Manufacturers have been on a roll lately, introducing numerous smart, sophisticated products that are aimed at improving control, comfort, and convenience in homes and businesses. Contractors may be wise to learn more about these intelligent solutions - a few of which are detailed in this article.

Glumac considers itself to be a forward-thinking mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) engineering firm that is a leader in sustainable design. As such, when the time came to move its office to a downtown high-rise, it was decided that Glumac would use its new space as a showroom of sorts that would highlight intelligent, innovative MEP technologies.

While most homeowners have an idea of how much they pay for utilities each month, few are aware of just how much electricity they use on a daily or weekly basis. Nor do they know which appliances contribute the most to their electricity bill. Homeowners seeking to fill in this knowledge gap can now turn to home energy monitors.

When homeowners think about purchasing a high-efficiency furnace with all the bells and whistles, does a particular brand name come to mind, or do they first think of their contractor? Some contractors are betting on the latter, which is why they have opted to offer high-end equipment under their own private label.

Homeowners purchasing 95 percent-plus AFUE furnaces usually expect to see a fairly large reduction in their utility bills, as well as a greater level of comfort in their homes. Unfortunately, these customers will not obtain the benefits they paid for if their furnaces have not been installed properly.

There is no question that the federal tax credits have helped boost the sales of condensing furnaces (equipment over 90 percent AFUE) over the last two years. However, even before the tax credits came into play, sales of condensing furnaces were increasing, and manufacturers expect sales to stay strong even when (if) the tax credits expire at the end of this year.

HVAC professionals interested in making sure commercial facilities have good IAQ now have a resource available to them that offers practical guidance for achieving the best possible indoor environments. That resource is the Indoor Air Quality Guide: Best Practices for Design, Construction, and Commissioning.

According to Energy Star®, energy costs have been increasing at a rate of 6 to 8 percent per year, which is why numerous building owners are getting serious about making their facilities more efficient. Energy audits provide a way for contractors to thoroughly evaluate existing systems and make recommendations that will ultimately lower the energy costs of a building.

For contractors, offering a wide range of IAQ products only makes sense because they want to make sure they address all their customers’ indoor comfort and health concerns. They know that happy, comfortable customers translate into repeat business as well as referrals, both of which are necessary for the growth and success of any HVAC contractor.

Over the last three decades, Dean Newberry of Talbott Solar and Radiant Homes, Davis, Calif., has thought long and hard about radiant cooling systems. His goal has been to figure out how radiant cooling - which has long been used in commercial buildings - can be applied effectively in residential and other low-rise, light frame buildings.