HVAC Software - Expert Commentary
The data center market has shown robust growth over the past five years, with significant increases in capacity and electricity usage. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), global data center electricity consumption was approximately 460 TWh in 2022, and it is projected to rise to over 1,000 TWh by 2026. This growth is driven by the increasing demand for digital services and the expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) workloads. In 2025, the total capacity demand for data center...
This year’s Clean Air Day falls on Friday the 19th June. In its eighth year, Clean Air Day has become the UK’s largest campaign dedicated to raising awareness of air pollution and its impacts on health and the environment. It also encourages individuals and organizations to take practical steps to reduce pollution and protect public health, both inside and outside buildings. Air quality should be a concern for everyone, but certain sections of society are disproportionally imp...
Meeting a project’s overarching design goals is vital in the building and construction sector. Creating a sustainable building could be one of these goals — driven by company commitments, federal policies, and state-based initiatives. However, the priorities of minimizing capital and long-term operating costs and maintaining project timelines often prevail. Frequently, the perception in the industry is that these priorities — especially cost — are incompatible with...
The HVAC industry stands at a critical juncture, facing substantial regulatory pressures aimed at reducing its environmental impact through the phased elimination of high Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerants. Driven by international agreements and local environmental guidelines, manufacturers, suppliers, and service providers are swiftly transitioning towards more sustainable alternatives. This shift is fundamentally reshaping compressor technologies, retrofitting procedures, and lifecyc...
Although energy efficiency continues to be a focus of home renovation, HVAC professionals are sometimes hesitant to work on older homes. The potential costs and complexities of replacing outdated HVAC systems or installing a solution where one doesn’t exist can make them nervous. However, installing all-electric, all-climate heat pumps in homes built decades ago, even a century ago, is an everyday occurrence in the northeastern U.S. Heating and cooling systems A sizable portion of Jay...
Training has always been important in the heating sector, not least of all because of the dangers associated with working with gas, the traditionally dominant heating fuel in the UK. With the changes that are occurring across the heating industry, primarily the move towards decarbonization, manifesting in a transition to heat pumps, training is more important than ever. Principles of heat pump technology Training could take the form of a CPD on understanding the guides of heat pump technolog...
The HVAC/R industry is in the process of a major shift as A2L refrigerants become the standard in residential and commercial system HVAC. This change is being propelled by stricter environmental policy and advancements in refrigeration technology. However, the transition is not without its hurdles, posing new considerations for system owners, technicians, and equipment manufacturers. Favor of GWP alternatives The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established clear guidelines to phase...
It’s often said the only constant in life is change. In the HVACR industry, that phrase has been especially true. We saw another year of transitions in 2024 that included evolving efficiency and refrigerant regulations, changing corporate net zero targets, the continued emergence of advanced heat pumps, and the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in building management. Smart and sustainable Throughout these transformations, the industry continues to overcome challenges and in...
For warehouse and factory owners, cutting their heat energy bills by over 90% might seem like a pipedream. I’ve been in enough warehouses to know one thing: heating them is expensive and frustrating. It often feels like throwing money into the wind. However, times are changing, and with the introduction of Shortwave Infrared (SWI), a revolutionary technology set to redefine warehouse heating, business owners can finally achieve energy savings on the scale they need. Shortwave Infra...
Data centers worldwide are under intense pressure. High-powered computing is a global necessity that seemingly gets more demanding by the day. There’s also the need to prioritize sustainability improvements ranging from resource conservation to decarbonization. And data centers must consider their bottom line and remain competitive. Anticipating the challenges data centers will continue to face, scientists and engineers have innovated two-phase (2-PIC) immersion cooling. With the capacit...
Until a couple of years ago, most of the talk about heat pumps occurred around this time of year, when more than half the planet prepares for an autumn cooldown. These discussions were typically limited to regions that only experienced moderate winters. But as anyone who has recently perused an HVACR trade magazine or website—or participated in an industry webinar, event, or social media conversation—can tell you, the topic of heat pumps is virtually unavoidable. Not only do heat p...
By now, the HVAC industry is well versed in, and operating successfully with, various HFC refrigerant production and consumption reduction schedules put forth by regulatory bodies. Under the EPA American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act, for example, the U.S. experienced a significant reduction (another 30%) in January 2024, advancing the goal of an 85% HFC phasedown from historic baseline levels by 2036. And the EU is working toward its stated objective of an HFC phaseout by 2050. tech...
Automotive HVAC is a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system installed in automobiles, such as passenger cars, pickup trucks, and heavy-duty trucks. Like other air conditioning systems, automotive HVAC cools the air by transforming the refrigerant into a liquid or gas. The heating process, on the other hand, is characteristic of automotive HVAC as it uses the heat created by the engine. HVAC systems in the automotive The adoption of heating, ventilation, and air conditi...
How can UK businesses effectively tackle the challenge of cooling commercial and industrial buildings? Cooling commercial and industrial buildings can be a challenge for UK businesses. In recent years, the spiraling energy costs have put pressure on businesses with regard to finding new and innovative ways to achieve the same result with less capital outlay and less maintenance. New system installs have sometimes been put on hold and maintenance schedules squeezed, leaving many businesses with...
It’s an exciting and challenging time to be an HVACR professional. The industry is rapidly evolving to implement advanced technology and adapt to environmentally conscious regulations all while experiencing a skilled labor shortage. As contractors struggle to keep up, many are turning to HVACR press fittings for their efficiency, safety, and reliability. The demand for these press fittings has nearly doubled in the past five years alone. unique characteristics While the global sh...
By now, most of the HVACR industry is familiar with the HFC phasedown portion of the U.S. EPA American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act that was signed in 2020 and finalized in 2021. The first phasedowns started Jan. 1, 2020, with a 10% reduction in HFC refrigerant production, importation, and consumption, and was followed by an additional 30% reduction that began Jan. 1, 2024. As these regulations work to achieve a total 85% HFC phasedown from historic baseline levels by 2036, Tech...
“Decarbonising home heating represents one of the biggest challenges to the government achieving net zero,” was a conclusion of the recent National Audit Office report ‘Decarbonising home heating’. The facts, the report states clearly in the opening are: 18% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions in 2021 were from home heating and 55,000 heat pumps were sold in the UK in 2022. decarbonizing home heating Crucial to decarbonizing home heating is the government&rsquo...
I remember Dr. Dave Bowman from Kubrick's "2001: A Space Odyssey" commanding HAL 9000 to open the pod bay doors, and HAL chillingly responds, "I'm sorry, Dave. I'm afraid I can't do that." Fortunately, unlike the fictional HAL," ChatGPT and other GenAI tools remain compliant and helpful, far from refusing commands or leaving us stranded in space. In the rapidly evolving landscape of technology, artificial intelligence (AI) should play a pivotal role in transforming various aspects of our dai...
Peter Van Den Heede, Head of Sales and Marketing, Benelux, ABB Motion, explains how electrification systems are paving the way for sustainable urban landscapes. As the fight against climate change intensifies, the European Union has set crystal clear targets on the path to Net Zero. If we are to meet the EU’s ambitious goals of a 55 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, and complete climate neutrality by 2050, then we need to find ever-smarter ways to save energy.&n...
College was never the only path to success. There are many other nontraditional avenues to success, and I had the privilege of blindly venturing down one myself. My path included a short stint in college, then trade school, an apprenticeship, a role building a training program, a managerial role running a branch, and ultimately a leadership role running a large region of companies. I started my career as a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning technician, and I didn’t think I’...
This time of year, a lot of planning is underway. Companies throughout the HVACR industry are mapping out the best path to maintain their current level of business, pursue growth while staying in their lane, or expand into a new area based on changing customer needs and industry opportunities. Whether you’re a small family-owned residential HVAC shop, a major player in commercial HVACR service or manufacturing, or anywhere in between, it’s helpful to be aware of the strong dynamics...
Nothing is immune to entropy. As buildings age, they suffer natural breakdowns in efficiency, performance, and useability, compromising occupant comfort and leading to higher energy bills. Luckily, they do not have to stay that way. Retro-commissioning brings existing structures up to speed so they can function their best. What Is Commissioning? Commissioning helps buildings operate as the owners intended and ensures staff maintains their equipment and systems. During new construct...
Circularity. Some may call it a “hot topic.” But in reality, the concept and practice of circularity is here to stay, indefinitely, for the simple reason that the sustainability of our planet depends on it. Whatever type of product you sell, “widget” you manufacture, or service you provide, achieving circularity, that is, putting practices in place so that materials remain in circulation and never become waste is finding its way onto the priority list of every business....
Using air conditioners and electric fans to stay cool accounts for nearly 20% of the total electricity used in buildings around the world, according to a report from the International Energy Agency. hybrid work model As a unique mix of key factors, such as the adoption of the hybrid work model and escalating heatwaves in certain regions of the United States keep people indoors for longer periods, this 20% share represents an increasingly costly line item on household budgets. Those within th...
You’re looking for ways to increase revenue for your HVAC business, and texting is one more tool you can add to your arsenal. 70% of people report that texting is the fastest way to reach them, and 99% of texts are read within just a few minutes. That kind of speed can help you secure more appointments, get paid faster, land more referrals, and boost sales in general. Scheduling service appointments So where do you begin? Below, we’ll show you five tactics your HVAC business can...
Patented new filtration technology proved it can upgrade AC units and Air Curtains to become highly effective Air Purifiers. Background and problem AC Split Units and Air Curtains employ coarse dust filters that are normally installed within the housing at the air return vent to allow for frequent filter cleaning. While this vital activity is generally performed on a regular basis in professional settings, it may be overlooked in home settings, leading to the clogging of these filters. This de...
When your HVAC system isn't working correctly, it's often difficult to pinpoint the exact issue. Does your home have hot and cold spots? Do doors randomly close on their own? Is your A/C blowing warm air on a hot summer day? If so, your HVAC might have an uneven airflow. There are many symptoms of uneven airflow and many solutions. Amid the increasing demand for HVAC repair, homeowners need to learn how to keep their home system operating at its best. Understanding the potential causes of unev...
Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) has been a longstanding problem within educational institutions, where it has been known to affect productivity and performance, as well as mental and physical health. And it’s not just the pupils at risk, with studies finding that this deleterious phenomenon can also compromise teaching performance and delivery, which inevitably affects the quality of the information received. CO2 concentrations This has recently been evidenced in a study conducted by the U...
A preventive maintenance program could save 12-18% over reactive maintenance, as the U.S. Department of Energy predicted in 2010. For many businesses, the savings could be higher, considering the risks of downtime and today’s economic conditions pushing up costs across the supply chain. It’s also possible for a program to miss the mark. By one measure, 50% of the costs of a preventive maintenance program are often wasted. The question is, how do you know if your maintenance program...
The importance of caring for the environment has become a top priority both around the world and increasingly in the United States. As regulations and social expectations become more stringent, future-proofing our infrastructure - beginning with energy consumption in buildings - is a natural first step. There are four key strategies a building owner or facility manager can focus on to improve energy efficiency and reduce a building’s carbon footprint, all while improving building performa...
