Articles by Jen Anesi

While there are still a significant number of single-speed motors still in operation, many OEMs are making a concerted move toward variable-speed equipment in order to meet a growing demand for higher efficiency. To help OEMs meet their goals, and to meet increasingly stringent motor efficiency regulations from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), motor and drive manufacturers have introduced their smartest, most efficient products yet.

Many new testing and monitoring products were on display last month at the AHR Expo in Orlando, Florida, where manufacturers showcased and demonstrated their newest, smartest products.

As technology improves, portable equipment manufacturers will continue to work to meet the growing needs of their customers, from those needing small-scale residential solutions all the way up to data centers and factories in need of industrial-grade solutions.

Perhaps the biggest work-vehicle trend at this year’s Expo was the somewhat sudden and notable presence of European-style vans. More maneuverable and economical than previous van styles, these vehicles are built with tradesmen in mind.

In October 2014, the EPA announced its final phasedown schedule regarding the production and importation of HCFC-22. The order called for an immediate drop from 51 million pounds allowed in 2014 to 22 million pounds in 2015, 18 million pounds in 2016, 13 million pounds in 2017, 9 million pounds in 2018, and 4 million pounds in 2019. No new or imported R-22 will be allowed in the U.S. on or after Jan. 1, 2020.

Just as the 2016 elections are already having an impact on the country’s airwaves, many industry leaders agree they’ll also have a significant impact on both the regulatory and legislative environments impacting the HVACR industry through the end of the calendar year.

Between the DOE and the EPA, the regulatory bodies have issued dozens of new rules directly impacting the HVACR industry in just the past couple of years, and this year will likely be no different.

Gold Medal’s commitment to training and employee health and satisfaction, as well as its commitment to its customers, has earned it the 2015 Best Contractor to Work For Award for the East region.

The department estimates the new efficiency standards for RTUs will save businesses as much as $167 billion in energy costs over the lifetime of the equipment — more than any other efficiency standard issued to date.