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These devices are being sold by the millions, and in most cases, the distribution is directly to the consumer — the sellers are avoiding the traditional manufacturer-to-wholesaler-to-contractor model that our industry has used for years.

Where DeLeo works, pushing the envelope of HVAC contracting is the way of business. He is currently working with a group of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and construction employees in an effort to advance the home services division of the company.

Honeywell will license its brand to Resideo under a long-term agreement for use in its home comfort, security hardware, and software solutions for all channels. So while the name “Honeywell Home” will be kept on the box, smart home products will exist under Resideo as a separate entity.

It’s a well-known fact that HVAC — the smart thermostat — is the first point of entry into smart-home sales. And with more than half of U.S. households predicted to own a smart speaker by 2022, according to a late 2017 study by Juniper Research, it’s a prime opportunity for HVAC contractors.

It started with smart thermostats. Now, in today’s world of smartphones, smart speakers, and Wi-Fi connections in 89 percent of U.S. households (as of 2017), smart homes are expanding in scope beyond heating and cooling controls — the first major foray into the smart-home concept — as manufacturers work to keep up with customer demand for continuous connection.

DunAn Microstaq Inc.’s HC-MSEV USHC Retrofit Kit netted the gold award in the HVAC Light Commercial Equipment category of this year’s Dealer Design Awards contest.

Over a year of research and design went into the 2018 Dealer Design Awards gold-winning product in the Residential Controls category. After listening to feedback from both contractors and consumers for a more basic, easy-to-use, and cost-effective thermostat, Nest created the Nest Thermostat E.

While HVAC manufacturers claim the market for high-end air conditioners is growing, the reality is the market is determined by consumers and those with boots on the ground — the contractors.

High-end air conditioners feature an array of benefits and options to fit most consumers’ wants and needs.