It started with smart thermostats. Now, in today’s world of smartphones, smart speakers, and Wi-Fi connections in 89 percent of U.S. households (as of 2017), smart homes are expanding in scope beyond heating and cooling controls — the first major foray into the smart-home concept — as manufacturers work to keep up with customer demand for continuous connection.

It took more than 17 months for Jackson Systems to research and build the Virtual Technician app, which won gold in the Contractor Services and Software category of the 2018 Dealer Design Awards.

The advent of smartphones has made life both simpler and more complicated for people around the world.

Though not all companies offer live chat on their websites yet, some HVAC contractors are saying it’s becoming less of a nicety and more of a must-have.

Chillers, much like the rest of the HVAC world, have seen a push to increase operational efficiency. These increasingly energy-efficient products, along with the need to replace aged units, have steadily driven growth in the chiller market. In fact, the global chiller market is projected to reach $11.33 billion by 2022.

There’s no doubt that Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled technology has impacted the HVACR industry. Now, the technology is evolving even further, allowing HVACR manufacturers to include built-in diagnostics and troubleshooting in the equipment itself.

HVACR technicians are special individuals. They have the intelligence, aptitude, and knack for problem-solving. In fact, they are expected to know how to diagnose and troubleshoot equipment of all types, sizes, and ages.

Be it flyers, email blasts, print ads, etc., there are a lot of components involved when it comes to marketing. It can be overwhelming to decide what is and isn’t effective, which is why manufacturers are trying to make the process easier on contractors.

Arkema used the 2018 AHR Expo to engage with its customers and friends throughout the industry. The company saw the opportunity to reinforce what Arkema stands for by highlighting various aspects of its offerings.

Energy efficiency was the name of the game for Regal Beloit Corp., which debuted several new energy-efficient products, including the GlacAir™ motor and fan and Browning® Toolbox Technician motor efficiency calculator app, at the 2018 AHR Expo.