David Fenton, chief revenue officer at ECM, recently attended IFMA’s World Workplace Conference in Denver accept the award.

“Receiving the IFMA Facility Management Innovation Award is a testament to our commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions that address critical challenges in facility management,” Fenton said in a press release. “ThermaClear represents a paradigm shift in HVAC system efficiency and sustainability, and we are proud to see it acknowledged by industry experts. This accolade reinforces our dedication to helping commercial facilities achieve their sustainability goals while realizing substantial cost savings.”

ECM Technologies’ ThermaClear addresses the pervasive issue of oil fouling that affects the majority of HVAC equipment, leading to reduced efficiency, increased energy consumption, and premature equipment deterioration, the company said.

ThermaClear eliminates oil obstructions, lubricates compressors, and forms a permanent protective barrier to prevent future buildup and thermal degradation. Only one treatment required for the entire lifespan of an HVAC system, and ThermaClear has the potential to increase operational savings by up to 20%, enhance IAQ, and prolong the lifespan of HVAC equipment.

The IFMA Awards of Excellence judges commended the technology, stating, “ThermaClear represents a significant leap in HVAC technology. By addressing oil fouling issues in HVAC units, it enables equipment to last longer, while also easing the burden on local utilities.”

To date, ECM Technologies has successfully treated more than 25,000 tons of HVAC equipment with ThermaClear, benefiting more than 10.5 million square feet of conditioned building space. Notable facilities, including the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Arizona State University, the Transwestern Miami Tower, the Phoenix Art Museum, and JP Morgan Chase, have all experienced the impact of the technology.

ThermaClear has been used in many makes and models of major HVAC equipment, ranging from one-ton mini-splits to 2,000-ton water-cooled chillers, with average payback periods spanning from 12 to 36 months, ECM said.

IFMA’s Awards of Excellence recognize exceptional contributions to the association, outstanding examples of facility management initiative, and innovative facilities management projects, practices, and solutions. Introduced in 2016, the Facility Management Innovation Award honors outstanding new achievements that are cost-efficient, replicable, and ahead of standard facility management practices.