domestic properties in Britain does not have a mechanical ventilation system and rely on natural means for background ventilation, including windows, trickle vents or air bricks. In short, homeowners or tenants must physically open windows, after having decided whether they want to. This is an imperfect system for several reasons. Firstly, cold or wet weather might lessen an open window’s appeal and secondly, natural ventilation is a weather dependent process, as sometimes there’s simply no air movement. In other words, a natural ventilation strategy does not guarantee effective ventilation. With an airborne virus still being transmitted across the country, it’s important to understand the best options available to combat the spread. Building to minimum standards Building using a strategy that comprises natural background ventilation is the simplest, easiest and cheapest method of compliance to Part F: Building Regulations. That’s why it is the most common. We call this building to ‘minimum standards’. The problem with this approach, which is perfectly legal and entirely acceptable to Building Control, is that it often leads to problems caused by insufficient ventilation, such as condensation, mould, dust mites and odors, once the building is occupied. This issue has been made far worse, in recent years, since we committed to the 2050 Climate Change Targets This issue has been made far worse, in recent years, since we committed to the 2050 Climate Change Targets and started retrofitting insulation improvements to millions of existing properties. Our already well-sealed properties were sealed up even further, thereby causing all the moisture and pollutants produced by the occupancy to stay in the house, unless ventilated away. Pros and cons of positive input ventilation Positive input ventilation (PIV) is a highly effective means of dealing with such issues. PIV systems can be retrofitted into existing buildings, in order to improve the rate of background ventilation and eliminate the problems mentioned earlier. PIV is widely accepted in social and private housing, because it is unobtrusive, not behavior dependent, easy to install, highly cost effective and improves building energy efficiency. PIV can, therefore, help increase air change rates for naturally ventilated buildings. Unfortunately, however, new problems can emerge through the use of such systems. Increasing ventilation can create thermal comfort problems, leading to expensive heating bills and uncomfortable occupants. Rise in outdoor pollution ingress It can also increase outdoor pollution ingress, which, in turn, can exacerbate health issues and lead to deadly asthma triggers, as confirmed by the ruling in the Ella Kissi-Debrah inquest. In short, PIV and other ventilation strategies, despite comprising filtration, can still let pollutants in. On top of these issues is viral particles emitted indoors, a key concern in the current climate, which can be displaced faster by more air changes and are not easily destroyed. This arguably means the rate of transmission remains high. What is needed is a retrofit solution that achieves all the benefits of PIV, while removing and destroying indoor and outdoor pollutants, including viral/microbials. Active PIV is that solution. Active PIV: A huge step forward Active PIV with Photohydroionisation (PHI) increases fresh air ventilation air change rates Active PIV with Photohydroionisation (PHI) increases fresh air ventilation air change rates, thus reducing indoor humidity and providing safe, and effective active air purification throughout the indoor environment. Most importantly, it complies with COVID-19 mitigation guidance and removes, and destroys pollutants from both indoor and outdoor sources, including odors, VOCs, radon and other gases, allergens, such as pollens, mould, pet dander and dust mite faecal matter, particulates, including smoke or traffic soot, and viral/bacterial emissions, including SARS-CoV-2, at the point of transmission. This level of protection is not possible with increased ventilation alone or passive air treatments, such as filtration, UV, PCO, or ionization. Active PIV, therefore, provides an extra layer of indoor protection, over and above PIV that is continuous and not behavior dependent. PHI technology delivers active air purification The PHI technology that delivers active purification essentially mimics Earth’s natural air cleaning processes. Minute concentrations of ionized hydro peroxides are created, whenever there is sunlight, water vapor and oxygen present. These active molecules break down and destroy pollutants on contact, and revert back to water vapor and oxygen afterwards. Active PIV recreates this process in an indoor setting, constantly replenishing new active molecules to replace the spent ones. It is perfectly safe to breathe and effective against all three categories of indoor air pollutants, including: Particulates Microbial Gases Active PIV to counter COVID-19 pandemic Active PIV is the perfect innovative response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It can be easily and quickly retrofitted, and its effect is instant. For social housing managers, it delivers the best possible protections to the indoor spaces, which are occupied by the tenants for whom they are responsible. In terms of both its innovation and effects, Active PIV technology is the breath of fresh air that the ventilation industry and a pandemic-stricken world sorely needs.

‘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.

High school seniors and their parents weigh multiple factors, when choosing a college or university. In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of one factor has shown a marked increase. Indoor air quality (IAQ) is now among the top-three aspects that an applicant and their parents would consider, when choosing a college, according to one survey. Growing awareness of IAQ Growing awareness of IAQ presents an opportunity, as the HVAC industry seeks to serve the higher education market. If air quality is a deal breaker for new students, the opportunity is that much more urgent. A recent survey by professional services firm, JLL confirms that health and safety is at the top-of-mind for parents, and their high school seniors. Some 48% of surveyed parents ranked campus cleanliness and indoor air quality among the top-three most important factors, when choosing a college or university. Campus cleanliness and indoor air quality Also, a total of 84% of parents rank cleanliness and indoor air quality as either ‘important’ or ‘somewhat important’. Campus cleanliness and indoor air quality (IAQ) ranked behind ‘quality of academics’ in the top spot and ‘affordability’ in the second position. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, it is unlikely that health and IAQ concerns would have even been mentioned in such a survey Before the COVID-19 pandemic, it is unlikely that health and IAQ concerns would have even been mentioned in such a survey. The high ranking of the issue in the current survey reflects heightened health concerns, brought on by the pandemic. In fact, 42 percent of parents noted in the survey that their sentiment toward campus cleanliness and indoor air quality increased, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Students and staff on campus will continue to demand transparency and the highest standards around cleanliness, and air quality,” said Ron Gregory, Executive Vice President North America, JLL Higher Education. Environmental sustainability Environmental sustainability has also emerged as a factor in student recruitment. Some 21% of parents have become more interested in an institution’s commitment to sustainability, during the pandemic. Poor ventilation systems became a big concern, as COVID-19 virus spreads through educational institutions and other facilities. HVAC has gained a higher profile, as a factor that can help to mitigate the spread of the virus. Retrofits can make the difference In the HVAC market, newer systems tend to be more environmentally sustainable and can ensure compliance with the latest regulatory requirements. However, even retrofits can make a difference, especially ‘deep retrofits’ that can address concerns about circulating outside air, increasing humidity and improving filtration systems, as older buildings seek to become greener. Broadly speaking, poor IAQ can negatively affect the health and learning of students of any age Broadly speaking, poor IAQ can negatively affect the health and learning of students of any age. The presence of mold, for example, can increase risks of asthma and other respiratory diseases. Students in well-ventilated classrooms have been shown to achieve higher scores on standardized testing. Greater concern about IAQ and the risks of COVID-19 virus spread have combined to provide new business for HVAC companies that offer useful tools, in order to increase ventilation and even kill germs. Importance of preventative maintenance Keeping campuses clean also impacts a family’s perception of a campus. Some 86% of parents rank the ‘look and feel’ of a campus, as either ‘important’ or ‘somewhat important’. Also, 88% of parents say the physical condition of buildings is either ‘important’ or ‘somewhat important’. As a component of a campus’s physical presence, HVAC systems are part of the solution, when seeking to ensure a campus is seen as modern and appealing. Preventative maintenance is also a factor, in HVAC as well as generally speaking. “Savings generated from preventative maintenance can go back into facilities upkeep, creating an overall better, cleaner and more modern experience for students,” said Kevin Waver, President of JLL Public Institutions at JLL.

When COVID-19 hit, North Arkansas College had to close its school, and students had to transition from in-person to online learning, which is especially difficult when teaching a trade that is heavily dependent on hands-on training. The HVAC/R program at North Arkansas College, which has existed for over 50 years, typically has an average of 14 to 16 students enrolled each year. HVAC/R program “With the quick transition we had to think outside the box, and so we found a company that had created a software for the HVAC/R Industry to help contractors and service companies give their service technicians additional training in areas that they needed,” said Jeff Smith, a licensed HVAC/R contractor who teaches courses at North Arkansas College. The software uses virtual reality (VR), a computer-generated simulation that enables a student to interact with an environment using electronic devices. The software chosen by North Arkansas State could be used for desktop (two dimensional) or with VR equipment (headset). Software using virtual reality (VR) The original thought was to send a laptop and VR headset home with each student, during the COVID-19 pandemic, to potentially get the hands-on training that they were missing, but that plan did not work out due to the overall costs and possible technical difficulties. “However, we recognized the value in the VR system and knew right away it would make a great tool to help build on what the students were already learning in the classroom and lab settings,” said Jeff Smith. SkillMill software The college uses Interplay Learning Software’s SkillMill, which was designed specifically for the HVAC/R industry The college uses Interplay Learning Software’s SkillMill, which was designed specifically for the HVAC/R industry and other trades. The software was also developed to work with several VR headsets brands, including the Oculus Rift S used at North Arkansas College. Jeff Smith said, “We believe the VR systems have been successful because we have witnessed improved lab skills, and we have heard our students discussing the tasks that they accomplished while using the VR systems and how those tasks helped them in their lab studies and in their HVAC/R internships.” Positive feedback on VR systems He adds, “All our students have given great feedback on how the VR systems have supplemented their learning, training experiences and how it could provide them with an additional edge to successfully enter the HVAC/R industry.” When they were developing the VR Lab, North Arkansas College had not heard of any other colleges using this technology specifically for HVAC/R training. Since then, they have had schools ask questions such as: How much does it cost? How did they integrate it with the curriculum? And is there a learning curve? The advantages of applying VR technologies in the HVAC discipline are numerous Applying VR technologies in HVAC The advantages of applying VR technologies in the HVAC discipline are numerous. Safety is always a major concern when students are working on live electrical circuits and pressurized systems. Using the completely safe VR environment, instructors do not have to worry about students becoming injured, while learning to troubleshoot and service HVAC/R equipment. Another advantage is that a student cannot accidentally break a part or component while learning to work on HVAC systems, which helps with costs. Also, students have the opportunity with the VR system to troubleshoot systems that may not be available in the lab, such as large chillers and cooling towers. Students embrace VR approach Today’s students have such a strong connection with technologies that are associated with VR systems" Today's students are more likely to embrace the VR approach because of their affinity for video games, for example. And there are other factors related to youth culture/technology that make the approach desirable. “Today’s students have such a strong connection with technologies that are associated with VR systems,” said Jeff Smith, adding “Just about every student is tech savvy. The majority of them have a natural inclination toward technology because of our smartphones, tablets, gaming systems, computers, etc. That makes VR training a perfect match for our younger generations.” Funds for additional VR systems Since the program began, North Arkansas State has had major contractors interested in what they are doing, how it works, and the added benefits for the students. However, HVAC/R contractors may not realize the benefits or the full potential of this new training product, until they see it for themselves. When they do, they are amazed at what they see, according to Jeff Smith. Another challenge is acquiring more funding for additional VR systems. “We would like to have a VR station for every student but for now we have a schedule to rotate the students through,” Jeff Smith concludes.

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.

Desiring to offer a community center to its residents, the Town of Oro Valley purchased a facility with existing membership. The Town identified within this facility that the building systems were inefficient and at the end of their useful lives, and the facility’s energy consumption was high. Facility infrastructure upgrades With no funds immediately available, the Town of Oro Valley was challenged to move forward with facility improvements and infrastructure upgrades following acquisition. “There is a considerable focus on efficiency and conservation in the community, so that served as a major tenet for us as we considered upgrades,” said Stacey Lemos, the Chief Financial Officer for the Town of Oro Valley, adding “Another challenge we had was that this is a living and breathing facility, with no significant seasonal slow times and events to work around.” Preliminary energy assessment Trane conducted a preliminary energy assessment, walking through the facilities to gather information Based on a previous relationship with Trane for mechanical systems maintenance, the Town of Oro Valley was interested in creative solutions that the company might provide. Trane conducted a preliminary energy assessment, walking through the facilities to gather information. Using a State of Arizona cooperative contract, Oro Valley selected Trane as their energy services company (ESCO). Identifying energy saving opportunities, The Town of Oro Valley entered into a performance contract with Trane, which would allow the Town to pay for upgrades, with the energy savings realized from the project. The Trane team conducted an investment grade audit (IGA) to thoroughly evaluate the entire facility, including the 50,000 sq. feet building, tennis courts, and golf courses. Energy conservation measures (ECMs) Trane defined potential energy conservation measures (ECMs) designed to reduce consumption of electricity, gas and water. This holistic approach would provide Oro Valley with their desired energy savings solutions, while maintaining a budget neutral project. Improving efficiency and comfort, by creating revenue opportunities, Trane replaced thirty-five HVAC packaged units with more energy efficient systems that feature multiple-zone cooling, to meet comfort demands of staff and guests. LED lighting installed throughout the facility To reduce energy use and improve lighting quality, LED lighting was installed throughout the facility, including more than 250 fixtures on the tennis courts, six wall mounts in the racquetball viewing area, and flood lights near the pool. With the new fixtures, the center can now better accommodate revenue generating events, such as area tennis tournaments. Trane helped reduce water consumption with equipment and controls integration. With its location in the desert, water conservation also was a key issue for the facility. Trane analyzed industry data regarding use per acre-foot standards, to evaluate water use at the golf courses and presented solutions to reduce consumption. Trane Tracer SC building automation system (BAS) The new pumping station uses variable speed pump motors to help reduce energy use The north pumping station was replaced early on in the project, due to an unexpected mechanical failure. The new pumping station uses variable speed pump motors to help reduce energy use, along with a Trane Tracer SC building automation system (BAS), to enable connectivity to the remote pumping equipment. The existing south pumping station was retrofitted with a Tracer SC and both irrigation pumping stations were integrated into a new Tracer Ensemble Enterprise Building Management System. Access Multiple sites from single web-based interface The Tracer Ensemble Enterprise Building Management System enables The Town of Oro Valley to easily access multiple sites and equipment from a single web-based interface. It also allows Trane to monitor, trend and validate water consumption in real time, identifying savings opportunities. The swimming pool pumping filtration and heating systems were replaced to reduce maintenance and chemical costs, eliminating the chlorination system, while improving overall operation. A new pool cover was also installed to reduce water evaporation and heat loss in the cooler months. The significant water use reduction achieved by the upgrades was a key factor in enabling the project to remain budget neutral. Trane Air-FI wireless mesh network The community center BAS was also integrated to the building management system and HVAC controls were installed using Trane Air-FI wireless mesh network with Zigbee/BACnet communication protocol. With no wires to run and all unit controls prepackaged and programmed, Trane technicians were able to spend less time on installation and more time educating facility managers on the use of the controls and the Ensemble building management system. Ensemble building management system The web-enabled Ensemble building management system provides an enterprise view of the entire facility The web-enabled Ensemble building management system provides an enterprise view of the entire facility, allowing facilities managers to handle daily tasks, create schedules for the varied spaces in the center, manage alarms and make adjustments from anywhere in the building, or remotely with a tablet or phone. The Town of Oro Valley also has the option to integrate its other existing control systems into the system in the future. “For the comfort of our guests, our systems have to be reliable,” said Stacey Lemos adding, “We have workout facilities, a restaurant, a pool; schedules vary and some spaces need more cooling than others. With customized thermostats and enterprise-wide monitoring and control, we are now better able to keep our temperatures where they need to be.” Broad scope of ECMs Entering into a performance contract to use guaranteed energy savings to pay for needed upgrades, the Town of Oro Valley and Trane implemented a broad scope of ECMs, which are designed to enhance comfort, improve operations and reduce energy costs. The upgrades, which included improvements to HVAC, controls, lighting, swimming pool systems, golf course irrigation and domestic hot water conservation, are exceeding expectations, providing more than US$ 68,700 in energy savings and more than US$ 93,500 in water savings costs annually. Energy efficiency with LED lighting The Town has also realized more than US$ 30,000 in utility rebates. In addition, the Town of Oro Valley was honored by Tucson Electric Power for improving its energy efficiency, by replacing inefficient lighting with LED bulbs, and helping to make the community more sustainable by harvesting rain water and deploying a Green Team. “We are meeting projections, and have been able to keep to our budget,” said Stacey Lemos, adding “Plus, the useful life of the equipment will far exceed our debt.”

Ziker Cleaners on Byrkit Street in Mishawaka, Indiana is the central hub for ten store locations and four home pickup routes from which they serve the greater South Bend, Mishawaka, and Elkhart, Indiana areas. In 2017, not only was Ziker awarded the American Drycleaner’s (national) Plant Design Award, but they celebrated their 100th anniversary as a continuously owned and operated, fourth-generation family business—something that only 3% of all businesses succeeds in doing. In acknowledgment of these honors, Ziker Cleaners credits the high caliber of the people they employ and the quality of the equipment they purchase. Production uptime and efficiency Equipment at a dry-cleaning facility greatly determines production uptime and efficiency and has as its core constituent the boiler or, more specifically, the steam that it creates. Without the boiler, I can’t run my dry-cleaning machines because I need to have steam pressure to operate them" Says David Ziker, President of Ziker Cleaners, “We can’t do anything without it [steam]. We do same-day service; and if we don’t have steam, we’re going to disappoint a lot of customers. So it’s very important for us.” Adds Production Manager Shayne Golden, “The boiler is the most important piece of equipment that we have. Without the boiler, I can’t run my dry-cleaning machines because I need to have steam pressure to operate them. And I can’t press the clothing because I don’t have the steam to press the clothes. I’m down if I don’t have steam. Without that Fulton boiler, we are out of business.” Why Fulton? Said owner David Ziker, “We did a lot of research and toured quite a few other facilities that were similar to what we were looking at doing, and everywhere we went we saw Fulton, and so we realized that they had a specific boiler for our industry. Also, the equipment distributor that we use is a big promoter of Fulton.” Adds Production Manager Shayne Golden, “This is our first experience with Fulton, and it’s been a good one. Previous daily startup time at our old facility was longer and more complex, but things have been simplified greatly with this new Fulton boiler system. It’s been good.” Praise for Skidded System VMP-100 boiler arrived at the facility with all ancillary equipment already connected to it, including the feedwater tank Fulton delivered to Ziker a Vertical Multi-Port (VMP-100) boiler that was installed by Michael “Stucky” Szczotla of Eagle Star Equipment as part of a fully-skidded system, with piping system design and installation provided by Dynamic Mechanical Services. Skidded means that the VMP-100 boiler arrived at the facility with all ancillary equipment already connected to it, including the feedwater tank that collects and reuses condensate, and a blow-down tank that safely discharges the hot blowdown water to the drain. Installation with ease Says David Ziker, “To install the boiler in the new building we moved into, we first had to modify the building, and then find someone to put the steam system in. So I partnered with a local contractor who told me we needed a return system and a blowdown. But he then said it would cost a fortune to hook all that stuff up separately. So we had Fulton do the whole thing. And then when it came, it was ready to go. It’s nice.” Adds Shayne, “The fully skidded, the pre-piped system helped us immensely with the installation and timeliness of us getting started, not to mention the ease of getting it in the door in one big piece.” Small Footprint, High Efficiency Fulton VMP gives much-increased space savings over the old horizontal fire-tube model, and it runs on natural gas" Stucky suggested the Fulton VMP-100 for its superior fuel-to-steam efficiencies (up to 85%). But he also recommended the VMP-100 for its compact vertical design, which requires significantly less floor space than competing boilers and includes optimized internal circulation paths that reduce boiler warm-up time. Comments Shayne, “Compared to our last boiler [a horizontal water tube boiler from another company], the Fulton takes about 15-20 minutes less time to get ready so that I can start my day sooner. Time is money, and that is one big thing that helps.” “It [the Fulton VMP] gives much-increased space savings, maybe 200 square feet savings over our old horizontal fire-tube model, and it runs on natural gas.” Importance of Steam At Ziker, Fulton boiler steam connects to dryers, pants pressing machines, dry cleaning machines, shirt pressing machines, puffer units (for finishing light fabrics), and all irons, which connect to the boiler through piped steam hookups. Says Shayne Golden, “A certain amount of steam pressure goes to each piece of equipment.” “For example, my dry cleaning machine needs at least 40-50 PSIG of steam. For my dry cleaning pressers—pants, shirts, puffers—I need around 80 PSIG of steam pressure. And for my laundered shirt presses, I would need at least 110 PSIG of steam pressure to operate.” Uptime All the Time It’s been the boiler getting used to this new building, and us getting used to a different kind of boiler" Says Shayne, “It’s been great. It’s been the boiler getting used to this new building, and us getting used to a different kind of boiler, and making sure that we dialed it into exactly what we needed.” “We needed to make sure that we had the correct amount of steam pressure. We needed to ensure that the pump that pumped the water to the water feed tank is working properly. And we needed to calibrate and then learn to maintain the right amount of chemical additives that we had to put in the water.” “Once we got all of that stuff figured out, it’s been running great. We do our best to take care of the boiler, and the boiler takes care of us. We haven’t had any downtime.”

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?