In addition to the 2012 Commercial Heating Showcase Product Grid, The NEWS spotlights the industry’s latest commercial heating products in this photo feature. The manufacturers provided the brief description of features included with each product.

While nonresidential construction spending has increased somewhat over the last year, current indicators show that this market is still not robust. Geothermal heat pump (GHP) systems seem to be bucking this trend, though, as most manufacturers state that sales of commercial equipment are increasing.

What were geothermal aficionados from nine states and Canada and a wide assortment of HVAC trucks and vans jammed into a field at the Oregon Dairy near Lancaster County, central Pennsylvania?

Featuring high EER — up to 22.2 at full load and 29.8 in part load — SmartSource™ water-source heat pump products offer low noise operation and a wide range of features and options. The electrically commutated motor (ECM) is a standard feature across the entire product line.

This Heating Showcase photo feature provides in-depth information on the features of each individual unit and also includes technical support information from the manufacturers.

Every year The NEWS introduces the latest heating equipment that is available for the upcoming winter season. The intent is to help contractors prepare for this busy period by doing the research that will help them to distinguish between brands.

Not all energy-efficient HVAC equipment qualifies for tax credits, but there are four renewable energy product categories that do — geothermal heat pumps, small wind turbines, solar energy systems, and fuel cells. Though some seem beyond HVAC, they each have the potential to bring new revenue streams to contractors.

The Tranquility® 30 Digital (TE) Series geothermal heat pumps integrate digital communicating controls, two-stage capacity, variable-speed fan, and variable-flow geothermal source functions within a single package. The series delivers up to 30 EER and 4.8 COP.

The 7 Series 700A11 is a variable-capacity geothermal unit available for homeowners that surpasses both 41 EER and 5.3 COP. It utilizes InfiniSpeed technology, a soft-start variable-capacity compressor, in concert with a variable-speed electronically commutated motor (ECM) blower and variable-speed loop pump.

Who says young people do not want to be a part of the HVACR industry? Amidst the 5,600 vocationally-inclined individuals competing in 94 contests at the annual SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference, there were 58 in the HVACR event. That was the largest number ever to take part in the HVACR competition.