The 2017 Dealer Design Awards (DDA) contest featured a wide-array of contractor-oriented HVACR products with features that assist in installation, maintenance, and service. These products showcase the best that HVAC has to offer and include everything from large-scale commercial rooftop units to hand tools.

Now in its 14th year, the contest featured 80 entries across 13 categories, all competing for the gold, silver, and bronze awards.

Those categories spanned an assortment of critical HVAC aspects, such as residential controls, ventilation products, and refrigeration. Manufacturers, both large and small, were represented in the competition, ensuring a diverse range of products would have the opportunity to compete.

The Dealer Design Awards are judged by 20 contractors from across the U.S. who are active in the industry and have their collective fingers on the pulse of what’s happening. In this year’s contest, judges were able to look at products with a clear goal of becoming smarter, offering greater user control, and becoming more accessible to end users. Those lucky few who were honored in this year’s competition were praised and rewarded for putting years of research into the creation and design of their respective products.

While bragging rights are a prize all their own for those who placed in the Dealer Design Awards, each winner will also receive the highly coveted 2017 Dealer Design trophy (pictured at right). Manufacturing headquarters from coast to coast display these trophies as proud reminders of their accomplishments and to showcase their achievements for all to see.

The Dealer Design Awards are always striving to grow and improve. The NEWS would like to congratulate each winner and also thank each and every contractor judge who took the time to review products in this year’s competition.

“The Dealer Design contest is truly a unique award because it is the only HVACR product competition that is judged by HVACR contractors, which is a true test for how good a product is,” said Kyle Gargaro, editor-in-chief of The NEWS. “Each entry submitted was a good product, and I know our contracting judges had a difficult time choosing the winners. I appreciate the contractors who took time out of their busy schedules to judge and also the manufacturers who submitted their equipment.”

This issue of The NEWS showcases and honors the winning entries from each of the 13 product categories. Inside are photos, details, and quotes about each product in an easy-to-read spread sure to provide insight into what makes these products worthy of recognition. The NEWS has also posted the winners online in a full-color gallery, complete with product information and direct links to the winners’ websites. Coverage begins on Page 8.