Thermostat manufacturers say they have the studies to show that the use of their smart, connected thermostats can help homeowners save on their HVAC-related energy costs.

While government incentives, savings in utility bills, word-of-mouth, and increasing popularity have led to homeowner’s increased awareness of smart thermostats, there is still a lot of room in the market for growth.

A.O. Smith, Rheem, Hoshizaki, Copeland, and several other HVACR-related companies were on the list when the 2024 Energy Star awards were handed out in Washington, D.C., in April.

Thermostats have come a long way since the first thermostat hit the market. So, it makes sense that consumers demand more from the technology’s capabilities than ever before.

At the AHR Expo, manufacturers talked about what’s fueling their design of smart products and ensuring they are simpler, more integrated, and save energy and time.

The Gold winner this year in the Testing & Monitoring Products category measures O₂, CO, CO₂, and draft pressure and offers live draft measurements to help technicians troubleshoot while running a combustion analysis.

Programmable thermostats that can be accessed through an internet device are old hat. Here are just a few of the residential HVAC controls products featured at the Georgia World Congress Center, the host venue for this year’s Expo.

Smart thermostats offer preventive maintenance options and rebates for customers, but contractors should be sure to get educated — and educate homeowners — on utility rebates like demand-response programs.

Emerson’s new partnership with international investors is a vote of confidence in the HVACR industry — and its durability and growth potential — at a time of accelerated change, analysts say.

Whether it be a single-family household, school, or even a grocery store, all of those spaces need clean, high-quality air — which humidification plays a role in.

Indoor air quality and decarbonization may seem to oppose each other, but with industry advances and the help of HVAC contractors, industry IAQ and decarbonization goals can be met.

Internet-connected thermostats are gaining wider acceptance in the marketplace. About 30% of residential thermostats in the U.S. and Canada are connected thermostats.

Internet of things enabled HVAC equipment can make installation and service easier and more accurate for contractors and technicians.

Internet of Things diagnostics technology can ensure the installation was done correctly, as well as notify technicians of potential service problems, which can keep HVAC equipment operating smoothly and efficiently.

Homeowners are increasingly paying attention to improving their indoor air quality, and dehumidification is a big part of the IAQ equation.

As people spend more time at home due to the lingering effects of the pandemic, the buzzwords that come to mind are comfort and convenience. The influx of smart controls and thermostats can help fulfill these desires.

Resideo Technologies Inc. is applying artificial intelligence to the world of HVAC. The Honeywell spinoff is touting two data-dependent products in its new Pro-IQ line.

A combination of continued consumer spending and increased interest in IAQ drove sales throughout the year. Higher costs driven by supply chain issues ate into the profits for most companies, however.

Hydronics is a diverse field that covers a wide range of functions, from keeping people warm in their living rooms to melting the snow from downtown sidewalks.

What is the best approach to providing a holistic smart home experience for consumers?

It’s the contractor’s job to ensure consumers understand the functionality of smart thermostats without becoming overwhelmed by the features and data.

Contractors have numerous options for offering homeowners solutions in energy management systems.

In the past few years, the thermostat has become a cutting edge electronic. This creates new opportunities for HVAC contractors.