AHR Expo

AHR Expo returns for in-person events in 2022

The 2022 AHR Expo returned as an in-person event in Las Vegas after a forced hiatus due to the ongoing global pandemic. This year’s show recorded over 30,600 attendees, which is down around 20,000 attendees compared to the 2020 show. Attendees were eager to be back in the booths and experience new products. “It was impossible to miss the energy in the halls this year,” said Mark Stevens, show manager. “The 2022 AHR Expo surpassed any expectation — our exhibitors, attendees, associations, speakers and everyone involved made this event one of the most special we’ve ever hosted. If you were there, the camaraderie was hard to miss. This industry is strong and we are back on track to tackle the challenges before us.” A total of 1,573 exhibitors spread out over 443,769 sq. ft. in the central and north halls of the Las Vegas Convention Centre. The 2022 show held several of the same features from previous shows including educational seminars, its Innovation Awards, and podcast pavilion. “My main reason for attending the AHR Expo is the whole experience,” said Brendan Bowie, a tradesperson from Arizona and first-time attendee. “You get to meet all the people who make the things that we buy and look up to and use everyday. It is a lot of the vendors that we spend money with because they make superior products. I talked to presidents and CEOs of companies that I buy products from everyday, every week, every month.” The 2023 AHR Expo will be held at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia. Registration will open in summer 2022. Unable to attend the show? Check out some highlighted products from the event.

Clean indoor air system Broan-Nutone, Hartford, Wisconsin, introduced Overture, an automated fresh air system. Overture uses sensor technology to monitor a home’s indoor quality. When it detects a rise in indoor air pollution caused by increased humidity, volatile organic compounds, smoke, carbon dioxide and small particles, the Overture system will automatically turn on the nearest ventilation fan to eliminate the pollutant while simultaneously bringing in fresh, clean air from outside. Overture can be set up and controlled through a mobile device. Broan-Nutone www.broan-nutone.com

HVAC monitoring Google Nest, Sterling, Virginia, announced its new Google Nest Pro program, which is available on all thermostats and provides HVAC monitoring. Through alerts sent to the homeowners, customers can stay updated about the health of their HVAC systems and can book a job with a Nest Pro if needed. HVAC monitoring is a free feature available to customers in Canada and the U.S. In addition to HVAC monitoring, installers who enroll in the Google Nest Pro program can access benefits like exclusive products, pricing, and extended warranties, along with training and marketing support. Google Nest www.nest.google.com Fan controller Airius, Denver, Colorado, introduced its new destratification fan controller to market — the BACnet MS/TP. The new fan controller provides individual Airius fan control and status integration over the BACnet MS/TP network. With up to 63 fans able to connect to the network, the new fan controller allows anyone to monitor their Airius fan system while reducing energy consumption and improving the comfort of their buildings. Additional features include on and off, fan speed control and revolutions-per-minute (RPM) monitoring, and compatibility with electronically commutated (EC) motors. Airius www.airiusfans.com

WaterFurnace renaming product line WaterFurnace International, Fort Wayne, Indiana, is renaming its commercial solutions product lines under two brand names, Versatec and TruClimate. The Versatec brand identifies the company’s commercial line for water-to-air heat pumps, DOAS units, rooftop equipment, and indoor console heat pumps. While the TruClimate brand identifies the company’s water-to-water heat pumps and modular chillers. A new numbering system will also be introduced to the brand names, featuring numbers of either 100, 300, 500, or 700, which will intuitively communicate tiering and application characteristics to customers. WaterFurnace International www.waterfurnace.com

Rheem line of products Rheem, Atlanta, Georgia, announced the expansion of its line of heat pump water heaters with its new 120V Proterra plug-in heat pump model. Because of its quick and easy installation with minimal clearance requirements, the 120V Proterra is ideal for drop-in gas replacement without the need to install a 240V electric service. It will be coming to the market in the later-half of the first quarter of 2022. Rheem www.rheem.com

Rooftop unit Johnson Controls, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, unveiled its 15 to 27.5 ton Choice Rooftop Unit, providing up to 23 per cent greater part-load efficiency. Choice Rooftop Units feature a broad range of outdoor air options, including low-leak damper economizers, constant volume powered exhaust, modulating powered exhaust, and a wide range of gas heat options, including full modulating gas heat with a 2.85 to one turndown ratio. Choice Rooftop Units exceed Department of Energy (DOE) 2018 guidelines up to 25 per cent and already surpasses future DOE 2023 part-load standards by almost 10 per cent. Johnson Control www.johnsoncontrols.com Strategic machines Turntide Technologies, Sunnyvale, California, announced the launch of its new TX motor through Turntide for strategic machines. The TX motor is a customizable full-stack hardware and software solution that improves energy efficiency and adds intelligence, controls, and automation to any commercial HVAC system, pump, or fan. It is 50 per cent lighter and is ideal for use in equipment with limited space or high torque requirements. The TX motor also features IoT capabilities which enables automated commissioning, remote monitoring, and fault detection. Turntide will also integrate its Smart Motor System. Turntide Technologies www.turntide.com

Next generation refrigerant Honeywell, Morris Plains, New Jersey, unveiled the Solstice N71, a new low global warming potential (GWP) refrigerant for commercial and industrial refrigeration that is optimized for supermarkets. The Solstice N71 is a non-flammable and energy-efficient solution that features a GWP of less than 150. The N71 expands Honeywell’s line of Solstice products, which includes the N40. In addition, the next generation N71 has a 13 per cent reduction in energy usage against R-404A and over 30 per cent energy reduction versus carbon dioxide based systems. Honeywell www.honeywell.com

High-efficiency motors Infinitum Electric, Round Rock, Texas, announced its new HVAC fan and pump product line specifically designed to support Canadian HVAC fan, pump and general-purpose applications. The new product line is an extension of Infinitum Electric’s IEs Series motors and will be available in the 575V, five to 15 horsepower range in the second half of 2022. Infinitum Electric www.infinitumelectric.com