Commercial Controls

Breaking Into Data Centers: What HVACR Contractors Need to Know

bellolih@bnpmedia.com (Hannah Belloli-Oster) — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 07:00:00 -0400

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

Mon, 18 May 2026 13:00:00 -0400

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

chrisgray@achrnews.com (Chris Gray) — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 07:00:00 -0400

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

bellolih@bnpmedia.com (Hannah Belloli-Oster) — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 07:00:00 -0500

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

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 07:00:00 -0500

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

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

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 07:00:00 -0400

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

mariataylor@achrnews.com (Maria Taylor) — Mon, 24 Feb 2025 13:00:00 -0500

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

mattjachman@achrnews.com (Matt Jachman) — Wed, 27 Nov 2024 07:00:00 -0500

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.

Preparing For Emerging Cybersecurity Attacks Against Chillers

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 07:00:00 -0500

When it comes to this piece of critical infrastructure, operators need to be prepared to face new and sophisticated attacks.

BAS and Environmental, Social, and Governance Principles

bellolih@bnpmedia.com (Hannah Belloli-Oster) — Wed, 11 Sep 2024 13:00:00 -0400

Since more companies are putting a focus on ESG principles, the HVAC industry is positioned to turn those goals, into a reality.

How Building Automation Aids ESG Goals

Thu, 29 Aug 2024 07:00:00 -0400

Building automation systems can boost heating and cooling efficiency by more than 20%.

2024 Dealer Design Awards: Commercial Controls

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 07:00:00 -0400

This year’s winner is a kit that enables contractors to convert any manual balancing damper into a fully adjustable electronic one.

HVAC Contractors Should Look to Controllers for More Profitability

Fri, 24 May 2024 07:00:00 -0400

When it comes to increasing productivity and efficiency, “smart” controls are a great tool, but HVAC contractors also have to be smart about how they use them.

Cool Refrigeration Innovations On Display At AHR Expo

Fri, 05 Apr 2024 14:00:00 -0400

At the AHR Expo, manufacturers displayed their latest commercial refrigeration equipment, which included condensing units, components, controls, and other solutions.

Smarter HVAC Products

bellolih@bnpmedia.com (Hannah Belloli-Oster) — Mon, 18 Mar 2024 01:00:00 -0400

Smart HVAC products today need simplicity, seamless integration, while also achieving a reduction in energy usage.

Smart HVAC Products Work Smarter, Not Harder

bellolih@bnpmedia.com (Hannah Belloli-Oster) — Fri, 08 Mar 2024 07:00:00 -0500

At the AHR Expo, manufacturers talked about what’s fueling their design of smart products and ensuring they are simpler, more integrated, and save energy and time.

The Benefits Of Remote Refrigeration Management

Sat, 30 Sep 2023 07:00:00 -0400

Integration of remote monitoring, custom notifications, and remote control in commercial refrigeration is enhancing efficiency and ensuring food safety, while helping businesses stay competitive.

Troubleshooting Electronic Temperature Controls

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 07:00:00 -0400

Repairing reach-in coolers and freezers with electronic temperature controllers can be challenging at times.

Name Has Changed, But ASHB’s Mission Remains

Tue, 08 Aug 2023 16:00:00 -0400

CABA was founded in 1988. As ASHB, its mission — to empower connectivity among people, spaces, and technology to deliver a more livable, sustainable, and efficient connected world — remains unchanged.

2023 Dealer Design Awards: Commercial Controls

Mon, 24 Jul 2023 11:00:00 -0400

The Gold winner reduces the on-site service call time required to service refrigeration equipment by providing a simple solution that would utilize smartphone and tablet technology to diagnose issues quickly and determine if corrective actions provided resolution for the problems.

Daikin Subsidiary AirReps Acquires 2 Companies

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 15:00:00 -0400

Integrated Systems is nationally recognized for its OEM startup and warranty support services, and addresses challenging sites and situations relative to complex equipment and applications. InControl represents many controls and energy-management products.

Advanced Building Automation

mattjachman@achrnews.com (Matt Jachman) — Tue, 11 Jul 2023 07:00:00 -0400

Studies have shown potential, and real, energy savings with the use of fault detection and data analysis to guide HVAC systems.

The Top 5 IoT Applications in the HVAC Industry

woerpelh@bnpmedia.com (Herb Woerpel) — Tue, 13 Jun 2023 07:00:00 -0400

The ACHR NEWS compiled a list of the top 5 benefits IoT technologies can offer contractors based on information provided from a handful of HVACR controls manufacturers.

CGNA Celebrates 40th Anniversary

Sat, 10 Jun 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Controls Group North America (CGNA) — a member-owned organization of wholesale distributors and vendor partners representing various industries, including HVAC, controls, building automation, refrigeration, combustion/burner boiler, industrial, and equipment — celebrated its 40th anniversary via a conference in Huntington Beach, California.

DiversiTech Corp. to Acquire Pro1 Thermostats

Thu, 25 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400

The merger between DiversiTech and Pro1 Thermostats is designed to boost availability of thermostats to HVACR distributors.

Thermostat Recycling Launches Banish Mercury Off the Planet Contest

Tue, 23 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400

The organization recognizes wholesalers that are the ‘champs’ at collecting mercury-containing thermostats.

BrainBox AI in Agreement to Acquire ABB’s Multisite Retail Energy Management System Integrator Business

Thu, 18 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400

BrainBox AI intends to integrate ABB’s MSR business and its installed base of 12,000-plus retail locations in its current operations.

EOSYS Integrates Four TCO Partners Inc. Employees Into its Team

Wed, 17 May 2023 12:00:00 -0400

Former TCO president Steve Smith as well as Steve Lajoie, Ben Palladino, and Mick Maillot are all now part of the EOSYS organization.

Trane Technologies Commercial Brands to Increase Prices on Select Products in North America

Mon, 01 May 2023 17:00:00 -0400

The increase varies by product with some items subject to higher or lower increases.

M.C. Dean Acquires International Energy Conservation Systems

Thu, 27 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0400

IEC Systems is a provider of turnkey proprietary and nonproprietary building automation systems (BASs) and a Distech Controls authorized system integrator.