It is no longer a question whether or not ASHRAE Standard 62.2 will be adopted by various municipalities around the country. However, it is not simply the standard that is requiring dealers to install better ventilation systems. Homeowners have become very aware of the IAQ in their homes, and they are insisting on new and better products that will help them breathe easier.

Green buildings incorporate all sorts of environmentally friendly products, including those that conserve natural resources, save energy and water, or are made from recycled materials. Products that contribute to a safe, healthy building environment are also important in green buildings, and ventilation definitely falls into this category.

In July, Carrier announced that it would be launching a company-owned and operated sales and distribution network in Southern California for its residential and commercial HVACR products. The new network will take the place of independent Carrier distributors in Southern California, whose agreement expires in September.

Companies looking to “go green” want products that help them lower energy costs, reduce operating and maintenance costs, increase productivity, and decrease the amount of pollution generated. HVAC systems can affect each of these areas, which is why they’re usually considered first when building owners and managers look into making facilities greener. Boilers, in particular, can help facility managers achieve their green goals.

New technologies for the HVACR world seem to keep popping up every time we turn around. Consider GPS. Five or six years ago, GPS was virtually unheard of in the contracting world. Now it’s everywhere, allowing companies to track their technicians and boost productivity as a result.

Many of us remember being told to not let our bikes sit out in the rain, or else they’d rust. As adults, that same kind of advice holds true for the wide array of expensive tools that can be found in the back of any technician’s truck.

This article explores the nature of the efficiency tests required by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), and raises issues (not unlike those being raised by the DOE itself) about the validity and long-term future of these test procedures.

Manufacturers are introducing new products that include everything from systems that diagnose themselves to variable-speed air handlers with electronic controls.

Integrated building design is often an essential part of green building construction, which is one of the biggest trends in the commercial market today.

Most think of Martha’s Vineyard as a pastoral place with pristine beaches, beautiful lighthouses, and quaint Victorian cottages that serve as second homes to those who can afford to come and play there during the summer. While that’s true to a certain extent, the 20- by-9 mile island off the southeastern coast of Massachusetts is also home to many residents who are very concerned with how to better manage their resources and environment.