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.

Not all energy-efficient HVAC equipment qualifies for tax credits, but there are four renewable energy product categories that do — geothermal heat pumps, small wind turbines, solar energy systems, and fuel cells. Though some seem beyond HVAC, they each have the potential to bring new revenue streams to contractors.

The Tranquility® 30 Digital (TE) Series geothermal heat pumps integrate digital communicating controls, two-stage capacity, variable-speed fan, and variable-flow geothermal source functions within a single package. The series delivers up to 30 EER and 4.8 COP.

The 7 Series 700A11 is a variable-capacity geothermal unit available for homeowners that surpasses both 41 EER and 5.3 COP. It utilizes InfiniSpeed technology, a soft-start variable-capacity compressor, in concert with a variable-speed electronically commutated motor (ECM) blower and variable-speed loop pump.

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.

Ranging in size from 2 to 6 tons, the B-Vintage vertical water source heat pumps offer efficiency ratings up to 22 EER and 5.2 COP. According to the manufacturer, the unique ability to overcome up to 3 inches of static pressure enables the use of up to 99 percent efficient HEPA filtration in units serving individual zones.

Many homeowners would love to take advantage of the energy savings that geothermal heat pumps (GHP) can provide, however, the high cost to install these systems can prevent some from making that purchase. Is there something that will help?

Geothermal heat pump (GHP) sales have grown steadily in recent years, but manufacturers estimate that GHP installations account for only about 1 to 2 percent of the total market. As the economy improves, some industry experts predict sales of GHPs will command a far larger share of the market by 2016.

Geothermal systems can significantly reduce energy consumption in a traditionally built house, but when installed in conjunction with a tight thermal envelope, they can help a homeowner procure the coveted net zero energy label.

Winter temperatures in Maine can easily slide toward -15˚F at night, but in the coastal town of Penobscot, 2,500 rare tropical orchids are thriving at A New Day Farm. What’s keeping them alive?