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.
The threat of increasingly stringent federal regulations is heating up the hydronics market as manufacturers unveil high-efficiency equipment in preparation of the pending government-initiated efficiency benchmarks.
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.
Not only are modulating gas condensing boilers more efficient, but they’re easier to operate, as many come designed with Internet connectivity and controls. In turn, contractors are enjoying the simplified installation procedures and maintenance routines such new-age boilers provide.
Desert Aire’s Aura product series is now available with an energy wheel option that allows for energy recovery of the exhaust air in dedicated outdoor air system (DOAS) applications.
The FlexCore 1.5 stainless steel, symmetrical fire tube boiler achieves 95.1 percent AHRI-certified efficiency and utilizes a precisely temperature-balanced FlexCore heat exchanger, which provides high efficiency and maximum durability.
To figure out which efficiency improvements make the most sense, owners usually turn to HVAC professionals to conduct comprehensive energy audits, which are used to thoroughly evaluate existing mechanical systems. While energy audits have traditionally occurred on-site, some firms are offering virtual energy audits.
With today’s technology, it’s possible for a high-performance building to integrate and optimize all its major functions while also ensuring energy efficiency and comfort. Yet, while opportunities abound for HVAC contractors in this niche, many say there are still barriers restricting the growth of high-performance buildings.
The goal of a high-performance building is to optimize its performance and energy use at all times, in all conditions. And, trends in smart controls and system integration are making this goal more achievable than ever before.