LAS VEGAS — The aisles were crowded at the Las Vegas Convention Center as the 2017 AHR Expo returned for three days in the desert, Jan. 30 through Feb. 1.

Final numbers from the International Exposition Co. showed that 68,615  HVAC industry representatives met in Las Vegas to experience the spectacle that was the 2017 AHR Expo. This year’s event set an all-time attendance record, exceeding the previous record of 61,674 set in 2015 in Chicago by 11.2 percent.

“This show is fantastic,” said Will Lange, director of distributor sales, WaterFurnace Intl. Inc. “The traffic has been very heavy. There is certainly a lot of activity in the geothermal channel, and we are seeing renewed energy, which is really good news.”

This year’s show floor spanned 500,159 square feet and welcomed 1,968 exhibitors. Of those, 80 percent displayed new or enhanced products, systems, and technologies.

The NEWS’ editors were very busy walking the aisles at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Inside this issue, readers will find many of the new products that were first introduced at the show in addition to the major trends defining the HVAC industry’s future in 2017 and beyond.

Ductless HVAC: Ductless HVAC in High Demand

Apps + Software: The Golden Age of HVACR Software

Residential A/C: Efficiency, Internet of Things Influence Residential A/C Market

Ventilation: Energy Efficiency Drives IAQ, Ventilation

Hydronics: Hydronics Equipment Growing More Efficient, Intelligent

Tools + Testing: Tools Becoming Smarter, Testing Instruments More Connected

Compressors: Compressors: The Beating Hearts of the HVACR Industry

Radiant: Awareness, Efficiency, Controls Continue to Shape Radiant Sector

Furnaces: New Furnaces Are Smart, Efficient

Portable HVAC: Efficiency, Safety Drive Portable Heating, Cooling Markets

Refrigerants: Expect Another ‘Dynamic’ Year for HVAC Refrigerants

Boilers: Regulations, Competition Defining Next-generation Boilers

Rooftops + Chillers: Standards Shape the Future for RTUs

Refrigerant Recovery: New Gases, New Challenges for Refrigerant Recovery Sector

UV + Air Purification: UV/Air Purification Touts Easier Installation and Improved Safety

Geothermal: Efficiencies, Remote Capabilities Shape the Geothermal Market

Motors + Drives: Motors, Drives Strive for Greater Configurability, Efficiency

Home Automation + Zoning: Zoning in on Home Automation

Heat Pumps: Heat Pumps Hot in Cool Climates

Humidification + Dehumidification: Moisture Management Markets Grow Smarter, More Useful

Thermostats: Smarter Thermostats Satisfy the Needs of Smarter Customers

Publication date: 2/27/2017

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