ClimateTalk Alliance is an organization of companies committed to developing a common communication infrastructure for HVAC and smart grid devices, enabling the interoperability of diverse systems. Created in 2009, the alliance’s members collaborate and drive the future of the open standards communication framework.

For the last six decades, heating and cooling demand has been controlled using simple, wall-mounted thermostats. This evolution of these controls is undeniable, however, is the technology actually being utilized? And if it is, is it being used correctly?

The patent-pending Barometric Zone Damper™ (BZD) works like any standard damper with one exception: It has a built-in barometric relief mechanism that eliminates the need for a bypass damper, says the company. The damper has been designed with both a fixed and a hinged blade and is controlled by an actuator.

HVAC contractors are working with a select group of homeowners looking to use their mobile devices to remotely control their indoor environment. It’s a niche market now but that should change significantly as more consumers with smart phones and tablets become aware of the remote control capability of HVAC thermostats and systems.

Bay Area Services, a successful HVAC contractor in Green Bay, Wis., is using Internet-connected door locks, security cameras, and thermostats as a means to an end: to build his customer list and increase sales on service calls.

The rapid increase in the use of iPhones, iPads, and countless mobile devices has had a major affect on HVAC products and technologies that enable homeowners to control temperature, humidity, and energy consumption in their homes from anywhere at any time of day.

Model T1100RF wireless thermostat and T1100REC receiver offer maximum comfort with minimum effort due to a completely wireless thermostat, seven-day programmability with four time periods per day, and a copy command. The thermostat is compatible with most two-stage heat, two-stage cool equipment.

Bringing homeowners increased comfort, higher efficiency, and greater control, the Residential Controls (including zoning) category of The NEWS’ ninth annual Dealer Design Awards is full of products pushing home control to new heights.

The Nest Learning Thermostat™ learns from the behaviors, preferences, and surroundings of those living in the house to create a custom heating and cooling schedule, keeping the residents comfortable when they’re home and conserving energy when they’re away.

Almost everyone, including distributors, contractors, and consumers, believe that programmable thermostats will save energy when used properly. That being true, why is it that so many people tend to manually override the programmable features and potentially lose energy-saving benefits?