LG plans to increase U.S. manufacturing capability and training opportunities and invest $8 billion in research and design and other programs that will boost its competitiveness in an HVAC market that’s moving toward electric equipment.

WaterFurnace CEO John Thomas joined his vice presidents of sales and marketing to discuss the direction of the business.

One of the major challenges in the heat pump sector is the gap between heating and cooling loads: in other words, winters are colder than summers are hot, and technology needs to handle the difference.

“Rheem is energized and excited to begin 2024 with three award wins for its air conditioning division,” said Randy Roberts, vice president of residential business development for the Rheem a/c division, in a press release.

Heat pumps from Bosch, Daikin, Midea, and Johnson Controls are moving to the next phase of the challenge, which involves installing and monitoring prototypes in cold-climate locations throughout the U.S. and Canada.

The acquisition will expand Laars’ residential, commercial, and industrial space-heating portfolio.