The 2016 Dealer Design Awards (DDA) contest continues its rich history of showcasing contractor-oriented HVACR products with features that assist in installation, maintenance, and service. Now in its 13^th year, this year’s contest attracted 88 entries across 13 categories, all competing for the coveted gold, silver, and bronze awards.

Those categories spanned an assortment of critical HVAC aspects, such as commercial equipment, electronic and hand tools, and refrigeration products. Manufacturers of all sizes were represented in the competition, ensuring a diverse range of products would have the opportunity to compete.

The Dealer Design Awards are judged by 20 contractors from across the U.S. who are active in the industry and have their collective fingers on the pulse of what’s happening. This year’s competition saw numerous themes across each category, as manufacturers shared the broad goals of making products smarter, more consistent, and innovative in new and unique ways. Those honored in this year’s competition were praised and rewarded for putting years of research into the creation and design of their respective products.

While bragging rights are a prize all their own for those who placed in the Dealer Design Awards, each winner will also receive the highly coveted 2016 Dealer Design trophy (pictured at right). Manufacturing headquarters from coast to coast display these trophies as a proud reminder of their accomplishments and to showcase their achievement for all to see.

The Dealer Design Awards continue to grow and improve. The NEWS would like to congratulate each winner and also thank each and every contractor judge who took the time to review products in this year’s competition.

“The Dealer Design contest is truly a unique award because it is the only HVACR product competition that is judged by HVACR contractors, which is a true test for how good a product is,” said Kyle Gargaro, editor-in-chief of The NEWS. “Each entry submitted was a good product, and I know our contractors had a difficult time choosing the winners. I appreciate the contractors who took time out of their busy schedules to judge and also the manufacturers who submitted their equipment.”

Whether it's contractor services, refrigeration and ice machines, or ventilation products, The NEWS has it covered in this year’s DDA competition. Information on the 2017 contest will also be available for those interested in getting a head start on next year’s competition. So, with great honor and prestige, we present to you the Dealer Design Awards’ class of 2016.

Click here to view and download a quick-reference chart identifies all the 2016 Dealer Design Awards winners at a glance. The links below contain special articles covering each gold, silver, and bronze winner, complete with photos from the manufacturers.

Publication date: 7/18/2016

COMPONENTS & ACCESSORIES: Innovative Thinking Abounds in Components and Accessories

COMMERCIAL CONTROLS: Connected, Cost-saving Controls Earn DDA Recognition

COMMERCIAL HVAC EQUIPMENT: Simplicity, Versatility Earn Aaon’s LZ Series DDA Gold

INDOOR AIR QUALITY: Global Plasma Solutions’ Self-cleaning Apparatus Wins IAQ Gold

TESTING & MONITORING: Fluke Wireless Clamp Meter Earns Testing & Monitoring’s Top Spot

ELECTRONIC & HAND TOOLS: DDA Judges Praise Innovative, Time-saving Tools

HVAC RESIDENTIAL EQUIPMENT: Size, Serviceability Push Enertech into the Winner’s Circle

CONTRACTOR SERVICES & SOFTWARE: Data-Basics Inc.’s Web Portal Wins DDA Services and Software Gold

REFRIGERATION & ICE MACHINES: Speed Thrills with Dual-piston Refrigerant Recovery

VENTILATION PRODUCTS: Innovative, Time-Saving Ventilation Products Take Home Awards

RESIDENTIAL CONTROLS: Lennox’s iComfort S30 Tops the DDA’s Residential Controls

HIGH-EFFICIENCY RESIDENTIAL EQUIPMENT: Highly Efficient Products Deliver Precise Comfort

LIGHT COMMERCIAL EQUIPMENT: Installation, Maintenance Features Earn Evergreen Boiler the Gold

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