New Higher Efficiency 3-5 Ton Models with Two Stages of Cooling Rheem®, a leading global manufacturer of HVACR and water heating products, announced the expansion of its commercial product offering with a higher efficiency extension to the well-received Renaissance™ Line. The packaged rooftop G/E and A/C lineup now includes 3-5-ton models with two stages of cooling and are Read more
Industry News

New Higher Efficiency 3-5 Ton Models with Two Stages of Cooling
Rheem®, a leading global manufacturer of HVACR and water heating products, announced the expansion of its commercial product offering with a higher efficiency extension to the well-received Renaissance™ Line. The packaged rooftop G/E and A/C lineup now includes 3-5-ton models with two stages of cooling and are purpose-built for commercial heating and cooling, delivering exceptional efficiency and value. The new models strike an ideal balance between intuitive design and cutting-edge technologies, meeting the high-performance demands of modern businesses.
Engineered for seamless replacements, Rheem Renaissance RACCYC and RGECYC units boast industry-standard footprints, common piping and electrical connections, field-convertible airflow, and minimized weight for unmatched ease of installation. With industry-leading serviceability and installability, the entire Renaissance line streamlines maintenance and installation, resulting in tangible time and cost savings. Time spent performing industry-standard service and preventative maintenance is reduced by up to 100 minutes compared to other commercial HVAC brands.
“With efficiency ratings up to 16.2 SEER2 and 12 EER2, this extension delivers better performance and is a great fit for a variety of commercial applications, especially K-12 school buildings,” said Laura Meyerrose, commercial product manager, Rheem. “Additionally, the availability of Rheem’s PlusOne® HumidiDry® hot gas reheat technology that can keep the desired room temperature while continuing to dehumidify in single-phase power models can lead to cost savings while increasing occupant comfort for businesses and separates Rheem from competitors.”

Key features of the Renaissance 3-5 ton two-stage line extension include:
- PlusOne HumidiDry: HumidiDry hot gas reheat incorporates a variable frequency drive (VFD) that operates at a lower speed on the first-stage cooling, saving energy, enhancing performance, and increasing occupant comfort.
- PlusOne ServiceSmart™: Built-in features designed with feedback from HVAC field professionals to improve serviceability and provide easy access to unit components.
- Qwik-change flex-fit rack capable of accommodating up to four-inch MERV 8 or MERV 13 filters, ensuring improved indoor air quality.
- Qwik-Slide Blower: This feature allows for extremely easy access and removal of the blower assembly for servicing internal components.
- Qwik-Clean Drain Pan: Composite material pan that slides out completely allows for effortless cleaning and includes a standard overflow sensor.
- PlusOne Velocifin™: A patented, complete redesign of the heat exchanger tubing that increases heat transfer through to deliver better efficiencies.
- Full MicroChannel Coils: Maximizes reliability while reducing overall refrigerant weight and improving serviceability, offering cost-saving advantages.
The Renaissance line extension is available now at local Rheem distributors nationwide. Rheem offers a one-year limited parts warranty, five-year compressor warranty, 10-year standard heat exchanger warranty, and an impressive 20-year stainless steel heat exchanger warranty (heat exchanger warranties apply to gas/electric models only). The units may even qualify for local rebates and incentives —helping business customers realize substantial savings for a greater return on their investment. And, these products are easily selected with RapidSpec.com, part of Rheem’s suite of easy, cloud-based tools to make specifying and creating submittal packages possible with just a few clicks.
For more information on the Renaissance line extension of higher efficiency products and how it can benefit commercial spaces, visit www.RheemCommercial.com.

Master is proud to announce the nationwide addition of Hitachi residential HVAC products, marking a major expansion of its industry-leading portfolio and a strengthened partnership with Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning. With more than 70 years of expertise in residential air conditioning, more than 40 years of pioneering DC inverter technology, and most recently, the introduction Read more
Master is proud to announce the nationwide addition of Hitachi residential HVAC products, marking a major expansion of its industry-leading portfolio and a strengthened partnership with Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning.
With more than 70 years of expertise in residential air conditioning, more than 40 years of pioneering DC inverter technology, and most recently, the introduction of the groundbreaking FrostWash™ technology, Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning is a global leader in innovation and reliability.

Now, Canadian contractors will have access to its advanced heating and cooling solutions, backed by Master’s trusted distribution and support network.
“This launch marks an exciting new chapter for Master and our customers,” said Keith Strachan, Senior Vice President, Distribution at Master. “Hitachi’s cutting-edge technology, including features like FrostWash and HeatForce, offers the efficiency, durability, and performance that contractors need—supported by our dedicated teams to ensure seamless integration.”
FrostWash™ automatically deep cleans the indoor coil by freezing, melting, and flushing away dirt and pollutants, ensuring cleaner air, reduced maintenance, and long-term efficiency. Meanwhile, Hitachi heat pump models with HeatForce deliver faster, more powerful heating in extreme cold, providing reliable warmth and energy savings even in subzero temperatures. These features make Hitachi heat pumps a standout choice for Canadian homes.
Hitachi residential products will be available at Master’s distribution centers across Canada starting in April, ensuring fast access for dealers nationwide.
Unmatched Support for Dealers and Installers
Master is committed to making Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning’s introduction seamless for dealers by providing industry-leading support and expertise.
What’s in store for dealers?
- Comprehensive bilingual marketing materials, including brochures and a dedicated Hitachi Residential landing page on Master.ca.
- Nationwide availability of most products, ensuring accessibility across Canada
- Exclusive dealer training and ongoing technical support to integrate Hitachi products effortlessly into the market.
- Inclusion in the YORK® and Coleman Dealer Programs by Johnson Controls, simplifying the process for contractors looking to bundle ducted and ductless solutions under one trusted platform.
The Hitachi airHome 600 heat pump system will be showcased at MCEE Montreal on April 24-25, 2025, at the Master booth (#701), offering attendees a firsthand look at its cutting-edge technology. Hitachi will also be a Gold Sponsor at the Heat Pump Symposium in Toronto on May 6, 2025, further reinforcing its commitment to innovation in energy-efficient HVAC solutions.
“Master has been a valued partner of Johnson Controls for more than 50 years, and we’re thrilled to expand on the partnership and on the Hitachi product reach in Canada through Master’s vast distribution and support network,” said David Budzinski, chief executive officer, Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning. “We are fully committed to equipping our dealers with the tools, training and support they need for success. This is just the beginning of an exciting partnership that will drive innovation and growth in the Canadian HVAC industry.”
Dealers can sign up for training sessions by visiting https://events.master.ca/ or by contacting their local Master representative.

World’s only bladeless ceiling fan, with efficiency backed by Purdue, features updated longevity, performance and advancements in lighting Exhale Fans, the creator of the most efficient HVAC delivery system produced by the world’s only bladeless ceiling fan, today officially announced Gen. 5 of its energy saving flagship product, which benefits were previously identified in a Read more
World’s only bladeless ceiling fan, with efficiency backed by Purdue, features updated longevity, performance and advancements in lighting
Exhale Fans, the creator of the most efficient HVAC delivery system produced by the world’s only bladeless ceiling fan, today officially announced Gen. 5 of its energy saving flagship product, which benefits were previously identified in a Purdue University study. Substantial advancements raise the bar on energy efficiency by giving users the cleanest and most seamless way to maintain human thermal comfort while saving 10% on HVAC energy costs, with no renovation to current installed systems required.
Gen.5 features new motor construction, LED, remote, wall switch and new PCB, which provides a more robust and streamlined experience for offices, hotels, airports, data centers, restaurants, schools, homes and indoor spaces.

“There is a very serious need for employing truly energy efficient technologies for structures of all types – residential, commercial, and public – especially regarding HVAC as we move closer to summer,” said Richard Halsall, CEO of Exhale Fans. “The opportunity to secure energy cost savings through Gen. 5 of our fan, all without having to reinvent the wheel in terms of structural design or equipment replacement, deems it a very important investment that has a great deal of long-term potential. Once Gen. 5 is installed, savings are immediately realized. This is proven by Purdue University’s Herrick Laboratory, not just my words.”
Gen. 5 delivers truly balanced room temperature from floor-to-ceiling and wall-to-wall for all seasons, for which the previous generation is known, with a design to complement the layout and style of any room. Notable advancements include:
- Increased durability of materials: The motor is built with stronger materials for smooth operation. Bearing size is doubled with thicker metal for the center shaft and motor shell to support operational stability and long life.
- Motor protection and warning system: The motor will not operate if conditions are not normal (e.g, fan locking that could cause overheating, line voltage that is too high or too low), providing an audio warning.
- More efficient operating speed: Greater efficiency of operating speed coupled with speed stability equates to no speed reduction which often occurs with other fans on the market.
- Color selectable with brighter LED light: Warm White or Cool White LED color can be selected at the press of the remote. Four color combinations are available with an increase to 1200 Lumens. The LED is “Full Range Dimmable”.
- Tactical push button remote: Lighted and audio response provides feedback when each command is selected. New radio transmitting remote features a long battery life, and a positive push button assures positive command execution.
Learn more about Exhale Fans and how it is revolutionizing air flow and temperature control to promote energy savings. Please contact info@exhalefans.com for more information.

The Butler Street office allows the area’s oldest home service company to deliver more efficient service in Brooklyn and Manhattan Petri Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Drain Cleaning, a family-owned home service company serving Brooklyn and Manhattan since 1906, has opened a new location at 355 Butler Street in the Park Slope neighborhood in Brooklyn, New Read more
The Butler Street office allows the area’s oldest home service company to deliver more efficient service in Brooklyn and Manhattan
Petri Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Drain Cleaning, a family-owned home service company serving Brooklyn and Manhattan since 1906, has opened a new location at 355 Butler Street in the Park Slope neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York. The new location will allow Petri to continue delivering efficient services to their customers as the company continues to grow and evolve.
Petri will also keep a location on the ground floor of the three-story walkup at 901 Bay Ridge Avenue, which has served as the company’s headquarters since it was founded in 1906.

Petri Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Drain Cleaning has opened a second location at 355 Butler Street in Brooklyn, New York, to more efficiently serve the company’s customers in Brooklyn and Manhattan.
“Having two locations helps us to dispatch to our clients in Brooklyn and Manhattan more efficiently,” said Michael Petri, owner of Petri Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Drain Cleaning. “We are excited about the new location on Butler Street and know that having both locations dispatching trucks will provide our customers with access to our trusted plumbing and HVAC services sooner.”
The company, which got its start as Brancale and D’Amico Plumbing, Tinsmithing & Hardware, was founded by Petri’s great-great uncle and great-grandfather shortly after the turn of the 20th century and offered plumbing service throughout Brooklyn. Petri Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Drain Cleaning has serviced several generations of customers throughout the years.
“That we’ve been around Brooklyn for nearly 120 years is a testament to the unparalleled, fast and reliable service Petri has provided throughout the Great Depression, two world wars and the aftermath of the 9/11 tragedy,” Petri said. “Moving to a second location is just another step on our journey and was done with our customers in mind.”
Petri said that customers should look for some special offers later this spring to celebrate the new location.
For more information about Petri Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Drain Cleaning, visit https://www.petriplumbing.com/.

The No. 1 PR agency for the skilled trades industry was chosen for its unique approach and commitment to creating long-term success Ripley PR, an elite global public relations agency specializing in skilled trades, franchising, manufacturing, and B2B technology, announced today that it has been named the Best Communications/PR Agency in the 2025 Merit Awards for Marketing Read more
The No. 1 PR agency for the skilled trades industry was chosen for its unique approach and commitment to creating long-term success
Ripley PR, an elite global public relations agency specializing in skilled trades, franchising, manufacturing, and B2B technology, announced today that it has been named the Best Communications/PR Agency in the 2025 Merit Awards for Marketing & Communications.

The agency brought home the gold for its unique approach to public relations for the skilled trades. Ripley PR takes an integrated approach to enhance a client’s brand recognition and reputation on an ongoing basis, ensuring earned media extends far beyond short-term campaign work.
“A lot of agencies focus on one-time, targeted campaigns, but Ripley PR provides a comprehensive strategy that leads to ongoing results and long-term client relationships,” said Heather Ripley, founder and CEO of Ripley PR. “This award is a testament to the power that sustained PR can have on a company’s reputation, brand recognition and growth.”
Created in 2022, the Merit Awards are designed to recognize the efforts put forth by global industries and the markets they serve. The Merit Awards acknowledges companies that have contributed to the continued growth of their markets worldwide. Currently, there are seven awards programs that are open to all organizations operating within each of the categories.
The Merit Awards’ judges include respected journalists, executives, consultants, entrepreneurs, educators and the Merit Awards staff. Each submission is carefully read, reviewed and judged based on the content and/or materials provided.
Founded in 2013, Ripley PR was named one of America’s Best PR Agencies by Forbes Magazine in 2021 and was recently recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s Best PR Agencies for 2024. The agency has also earned a Top 5 spot on Entrepreneur Magazine’s annual list of Best Franchise PR Agencies in 2024.
To learn more about Ripley PR, visit https://www.ripleypr.com.