MICHIGAN CITY The Home and Lifestyle Expo at Blue Chip Casino and Hotel this weekend features professionals in home building, remodeling, home maintenance, landscaping and more.

And its all in support of the United Way of La Porte County.

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Home and Lifestyle Expo this weekend - News Dispatch

More than 100 units were affected by an early Saturday morning fire as 90 firefighters responded. Matt Stone, The Courier-Journal

Firefighters work to contain a blaze as well as billowing smoke at the Breakwater Apartments in New Albany Saturday. Heavy fire on the third floor was discovered by firefighters after calls around 5:11 a.m. Four fire departments -- New Albany, Jeffersonville, Clarksville and Georgetown Township -- were required. Around 90 firefighters helped contain the fire. Two firefighters fell through a floor while battling the fire but were not injured. The units damaged were under construction. An investigation is underway.(Photo: Matt Stone/The C-J)Buy Photo

The fire that damaged the majority of a soon-to-open luxury apartment complex in downtown New Albany burned for nearly 18 hours before it was reported by a neighbor and was likely started by a contract worker, investigators alleged.

In an incident report released Thursday, New Albany Fire investigators determined that The Breakwater Apartments blazeoriginated in the ceiling area above unit 217. The $26.5 million complex, located at 411 E. Spring St., had been scheduled to open by mid-March.

Joe Miller, a heating, ventilation and air condition installer with Del Monde Heating and Air Conditioning, said he sparked a fire while soldering a copper pipe in the mechanical area above the apartment, according to report. The insulation around the pipe ignited between 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 24.

Miller said he spent 45 minutes putting out the blaze by usingmultiple fire extinguishers. He also cut a 2-foot-by-2-foot hole to get the insulation out that was on fire.

"The HVAC installer indicated that he thought he had put the fire out," said the report, which was posted on the city's website.

Investigators alleged that multiple other contractors saw the fire but "at no time did anyone notify the fire department about the situation." A neighbor called 9-1-1 the following morning, and the New Albany Fire Department responded by 7 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 25, according to report.

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The Courier-Journal reported that about 90 firefighters from the New Albany, Jeffersonville, Georgetownand Clarksville departments were able to bring the fire under control.While inspecting the building, two firefighters fell through the third floor and were rescued. Noinjuries were reported.

Once again, Id like to reiterate how fortunate the city of New Albany is that, despite the amount of damage and the size of the fire, there were no injuries. Id also like to thank the New Albany Fire Department, New Albany Police Department, and all of our neighboring communities for their help in extinguishing the blaze and assisting at the scene, Mayor Jeff Gahan said in a release.

The unoccupied125-unit building had been scheduled to open by mid-March, said Jill Herron, senior vice president of property asset management forFlaherty & Collins Properties, which owns The Breakwater. The neighboring 66-unit building, which opened in January, houses about 45 residents. That building was not damaged and residents were uninjured, she said.

In a news release, Michael Collins, regional property manager for thecompany, said the sprinklers were not on because the building was incomplete and hasn't been issueda certificate of occupancy.The 206,000-square-foot project broke ground in December 2015 at thesite of the former Coyle Chevrolet.

We want to thank the New Albany Fire Department and other local fire departments who are providing help for their steadfast efforts," he said. "We will certainly work diligently to fix the damage to the building.

This story will be updated.

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Investigators: The Breakwater Apartments fire was caused by faulty HVAC installation - The Courier-Journal

Converting from fossil fuel heating systems to electric will help meet New York states climate goals and make home heating more affordable, according to a new study. The initial cost of installing electric systems is steep but the report says there are ways the state could help.

Institute for Energy and Environmental Research President Arjun Makhijani wrote the report that advocates for electric technologies like geothermal and cold climate heat pumps. The heat pumps reduce greenhouse gas emissions by using free energy from the ground and the air rather than burning fossil fuels. Makhijani said in the long-term, it will make home heating more affordable.

"When you install a geothermal heat pump, not only will you benefit, your neighbors will be benefiting, because you reduce the peak load on the electric grid during the summer," Makhijani said. "To meet the peak load you have to install gas turbines you have to install transmission and distribution systems. You're benefiting your neighbors and the utility and reducing everybody's costs."

But Makhijani said the challenge is the initial cost of installing these systems.

Part of the difficulty of making really efficient electric heating and cooling systems is that they are more expensive than natural gas and oil systems," Makhijani said. "Over the long term they save you money. How to reduce the cost is a big issue.

Makhijani said there are multiple ways to reduce the costs and the states Energy Research and Development Authority has addressed the issue.

One way to do it is to mandate efficient heating systems for public buildings, for new construction, so you create a market," Makhijani said. "Its a nascent market.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo is also proposing a $15 million rebate plan for installing ground-source heat pumps.

Makhijani said a state policy limiting energy costs for low-income residents to six percent of their income is another reason to push for the switch to electric.

Then the cost of heating goes down and the amount of public assistance money needed to help low-income households will also go down, Makhijani said.

Plus, Makhijani said New York could be a leader in manufacturing heat pumps and parts, which could lead to new jobs.

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Report says NY should switch to electric heating systems to save money, environment - WRVO Public Media

Dave Chappelle is back -- a little sooner than we might've expected.

Dave Chappelle is back -- a little sooner than we might've expected.

Despite Tarek and Christina El Moussa's tumultuous divorce, HGTV is going all in on the Flip or Flop franchise. The network has ordered five -- yes, five -- spin-offs of the house flipping series, Us Weekly...

Despite Tarek and Christina El Moussa's tumultuous divorce, HGTV is going all in on the Flip or Flop franchise. The network has ordered five -- yes, five -- spin-offs of the house flipping series, Us Weekly reports.

RuPaul's Drag Race is movin' on up. Ahead of the Season 9 debut - which features Lady Gaga and "one of the most jaw-dropping moments" in Drag Race herstory...

RuPaul's Drag Race is movin' on up. Ahead of the Season 9 debut - which features Lady Gaga and "one of the most jaw-dropping moments" in Drag Race herstory...

Even after surviving the potentially deadly skin cancer melanoma, some people continue to go out in the summer sun without protection.

Even after surviving the potentially deadly skin cancer melanoma, some people continue to go out in the summer sun without protection.

An experimental drug may significantly reduce the itching and improve the appearance of moderate to severe eczema, a new, preliminary trial finds.

An experimental drug may significantly reduce the itching and improve the appearance of moderate to severe eczema, a new, preliminary trial finds.

From IRS.gov

Taxpayers who made certain energy efficient improvements to their home last year may qualify for a tax credit this year. Here are some key facts to know about home energy tax credits:

Non-Business Energy Property Credit

Residential Energy Efficient Property Credit

UseForm 5695, Residential Energy Credits, to claim these credits. For more information on this topic, refer to the forms instructions. Get IRS forms anytime onIRS.gov/forms.

Taxpayers should keep a copy of their tax return. Beginning in 2017, taxpayers using a software product for the first time may need their Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) amount from their prior-year tax return to verify their identity. Taxpayers can learn more about how to verify their identity and electronically sign tax returns atValidating Your Electronically Filed Tax Return.

Share this tip on social media -- Get Credit for Making a Home Energy Efficient.http://go.usa.gov/x9S6U#IRS

Remember that all of the web page addresses for the official IRS website, IRS.gov, begin with http://www.irs.gov. Don' t be confused or misled by Internet sites that end in .com, .net, .org or other designations instead of .gov. The address of the official IRS governmental Web site is http://www.irs.gov/.

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Get credit for making a home energy efficient - WBRC FOX6 News - WBRC.com

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San Antonio, Texas, March 1, 2017 (Newswire.com) Terry Wolf is entering his 35th year at the helm of TASCO Air Conditioning this spring. While many AC companies are preparing for the industrys peak season roughly April to October in part due to increased AC usage in hotter months, Terry is training his staff and technicians on the nuances of residential indoor air quality.

Company President and founder, Terry Wolf shared his vision on the topic: This year we are committing resources to ensure our existing, and new customers understand the complex issue of indoor air quality. As an AC repair, service and installation company, TASCO Air Conditioning is a large supplier in each of our customers homes in terms of indoor air quality. The AC systems we service and install can filter, clean and vent particulates from a home. Our technicians who specialize in indoor air quality consult customers on a range of issues that impact the air quality, such as filter capacity, cleaning products compatibility with systems and so on.

Indoor air quality has the potential to enhance your familys comfort and very likely their health in your home.

Terry Wolf, President & Owner

TASCO Air Conditionings focus continues with a tradition of providing high quality service, and installing the best systems in the HVAC industry. Adding indoor air quality to the conversation with routine topics like service plan schedules, system life span, two-stage motors, when to replace filters, and air load, is only fitting for an entrepreneur serious about the AC repair, service and installation industry in San Antonio.

Many our clients are long-term thinkers. Said Terry Wolf. Indoor air quality has the potential to enhance your familys comfort, and very likely their health in your home. The technology we have access to through our vendors helps filter out particulates that would otherwise travel around your home with the possibility of entering your lungs. Theres a lot of studies on indoor air quality produced by my industry that probably would confuse a health professional. However, I care and think about my family and neighbors. If for a little more investment in their AC system I can install technology that has the slightest chance to improve their comfort and health, then its something Im prepared to offer. The logic is there filter out as much particulates as possible.

Terrys company is one of a few San Antonio AC companies continuously out leading the local market as home comfort technology advocates. In recent years, TASCO Air showcased energy efficient two-stage motors, that over the systems lifespan saves on energy and service costs. A few years after the introduction of two-stage motors came UV light filters. Fast forward and consumers can connect AC systems to home management software.

Terry remarked on his customers choices today: Its certainly a longer conversation today compared to 15 years ago. My team finds themselves consistently wearing two hats. One hat is that of a service and installation technician. The other hat is that of a home comfort consultant. A typical conversation with a customer tackles topics to determine whats wrong with the current AC system. We move on to detailed questions such as what rooms are hotter or colder, placement and size of air intake vents, system efficiency and air quality. Each system we repair or install is highly customized to the customers needs based on our discussions.

TASCO Air Conditioning & Heating is a San Antonio, Texas heating and air conditioning company serving residential and light commercial clients. For more information or to schedule your service call visit http://tascoair.com or call 210-684-6200.

Source: TASCO Air Conditioning & Heating

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TASCO Air Conditioning & Heating: San Antonio Heating and Air Conditioning Company Leads Local Industry in ... - Satellite PR News (press release)

Danielle Kidwell for A-1 American Services , WVEC 3:56 PM. EST February 28, 2017

Happy, smiling woman in shower. (Photo: Louis-Paul St-Onge)

How Tankless Systems are Different

A tankless water heater is different from a conventional storage tank water heater in many ways. The most obvious difference is the lack of a storage tank. Tankless heaters take up very little room and are ideal for small spaces or households that place storage at a premium. These systems provide hot water on demand. This means you save energy and money because the system kicks on once the hot water tap is opened - no more 25-50 gallon tanks of water being heated around the clock. Eliminating the storage tank means no more risk of flooding.

How Tankless Systems Work

Tankless water heaters have a surprisingly simple design and run on either gas or electric systems. When the hot water tap is opened, the gas or electric burner turns on and cold water is pumped in from the well or city pipes. It gets heated as it passes over the burner and proceeds to the open tap. This means you never run out of hot water and only the water you need is heated. If youve ever been the last person in the household to shower you can appreciate the benefit of endless hot water! The only maintenance required is an annual flushing to ensure that sediment such as lime does not build up.

The Possible Drawbacks

We would be remiss to ignore the potential downside of converting to a tankless heater. The main issue is cost. Tankless heaters cost a lot more upfront to install, however they have a much longer lifespan than traditional storage tank heaters and require less maintenance. The heating element can fail or clog, but there is no risk of tank failure. When considering the switch, think about the number of gallons per minute you might need. If your household runs multiple appliances on hot water at the same time you should calculate the approximate capacity you will need at a high-volume time.

Making the Switch

Although the initial upfront cost of installing a tankless system is more expensive than a traditional storage tank water heater, the money you save over time will justify the initial investment. A recent Energy Star study estimated that a tankless system can save a household approximately $100 per year in energy costs (https://energy.gov/energysaver/tankless-or-demand-type-water-heaters). Storage tank heaters have an average lifespan of 8-13 years, while a tankless system can easily last 20 years. A storage tank heater repair will cost an average of half the cost of a new system, meaning it would be more cost effective to replace the entire unit. These heaters are prone to corrosion and leakage. With simple annual maintenance, a tankless system will rarely need a repair. It is highly encouraged that you seek a qualified expert to conduct a free consultation and estimate. With A-1 American, you can be confident that our experts will provide an honest, complimentary assessment based on your households particular needs and conditions. We are so confident in our evaluation process, that should you decide to convert your system we will offer you $250 off of your tankless systems installation.

A1 American serves your Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning needs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We now offer financing as low as $99 per month. Call us today at 757-425-2400.

( 2017 WVEC)

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Tankless Water Heaters: Why You Should Make the Switch - 13newsnow.com

By Tim Savoy By Tim Savoy February 27

Smart home technology has become a buzzword in the real estate market.

For several years, the number of products that control elements of your home has exponentially increased. From all-in-one devices that control just about everything to products that increase efficiency and save money, many nontechnical consumers may be intimidated by these technologies.

Here are a few simple ways to get started without breaking the bank:

Find a home automation hub.Perhaps the most important piece to start your smart home journey is to decide on a home automation hub.

Home automation hubs act like personal assistants. Think of this as mission control for the variety of products you may want to use. These products are easy to install; all you need to set up a virtual personal assistant is a WiFi network and your preferred product.

[More Savoy: Heres how to use technology to your advantage if youre buying a home from afar]

These devices, such as Amazon Echo or Google Home, are popping up more and more on the market, which is great for consumers, as it will continue to drive prices down and increase innovation in the technology.

For example, you might use your home assistant to play your favorite artist through the speaker, adjust the temperature to your liking, turn lights on and off, or ask for the weather. Regardless, your home automation hub is a cheap way to connect your lifestyle to your home.

Recommendations: Amazon Echo ($180) or Google Home ($130). (Jeffrey P. Bezos owns Amazon.com and The Washington Post.)

Difficulty to install: Easy

Forget old-school light bulbs.Imagine transitioning the mood lighting at home from bright lights during the day to soft in the evening, and to different colors during a party. All of these are offered from the most basic smart lighting packages.

One of the focal points to smart home technologies focuses on lighting. The most apparent visually, smart lights take advantage of longer-lasting LEDs as well as wireless technologies to turn lights on and off (though you can still use the old-fashioned light switch). Smart lights are great because you dont need to upgrade your space. These lights screw into existing fixtures and can be operated via your phone, laptop or home-automation hub.

Though expensive, most bulbs last for years, if not decades. With a range of colors in each bulb, smart lights are likely going to start popping up in many new listings as a feature that comes with the home.

Recommendations: Phillips Hue Starter Kit (3 bulbs and bridge, $175)

Difficulty to install: Easy

Heat and cool your home smarter.Most people immediately think of their thermostat first when it comes to smart home technologies. Early innovators such as Nest were first to appear on the market and in newly developed listings.

[More Savoy: Aging-in-place options most popular with baby boomers]

The premise is simple: Smart HVAC systems are actually run through the thermostat. Instead of replacing an entire HVAC system, most products slide over the existing wiring and provide cost savings and convenience to heating and cooling your home.

The perks of this technology include cost savings as smart thermostats learn your habits. Whether you prefer warmer temperatures in the morning or leave during the day for work and turn your system off, smart thermostats learn your habits. Moreover, you can access the thermostat from anywhere in the world, handy when returning from a long trip and need to heat or cool the home as you enter.

Recommendations: Nest Learning Thermostat ($250) or ecobee 7-day starter thermostat (both $250)

Difficulty to install: Moderate, non-handy owners may want to consult an electrician

Secure your home with an upgrade system. Although not a new technology, home security systems have undergone a major facelift the past couple of years. Whereas older technologies have been subscription based for in-home security systems, there are now several products that are considered plug and play for convenience.

Instead of paying a yearly subscription to a security company, modernized products are tailored to consumers who want to see first-hand what is happening while away from home.

[More Savoy: Smart-home upgrades that you can install yourself]

Most products will normally include self-install motion sensors, video cameras, door alarms and often fobs to easily disable the system. Almost all products offer tailored apps that notify you by message or phone when there is a disturbance detected.

Also, Washington offers a rebate program for homeowners and renters who install security systems into their homes. The reimbursement program is up to $500 per address when registered with the District. This is a huge incentive to someone who may want to get a discount on installing a security system.

Recommendations: Scout Home Security System ($320)

Difficulty to install: Moderate

Forget being locked out of the house.As with security camera systems, smart locks serve several purposes. First, smart locks provide great security with keyless technology. Second, smart locks are versatile in that the consumer can dictate who may enter the house even when the owner is not present.

Several of these locking options allow instant access to the house for the owner or temporary access for guests. For example, smart locks can allow a housekeeper or pet sitter access during certain days without the need of a physical key. This access then expires and the guest may no longer enter. For the consumer, this also means not getting locked out from home as you can enter with your smartphone.

While relatively cheap, most smart locks should be installed by a locksmith or handyman familiar with changing locks on a home. This may be one product left to the experts!

Recommendations: August smart lock ($230) or Schlage smart lock ($200)

Difficulty to install: Difficult (recommended to hire locksmith or general contractor)

Spending a couple hundred dollars in one or more of these categories can add so much to your home. Smart technologies should not be considered intimidating; instead, smart-home technologies accentuate living in the best ways.

Tim Savoy, a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Capitol Hill, writes an occasional column about the Washington-area housing market. He can be reached at Timothy.Savoy@cbmove.com and on Twitter @SavoyRealEstate.

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Think you missed the boat on smart home technology? Here's how ... - Washington Post

Photo: istockphoto.com

Heating and cooling doesnt come cheapespecially if your HVAC system has to work harder to overcome heat loss due to drafts. Thats why remodeling pros recommend minimizing inefficient air leaks by sealing the home as tightly as possible. Theres only one downside: those heat-sucking cracks and gaps allow fresh air to enter and stale air to escape. When a house has been effectively buttoned up, it may no longer be able to exchange air on its own. In that case, you must take special measures not only to ensure proper ventilation, but also to safeguard the quality of the air you breathe on a daily basis.

Despite the fact that Americans, on average, spend about 90 percent of their time indoors, relatively few think twice about home air quality. After all, isnt air pollution confined to the congested streets of big cities? The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says no. In fact, according to the EPA, A growing body of scientific evidence has indicated that the air within homes and other buildings can be more seriously polluted than the outdoor air. This means that in the closed environment of a contemporary home, a concentration of impurities can compromise home health to an often surprising degree.

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Combat Dry Winter Air with 7 Tips and Tricks

If a homeowner ever stops to consider indoor air quality, its most likely going to be during the winter, says Daniel OBrian, a technical specialist with SupplyHouse.com. Thats because when the mercury plummets, youre not opening the doors and windows to the breezesyoure doing the opposite. Plus, although the typical forced-air heating system provides warmth and comfort, the technology also introduces a steady supply of warm, dry air that isnt unhealthy in itself, but which, OBrian says, certainly isnt pleasant for many people and can exacerbate serious issues like asthma.

Promoting indoor air quality isnt a simple matter. Often, OBrian continues, success requires a multipronged strategy that takes on different facets of the problem. Fortunately, with scores of manufacturers jumping on board to help address home-health concerns, there are plenty of compelling options to consider. Of these, the most popular products fall into one of three categorieshumidification, filtration, or air-cleaning. Not every technology may be suitable for your home, OBrian says, but its well worth considering the benefits of each one.

WHOLE-HOME HUMIDIFIERS

Photo: supplyhouse.com

If youve ever heard the expression its not the heat, its the humidity, you know that comfort hinges not only on temperature, but also on the moisture content of the air. People tend to think of humidity as something you only confront outdoors, OBrian says, but it matters equally as much for health and happiness indoors. While excess humidity leads to clammy conditions, the oppositeexcessive drynessgives rise to the red eyes and sore throats that can make winter so uncomfortable. To remedy the itchy-scratchy situation and normalize humidity levels in winter, many choose to install a whole-home humidifier.

Unlike the portable, plug-in appliances that humidify only one room at a time, whole-home units attach directly to the houses HVAC system for maximum impact. Installed adjacent to the furnace blower, a drum humidifier consists of a sponge that rotates slowly through a reservoir of water. As the blower pushes heated air through the humidifier, it picks up moisture before entering the ductwork and, ultimately, the living spaces. Bypass humidifiers operate in a broadly similar way but install within the ductwork itself. Both work to keep the humidity level within a healthy, comfortable range, OBrian concludes.

FURNACE FILTRATION

Photo: supplyhouse.com

Dust, pollen, pet hair at any given time, innumerable particulates float around in the air inside the typical home. If there were no such thing as a furnace filter, the number of airborne particulates would only increase, and the home HVAC system would recirculate them all, over and over, throughout the house. Fortunately, furnaces are equipped with filters to remove harmful particulates from the air that passes through. Besides safeguarding the furnace itself against damage, an HVAC filter directly benefits indoor air qualityso long as the homeowner takes action to prevent the filter from becoming clogged.

Some filters must be replaced as often as every few months. Others are reusable but need to be cleaned manually. One or the other may be more convenient for you, OBrian says, but neither type promises better or worse performance. Indeed, for filter efficacy, nothing matters more than a filters Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, or MERV rating. The higher the MERV rating, the better, OBrian explains. Any conventional filter can catch relatively large particulates, such as cigarette ash and dust bunnies. But with higher-rated filters, OBrian continues, you get protection against smaller particulates as well.

AIR CLEANERS

Photo: supplyhouse.com

Make no mistake, furnace filters are essential and provide a key line of defense, OBrian says, but they work a lot better when paired with an air cleaner. Why? Furnace filters come with an Achilles heel: They do nothing to protect against mold, mildew, germs, and other microscopic impurities. In other words, in a home with comprehensive indoor air-quality protection, the air cleaner picks up right where the furnace filter leaves off, OBrian says. How much an air cleaner helps depends mainly on the technology you choose.

Different air cleaners rely on different air-cleaning methods. For instance, electrostatic air cleaners positively charge impurities in the air and then catch those impurities on a series of internal, negatively charged plates. Ion air cleaners, meanwhile, disperse charged ions that attach toand neutralizeairborne particulates. Finally, high-efficiency particulate air cleanersalso known as HEPA unitsconsist of multiple built-in filters, each specially designed to capture a different type of common indoor air pollution.

If youre concerned about the contents of the air you breathe at homethe one place where youd expect not to have to worry about such thingsconsult with your contractor, or contact SupplyHouse.com experts, who are always on hand to assist you in making the right choice for your household needs and budget. Remember that, as OBrian puts it, air quality and efficient heating and cooling work hand in hand. In other words, breathing easier at home often also means breathing easier when the utility bill comes at the end of the month!

This article has been brought to you by SupplyHouse.com. Its facts and opinions are those of BobVila.com.

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LAS VEGAS Energy efficiency, the growing popularity of ductless and VRF, the evolution of heat pumps into whole-home solutions, and the Internet of Things are a few of the major trends influencing products in the residential air conditioning market. Manufacturers materialized these trends on the exhibition floor at the 2017 AHR Expo.

One of the biggest trends in North America for the HVAC industry in 2017 is the rising popularity of ductless systems, according to T.J. Wheeler, vice president of marketing and product management, Friedrich Air Conditioning Co.

There are plenty of good reasons why more residential and commercial customers are adopting ductless system solutions, he said. Ductless systems offer major advantages and unbeatable performance when it comes to conditioning air faster, maintaining more accurate temperatures, and reducing energy costs. Ductless systems also provide a scalable solution for additions, retrofit, and renovation projects, where complicated ductwork installation or re-routing is not feasible.

Multifamily residential projects are becoming more efficient and feature easier to install and maintain options that deliver maximum comfort and style, Wheeler said. Thats what makes Friedrichs VRP [Variable Refrigerant Packaged] Heat Pump system so exciting. Its a total HVAC solution that delivers exceptional heating and cooling efficiency and sound levels, easy installation, conditioned fresh air, and true humidity control, all while maintaining low upfront and operational costs.

Friedrichs VRP system is a total HVAC solution that also incorporates patent pending make-up air and humidity control. The system utilizes a Precision Inverter compressor that gives it exceptional performance and reduces sound. It combines variable refrigerant flow (VRF) along with the convenience and simplistic design of a closet-mounted single packaged unit.

VRP is so efficient at automatically adjusting capacity to meet specific cooling needs, it delivers efficiencies of up to 20 SEER and 13 EER, Wheeler said. VRP also features exceptional low-ambient heat pump operations down to 0F, potentially saving hundreds of dollars per year. Plus, it reaches desired temperatures faster than conventional systems by exceeding the capacity when needed, unlike single-speed units.

Brian Bogdan, director of engineering, air conditioning systems, LG Electronics USA Inc., said the biggest trend he is seeing in the market currently is the increasing demand for VRF due to its energy efficiency, cost effectiveness, and design flexibility.

This demand is largely driven by customers desires to reduce operating costs and to do so with minimal interruption to operations and modifications to the building structure. For these reasons, we are seeing VRF chosen more and more as a basis of design.

LG expanded its Multi V S line to include a 2-ton heat pump and 5-ton heat recovery model, which debuted at the AHR Expo. The new products are designed to provide excellent energy efficiency and the versatility of simultaneous heating and cooling, even in the most extreme weather. The system utilizes single-phase power so it can be used in a wide range of building types from schools to single-family homes, making the LG Multi V S a great solution for any application. The Multi V S requires little or no ductwork resulting in smaller space requirements for piping to maintain the integrity of the exterior of buildings.

With the addition of 2- and 5-ton Multi V S models, LG now offers homeowners and business owners across the country more energy-efficient air conditioning options than ever before, said Bogdan.

According to Brian OConnor, sales director for Samsung HVAC, higher efficiency demands from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) have driven more single- and multi-zone mini-split unit installations in the residential air conditioning market.

Mini-split air conditioners used to be perceived as single-zone air conditioners, not for the entire house, and not for heating, OConnor explained. Now, more and more people are finding the mini-split units are capable of cooling and heating the entire house extremely efficiently. The mini-split market is growing at an extremely fast rate.

Samsung introduced its wall-mounted Wind-FreeTM AC, the AR9500M, at the AHR Expo. The unit gently disperses cool and still air through 21,000 micro air holes for a natural and pleasant cooling effect. After the user sets the desired temperature, the unit balances and maintains the homes internal climate so users dont experience uncomfortable airflows. Samsung studies indicate that Wind-Free ACs can cut energy use and also feature Smart Home technology.

More and more mini splits are doing heating and cooling, not just cooling, OConnor noted. One of the concerns consumers have about duct-free units on the wall is when you have it, it blows on you, and you feel that sudden burst of cold air. Thats a comfort issue. Not all consumers, but a lot of them, complained about it. Consumers want to be comfortable at whatever temperature set point. Whereas, on the heating side, they like that blast of hot air. The design of the Wind-Free ACs allows air to be dispersed evenly. We want to provide options for consumers and options that allow contractors to set themselves apart from the competition.

Victor Flynn, senior product manager, Panasonic Appliances Air Conditioning North America, agreed, saying heat pumps are among the most popular options in the residential air conditioning market.

As inverter-driven, variable-speed compressor technology continues to improve, we see a market transformation where mini-split air-source heat pumps are specified and installed as primary heating equipment in cold-climate northern homes, Flynn said. Cold-climate air-source heat pumps continue to provide heating capacity when outdoor temperatures drop and are being incentivized by utility, state, and municipal building programs to promote strategic electrification of home heating space reducing greenhouse gases.

Panasonic launched the latest entry in its Exterios line of ductless mini splits, the Slim-Ducted Heat Pump. The versatile system provides heating and cooling solutions for the entire home. The Slim-Ducted Heat Pump assumes a low profile, as they can be hidden in floors or ceilings without disrupting the look and feel of a room. Additionally, the product is highly efficient in both the winter and summer, regardless of the function being performed. This commitment to energy efficiency is reflected in the inverter-driven compressor and the DC fan motor, both of which allow for high efficiency and consistent performance. The system will be available in 5,000-7,000 Btu for a multi zone and 9,000-12,000 Btu for single and multi-zone HVAC solutions. The unit is also capable of highly efficient operation at temperatures down to minus 15 F and includes a base pan heater. the Exterios XE can consistently run all winter long in some of the coldest climates in North America.

The proliferation of inverter-controlled condensing units in the residential ducted arena is one of the most exciting trends were seeing at Carrier, said Todd Nolte, cooling products program manager, Carrier Corp. Right now, most of the inverter products are positioned at the high end of the product line, so were investing to create more mid-tier products with this technology. We feel the demand for sustainable home comfort solutions and the increased interest from homebuilders in high-efficiency products will support this expansion.

Moving into 2017, were confident more dealers and homeowners will favor the long-term economics of high-efficiency systems and will be pleased with smaller-footprint condensing units, he continued. Moreover, the rollout this year of our expanded lineup of Cor thermostats, at lower prices points, will further enhance the energy savings calculation and make the inverter-driven products more attractive when paired with connected thermostats.

Along with a renewed interest in IAQ, Kelly Hearnsberger, vice president of residential product marketing, Daikin North America LLC, said he is seeing a trend toward smarter products.

Internet of Things [IoT] is still the big buzzword, Hearnsberger said. And, of course, it means something different to each company. What it really means for us is opportunity. We think the IoT presents contractors with the opportunity for better relationships with consumers. I think theres an opportunity for more intelligent equipment. And this is common with other manufacturers, too.

Daikin showcased its new EMURA wall-mounted indoor heat pump at the AHR Expo. The EMURA offers smart technology within a sleek, curved silhouette. Inside the understated exterior is a highly intelligent system that can be controlled with a standard wireless (infrared) remote or via the Daikin Comfort Adapter and mobile App through a Wi-Fi network.

EMURA offers efficiencies up to 18.9 SEER and up to 12.5 HSPF with a wide operating range from minus 14F to 115F for cooling and minus 4F to 75F for heating. Additionally, the EMURA is extremely quiet with sound levels down to 19 dBA. An intelligent-eye sensor monitors the room for occupancy and can adjust to an energy-savings mode when unoccupied for 20 minutes. The intelligent eye also monitors movement in the room to provide Comfort Airflow technology that minimizes direct airflow on occupants.

According to Matt Barga, portfolio leader, product management, Trane, customers are becoming better educated when it comes to making purchasing decisions.

Better-educated customers also are driven more by comfort options, he said. Previously, customers typically made decisions based on need and energy efficiency or a utility subsidy often helped drive the energy-efficient selection. Today, more customers are choosing solutions that also address greater comfort. Their increased knowledge has given them information about variable-speed solutions, for example, and the temperature consistency, humidity control, and reduced sound that an option like that can provide.

In addition to comfort, customers want smarter products with remote monitoring capabilities.

Tranes Nexia Diagnostics allows contractors to remotely monitor the homes heating and cooling system using real-time performance data, ensuring the highest level of customer service, Barga said. The Nexia Diagnostics dashboard provides dealers with a host of real-time and diagnostic data, so the health of the system can be quickly diagnosed and an accurate course of action identified. These solutions provide the increased comfort and connected options that todays more educated consumers are seeking.

Simplifying serviceability by adding remote diagnostics is a big trend in the industry, noted William Ken Ely, product manager, heat pumps and air handlers, unitary products group, Johnson Controls Inc.

Our 20-SEER AC/20-SEER heat pump has some game-changing features, he said. The unit has Charge Assurance, so when a tech is installing the system or doing annual maintenance, the system will tell them how its charged. The screen on the unit tells the contractor the superheat, subcooling, engine pressure, and suction pressure. And, we kept it simple. If everything is good, it displays a smiley face, if its bad, it displays a frowny face. Think about the simplicity of that. Unfortunately in our industry, were not getting the level of technicians we really need, so we have to keep it simple. This also minimizes the time for contractors on the job site and makes them more profitable as a result.

The York Affinity Series 20-SEER Variable Capacity Air Conditioner & Heat Pump is Energy Star Most Efficient qualified and will be launched in the spring.

Were seeing a lot of variable capacity some people call it modulating but its the ability for the system to adjust to precisely meet the comfort needs of the space, Ely said. Because we know as the day progresses, the comfort requirements change with more sun or windows and doors opening. The system has to be able to adjust to precisely meet those changing comfort requirements. That helps lower consumers energy bills and its also able to deal with temperature and humidity much better.

Ryan Teschner, assistant product manager, residential products, Rheem Mfg. Co., agreed, saying built-in diagnostics are becoming more popular in the residential market.

Serviceability is something we see as a strong point for us to work on, said Teschner. Our products feature new, innovative technology as well as feedback from our contractors. We want features to help them in the field. A new trend and feature for us is built-in diagnostics. Contractors get an email that says exactly what is wrong with the unit so they can send a tech out to fix it immediately. Were trying to find out how to build in diagnostics without overdesigning the product.

Rheems Prestige Series EcoNet-enabled Variable Speed Heat Pump was displayed in its trailer at the AHR Expo. The product also features a minimum of 20 SEER and up to 11 HSPF system performance; expanded valve space provides a minimum working area of 27 square inches for easier access; and triple service access 15-inch-wide corner service easier for easier, faster repairs.

Another trend is obviously energy efficiency, Teschner added. This product is highly efficient and will qualify for any regional rebate, including in the higher standard states like California.

Publication date: 2/27/2017

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Efficiency, Internet of Things Influence Residential A/C Market - ACHR NEWS

LAS VEGAS On Dec. 17, 2015, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)finalized new negotiated energy conservation standardsforcommercial air conditioners and heat pumpsandcommercial warm-air furnaces, also known as rooftop units (RTUs). According to DOE, the new efficiency standards for RTUs will save businesses $167 billion in energy costs over the lifetime of the equipment more than any other efficiency standard issued to date.

The new RTU standards will take effect in two phases, increasing minimum efficiency by about 10 percent as of Jan. 1, 2018, and by 25-30 percent as of Jan. 1, 2023. Standards for new warm-air furnaces that are typically installed as a unit with a commercial air conditioner will also become effective in 2023.

Furthermore, the ANSI/AHRI 920 standard, Rating Standard for DX Dedicated Outdoor-Air Units, has added efficiency minimums to the ASHRAE 90.1 standard, so manufacturers are adjusting and preparing. Therefore, its not too surprising that the biggest trend with rooftop units and chillers this year was energy efficiency. Manufacturers are also increasing their products connectivity to ease the installation of chillers and rooftop units for contractors.

Rooftop unit manufacturers focused their attention on meeting or exceeding these new energy efficiency targets with their newly developed equipment.

Pushing equipment efficiency higher has gone from a trend to the norm, said Mike Schires, senior product manager, Modine Mfg. Co. Manufacturers are continually looking to either keep pace or stay ahead of the curve when it comes to constantly changing efficiency regulations, both current and future.

Modine updated its Atherion system at this years show. There has been a trend in the HVAC industry of shifting the focus from full-load efficiency (EE) to part-load efficiency (IEER) minimums, and MOdine followed that trend with the Atherion 20-ton model. The Atherions part-load efficiencies are the result of the use of modulating digital scroll compressors, electronic expansion valves (EXVs), modulating head pressure control, backward inclined airfoil plenum fans, and the selection of components that reduce air-side pressure drop.

Theres a shift from a focus being on full-load efficiency (EER) to part load efficiency (IEER) minimums, Schires said. This requires manufacturers to look differently at their designs. Fortunately, for Modine, we had this forward thinking from the initial stages of design for Atherion, and we have been highly focused on maximizing part-load efficiency, because we know that is where the equipment operates through most of its life.

Tranes Precedent Light-Commercial rooftop units with eFlex technology include 6- to 10-ton sizes of energy-efficient light commercial packaged rooftop units. Trane eFlex variable-speed compressors and fans precisely match output to the cooling demands of the space.

Another trend found in rooftop units is easier connectivity. Johnson Controls Inc.s York XY 04 to 09 Direct Fit Packaged Heat Pump was updated this year and is now more efficient. This heat pump meets the ASHRAE 90.1 standard and is powered by Johnson Controls Smart Equipment, which allows contractors to connect to the unit through various smart devices with tools, such as their Mobile Access Portal (MAP) Gateway.

Smart Equipment provides contractors with the ability to access, control, and troubleshoot HVAC issues without traveling to the site. They can see what a unit is doing from anywhere in the world using just the smart devices already in their possession, said Jason Beke, commercial product manager, Johnson Controls Inc.

Daikin Applied, a member of Daikin Industries Ltd., shared that its remotely connected rooftop Rebel, Trailblazer, and Pathfinder units are now Intelligent Equipment-enabled, which provides customers and contractors greater visibility into their HVAC equipment.

The Trailblazer is designed for low-install costs and high performance, easing the installation process for contractors, while the Pathfinder, which was the winner of this years AHR Innovation Award in the cooling category, features variable volume ratio (VVR) technology that allows the chillers compressor to optimize performance for every condition, at every hour of the day, while improving efficiency levels.

Being able to take that combination of rooftop unit and variable air volume (VAV) and the controls associated with it is a trend were seeing, Jim Macosko, product general manager, air handling, Daikin Applied. At the contractor level, being able to install without necessarily bringing in a full-blown controls contractor is a great perk. Trying to get that dream of a plug- and-play VAV system with controls is something contractors want and have wanted for years. That is something were striving to do with our rooftop products and intelligent equipment funneling it all into one system, said

Updates to ASHRAE 90.1 standard are going to increase efficiency requirements for chillers and are expected to significantly alter the future of chillers. However, a lot of companies are making a conscious effort to stay ahead of these requirements.

ASHRAE is coming out with a new standard that is going to increase chillers efficiencies it looks like 10 percent. Efficiency is usually our No.1 design requirement, so were on the higher end of the scale as a lot of our products already meet the standard today, said Ross Miglio, president, ClimaCool Corp.

ClimaCool debuted a simultaneous heating and cooling water to water heat recovery chiller with an integral air cooled condenser, which allows for energy savings. Each module contains individual brazed-plate evaporators and brazed-plate condensers for maximum chilled water and hot water output in heat recovery mode. Integral air-cooled fans will only operate when there is an unequal cooling or heating building load for the operating modules. The fans act so heat can be added or taken out of the refrigerant loop, eliminating the need for geothermal well fields or other sources.

Trane is also looking to be efficient with its latest Trane Series S CenTraVac chiller Series, which has expanded again with the CVHM model. Providing a small carbon footprint as well as a quiet sound level, the Series S line of chillers is part of the Ingersoll Rand EcoWise portfolio, designed for high-efficiency operation and lower environmental impacts with low-GWP (global warming potential) refrigerants.

Another common trend chiller manufacturers are following is to make the installation process easier on contractors. Whether its making it easier to break down, adjust, or fit into tight or small places, manufacturers are simplifying the installation process for chillers.

Aermecs new water-to-water chiller, the WWM, was designed to make it easier to install chillers. Due to its modular design, the installation can be adapted to suit specific development needs while guaranteeing improved safety and reliability. As a result, the cooling capacity can be easily increased over time and at a limited cost.

Weve designed the product to have access only through the front, and because all of the service access is in the front, we then have the ability of the modules going back to back in a single line against the wall or stacked. That allows us to put as much cooling tonnage in a square foot as you would see the large centrifugal chiller manufacturers being able to do, said Richard Gerbe, cofounder, Highmark NY LLC. Theres features contractors love about this chiller. One, is this can go through a standard door when you remove a piece. The owners love that its a very, very small footprint. And, in addition, the redundancy you get with all of the standard compressors is great. You could work on one of these modules while not impacting any of the other cooling in the plant.

Carrier Corp.s new AquaEdge 19DV Centrifugal chiller provides greater insight about the performance of the commercial heating and cooling system to building owners and facility managers due to its product integrated controls. Carrier SMART Service provides remote connectivity and advanced analytics so building owners and facility managers can get the best return on their heating and cooling investments.

This option provides improved oversight of energy and maintenance expenses and supports initiatives that promote good environmental stewardship through reduced resource consumption, said Mark Rabbia, product business manager, Carrier Corp.

Geoclima exhibited its new adiabatic chiller for the first time at the 2017 AHR Expo. The new adiabatic evaporative system ensures a greater airflow toward the condenser coils, both on (closed pads) and off (opened pads) mode, which makes it possible to eliminate a great amount of unnecessary material, in favor of more compact and efficient structures, and allows easier access and maintenance for contractors. The chiller reduces installation costs for contractors because its smaller in both weight and carbon footprint and the size is suitable for truck transportation.

Publication date: 2/27/2017

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Standards Shape the Future for RTUs | 2017-02-27 | ACHRNEWS - ACHR NEWS