ACHR NEWS

For the first time since 2001, the International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition (AHR Expo) returned to Atlanta.

ZoneFirst is celebrating its 55th anniversary this year. - The ACHR News

For 55 Years, ZoneFirst Has Provided the HVAC Industry With ‘Energy Saving Comfort’

The company celebrates another year in the comfort zone

February 18, 2019

Dick Foster has been preaching the positives of zoning for years. As the owner of ZoneFirst, he has dedicated his life and career to this technology, and it has been a bit of an uphill battle.

Yellow Jacket's P51-860 Titan Digital Manifold. The ACHR News

Yellow Jacket Celebrates 70 Years in HVACR

AHR attendees wowed by the company's progress

February 18, 2019

It was a celebration for Yellow Jacket as the company kicked off its 70th anniversary. In a square booth with a large, lit banner, attendees were invited to explore what the company had produced from 1949 to 2019.

Whalen Closetline CAS Packaged Heat Pump - ACHR News

The Whalen Co.’s Business Is Heating ‘Up’ the Vertical Market

The company launched its new Closetline heat pump at AHR

February 18, 2019

As big cities across the U.S. continue to see a renaissance, The Whalen Co. is seeing tall rewards. As a manufacturer of HVAC vertical stack riser heat-exchanger fan coil units and water-source heat pumps, Whalen usually gets business when construction goes vertical.

WaterFurnace Intl. Inc. at the 2019 AHR Expo. - The ACHR News

WaterFurnace Sees Growth Spurt After Federal Tax Credits Returned

Legislation boosted residential and commercial installations of GHPs

February 18, 2019

Company displays residential and commercial products at AHR Expo.

Uponor’s booth featured an aerial display of a radiant system using plastic piping. - The ACHR News

Uponor Aims to Save Time and Labor for Hydronics Contractors

Making PEX to copper transitions without a flame

February 18, 2019

Tools were whirring at the Uponor booth throughout the AHR Expo, as Daniel Worm kept busy demonstrating the company’s new transition fittings. Booth visitors looked on as he expanded a plastic pipe and, using the newly launched Uponor ProPEX LF Brass Copper Press Adapters and the M18 ProPEX Expansion Tool from Milwaukee Tools, created a PEX-to-copper transition — without the use of a flame.

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Trane Turns Knowledge Into Power

Products focus on energy efficiency and improved installation

February 18, 2019

One of Trane’s missions is to reduce the energy intensity of the world, and the company believes that the way to do this is through education. Trane’s theme at this year’s AHR Expo was “Knowledge Becomes Power.” Scattered across the displays were attendees with headsets piped directly in to what the professionals had to teach.

Visitors to the Titus booth found a new augmented reality (AR) experience waiting for them. - The ACHR News

Customers Experience Titus HVAC Products in Augmented Reality

Company highlights air distribution products

February 18, 2019

Visitors at the Titus booth did more than just look at the products on display; they experienced them. Highlighting its advanced technology applications, the manufacturer took attendees on a trip through its new augmented reality (AR) platform. Built to interact with its virtual reality (VR) platform that was launched a few years ago, the new AR program allows users to experience Titus products by actually putting them in a finished application.

Tecumseh's new ARGUS platform of air-cooled condensing units. - The ACHR News

Tecumseh’s on the Front Line, Fighting the War on Refrigerants

Charging some offerings in-factory also reduces stress

February 18, 2019

In Greek mythology, Argus was a son of Zeus. Having the king of the gods up on Mount Olympus for a dad probably raised the bar in terms of expectations. Fortunately, Tecumseh seemed comfortable with that kind of lofty namesake for its biggest launch at this year’s AHR Expo, the ARGUS condensing unit platform.

Dave Thomas, Parker Sporlan’s national sales manager, demonstrates the guided mode of the Refrigeration Troubleshooting app at the 2019 AHR Expo in Atlanta. - The ACHR News

Sporlan Offers Simplified, Safe Products for Less Experienced Techs

The company brought its ZoomLock Roadshow truck to the expo floor

February 18, 2019

The giant clock on top of the Parker Hannifin Corp. — Sporlan Division’s ZoomLock^® Roadshow truck counted down during the 2019 AHR Expo, keeping track of the time left until the next live demo. Every 40 minutes, Sporlan would bring attendees up to physically make the connection themselves.

Shurtape’s FF 100 film tape - The ACHR News

Shurtape Products Help HVAC Contractors Cover Their Bases

Education available at Tape University

February 18, 2019

Using the wrong tape on a job can leave contractors in a sticky situation when the building inspector comes to pay a call. That’s one reason why Shurtape is seeing an increase in demand for tape that’s UL listed — or “red-letter tape,” as it’s often called.

Samsung Plans North American Growth, Highlights New HVAC Products

Company showcases Wind-Free 4-Way Cassette and other products

February 18, 2019

At the AHR Expo in Atlanta, Samsung HVAC North America announced it will expand its residential and commercial air conditioning business in North America by building, training, and supporting a network of specifying representatives, distributors, and installers.

Stephen Mock (left), plumber support manager, goes over how the EcoNet Smart Monitoring System works. - The ACHR News

Rheem Brands Roll Out the Red Carpet for AHR Booth Visitors

President announces company-wide sustainability initiative

February 18, 2019

The company kicked off the AHR Expo with a press conference, where Chris Peel, president and CEO of Rheem, announced the company’s commitment to a sustainability platform — A Greater Degree of Good — as well as its 2025 sustainability commitments tied to ‘Designing for Zero Waste’ and its upcoming 100-year anniversary. Manufacturing products that demonstrate sustainability, decreased waste, and increased efficiency will become a stronger focus for Rheem.

RGF's booth at the AHR Expo 2019. - The ACHR News

RGF Takes Care of Employees, So They Take Care of IAQ

Company works on making products quicker to install, upgrade, and maintain

February 18, 2019

It wasn’t too long ago that the only time people thought about the air they were breathing was when they wanted to light up their next cigarette, which they could do anywhere — in hospitals, on planes, at the grocery store. IAQ wasn’t even a thing. But that was then, and this is now.

Tiana Maclin, marketing specialist, Regal Beloit, demonstrates the Genteq Electrand Wand for the Ensite motor. - The ACHR News

Regal Beloit Highlights FER Compliance With New Products

Genteq Ensite motor recognized at innovation awards

February 25, 2019

Regal Beloit Corp. has become an expert in FER compliance by redesigning its products to meet the new standards, including the Genteq^® Ensite^® motor, DEC Star^® blower assemblies, and a new electronically commutated motor (ECM) to provide FER compliance for entry-level fans. These products were on display at the 2019 AHR Expo.

RectorSeal TripleGuard Leak Detector - ACHR News

RectorSeal Products Fight Refrigeration Leaks and Corrosion — Inside and Out

Three new products added to the AC Leak Freeze line

February 18, 2019

At the AHR Expo, RectorSeal LLC highlighted several new products designed to combat leaks and corrosion, both on the inside of the unit and from salty sea breezes on the coast.

Panasonic - Senior product manager, Victor Flynn (right), said utilities are offering incentives for air-source heat pumps to meet decarbonization and zero-net energy strategies. - The ACHR News

Panasonic Prepares nanoeX IAQ Solution to Hit the Market

Product scheduled to launch in early 2020

February 18, 2019

Judging by the emphasis in the AHR booth, Panasonic is working to differentiate itself by putting considerable emphasis on health and IAQ. Even though it is not scheduled to reach the U.S. market until early 2020, the offering getting the most attention this year was nanoe™X.

Nortek's original building. - The ACHR News

Nortek Celebrates 100 Years in HVAC

Its StatePoint technology to be used in Facebook date center

February 18, 2019

Nortek is celebrating its 100th birthday this year, but judging by the breadth of activity across its various operations, it’s moving like a company half its age. It is also using some perspective in an effort to position itself to make the most of facility trends.

Napoleon Builds Out HVAC Appliance Line

Company seeks to make products stand out by giving them an appliance look

February 18, 2019

At the AHR Expo, Napoleon displayed a product mix that aimed to illustrate the company’s continued development and expansion into the residential HVAC channel in the U.S., ranging from an expanding line of gas furnaces, to an air conditioner and heat pump line, to a ductless product and vertical PTAC offering. Showcased was a new furnace designed and built for the residential new construction market.

Mitsubishi Electric SLZ Ceiling Cassette - ACHR News

Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC Hunts Little Things for Big Payoffs

An additional side on a heat exchanger, smaller footprints, sharp corners show the way

February 18, 2019

A tour through METUS’ booth at AHR with Smith included multiple examples of how the company has looked for ways to make small adjustments, accommodations, and improvements through product lines to live up to that mission for contractors and their customers.

LG Electronics Listens to HVAC Contractor Feedback, Delivers Comfort With Multi V 5

Company plans to invest heavily in VRF

February 18, 2019

The manufacturer’s Multi V™ 5 air-source VRF system and its LGRED° technology were in the spotlight, designed to do away with the occasional perception that VRF is more suited for cooling than heating.

KeepRite Debuts Adaptive Defrost System to AHR Expo Attendees

ESP+ electronic package only defrosts when required

February 18, 2019

John Murray, corporate sales manager at KeepRite Refrigeration, has a nickname for the new ESP+ Intuitive Evaporator Control Technology that his company rolled out at this year’s expo. He calls it the LED lightbulb of the refrigeration industry.

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Johnson Controls Highlights Smart, Integrated HVACR Products at AHR Expo

After a big 2018, the company has a lot to look forward to

February 18, 2019

Johnson Controls Inc. had a big 2018, with the launch of several new products and the acquisition of Lux Products Corp. For Johnson Controls, the Lux acquisition enhances its commitment to thermostats. The move also enables faster product development cycles, improves customer service capabilities, and supports greater product innovation.

The Honeywell booth at AHR Expo 2019. - The ACHR News

From Its Business Structure to Its Refrigerants, Honeywell Makes Big Changes

Resideo, the spinoff company, was just a few booths over

February 18, 2019

From spin-offs to new refrigerants, Honeywell has made several changes to its business — some that were reflected at this year’s expo. One of the changes began in August of 2018, as the company announced the spinoff of Honeywell’s Homes and ADI Global Distribution business into Resideo Technologies Inc.

GE's booth included a sample Next GEN Arctic ductless unit, digital timer, and scoreboard as part of its Haier Ductless Easy Install competition. - The ACHR News

GE Appliances/Haier Turn Easy Ductless Installs Into a Competition

The competition highlighted new features that will be rolled out this year

February 18, 2019

Exhibitors at the AHR Expo use a variety of enticements and tchotchkes to attract and keep attention, but the GE Appliances/Haier booth might have shown the most insight with what it decided to offer: a competition. The company brought its Haier ductless Easy Install Competition to the expo floor to support its belief that “installation is everything” for its contractor customers.

Fujitsu Completes Its Residential and Commercial Unitary HVAC Lines

More changes expected to come

February 18, 2019

Fujitsu General America Inc. has gone from 300 to over 3,000 SKUs in its offerings on the unitary product ducted line in approximately one year.

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FastPro Technology for Ductless Systems Had People In and Out of Friedrich Booth

The company hosted a live webinar during the expo

February 18, 2019

Attendees who stopped by the Friedrich Air Conditioning Co. booth this year weren’t there for long, but that’s not because there was nothing to see. In fact, a plethora of new products were on display, and TJ Wheeler, vice president of marketing and product management for the company, was on hand to perform live demos. So why didn’t visitors spend more time in the booth? Well, they simply didn’t need to, thanks to the new FastPro™ system.

Fieldpiece Puts Techs in the Driver’s Seat With Customizable HVACR Tools

New products compatible with Job Link app

February 18, 2019

The Fieldpiece booth commanded a lot of attention on the show floor at this year’s AHR Expo in Atlanta. Those who didn’t have time to wait in line to find out why may be wondering, “What was all the rage about?”

Emerson Had Its Award-Winning Products on Display at the AHR Expo

New compressor, controls, tools, and thermostats showcased in booth

February 18, 2019

Emerson’s AHR booth showcased its solutions and award-winning products in the areas of human comfort, cold chain, professional tools, and building infrastructure. It also featured the company’s 2019 Innovation Award winning product in the Refrigeration category — the Copeland Scroll™ fractional-horsepower, low-temperature compressor.

Ecoer's Wi-Fi programmable touchscreen thermostat. - The ACHR News

Ecoer Adds Thermostat to Offerings

It offers connectivity through an app, has a modern design, and is easy to use

February 18, 2019

Ecoer is a relatively new player in the HVAC industry but was looking to make a splash at the most recent AHR Expo, where it introduced its first Wi-Fi programmable touchscreen thermostat.

Embraco Showcased Its Vision for the Future of Refrigeration

Company has propane offerings across four segements

February 18, 2019

With over 20 years of experience in natural refrigerants, Embraco’s compressor portfolio features products for commercial food service, food retail, merchandisers, and aftermarket segments. Conveniently, the booth was sectioned into these four different segments, so AHR Expo attendees could easily find the R-290 solution they were looking for.

Dynatemp’s Will Gresham (behind counter) talks to several expo attendees about R-421A, which is a long-term replacement refrigerant for R-22. - The ACHR News

Dynatemp Focuses on Educational Opportunities With HVACR Wholesalers

Also looks to increase wholesaler partnerships this year

February 18, 2019

Will Gresham, executive vice president, Dynatemp Intl., said the company plans to focus on its revamped reclamation program, partner wholesalers, and education this year.

New DiversiTech, hilmor Offerings Seek to Simplify HAVC Techs’ Work

The company is living up to its tagline

February 18, 2019

At the AHR Expo, DiversiTech’s hilmor line offered three new service equipment products designed to make technicians’ lives easier. On the other side of the booth, DiversiTech highlighted several sealants and additives.

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Daikin Applied Promotes Future of HVAC at AHR Expo

Focuses on creative recruitment efforts

February 18, 2019

Every HVAC manufacturer, distributor, and contractor is aware of the growing labor shortage within the skilled trades industries. Most have been working to combat the shortage by getting creative in recruitment efforts — much like Daikin Applied did at the 2019 AHR Expo.

Daikin reps discuss the benefits of the Daikin Fit system with AHR Expo attendees. - The ACHR News

Daikin Adapting VRV Technology for North American HVAC Market

Developing equipment that will work in extreme weather conditions

February 18, 2019

Daikin North America kicked off 2019 by highlighting new, advanced residential and commercial HVAC equipment at the AHR Expo.

John Jeffers demonstrates the new CPS CC220EW Enhanced Wireless Refrigerant Charging Scale. - The ACHR News

CPS Products Exhibits Smarter, More Intuitive HVACR Tools

February 18, 2019

There is one trend CPS Products has noticed impacting the HVACR tools market above all others, and that is the progression of traditional tools becoming smart tools.

Chemours Promotes R-454B as an R-410A Refrigerant Replacement

The new refrigerant was selected by Carrier for some of its ducted offerings

February 18, 2019

This year, the company was particularly excited to talk about one of its more recent and significant product milestones, R-454B, which will be sold commercially by Chemours as Opteon™ XL41. The new replacement for R-410A was recently selected by Carrier for its residential and light commercial ducted a/c equipment.

Carrier's WeatherMaker packaged rooftop unit with EcoBlue technology. The ACHR News

Carrier Focuses on Efficient HVAC Equipment in a Small Footprint

February 18, 2019

At the AHR Expo, Carrier led off its booth display with the 3- to 6-ton WeatherMaker packaged rooftop unit (RTU) with EcoBlue technology, something that Mark Rabbia, product business manager, Carrier Commercial Systems, said sets the tone for Carrier’s upcoming product releases.

A visitor at the Braeburn booth stops to admire the simplicity of the company’s smart thermostat offerings. - The ACHR News

Braeburn Boasts Affordability With Its Smart Thermostat Offerings

Company seeks to get more people connected

February 18, 2019

As a small- to medium-sized company, it’s important for Braeburn to target the demographic that will give it the most bang for its buck — the average consumer.

Bosch Brings Better Designs to Save Time, Money, and Energy

Customer feedback, new technology simplifies installation and use

February 18, 2019

Contractors and technicians asked for equipment improvements and they found it at Bosch Thermotechnology Corp. The company listened to the feedback from its customers and did some tweaking to make its products save time, energy, and money. These are three important areas for Bosch when it comes to both commercial and residential, especially in product sectors that are more mature than others.

At the Aspen booth, attendees could spin the wheel to receive gift cards, totes, and flashlights. - The ACHR News

Aspen Urges the HVACR Industry to ‘Disregard the R-22 Myth’

Many people still remain confused about what the phaseout means

February 18, 2019

In Aspen Refrigerant’s booth, the message to the industry was quite clear: R-22 is readily available and will be legal to use, buy, and sell for years to come.

Bacharach MVR-300 Refrigerant Leak Detector - The ACHR News

Bacharach Pitches Refrigeration Leak Safety

MVR-300 provides continuous refrigerant detection within occupied spaces

February 18, 2019

Bacharach has been in acquisition mode lately, and the company was showing off the new products and relationships that resulted from that at this year’s AHR Expo in Atlanta.

Arkema's booth at AHR Expo 2019. - The ACHR News

Arkema Supports the Use of R-32 for Air Conditioning Applications

Not the final solution, but a good one for now

February 18, 2019

At its booth this year, Arkema took the opportunity to promote R-32 as a transition refrigerant for the air conditioning market. Arkema’s global business director of fluorochemicals, Matthew Ritter, said that while the company does not necessarily believe that R-32 will be the final answer, it is a very good choice for that segment of the market.

A-Gas Rapid Recovery System at AHR Expo 2019. - The ACHR News

A-Gas: R-22 Is Still Legal, Available

Company also touts refrigerant separation, recovery, and reclamation capabilities

February 18, 2019

A-Gas is dedicated to the lifecycle management of refrigerants and specialty gases, which includes new refrigerant sales; on-site refrigerant recovery; reclamation and separation; Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) testing and analysis; buyback; and destruction.

Aprilaire at AHR Expo 2019 - The ACHR News

Aprilaire Says HVAC Contractors Can Benefit From Selling IAQ

Those who haven't been offering add-ons would be wise to reconsider

February 18, 2019

While IAQ has received more homeowner attention over the past few years, many contractors are still not offering those products during their sales pitches. They might be missing a golden opportunity because, according to Aprilaire, those that do are reaping the benefits.

Taco Presents Dan Holohan Comfort Award at 2019 AHR Expo

January 25, 2019

Dan Foley is the fourth recipient of the award, and is recognized for his uncompromising commitment to the quality, comfort, efficiency, and capability provided by hydronic systems.

Fresh-Aire UV Names Rep of the Year

January 23, 2019

The Kivlan Group specializes in HVAC, refrigeration, and plumbing, and has been a Fresh-Aire UV manufacturer’s representative for three years. The rep posted an impressive 57-percent sales increase over 2017 for its territory of Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey, Delaware, Virginia, and Maryland that it covers with seven road salespeople.

Product of the Year Winner Announced

January 15, 2019

enVerid was named the winner for its HVAC Load Reduction^® (HLR) module 1000E-M.

Danfoss Presents 2019 Business Outlook, Regulatory Update

January 15, 2019

Director of public affairs, Mark Menzer, noted that from a regulation standpoint, 2018 was a tough year.

Comfort-Aire: Residential Furnace

February 18, 2019

This 97 percent AFUE gas furnace line features an efficient variable-speed blower, modulating gas systems, and self-diagnostics.

Mestek Machinery: Laser Table

February 18, 2019

This laser cutter creates a clean cut with minimal heat affected zone on the cut edge.

Enertech Global LLC: Geothermal Units

February 18, 2019

Previous versions of this model line came standard with a braze plate heat exchanger because it provides a lighter unit with higher efficiency. However, braze plate heat exchangers cannot be used in open-loop applications, so the company released this coaxial version in response to feedback from installers and distributors.

Evapco: Water Saver

February 18, 2019

This device improves water efficiency by increasing operating cycles of concentration, which reduces blowdown and the use of treatment chemicals.

Cleaver-Brooks: Hydronic Solutions

February 18, 2019

These pre-packaged, skid-mounted hydronic boiler solutions offer single-point piping and electrical connections, which makes installation simple and easy.

Mastercool: Leak Detector

February 18, 2019

At the heart of this leak detector is a low-power metal oxide gas sensor that offers lower current consumption and longer life expectancy.

Milwaukee Electric Tool Corp.: Rod Cutter

February 18, 2019

This rod Cutter delivers clean, burr-free cuts for threading nuts on by hand. It also has the power to cut through ¼-, 3/8-, and ½-inch mild steel or ¼- and 3/8-inch stainless steel threaded rod in seconds.

Taco Comfort Solutions: Bluetooth Circulator

February 18, 2019

The 0018e circulator brings a new level of control to residential and light commercial hydronic systems. It features Bluetooth communication to a mobile app, which provides real-time control, diagnostics, and reporting, including installation history, power consumption, performance, and runtime.

Greenheck: Exhaust Fan Option

February 18, 2019

The Mega-Stack option for this product offers extended discharge from 10 to 15 feet in overall stack discharge height. This feature makes it ideal for low-flow applications requiring higher plume rise.

Weil-McLain: Water Heater

February 18, 2019

Built with durability and longevity in mind, this product is available in four sizes — 30, 55, 80, or 119 gallons — making it flexible for a broad range of applications.

Bard Mfg. Co.: Wall-Mount A/C

February 18, 2019

This multistage, high-capacity sensible cooling single package vertical unit system offers high-efficiency, industrial-grade cooling.

Siemens Corp.: Frequency Converter

February 18, 2019

With power range from 1 to 700 hp (0.75 to 630 kW), this product is optimized for pump, fan, and compressor applications for industries including water/wastewater, HVACR, irrigation/agriculture, and industrial environments.

Niles Steel Tank: Heat Exchanger

February 18, 2019

These single- or double-wall products are for commercial facility domestic water applications.

Hoshizaki America Inc.: Refrigeration Line

February 18, 2019