February 27, 2014 AHR Expo 2014 – Highlights

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Advancements in Technology

TJ’s prides itself on being on the cutting edge of new technology.  One of the ways we do this is by attending the annual AHR Expo – the largest HVAC show in the country.  This year, the show was held in New York City at the Javits Center.  We were able to meet with a variety of manufacturers and learn about their newest products.  We are excited to share of the highlights of the show with you.

 Show Highlights

It is virtually impossible to cover all of the products and manufacturers present at the show; but there were some products that really stood out for us this year.

Rectorseal

We have used Rectorseal products in the past and have participated in HVAC forums to weigh in on new products.  They have a very aggressive approach on products related to the HVAC industry and work very closely with manufacturers and contractors to ensure that their products are useful and practical.  They are a real partner in the field. Some of the products that impressed us were:

• Float switch for air handling systems
• New float switch for mini-split systems to prevent water running down the wall
• Mini condensate pumps with a cover, for mini splits
• Pre-wrapped refrigeration lines

LG

In addition the popular and innovative Cool Art Technology, LG also featured a water mini and the Multi V, variable-speed inverter technology.

TJ’s often installs LG mini-splits in residential applications.  In fact, our newest project, in Boston, features an LG Multi-Mini and three air handling units. The multi level brownstone is a perfect candidate for a variable flow refrigerant system. All three air handling units are tied into one condenser section.  All of the systems communicate with each other, giving the client the ultimate in efficiency. The system can direct large amounts of energy  to one specific area of the home, making the home comfortable, using low amounts of energy.

Bosch

Bosch featured their Indoor Air Quality line of products, including whole house humidifiers, air purification, and more.

They work together to give homeowners a whole system approach to home comfort.

The Bosch booth also featured a new gas-fired condensing boiler for the US market featuring a stainless steel heat exchanger, thus allowing them to compete with other boiler manufacturers already using stainless steel heat exchangers.  The boiler is the SSB model, available in the summer of 2014.  It will range in BTUs, from 80K to 1 million.  As mentioned, the boiler features a stainless steel heat exchanger with an on-board burner and controls.  There is no primary/secondary required.

 Viega

Viega featured their stainless steel pipe and fittings, which we have recently installed at a project in Chelmsford, MA for the water department.

Additionally, Viega featured new zone valves for their stainless steel radiant manifolds.  Viega is already the “go-to” maufacturer for radiant heat technology.  Their growing product line only enhances their high quality radiant systems.

Arzel Zoning

Arzel had an impressive booth presentation about how their zoning system works with the automatic damper opening and closing.  Arzel zoning is our zoning system of choice for conventional and high velocity air conditioning systems as well as heating systems.

Webstone

Webstone now has mixing valves and larger ball valves with purge stations built in, both of which can be used on Geothermal systems.

Taco

Taco featured their Viridian circulator, which we have been using on our geothermal systems.  It has proven effective in delivering the appropriate gallons per miniute, at the lowest electrical consumption.

Technology Trends

The HVAC industry has been becoming more and more technology driven.   In the future, we see the further networking of heating, cooling, air quality and home automation systems, both with automated thermostats and app driven applications.

Rest assured, TJ’s will continue to be informed about all of the ways our customers can save money and energy and become more efficient using and monitoring their home comfort systems.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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