Every year The NEWS introduces the latest heating equipment that is available for the upcoming winter season. The intent is to help contractors prepare for this busy period by doing the research that will help them to distinguish between brands.

The Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) formally petitioned the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), requesting an 18-month extension for residential non-weatherized gas furnaces from the proposed May 1, 2013 implementation date set for the amended federal minimum efficiency standards.

The Observer™ communicating system features Tempstar® equipment with optimized system performance. According to the firm, the Observer communicating system features split-system equipment that is designed to work with the communicating wall control and meet the needs of virtually every application.

Five high-performance heating and cooling solutions for consumers, including a new air conditioner, a heat pump, two gas furnaces, and a fan coil, have been added to the company’s product line. The two-stage air conditioner achieves a cooling efficiency of up to 17.2 SEER.

Who says young people do not want to be a part of the HVACR industry? Amidst the 5,600 vocationally-inclined individuals competing in 94 contests at the annual SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference, there were 58 in the HVACR event. That was the largest number ever to take part in the HVACR competition.

Source: Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI). Industry figures are estimates that are derived from the best available figures supplied by a sample of AHRI member companies.

The Infinity® 98 gas furnace line with Greenspeed intelligence operates at a gentle, low capacity up to 90 percent of the time. When combined with an Infinity control, the modulating gas valve in the Infinity 98 furnace can adjust heating output up and down through multiple stages in 1 percent increments.

Source: Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI). Industry figures are estimates that are derived from the best available figures supplied by a sample of AHRI member companies.

Many in the industry are still lamenting the loss of the federal tax credits for higher efficiency HVAC systems; however, most manufacturers believe that customers remain willing to pay a premium for better equipment.

Source: Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI). Industry figures are estimates that are derived from the best available figures supplied by a sample of AHRI member companies.