Wi-Fi thermostat advancements have been talked about by many inside and outside the HVAC industry the last couple of years. The AHR Expo was no exception as a plethora of companies showcased just how smart their thermostats have become.

Contractors are always on the lookout for simple-to-use, all-in-one software solutions that make the job of delivering indoor comfort easier and more effective. A number of platforms at the 2015 AHR Expo showcased solutions across fleet management, tracking, energy management, and much more.

Rooftop heating and cooling equipment is a well-established and widely used technology, but that doesn’t mean the sector is standing still. Rooftop units, like most HVAC equipment, are constantly evolving to be more reliable, more efficient, and easier to control than ever before. 

As energy costs continue to increase year after year, radiant heating and radiant cooling is becoming commonplace, especially in commercial installations.

Units that both cool and heat are in high demand, but other trends include remote monitoring and, for larger units, the ability to fit through a standard door width.

At this year’s AHR Expo in Chicago, manufacturers displayed and demonstrated some of the many new products they have developed to help both the contractor and the end user achieve the best possible IAQ.

Contractors, engineers, architects, and building owners are becoming more and more aware of humidification and dehumidification technologies and how such products can benefit their operations.

While the geothermal industry is enjoying the growth, many are focused on 2016, when the tax credits are set to expire. The existing tax credit grants a 30 percent incentive for residential projects and 10 percent for commercial projects.

With the ductless market predicted to grow to more than $9 billion by 2020, more and more AHR Expo exhibitors were featuring new, sophisticated ductless solutions on the show floor.

A major push behind energy efficiency has led many manufacturers to create speed-controlled compressors driven by next-generation refrigerants.