By Tim Savoy By Tim Savoy February 27

Smart home technology has become a buzzword in the real estate market.

For several years, the number of products that control elements of your home has exponentially increased. From all-in-one devices that control just about everything to products that increase efficiency and save money, many nontechnical consumers may be intimidated by these technologies.

Here are a few simple ways to get started without breaking the bank:

Find a home automation hub.Perhaps the most important piece to start your smart home journey is to decide on a home automation hub.

Home automation hubs act like personal assistants. Think of this as mission control for the variety of products you may want to use. These products are easy to install; all you need to set up a virtual personal assistant is a WiFi network and your preferred product.

[More Savoy: Heres how to use technology to your advantage if youre buying a home from afar]

These devices, such as Amazon Echo or Google Home, are popping up more and more on the market, which is great for consumers, as it will continue to drive prices down and increase innovation in the technology.

For example, you might use your home assistant to play your favorite artist through the speaker, adjust the temperature to your liking, turn lights on and off, or ask for the weather. Regardless, your home automation hub is a cheap way to connect your lifestyle to your home.

Recommendations: Amazon Echo ($180) or Google Home ($130). (Jeffrey P. Bezos owns Amazon.com and The Washington Post.)

Difficulty to install: Easy

Forget old-school light bulbs.Imagine transitioning the mood lighting at home from bright lights during the day to soft in the evening, and to different colors during a party. All of these are offered from the most basic smart lighting packages.

One of the focal points to smart home technologies focuses on lighting. The most apparent visually, smart lights take advantage of longer-lasting LEDs as well as wireless technologies to turn lights on and off (though you can still use the old-fashioned light switch). Smart lights are great because you dont need to upgrade your space. These lights screw into existing fixtures and can be operated via your phone, laptop or home-automation hub.

Though expensive, most bulbs last for years, if not decades. With a range of colors in each bulb, smart lights are likely going to start popping up in many new listings as a feature that comes with the home.

Recommendations: Phillips Hue Starter Kit (3 bulbs and bridge, $175)

Difficulty to install: Easy

Heat and cool your home smarter.Most people immediately think of their thermostat first when it comes to smart home technologies. Early innovators such as Nest were first to appear on the market and in newly developed listings.

[More Savoy: Aging-in-place options most popular with baby boomers]

The premise is simple: Smart HVAC systems are actually run through the thermostat. Instead of replacing an entire HVAC system, most products slide over the existing wiring and provide cost savings and convenience to heating and cooling your home.

The perks of this technology include cost savings as smart thermostats learn your habits. Whether you prefer warmer temperatures in the morning or leave during the day for work and turn your system off, smart thermostats learn your habits. Moreover, you can access the thermostat from anywhere in the world, handy when returning from a long trip and need to heat or cool the home as you enter.

Recommendations: Nest Learning Thermostat ($250) or ecobee 7-day starter thermostat (both $250)

Difficulty to install: Moderate, non-handy owners may want to consult an electrician

Secure your home with an upgrade system. Although not a new technology, home security systems have undergone a major facelift the past couple of years. Whereas older technologies have been subscription based for in-home security systems, there are now several products that are considered plug and play for convenience.

Instead of paying a yearly subscription to a security company, modernized products are tailored to consumers who want to see first-hand what is happening while away from home.

[More Savoy: Smart-home upgrades that you can install yourself]

Most products will normally include self-install motion sensors, video cameras, door alarms and often fobs to easily disable the system. Almost all products offer tailored apps that notify you by message or phone when there is a disturbance detected.

Also, Washington offers a rebate program for homeowners and renters who install security systems into their homes. The reimbursement program is up to $500 per address when registered with the District. This is a huge incentive to someone who may want to get a discount on installing a security system.

Recommendations: Scout Home Security System ($320)

Difficulty to install: Moderate

Forget being locked out of the house.As with security camera systems, smart locks serve several purposes. First, smart locks provide great security with keyless technology. Second, smart locks are versatile in that the consumer can dictate who may enter the house even when the owner is not present.

Several of these locking options allow instant access to the house for the owner or temporary access for guests. For example, smart locks can allow a housekeeper or pet sitter access during certain days without the need of a physical key. This access then expires and the guest may no longer enter. For the consumer, this also means not getting locked out from home as you can enter with your smartphone.

While relatively cheap, most smart locks should be installed by a locksmith or handyman familiar with changing locks on a home. This may be one product left to the experts!

Recommendations: August smart lock ($230) or Schlage smart lock ($200)

Difficulty to install: Difficult (recommended to hire locksmith or general contractor)

Spending a couple hundred dollars in one or more of these categories can add so much to your home. Smart technologies should not be considered intimidating; instead, smart-home technologies accentuate living in the best ways.

Tim Savoy, a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Capitol Hill, writes an occasional column about the Washington-area housing market. He can be reached at Timothy.Savoy@cbmove.com and on Twitter @SavoyRealEstate.

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Think you missed the boat on smart home technology? Here's how ... - Washington Post

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Heating and cooling doesnt come cheapespecially if your HVAC system has to work harder to overcome heat loss due to drafts. Thats why remodeling pros recommend minimizing inefficient air leaks by sealing the home as tightly as possible. Theres only one downside: those heat-sucking cracks and gaps allow fresh air to enter and stale air to escape. When a house has been effectively buttoned up, it may no longer be able to exchange air on its own. In that case, you must take special measures not only to ensure proper ventilation, but also to safeguard the quality of the air you breathe on a daily basis.

Despite the fact that Americans, on average, spend about 90 percent of their time indoors, relatively few think twice about home air quality. After all, isnt air pollution confined to the congested streets of big cities? The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says no. In fact, according to the EPA, A growing body of scientific evidence has indicated that the air within homes and other buildings can be more seriously polluted than the outdoor air. This means that in the closed environment of a contemporary home, a concentration of impurities can compromise home health to an often surprising degree.

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If a homeowner ever stops to consider indoor air quality, its most likely going to be during the winter, says Daniel OBrian, a technical specialist with SupplyHouse.com. Thats because when the mercury plummets, youre not opening the doors and windows to the breezesyoure doing the opposite. Plus, although the typical forced-air heating system provides warmth and comfort, the technology also introduces a steady supply of warm, dry air that isnt unhealthy in itself, but which, OBrian says, certainly isnt pleasant for many people and can exacerbate serious issues like asthma.

Promoting indoor air quality isnt a simple matter. Often, OBrian continues, success requires a multipronged strategy that takes on different facets of the problem. Fortunately, with scores of manufacturers jumping on board to help address home-health concerns, there are plenty of compelling options to consider. Of these, the most popular products fall into one of three categorieshumidification, filtration, or air-cleaning. Not every technology may be suitable for your home, OBrian says, but its well worth considering the benefits of each one.

WHOLE-HOME HUMIDIFIERS

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If youve ever heard the expression its not the heat, its the humidity, you know that comfort hinges not only on temperature, but also on the moisture content of the air. People tend to think of humidity as something you only confront outdoors, OBrian says, but it matters equally as much for health and happiness indoors. While excess humidity leads to clammy conditions, the oppositeexcessive drynessgives rise to the red eyes and sore throats that can make winter so uncomfortable. To remedy the itchy-scratchy situation and normalize humidity levels in winter, many choose to install a whole-home humidifier.

Unlike the portable, plug-in appliances that humidify only one room at a time, whole-home units attach directly to the houses HVAC system for maximum impact. Installed adjacent to the furnace blower, a drum humidifier consists of a sponge that rotates slowly through a reservoir of water. As the blower pushes heated air through the humidifier, it picks up moisture before entering the ductwork and, ultimately, the living spaces. Bypass humidifiers operate in a broadly similar way but install within the ductwork itself. Both work to keep the humidity level within a healthy, comfortable range, OBrian concludes.

FURNACE FILTRATION

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Dust, pollen, pet hair at any given time, innumerable particulates float around in the air inside the typical home. If there were no such thing as a furnace filter, the number of airborne particulates would only increase, and the home HVAC system would recirculate them all, over and over, throughout the house. Fortunately, furnaces are equipped with filters to remove harmful particulates from the air that passes through. Besides safeguarding the furnace itself against damage, an HVAC filter directly benefits indoor air qualityso long as the homeowner takes action to prevent the filter from becoming clogged.

Some filters must be replaced as often as every few months. Others are reusable but need to be cleaned manually. One or the other may be more convenient for you, OBrian says, but neither type promises better or worse performance. Indeed, for filter efficacy, nothing matters more than a filters Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, or MERV rating. The higher the MERV rating, the better, OBrian explains. Any conventional filter can catch relatively large particulates, such as cigarette ash and dust bunnies. But with higher-rated filters, OBrian continues, you get protection against smaller particulates as well.

AIR CLEANERS

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Make no mistake, furnace filters are essential and provide a key line of defense, OBrian says, but they work a lot better when paired with an air cleaner. Why? Furnace filters come with an Achilles heel: They do nothing to protect against mold, mildew, germs, and other microscopic impurities. In other words, in a home with comprehensive indoor air-quality protection, the air cleaner picks up right where the furnace filter leaves off, OBrian says. How much an air cleaner helps depends mainly on the technology you choose.

Different air cleaners rely on different air-cleaning methods. For instance, electrostatic air cleaners positively charge impurities in the air and then catch those impurities on a series of internal, negatively charged plates. Ion air cleaners, meanwhile, disperse charged ions that attach toand neutralizeairborne particulates. Finally, high-efficiency particulate air cleanersalso known as HEPA unitsconsist of multiple built-in filters, each specially designed to capture a different type of common indoor air pollution.

If youre concerned about the contents of the air you breathe at homethe one place where youd expect not to have to worry about such thingsconsult with your contractor, or contact SupplyHouse.com experts, who are always on hand to assist you in making the right choice for your household needs and budget. Remember that, as OBrian puts it, air quality and efficient heating and cooling work hand in hand. In other words, breathing easier at home often also means breathing easier when the utility bill comes at the end of the month!

This article has been brought to you by SupplyHouse.com. Its facts and opinions are those of BobVila.com.

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Your 3 Best Bets for Battling Indoor Air Pollution - BobVila.com

LAS VEGAS Energy efficiency, the growing popularity of ductless and VRF, the evolution of heat pumps into whole-home solutions, and the Internet of Things are a few of the major trends influencing products in the residential air conditioning market. Manufacturers materialized these trends on the exhibition floor at the 2017 AHR Expo.

One of the biggest trends in North America for the HVAC industry in 2017 is the rising popularity of ductless systems, according to T.J. Wheeler, vice president of marketing and product management, Friedrich Air Conditioning Co.

There are plenty of good reasons why more residential and commercial customers are adopting ductless system solutions, he said. Ductless systems offer major advantages and unbeatable performance when it comes to conditioning air faster, maintaining more accurate temperatures, and reducing energy costs. Ductless systems also provide a scalable solution for additions, retrofit, and renovation projects, where complicated ductwork installation or re-routing is not feasible.

Multifamily residential projects are becoming more efficient and feature easier to install and maintain options that deliver maximum comfort and style, Wheeler said. Thats what makes Friedrichs VRP [Variable Refrigerant Packaged] Heat Pump system so exciting. Its a total HVAC solution that delivers exceptional heating and cooling efficiency and sound levels, easy installation, conditioned fresh air, and true humidity control, all while maintaining low upfront and operational costs.

Friedrichs VRP system is a total HVAC solution that also incorporates patent pending make-up air and humidity control. The system utilizes a Precision Inverter compressor that gives it exceptional performance and reduces sound. It combines variable refrigerant flow (VRF) along with the convenience and simplistic design of a closet-mounted single packaged unit.

VRP is so efficient at automatically adjusting capacity to meet specific cooling needs, it delivers efficiencies of up to 20 SEER and 13 EER, Wheeler said. VRP also features exceptional low-ambient heat pump operations down to 0F, potentially saving hundreds of dollars per year. Plus, it reaches desired temperatures faster than conventional systems by exceeding the capacity when needed, unlike single-speed units.

Brian Bogdan, director of engineering, air conditioning systems, LG Electronics USA Inc., said the biggest trend he is seeing in the market currently is the increasing demand for VRF due to its energy efficiency, cost effectiveness, and design flexibility.

This demand is largely driven by customers desires to reduce operating costs and to do so with minimal interruption to operations and modifications to the building structure. For these reasons, we are seeing VRF chosen more and more as a basis of design.

LG expanded its Multi V S line to include a 2-ton heat pump and 5-ton heat recovery model, which debuted at the AHR Expo. The new products are designed to provide excellent energy efficiency and the versatility of simultaneous heating and cooling, even in the most extreme weather. The system utilizes single-phase power so it can be used in a wide range of building types from schools to single-family homes, making the LG Multi V S a great solution for any application. The Multi V S requires little or no ductwork resulting in smaller space requirements for piping to maintain the integrity of the exterior of buildings.

With the addition of 2- and 5-ton Multi V S models, LG now offers homeowners and business owners across the country more energy-efficient air conditioning options than ever before, said Bogdan.

According to Brian OConnor, sales director for Samsung HVAC, higher efficiency demands from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) have driven more single- and multi-zone mini-split unit installations in the residential air conditioning market.

Mini-split air conditioners used to be perceived as single-zone air conditioners, not for the entire house, and not for heating, OConnor explained. Now, more and more people are finding the mini-split units are capable of cooling and heating the entire house extremely efficiently. The mini-split market is growing at an extremely fast rate.

Samsung introduced its wall-mounted Wind-FreeTM AC, the AR9500M, at the AHR Expo. The unit gently disperses cool and still air through 21,000 micro air holes for a natural and pleasant cooling effect. After the user sets the desired temperature, the unit balances and maintains the homes internal climate so users dont experience uncomfortable airflows. Samsung studies indicate that Wind-Free ACs can cut energy use and also feature Smart Home technology.

More and more mini splits are doing heating and cooling, not just cooling, OConnor noted. One of the concerns consumers have about duct-free units on the wall is when you have it, it blows on you, and you feel that sudden burst of cold air. Thats a comfort issue. Not all consumers, but a lot of them, complained about it. Consumers want to be comfortable at whatever temperature set point. Whereas, on the heating side, they like that blast of hot air. The design of the Wind-Free ACs allows air to be dispersed evenly. We want to provide options for consumers and options that allow contractors to set themselves apart from the competition.

Victor Flynn, senior product manager, Panasonic Appliances Air Conditioning North America, agreed, saying heat pumps are among the most popular options in the residential air conditioning market.

As inverter-driven, variable-speed compressor technology continues to improve, we see a market transformation where mini-split air-source heat pumps are specified and installed as primary heating equipment in cold-climate northern homes, Flynn said. Cold-climate air-source heat pumps continue to provide heating capacity when outdoor temperatures drop and are being incentivized by utility, state, and municipal building programs to promote strategic electrification of home heating space reducing greenhouse gases.

Panasonic launched the latest entry in its Exterios line of ductless mini splits, the Slim-Ducted Heat Pump. The versatile system provides heating and cooling solutions for the entire home. The Slim-Ducted Heat Pump assumes a low profile, as they can be hidden in floors or ceilings without disrupting the look and feel of a room. Additionally, the product is highly efficient in both the winter and summer, regardless of the function being performed. This commitment to energy efficiency is reflected in the inverter-driven compressor and the DC fan motor, both of which allow for high efficiency and consistent performance. The system will be available in 5,000-7,000 Btu for a multi zone and 9,000-12,000 Btu for single and multi-zone HVAC solutions. The unit is also capable of highly efficient operation at temperatures down to minus 15 F and includes a base pan heater. the Exterios XE can consistently run all winter long in some of the coldest climates in North America.

The proliferation of inverter-controlled condensing units in the residential ducted arena is one of the most exciting trends were seeing at Carrier, said Todd Nolte, cooling products program manager, Carrier Corp. Right now, most of the inverter products are positioned at the high end of the product line, so were investing to create more mid-tier products with this technology. We feel the demand for sustainable home comfort solutions and the increased interest from homebuilders in high-efficiency products will support this expansion.

Moving into 2017, were confident more dealers and homeowners will favor the long-term economics of high-efficiency systems and will be pleased with smaller-footprint condensing units, he continued. Moreover, the rollout this year of our expanded lineup of Cor thermostats, at lower prices points, will further enhance the energy savings calculation and make the inverter-driven products more attractive when paired with connected thermostats.

Along with a renewed interest in IAQ, Kelly Hearnsberger, vice president of residential product marketing, Daikin North America LLC, said he is seeing a trend toward smarter products.

Internet of Things [IoT] is still the big buzzword, Hearnsberger said. And, of course, it means something different to each company. What it really means for us is opportunity. We think the IoT presents contractors with the opportunity for better relationships with consumers. I think theres an opportunity for more intelligent equipment. And this is common with other manufacturers, too.

Daikin showcased its new EMURA wall-mounted indoor heat pump at the AHR Expo. The EMURA offers smart technology within a sleek, curved silhouette. Inside the understated exterior is a highly intelligent system that can be controlled with a standard wireless (infrared) remote or via the Daikin Comfort Adapter and mobile App through a Wi-Fi network.

EMURA offers efficiencies up to 18.9 SEER and up to 12.5 HSPF with a wide operating range from minus 14F to 115F for cooling and minus 4F to 75F for heating. Additionally, the EMURA is extremely quiet with sound levels down to 19 dBA. An intelligent-eye sensor monitors the room for occupancy and can adjust to an energy-savings mode when unoccupied for 20 minutes. The intelligent eye also monitors movement in the room to provide Comfort Airflow technology that minimizes direct airflow on occupants.

According to Matt Barga, portfolio leader, product management, Trane, customers are becoming better educated when it comes to making purchasing decisions.

Better-educated customers also are driven more by comfort options, he said. Previously, customers typically made decisions based on need and energy efficiency or a utility subsidy often helped drive the energy-efficient selection. Today, more customers are choosing solutions that also address greater comfort. Their increased knowledge has given them information about variable-speed solutions, for example, and the temperature consistency, humidity control, and reduced sound that an option like that can provide.

In addition to comfort, customers want smarter products with remote monitoring capabilities.

Tranes Nexia Diagnostics allows contractors to remotely monitor the homes heating and cooling system using real-time performance data, ensuring the highest level of customer service, Barga said. The Nexia Diagnostics dashboard provides dealers with a host of real-time and diagnostic data, so the health of the system can be quickly diagnosed and an accurate course of action identified. These solutions provide the increased comfort and connected options that todays more educated consumers are seeking.

Simplifying serviceability by adding remote diagnostics is a big trend in the industry, noted William Ken Ely, product manager, heat pumps and air handlers, unitary products group, Johnson Controls Inc.

Our 20-SEER AC/20-SEER heat pump has some game-changing features, he said. The unit has Charge Assurance, so when a tech is installing the system or doing annual maintenance, the system will tell them how its charged. The screen on the unit tells the contractor the superheat, subcooling, engine pressure, and suction pressure. And, we kept it simple. If everything is good, it displays a smiley face, if its bad, it displays a frowny face. Think about the simplicity of that. Unfortunately in our industry, were not getting the level of technicians we really need, so we have to keep it simple. This also minimizes the time for contractors on the job site and makes them more profitable as a result.

The York Affinity Series 20-SEER Variable Capacity Air Conditioner & Heat Pump is Energy Star Most Efficient qualified and will be launched in the spring.

Were seeing a lot of variable capacity some people call it modulating but its the ability for the system to adjust to precisely meet the comfort needs of the space, Ely said. Because we know as the day progresses, the comfort requirements change with more sun or windows and doors opening. The system has to be able to adjust to precisely meet those changing comfort requirements. That helps lower consumers energy bills and its also able to deal with temperature and humidity much better.

Ryan Teschner, assistant product manager, residential products, Rheem Mfg. Co., agreed, saying built-in diagnostics are becoming more popular in the residential market.

Serviceability is something we see as a strong point for us to work on, said Teschner. Our products feature new, innovative technology as well as feedback from our contractors. We want features to help them in the field. A new trend and feature for us is built-in diagnostics. Contractors get an email that says exactly what is wrong with the unit so they can send a tech out to fix it immediately. Were trying to find out how to build in diagnostics without overdesigning the product.

Rheems Prestige Series EcoNet-enabled Variable Speed Heat Pump was displayed in its trailer at the AHR Expo. The product also features a minimum of 20 SEER and up to 11 HSPF system performance; expanded valve space provides a minimum working area of 27 square inches for easier access; and triple service access 15-inch-wide corner service easier for easier, faster repairs.

Another trend is obviously energy efficiency, Teschner added. This product is highly efficient and will qualify for any regional rebate, including in the higher standard states like California.

Publication date: 2/27/2017

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Efficiency, Internet of Things Influence Residential A/C Market - ACHR NEWS

LAS VEGAS On Dec. 17, 2015, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)finalized new negotiated energy conservation standardsforcommercial air conditioners and heat pumpsandcommercial warm-air furnaces, also known as rooftop units (RTUs). According to DOE, the new efficiency standards for RTUs will save businesses $167 billion in energy costs over the lifetime of the equipment more than any other efficiency standard issued to date.

The new RTU standards will take effect in two phases, increasing minimum efficiency by about 10 percent as of Jan. 1, 2018, and by 25-30 percent as of Jan. 1, 2023. Standards for new warm-air furnaces that are typically installed as a unit with a commercial air conditioner will also become effective in 2023.

Furthermore, the ANSI/AHRI 920 standard, Rating Standard for DX Dedicated Outdoor-Air Units, has added efficiency minimums to the ASHRAE 90.1 standard, so manufacturers are adjusting and preparing. Therefore, its not too surprising that the biggest trend with rooftop units and chillers this year was energy efficiency. Manufacturers are also increasing their products connectivity to ease the installation of chillers and rooftop units for contractors.

Rooftop unit manufacturers focused their attention on meeting or exceeding these new energy efficiency targets with their newly developed equipment.

Pushing equipment efficiency higher has gone from a trend to the norm, said Mike Schires, senior product manager, Modine Mfg. Co. Manufacturers are continually looking to either keep pace or stay ahead of the curve when it comes to constantly changing efficiency regulations, both current and future.

Modine updated its Atherion system at this years show. There has been a trend in the HVAC industry of shifting the focus from full-load efficiency (EE) to part-load efficiency (IEER) minimums, and MOdine followed that trend with the Atherion 20-ton model. The Atherions part-load efficiencies are the result of the use of modulating digital scroll compressors, electronic expansion valves (EXVs), modulating head pressure control, backward inclined airfoil plenum fans, and the selection of components that reduce air-side pressure drop.

Theres a shift from a focus being on full-load efficiency (EER) to part load efficiency (IEER) minimums, Schires said. This requires manufacturers to look differently at their designs. Fortunately, for Modine, we had this forward thinking from the initial stages of design for Atherion, and we have been highly focused on maximizing part-load efficiency, because we know that is where the equipment operates through most of its life.

Tranes Precedent Light-Commercial rooftop units with eFlex technology include 6- to 10-ton sizes of energy-efficient light commercial packaged rooftop units. Trane eFlex variable-speed compressors and fans precisely match output to the cooling demands of the space.

Another trend found in rooftop units is easier connectivity. Johnson Controls Inc.s York XY 04 to 09 Direct Fit Packaged Heat Pump was updated this year and is now more efficient. This heat pump meets the ASHRAE 90.1 standard and is powered by Johnson Controls Smart Equipment, which allows contractors to connect to the unit through various smart devices with tools, such as their Mobile Access Portal (MAP) Gateway.

Smart Equipment provides contractors with the ability to access, control, and troubleshoot HVAC issues without traveling to the site. They can see what a unit is doing from anywhere in the world using just the smart devices already in their possession, said Jason Beke, commercial product manager, Johnson Controls Inc.

Daikin Applied, a member of Daikin Industries Ltd., shared that its remotely connected rooftop Rebel, Trailblazer, and Pathfinder units are now Intelligent Equipment-enabled, which provides customers and contractors greater visibility into their HVAC equipment.

The Trailblazer is designed for low-install costs and high performance, easing the installation process for contractors, while the Pathfinder, which was the winner of this years AHR Innovation Award in the cooling category, features variable volume ratio (VVR) technology that allows the chillers compressor to optimize performance for every condition, at every hour of the day, while improving efficiency levels.

Being able to take that combination of rooftop unit and variable air volume (VAV) and the controls associated with it is a trend were seeing, Jim Macosko, product general manager, air handling, Daikin Applied. At the contractor level, being able to install without necessarily bringing in a full-blown controls contractor is a great perk. Trying to get that dream of a plug- and-play VAV system with controls is something contractors want and have wanted for years. That is something were striving to do with our rooftop products and intelligent equipment funneling it all into one system, said

Updates to ASHRAE 90.1 standard are going to increase efficiency requirements for chillers and are expected to significantly alter the future of chillers. However, a lot of companies are making a conscious effort to stay ahead of these requirements.

ASHRAE is coming out with a new standard that is going to increase chillers efficiencies it looks like 10 percent. Efficiency is usually our No.1 design requirement, so were on the higher end of the scale as a lot of our products already meet the standard today, said Ross Miglio, president, ClimaCool Corp.

ClimaCool debuted a simultaneous heating and cooling water to water heat recovery chiller with an integral air cooled condenser, which allows for energy savings. Each module contains individual brazed-plate evaporators and brazed-plate condensers for maximum chilled water and hot water output in heat recovery mode. Integral air-cooled fans will only operate when there is an unequal cooling or heating building load for the operating modules. The fans act so heat can be added or taken out of the refrigerant loop, eliminating the need for geothermal well fields or other sources.

Trane is also looking to be efficient with its latest Trane Series S CenTraVac chiller Series, which has expanded again with the CVHM model. Providing a small carbon footprint as well as a quiet sound level, the Series S line of chillers is part of the Ingersoll Rand EcoWise portfolio, designed for high-efficiency operation and lower environmental impacts with low-GWP (global warming potential) refrigerants.

Another common trend chiller manufacturers are following is to make the installation process easier on contractors. Whether its making it easier to break down, adjust, or fit into tight or small places, manufacturers are simplifying the installation process for chillers.

Aermecs new water-to-water chiller, the WWM, was designed to make it easier to install chillers. Due to its modular design, the installation can be adapted to suit specific development needs while guaranteeing improved safety and reliability. As a result, the cooling capacity can be easily increased over time and at a limited cost.

Weve designed the product to have access only through the front, and because all of the service access is in the front, we then have the ability of the modules going back to back in a single line against the wall or stacked. That allows us to put as much cooling tonnage in a square foot as you would see the large centrifugal chiller manufacturers being able to do, said Richard Gerbe, cofounder, Highmark NY LLC. Theres features contractors love about this chiller. One, is this can go through a standard door when you remove a piece. The owners love that its a very, very small footprint. And, in addition, the redundancy you get with all of the standard compressors is great. You could work on one of these modules while not impacting any of the other cooling in the plant.

Carrier Corp.s new AquaEdge 19DV Centrifugal chiller provides greater insight about the performance of the commercial heating and cooling system to building owners and facility managers due to its product integrated controls. Carrier SMART Service provides remote connectivity and advanced analytics so building owners and facility managers can get the best return on their heating and cooling investments.

This option provides improved oversight of energy and maintenance expenses and supports initiatives that promote good environmental stewardship through reduced resource consumption, said Mark Rabbia, product business manager, Carrier Corp.

Geoclima exhibited its new adiabatic chiller for the first time at the 2017 AHR Expo. The new adiabatic evaporative system ensures a greater airflow toward the condenser coils, both on (closed pads) and off (opened pads) mode, which makes it possible to eliminate a great amount of unnecessary material, in favor of more compact and efficient structures, and allows easier access and maintenance for contractors. The chiller reduces installation costs for contractors because its smaller in both weight and carbon footprint and the size is suitable for truck transportation.

Publication date: 2/27/2017

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Standards Shape the Future for RTUs | 2017-02-27 | ACHRNEWS - ACHR NEWS

RONAN David Martin Gingras was born on Nov. 2, 1948, at St. Ignatius to Agnes Nomee Gingras. His father, Eli Gingras died several weeks before Davids birth. David was the youngest of nine children born to Eli and Agnes.

David attended St. Ignatius Ursuline Academy until sixth grade. Then he attended school in St. Pierre, South Dakota, and graduated from Flandreau Indian School. While attending Denver Automotive School, he met his wife, Larelda Juhl. David served in the U.S. Navy in 1972-1974 at the North Island Naval Air Station in California where he served as a jet mechanic.

David and Larelda were married July 7, 1974, in Lincoln, Nebraska. They had two children, Christina and David E. He also has a daughter, Jackie, from an earlier relationship.

After his discharge from the Navy, David moved to Ronan where he worked at Kicking Horse Job Corp. Later, he worked for Big Sky Sheet Metal masking heating and air conditioning fittings. He then moved to Tri-Cities, Washington, to install heating and air conditioning until 1980 where he returned to Ronan and worked at Mission Valley Power until his retirement in 2014.

David loved his children and supported them in all of their endeavors. He loved all small children and always kept candy in his pockets. David enjoyed doing traditional crafts and anything outdoors, especially hunting with his son and nephews, John and Cody. David and his son loved to work on cars and had repaired and restored several classic cars. He loved attending powwows and was proud of his Native American heritage. David was a member of the Ronan Seventh-day Adventist Church for 38 years where lead the youth programs.

In addition to his parents, David is predeceased by sisters, Frances Gingras, Martha Gingras, and Teddi Charette; brothers, Joseph, Francis and Bill Gingras; and a special nephew, Duane Mike Plouffe.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Larelda Juhl Gingras; daughters, Jackie Montgomery Karljevich (Michael), and Christina Hunold; and son, David E. (Sheila) Gingras; 6 grandchildren; sisters, Joann (Rod) Schall, Chickie (Stan) Graham; brothers, Peter Mitchell (Cynthia), George Alfred Mitchell (Lori); special nephews, John Madrigal and Cody Gingras, all the Gingras Brats and many other relatives in Montana, Idaho, and Washington.

Cremation has taken place and services will be held on Friday, March 3, at 2 p.m. at the Ronan Seventh-day Adventist Church, 511 First Ave. SW, Ronan, MT 59864. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online by visiting shriderthompson.com. Arrangements are under the care of Shrider-Thompson Funeral Home, Ronan.

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David Martin Gingras - The Missoulian

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Furnace Donation Provides Hands-On Learning For Bartow Students Patch.com The furnace, which has an estimated value of $1,000, will be used in a dynamic hands-on learning environment, where students are taught how to install, maintain and repair heating, cooling, ventilation and refrigeration systems. Our hope for this ...

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Furnace Donation Provides Hands-On Learning For Bartow Students - Patch.com

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Grant to Latrobe senior center will pay for heating, cooling unit - Tribune-Review

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West Chester, PA (SBWIRE) 02/22/2017 Any customer whos interested in a mini-split system near Malvern, PA or any of its surrounding areas is encouraged to contact Battavio Heating, Cooling and Plumbing this winter. While traditional layouts use ducts to transport air from one single unit to other parts of the home, Mitsubishi ductless heating and cooling systems, on the other hand, dont require ducts as they transport air directly into specific rooms, instead. With a small outdoor unit and one or more indoor units, this setup requires nothing more than mounting capabilities and an electrical connection.

When customers are fed up with heating or ac repairs in Downingtown, PA or anywhere else in Chester County, the pros at Battavio suggest that they consider all the advantages of a Mitsubishi ductless heating and cooling system. When homeowners install this system, they enjoy an exceptional level of flexibility, since theyre able to pick and choose which areas of their home they wish to heat or cool. This, in addition to fact that they require less power than traditional systems and arent nearly as complex, allows customers to cut down on utility cost and to avoid paying for energy theyre not using.

Moreover, the multi-stage filtration works to improve a homes air quality and eliminates the likelihood of regulated air traveling through a polluted duct system. Plus, customers can rest easy knowing that Mitsubishi ductless heating and cooling systems are easy to install and can be completed in as quickly as one day based on the number of indoor and outdoor units involved. Requiring only about a three-inch hole, customers wont be faced with having to rebuild walls or ceilings, or to take up space in their homes. In fact, these cutting-edge setups are also environmentally friendly, thanks to their energy efficiency and zero-ozone depletion potential.

Dont wait any longer to enjoy all the perks of a Mitsubishi ductless heating and cooling system this winter. To schedule a free estimate, contact the pros at Battavio by calling 610-365-7863, or by visiting their website today.

About Battavio Heating, Cooling and Plumbing Since 1972, Battavio Heating, Cooling and Plumbing has been providing Chester County, Delaware County and Montgomery County with HVAC services. Being a Bryant authorized dealer, Battavio Heating, Cooling and Plumbing ensures home and business owners that their experienced technicians are licensed and certified to replace and repair plumbing, heating, and cooling systems. The companys professional experts are available for a wide range of installation and 24/7 emergency repair services.

For more information, please visit http://battavio.com/

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Battavio Heating, Cooling and Plumbing Installs Mitsubishi Ductless Heating and Cooling Systems Near West Chester ... - Satellite PR News (press...

ANDERSON Two local companies have submitted the apparent low bids for installation of a new heating and air conditioning system for the Madison County Government Center.

The Madison County commissioners on Tuesday took the bids under advisement along with bids for installing new lighting in the courthouse.

A decision on the awarding of the contracts is expected on Wednesday.

Consultant Terry Burnworth of Pyramid Architecture recommended the commissioners accept the low bids because of the need to complete the cooling work by the end of March.

Burnworth said a new cooling tower and water-cooled three compressor chiller are expected to be delivered next week.

Lehmans Mechanical Contractors was previously awarded contracts to deliver the cooling tower at a cost of $64,000 and the compressor at a cost of $119,400.

Burnworth estimated the cost of replacing the heating and cooling systems at $1 million.

Lehmans Mechanical Contractors submitted a combined bid for the installation of the heating and cooling systems and the new controls at $1,045,088. Five alternate bids included a new water heater, roof fans, manual dampers, connecting the Information Technology cooling system and fourth-floor cooling units. Lehmans bid for the alternates was $252,200.

Lehmans was the only company bidding on the installation work.

Enervise LLC of Cincinnati bid $299,475 for the controls for the system and two alternates.

Fredericks of Pendleton submitted the only bid for the electrical work on the heating and cooling system at $64,000.

Two bids were received to replace the courthouse lighting Fredericks, $125,300 and Eag-Led of Tampa, $199,500.

In other business:

The commissioners approved a lease with the Richland Township Fire Department for storing and manning of the countys HazMat truck at $1 per year.

Tom Ecker, director of the Madison County Emergency Management Agency, said the Anderson Fire Department had stored and manned the truck at Station 4 until January. AFD said that when the HazMat team was dispatched, it took a truck out of service in Anderson.

County Engineer Chuck Leser said Madison County spent $2,660,659 to pave 25 miles of road in 2016.

Leser said the work was completed by Milestone Construction and included the $1 million grant the county received through the Indiana Department of Transportations Community Crossing grant program.

Follow Ken de la Bastide on Twitter @KendelaBastide, or call 640-4863.

Follow Ken de la Bastide on Twitter @KendelaBastide, or call 640-4863.

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Local companies submit low bids for courthouse repairs - The Herald Bulletin

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BATAVIA It isnt criminal, but the HVAC system installed in the Genesee County Sheriffs Office administration building as it was constructed a decade ago hasnt performed to expectations.

Operations such as central dispatch, evidence storage and other essentials have not been compromised by the inconsistent heating and air conditioning at the center of a $7,870 consultant agreement approved Wednesday by the Genesee County Legislature.

Clark Patterson Lee, a Rochester-based firm, will prepare the final construction documents and specifications required to complete the HVAC improvements at the administration building, built for $4.8 million over 2006 and 2007.

Sheriff Bill Sheron and Legislature Chairman Ray Cianfrini both said the issues with climate control at the Park Road facility began soon after it opened. While a system controlling the communications center and the core of the building works, the exterior ring of offices for administrators and the sheriffs civil and detectives bureaus can vary wildly.

Its the inconsistency of the heating and air conditioning, Sheron said.

Its been a continuous (problem), said Cianfrini, who compared the system to a car-buyer getting a lemon.

Even with computer-controlled systems, energy balancing and the installation of a second boiler, those offices have had issues. Attempts at legal recourses against the contractors and project designers went nowhere, County Manager Jay Gsell said.

The building was well-built, but its the climate control that continues to vex us.

Legislators were largely frustrated by the condition of the HVAC system. Its a building thats less than 10 years old, Legislator Ed DeJaneiro, Jr. said.

Who designed this, DeJaneiro said. It was a bad design, lets remember when we design the next building to not have the same architects.

Can we confirm that the construction design team is or its not the same one as the consultant, asked Legislator Shelley Stein.

Those people are not involved, Gsell replied.

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Sheriff's Office HVAC a sore subject - The Daily News Online