The AHR Expo in January is often looked at as the Super Bowl for the HVACR industry. And unlike the NFL version of the game this year, it was certainly not a snooze fest.

A lot of news came out of the event in Atlanta. The pages of this magazine showcased the new products introduced at AHR from the major players in the industry. The articles also talked about industry trends the editors picked up while walking the show floor. We hope you found them to be informative.

In addition to new products, here are a few other newsworthy events that occurred at the show:

• The numbers are in. The total verified attendance was 45,078. This included 1,824 exhibiting companies, with 497 of them being international.

It was a significant decrease from the 2018 show that was in Chicago, which saw a total attendance of 72,000. While Chicago is historically the biggest show, the Atlanta attendance was also down from the 2017 show in Las Vegas, which saw 68,000 attendees.

It is difficult to say why the significant decrease in numbers. Nasty weather in the highly populated northeast may have prevented some people from traveling. The Atlanta traffic may have made locals think twice about driving in to the event. Also, the show was much earlier in the year, so perhaps that affected the numbers. Most likely, it was due to the fact that, this year, attendance was verified. In previous years, numbers were calculated based on registrants. Either way, it will be interesting to see if the show rebounds when the industry travels to Orlando in 2020.

Speaking of which, the show starts the day after the Super Bowl next year, so remember to bring your squares.

• Nortek Global HVAC used the AHR Expo to kick off its 100-year anniversary. The company was originally founded in St. Louis as the International Oil Heating Co. in 1919. No doubt, most remember the company as Nordyne, which is what the company went by from 1987 until 2015, when it switched to Nortek Global HVAC. Happy anniversary, Nortek!

• Rheem announced a comprehensive sustainability platform, A Greater Degree of Good, as well as 2025 sustainability commitments tied to “Designing for Zero Waste.” In addition to making its manufacturing processes and locations more sustainable, Rheem is focused on developing products that help consumers be more energy efficient and reduce their environmental impact.

According to the company, as a result of the direct effect heating, cooling, and water heating equipment has on energy and water consumption around the globe, it is committed to developing and marketing products that minimize waste when in use. Aligned with the company’s 2025 sustainability goals and its 100th year anniversary, Rheem will launch a line of heating, cooling, and water heating products that boast a 50 percent reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) footprint.

According to a recent national survey conducted by Rheem, 77 percent of homeowners assert that environmental preservation is important to them. In addition, 74 percent of millennials are more likely to purchase products from a manufacturer that has committed to sustainability in their manufacturing processes.

Think the same can be said for buying from a contractor?

• It is always nice when a retirement event matches what that person is all about. For instance, my retirement party should certainly include an all-you-can-eat pizza buffet. Karl Zellmer, vice president of air conditioning sales for Emerson Commercial and Residential Solutions, had an appropriate send-off.

It was on the show floor and was dubbed “Last Call with Karl.” Over adult beverages, a panel of HVAC thought leaders discussed regulations and industry trends. I could not think of a better way to say farewell to the HVAC industry legend who has dedicated his life to those very topics.

Emerson also took time at its Sunday evening event to recognize the contribution Zellmer has made. A humorous short video highlighted his love of aviation, Mexican food, and Copeland Scroll compressors. A little known fact is that the compressors’ model number always starts with the letter Z, for Zellmer. Enjoy retirement, Karl!

Publication date: 2/18/2019

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