This issue of The ACHR NEWS explores the new era of A2L refrigerants and other lower-GWP alternatives, dissects a new study showing that high-efficiency equipment is still in demand by homeowners, looks at how AI will reshape the industry for contractors, how adding smart products as an add-on is a big opportunity, what’s tops in rooftop units, how HVAC educators are taking a hybrid approach to training, marijuana’s legal landscape, why homeowners don’t value certifications much as the industry does, building a business off heat pumps, a new NASRC collaboration, how to troubleshoot liquid line solenoids, using physics to deliver better results, and a review of a host of new HVAC products.
Check back throughout the week for additional content.
Manufacturers are launching a wide range of A2L equipment, and with proper training and adherence to best practices, HVAC contractors can confidently address the challenges of working with mildly flammable refrigerants.
A shortage of skilled labor is expected to continue. The Housecall Pro survey found that 60% of responding trades professionals said the shortage has impacted their business, and 86% said that their biggest hiring challenge is a lack of qualified candidates.
NASRC’s R-TRADE initiative leverages industry-wide coordination and collaboration to provide a lasting solution to the refrigeration technician shortage.
Laars Heating Systems and Bradford White use a few different modalities when training, such as virtual live presentations, on-demand video content, and self-guided learning. But their focus, overall, is in hands-on learning.
It doesn’t really matter how important homeowners think these certifications are, because the HVACR industry knows their actual importance. They build confidence, ensure technicians stay up-to-date, and build trust.
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.
The Nebula by Impact research team found that without access to live equipment data, proactive maintenance becomes nearly impossible, resulting in increased downtime and repair costs. These shortcomings create a perfect storm of inefficiency, risk, and unnecessary expense for facility management teams.
The plug-and-play unit comes as one factory-built and tested unit on a single frame and pre-programmed controllers. Ready to replace oil or gas burners for heating in a wide range of applications like commercial buildings, district heating, and factories.
The PAV5000 series MEMS anemometer sensor
device provides accurate air speed and temperature measurement in a probe-style package, providing a comprehensive understanding of the environment.
This pre-engineered package includes predefined light commercial applications, optimizing RTU performance for equipment efficiencies, building performance benefits, and productivity for faster commissioning.