September 9 2024 Issue

This issue of The ACHR NEWS asks if American HVAC is poised for an inverter heat pump revolution, a deep-dive into a survey on how homeowners choose contractors, the latest on the future of R-410A equipment, a look at several new HVAC products, how building automation can help companies with their ESG goals, a closer look at ductless IAQ, what’s changing in compressor technology, how to balance marriage and running a company with a spouse, how to sniff out leaks in A2L equipment, nine things contractors should know before adding plumbing and/or electrical, the best ways to measure company performance, and the latest from SNIPS NEWS.

Check back throughout the week for additional content.

A Favorite in Many Countries, Inverter Heat Pumps Offer Consistency and Energy Savings

Inverter Revolution?

Matt Jachman

July 30, 2024

No Comments

Variable-speed heat pumps, which dominate the heat pump market in many countries, are getting more attention in the U.S. The NEWS asked several manufacturers about the benefits of the technology.

Contractor Pro Homeowner Series

Survey Shows How Homeowners Choose Their HVAC Contractor

Going with same HVAC contractor used in past or via “word of mouth” top two ways, but it isn’t what it once was

Hannah Belloli

August 20, 2024

No Comments

A recent survey shows that homeowners either go with the same HVAC contractor used in the past, or choose based on “word of mouth,” which is different than it once was.

FROSTlines

Last Call For R-410A Equipment? Maybe Not

OEMs share refrigerant strategies on earnings calls

Joanna R. Turpin

September 2, 2024

One Comment

HVAC manufacturers are prepared for the refrigerant transition to A2Ls but are finding that there is still strong demand for R-410A equipment.

How Building Automation Aids ESG Goals

With more companies putting a focus on ESG principles, the HVAC industry is positioned to help make those goals a reality

Dylan Kurt

August 29, 2024

No Comments

Building automation systems can boost heating and cooling efficiency by more than 20%.

A Closer Look at Ductless IAQ

Without ductwork, mini splits rely on different strategies to clear the air

Joanna R. Turpin

September 4, 2024

No Comments

Without the ductwork found in traditional systems, ductless mini splits rely on advanced filtration, aftermarket accessories, and regular maintenance to maintain optimal indoor air quality.

Carlyle Compressors Variable-Speed 06M Compressor

Changing Compressor Technology

The transition to A2L refrigerants means a compressor transition too

Matt Jachman

August 30, 2024

No Comments

The move to A2L refrigerants means compressors in new a/c and heat pump systems will have different features than older models. Three compressor manufacturers say they’re prepared.

How to Balance Marriage, Running an HVAC Company with a Spouse

Couples should set boundaries, ensure clear communication

Dylan Kurt

August 8, 2024

No Comments

When running an HVAC business with a spouse, defining clear boundaries can save a lot of heartache.

FROSTlines

Refrigerant Detection Systems Sniff Out A2L Leaks

Carrier, Daikin, and Trane discuss how these safety features will work on their equipment

Joanna R. Turpin

September 6, 2024

No Comments

RDSs are generally required in A2L systems that contain more than 4 pounds of refrigerant and can either be field or factory-installed, depending on the manufacturer.

9 Burning Questions About Adding Plumbing and Electrical to Your HVAC Business

Profit margins for both services can help HVAC contractors

Kyle Gargaro

August 20, 2024

No Comments

Adding plumbing and electrical to any HVAC business can help contractors through the tough shoulder season.

The Unsung Heroes of Safety and Health: The Vital Role of Supervisors

Supervisors are the frontline leaders on most projects, responsible for overseeing daily operations and safety

Mike McCullion

September 26, 2024

No Comments

As the industry continues to evolve, the importance of skilled and committed supervisors cannot be overstated, writes SNIPS NEWS safety contributor Mike McCullion.

Tips for Dealing with a Smelly AC

Duct cleaning, drip pan and coil cleaning are a few tried-and-true methods to fix a smelly HVAC system

Melanie Powers

September 26, 2024

No Comments

Addressing the root cause of a smelly AC is crucial not only for eliminating the odor but also for maintaining a healthy living environment.

How ASHRAE Standard 241 Controls Infectious Aerosols

School IAQ Standard 241 helps schools go "above and beyond" the ventilation mechanical code

Austin Keating

August 2, 2024

No Comments

Kenneth Mead from the CDC, speaking for himself and his family, which includes an educator, said there's good reason to follow ASHRAE Standard 241.

Intuit Dome to Open with Innovative Sustainability Features

NBA's first climate-positive arena boasts many HVAC innovations to drive a lower carbon footprint

Austin Keating

July 31, 2024

No Comments

A novel under-seat air supply system minimizes waste and maximizes comfort at the Intuit Dome.

SMART Union Rallies Behind VP Harris, Elects Leadership

"We are on the cusp of an Infrastructure Decade," Sean McGarvey, president of North America's Building Trades Unions, told SMART delegates

Austin Keating

August 16, 2024

One Comment

The International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART) held its third general convention in Las Vegas, with appearances from high profile politicians budding union elections.

DOE Awards Funds to Industrial Training Centers

See where the DOE's Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains is investing

Austin Keating

July 30, 2024

No Comments

Map: Projects range from advanced manufacturing deployment to heat pumps and clean HVAC. See how each awards gets distributed geographically.

Sandia National Laboratories’ Data Center Wins LEED Gold

Here’s how a national lab is effectively minimizing energy and water use

Stacey Winconek

September 12, 2024

No Comments

Working towards 100% renewable energy is the goal for data centers, and Sandia National Laboratories, an innovator in the field, is on its way to achieving that goal.

For Private High School, Simple HVAC is Better

With mini-splits conditioning every classroom, and three DOAS units supplying conditioned outside air, this new school is setting kids up for success

Austin Keating

September 12, 2024

No Comments

With a granddaughter attending the school her grandfather developed and installed the HVAC system for, indoor air quality is front of mind.

Test Scores, Touchdowns, and Customer Satisfaction

Tom Cline

August 18, 2024

No Comments

When it comes to measuring performance, there is more than one way to skin a cat, but a solid set of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) can help sort through all the noise.

Trane Charlotte Plant Marks Workplace Safety Milestone

August 19, 2024

No Comments

Trane Charlotte employees achieved 3 million work hours, or approximately ten years, without a workday lost due to a work-related injury or illness.

ECM Technologies Chief Revenue Officer David Fenton with Tolin Mechanical Arizona Business President, Bryant Kuvakos.jpg

ECM Partners With Arizona Commercial HVAC Contractor

The ACHR NEWS Editorial Staff

August 27, 2024

No Comments

ECM Technologies' ThermaClear conquers oil fouling by clearing the coil system from the inside, removing the oil barrier and super-lubricating the compressor.

FYI: News Briefs in HVAC - September 9, 2024

September 9, 2024

No Comments

For your information news briefs from a wide variety of categories within the HVAC industry. Price increases, mergers and acquisitions, award winners, and more are highlighted here each week.

Titus: Duct Terminal Unit

September 16, 2024

No Comments

Ideal for airport terminals, schools, universities and offices, the ESV-VP features the same high-performance construction as the original Titus ESV.

Zonefirst: App-Based Combination Light Switch and Thermostat

September 11, 2024

No Comments

Utilizing the company’s Internet of Zoning (IoZ) technology, the Bliss Zoning System, a new home climate control system, enables homeowners to easily manage both lighting and temperature settings through a single, user-friendly app, allowing for customized comfort in every zone.

Systemair: Control System

September 11, 2024

No Comments

The Access Control System for the Geniox units allows operators to optimize ventilation performance, helping them to create a healthy and comfortable indoor climate.

Sterling HVAC: Unit Heater

September 9, 2024

No Comments

Matrix offers a combination of performance, durability and value. Boasting a +93% thermal efficiency rating, Matrix is a solution for today's energy-efficient light commercial and commercial applications.

Micro-Air: Soft Starter Technology

September 13, 2024

No Comments

The EasyStart Flex for residential and commercial HVAC is an advanced and versatile soft starter designed for all sizes of residential a/c units up to six tons (72,000 BTUs).

During this webinar, we will discuss what acidic condensate is, how it’s formed, and the damage it can cause if not properly treated—while hitting on the latest regulations that are driving the adoption of condensing technology.

On Demand Use the power of AI to your advantage to book more jobs and gain more operational efficiencies during busy season this year! See how an AI Employee can help you save time by qualifying every lead for you, automatically responding to incoming leads, and working overtime so you don’t have to.

ACHR NEWS

2024 September 9

Cover Story

A Favorite in Many Countries, Inverter Heat Pumps Offer Consistency and Energy Savings

Survey Shows How Homeowners Choose Their HVAC Contractor

Feature Articles

Last Call For R-410A Equipment? Maybe Not

How Building Automation Aids ESG Goals

A Closer Look at Ductless IAQ

Changing Compressor Technology

How to Balance Marriage, Running an HVAC Company with a Spouse

Refrigerant Detection Systems Sniff Out A2L Leaks

9 Burning Questions About Adding Plumbing and Electrical to Your HVAC Business

SNIPS NEWS

The Unsung Heroes of Safety and Health: The Vital Role of Supervisors

Tips for Dealing with a Smelly AC

How ASHRAE Standard 241 Controls Infectious Aerosols

Intuit Dome to Open with Innovative Sustainability Features

SMART Union Rallies Behind VP Harris, Elects Leadership

DOE Awards Funds to Industrial Training Centers

Sandia National Laboratories’ Data Center Wins LEED Gold

For Private High School, Simple HVAC is Better

Columns

Test Scores, Touchdowns, and Customer Satisfaction

Newsline

Trane Charlotte Plant Marks Workplace Safety Milestone

ECM Partners With Arizona Commercial HVAC Contractor

FYI

FYI: News Briefs in HVAC - September 9, 2024

New HVAC Products

Titus: Duct Terminal Unit

Zonefirst: App-Based Combination Light Switch and Thermostat

Systemair: Control System

Sterling HVAC: Unit Heater

Micro-Air: Soft Starter Technology

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