Commercial Controls - Articles

Breaking Into Data Centers: What HVACR Contractors Need to Know

AI-driven data center growth is creating major opportunities for HVACR contractors

June 1, 2026

Data centers are quickly becoming one of the HVACR industry’s biggest growth opportunities, but contractors entering the market face far different expectations than traditional commercial work. From precision cooling and nonstop operation to evolving liquid cooling technologies and high-stakes service agreements, success requires technical depth, strong partnerships, and a long-term strategy.

Voting for the HVAC All-Star Awards Now Open

Readers to determine what best represents the industry

Dylan Kurt

May 18, 2026

AI-Driven Buildings Are Coming: What HVAC Contractors Need to Know

Autonomous buildings might cut down emergency calls, but not contractors’ jobs

Chris Gray

April 29, 2026

Autonomous buildings powered by AI could reduce emergency service calls by predicting and addressing issues before they happen. But rather than replacing HVAC contractors, the shift is expected to change how they work.

How OTA Updates Can Make HVAC Smarter, After Installation

System improvements incorporated remotely

Hannah Belloli-Oster

February 16, 2026

In the HVACR industry, the potential for equipment to become smarter after its installation is still relatively new. But as manufacturers explore how connectivity and software can improve performance, reliability, and customer service, OTA updates are emerging as promising possibilities.

Innovation Award Winners To Be Featured at AHR Expo

Award-winning products in 10 categories will be displayed on show floor

Joanna R. Turpin

January 14, 2026

The 2026 AHR Expo Innovation Awards recognize 10 standout HVACR products chosen for their innovation, creativity, practical application, and potential market impact.

Contractor Pro Ductless Series

Simultaneous Heating & Cooling in VRF: Market Slows, but Value Holds

New survey shows a decline in adoption, but SHC technology remains central to efficiency

Dylan Kurt

September 8, 2025

Once VRF’s signature feature, simultaneous heating and cooling, just saw its first decline in adoption.

How Smart HVACR Systems and AI Are Revolutionizing Remote Monitoring, Diagnostics, and Energy Optimization

HVAC manufacturers say AI is about to explode onto the scene in a very big way.

Maria Taylor

February 24, 2025

The visibility AI and smart systems creates has value across the industry as well as to end-users.

HVAC Manufacturers Share Data Behind BMS Retrofits

Building automation helps achieve greater energy efficiency in commercial HVAC systems

Matt Jachman

November 27, 2024

HVAC OEMs have building automation systems for large commercial and public buildings that increase energy efficiency. These systems can be used with equipment from different manufacturers.