HVAC Retrofits

The Records Problem Quietly Undermining Building Decarbonization

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 14:07:58 -0400

ES NEWS Guest columnist Trevor Vick examines how the lack of reliable, continuous records is hindering building decarbonization efforts and compliance with emerging performance standards.

Smoke Signals: Why Duct Liner Choice Could Impact Fire Safety

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 13:00:12 -0400

The choice of duct liner materials in HVAC systems can significantly affect fire safety by impacting smoke development and spread, writes ES NEWS Guest Columnist David Burd of Owens Corning.

Choosing Coil Coatings for Coastal and High-Grease Applications

Wed, 27 May 2026 13:59:27 -0400

Whether a coil coating is necessary hinges on the environment: salty air, kitchen grease, or aggressive chemicals can turn unprotected HVAC/R coils into short-lived liabilities.

Q-PAC Fan Achieves Seismic Certification for Critical Facilities

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 11:40:35 -0500

Q-PAC’s Multimotor Plenum Fan is now HCAI OSP-0875 certified, delivering a modular, code-compliant HVAC fan option engineered to stay operational during earthquakes.

Why Deadwood Pays Less for HVAC Maintenance Each Year

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 16:05:58 -0500

The results of these operational changes are reflected in the City of Deadwood’s publicly approved maintenance contracts. City officials attributed the reductions to improved system condition and annual cost analysis rather than reduced service.

Unstable Transitions in HVAC: Chiller Rotation Part II

Fri, 26 Dec 2025 09:43:41 -0500

HVAC systems experience their most challenging moments during operational transitions – when systems first enable, modes shift, or equipment rotates or stages to meet demand. These brief windows often reveal instability that routine operation may hide.

The Invisible Infrastructure Problem: Why HVAC Errors Continue to Slip Through

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 16:57:11 -0400

HVAC mistakes are hidden risks that can derail data center projects and blow budgets. Augmented reality offers a new way to bring these challenges into view.

Decarbonizing Without Disruption: A Practical Path to Building Performance Standards Compliance

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 12:59:32 -0400

As building owners race to meet tough new climate rules, costly retrofits aren’t the only answer. District energy systems offer a streamlined, scalable approach to slashing emissions – all while minimizing disruption and protecting property value, ES NEWS' Guest Columnist Rob Thornton writes.

A New HVAC 'Force' Cuts Energy, Boosts Efficiency

Wed, 14 May 2025 10:37:43 -0400

A breakthrough HVAC innovation dramatically reduces energy consumption, eliminates refrigerants, and offers a sustainable solution for efficient building cooling and heating.

Sustainable Cooling Towers: The Path Forward

keatinga@bnpmedia.com (Austin Keating) — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 13:29:06 -0400

Bill McQuade, Vice President for Regulatory Affairs and Global Sustainability at Baltimore Aircoil Company (BAC) and ASHRAE's incoming President-Elect, discusses how innovative cooling technologies are reshaping the future of sustainable building operations.

Contractor Modernizes IMSA's Heating System While Building Ties with the Community

keatinga@bnpmedia.com (Austin Keating) — Tue, 07 Jan 2025 07:00:55 -0500

Boiler change out project shows how maintaining consistency in both equipment choices and contractor relationships can benefit institutional clients.

Recognizing High Performance Buildings Have Many Categories

hmckew@bss-consultant.com (Howard McKew, P.E., C.P.E.) — Fri, 20 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400

I don’t know who coined the phrase, “High-Performance Building” (HPB) but, whoever that individual was, he or she probably would be surprised how these three words are used to define several categories today.

New Editor, New Origin Story

keatinga@bnpmedia.com (Austin Keating) — Tue, 06 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Entering journalism school in 2012 at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, I quickly pivoted from being a generalist reporter, to the science and technology beat, guiding student journalists in writing about the technical advancements made on campus with a comprehensive and independent tone at the Daily Illini.

This can’t be efficient HVAC

Wed, 20 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0400

The built environment is not made up of the latest and greatest equipment that we see at tradeshows and greenfield construction sites. We're still using the old technologies, so can't we find some way to make them better?

Decarbonizing HVAC systems with hydrogen

Fri, 15 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0400

As HVAC system manufacturers and users explore multiple avenues for improving overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) and minimizing GHG emissions from their systems, hydrogen presents a bold new opportunity — potentially providing the clean energy source the world needs for the future.

How contractors are using mixed reality to improve construction and communication

keatinga@bnpmedia.com (Austin Keating) — Wed, 28 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Redelman discusses the advantages of mixed reality headset adoption in the construction, multitrade and engineering industries.

Swedish electricity supplier embraces sustainable retrofit solution

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Mälarenergi's cogeneration plant in Västerås is one of Sweden's largest and plays an important role in the sustainable development of the city, with 98% of all properties in the locality connected to the district heating network.

Key considerations when transitioning to eco-friendly electric boilers

Thu, 04 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Since building tenants rely on the electric boilers for hot water daily, investing a little more in the initial purchase can pay off dramatically in increased long-term reliability and longevity.

New Year – new HVAC opportunities

hmckew@bss-consultant.com (Howard McKew, P.E., C.P.E.) — Wed, 03 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Net zero and carbon neutral remain to be achieved on all new projects, especially renovation projects.

How building managers can take a piece meal approach to mechanical changeouts

keatinga@bnpmedia.com (Austin Keating) — Tue, 28 Nov 2023 01:00:00 -0500

Video: Building managers are often asking contractors for three different bids: One all gas, another with electrical and resistive systems, and then option C: heat pumps.

Electrification, heat pumps bring changes to mechanical room design

keatinga@bnpmedia.com (Austin Keating) — Sat, 25 Nov 2023 12:00:00 -0500

Dan Rettig, senior product manager for heat pumps and sustainability at Lochinvar, sat down with ES Magazine for a podcast interview discussing mechanical room decarbonization and retrofits. Here is a transcribed and edited excerpt of the conversation.

Alan Jones on future proof capabilities of hydronics

keatinga@bnpmedia.com (Austin Keating) — Wed, 04 Oct 2023 11:15:23 -0400

Hydronic systems offer commercial building owners and industry professionals the opportunity to both take baby steps and long leaps toward achieving net zero carbon emissions.

Retrofit solution brings security and efficiency to Europe energy supplier

Tue, 29 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0400

A leading Belgium energy supplier has turned to ABB Electrification Service for a retrofill solution to safeguard and extend the safe operating life of its switchgear systems across five of its combined heat and power (CHP) plants.

Trane Works with Theater Chain to Improve Moviegoer Experience

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 04:00:28 -0400

Upgrades at locations improve IEQ, and save energy.

Seven Telltale Signs of an HVAC Refrigerant Leak

Thu, 27 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Fixing a leak efficiently means being able to spot the warning signs. Here are seven common symptoms of a refrigerant leak to look out for.

XPak Cooling Tower Fill – Evapco

Wed, 15 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Evapco's new XPak Fill PVC media, a bonded block fill, provides exceptional capacity in a factory-assembled cooling tower.

W561 Thermostat – Watts

Tue, 14 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -0500

When connected to the Internet, the W561 thermostat can be controlled remotely using the Watts® Home mobile app.

Sentinel High Humidity Control – Modine Mfg. Co.

Mon, 13 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Modine's Sentinel High Humidity unit is designed to create comfortable air along the coastline in K-12 school and other applications.

HRF2400 Pro Flowmeter Regulator – Victor, an ESAB Brand

Fri, 10 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Victor's HRF2400 Pro flowmeter regulator is designed to bring ease, accuracy, and a 70 CFH flow range.

Duck Pro by Shurtape BR Code Scannable Solutions – Shurtape Technologies LLC

Thu, 09 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Powered by the BitRip® App, Shurtape's portfolio of scannable tapes and labels connects physical and digital to help organize construction projects and more.