This year’s winner is an innovative RTU that’s making life easier for technicians, and its technology and interface are likely to be the future of the industry.

Lennox’s Xion Line

This 2-25 ton rooftop unit features the Lennox Core Lite Unit Controller, which is designed for quick field adaptability, making it ideal for fast turnaround commercial applications.

The Xion line underwent two years of R&D, and adheres to the Lennox standard — reliable performance and year-round comfort that’s packaged with serviceable design.

The Xion RTUs can be used in a wide variety of light commercial applications, making it ideal for schools, warehouses, strip malls, office buildings, and restaurants.

One of Xion’s biggest attributes is ease-of-use, all while delivering next-level performance.

“We wanted to simplify the installation, startup, and troubleshooting process for contractors installing and servicing Xion units,” Tate Byers, product manager, Lennox Commercial Equipment, said. “The new Lennox Core Control System gives contractors the confidence that the unit is set up and operating correctly the first time through the guided setup menus and component test functionality within the Core Service App.”

The Core Control System is an innovative unit controller that directly communicates with and continuously monitors components within the RTU to provide diagnostic information directly to the Core Service app. Within the service app, technicians are provided a guided setup to accelerate installs and component test functionality to ensure the unit is working as designed.

For the technicians, getting to the heart of the issue is as easy as touching a button. Xion’s serviceability, in combination with its Core Control System, gives techs the ability to gain more actionable info from the RTUs. Via the service app, techs can instantly see the unit’s status, live readouts of outside air, return air, and discharge air temps, as well as any past or active system alerts, all without setting up a single probe or gauge.

“The intelligence of the Core Lite controller and the information provided by the diagnostic alarms that are presented to the technician when issues arise,” Byers said. “The service technicians will now know exactly what is wrong with the unit when they arrive on site or beforehand if the unit is connected via BACnet. The Core unit controller will immediately help them pinpoint the issue, resulting in a quicker diagnosis and less downtime for their customers.”

The Xion product line’s service-friendly interface will help techs resolve issues quickly and efficiently, saving untold time and effort.

As for the future of RTUs, Byers said the controller-based service model is here to stay.

“The evolution and growth will be the amount of information provided to the technician and building owner from the unit controller that can be shared with the contractors and technicians via the Lennox Core Control System and service app,” Byers said. “Now, the Core Control System provides 7 days of system logs at one-minute intervals, which are extremely useful in understanding historical operating behavior. This data can be used to optimize system performance or to address the root cause of an issue. The technicians are also able to download and share service reports, which contain unit and component runtimes as well as alarm history to help their customers make informed decisions.”

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Copeland Mobile with Scout AI

This field support app combines AI-powered diagnostics, smart product recognition, and real-time access to Copeland’s extensive technical library. The easy-to-use app enables technicians to not only troubleshoot issues faster and reduce callbacks, but also allows them to make confident repairs from their mobile devices. It features an AI chatbot for real-time diagnostics, barcode/QR code scanning for instant data on products, error code recognition, and a parts locator that will point to nearby wholesalers with needed components in stock.

SCOUT AI: Copeland Mobile with Scout AI allows techs to unlock a vast trove of data, all at their fingertips, from anywhere in the field. (Courtesy of Copeland)

The app is available through the Apple App Store and Google Play and since launching in 2024, it has seen a 14-15% increase shortly after the Scout AI feature was introduced.

Aside from serving technicians, OEMs, and wholesalers by centralizing a host of critical information, other key benefits include faster issue resolution, support for skill development, and technical resources and video guides. With an intuitive interface designed for all levels of user experience, it can help to bridge the technician skill gap as well as first-time fix rates. Users have already reported significant time savings and improved service outcomes after downloading the app.

Rheem Renaissance

The Rheem Renaissance Line Classic Plus Series 3 to 5 Ton Packaged A/C and G/E models (RACCYC & RGECYC) are high-performance commercial HVAC systems designed for energy efficiency, serviceability, and ease of installation. With two-stage cooling and up to 16.2 SEER2 and 12 EER2 performance, these units provide excellent dehumidification through Rheem’s PlusOne HumidiDry hot gas reheat system.

RENASSIANCE PERIOD: Energy efficiency, serviceability, and ease of installation — just a few of the attributes that have been ushered in by Rheem’s Renaissance line. (Courtesy of Rheem)

Engineered with a contractor-friendly footprint, these units match industry-standard curbs, align with existing piping and electrical, and feature field-convertible airflow. Key performance components include Rheem’s patented PlusOne Velocifin Heat Exchanger, two-stage compression, direct drive motors, and microchannel coils to boost efficiency and reduce refrigerant charge.

Technician-focused features include the PlusOne ServiceSmart package, which offers time-saving innovations such as hinged panels, Qwik-Slide blower assembly, Qwik-Clean drain pan with overflow switch, tool-less access, and external gauge ports. Diagnostic capabilities are enhanced by a dual 7-segment LED display for fault codes.

Installation and maintenance are further simplified with features like embossed compartment labels, onboard schematics, integrated fork slots, and rigging holes. Optional factory-installed ClearControl DDC enables integration with building automation protocols like BACnet and LonWorks.

The Renaissance line aims to improve service speed, reduce costs, and meet energy and indoor air quality standards without complicating the technician’s workflow.

Phoenix Controls CSCP

The Critical Spaces Control Platform (CSCP) by Phoenix Controls, a Honeywell brand, is an advanced environmental control system designed for use in high-stakes settings such as laboratories, cleanrooms, semiconductor fabrication, healthcare, and EV battery manufacturing. At its Core is the pressure-independent Venturi Valve, which is integrated with a suite of components including a room controller, actuator, actuator control module, fume hood display, and a mobile app for remote access.

HIGH-STAKES: When purity is of the utmost importance, like in settings such as laboratories, cleanrooms, semiconductor fabrication, healthcare, and EV battery manufacturing, technicians can count on the Phoenix Controls CSCP. (Courtesy of Phoenix Controls)

CSCP delivers sub-one-second actuation response times, enabling rapid containment and purging of hazardous fumes while maintaining precise control of room pressure in both positive and negative environments. Developed over three years and built on more than two decades of platform expertise, the system offers IP and MSTP support and features a freely programmable room controller that allows users to create custom control logic to fit specific operational needs.

Designed with technician safety and efficiency in mind, CSCP minimizes the need for ceiling access and enables wireless adjustments, reducing disruptions to critical operations. Its mobile app and integrated data tools offer access to alarms and historical data, aiding in faster diagnostics. The Venturi Valve design requires significantly less maintenance than a VAV box, with no sensors to calibrate, resulting in improved reliability and lower energy use.