Refrigerants

Johnson Controls, announced a series of acquisitions, namely of East Lancashire Refrigeration Ltd, H&C Contracts Ltd and McDowall Air Conditioning Ltd. These acquisitions form part of Johnson Controls’ ongoing strategic growth plan within the HVAC sector, allowing the company to diversify its product portfolio and fill geographical service gaps across the United Kingdom and Ireland. Johnson Controls offers a large portfolio of HVAC equipment and controls in the world, and these acquisitions show its commitment to growth and contributions to UK industry. Solutions were traditionally centered on business-critical environments and in particular, large tonnage chillers, but there is a substantial market for air conditioning in offices, shops and other commercial environments and as HVAC requirements continue to grow, these acquisitions will help Johnson Controls grow in this market. Specialist HVAC solutions East Lancashire Refrigeration Ltd (ELR), acquired in May 2019, provides specialist design, manufacture, installation and servicing of refrigeration, air condition and ventilation systems. The Blackburn-based company built up a strong client base and earned an excellent reputation before being acquired by Johnson Controls. ELR has a longstanding presence providing industry HVAC equipment to specialist customer segments in the pharmaceutical and data center sectors, among others. In addition, the acquisition has allowed Johnson Controls to utilize ELR’s in-house design capabilities to manufacture ductworks and plenum boxes to further enhance its market capabilities. Growth in the public sector H&C Contracts Ltd, acquired in December 2019, provides specialist heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration services. Based in Bordon, Hampshire, H&C Contracts offers a comprehensive range of HVAC services, including in-house design, sales, service & maintenance and project maintenance capabilities to ensure a smooth journey from start to finish. H&C Contracts Ltd has a particular expertise in the public sector where Johnson Controls’ presence hasn’t been as strong. In particular, it works extensively with the healthcare sector, providing a full range of HVAC solutions to the NHS and its supply chain, with emphasis on MRI scanning environments, operating theatres, general wards and more. Building retrofit market McDowall Air Conditioning Ltd, acquired in March 2020, provides customer service within the air conditioning and ventilation industry from design through to service and maintenance. Based in Walsall, West Midlands McDowall specializes in the design and build of air conditioning and ventilation systems to suit a wide range of building types and environments. In particular, McDowall’s expertise lies in the supply of HVAC solutions to the office building retrofit market. Its strong relationships with interior design and fit out firms, two areas where Johnson Controls’ presence hasn’t been as strong, provides an opportunity to further diversity its HVAC portfolio. Filling in a geographical service gap Together, the three acquisitions allow Johnson Controls to fill its geographical service gaps for national customers, namely those in the North West, South West and West Midlands. In addition, the acquisitions allow Johnson Controls to move into new customer segments and diversify its product portfolio to better service new, existing and future customers. “We are thrilled to welcome ELR, H&C Contracts and McDowall Air Conditioning to the Johnson Controls family,” said Gail Hunter, General Manager of HVAC UK&I at Johnson Controls. “We will now look to take the best practices from each business to better support our customers across the country.”

The Eurovent Product Groups ‘Air Conditioners’ (PG-AC) and ‘Liquid Chilling Packages and Heat Pumps’ (PG-LCP-HP) elected new Chairmen and Vice Chairmen, with a clear scope and timeline of activities. Mr. Henk Kranenberg was separately elected Chairman of both Products Groups. He is joined by Vice Chairman, Mr. Stefano Vit (De'Longhi Group) in the Air Conditioners Group and Vice Chairman, Mr. Mariano Covolo (Mitsubishi Electric Hydronics & IT Cooling Systems S.p.A.) in the Chillers Group. PG-AC and PG-LCP-HP Product Groups PG-AC and PG-LCP-HP met in quick succession, on 9 and 10 June, 2020 respectively, with a focus on defining the scope and timeline of future activities in light of important European and international developments in the area of legislation and standardization. Both Product Groups elected Mr. Henk Kranenberg, Eurovent Vice-President and Senior Manager at Daikin Environment Research Center, as Chairman. Eurovent Product Groups ‘Air Conditioners’ (PG-AC elected Mr. Stefano Vit, Patents and Technical Compliance Leader at De’Longhi Group as Vice Chairman, whereas PG-LCP-HP elected Mr. Mariano Covolo, Technology & Engineering Management Manager at Mitsubishi Electric Hydronics & IT Cooling Systems S.p.A. as Vice Chairman. The Product Groups will focus on the upcoming revisions of important pieces of EU legislation in the HVACR sector, including the Ecodesign and Energy Labelling Regulations for air conditioners (206/2012 and 626/2011), chillers (2016/2281), and space heaters (811/2013 and 813/2013), as well as the F-Gas Regulation (517/2014). Developments in standardization and testing The Product Groups will also follow developments in the area of standardization and testing The Product Groups will also follow developments in the area of standardization and testing, including EN14511, EN14825, the BAM testing method, VRF testing method, polyvalent heat pump testing method, EN378, and IEC EN 60335-2-40, and other important topics, including flammable refrigerants and the circular economy. Mr. Henk Kranenberg, newly elected Chairman of both Product Groups stated, “The European Green Deal is of great relevance for the HVACR industry, and sustainable heating and cooling have a major role to play in decarbonising the economy.” Developing sound European policies and standards Henk adds, “The reactivated Eurovent PG-AC and PG-LCP-HP will accompany the development of sound European policies and standards in support of the EU’s climate-neutrality vision. I urge all our industry colleagues to join us in this important work.” The next meetings are scheduled for 22 September, 2020 (PG-AC) and 23 September, 2020 (PG-LCP-HP).

Atomic Blue LLC has announced that it’s high-performance UV-C germicidal light has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Atomic Blue's ultraviolet light has been registered with the FDA as a disinfectant medical device with the product code LRJ under device Class 1. UV-C germicidal light The UV-C germicidal light fixture, known for its ability to eradicate the COVID-19 virus from surfaces and air, is now approved for commercial use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This UV light device was tested by the National Institute of Health (NIH) and has shown in lab tests to eradicate the COVID-19 virus from surfaces to up to 99.99%. When biological organisms are exposed to UV-C light they are absorbed by DNA, RNA, and proteins. This process disrupts replication, causes rupture of cell walls and death to the organism. Deploying ultraviolet (UV) light in COVID-19 battle Ultraviolet light has been relied upon for decades where highest standards are practiced Ultraviolet light has been relied upon for decades where highest standards are practiced, including disinfecting surgical instrumentation and in the most sensitive lab environments. The Atomic Blue high-performance LED UV-C light was designed for applications that require surface and/or air treatment to remove viruses and bacteria. UV-C technology "Innovation in nanotechnology applied to LED chips and core patented cooling technology have made it possible to achieve significant improvements in UV-C technology, allowing this product to emit UV-C light at the highest intensity,” said David Lolis, CEO of Atomic Blue LLC. David adds, “This proprietary germicidal ultraviolet light solution is designed to help with eradicating the COVID-19 virus from surfaces and air. We are happy to have completed the registration process with the FDA."

uHoo has announced launching the ‘uHoo Virus Index’, the world's first real-time assessment of virus survival (such as COVID-19) based on air quality. The ‘uHoo Virus Index’ is a patent-pending technology that analyzes air quality data, monitored by uHoo, and provides an assessment on the risk of viruses surviving in homes or workplaces, as well as how the air affects general health and immune system. uHoo Virus Index The uHoo Virus Index works on a 10-point system, and subcategorized into four levels: Good, Mild, Bad and Severe The uHoo Virus Index works on a 10-point system, and subcategorized into four levels: Good, Mild, Bad and Severe. Each level provides insights about air quality, risk of virus surviving and how to improve the environment to reduce risk. The COVID-19 pandemic forced people to spend more time indoors where the air might be two to five times worse than outside air. As governments slowly lift COVID-19 restrictions, many will still stay at home while some charge ahead to go back to their workplace. Enhancing living and working in healthy buildings In both cases, there is an increased focus and need for living and working in healthy buildings which reduce the risk of virus spread. In either environment, people are unknowingly exposed to suboptimal air quality, if not managed properly. uHoo recently published a white paper consolidating research from various governments, universities and international medical and environmental journals explaining the link between air quality and COVID-19 death rates as well as explaining in detail how the ‘uHoo Virus Index’ works. Correlation between poor air quality and COVID-19 deaths "Research shows a strong correlation between poor air quality and higher COVID-19 death rates. In addition, long-term exposure to pollutants weakens immune systems and exacerbates other health conditions,” said Dustin Jefferson S. Onghanseng, Co-Founder and CEO of uHoo. Dustin adds, “COVID-19 has increased the focus on health and well-being, air quality and the need for 'healthy buildings', especially, as we gradually return to our workplaces. uHoo has seen increased demand globally from governments, enterprises, building owners and consumers. uHoo has launched this unique patent-pending ‘uHoo Virus Index’ to help minimize the spread of viruses." Improving air quality Buildings have always been focused on being energy efficient, usually at the expense of people's health Buildings have always been focused on being energy efficient, usually at the expense of people's health. This has resulted in people getting sick inside their offices, viruses and bacteria being passed to each other, feeling discomfort (too hot / too cold), having smells or odors inside workplaces, and other factors not clearly visible to the eye, but affecting one's general health and well-being. These are symptoms of a sick building and primarily caused by the air people breathe indoors. This has led to the rise and demand for ‘healthy buildings’. Professors, Joseph Allen and John Macomber from Harvard's School of Public Health and Harvard Business School, recently co-authored a book focused on how buildings and surroundings impact health, well-being, lung health and higher order cognitive functions. Shift from energy-efficient to healthy buildings COVID-19 has put air quality top of mind. A recent survey showed that 88% want air quality data to be publicly displayed on a large screen inside offices, building lobbies, restaurants, hotels, and any public establishment as a means to assure guests that the environment is being managed properly and is safe for them to enter. COVID-19 has indeed accelerated the movement from energy-efficient buildings to healthy buildings. A healthy building is now the new normal, it is the new minimum. Indoor air parameters measured uHoo monitors nine (9) different indoor air parameters - temperature, relative humidity, carbon dioxide, PM2.5, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and air pressure - and provides data, alerts, insights, and recommendations via the uHoo mobile app, accessible through any smartphone that's connected to the internet. Research published in the American Society of Microbiology showed that SARS-COV surrogate viruses, a coronavirus genetically very close to SARS-CoV2 / COVID-19, survive longer and can become airborne in specific combinations of temperature and humidity. Indoor air quality Particulate Matter, also known as ‘Particle Pollution’, is a complex mix of small particles and liquid droplets The indoor air quality can also be a vector for viruses. Particulate Matter, also known as ‘Particle Pollution’, is a complex mix of small particles and liquid droplets. Particulate Matter at 2.5 microns in size is small enough to stay suspended in the air that viruses can latch onto and become airborne. A study published in the journal of Genome Biology showed that PM2.5 accommodates rich microbial communities that have potential health consequences. Scientists from Harvard University also reported that long-term exposure to PM2.5 increased the death rate of COVID-19 cases. Measuring Particulate Matter in real-time uHoo measures PM2.5 in real-time and sends alerts when it reaches unhealthy thresholds so people can immediately take action. Busy streets and combustion sources creating nitrogen dioxide also contribute to poor air quality in homes/workplaces. Inside buildings, ambient infiltration of nitrogen dioxide occurs due to the building's structural imperfections which can be worsened by poorly designed or poorly maintained ventilation systems. Efficient ventilation system in buildings Exposure to raised levels of nitrogen dioxide inflames the lining of the lungs, which may reduce a person’s immunity to fight COVID-19 due to lung infection. Aside from nitrogen dioxide, continuous exposure to high levels of carbon dioxide can also cause lung-inflammation and put vulnerable people at a higher risk. Having sufficient ventilation not only dissipates high levels of CO2 inside the home/workplace but also flushes out particles that may have viruses latched onto them. Analyzing air quality data uHoo makes these invisible problems in the air visible. It provides people with accurate air quality data that help to identify problems and take appropriate action. The uHoo Virus Index goes the extra step of analyzing the air quality as a whole, instead of in silos, to help people properly create an environment to effectively deactivate viruses and strengthen the immune system. uHoo is used by tens of thousands of households and almost 200 governments and enterprises globally with deployments in office buildings, hotels, airports, shipping ports, local government buildings, offices and homes. Over the last 3 months, uHoo has witnessed a spike in demand and expects this to be the ‘new normal’ trend, with the increased focus on health and well-being.

Armstrong Fluid Technology is sponsoring a Virtual Summit June 10th, designed to help building owners and operators create and maintain healthy indoor spaces in this challenging environment. Entitled Healthier Buildings for a Greener Future – Improving Air Quality in Buildings Post-COVID, the discussions will focus on indoor air quality, sustainability, energy savings and occupant comfort. Addressing health challenges The first session of the virtual summit, Risk Reduction in the MUSH Sector, will feature a panel of industry experts from the municipal, university, school and hospital (MUSH) sectors and will address health challenges in indoor spaces. Part of the session will focus on government’s role in providing further incentives to upgrade and retrofit buildings. The second session, Going Green: How Technology Can Improve Employee Health and Reduce Emissions, will focus on what solutions exist to help building owners and operators improve the health and sustainability of buildings. Healthy building advocates and technology providers will discuss building technologies hurdles, obstacles to building upgrade projects and how building owners can overcome them.

Electrolux announces a plan to replace all high-impact greenhouse gases in all of its appliances by 2023 at the latest, as part of its commitments to the United Nations global Cool Coalition initiative. The plan, which helps Electrolux deliver on its objective to significantly reduce its climate footprint over the coming decades, is one of the actions taken under the company's Better Living Program. As global temperatures rise, the transformation of cooling technology will make a big contribution to the fight against climate change. Global warming impact The phase-out of powerful climate-warming gases known as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) has the potential to avoid up to 0.4°C of global warming by 2100. HFCs are often used in refrigerators, air conditioners and other cooling devices, as well as tumble dryers and washer dryers with heat pumps. Now Electrolux is accelerating the transition from these gases by submitting a phase out plan to the global UN initiative Cool Coalition. The commitment is a plan for replacing the high-impact greenhouse gases in all appliances with gases that have a lower climate impact, such as natural gases with very low global warming impact. By 2023 this plan will be complete. Reducing greenhouse gases The appliance industry is one of the sectors with a vital behind-the-scenes role in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic" "The appliance industry is one of the sectors with a vital behind-the-scenes role in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic as refrigerators, washing machines or air conditioners are essential products in people's lives.” “Although these are uncertain times for business, we believe addressing climate change by reducing greenhouse gases remains one of the most urgent challenges for society. We are encouraging other companies in our industry to join us as we all share the same responsibility," says Jonas Samuelson, CEO Electrolux. Far-Reaching ambitions Electrolux has far-reaching ambitions to reduce its climate impact, ranging from a science-based target to reduce CO2 emissions from products with 25% by 2025, to becoming fully climate neutral throughout the value chain by 2050. Widening the scope of its sustainability strategy, Electrolux in 2019 also launched the Better Living Program, an initiative to enable better and more sustainable living for consumers around the world through 2030. This announcement will contribute to the program, not least the target to make homes healthier and more sustainable through smart solutions for air, water and floors.

Residential HVAC is a fulfilling business to be in. Whether be it servicing a furnace or installing an air conditioning unit, the individual is doing important work to help keep families in the community safe and comfortable. The work also comes with perks such as good margins, some great customers, and the ability to set varying pricing and schedule. If an individual is in a growing business in this space, chances are that they have seen more than a few hectic days. Days where it becomes difficult to juggle crews, instruct technicians on necessary job details, and answer client calls, all at the same time. In theory, this chaotic day-to-day is a good problem to have. In practice, it can get really tiring, pretty fast. Robust system to streamline operations The work can be extremely overwhelming and if the right systems aren’t in place, the business could suffer. Lines of communication can get crossed and if time is being spent working on the wrong things, the individual could miss out on opportunities to grow. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to managing a high growth HVAC business, by applying the right operational strategies, businesses can flourish. Coordinating requests while dispatching techs out to do work is where many administrators and operations managers hit a roadblock in business growth. This is precisely why businesses need to implement software that lets them track jobs, view technician schedules, and flag new jobs to crew members all in one place. This will eliminate the need to play ‘phone tag’ across the organization, which in turn will keep operations running smoothly and reduce manual errors. What’s more, if the software allows techs to automatically trigger an invoice that customers can pay on the spot, businesses can avoid hours of chasing down past-due payments and create a better cash flow. mobile apps: Picking The right software Businesses are encouraged to choose software with a mobile app where customers can enter the payment type Businesses are encouraged to choose software with a mobile app where customers can enter the payment type, such as cash, check, credit, debit and a receipt can be automatically emailed to customers. This will also cut out out-of-date operations, while giving businesses access to what they need (schedules, work orders, customer information and more) at anytime from anywhere. Having a central hub for keeping everything organized also creates the operational flexibility needed to take on work. To ensure businesses don’t have to turn new jobs down due to delayed responses or scheduling issues, a crew member can be kept flexible for this task. In order to do this right, businesses need to calculate how much emergency work they’re losing due to unavailability and adjust accordingly, by creating a schedule with allotted time. Spacing out work won’t impact the number of scheduled installs and replacements retained, while giving businesses added time and revenue to take on emergency repairs. This strategy is only doable if businesses have the requisite software that can provide an accurate and full look into employees’ workloads. pricing services Research Is Important A business in high-growth mode needs to ensure their pricing reflects the services being offered. This can be done with researching of other companies in the area that are charging for the same services offered, so that the business can have a number to compare to when setting prices and also prepare to justify higher price to customers. Setting prices higher can be advantageous for a business, if they can show customers the differentiators. Most people want work done right, and an added premium that ensures top service often won’t turn them away. Additionally, it’s important to make sure all expenses are covered, down to the credit card fees. When pricing services, businesses need to build a file of overhead expenses, then determine the percentage profit want to charge clients. Different jobs require unique services, so prices should reflect that Varied pricing per customer Different jobs require unique services, so prices should reflect that. A business might charge more for commercial clients than homeowners. These minor adjustments will ensure that a business makes the profit that the work deserves. Feedback is also very important for repeat orders. If a business is not getting repeat clients due to pricing, they should keep that in mind when building profit margins. Pricing shouldn’t be static, continuous adjustments has to be made where it makes sense and extra time invested to do the research. Ensuring exceptional customer service It’s important to set up systems and expectations for teams to follow right out of the gate With business growth also comes customer growth, and for residential HVAC companies that physically go into a customer’s home, it’s crucial that their services reflect the highest quality. It’s important to set up systems and expectations for teams to follow right out of the gate. Helping crews do their best work from a technical and customer service perspective by establishing guidelines for what the business wants every homeowner to experience is the key. Open lines of communication Aside from ensuring that the crew keeps a clean workplace, keeping open lines of communication with customers should be a top priority for businesses. This can be as simple as answering the phone and getting a technician to a job site as soon as possible. Often, customers come from positions of stress due to broken equipment, so having quick response time is a key differentiator between good and bad service. A good solution for this is to evolve into automating key communications that allow techs to send ‘on my way’ text messages. How a business interacts with customers is a key signifier into how the company operates, so businesses need to ensure that have the best customer service practices in place. Never take valuable employees for granted While it sounds simple, a high-growth business needs reliable employees to scale, so that their competition does not swoop in and scoop up an employee who doesn’t feel valued. As business ramps up, it’s easy to miss that technicians are not being dispatched to jobs that they enjoy. If employees are constantly doing a job because they’re good at it and they don’t feel fulfilled doing that specific job, at the end of the day, they are not going to be happy. To avoid losing employees, businesses should take the time to ask what jobs they like to do and see if they can accommodate schedules to reflect their preferences. employee retention And loyalty A crucial factor in building a top performing team is employee retention and loyalty A crucial factor in building a top performing team is employee retention and loyalty. Businesses should focus on creating a great atmosphere to work in. This includes keeping a pulse on what’s happening in the team’s personal lives and use that to show appreciation in meaningful ways. One way to do this is by investing in the team’s education. For example, paying tuition fees for techs so they can get new certifications and licensing. These types of gestures show that the business cares about the success of their employees, while also helping them retain the most qualified crew members. Incorporating software solutions and automating tedious tasks Developing a high-growth residential HVAC company doesn’t have to be stressful if businesses know what systems and processes to implement to better manage operations. By adopting strategies that incorporate software solutions, like Jobber, to streamline operations, automate tedious tasks and improve customer communications, the opportunity for growth is more accessible for businesses. Organizations should focus on creating a solid operational system by doing research before pricing services, keeping customer service a top priority and not letting great employees slip away. All these strategies will work together to help maximize business growth.

The American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act of 2019 would provide an orderly national framework to guide replacement of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) over the next several years in the United States, with newer refrigerants that have less negative impact on the environment. HFCs are potent greenhouse gases with very high global warming potential. The future of the HVAC industry is tied to the manufacture of next-generation refrigerants and their adoption. Versions of the AIM Act – Senate bill S.2754 and House bill H.R.5544 – are currently in the Senate Environment and Public Works and the House Energy and Commerce committees. The global market is moving away from the use of HFC refrigerants, given that the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol requires their phaseout; however, the United States has not ratified the Kigali Amendment. Over the next 15 years, the AIM Act would phase down HFC to a low of 15% of current production and consumption levels. In addition, aftermarket supplies from recovery, recycling and reclaiming would ensure adequate availability of the refrigerants for use in legacy systems and in applications for which substitutes are not available. Economic Stimulus For The U.S. HVACR Industry The Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) contends passing the act would “serve as a potent form of economic stimulus for the U.S. HVACR industry,” in addition to providing clarity on the regulatory landscape. The AIM Act would create new manufacturing jobs in the United States, spur HVACR investment in the U.S. economy, and ensure the continued safety and training of licensed HVACR professionals, experts say. Over the next 15 years, the AIM Act would phase down HFC to a low of 15% of current production and consumption levels The Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) support the federal approach to an HFC phasedown as preferable to a state-by-state approach, urging Congress to include preemption language in the AIM Act that would require states to follow a federal HFC phasedown schedule for the residential HVACR market. Addressing Safety Concerns Safety concerns arise with the introduction of A2L mildly flammable refrigerants as part of the next phase down of HFCs. ACCA says a unified approach across the United States will ensure the introduction of A2L refrigerants is done safely. Commercial and industrial HVAC markets have been using flammable refrigerants for years; however, building codes and safety standards in the residential market do not currently allow their use. ACCA also urges inclusion of language in the AIM Act to strengthen EPA certification programs and restrict the sale of HVACR systems and refrigerants to only trained and certified individuals. “If Congress does not provide the EPA the authority to regulate and implement an HFC phasedown, then the EPA may not be able to implement training and certification programs or restrict the sale of dangerous products to unqualified people,” according to testimony the ACCA submitted to the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. Ending "Dumping" The future of the HVAC industry is tied to the manufacture of next-generation refrigerants The AIM Act would also seek to end the practice of “dumping,” in which foreign manufacturers export inferior products to the United States that are priced below the cost of manufacture. The AIM Act would restrict the import of HFCs as part of the production and consumption phasedown. However, the non-profit Competitive Enterprise Institute (CSI) rejects the need for the AIM Act. “The free market provides the best policy answer,” writes Ben Lieberman, CEI Senior Fellow. “Let the new refrigerants and equipment compete with the current ones, rather than favoring one over the other [through legislation].”

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has rolled back a standard set under the Obama administration to require leak repair and maintenance for industrial and commercial refrigeration and air conditioning equipment containing 50 or more pounds of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). The industry embraced HFCs, which are potent greenhouse gases, as a replacement for ozone-depleting refrigerants such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). The requirements that have now been rolled back merely extended the leak prevention requirements already in place for CFCs to the newer replacement chemicals. Since the rollback, leak repair and maintenance requirements now only apply to Class I and Class II ozone-depleting substances. Environmental Groups Environmental groups are among those opposing the standard rollback, including the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). “This rollback will fuel the climate crisis by adding more super-polluting HFCs to the atmosphere each year, in an amount equal to the carbon pollution from a million cars,” says David Doniger, Senior Strategic Director in the Climate & Clean Energy Program at the NRDC. “It will save industry just $24 million a year, a pittance when spread across thousands of industrial facilities.” His rollback will fuel the climate crisis by adding more super-polluting HFCs" The bipartisan American Innovation and Manufacturing Act, which has been introduced in the Senate and the House, may provide an opportunity to reinstate the requirements. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Manufacturers support the new legislation. The final rule change to Section 608 of the Refrigerant Management Regulations was first proposed in 2018. The Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) had sought to retain the leak repair provisions in the best interest of the environment, equipment maintenance and the consumer. Properly charged equipment operates more efficiently than improperly charged equipment. Lesser charged equipment can also accelerate failure rates, lower system performance and decrease energy efficiency. Inspecting equipment Under the new rule, equipment owners no longer have to inspect periodically for leaks or report leaking appliances to the EPA. They do not have to repair appliances to a certain level or verify with testing. They also do not have to retrofit or retire appliances that are not repaired, or maintain records related to any of the above. Leak detection and repair is widely considered an industry best practice, and the industry has invested in management, leak detection and repair programs to support compliance. Therefore, revising the standard may have little impact on HFC emissions, according to some industry sources. In any case, existing refrigerant management best practices should remain in place, say the experts.  The rule change is also likely to cause confusion since some refrigerants are still subject to leak detection requirements and others are not. The rule change is also likely to cause confusion Existing standards Even with the relaxation of the leak repair requirements, existing standards for purchase, handling, recovery and reclamation of HFCs remain in place and are also considered best practices. EPA’s proposed rule from 2018 had considered rolling back those rules, too. Among those supporting the recent EPA rollback of leak repair and maintenance requirements was NEDA/CAP, a multi-sector manufacturing coalition of companies that include the Boeing Company, BP America, Eli Lilly & Company, ExxonMobil Corp., Georgia-Pacific, Intel Corp., Koch Industries, Merck & Co, NewPage Corp., Occidental Petroleum Corp., Procter & Gamble and Weyerhaeuser.

When a visionary industrial designer turns his attention to the HVAC industry, it’s probably wise to take note. Recently, technology entrepreneur and philanthropist, Elon Musk expressed his vision for residential HVAC, based in part on a new heat pump his engineers designed for the Tesla Model Y electric compact sport utility vehicle. Efficient, quiet home HVAC system According to several reports, Musk seeks to build an efficient and quiet HVAC system for the home, piggybacking on the technology used to make heaters for the newest Tesla Model Y. It’s the first of Tesla’s electric cars to use a heat pump, which is more efficient than previous electric heating systems. Tesla’s previous vehicle models used resistance heating, which is a battery hog Tesla’s previous vehicle models used resistance heating, which is a battery hog. The new heat pump component, including a compressor/chiller and liquid cooled condenser, is designed to be more energy-efficient and provides a more reliable vehicle operation range in cold weather conditions. Model Y heat pump “The model Y heat pump is some of the best engineering I’ve seen in a while,” said Musk on Twitter, adding “[The] team did next-level work.” Musk would ‘love to do HVAC that’s quiet and efficient with humidity control and HEPA filter’ for the home. Tesla car-inspired temperature controls Musk stated that he imagines a full-home HVAC system that is inspired by and maybe linked with the temperature controls inside someone’s Tesla vehicle. The proposal is in line with Musk’s mission to accelerate the advent of sustainable energy. He said, “Reducing a home’s energy usage while deploying solar power capacity are complementary goals”. High-efficiency particulate air filters Tesla HEPA filters are about 10 times larger than a normal automotive cabin air filter Tesla already has experience with HVAC systems and high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters used to clean the cabin air in their Model 5 and Model X vehicles. The Tesla HEPA filters are about 10 times larger than a normal automotive cabin air filter and about “100 times more effective,” according to the company. Tesla HEPA filters The filters remove at least 99.97% of the fine particulate matter and gaseous pollutants, as well as bacteria, viruses, pollen and mold spores. Tesla refers to the extreme level of air cleaning as ‘Bioweapon Defense Mode’. Among other benefits, the filtering system protected California drivers from smoke and kept the vehicles’ cabin air clean during the recent wildfires. Musk first mentioned home air conditioning systems about two years ago, alluding to a home HVAC system that is quiet and efficient with humidity control and a HEPA filter. HEPA filter in a home system “The use of a HEPA filter in a home system would be a ‘life changer’ for people with allergies”, says Musk. The growing popularity of home air purifier products supports the conclusion. Communication between a Tesla vehicle and a Tesla home climate system would allow an intelligent air conditioning system to ‘know’ exactly when a resident will get home and only cool the home as appropriate to save energy. Energy-efficient, high performance HVAC systems Musk has also questioned the wisdom of home air conditioner systems that make pure, fresh water Musk has also questioned the wisdom of home air conditioner systems that make pure, fresh water and then dump it on the ground. The HVAC market has had its share of innovation in recent years, as today’s more energy-efficient, quieter and better-performing systems can attest. Smart thermostats, climate control systems There has also been lots of development in the area of smart thermostats and climate control systems, with the results approximating what Musk envisions achieving with communications between his smart vehicles and smart home systems. But is it time to rethink the technologies again? There is certainly opportunity in the market for any systems that provide better, more sustainable performance, no matter where the ideas originate. Given Musk’s success envisioning a future of electric cars and lower-cost space travel (among other ideas), his thoughts on the future of the HVAC market are at least worth considering.

With the rise of veganism showing no signs of slowing down, plant-based meal provider, allplants decided to consolidate its seven sites into a single, central facility. When the contracting company, Forma London was presented with the challenge of sustainably fitting out the new building, it turned to Elta Fans to deliver an efficient ventilation solution. Vegan diets are becoming increasingly popular for a variety of different reasons, including health, climate change, and animal welfare. As plant-based diets become mainstream, there is a growing need for convenient, meat-free meals, and offering greater choice for consumers. Sustainable building solutions allplants set out to meet this demand, making delicious frozen meals and delivering them straight to customers’ doors. Its success derives from the passion of its two founders, JP and Alex, and has necessitated the consolidation of its multiple sites into one central facility. The new premises provided allplants the opportunity to fit out the building with sustainability at its core Moving to new premises provided allplants with the opportunity to fit out the building with sustainability at its core. All the desks, for example, are made from locally sourced, sustainable wood, but it was in the kitchen that the greatest challenge was posed. Forma London, a principal contractor based in the capital, was tasked with delivering the project. Combining construction expertise with eco and ethical credentials, the contractors began working on providing ventilation for the meal provider’s centerpiece, the development kitchen. Enhanced ventilation The kitchen is where the magic happens, allowing allplants to ensure the meals it produces are as tasty as possible. As specialists in microwavable food, the traditional ventilation set-up of a commercial kitchen was far greater than what the site needed. Anthony Afram, Building Services Manager at Forma London, said “Balancing energy efficiency with performance output is a priority in any project, but given the nature of the client, this took on a whole new level of importance.” He adds, “The challenge of equipping the kitchen with the right ventilation was highlighted by the two bifurcated axial fans that we were originally quoted. These would have been perfect for a busy commercial kitchen, but for this application they were overkill. In terms of expense and performance, they would have been much more than required, and ultimately incurred far higher running costs than necessary.” Energy-efficient ventilation systems It isn’t just for the purposes of corporate social responsibility or an altruistic mindset that businesses must pay close attention to the energy credentials of their ventilation systems. Building Regulations and Ecodesign Directives obligate everyone in the supply chain, from manufacturer through to contractor, to select and supply ventilation with maximum levels of efficiency. This means that most commercial and industrial fans need to be provided with functionality that allows control over fan speed and power. Skyflow SSRL EC axial roof fans For allplant’s kitchen, this meant specifying a fan that was appropriate for a busy, but pollutant-low kitchen In the context of allplant’s kitchen, this meant specifying a fan that was appropriate for a busy, but pollutant-low kitchen. Owing to its position as the first ErP compliant low silhouette axial roof fan on the market, the decision was made to turn to Elta Fans’ Skyflow SSRL EC. Equipped with an EC motor with an integral potentiometer commissioning device as standard, the fan is ideal for environments such as a light commercial kitchen. Intuitive controls Anthony continues, “For applications such as this, where ventilation requirements may be variable, the ability to control fan speed through intuitive controls is vital. “It also highlights the importance of not over-specifying, as it can be all too easy to opt for the highest performance available, without consideration of the energy expenditure. “Elta Fans’ Skyflow SSRL is a great example of the energy saving possibilities associated with the latest ventilation technology. Opting for the most efficient products can make a significant contribution to the overall energy credentials of a building, and projects such as this illustrate what is possible.” Energy savings and sustainable HVAC system allplants is understandably concerned with sustainability, and the fitting out of its premises necessarily reflects this. However, it is important to be aware that its growth as a company shows the overall trend towards an environmentally-conscious society. As legislation is introduced to reflect this, those tasked with providing ventilation must ensure they opt for solutions that balance performance with optimum energy efficiency.

The new Adidas LDN flagship outlet in London, which opened late October 2019, has been specifically designed to enhance the retail experience. As the brand’s most technologically-advanced store worldwide, it required a ventilation system that would effectively deliver a fresh air supply across the four-storey, 27,000 sq. ft, site, in the most energy efficient way possible. Adidas is one of the most well-known sports brands in the world, and so it’s to be expected that when it launched its new store on Oxford Street, London, it would be no ordinary shopping experience. Digitally-Savvy innovations The store features over 100 digital touch points that are all powered by green energy The store features some of the most digitally-savvy innovations in retail, such as interactive mirrors in changing rooms that allow shoppers to order different sizes direct from the stockroom, a ‘Bring It To Me’ feature using in-store geolocation tracking to allow customers to shop without queueing, and a MakerLab where clothes can be customized with personalized designs. However, with additional energy usage comes additional heat sources, and therefore the size and volume of air required to keep the building and shoppers cool needed to be carefully calculated. The store features over 100 digital touch points that are all powered by green energy. While incorporating these interactive elements into the design of the store would, undoubtably, help to revolutionize the high street, subcontractor, PCB Technical Services, also recognized that they would increase energy usage and would therefore result in additional heat loads. Enhanced technical support With this in mind, a ventilation system that would be able to meet a consistently high demand at all times was required. What’s more, a quick turnaround was essential to ensure the unit would be installed and delivered within time and budget. After an initial supplier interview and factory review, Ricardo Hudson, Senior Technical Project Manager at PCB Technical Services, was given the confidence to opt for a bespoke Air Design unit from Elta Fans. This was thanks to the company’s enhanced technical support and understanding of the project, as well as its ability to meet the tight delivery date. Elta Fans uses in-house Air Design technical engineers who utilize specialist software to tailor the unit especially for the customer’s exact needs; considering performance, efficiency, noise, and, most importantly, the latest regulations and any site restrictions. Air Design ventilation unit The Air Design ventilation unit supplied by Elta Fans was custom-made, ensuring it was able to effectively ventilate Providing fresh air to a store as big as this one is essential if customers are to feel comfortable while browsing, but it is also crucial that adidas adheres to the most up-to-date energy standards and legislation. The Air Design ventilation unit supplied by Elta Fans was custom-made, ensuring it was able to effectively ventilate according to the unique size and layout (across four floors) of the store. The specialized solution chosen, the fully-configured PURA+ Air Handling Unit (AHU), would be mounted on the roof to maximize space on site. The challenge of transporting the AHU into position was exacerbated by the high-profile nature of the location. PCB Technical Services was reluctant to disturb the busy street, particularly given the strict local regulations that had to be upheld. Improved ease of installation A great deal of planning was required to fit the unit as PCB had to work within a limited timeframe, gain the relevant planning permission, and eliminate as many risks as possible to nearby occupants and shoppers. As a result, the team was required to arrange a specific timeslot for delivery to site. As the Air Design unit was manufactured offsite, it was able to be lifted into place by crane, minimizing road closure time, and ultimately disruption. This also improved ease of installation as it was delivered in two parts and could be easily bolted together once in place. Now installed and operational, the AHU delivers a consistent fresh air supply into the building by removing polluted air and replacing it with clean air, at the most efficient temperature.  Balancing indoor air quality This allows the store manager to balance indoor air quality (IAQ) and energy efficiency Building Management System (BMS) controls enable the store manager to ensure the ventilation system is working as it should in tandem with other products. This is essential as it is not just the store itself that needs to be kept cool, but also the data center, which generates a significant amount of heat from the servers. Controls will essentially determine how a ventilation unit runs, whether that’s scheduling airflow, linking to a BMS, permitting fault signals and alarms, or communicating that filters need changing. Ultimately, this allows the store manager to balance indoor air quality (IAQ) and energy efficiency, and also effectively manage operating costs. Evolving ventilation demand Ricardo said: “The unique challenges of the project were amplified with the introduction of a series of in-store digital screens. This meant that more heat was being generated within the structure, thus increasing the levels of ventilation required.” “It also necessitated wholesale changes to the ductwork system, in order to increase the velocity and retain ambient temperatures. Owing to its reputation in the industry and having already completed several successful projects together, Elta Fans was the standout choice to provide us with an AHU capable of meeting this evolving ventilation demand.” The bespoke PURA+ that we ultimately installed was ideal for meeting the velocity" “The bespoke PURA+ that we ultimately installed was ideal for meeting the velocity and air volume required for the store’s footprint. Plus, it was able to integrate with the BMS, enabling us to manage the significant amount of power throughout the building.” Quickly identify ventilation requirements Melissa Goodman, Technical Sales Manager at Elta Fans, said: “The challenge of providing consistent air flow across the site’s four floors was underpinned by the tight time constraints. It presented the Air Design engineers with an exciting opportunity to produce a bespoke PURA+ that was both straightforward to install, but also robust and powerful enough to perform as required.” Ricardo concluded: “Finding a bespoke solution in a short amount of time is difficult, and this project highlights the importance of choosing a brand that offers consistency, even in its customized products. The adidas project was a perfect example of Elta Fans’ ability to quickly identify ventilation requirements, and the PURA+ unit provided by Air Design highlights its precise approach to tackling air movement problems.”

Two new Burnham model MPC™ high efficiency commercial boilers were recently installed by The Witmer Company of New Holland, PA in the historic ‘High Point’ Mansion located in Hershey, PA. The Model MPC boilers will provide space heating for the 22-room Mansion which was built in 1908 as the home of Milton and Catherine Hershey. Mr. Hershey was the founder of the Hershey Chocolate Company, now known as The Hershey Company. Today, ‘High Point’ Mansion serves as the headquarters location for the Hershey Trust Company which, among other things, oversees the continued philanthropic efforts that were founded by Milton Hershey. Exceptional heat transfer Two, five-section model MPC boilers were selected to provide heat for the building through a combination of 5 air handlers, 52 fan coils and commercial finned tube radiation. The MPC’s are well suited for the job with their unique 3-pass flue design and Return Water Mixing Tube, which translates into exceptional heat transfer as well as the ability to accept return water temperatures as low as 80°F. The MPC’s 4-inch insulation blanket insulates the boilers so well that the jackets stay cool to the touch The MPC’s are manufactured in nearby Lancaster, PA using BC25-HSi cast iron sections, which contain high levels of silicon for exceptional flexibility and heat transfer capabilities. Even at start-up a big difference could be noticed – the boiler room temperature had dropped 30-degrees from the previous boilers. The MPC’s 4-inch insulation blanket insulates the boilers so well that the jackets stay cool to the touch, and the boiler room at the Hershey Mansion is now a much more comfortable place to work. Heat distribution systems Heat transfer and high efficiency is only part of the equation in this new installation, with a variety of heat distribution systems and controls the MPC’s needed to integrate with an advanced control system. The power burners were ordered with the powerful new Burnham SBC™ – or Sage Boiler Control, which made the control portion of this job simple for the Witmer crew. The SBC’s control many of the boiler room functions such as outdoor reset, multiple boiler modulation, lead-lag boiler rotation, combustion air louvers, and pump controls, all without the need for additional control systems. And the SBC’s tie right into the existing building management system so the whole system works together to deliver comfortable, efficient heat throughout the beautiful historic Hershey Mansion.

Carrier Hong Kong Ltd. was awarded a four-year chiller service agreement covering all 52 chillers in 17 buildings of Hong Kong International Airport. The service agreement, which covers Carrier and non-Carrier brand chillers, was awarded based on Carrier’s innovative service capabilities and cost competitiveness. Carrier Hong Kong is responsible for all of the maintenance, staffing, repairs, improvements and refurbishment required to keep all 52 chillers in the facility operational, and offers a connected service model with digital capabilities including remote monitoring and diagnostics. Carrier Hong Kong is a unit of Carrier Global, a renowned global provider of innovative heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC), refrigeration, fire, security and building automation technologies. unparalleled customer service “We are honored to be selected by Airport Authority Hong Kong for their service and support requirements. With world class and differentiated parts, service, and digital capabilities, Carrier Hong Kong was able to create the right solution for the Airport Authority,” said Ajay Agrawal, Vice President, Strategy & Services, Carrier. “We have an industry leading team that is committed to providing unparalleled customer service throughout the product lifecycle.” In 2016, Carrier Hong Kong further demonstrated its capabilities when it was awarded a service agreement again" Carrier Hong Kong first started working with Airport Authority Hong Kong in 1998 when chillers and air handling units were installed in Terminal 1 of Hong Kong International Airport. In 2016, Carrier Hong Kong further demonstrated its capabilities when it was awarded a service agreement again for that the same terminal. optimize uptime and efficiency “We have an excellent understanding of the client and the airport’s requirements,” said Antony Wu, Director, Service & Aftermarket, Carrier Hong Kong. “We’re leveraging this knowledge to offer a specialized operations and maintenance solution that will be digitally enabled to optimize uptime and efficiency.” Carrier’s HVAC-Commercial Services business continues to innovate solutions to improve outcomes for customers through a variety of ways, including its Carrier SMART Service offering, a, proactive strategy for enhanced equipment and system management.

Alfa Laval, a globally renowned company in the field of heat transfer, centrifugal separation and fluid handling, has announced winning an order to supply compact heat exchangers to a refinery and petrochemical plant in China. The order has a value of approximately SEK 95 million. It is booked in the welded heat exchangers unit and the gasketed plate heat exchangers unit of the Energy Division, with delivery scheduled for 2021. Alfa Laval compact heat exchangers The order comprises Alfa Laval compact heat exchangers which will be used to recover and reuse heat in the refinery The order comprises Alfa Laval compact heat exchangers which will be used to recover and reuse heat in the refinery and petrochemical complex, which produces both transportation fuels and petrochemical products. “With China slowly recovering after the pandemic, I am very pleased to announce this order for our energy efficient heat exchangers from one of our refinery and petrochemical customers.” said Susanne Pahlen Aklundh, President of the Energy Division at Alfa Laval. She adds, “Our products and solutions play a vital role in maintaining a functioning society by providing fundamental basics such as energy supply.” Safety protocol In China, the Alfa Laval offices and sites were closed one extra week after the Chinese New Year and were then re-opened with a clear safety protocol to ensure the health and safety of the employees, as well as to maintain the continuity of the business. Jan Debruyn, President of North East Asia & Alfa Laval China commented, “It is very encouraging that we during these challenging times could work together with our customer to secure the order. By using digital communication channels, we were able to move our business forward.” HVAC products in critical infrastructure Alfa Laval’s equipment and solutions often play an integral role in their customers’ processes, and are part of critical infrastructure in areas such as food and pharmaceutical production, sanitation, HVAC, electricity generation, etc.

The Hawaiian Islands have a lot to offer – pristine beaches, natural beauty and friendly citizens. And now, with the help of Ruskin and its partner contractors, it also has a state-of-the-art middle school campus. In order to accommodate the continued growth of Kapolei, the Kapolei School District recently constructed a new middle school campus. Located on Hawaii’s most populated island, Oahu, the new Kapolei Middle School is a perfect example of how new architecture can be used to enhance and serve the community. “Our new school is designed to educate up to 1,600 students with multi-track schedules ensuring the community may continue to grow,” says Annette Nishikawa, Principal at the school. “We are pleased with our new facilities.” Protecting ventilation openings Working with a local architect, Mitsunaga & Associates, Inc., the district developed a design that includes Ruskin’s ELF520DD rain resistant and sight proof louvers. Located in the block wall and metal roofed structures of the administration, classroom and cultural center buildings, these louvers serve a dual purpose – to protect the ventilation openings against environmental elements and enhance the exterior of the campus buildings. Additional Ruskin louvers were used to protect the ground level openings of the unit ventilators for each classroom The design team used the horizontal lines of the louvers to highlight the canopy on the entrance of the cultural center and accent the gables on several buildings. Additional Ruskin louvers were used to protect the ground level openings of the unit ventilators for each classroom. The general contractor, Albert C. Kobayashi, Inc., coordinated construction of the campus. Building roofing and louver systems The building roofing and louver systems were installed by Quality Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning Company Limited. The project challenged Ruskin’s design and manufacturing team with a number of unique shapes and angles. To successfully meet the specifications, the ELF520DD louvers were precision fabricated to ensure it would fit each of the openings. “Ruskin’s attention to detail resulted in a seamless installation,” reports Roy Kawakami Jr. of Quality S/M & A/C Co. Ltd. Coordinating the louver portion of the project, Ruskin’s representative, Norman Wright Mechanical Equipment Corporation, Inc., worked closely with Quality S/M ensuring the quantities, sizes and types of louvers were correct. “The various shapes and changing opening dimensions as this project developed, kept us on our toes,” says Curtis Kenmostu, Norman Wright’s Hawaii Manager. “Ruskin’s timely response and complete and accurate CAD drawings eliminated potential installation problems.” Highly weather-Resistant Located on Hawaii’s Oahu Island, Kapolei Middle School was designed to blend with the natural beauty of the Pacific islands. When the school district expanded their middle school facilities, they chose the Ruskin ELF520DD rain resistant and sight proof louvers. Custom built to Hawaii’s ‘Second City’ district specifications, these specialty louvers are in a class of their own. In addition to being sight proof, they also protect ventilation opening from water penetration In addition to being sight proof, they also protect ventilation opening from water penetration. Coated with a highly weather-resistant KYNAR finish, these louvers enhance the school’s appearance and will give the school years of exceptional, maintenance-free service. To help create an island oasis for the students and faculty, exterior finishes and colors were chosen to complement the architecture of the neighborhood. Providing quality products “Ruskin’s computer matching automated finishing system eliminated the need for field finishing the louvers,” says Curtis. “All of the louvers include a 20-year warranted factory applied Kynar finish.” Protection of any HVAC openings in buildings challenges the architect for functionality and appearance. The Kapolei Middle School project is just one example of Ruskin’s commitment to meeting these challenges by providing quality products and excellent service. Ruskin continues to research new louver solutions like the recently released models to resist wind driven rain and hurricane force winds. With both horizontal and vertical blade louver designs, Ruskin louvers will enhance the exterior appearance of one's building without compromising performance. With more than 40 years of experience designing, testing and manufacturing louvers, Ruskin knows what it takes to deliver “real” solutions for current louver applications.