The ORB heat pump controller is a patent-pending fully integrated equipment intelligence system offering complete operating, monitoring, control, and diagnostics capabilities. It performs the functionality of a total system management and reporting platform that provides real-time data trending and analysis.

Demand in the United States for HVAC equipment is projected to increase 5.1 percent annually to $16.8 billion in 2015, according to a study that came out in November titled HVAC Equipment from The Freedonia Group Inc., a Cleveland-based industry market research firm.

The NEWS reports on new products found by our editors at the recent AHR Expo in Chicago. Products are listed in alphabetical order within each category.

The goal of Energy Star is to help consumers save money and protect the environment through the use of energy-efficient products. The HVAC products shown here have earned the Energy Star label by meeting strict energy efficiency guidelines, which Energy Star states will enhance the comfort of a home while saving energy.

This year will bring plenty of changes to the Energy Star program, including implementation of Version 3 of its New Homes program. Most of the new guidelines became mandatory on Jan. 1. The rest kick in after July 1.

The features and benefits of high-tech HVAC equipment can often be lost on the end users — homeowners and building owners. What may seem to HVAC contractors like the greatest invention since sliced bread can result in blank stares from customers. But there is a way to make tech trends understandable to customers.

No, the U.S. military hasn’t abandoned its oh-so-familiar Army Jeep green. Though, these days, the words silver, gold, and platinum have forcefully worked their way into Army vocabulary and color scheme. 

The textbook HVACR 401: Heat Pumps is designed for an experienced apprentice or journeyman who seeks to learn more detail on the operation of heat pumps. The book, published by Delmar Cengage Learning, emphasizes the service technician’s perspective and progresses from the refrigeration cycle to more in-depth topics.

As you approach, you can almost hear the “Bonanza” theme song as you pull up the switchbacked driveway at the end of a gravel road. At the top sits an over 6,000-square-foot custom log home where Ambrose Heating and Cooling completed a geothermal retrofit this summer.

High-efficiency horizontal and vertical water-source heat pumps in the A-Vintage line offer EER up to 21 and COP up to 5.6. The horizontal (½ to 6 tons) and vertical (1 to 6 tons) water-source heat pumps provide energy efficiency in geothermal and boiler/tower heating and cooling applications.