Residential HVAC

Panasonic Heating & Cooling Solutions has announced its highly efficient Aquarea All-in-One Compact and Bi-Bloc heat pumps, as well as its Heat Recovery Ventilation Unit, have all been certified as a Passive House Component by the respected Passive House Institute (PHI). PHI is an independent research institute that has played a crucial role in the development of the Passive House concept, which is considered a building that is ‘truly energy efficient, comfortable, and affordable at the same time’. It is the only internationally recognized, performance-based energy standard in construction. Passive House (German: Passivhaus) is a voluntary standard for energy efficiency in a building, which reduces the building's ecological footprint. It results in ultra-low energy buildings that require little energy for space heating or cooling. Nearly Zero Energy Buildings  “It’s an honor to have units from our advanced Aquarea range receive such an important certification,” said Jose Alves, UK Country Manager for Panasonic Heating & Cooling Solutions, “We strive to create energy efficient solutions to benefit all, whilst also providing a high level of comfort. This Passive House Component certification is one part in our aim to help create Nearly Zero Energy Buildings (nZEB).” The air-to-water heat pump and ventilation units from Panasonic have been certified thanks to its high-performance capabilities, exceptional comfort, and low energy costs. The innovative Aquarea technology converts heat energy in the air into household warmth, reducing CO2 emissions and environmental impact compared to conventional boilers and electric heaters. Panasonic is one of the very few manufacturers to produce 3 kW heat pump models, which is what most Passive House buildings use as it allows for energy savings and high efficiency. Panasonic has long since been pioneers for creating energy efficient heating and cooling units, and one of its key motivators when developing latest innovations is its Environmental Vision 2050, to ensure a positive contribution to society by reducing the amount of energy used and utilising clean energy.

Aircuity, the front-runner in creating healthy and sustainable buildings, announced it is offering the company’s proprietary, industry-first exhaust fan control application in combination with its Lab Efficiency solution to deliver maximum savings and compliance with the requirements of California’s ‘Title 24’ Building Standards Code for energy efficiency in buildings. Aircuity introduced the exhaust fan control application in 2010, recognizing that this “last mile” in lab airside efficiency was a critical complement to the company’s lab ventilation optimization. After studying exhaust fan operating characteristics and consulting with Wind Tunnel modeling experts, Aircuity designed this savings opportunity specifically for building owners seeking to drive energy savings in laboratories. Efficient and Safe “Exhaust systems account for up to 20 percent of a lab facility’s HVAC cost, yet many labs maintain high exhaust stack velocities that exceed necessary levels,” said Dan Diehl, CEO at Aircuity. “After achieving energy savings through a lab demand control ventilation project, Aircuity’s exhaust fan application is the final step to ensuring a lab facility meets California’s Title 24 requirements and corporate ESG goals while being as efficient and safe as possible.” Performance analytics Stack velocity is lowered when measured volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are below a defined trigger level Aircuity’s exhaust fan application works by first sampling the air at the exhaust fan plenum and then sampling the clean supply air location for differential measurement. Both samples are sent to Aircuity’s sensor suite for analysis, and measurement is compared to the containment threshold. Stack velocity is lowered when measured volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are below a defined trigger level, and fan speeds are increased when the limit is exceeded. Analytics are available on equipment performance and environmental parameters. Providing assistance to labs and buildings “Aircuity is the pioneer and inventor of the exhaust fan application, and we have had many successful implementations that are helping to save clients additional money beyond just optimizing ventilation inside their labs,” said Diehl. “We know that California serves as a bellwether for other states in terms of energy efficiency legislation and regulation, so our clients are looking to us to help them prepare as other states follow suit with similar regulations for laboratory exhaust. As the leading innovator in this space, Aircuity is best positioned to provide that assistance to labs and other critical buildings.”

Carrier is pleased to announce a series of informative webinars focused on its Healthy, Safe, Sustainable Cold Chain Program, designed to help customers meet rapidly evolving supply chain demands and make their cold chain activities more effective. Carrier Global Corporation is the foremost provider of innovative healthy, safe and sustainable building and cold chain solutions. The need for safe and sustainable cold chain technologies to preserve and protect the supply of food, medicine, and vaccines around the world has never been greater. In support of this critical need, Carrier’s refrigeration segment will host a four-part informative webinar series throughout 2021 to highlight the products and services offered that preserve and protect the world’s supply of food and medicine and reduce spoilage. Each webinar will focus on a specific portion of the connected cold chain and feature insights from industry and Carrier experts. Authority comments Supporting customers through the global installed base, broad service capabilities, and experience across the cold chain “The times we live in have increased the importance of cold chain resiliency and accelerated the need for more connected solutions from origination to delivery,” said Carrier Refrigeration President David Appel. “Carrier is leading the way in research and technologies that will help our customers supply the food, medicine, and vaccines that can improve the health and well-being of the global population. We are uniquely positioned to support customers through our global installed base, broad service capabilities, and decades of experience across the cold chain.” Webinar Series The webinar series focuses on a health-first cold chain in four areas: Health Care Cold Chain Webinar: May 27, 2021 With the world’s biggest vaccination campaign in history underway, there is an immense challenge to deliver billions of COVID-19 doses around the planet under precise conditions. Carrier is uniquely positioned and playing a key role. They’re working with customers and members of the pharma cold chain to apply the expertise to move, store and monitor vaccines. Food Cold Chain Webinar: July 1, 2021 Dramatic changes around the world have underscored the importance and challenges of helping to ensure that foods and medicines reach the people who need them. Through industry-leading services, solutions, and expertise across all aspects of the cold chain, Carrier is moving the cold chain forward to help preserve, protect and extend the world’s supply of food and medicine. Sustainable Cold Chain: Q3 2021 Nearly one-third of all food produced goes to waste. If food waste were a country, it would be the third-largest emitter of ozone-depleting greenhouse gas emissions. Eliminating food waste and advancing a smarter, more sustainable cold chain matters to people around the world and the future of our planet. Carrier has been a consistent leader in moving it forward. Connected Cold Chain: Q4 2021 A stronger, more effective cold chain is one where various stages are linked, helping different elements work together better and providing greater visibility and control. Carrier has been making moves toward creating a more connected cold chain by developing innovative technology and collaborating with Amazon Web Services to co-develop the Lynx™ digital platform.

Now more than ever, indoor air quality (IAQ) – and how it influences personal health – is critically important. Indoor environments should be controlled, safe, comfortable, and reliable. CIAT shares its commitment to help preserve the health and well-being of everyone in everyday life with the launch of #CIAT4life, a campaign to increase awareness of CIAT’s advanced IAQ solutions and services to help create healthier indoor environments. CIAT is part of Carrier Global Corporation, the provider of healthy, safe and sustainable building, and cold chain solutions. Air conditioning solutions To meet the challenges of pollution factors and the risk of spreading airborne diseases, CIAT provides a range of air conditioning solutions specially designed to deliver improved IAQ. Recognized for its airside expertise, CIAT provides safety, comfort, peace of mind, and efficiency. CIAT is committed to helping customers transform each of their buildings into a decisive shield against airborne intruders. Through #CIAT4life awareness efforts, CIAT strives to help customers improve their IAQ with a suite of innovative solutions and services. Through its new BluEdge service platform, CIAT delivers a best-in-class service and aftermarket offering, providing peace of mind to customers with superior service throughout the lifecycle of their HVAC equipment. Ensuring optimal filtration CIAT can test air quality and develop and implement upgrades to help ensure optimal filtration CIAT offers expert services such as consultation, implementation, and continuous monitoring to help customers restart, operate, maintain and upgrade their buildings safely and efficiently. Through its indoor air quality assessments, CIAT can test air quality and develop and implement upgrades to help ensure optimal filtration, ventilation, airflow, and controls for their customers. CIAT experts can also develop and implement company-wide IAQ engineering standards. CIAT offers innovative technologies to help address pollution factors and the risk of spreading disease, pathogens, or bacteria. CIAT offers new equipment and retrofits including innovative filtration technologies with various terminal filters and HEPA filters for particulate matter. CIAT also offers devices using UV-C light and needlepoint bipolar ionization, which are intended to target viruses, and UV photocatalytic oxidation to help remove volatile organic compounds and improve IAQ. Creating negative pressure To help create safer spaces, CIAT has developed the CIAT clean line dual-mode air scrubber & negative air machine. As an air scrubber, the unit can improve IAQ by helping to filter the smallest particle sizes that may carry bacteria and pathogens, then discharging cleaner air back into the room. The machine can also create negative pressure to prevent air from spreading to adjacent rooms in the building. “CIAT is proud to offer solutions and services to help improve indoor environments for everyone in everyday life through innovative IAQ technologies,” said Juan Jose Francisco Diez, Marketing Manager, Airside Products, HVAC Europe, CIAT. “Customers can rely on the expertise of our fully dedicated airside Research and Design Center and laboratory in Culoz, France, to offer the best innovations in airside applications.”

On April 29, Kurt’s AC & Heat and YORK® Factory Direct partnered with Building Homes for Heroes during a Welcome Home ceremony in Ocklawaha, FL., for Army Specialist James Lipscomb. During a mission in Iraq, Specialist Lipscomb was injured when his truck hit an IED. He suffers from degenerative joint disease, PTSD, and a traumatic brain injury. For his service to his country, Specialist Lipscomb was awarded a Purple Heart. Wi-Fi® enabled YORK system To support Specialist Lipscomb, Johnson Controls and YORK Factory Direct donated a YORK heating and cooling system with a Wi-Fi® enabled YORK touch-screen thermostat to better assist him with adjusting his home’s temperature without the need to get up. Kurt’s AC & Heat donated the HVAC installation services for the veteran’s new home. "We’re so grateful to be able to give back to our community by supporting a real local hero through Building Homes for Heroes,” said Rye Purdy, Manager, Kurt’s AC & Heat. “Contributing our services to Specialist Lipscomb’s home is an honor.”  Homes for injured veterans The organization strives to build or renovate quality homes and donate them, mortgage-free, to injured veterans Building Homes for Heroes is a national organization that recognizes those who serve in the United States Armed Forces by supporting the needs of severely wounded or disabled soldiers and their families. The organization strives to build or renovate quality homes and donate them, mortgage-free, to injured veterans nationwide. “The customized amenities that Johnson Controls brings to these homes provide not only a foundation for these heroes but a hopeful path to a bright future with the opportunity to reach dreams they may have never thought imaginable when injured,” said Andy Pujol, founder, and CEO of Building Homes for Heroes. “We are honored to partner with Johnson Controls, Kurt’s AC & Heat, and YORK® Factory Direct to gift a home to Specialist Lipscomb and his family.” Veteran-friendly The YORK brand of Johnson Controls has been a proud sponsor of Building Homes for Heroes since 2014. The company has been recognized by US Veterans Magazine as a top veteran-friendly company. Johnson Controls is also committed to hiring veterans and military spouses. Veteran employees are honored to design, engineer, and assemble systems that help improve the lives of fellow veterans.

AAON, INC., announced its results for the first quarter of 2021. Net sales for the first quarter of 2021 decreased 15.8 percent to $115.8 million from $137.5 million in the first quarter of 2020. The year over year decline in net sales was partially attributable to fewer production days due to an extended holiday shutdown in early January and winter storm in February and is a reflection of our markets temporarily moderating at the end of 2020.

Over the past few years, hydrogen has been dubbed the savior of residential heating and a major part of the plan to achieve carbon neutrality, yet new research suggests hydrogen should be reserved for the likes of aircraft and industry. As part of the 2016 Paris Climate Change Accord, the economies agreed to keep global warming under 2°C. A key part of achieving that has been an agreement to become net zero on greenhouses gases by the year 2050. Renewable heating method With heating currently accounting for one-third of UK carbon emissions, it is no surprise that it’s been a key focus as the government looks for new ways to reduce the country's overall carbon emissions.  A ban on natural gas boilers and all new build properties was announced back in 2019 by Chancellor Philip Hammond and since then proposed gas boiler replacements have been the subject of intense research and debate. Hydrogen boilers have been a major contender in the race for a renewable heating method Hydrogen boilers have been a major contender in the race for a renewable heating method, along with heat pumps and solar, yet hydrogen has remained the strongest due to its ability to be used in conjunction with the current gas network. However, new findings have delivered a big blow to the proposed plans for heating millions of UK homes with hydrogen boilers. Existing gas network Currently, there are various projects underway to test the feasibility of rolling out hydrogen via the existing gas network, funded by both energy companies and the government. This includes the so-called ‘hydrogen village’ in Fife, Scotland, set to become the first location in the UK where hydrogen appliances will be trialed in over 300 homes and fed with hydrogen gas directly from the grid. Yet the new research, conducted by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research in Germany had harsh words for such plans, noting that hydrogen fuel remains inefficient and expensive to produce. Hydrogen is one of the most common elements on Earth, yet the major issue is that it’s typically bound to another element and so needs to be separated. The production of hydrogen from water molecules, referred to as ‘green hydrogen’ is both expensive and demands a significant amount of electricity. Achieving carbon neutrality Major industries such as freight and metal production are more likely to rely on hydrogen power The research suggests that it may be more cost-effective and greener to rely on electricity directly to power both home heating and vehicles. The major reason for this is simply due to the fact that currently hydrogen production requires more electricity than is required to power either an electric car or an air source heat pump. Major industries such as freight and metal production are more likely to rely on hydrogen power to achieve carbon neutrality. Yet the stark reality is that a reliable supply of green hydrogen power is unlikely to be available for many years. Relying on it to power residential heating and vehicles is simply not attainable at the current speed of development. High carbon heating The major risk of this is that it simply results in countries being reliant on high carbon heating for even longer. For instance, if consumers are advised that having a gas boiler installed is fine because the fuel supply will eventually transition to hydrogen, yet it ends up being too expensive or difficult to supply these homes could eventually be emitting carbon for many more years ahead. Hydrogen is still seen as the ideal solution due to it being able to be used in conjunction with the current gas network. It’s also seen as the most affordable, for instance Energy Guide, has estimated that it would cost an average of £26,000 to switch each UK home to a low-carbon heating system such as heat pumps. Generating adequate hydrogen Many environmental campaigners are now calling for gas boilers to be removed But this new research is making it clear that ‘green hydrogen’ may not be here for some time and as a result, the plan for hydrogen boilers being the solution is untenable. As a result of these observations, many environmental campaigners are now calling for gas boilers to be removed and replaced with low carbon alternatives, including heat pumps. Generating adequate hydrogen to supply major industries such as freight and metal production will be a significant challenge on its own and expecting there to be enough to supply homes too is a huge feat that many are doubtful of. There are three major types of hydrogen production, including: Grey hydrogen - This is the dirtiest type of hydrogen production made through the natural gas being burned with steam, which also produces large amounts of carbon. Blue hydrogen - The hydrogen is still produced via the burning of natural gas but is greener as the carbon is captured and stored underground. Green hydrogen - This is the most environmentally friendly method of hydrogen production. It uses electricity to cause a reaction known as electrolysis, resulting in water molecules being split into their hydrogen and oxygen counterparts. Yet this process is much more expensive than the other methods and requires significant amounts of electricity to achieve. Decarbonize residential heating It’s clear that the government is taking whatever steps necessary to achieve carbon neutral status by 2050 and that home heating needs to be reformed but there are a number of barriers to get there and in the case of hydrogen the production process is the major area of contention. Many point to heat pumps as a suitable alternative, but is it really viable to expect most homes to pay for a brand new heating system with significant upfront costs? While strides have been made in the development of hydrogen-ready appliances and boilers, hydrogen production has not and it’s a considerable problem if it’s going to be relied upon to decarbonize residential heating.

In what can only be described as a very turbulent year, many businesses have had to shut their doors and have all but forgotten about the general upkeep of their sites. With priorities shifted to keeping companies afloat and staff employed, maintenance and servicing has taken a backseat, and many systems will be deteriorating unnoticed. It goes without saying that one of the first tasks that employers will have to tackle when returning to work is a deep clean. As we are still in the throes of a pandemic, a clean and disinfected workplace is the number one priority that needs to be ensured, before any staff can be welcomed back to work. This should be closely followed by maintenance of the site’s equipment. Importance of regular HVAC maintenance Regular HVAC maintenance is extremely important as it keeps systems performing efficiently and effectively Regular HVAC maintenance is extremely important as it keeps systems performing efficiently and effectively. The nature of HVAC maintenance does change depending on the time of year, and with some sites being shut for months and through different seasons, managers will need to review their current equipment to ensure it is compliant and working correctly as soon as possible as signs of normality start returning and facilities begin to reopen. While warehouses and factories may have still been operating in some capacity over the last 12 months, many office buildings have seen little to no employees for more than a year in some cases, therefore, risking deterioration and even damage to their systems going unnoticed and untreated. But with so many pieces of equipment at each site, it is often hard to know where to start and what to prioritize. Following HVAC manufacturer’s recommendations In order for businesses to keep functioning as best as they can and to avoid any more disruption, those in charge of maintenance and servicing need to be educated on how the conditions of a system affects the type of work it needs. Manufacturer’s recommendations should also be taken into account. To help define what these are and how to approach them, mechanical and electrical engineers recommend: The coils and pipes in HVAC equipment that are responsible for heat transfer are checked regularly, because if the equipment gets dirty, it won’t transfer heat and energy as well. Checking controls annually to ensure that the HVAC system is running properly, as control calibration can alter. By scheduling regular check-ups, accurate operation is maintained. Maintaining equipment with fans quarterly to maximize longevity. Three key areas include monitoring the impellers, belts and bearings for any dirt, wear and tear, friction or erosion. Keeping an eye on filters, as when they are clogged, it increases the pressure drop in a system, which makes fans work harder to maintain the same airflow. A quarterly clean is usually sufficient for most filters. This is also true of strainers in systems. Optimizing HVAC and electrical equipment With spring now upon us, businesses need to optimize their HVAC and electrical equipment for maximum efficiency With spring now upon us, businesses need to optimize their HVAC and electrical equipment for maximum efficiency. This includes reviewing the sequence of operations for a morning warm up and cool down. However, it’s important to remember that because of prolonged closures over the last 12 months, autumn and winter checks, and in some cases, even summer checks were not able to be carried out in 2020, so before the spring work begins, backdating the maintenance is a good place to start. Ensuring buildings’ energy efficiency With the help of experts, HVAC maintenance doesn’t have to be time-consuming and overwhelming, but it’s a critical part of maintaining an energy-efficient building that is both comfortable and reliable. With regular servicing and some basic knowledge of what is required, sites can maintain optimum efficiency all year round. Noise complaints can also be an issue, if HVAC maintenance isn’t carried out regularly. Spring is a good time for businesses to perform services on their equipment, prior to the summer months starting and should be used to ensure that condenser coils and air handler filters are both clean. The dirtier the equipment, the noisier and less efficient it becomes, which is bad news for any business. Preparing buildings for staff returning to work When a building is returning to normal occupancy after a lengthy closure, additional checks must be considered before reopening is discussed. When a building is initially mothballed, it must be prepared for long term vacancy, but many businesses will not have had this opportunity before the national lockdown, which basically entails that these checks will not have been carried out. After a building becomes unoccupied, it is not the case that maintenance activity should also stop After a building becomes unoccupied, it is not the case that maintenance activity should also stop. At the very least, the frequency of existing planned maintenance will change, but in some cases, more maintenance tasks are required in order to keep the site ticking over. This includes flushing of water systems, Legionella testing and insurance inspections to keep the property functional and compliant. Countering health and safety issues  As the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions are lifted across the United Kingdom and many businesses are gradually reopening, it will present health and safety problems that have not been faced before and will very likely see a surge in services and maintenance being required. With this in mind, it is vital that maintenance becomes a priority as normal service is resumed to not only ensure efficiency, but also to make sure that no employee or visitor to a site is put in danger. Emerging from a surreal 12 months, there is no doubt that companies will still face challenges, so it is crucial that avoidable maintenance problems do not become one of them, so don’t delay in booking routine checks.  

As part of the UK Government’s stated commitment to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, gas boilers, along with other fossil-fuel burning boilers, are to be banned in newbuild homes from 2025 under the Future Homes Standard. Although the ban has received a widespread welcome in principle, there has been criticism. Environmental groups have criticized the ban for not going far enough in tacking the escalating climate crisis, and the construction and home-building industries have criticized it for the challenges it brings in achieving a viable home-heating alternative in such a short space of time. Placing significant demand Despite the criticism, the ban doesn’t go far enough; applying to newbuild homes only, with, as yet, no plans to phase out gas heating in existing homes. New heating technology has to be ready to roll out before 2025, whether it’s to 160,000 homes per year (the annual approximate figure of new homes built) or the UK’s entire housing stock of 29 million. Despite the criticism, the ban doesn’t go far enough; applying to newbuild homes only The Home Builders Federation, in reaction to the Future Homes Standard, has said, “It’s going to be a challenge and a huge area of work.” And it is widely acknowledged there is significant demand placed on the building and HVAC industries to produce a long-term, viable solution. Challenges include the creation of new, cost-effective designs of energy infrastructures, and implementation in time for the short deadline of less than four years away. Gas boiler heating systems From energy design engineers to developers, suppliers, and energy companies, everyone in the supply chain is affected in delivering a solution that UK homeowners can afford and that developers can supply. The communications challenge also cannot be underestimated, to bring along the public to the reality that homes cannot, ultimately, continue to be heated by the gas boilers they are so familiar with.   The most likely low-carbon alternative to gas boiler heating systems is generally acknowledged to be heat pumps and heat networks, powered by renewables. It has been estimated by the Committee on Climate Change that by 2030 there will be 2.5 million heat pumps in new homes. Heat pumps offer comparable heating power to gas boilers and are powered by low-carbon electricity. Heat pumps have great potential for saving carbon; approximately 25-85 tCO2 per home over an average lifetime, reducing carbon emissions by 90%. Existing gas system But hydrogen is expensive to produce and although the existing gas system could be readily used for supply But for heat pumps to provide the level of warmth, particular in winter, and summer, weather in the UK, their effectiveness relies on excellent insulation, including triple glazing and adaptations to walls, floors, and ceilings. And while there has been a drive to get our draughty homes better insulated in the UK in recent years, with various grants and funding, this will be particularly crucial for newbuilds going forward. Hydrogen boilers could be an alternative to gas boilers. Hydrogen produces no emissions when burnt, only water and heat. But hydrogen is expensive to produce and although the existing gas system could be readily used for supply, and by consumers already familiar with a boiler system, it is not yet seen as a full solution to the replacement of gas. Technically qualified workers Trials are due to be carried out in the north-east with hydrogen-ready boilers. But the impending deadline and challenge for production and systems to be ready and tested, for mass implementation is unrealistic. Even before the Future Homes Standard was announced, there was an acknowledged shortage of skills. Engineering UK, in a recent survey, found that an additional 1.8 million engineers and technically qualified workers would be needed by 2025 in order to meet demand. But the impending deadline and challenge for production and systems to be ready and tested Nearly a third of HVAC firms have declared a skills shortage, with many feeling there is a crisis in the sector of sufficient qualified workers who can satisfy the new regulations. Now the demand is set to rise with the ban, as well as Brexit. A large proportion of qualified HVAC workers are sourced from the EU, further compounding the crisis of the skills shortage already faced.    Zero-Carbon technologies From imagining life without a gas boiler to a young person seeing their future career in engineering and renewable energy, effective communications and campaigns could go a long way. Targeted lifestyle campaigns, with positive, compelling case studies of homes of the future being powered by green, zero-carbon technologies could help to drive the momentum for innovation from a domestic base. Talent strategies could also combat the reality of an ageing and diminishing workforce in HVAC and other sectors. It’s vital now, more than ever, that young people see a career in renewable and eco-living technology as, not only rewarding but futuristic, global, and sophisticated. Any alternative to gas heating has to be affordable for UK households, and therefore for housing developers to adopt. Fuel poverty is a real risk. Energy-Saving measures The right help needs to be in place to support the development and take-up of the alternative According to the Committee on Climate Change, it costs £4,800 to install low-carbon heating in a new home, but £26,300 in an existing house while there are various funding initiatives for households adopting energy-saving measures, the right help needs to be in place to support the development and take-up of the alternative. Not just for newbuild homeowners, but beyond 2025 when existing households are called upon to switch. The Home Builders Federation have said of the Future Homes Standard, “Ambitious deadlines pose enormous challenges for all parties involved including developers, suppliers, energy companies in terms of skills, design, energy infrastructure and the supply chain.” Low-Carbon heating technology But there is also a stated dedication to achieving what can be realistically achieved, proving that there is a genuine commitment to ensuring our brighter, cleaner future and planet with low-carbon heating technology. The ultimate challenge now will be in Government, agencies, and industry working together, in a dedicated way, to be realistic about, and tackle the challenges across the board so the right solution for our home-heating future can be achieved, in time, and ready for a rollout for the new homes we build from 2025.

Incorporating cool and dry outdoor air into commercial HVAC systems can save money and energy, while causing less wear-and-tear on cooling systems. An economizer is a device that works alongside rooftop HVAC systems to augment the system with outdoor air, in order to provide what has become known as ‘free cooling’. Economizers Economizers introduce low-temperature or low-enthalpy outdoor air into a building to reduce or eliminate mechanical cooling, depending on outdoor air conditions. [Enthalpy is a thermodynamic quantity equivalent to the total heat content of a system.] An economizer evaluates the temperature (and sometimes humidity) levels of outdoor air. A combination of logic controllers and sensors both assess the right level of outside air to bring in and operate internal dampers to control how much air is pulled in, re-circulated, and exhausted from a building. Rather than relying solely on a building’s cooling system, the system leverages cool outside air to accomplish the same task. Free Cooling When outside air is cooler than re-circulated air, using more outside air is more energy efficient When outside air is cooler than re-circulated air, using more outside air is more energy efficient. When outside air is sufficiently cool and dry, no additional air conditioning is needed, hence the term ‘free cooling’. By minimizing the operation of an A/C unit, economizers can prolong the life of a system, reduce costs, and minimize maintenance with fewer breakdowns. Enhanced ventilation Extra ventilation is another benefit of economizers, which is important in the era of COVID-19. An economizer can improve overall air quality by bringing in the fresh air and exhausting the building’s stale air. Even in older buildings that were not designed with ventilation in mind, economizers can improve air quality. Fresh air can keep employees healthier and minimize an employer’s cost of sick days because of air pollutants. There are three types of economizers: Dry bulb, which evaluates the difference between the temperatures of indoor and outdoor air, but does not consider humidity. Web bulb or Single Enthalpy, which evaluate both air temperature and humidity. They are the most popular option. Differential Enthalpy, which uses multiple sensors to measure temperature and humidity of return air, as well as the outside air, a popular option for more complex scenarios. Minimizing total building energy consumption Energy costs are a big advantage of economizers, helping to minimize total building energy consumption, 45% of which is accounted for by the HVAC system. The use of an economizer provides up to 45% greater efficiency in cooling loads than existing HVAC operations, according to researchers. Climate conditions are a significant factor affecting the energy-saving impact of air economizers. Researchers evaluated the energy-saving potential of economizer systems in six climate zones, concluding that energy savings in hot-humid summer climate zones were 10% higher compared to cool-dry summer zones. Good controls, valves, and dampers are needed to ensure optimal operation of economizers, and maintenance is also critical.

The connectivity of the Internet of Things (IoT) provides new tools to monitor the well-being of an HVAC system, to provide instant alerts to any operational problems and even to predict when problems are likely to occur. Being alert to early warning signs of a problem enables deployment of less-expensive fixes before the problem escalates. predictive analytics Remote monitoring and predictive analytics of HVAC systems have been even more valuable during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, when many buildings have been empty. Potential problems come to light faster and can be repaired less expensively, even if no one is on site to complain about an obvious failure. When buildings are occupied, the customer experience is even better and operational and maintenance costs are lower. These capabilities can be integrated with other Building Management Systems (BMS) to provide a broad-based view of various operating systems throughout a facility. In addition to early warning of system failure, system monitoring can also provide new and smarter tools for keeping track of indoor air quality (IAQ) and to minimize energy consumption. Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Cloud Predictive and preventive maintenance are key to ensuring that issues are addressed before they can do damage Sensors and other devices deployed in today’s systems provide hundreds of new data points that are interpreted by Artificial Intelligence (AI) operating in the Cloud. The combination provides detailed and useful insights into how a system operates over time, thus maximizing operation and minimizing energy usage in ways that are more in tune with environmental needs than ever before. Predictive and preventive maintenance are key to ensuring that issues are addressed before they can do serious damage, according to Johnson Controls (JCI). Smart data analysis enables more informed and smarter decisions, thus resulting in reduced maintenance costs, improved efficiency, and overall peace of mind, as per the company. Connected Services Johnson Controls (JCI) offers Connected Services to provide customers with constant equipment monitoring and data analysis, and uses the data proactively to identify faults before they occur and even predict future optimization opportunities and efficiencies. Integration of both equipment and software into a single system makes it more than a sum of its parts. Johnson Controls lists some key benefits of implementing an integrated system: Identify energy savings opportunities. Regular reports on the operational performance provide insights on areas of improvement. Extend asset life. Identifying and managing required maintenance helps to extend equipment lifespan. Minimize repair costs. Faults mitigated at an early stage avoid major failures. Reduced emissions. Operational performance reporting enables chillers to operate in the most efficient range. Monitoring system performance Emerson’s Sensi Predict line goes to the root of HVAC systems to monitor performance, identify issues and alert contractors and home owners to the efficiency, energy usage and overall performance of HVAC units. An internal Emerson study reviewed the most common HVAC failures and determined that installing the technology could detect up to 80% of failures in these areas, before a home owner suffers system outage. Real-time and connected systems use a variety of sensors that constantly monitor the functioning of an HVAC system. Connectivity puts more information than ever at the fingertips of HVAC professionals, making them more responsive than ever to customer needs.

The demographics of the HVAC workforce are changing and more women are being welcomed into the HVAC industry in a wider variety of roles. In part, the changes are because of necessity as Baby Boomers retire from the workforce and leave a labor and skills gap to be filled. HVAC commercial service business, HB McClure Company, based out of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, is embracing change and encouraging more women to consider a career in the HVAC workspace. The company’s female employees are happy to speak up about the advantages of working in the HVAC industry. Promoting women in HVAC industry Kara Boeckel began working at HB McClure Company as an HVAC technician and is now a Preventive Maintenance Coordinator. Back in trade school, she was the only woman in her class. She faced negative preconceptions about her capabilities compared to male counterparts and there were no female role models. Women were 50% of the U.S. labor force in 2019, but only 2% of employees in the HVAC field were women Despite the challenges, Boeckel found her vocational pathway. Now, her peers at HB McClure Company give her support and help her get past any fear of being a minority in a male-dominated field. “Now I don’t see being a female as a weakness,” said Kara Boeckel, adding “I see it as a strength.” Women were 50% of the U.S. labor force in 2019, but only 2% of employees in the HVAC field were women. And that number had increased from an even lower figure eight years before – 0.6%. Need for more HVAC technicians According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, HVAC employment will likely increase 15% through 2026. The growth, combined with the current labor shortage, means technicians are needed to fill the estimated 115,000 new positions that the industry expects to have available by 2022. If trends continue, many of them are likely to be women. However, more awareness is needed to attract employees of any gender to the HVAC market. “Students are not as exposed to the prospects in this industry,” said Shelly Matter, HB McClure’s Director of Business Development, adding “There is a shortage of skilled tradespeople, male and female.” Monetary benefits in HVAC After completing the required field training and certifications, many possibilities open up for women to grow their career, with job positions ranging from Foreman to Project Manager, Engineering to Sales. Shelly Matter has been in the commercial/industrial HVAC industry for more than 20 years. Now, she makes presentations at expos, conferences and local school career fairs. The number one question among prospective HVAC employees that she meets is, ‘How much does it pay?’ Shelly Matter is happy to assure students that it’s possible to make a generous living in HVAC, after one establishes capability and reliability. Challenges and opportunities in HVAC The best part is meeting wonderful customers and helping them solve their commercial HVAC problems" Kelly Overlander, New Business Development Representative at HB McClure, was formerly the owner of a successful hair salon for more than 15 years. After she sold her salon and entered the mechanical trades industry, Overlander is proud of her ability to bring value to customers. “My job delivers a variety of challenges and many opportunities for professional growth,” said Kelly Overlander, adding “The best part is meeting wonderful customers and helping them solve their commercial HVAC problems.” Importance of role models Having good role models is a critical aspect of women seeking to enter the HVAC business. Angela Klingler, HB McClure New Business Developer, sees a need for more female trade school instructors and appreciates the value of women surrounding themselves with people who have expertise and then learning from their strengths. She advocates mentoring, sharing industry opportunities and partnering with organizations, such as the Partnership for Career Development, to help bridge the gap between industry and education. It all comes down to identifying what one is passionate about, and then combining that passion with a career that aligns with those passions. “When you go to a nursing home and the heater isn’t working, you not only fix it, but you have taken care of bringing warmth to someone’s grandmother, and she’s thanking you,” said Kelly Overlander, adding “Working in HVAC is very rewarding.”

Global technology company ABB has been contracted by manufacturer of forest products, Arauco, to modernize its Licancel Cellulose Plant in Chile to deliver faster response times, greater cyber security, upgraded operator interfaces, enhanced process reliability and flexibility for remote working. Arauco will continue to utilize ABB Ability™ System 800xA distributed control system (DCS) and extend its use as the foundation for all operations at the plant. This will be done in two key stages: updating the existing System 800xA to version 6.1 and migrating from older DCS Infi 90 systems to new process communication and termination units to modernize the communications, network and controllers. Moving to an ABB Ethernet network will allow more flexibility with the control system, enabling remote working and reliability improvements. distributed control system This will support Arauco’s process improvement plans for Licancel, its 154,000 ton capacity plant for unbleached kraft pulp (UKP) cellulose located in the Licantén district of Maule region. Arauco is driving sustainable forest management and use of renewable sources across the country through local research and development into technologies to meet these aims. Following detailed engineering studies, teams from ABB will collaborate with Arauco staff on site to complete the upgrade and system commissioning, resulting in a fully-migrated system and a platform fit for future adaptations and trends. “This modernization marks a departure from technologies that have been in place since the 1990s,” said Jorge Mesa, Licancel Plant Manager, Arauco. “Having the new, improved distributed control system and applications in place will better equip us to facilitate tackling our additional technological development projects, and achieving our best ever process performance at Licancel.” ABB Ability™ System 800xA Compared to the previous infrastructure, there will be fewer control system uncertainties to overcome" “The latest version 6.1 of the ABB Ability™ System 800xA offers the advantage of improved security, performance and interaction,” said Julio Arellano, Service Group Leader of ABB’s Minerals and Pulp & Paper Plant in Chile. “Operators will be able to quickly identify and respond to faults using new tools and protocols on the modern graphical interface units. Compared to the previous infrastructure, there will be fewer control system uncertainties to overcome, allowing Arauco’s people to focus on what they do best.” “This project builds on our existing and longstanding relationship with Arauco across its wood pulp and processing portfolio. The renewed activity with Licancel is testament to the quality and service of the original system, which served the plant for more than two decades. Arauco not only entrusted to us the technology involved, but also the integration process.” ABB is working in more than 50 countries to provide its comprehensive portfolio of integrated digital solutions, automation and electrification systems, industry-focused products and services to help customers optimize all phases of the papermaking process. The company works across packaging, paper, tissue and pulp disciplines to help drive availability, performance, cost and quality improvements.

Fish and chip shop supplier Henry Colbeck has taken delivery of three new 26-tonne MAN rigid trucks, each mounted with a Carrier Transicold Supra® 750 unit. Carrier Transicold is a part of Carrier, a pioneering global provider of healthy, safe and sustainable building and cold chain solutions. The new MAN TGS trucks, which join Henry Colbeck’s Coatbridge operation, replace older vehicles and feature bespoke bodies from Gray & Adams with separate access points to individual storage sections. The consistent performance and reliability of Carrier Transicold’s Supra 750 unit, in conjunction with excellent aftersales support, was key to securing the order and moving Henry Colbeck closer to being an all-Carrier fleet. Supra 750 “When I joined the company, my main focus was to review and improve efficiencies across the business,” said Hugh O’Brien, Operations Director, Henry Colbeck. “We were running fridges from a range of manufacturers, which made keeping them all operational complicated and expensive. We took our first Carrier unit in 2013 and haven’t looked back – their impressive reliability has allowed us to consolidate our fleet in Scotland; 12 of the 13 rigids operating out of Coatbridge are now Carrier-cooled, and we’ll be making it 13 as soon as we can.” The powerful Supra 750 units provide constant airflow to the compartments in the body, independent of engine speed, offering both rapid pull-down and accurate set point control. This allows Henry Colbeck to transport a wide range of chilled or frozen products to fish and chip shops, as well as restaurants, across Scotland. The new vehicles also feature Carrier Transicold’s DataCOLD™ 600 temperature recorder, which provides easy access to a wealth of information on the performance of the units. refrigerated commercial vehicle The new vehicles join Henry Colbeck’s total refrigerated commercial vehicle fleet of 33 similar MAN rigids “What makes the Supra stand out from the crowd is the level of control it gives us, particularly when it comes to maintaining the integrity of the cold chain. This is something our customers have to prove when they face any health and safety inspections, so having the ability to print the relevant data directly from the unit thanks to the DataCOLD system is superb,” added O’Brien. The new vehicles join Henry Colbeck’s total refrigerated commercial vehicle fleet of 33 similar 26-tonne MAN rigids, split between the company’s Coatbridge site and its main base in Gateshead. comprehensive everCOLD™ The new rigids will be in operation for five years, working five days per week and are expected to clock up around 70,000 miles per year. The Supra units are each backed by Carrier Transicold’s comprehensive everCOLD™ fixed cost full-service maintenance package, which includes annual temperature control testing and certification, full regulatory checks, and access to the company’s oneCALL™ 24/7 incident management service. Now a fourth-generation family business, Henry Colbeck was founded in 1893 and is the oldest fish and chip shop supplier in the UK. The company’s Coatbridge site opened in 1998, allowing Henry Colbeck to supply more than 2,000 customers across the north of England and Scotland.  

Manteca Unified School District plans to use OptiClean air scrubbers in every classroom to provide improved indoor air quality across its facilities To prepare for its facilities fully reopening to students and staff, northern California’s Manteca Unified School District has installed 1,500 Carrier OptiClean™ Dual-Mode Air Scrubber & Negative Air Machines to purify the air in classrooms across its 30 schools. OptiClean The OptiClean units will help to improve indoor air quality (IAQ) for the district, as its more than 27,000 students, teachers and staff return to campuses. Carrier is a part of Carrier Global Corporation, the pioneering global provider of healthy, safe and sustainable building and cold chain solutions. “We’ve spent the last several months analyzing every facet of our organization in order to develop a comprehensive strategy designed to create a healthier environment for our students and staff,” said Dr. Clark Burke, Superintendent, Manteca Unified School District. “The air quality in our area is often affected by the extensive local agricultural industry and lately, regional wildfires have also contributed to poor air quality. After reviewing a number of indoor air quality solutions available, we are confident that the OptiClean product is the right fit for our needs. By placing an OptiClean unit in each classroom, we feel that we’ll not only help improve our IAQ, but also provide peace of mind to our students, their parents and staff.” indoor air quality Manteca Unified School District is one of several to choose OptiClean equipment as part of its IAQ solution “Schools and school districts continue to evaluate the IAQ of their facilities and what can be done to help improve those environments for their students and staff,” said Justin Keppy, President, NA Residential & Light Commercial, Carrier. “We’re pleased to be working with Manteca Unified School District by providing one part of the solution for healthier and safer indoor environments. Our OptiClean units can help reduce contaminants in classroom air and inspire confidence for parents, students, teachers and staff as school districts safely return to in-person learning.” Manteca Unified School District is one of several in California to choose OptiClean equipment as part of its IAQ solution. Among others are southern California’s San Bernardino City Unified School District and Alvord Unified School District. The two recently purchased 3,700 and 1,500 units respectively, in anticipation of the return of their collective 80,000 students, teachers and staff. OptiClean Air Scrubber The OptiClean Dual-Mode Air Scrubber & Negative Air Machine has been named one of TIME’s 100 Best Inventions of 2020. It was developed through rapid innovation in early 2020 to help support infectious isolation rooms in hospitals as a negative air machine. TIME featured the OptiClean Air Scrubber & Negative Air Machine in the Medical Care category of its prestigious annual list that recognizes 100 ground-breaking inventions that are making the world better and smarter. OptiClean is one of a number of solutions offered through Carrier's Healthy Buildings Program, which was recently expanded to help K-12 students, teachers and staff safety return to in-school instruction. The new BluEdge K-12 program provides an outcome-based approach to help schools easily select the best IAQ kits for their needs, with attractive pricing and easier implementation.

Carrier Commercial Service secured a three-year service agreement with Jefferson Regional Medical Center (JRMC) in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Under the BluEdge™ Elite service agreement, Carrier will maintain more than 100 heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) assets totaling 2,500 tons of cooling, as well as the hospital’s Carrier i-Vu® Building Automation System. Carrier is a part of Carrier Global Corporation, the pioneering global provider of healthy, safe and sustainable building and cold chain solutions.   The service agreement is for a three-year period and is the most comprehensive package Carrier Commercial Service offers to help ensure building comfort, efficiency and support, which will help meet the medical center’s operational goals. BluEdge The BluEdge service platform is Carrier’s new service and aftermarket offering that provides customers superior service throughout the lifecycle of their HVAC equipment. Through a deep understanding of customer needs and ongoing investments in cutting edge digital tools, BluEdge can help customers achieve enhanced equipment efficiency and performance – key components of Carrier’s Healthy Buildings Program. They understand how imperative it is for our equipment to remain online and effective" “Working with Carrier Commercial Service has been a true collaboration with the team taking into account what is best for our facility,” said Danny Holcomb, Facilities Manager, JRMC. “They understand how imperative it is for our equipment to remain online and effective. Choosing the Elite level of service was the ultimate peace of mind for the critical work we do.” Jefferson Regional Medical Center serves as the major referral center for an 11-county area of South Arkansas, with a patient base of approximately 220,000. remote monitoring “We’re proud to offer our highest level of service to JRMC,” said Gary H. Bobb, Vice President, Global Aftermarket, Commercial HVAC, Carrier. “Predictive analytics, continuous emergency support, remote monitoring and Carrier® SMART Service are the pillars of our successful service solution. Our team of highly-trained technicians are integrated into the facility and committed to keeping the building healthy and efficient.”    Carrier’s Commercial Service organization offers building solution assessments, modernization projects and factory-certified service for all brands of equipment.

Robotic kiosks that provide automated and contactless dispensing of groceries for consumers are being sustainably refrigerated by Carrier Transicold NaturaLINE® units, the container refrigeration systems to use the natural refrigerant carbon dioxide (R-744). Carrier Transicold is a part of Carrier Global Corporation, the pioneering global provider of healthy, safe and sustainable building and cold chain solutions. Typically used on marine shipping containers to protect perishables and frozen food shipped between continents, NaturaLINE units are also proven performers on land. The units store perishables and now transfer groceries directly from retailer to consumer through an advanced kiosk made by Estonian robotics innovator Cleveron. Cleveron 501 kiosk For more than a decade, Cleveron has developed “click and collect” automated solutions for a variety of applications, and the grocery kiosk is among its newest. At a time when consumers’ health and safety is the highest priority, the Cleveron 501 kiosk offers a convenient and touchless 24/7 alternative to in-store shopping or pickup, as well as home delivery. Carrier was selected as our preferred partner because of its long history in the field of refrigeration" The 20-foot and 40-foot long refrigerated shipping containers equipped with NaturaLINE units were a natural choice for the Cleveron 501 application, according to Mihkel Ilp, Chief Operating Officer, Cleveron. “We realized that combining refrigerated shipping containers and our robotics would enable us to create a product that is easy to transport and quick to install, and that also delivers solid cooling and withstands the forces of nature,” Ilp said. “Carrier was selected as our preferred partner because of its long history in the field of refrigeration and shipping containers, and because Carrier offers the NaturaLINE system with R-744 refrigerant.” ultra-low Global Warming Potential NaturaLINE unit’s natural refrigerant has an ultra-low Global Warming Potential (GWP) value of 1, the lowest among all other container system refrigerants currently in use, which have GWPs ranging from hundreds to thousands of times greater. Ilp added NaturaLINE’s sustainability appeals to its customers, many of which are large multi-national grocery retailers with significant green initiatives, working toward carbon neutrality. When the customer arrives, a code is scanned from their phone, and the kiosk quickly dispenses their order NaturaLINE units are recognized for tight temperature control, a factor that is important given the variety of locations where Cleveron 501 kiosks are located. They can be installed in parking lots near grocery/retail operations, near office buildings, in busy city centers and other locations where retail space is scarce or expensive. temperature-controlled compartment The system is easy to use. Customers place orders online and are given a time for pickup. The retailer then picks, bags and places frozen and perishable items in totes that the Cleveron 501 kiosk automatically stores in the appropriate temperature-controlled compartment. When the customer arrives, a code is scanned from their phone, and the kiosk quickly dispenses their order. To date, Cleveron 501 kiosks using Carrier Transicold’s NaturaLINE units have been deployed throughout Europe in grocery/retail environments, sharing a footprint with sustainable in-store R-744-based systems by Carrier Commercial Refrigeration Europe. Cleveron 501 systems have also been deployed in the Middle East, Australia, New Zealand and the United States. Supporting Cleveron’s touchless grocery kiosk application, the NaturaLINE unit is part of Carrier’s Healthy, Safe, Sustainable Cold Chain Program to preserve and protect the supply of food, medicine and vaccines. 

Hawkes Place is a property like no other. Situated in Sevenoaks, Kent, one homeowner has created a truly unique building where every room is connected through home automation devices. Designed and built by Tony Gotts as a personal project, the three-bedroom, one-storey property was the first smart home he had built. The unique design sees each room completely curved, with no square corners in sight. With the entire house automated, including audio, lighting, heating, blinds, and front door access, the property has been built to a high standard to create a truly remarkable home. Controlled entrance system To support the installation, Mr. Gotts called upon the experience of the electrical contractor, Luke Kavanagh of Lake Home, who suggested one single supplier cover all of the home’s automation needs. To transform his property into a smart home, the owner wanted to connect the heating, lighting, blinds, and audio, while also incorporating a controlled entrance system. In addition, each room of the house required its own touch screen control system. Hawkes Place was the first property with which the owner had utilized home automation systems to this extent, and therefore an easy-to-use all-encompassing system was required. Door entry system Every room in the property had at least one element of smart technology installed Electrical contractor, Luke Kavanagh, recommended Legrand’s User Interface range, including its MyHOME Up system, coupled with its Bticino door entry and Nuvo audio systems. “As soon as I understood the brief, I immediately recommended the Legrand suite of smart home products,” Luke comments. “I contacted Chris Janes at Legrand, who drove out to Kent to discuss the different options with the homeowner in person. This was really useful as it enabled the owner to see exactly what was possible for the size of the property.” Every room in the property had at least one element of smart technology installed. Throughout the house, the heating, lights – both inside and outdoor – and blinds are all controlled by the MyHOME Up system, providing the end-user with full control at all times. The accessibility of the house was also enhanced, thanks to the use of a Bticino door entry system. Audio distribution system Additionally, the Legrand Nuvo multi-zone audio distribution system was installed throughout the property. Allowing audio to be managed and controlled in numerous rooms, users can connect music and audio streaming services and play in all areas of the home. For this project, one major advantage is the ability to bring together control of door access, as well as the lighting, heating, and blinds, on mobile phone apps. In addition to this, 7-inch touch screen panels were installed into every room, allowing complete control. For the installer, Legrand’s MyHOME Up system served two key benefits: its ease of installation and the functionality for the end-user. Once connected to the BUS system and the app is installed, the devices will set-up automatically. Intense training courses The app allows the installer to easily access multiple devices when starting up the system Luke comments: “Coming from an electrical background, the simplicity of Legrand’s systems means we are able to support project managers transform properties into smart homes. I don’t have expertise in IT, and I find that other similar systems require technical knowledge in order to complete the installation, which often includes expensive and intense training courses.” One of the key benefits of a MyHOME Up installation is that the innovative app supports the connection of all devices and is easy to control for both the installer and end-user. The app allows the installer to easily access multiple devices when starting up the system, thanks to the self-learning procedure, while the user can then manage their home automation scenes at any time. Confidently creating scenes Luke continues: “The whole installation process was very easy, not just from my point of view but the end user’s as well. The customer has gone from being a smart home novice to confidently creating scenes which improve day-to-day living habits. Since the installation was completed, we have already successfully recommended the system on another three projects.” In addition to installation and account support, Legrand also offers free training courses. The MyHOME Up range can be installed after just one day’s training, and installer Luke Kavanagh utilized this free service before installing the system. Luke adds: “I had previously undertaken a number of Legrand’s training sessions, including a session in Belgium, as well as for MyHOME Up. It is a really good program, and makes the system incredibly easy to install for anyone in the profession.” Creating smart scenes YouGov’s Smart Homes 2018 Report indicated that almost one-quarter of Britons own one or more smart home devices The course explains the role of smart devices in the home, and shows how creating smart scenes and actions can help end-users decrease their energy usage and waste. Free to attend, the training program is ideal for contractors and system integrators and takes place at Legrand’s state-of-the-art training center in Birmingham. Home automation is not new. In fact, YouGov’s Smart Homes 2018 Report indicated that almost one-quarter of Britons own one or more smart home devices, excluding smart meters, while one in ten have two or more. High customer satisfaction While adoption is becoming more common, electrical installers and contractors are tasked with the challenge of understanding this often-complex technology, to enable them to enhance their services to customers. Taking advantage of training from manufacturers, like Legrand, can make the installation much easier, while also providing high customer satisfaction. Luke Kavanagh concludes: “This project is an excellent example of how a simple, slick and extremely efficient home automation system can be installed. The Legrand products are very easy to install and the customers are always left smiling, testing new combinations each day. While not all systems are the same, I would recommend taking advantage of any available training because it not only equips you with the ability to install effortlessly, but it also provides the knowledge to answer any customer questions.”

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?

The pandemic of 2020 presented unique challenges to the HVAC market, and in many instances, responding to those challenges relied on technical innovation. It’s safe to say that the pandemic accelerated several technology trends, redirected others, and overall raised the stakes in the industry’s ongoing challenge to meet customer needs across a wide spectrum. But what comes now? We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable to weigh in on this question: What technologies and trends will define the HVAC industry in 2021?