Successful research and development of lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) options are transforming the HVACR industry.

As the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) continues refining the standards and regulations of emissions produced by commercial and residential refrigerant equipment, HVACR companies persist in seeking new alternatives for low GWP refrigerants.

Whether from poor construction, improper installation, or maintenance neglect, older refrigeration systems wear and leak throughout their lifecycles. Technological advancements within a new generation of refrigerant equipment aim to lower greenhouse gas emissions and should significantly decrease the global impact on the ozone layer in 2020 and beyond.

Recent developments in HVACR systems and components are leading to:

• Lower emissions
• Improved safety
• Enhanced cooling performance
• Decreased system footprint
• Increased energy efficiency
• Greater cost efficiency

These changes will not only benefit commercial businesses (including refrigerated food processing plants and supermarkets), but also ducted and ductless residential consumers around the world.

EMISSIONS VALUES DECREASE WITH LOW GWP REFRIGERANTS

As HVACR companies convert from hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) and HFC blends to newer refrigerants that can be used in compact systems, industry reports show a promising drop in discharge levels.

Some ground-breaking low GWP alternatives include R-290 (propane), R-744 (CO2), and R-32 (difluoromethane, part of the HFC family of gases). R-32 has climbed to the top of the list […]

Forthcoming technological advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) could positively impact the field of HVACR.

AI is being utilized throughout various industries (ex: defense, medicine, technology) for early identification of problems, leading to improved response times and additional lives saved. This same technology may one day support HVACR (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, Refrigeration) professionals with the precise diagnosis and repair of a part before a system failure occurs.

AI OFFERS HVACR TIME-SAVING PREDICTIVE MAINTENANCE

HVACR engineers install, maintain, and repair complex mechanical systems that control indoor climates. These technicians must often physically inspect numerous individual components to find the root of the problem when a system is not in good working order.

Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and scientists are currently studying how AI can be developed to serve the HVACR industry. AI tools may be able to pinpoint an area of decline – circuit board, duct, fan motor, pipe, safety switch, vents, thermostat, etc. – and immediately send a report in advance of total system failure.

HVACR technicians could avoid time wasted on painstaking parts inspection with assistance from AI. They can skip ahead to procuring the correct replacement item that will prevent downtime. Reductions in late-night and weekend emergency calls would save time, hassle, and expense for building managers and […]

Discover a range of heating options beneficial to your commercial facility.

Building managers and owners require space heating that’s cost-effective, dependable, and energy efficient. Fortunately, heating systems are available in a wide variety of options to match any structure type and customer need.

RELIABLE HEATING FOR YOUR COMMERCIAL BUILDING

Warm-air heating equipment such as boilers have kept building occupants comfortable for centuries. Evolution in materials, size, shape, controls, and ease of installation/maintenance have improved efficiency while reducing cost.

Updated boiler controls allow building residents to adjust individual spaces to the desired comfort level rather than a “one size fits all” setting. Initial boiler costs can be higher than other HVAC machinery but offer long-term utility savings.

Rooftop units (RTUs) are another reliable commercial heating and cooling option with a lower price point and decreased maintenance.

RTUs can be installed rapidly and are ready to use on completion of electrical wiring and ductwork. Recent developments allow them to compete with applied systems, maintaining air quality and flow with better control of variable air volume (VAV).

A state-of-the-art HVAC option is variable refrigerant flow (VRF) technology, which allows for precise comfort control in multiple indoor zones. This versatile option can be a heat pump or heat recovery system for concurrent heating and cooling of […]