September signals the start of fall, bringing cooler temperatures — and the first signs of seasonal changes — nationwide. While many enjoy the crisp air and fall activities, HVAC and plumbing professionals are busy gearing up for the flurry of winterization calls on the horizon. But beyond preparing for the colder months ahead, what else is new in the trades?
In our August Round-Up, we covered several key industry developments, including the Biden Administration’s new national heat strategy, ASHRAE’s launch of its comprehensive Data Center Resources hub, and JB Warranties being named to the Inc. 5000 list for the fifth time. Now, let’s take a closer look at the major events that unfolded throughout September.
1. Johnson Controls Launches Industry-First Refrigerant Detection System (RDS) Calculator
Johnson Controls, a global leader in HVAC equipment and technology, has introduced a Refrigerant Detection System (RDS) Calculator as part of their Ducted System Solutions Mobile App. A first in the residential and light commercial HVAC industry, the RDS Calculator helps technicians determine the need for such a system by analyzing data such as refrigerant volume, supply air discharge height, and total area being conditioned.
The RDS Calculator is part of Johnson Controls’ initiative to ease the transition to environmentally sustainable, low-GWP (Global Warming Potential) refrigerants like R-454B. By analyzing submitted data, the Calculator instantly generates a report indicating whether an RDS is needed for compliance with current standards. The report can also identify additional mitigation measures, such as the need for extra exhaust air, simplifying HVAC installations.
To access the RDS Calculator, users will need to download the Johnson Control Ducted Systems Solutions App from the Apple App or Google Play Store. The app can be used to access countless Johnson Controls resources, including installation guides, warranty information, and training videos.
2. Carrier Completes Department of Energy Cold Climate Heat Pump Challenge
After the successful completion of field trials and laboratory tests, leading HVAC supplier Carrier announced last month that it has met the Department of Energy's (DOE) Cold Climate Heat Pump Challenge for residential applications. The challenge, a collaboration between HVAC manufacturers and the DOE, aims to accelerate the development of next-generation cold climate heat pumps.
Production of the first supply of DOE-designated cold climate heat pumps is set to begin this month at Carrier’s facility in Collierville, TN. Carrier has designated this facility as its Center of Excellence due to its exceptional capability in producing high-efficiency heat pumps to meet the rising demand for these high-performance units.
The selected unit features three Carrier Infinity variable-speed heat pumps equipped with Greenspeed Intelligence. During trials in homes in Syracuse, NY, these units demonstrated impressive performance, including reliably operating down to -13 degrees Fahrenheit and maintaining 100% capacity at 0 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. LG Hosts Global Heat Pump Consortium in Seoul
From September 23 to 26, LG Electronics hosted its first-ever Global Heat Pump Consortium in Seoul, South Korea. The event, a collaboration between LG and international universities, focused on advancing efficient heat pump technologies, especially for challenging climate conditions. Attendees included LG representatives and university academics, who discussed and introduced heat pump innovations and joint industry-academia research projects.
During the multi-day event, LG showcased a range of high-efficiency heat pump technologies from its HVAC lineup, while regional consortiums shared research updates on how these units perform in challenging climates. By partnering with academic institutions, LG is able to strengthen its own research and development efforts, accelerating advancements in heat pump technology.
The LG Global Heat Pump Consortium also offered attendees a collection of educational seminars focusing on the latest HVAC industry and market trends, as well as a look into upcoming technologies for region-specific heat pump solutions. With the growing global demand for high-efficiency, low-carbon-emission heat pumps, LG hopes to meet these needs through its innovative solutions.
4. DOE and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory to Present at Upcoming HVAC Conference
This past month, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) announced that they will host informational seminars at the upcoming HVAC Excellence National HVACR Education Conference. The conference will take place from March 16 to March 19, 2025, at the South Point Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The conference plans to highlight recent DOE initiatives designed to advance the HVAC industry and provide professionals with the tools and knowledge required to thrive in an evolving landscape. The DOE and PNNL sessions will include:
- S. Department of Energy Cold Climate Heat Pump Challenge
- Grow Your Heat Pump Program with Department of Energy Resources and Recognition
- Quantity vs. Quality? Maintaining Quality While Scaling Heat Pump Deployment
- Heat Pump Decisions and Costs – Calculators for Contractors & Consumers
Registration is now open for the 2025 HVAC Excellence National HVACR Education Conference, with early pricing now available through December 31, 2024.
5. Advanced Cooling Technologies Inc. Receives $1.1M in DOE Funding
Advanced Cooling Technologies Inc. (ACT), a leading provider of thermal management solutions, announced last month that it has been awarded $1.1 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Energy's Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E). The funding will support the development of more energy-efficient data centers aimed at reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change.
As part of the COOLERCHIPS program, ACT will now work to develop energy-efficient high-performance cooling solutions for data centers. ACT believes that its future developments will enable high rack power density and increase system reliability all while reducing power consumption.
ACT will collaborate with Purdue University and the University of Missouri as subcontractors to Intel in developing advanced data center cooling solutions. Over the course of the three-year program, ACT will provide ongoing feedback on designs and create prototypes that align with specific energy efficiency targets.
Falling Into HVAC and Plumbing Winterization Calls
The shift from summer to fall signals not only a change in the weather but also a demand for seasonal maintenance, making this a crucial time for those in the trade. Here at JB Warranties, we want to support your segue into winterization with more than just the latest news. That’s why our extended warranty program offers more value, so you can retain more customers.
As you transition from summer services to winter preparations, contact JB Warranties with any questions related to our industry-leading warranty program or to schedule a meeting with a JB Warranties Representative today.
Matt Cosby
Director of Marketing
