Homes are getting smarter as technology evolves, and devices like smart thermostats enable homeowners to create a perfect oasis inside their home while also lowering utility bills. As an HVAC expert, homeowners will look to you for guidance on choosing the right thermostat, so understanding the different variations and features of smart home technology is Read more
cooling
Homes are getting smarter as technology evolves, and devices like smart thermostats enable homeowners to create a perfect oasis inside their home while also lowering utility bills. As an HVAC expert, homeowners will look to you for guidance on choosing the right thermostat, so understanding the different variations and features of smart home technology is key.
To determine which thermostat will achieve a homeowner’s own personal degree of perfection, ask your customer these questions:
- How do you want to feel in your home?
A homeowner may not know what device or equipment they want, but they do know how they want to feel in their home. Asking them to describe their ideal environment and how they prefer the air around them to feel will help you get a sense for their individual level of comfort. 
What do you hope to gain from having a smart thermostat?
Is your homeowner looking for an easy way to control the temperature? Do they want to lower their energy bills or even-out the humidity levels in their home? Curate your smart thermostat recommendations around the homeowner’s greatest needs, which oftentimes are not mutually exclusive. Lennox’ iComfort S30 Ultra Smart Thermostat includes Allergen Defender, a feature that monitors and cleans the air in the home, and the ability to control temperature remotely from a smartphone.- What level of control do you want over the temperature and air quality in your home?
Some homeowners want to monitor their home temperature remotely any time of day, while others prefer to set the perfect temperature once and leave it alone. If your homeowner opts for the former, choose a smart thermostat that provides a granular level of control and extensive remote capabilities. For example, the iComfort S30’s Smart Away Mode uses GPS to detect how far away the homeowner is from the house and adjusts the temperature accordingly. On the other hand, Lennox’ iComfort E30 Smart Thermostat’s Perfect Temp feature allows the homeowner to set the desired temperature and the system will automatically adjust heating and cooling to maintain that setting. Identifying the homeowner’s perfect level of comfort is key to suggesting the optimal smart thermostat. - Do you want a thermostat that is compatible with digital assistants?
Some homeowners prefer to control temperature and air quality through a digital assistant. Lennox’ iComfort smart thermostats are compatible with assistants like Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit and Amazon Alexa to create the ultimate comfort experience.
What do you hope to gain from having a smart thermostat?
Smart thermostats not only provide a wealth of benefits to homeowners, including decreased energy usage and control over temperature levels, but they can also improve how you work and interact with customers.
- Proactive troubleshooting. Oftentimes, smart thermostats will alert you when there is an issue with your customer’s HVAC systems. This allows you to proactively fix the problem, even before the homeowner is aware there is an issue. Through Lennox’ Dealer Portal, dealers can – when permitted by the homeowner – diagnose problems with the HVAC system and fix them remotely.
- Improved relationships with homeowners. Installation assistance and remote access provided by smart thermostats enable dealers to maintain and nurture relationships with the homeowner. Relationships are no longer one and done – you can be an ongoing resource for a homeowner with the touch of a button.
- Increased ease of installation. Smart thermostats don’t have to be difficult and time-intensive to install. For example, Lennox makes it easy through a four-wire installation with the S30 and E30. With faster and simpler installation, you can shift your focus to forming and nurturing long-lasting relationships with your customer.
Having a variety of options and capabilities allow both dealers and homeowners to find the ideal thermostat to meet their respective needs. Homeowners can surround themselves with perfect air, while dealers can provide higher levels of customer service. To learn more about how to help your homeowner find their perfect level of comfort, visit the Lennox website.
Guest Blogger: Sweta Hari is the Director of Product Management for Controls and Indoor Air Quality at Lennox International. She and her award-winning team are responsible for ideating, developing and commercializing products that improve home efficiency and honor Lennox’ commitment to healthy and comfortable air. With an intense focus on the HVAC dealer and homeowner’s customer experience in mind, Sweta and her team deliver industry-leading products that are recognized for their thoughtful design and overall functionality.
Panasonic, an industry-leading manufacturer of air conditioning, heating and indoor air quality systems, announces a new collaboration with Trumbull Campbell Associates, Inc., an independent manufacturers’ rep firm selling applied commercial heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment and parts, to distribute Panasonic VRF equipment to its commercial customers in Eastern Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire and Rhode Island. As one Read more
Panasonic, an industry-leading manufacturer of air conditioning, heating and indoor air quality systems, announces a new collaboration with Trumbull Campbell Associates, Inc., an independent manufacturers’ rep firm selling applied commercial heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment and parts, to distribute Panasonic VRF equipment to its commercial customers in Eastern Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire and Rhode Island.
As one of New England’s most respected manufacturers’ rep firms, Trumbull Campbell provides sales, application and service support to customers across a variety of industries, including healthcare, biotech, hospitality, elderly care and higher education. Founded in 2006, Trumbull Campbell has delivered cost-effective end-to-end solutions to its customers, offering assistance with installation, design, and reliable products that address the complexity of maintaining an HVAC system.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to represent a company not only of innovation and quality, but one of integrity,” said Tom Trumbull, Co-Founder, Trumbull Campbell Associates, Inc. “The level of support we’ve received from Panasonic is a true differentiator from other manufacturers. Our foothold in the territory paired with Panasonic’s brand and reputation offer a winning combination.”
“Trumbull Campbell is able to provide exceptional support for their customers in New England seeking applied equipment solutions,” said Nathan Oliver, Eastern U.S. Sales and Business Development Manager, Panasonic Appliances Air-Conditioning North America. “We are pleased to align with a company that can provide our customers with a personalized experience, satisfying their VRF application needs from design and selection to commissioning and service.”
For more information about Panasonic heating and air conditioning, please visit na.panasonic.com/us/home-and-building-solutions/heating-air-conditioning/.
Show Management today announced the winners of the 2019 AHR Expo Innovation Awards competition. Each year, products in 10 different categories are recognized for being some of the HVACR industry’s most innovative products, systems and technologies. Winners will be featured at the Show in Atlanta in January 2019. Winners were selected by a panel of Read more
Show Management today announced the winners of the 2019 AHR Expo Innovation Awards competition. Each year, products in 10 different categories are recognized for being some of the HVACR industry’s most innovative products, systems and technologies. Winners will be featured at the Show in Atlanta in January 2019.
Winners were selected by a panel of third-party ASHRAE member judges who evaluated each award entry based on its innovative design, creativity, application, value and market impact. Winners from each award category will be formally recognized during the 2019 AHR Expo, Jan. 14–16 at the Georgia World Congress in Atlanta. The ceremony is open to all Show attendees and is slated for January 15 at 1:00 PM EST. The AHR Expo will also announce this year’s winner of the highly-anticipated Product of the Year Award at the ceremony.
“Every year we look forward to award submissions that set the bar for innovation and professional practices in HVACR,” said Clay Stevens, manager of AHR Expo. “Year after year we continue to receive entries that exceed our expectations. We congratulate these winners as leaders from across all facets of the industry and look forward to seeing these inventive solutions at the 2019 AHR Expo and in real-world practice.”
Winners and finalists selected within the categories of building automation, cooling, green building, heating, indoor air quality, plumbing, refrigeration, software, tools and instruments, and ventilation are:
BUILDING AUTOMATION
Winner: Automated Logic Corporation (Booth C5731)
Innovation: OptiFlex™ virtual integrator is a software-based integration platform for data monitoring across diverse building systems. OptiFlex™ provides scalable integration solutions ideal for large integration projects such as data centers, hospitals and college campuses. The virtual integrator supports up to 50,000 data points from a single computing point, eliminating the need for multiple hardware gateways, which often require costly materials and labor, and have installation limitations due to space constraints in most mechanical rooms. It supports BACnet IP and Modbus TCP/IP, the two most commonly used IP-based protocols, as well as a new pluggable protocol technology that allows additional protocol additions. Customers can add additional points as needed through a scalable licensing mechanism.
Finalists in this category include: Building Automation Products, Inc./BAPI (BAPI Wireless 900 MHz Temperature and Humidity System); Delta Controls Inc. (O3 Sensor Hub); and Emerson (Supervisory Controls).
COOLING
Winner: Johnson Controls, Inc. (Booth B1617)
Innovation: YORK® YZ Magnetic Bearing Centrifugal Chiller, a fully-optimized chiller, is built with next-generation low-global warming potential (GWP) refrigerant to increase energy efficiency. The YORK® YZ provides centrifugal-chiller energy efficiencies as low as 0.1kW/ton, and less in off-design conditions where typical fixed-speed chillers experience performance issues. It has the potential to reduce annual electricity consumption by an average of 35 percent. The YORK® YZ was designed with a holistic approach to system design, with engineering optimization for every component around R-1233zd—a next generation, low-pressure refrigerant—and is a unique combination of advanced technologies, including a variable-speed magnetic bearing compressor, high-speed hermetic induction motor, falling film evaporator, adaptive capacity control logic and cloud-based analytics.
Finalists in this category include: ArctiChill (ACA or ACW Magnetic Bearing Chillers with Arctic Boost Option); Chemours (Opteon™ XP30 refrigerant); and Samsung HVAC of America (Wind-Free™ 4-way cassette mini-split).
GREEN BUILDING
Winner: enVerid Systems (Booth B1061)
Innovation: HVAC Load Reduction® (HLR) module 1000E-M, an indoor air scrubber module designed to lower energy wastage from HVAC systems, reduces the amount of outside air needed for ventilation by 60-80 percent. This results in increased energy efficiency and annual energy savings of 20-30 percent with peak capacity reductions of 1020 tons per HLR® 1000E-M module. The HLR® 1000E-M is fully compliant with ASHRAE Standard 62.1 Indoor Air Quality Procedure (IAQP) and the international mechanical code (IMC). The innovative design is a first-of-its-kind solution that safely removes all molecular contaminants, including carbon dioxide (CO2), formaldehyde and a full range of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from indoor air.
Finalists in this category include: Carrier (AquaEdge® 19DV centrifugal chiller); Smardt Chiller Group Inc. (Smardt DC water cooled chiller); and Software Motor Company (SMC Smart Motor System).
HEATING
Winner: Regal® (Booth B1639)
Innovation: Genteq® Ensite® motor, an electronically commutated motor specifically designed for furnace application, enables customers to comply with the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Fan Energy Rating (FER) regulatory requirements taking effect in July of 2019. The Genteq® Ensite® motor is a cost-efficient solution to achieving compliance without compromising on premium features such as advanced Blak Box™ and Near Field Communication (NFC) capabilities that support Internet of Things (IoT) and preventive maintenance.
Finalists in this category include: ArctiChill (SuperMod variable speed modular chiller platform); Des Champs Technologies (Model Air-Trap™ IPN); and Emerson (Universal single-stage furnace control for ECMx blower motor).
INDOOR AIR QUALITY
Winner: CPS Products, Inc. (Booth B3553)
Innovation: IAQ SmartAir™ is a smart tool used for identifying, diagnosing and solving IAQ issues. This tool is designed to diagnose more accurate true read indoor air quality issues, improve sales and enhance overall IAQ professional expertise. Its design walks professionals through the measuring process and provides a compiled list of IAQ issues and potential solutions based on collected and analyzed data. The IAQ SmartAir™ connects to the internet via WiFi for remote monitoring and evaluation, and allows professionals to create on-site customer reports and job quotations.
Finalists in this category include: Fresh-Aire UV (Mini UV DST-LED disinfection system for mini-split A/C systems); and Nortec [Condair] (DRAABE TrePur humidifier and evaporative cooler).
PLUMBING
Winner: Anvil International (Booth C6625)
Innovation: AnvilPress™ Copper, Copper Press Fittings and Coupling Systems are designed with patented Visual Indicator technology that provides 200 percent more sealing surface than typical fittings for leak prevention. The system is built with a double-fold sealing characteristic and a replaceable O-ring seal design that supports superior pressure and tensile performance. Its Virtual Indicator and Burr-Stop membrane solve the top two causes of leaks: improperly pressed fittings and burrs on the tube that damage the O-ring during installation.
Finalists in this category include: Caleffi Hydronic Solutions (ThermoSetter™ thermal balancing valve); Emerson (RIDGID Press Booster & rings for MegaPress® XL); and Noritz America (Noritz Residential Combination Boiler).
REFRIGERATION
Winner: Emerson (Booth B2219)
Innovation: Copeland Scroll™ fractional-horsepower, low-temperature compressors use liquid injection technology and cooling discharge temperatures to reduce compressor stress and meet federal regulatory requirements. With offerings ranging from ¾ to 1 ½, OEMs can combine certain compliance efforts into a single design cycle for smaller low-tomedium temperature applications that deliver high efficiency with reliable performance. The Copeland Scroll™ is wide-ranged and multi-refrigerant capable with low sound and vibration. It is an ideal solution for supermarkets, restaurants and convenience store operations.
Finalists in this category include: Baltimore Aircoil Company (TrilliumSeries™ adiabatic condenser); and DunAn Microstaq, Inc. (Silicon Refrigeration Valve).
SOFTWARE
Winner: Taco Comfort Solutions (Booth B2239)
Innovation: Taco Tags featuring eLink™ is a cloud-based support program that provides users with a web-based, factory-maintained knowledge base on their mobile device via NFC technology. The Taco Tag is an IC chip and antenna wrapped in silicone designed to offer durability under the most extreme conditions of heat and weather. It works using power from a user’s devices, eliminating the need for wires or external batteries. Each tag provides direct access to customer support, along with all vital information specific to each product, and is connected to the eLink cloud-based service system where users can store and access order information, product specifications, instruction sheets, suggested replacement parts, CAD files, technical support, catalogs, local sales representative information and project management.
Finalists in this category include: BreezoMeter Ltd. (Air quality and pollen data API); and Emerson (Sensi™ Multiple Thermostat Manager).
TOOLS & INSTRUMENTS
Winner: Dwyer Instruments, Inc. (Booth C5407)
Innovation: The Wireless Hydronic Balancing Kit, Series 490W, is a manometer designed to provide accurate and easy operation for HVAC professionals. The kit measures the pressure drop across HVAC balancing valves by using wireless sensors, a versatile handheld and Bluetooth® communication. Users can select valves for measurement from a predetermined list or through manual input of CV values. The handheld monitor allows for the flow of up to three valves at a time, with a single operator to monitor and balance a hydronic system in less time compared to traditional methods.
Finalists in this category include: Marketair, Inc. (Easybend); and Ritchie Engineering Co., Inc. (YELLOW JACKET P51-870 TITAN Digital Manifold).
VENTILATION
Winner: Energy Wall, LLC (Booth B268)
Innovation: The Energy Wall Universal ERV (U-ERV) is an energy recovery ventilator that is three times smaller and lighter than current technologies available on the market. It weighs only 90 pounds, allowing for easy installation of the fully-functional, independent system. A small footprint allows the modules to be hand-carried and assembled on site, where they operate with a single duct connection and point-of-power and control. This provides extreme redundancy for mission-critical facilities. It is also compliant with UL 900 fire/smoke standards and operates in all six orientations.
Finalists in this category include: Continental Fan Manufacturing Inc. (TEK-MAX plug fan); LG Electronics USA, Inc. (LG AHU conversion kit); and Triatek (EcoAir Valve™).
For more information regarding the AHR Expo Innovation Awards, visit the awards section on the AHR Expo website.
The AHR Expo provides a unique forum for industry professionals to meet under one roof to share ideas, discover new products and technologies and find solutions to the industry’s technical problems. To register, visit the AHR registration website.
For more information about the 2019 AHR Expo or the Innovation Awards Competition, please visit ahrexpo.com. Specific questions regarding 2020 Innovation Awards and entry processes can be emailed to kpires@iecshows.com.
For a more cost-effective ball valve option for ASTM F1960 PEX-based hydronic heating and cooling applications, look to Uponor’s ProPEX® brass ball valves. These commercial-grade, full-port ball valves are available in ½” to 2″ sizes and are appropriate for non-potable PEX piping systems containing up to 50 percent propylene glycol. The valves feature blow-out-proof stems Read more
For a more cost-effective ball valve option for ASTM F1960 PEX-based hydronic heating and cooling applications, look to Uponor’s ProPEX® brass ball valves. These commercial-grade, full-port ball valves are available in ½” to 2″ sizes and are appropriate for non-potable PEX piping systems containing up to 50 percent propylene glycol. The valves feature blow-out-proof stems and are available with stem extension kits to accommodate up to 2″ of insulation. They are code-compliant and listed to ANSI/NSF 14 and cNSFus-rfh and tested to ASTM F877, ASTM F1960, CSA B137.5 and NSF 359.
Visit uponorengineering.com to download CAD and BIM design files for fast and easy specification and design.
Twelve top plumbing and HVACR students received honors in the plumbing and HVACR competitions of the annual SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Contest, held last week in Louisville, Ky. The PHCC Educational Foundation supports the plumbing and HVACR contests each year. The Foundation’s Plumbing Apprentice and Journeyman Training Committee makes up the majority of the Read more
Twelve top plumbing and HVACR students received honors in the plumbing and HVACR competitions of the annual SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Contest, held last week in Louisville, Ky.
The PHCC Educational Foundation supports the plumbing and HVACR contests each year. The Foundation’s Plumbing Apprentice and Journeyman Training Committee makes up the majority of the SkillsUSA Plumbing Technical Committee, and members were on hand to set up and help with contest judging. The PHCC Educational Foundation also has a representative on the SkillsUSA HVACR Technical Committee, who assists with set up and contest judging.
Throughout the week, nearly 6,100 secondary and postsecondary career and technical education students competed in more than 100 trades contests. This year’s plumbing honors went to:
1st Place Secondary – Robert Fluke, Upper Cape Regional, Bourne, Mass.
1st Place Post-Secondary – Jesse Hornback, Elizabethtown Technical College, Elizabethtown, Ky.
2nd Place Secondary – Christian Weeks, Papillon LaVista South High School, Papillon, Neb.
2nd Place Post-Secondary – Jonathan Hill, Ogden-Weber Applied Technology College, Ogden, Utah
3rd Place Secondary – Mason Steiner, Paso Robles High School, Paso Robles, Cal.
3rd Place Post-Secondary – Travis Slankard, Kansas City (KS) Community College Technical Education Center, Kansas City, Kan.
This year’s HVACR honors went to:
1st Place Secondary – Andrew Shupert, Warren County Career Center, Lebanon, Ohio
1st Place Post-Secondary – Matthew Boden, Mitchell Technical Institute, Mitchell, S.D.
2nd Place Secondary – Krzysztof Zamajtys, Eastern Suffolk BOCES – Milliken Technical Center, Oakdale, N.Y.
2nd Place Post-Secondary – Josiah Tiegs, Saint Cloud Technical and Community College, Saint Cloud, Minn.
3rd Place Secondary – Dustin Curtis, Red River Technology Center, Duncan, Okla.
3rd Place Post-Secondary – Brandon Martin, Rowan Cabarrus Community College, Salisbury, N.C.
Technical committee members for this year’s event included:
· Robyn Bucknam, DEWALT Industrial Tool Co., Mooresville, N. C. (plumbing)
· Bob Carpenter, SharkTech Academy, Atlanta, Ga. (plumbing)
· Danny Crigler, L & D Associates, Inc., Aroda, Va. (plumbing)
· Laurie Crigler, L & D Associates, Inc., Aroda, Va. (plumbing)
· Robert Hahn, Co-Chair, Eastwick College, HoHoKus School of Trades, Union, N. J. (plumbing)
· Merry Beth Hall, Co-Chair, PHCC Educational Foundation, Falls Church, Va. (plumbing)
· Victor Hatcher, Tyler Pipe and Coupling, Tyler, Tex. (plumbing)
· Tim House, Kentucky Association of Master Contractors, Frankfort, Ky. (plumbing)
· Bill Jones, Raven Mechanical, Houston, Texas (plumbing)
· Stephanie Kamba, Milwaukee Electric Tool Co., Brookfield, Wis. (plumbing)
· Harold Moret, Copper Development Association, Braselton, Ga. (plumbing)
· Dennis Peters, DKP Plumbing, Paso Robles, Cal. (plumbing)
· Patrick Peterson, SharkTech Academy, Atlanta, Ga. (plumbing)
· Dale Powell, Copper Development Association, Harrisburg, Pa. (plumbing)
· Joe Pritchard, Cast Iron Soil Pipe Institute, Waterford, Wis. (plumbing)
· Tony Senninger, Senninger Plumbing Co., Louisville, Ky. (plumbing)
· Jamie Simpson, Schaal Heating & Cooling, Des Moines, Iowa (HVACR)
· Jim Steinle, Atomic Plumbing, Virginia Beach, Va. (plumbing)
· James Walls, Cast Iron Soil Pipe Institute, Garland, Texas (plumbing)
The plumbing competition was made possible by the following generous industry sponsors:
Headline Sponsors: A. O. Smith; American Supply Association; Copper Development Association, Inc.; Kohler; Viega, LLC; and Zoeller Pump Co.
Additional prizes, materials and on-site support provided by: A. O. Smith; American Supply Assn.; BrassCraft Manufacturing Co.; Caddy; Calculated Industries; Carhartt; Cast Iron Soil Pipe Institute; Charlotte Pipe & Foundry; Copper Development Assn.; Delta Faucet Company; DEWALT Tools & Accessories; Harris Products Group; Irwin Industrial Tools; Kentucky Assn. of Master Contractors; Kohler; Lenox; Matheson Gas; MILWAUKEE TOOL; NIBCO, Inc.; Oatey; PHCC Educational Foundation; PHCC – National Association; Plumbers Supply Co.; RIDGID/Ridge Tool Company; Rothenberger USA; Senninger Plumbing Co.; SharkBite; Sioux Chief Manufacturing Co.; Tyler Pipe; UA Local 502; Viega, LLC; and Zoeller Pump Co.