In North Carolina, contractor Greg Crumpton likes to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to technology. His company, AirTight, is based in Charlotte, and serves commercial, industrial, and mission critical customers within a 100-mile radius.

This month, Rheem will open a new research and development facility focused on developing integrated solutions for the company’s heating, cooling, water heating, and pool/spa heating product lines.

Autodesk Inc. and Gehry Technologies have announced a strategic business relationship that the companies said will help architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) professionals to more fully realize the benefits of building information modeling (BIM).

Autodesk Inc. announced that it has acquired Micro Application Packages Limited (MAP Software), a United Kingdom-based provider of CAD, CAM, and estimating software that supports fabrication and construction for the mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) industry.

Visitors to the 2012 International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition (AHR Expo) in Chicago, set for Jan. 23-25, can get a preview of the latest new HVACR products and technologies via 86 presentations taking place in three New Product Technology Theaters.

Designers of systems for a university building, a cancer center, an ice rink, and other commercial building have been recognized by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) for incorporating elements of innovative building design.

Featuring advanced building controls, sensing technology, and management software from Honeywell, the Centre for Interactive Research on Sustainability (CIRS) will serve as a leading academic hub to test and advance sustainable technologies before broader implementation.

The resurgence of manufacturing following the economic crash of 2008 is unprecedented, according to the Association for Manufacturing Technology (AMT). The association said October’s U.S. manufacturing technology orders put the year-to-date total up 80.5 percent compared with 2010.

Bob Solger of KU Solar introduced the company at its press conference. He said KU Solar is a manufacturer and distributor of solar air cooling and heating systems.

Technology can be a double-edged sword. On the one hand, trying to keep up with changing technology can be a never-ending battle that consumes your time and budget. On the other hand, not bothering to keep up with technology can hurt a business. So what do HVAC contractors see as tech trends in the next year?