Battery powered or hardwired, the Comfort System™ T-21-P touchscreen thermostat can be installed in residential or light commercial applications.

As the popularity of smart phones and tablets continues to grow, consumers are becoming accustomed to multiple features and instant connectivity. And so they are starting to demand more from the other devices in their homes, including the thermostat.

Today, the simple thermostat is evolving into a much more complex digital device, still mounted on the wall, but providing homeowners with far greater control over their environment while offering detailed information about the performance of their home comfort system.

Next year, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plans to release a new Energy Star specification for climate controls. This spec will replace the discontinued Energy Star spec for programmable thermostats.

The ComfortLink™ II thermostat’s 7-inch, interactive, high-definition color touch screen provides consumers with an intuitive user interface, allowing them to control and provide their home with the ideal temperature and humidity, 24/7.

The winners of the 2011 Dealer Design Awards in the Residential Control category have gone beyond making it possible for homeowners to control their indoor environment - they also put contractors more in control of scheduling their workforce because of the products’ ease in being installed and serviced.

More than 350 commercial controls contractors and distributors gathered to attend Honeywell’s Momentum Conference. The annual event serves as an energy, environmental, and economic idea exchange for those who provide the building industry with HVAC, security, video, and intrusion products and solutions.

Is online buying becoming just as important as one phone call and a pickup at the parts counter? Maybe the HVAC trade isn’t ready to concede that online buying will surpass local purchases or put a big hit on traditional relationships. Yet, online sellers are making themselves hard to ignore and are working to make the buying experience quick and convenient.

Criminal behavior and running from the law are likely the furthest things from the mind of the everyday HVACR contractor or technician. It is important, however, that these individuals understand the responsibilities inherent to those who work with what is classed as hazardous materials and greenhouse gases.