Brownstone Boys: Heating and Cooling Options to Consider When Renovating

Welcome to the 61st installment of Brownstone Boys Reno, a reader renovation diary about renovating a brownstone in Bed Stuy.

We grew up in Las Vegas and New Orleans (Happy Mardi Gras!). Although we’ve both been in Brooklyn for decades now, we were raised with very different types of heating and cooling systems from what is typical here — ones that usually focus more on cooling a space rather than heating it. Here in New York it’s often the opposite but they are both important. Traditionally these old buildings focused on heating, and they relied on the masonry walls, tree-lined streets, and tall windows to cool it. But today you’d be pressed to find someone renovating one and not putting in an AC system. The question that has come up for us: Does putting in a cooling system change the thought process on how to heat your home?
radiator bathroom

While it wasn’t necessary to add a unit to our guest bathroom, we did add new heat and a baby radiator to the room. Probably the cutest thing in the whole renovation!

If your place hasn’t been renovated in a while you likely have steam or water radiators or forced air to heat your home. All three are tried, tested and effective for heat even in very low temps. New-construction or older buildings that have been gut renovated may have a central HVAC system delivering both heating and cooling through ducts. In our case we had a boiler delivering hydronic heat through baseboard radiators. We didn’t like the look of them and wanted more traditional exposed radiators. So we changed all of the radiators and piping that delivered hot water to them. But that didn’t help us cool the place! For that we installed a mini split system throughout the house. We didn’t want to run the ducts necessary for central AC or a Unico system.

We went with an LG mini split system that also has a heat pump for heating. We have the radiator system running to heat the place regularly, but occasionally if we want to speed up the process or just make it even cozier we’ll turn on the mini split in heat mode. In not a very long time at all it is so warm that we forget it’s even winter outside.
bedroom

Our split units were positioned in the early stages of planning our renovation. We wanted them to be as discreet as possible

It raises the question: Could we just heat our home with the mini split units? Many people have asked and the consensus has been that you could use a mini split system to supplement but not necessarily as a primary heat source with the low temperatures we can get in the northeast. Our mini split system specs say that it has 100 percent heating capacity to 5 degrees and “continuous heating operation down to 13 degrees” below zero. That leads us to believe that our mini split system will not effectively heat when it is 13 below or colder. Nevertheless, some people are doing it. And we have heard no complaints from those who we know who have only a mini split system to heat their home. Apparently the technology is getting better for heating so that in the near future, if not now, heating with a mini split system will be a safe choice.

How much does a mini split system cost to install? It can vary depending on what brand you go with and some installation details but a four to five unit system might run you $4,000 to $7,000 and installation could run $12,000 to $18,000. Keep in mind costs for additional electrical work and drywall/plaster repair where the lines are run.
AC condenser

We went with one LG Condenser, which is all we need with four units in the house

We’ve also seen a lot of places with a ducted forced air heating system. You may have seen the old grates on walls and floors that carry the warm air to each room. For AC, rather than install a mini split system you can just add an AC coil to use the existing ducts for cool air. That option is likely a lot cheaper than installing mini split units which will need electricity and drainage run to them with a lot of drywall and plaster repair once they are installed. To add an AC coil to a forced air heating system can run $10,000 to $12,000.

The last option that we have seen recently is installing hydronic radiant floor heat with a mini split system for AC. It seems like a combination that will deliver a comfortable feel but not necessarily be a budget saver to install.
closet

Another unit hides next to our closet in the master bedroom. We put the heat on for a couple minutes and the room is fully heated

Radiant Heating and Cooling Systems Market Regulations and Competitive Landscape Outlook to 2019-2026

Radiant Heating and Cooling Systems Market Insights 2018, is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the global Radiant Heating and Cooling Systems industry with a focus on the Global market. The report provides key statistics on the market status of the Radiant Heating and Cooling Systems manufacturers and is a valuable source of guidance and direction for companies and individuals interested in the industry. Overall, the report provides an in-depth insight of 2018-2025 global Radiant Heating and Cooling Systems market covering all important parameters.


The key points of the Radiant Heating and Cooling Systems Market report:

The report provides a basic overview of the Radiant Heating and Cooling Systems industry including its definition, applications and manufacturing technology.

The report explores the international and Chinese major industry players in detail. In this part, the report presents the company profile, product specifications, capacity, production value, and 2018-2025 market shares for each company.

Through the statistical analysis, the report depicts the global total market of Radiant Heating and Cooling Systems industry including capacity, production, production value, cost/profit, supply/demand and Chinese import/export.

The total market is further divided by company, by country, and by application/type for the competitive landscape analysis.

The report then estimates 2018-2025 market development trends of Radiant Heating and Cooling Systems industry. Analysis of upstream raw materials, downstream demand, and current market dynamics is also carried out.

The report makes some important proposals for a new project of Radiant Heating and Cooling Systems Industry before evaluating its feasibility.


There are 3 key segments covered in this report: competitor segment, product type segment, end use/application segment.

For competitor segment, the report includes global key players of Radiant Heating and Cooling Systems are included:



The following manufacturers are covered:
Aircraft Northwest
Northrop Grumman
VSMPO-AVISMA
Airparts
JIMA Aluminum
AeroSpace Aluminum Products
Taber Extrusions
Henan Mingtai Aluminum
Kaiser Aluminum

Segment by Regions
North America
Europe
China
Japan
Southeast Asia
India

Segment by Type
Aluminum Alloy
Copper Aluminum Alloy
Others

Segment by Application
Military
Civilian

Reasons to Purchase this Report:

* Estimates 2018-2025 Radiant Heating and Cooling Systems market development trends with the recent trends and SWOT analysis

* Market dynamics scenario, along with growth opportunities of the market in the years to come

* Market segmentation analysis including qualitative and quantitative research incorporating the impact of economic and policy aspects

* Regional and country level analysis integrating the demand and supply forces that are influencing the growth of the market.

* Competitive landscape involving the market share of major players, along with the new projects and strategies adopted by players in the past five years

* Comprehensive company profiles covering the product offerings, key financial information, recent developments, SWOT analysis, and strategies employed by the major market players

CaloriSMART Compares Magnetocaloric Ability of Materials to Provide Heating and Cooling

Gas compression-cycle-cooling is the standard used today for air conditioning and refrigeration. It is an old and very mature technology. The outdated cooling technology is one of the most pressing issues of a rapidly growing global population. The problem with the current standard is that It uses too much energy and it tends to depend on greenhouse gases as the refrigerant.

One possible alternative cooling technology is called magnetocaloric cooling. It uses an active solid material that can provide heating or cooling depending on the magnetic field surrounding that material and how it is varied. This system uses an active solid, and the thermal phenomenon is also reversible.

For the last two decades, materials engineers searching for compounds that can generate strong thermal effects when cyclically acted upon by a magnetic field.

But how those materials will perform in an actual refrigeration system is best answered through engineering, so Ames engineers built a testing device they call CaloriSMART (Caloric Small-scale Modular Advanced Research Test-stand). It can rapidly test new materials to see how well they would work in a magnetocaloric refrigerator. It was developed and built three years ago, and it has put Ames in a good position to develop the cooling technology.

Lucas Griffith, a researcher at Ames National Lab, sits next to CaloriSMART, a device that tests a material’s exergetic quotient—a measure of how strong a material’s magnetocaloric effect is.Lucas Griffith, a researcher at Ames National Lab, sits next to CaloriSMART, a device that tests a material’s exergetic quotient—a measure of how strong a material’s magnetocaloric effect is.

The device tests materials’ cooling capabilities using small quantities of the material  in just a few hours and is flexible enough to test the same material in different forms. The device has already demonstrated results that suggest the expected performance of a larger-scale system, and helped scientists discover a new way of benchmarking the performance of magnetocaloric systems—the exergetic power quotient.

Just as SEER is the current industry standard for describing the energy efficiency in current gas compression devices, the exergetic power quotient does the same type of ranking for magnetocaloric devices.

“We need to be able to see how well we’re using the most expensive component of the system, the magnetic field,” says Julie Slaughter, a researcher at Ames. “Having a metric that lets us compare the performance of these systems against {something missing} makes it easier to determine if we’re getting the maximum performance out of the material, or whether we need to be looking at inefficiencies in the system.”

Stay in Your Comfort Zone: Bay Area's Top HVAC Services

EBRD supports Western Balkans in decarbonizing district heating and cooling systems, improving energy efficiency in buildings

Replacing your home's heating or cooling equipment costs thousands of dollars. Even on cool days, such expenses could make you hot under the collar. So it makes sense to maintain your current equipment properly and get good repairs when needed. To make sure that your heating and air-conditioning systems work correctly, they must be properly installed and maintained—and you need someone to turn to when problems arise.

Bay Area Consumers' Checkbook's evaluations of area heating and air-conditioning services for quality and price will help you find a competent contractor. Through special arrangement with Patch, you can access Checkbook's updated ratings of local HVAC services for quality and price free of charge until April 10 via this link: Checkbook.org/PatchSFB/HVAC

In Checkbook's surveys, several companies were rated "superior" for "overall quality" by 90 percent or more of their surveyed customers. But not all contractors are up to the task: several scored much lower, receiving such favorable ratings from only 60 percent or fewer of their surveyed customers. Checkbook also found very big price differences. For example, to replace the control board for a Rheem gas furnace, Checkbook's undercover shoppers were quoted prices ranging from $325 to $785. To replace the condenser fan motor for a Goodman heat pump, prices ranged from $300 to $1,040.

Comparing prices for repairs is difficult, as you'll first probably need to have a company out to diagnose the problem. Since most companies charge hefty minimum fees just to show up, you'll likely have to pay something to find out the price of the repairs.

Before scheduling a repair, ask companies for details on their minimum fees and for their hourly labor rates. Because most repair work is performed on a time-and-materials basis, you can use this information to get an idea which companies are likely to be least expensive.

Once a company has diagnosed your problem, it should provide you a written fixed price to fix it. If the repair estimate is no more than a few hundred dollars, you may as well have the company go ahead with it immediately. If the estimate exceeds $500 or so, consider getting additional quotes from other companies.

If you need new equipment, it pays to shop around. Get several companies to prepare written proposals. Although obtaining multiple bids for new equipment will save most consumers thousands of dollars, most don't bother to do so. Differences in designs can affect how quickly and uniformly your system heats and cools your house, how much energy it consumes, how much noise it makes, and multiple other issues.

If you are considering buying new equipment, be skeptical about claims of cost savings from a more energy-efficient system. There may be substantial savings—and there are compelling public-interest reasons to install efficient equipment—but some companies exaggerate to sell new, or more expensive, systems (more efficient equipment costs more money). Get several companies to make proposals, ask for documentation of how much the new equipment will cut your energy bills, and ask questions. You can calculate your own estimates by using the U.S. Department of Energy's Home Energy Saver tool at hes.lbl.gov.

For an illustrative home, Checkbook estimated how energy costs are affected by purchase of new equipment with varying energy efficiency ratings and found:

· For furnaces, it usually makes sense to pay extra for a more efficient furnace, compared to buying a minimally efficient model. The resulting energy savings from more efficient equipment quickly "pays off" extra purchase costs.

· Because all new central air conditioners are required to be fairly energy efficient, in this area it usually does not make financial sense to pay more for a highly efficient model.

· If you're replacing both your furnace and air conditioner, consider buying a hybrid system that uses an air-source heat pump backed by an efficient (90+ AFUE) gas furnace. Such systems offer low energy costs, but since they cost a lot more up front than standard furnace-A/C combos, it takes longer for their energy savings to offset those extra costs.

· Ground-source heat pumps provide the lowest annual heating and cooling bills, but these systems are extremely expensive to purchase and install—typically more than $24,000, even after factoring in generous available tax and utility company incentives. But because of the energy savings and long life spans (about twice those of conventional equipment), it makes financial sense to consider them if you know you'll be in your house for a long time.

· Look for energy-saving features such as variable-speed blowers and two-stage burners.

· If you're planning an addition or seeking to improve heating or cooling conditions for one room or an upper floor, consider getting a ductless system. These units, common in Europe and in hotel rooms, allow you to control temperatures in just one space. And because they use very little electricity and don't lose a lot of energy transmitting air through ductwork, they are highly energy efficient.

· Investing thousands of extra dollars in ultra-efficient equipment makes no sense if your home is drafty or poorly insulated, or you set your thermostat to a tropical temp during the winter. Before upgrading your equipment, make sure your attic is well-insulated and seal up easy-to-fix leaks (at Checkbook.org, you'll find advice on these topics). The best way to cut home energy costs is the most obvious one: Dial down your thermostat and get and use a programmable thermostat.

Heating and air-conditioning services are likely to push for annual professional maintenance visits, and many will offer a maintenance contract. Such frequent professional service may not be needed if you are diligent about the most important maintenance task: replacing air filters whenever they get dirty.

Whether you need repairs or a new unit, pay with a credit card. If you are dissatisfied with the work, you can dispute the charge with your credit card company.

EBRD supports Western Balkans in decarbonizing district heating and cooling systems, improving energy efficiency in buildings

Renewable energy sources can be used in district heating and cooling systems without increasing citizens’ energy bills or heating plants’ and local governments’ costs, while at the same time significantly contributing to the quality of the environment, primarily by reducing air pollution, says Bojan Bogdanović, Principal Fund Manager for Renewable District Energy in the Western Balkans at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).

The Fund is working on a number of projects aimed at decarbonizing district energy systems across the region –  in Pančevo, Bor, Novi Sad, Niš, Sarajevo, Valjevo, Šabac, Zrenjanin, and Žabljak – which were developed in cooperation with heating plants and local governments and tailored to their needs and abilities.

Simultaneously, work is under way on expanding the scope of cooperation with other cities in the region.

The goal, according to Bogdanović, is to enable a sustainable development of district heating and cooling systems, rather than just solve individual problems.
What are the potentials for the application of renewable energy sources in district heating and cooling systems in the region? Which specific renewable sources do you have in mind?

If a separate solution is prepared for each city, according to its needs as well as abilities, which is what we are doing at the Fund, then opportunities are everywhere.

Renewable energy sources can be introduced in district heating and cooling systems without jeopardizing the living standards of consumers.

A very important thing in the preparation of any of our projects is to make sure that the proposed solution does not increase citizens’ heating costs or local governments’ expenditures. These costs can even be reduced, and we should also so keep in mind that the introduction of renewable energy sources brings a better environment and much cleaner air to all of us, as well as to the future generations, because they substitute the currently dominant fossil fuels – coal, oil products (fuel oil and light fuel oil) or natural gas.

The Fund focuses on the development and implementation of the following technological and technical solutions: solar thermal projects, heat pumps, geothermal energy, waste heat, biogas, and the energy of seas, lakes, and rivers.
Last year the ERBD set up the Renewable District Energy in the Western Balkans (ReDEWeB) Fund. What are the fund’s objectives?

The Fund was set up in 2019 in cooperation with the Austrian Federal Ministry of Finance as the principal donor, in order to boost investment in the application of renewable energy sources in district heating and cooling systems.

Investments are made through the preparation of projects and feasibility studies, improvements to regulatory frameworks that encourage private investors to invest in renewable energy sources, the introduction of renewables in local governments’ development plans, and the financing of projects.

The Fund covers Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Serbia.

Its goals are to increase the share of renewables in the energy mix in order to meet the obligations from the Energy Community Treaty, support the market for renewables, build thermal storage facilities, improve energy efficiency in district heating systems, and create conditions for the private and public sectors to implement sustainable investments in this field.
How does the Fund operate?

The EBRD is a financial institution, but it is very important to note that the bank does not just provide financing, but also builds partnerships with local and international organizations and institutions, such as the ministries in charge of energy in Western Balkan countries, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the Serbian Association of District Heating Plants, or Euroheat & Power, a European network of heating plants and district heating professionals.

This cooperation supports local governments and helps district heating plants find solutions tailored to the actual needs and local conditions. For example, together with our partners in Pančevo, Bor, Niš, Novi Sad, and Zrenjanin, we have determined that solar thermal technology can be the best solution for these cities.

This technology enables the utilization of solar thermal energy not only in summer months, but also in winter, thanks to surpluses generated during the summer and stored in the facility.

Underfloor air conditioning system preserves historic London building

The restoration of historic London building Pennybank Chambers has used a unique underfloor air conditioning system to allow for contemporary office space to be built into the building’s original brick façade

The underfloor air conditioning system from AET Flexible Space has allowed the new upper office floors of Pennybank Chambers to benefit from the natural light of full height ceilings and the building’s original windows curved around the building.

Preservation of the building’s original features was essential because it is located in the Clerkenwell Conservation Area.

Make use of space

The unique underfloor air conditioning (UfAC) system provided by AET makes use of the space beneath the existing 170mm raised access floor void to create the air ventilation path, eliminating the need for ceiling-based services and the associated duct and pipework. This means that floor-ceiling heights can be maximised, and also works extremely well in older buildings where a lowered ceiling would partially obscure the original windows.

Each of the six floors of office space at Pennybank Chambers is supplied with chilled or warmed air via AET’s Conditioned Air Module (CAM) unit. The conditioned air is then delivered into the space using a number of recessed fan terminals (Fantile™). There is a considerable amount of flexibility in where these fan terminals can be placed, allowing for easy reconfiguration depending on the particular needs or layout of an office. The fan terminals fit seamlessly into the new metal tiled floor fitted throughout the 1,037 sq ft of office space.

For maximum flexibility, each fan terminal is supplied with onboard ‘Fanspeed’ and ‘Set Point’ adjustment, but in meeting rooms and cellular space AET offers Flextouch™ wall-mounted controllers which allow end-users not only to adjust the fan speed and temperature but also to monitor and control CO2 and humidity levels.

In addition to the refurbishment behind the original façade, the project also added a new fully glazed roof extension and terrace to make use of the exceptional views across the City.

Designed by Charles Henman and William Harrison, Pennybank Chambers was originally built in 1880 by the National Penny Bank Corporation Limited. The rebuild was designed by Emrys Architects, who wanted to preserve the historic façade of the original building, while at the same time delivering light and airy contemporary office space.

AIR CONDITIONING

Keeping your home cool in the summer not only provides you with comfort from the sweltering heat but also keeps your family safe. At Macklin Heating & Cooling, our team is licensed and certified, providing you with professional air conditioning services that you can depend on all season long.

• Installation: Our team has the expertise to professionally install the right size and capacity central air unit for your home. Our services provide you with high efficiency and quality performance from your equipment throughout the warm summer months.

• Maintenance: In order to keep your unit safe and operating at peak performance, we recommend you have your unit maintained at least once a year. This allows us to change filters, inspect your equipment, and ensure there is no service required before operating.

• Proper Sizing: The right size central air conditioning unit not only gives you the cool air you need, it also provides you with substantial savings on your energy costs and reduces wear and tear on your equipment.

• Repair: From routine repairs to 24/7 emergency services, our teams ensure your unit has the updated parts and equipment it needs to continue to provide you with cool air all summer long.
Air Conditioner Service & Repairs

When your air conditioning stops working, it’s imperative that you have a team of experts with the capabilities to be able to diagnose, repair, and maintain your equipment quickly and efficiently. At Macklin Heating & Cooling, our certified, licensed team of A/C service and repair professionals are on-site delivering you results you can depend on.

• Diagnostics: When your air conditioner begins to malfunction, our experts will analyze your unit to determine the cause of your issue. Once we have an understanding of your problem, we will generate an A/C service and repair plan to ensure your equipment is back up and running as quickly as possible.

• Service & Repair: Once we have completed our diagnosis, our team gets to work servicing and repairing your unit. We keep you informed for the duration of your service call, ensuring you understand the issue and feel comfortable with our air conditioner service recommendation. With flat rate pricing, we don’t overcharge you or sell you upgrades you don’t need.

• Replacements: If your A/C unit is beyond repair, our certified experts will recommend a new system and install your new replacement unit the same day it is delivered.

• 24/7 Emergency Services: Day or night, when your A/C unit malfunctions our team of experts are available to diagnose and repair your equipment, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Air Conditioner Maintenance

In the summer, it can be dangerously hot outside, making it imperative to have an A/C unit that is operating efficiently. When our certified, licensed technicians perform yearly air conditioner maintenance on your units we ensure your systems are safe, up-to-date, and running at peak performance.

• 21 Point Inspections

• Replace A/C Filters

• Inspect For Proper Operating Conditions

• Replace / Repair Any Necessary Parts

Our air conditioner maintenance services are conducted by one of our certified, licensed professionals in the spring. From replacing filters and valves to a comprehensive inspection of your equipment, we make sure your systems are in prime operating condition before the start of summer. When you sign up to be a member of our Safe Comfort Club, you will automatically receive your A/C maintenance service, as well as additional program benefits, every year.

Ductless Mini-Splits

Keeping your home cool throughout the hot, summer months is imperative to your comfort and your health. Whether your home has a non-ducted heating system or you’re looking to cool off areas that are not connected to your central air, the experts at Macklin Heating & Cooling would recommend installing a ductless mini-split. Designed to provide an alternative to traditional central air systems, these flexible, versatile electric units effectively keep your space cool all season long.

Air conditioning systems could spread coronavirus, research shows

Coronavirus could spread around buildings via air conditioning systems or even on a draught, new analysis has suggested after scientists found traces of the virus in a hospital air duct.

The results from swab analysis of the rooms used by three coronavirus patients indicate that the disease may be more contagious than previously thought.

Even though the patient though to be responsible was suffering only "mild" symptoms, scientists from the National Centre for Infectious Diseases in Singapore found evidence of the virus in the hospital's air exhaust. This "suggests that small, virus-laden droplets may be displaced by airflows and deposited on equipment such as vents", they said.

It comes as the Government's chief scientific advisor, Sir Patrick Vallance, said officials were considering...

Coronavirus: No evidence Covid-19 can spread through air-con systems

There is currently no evidence that Covid-19 can spread through air-conditioning systems, said Professor Leo Yee Sin, executive director of the National Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCID) yesterday.

While a recent study by NCID researchers had found that the virus causing Covid-19 could be found in isolation facilities - including in an air duct connected to the room of one of the patients - it does not prove that this disease is an airborne one, experts told The Straits Times yesterday.

Preliminary studies have shown that the main way the virus is spread is through respiratory droplets.

The findings from the NCID study, which was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association last Wednesday, had found that a Covid-19 patient with mild symptoms could cause "extensive environmental contamination" in an isolation room, before it was cleaned.

Samples taken from the toilet bowl and sink used by one patient had tested positive for the presence of the virus, although post-cleaning samples were negative, suggesting that current decontamination measures are sufficient.

The study also suggested that "small virus-laden droplets may be displaced by airflows and deposited on equipment such as vents", prompting international headlines on how this could be a route of transmission.

Prof Leo explained that the purpose of the study was to look into environment contamination rather than how the virus spreads.

"It is not so much to prove if it is an airborne condition or not; it is just merely telling you that the virus is scattered around in the isolation facilities."

Determining whether the virus could be an airborne one required a different set of experiments, she pointed out.

"Currently, we are progressively inching up... to answer these questions, whether or not the virus could be spread through droplets, or whether or not it is airborne transmission," she said in response to a question from The Straits Times senior health correspondent Salma Khalik, who moderated a panel discussion with four experts on Covid-19.

Associate Professor Kenneth Mak, director of medical services at the Ministry of Health, who was also on yesterday's panel, said the findings from the NCID study were consistent with what is currently known about how the virus spreads through respiratory droplets.

He noted that the air-conditioning systems in isolation rooms were not like those in homes.

Prof Mak noted that air-conditioning units in homes are usually located at the top, with air circulating around the room.

But in isolation rooms, the vents are located at the bottom, and airflow is tightly controlled so air is prevented from "spilling over" into other spaces.

"So when you take a swab and find viruses around the vents, it is actually a combination of droplets falling by gravity into those areas, as well as a bit of airflow that comes through," said Prof Mak.

"It's not the same situation as in a home where you have an air-conditioning vent and you assume therefore it's airborne. This is not. This is predominantly still droplet transmission."

Coronavirus could be spread by air-conditioning and may be more contagious than previously thought, scientists believe after finding traces of the virus in hospital air-duct

Professor James G. Dwyer, from Purdue University in Indiana, told the Telegraph: 'The problem is that these systems can't filter out particles smaller than 5,000 nanometers.'

The size of the coronavirus is not yet known, but a similar respiratory illness, Sars, was recorded at just 120 nanometres.

Professor Dwyer said that if the current COVID-19 is a similar size, 'the air conditioning system would be carrying the virus to every cabin. 

'Cruise ships could minimise this problem by just using outside air and not recirculating it,' he added.      

Airlines have already sought to reassure passengers that their air-conditioning systems are fit to prevent the coronavirus spreading in the cabin, with Etihad suggesting their system is as watertight as a hospital operating theatre.     

'In any confined area, there is a risk of contracting illnesses from other people,' an airline statement reads.

'However, the risk is considered lower on aircraft because of the use of high efficiency particulate air filters, which are effective in capturing more than 99 per cent of airborne microbes in filtered air.' 

Global HVAC Systems Industry Report 2020-2025 - Cloud-Connected HVAC Systems Enable Creation of Smart & Efficient Facilities

The global market for Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Systems is projected to reach US$241.8 billion by 2025, driven by the ubiquitous importance of temperature control in homes and production environments.

In the residential sector, climate change is a key driving force encouraging the development of the HVAC market. Extreme weather conditions such as rising temperatures alternating between unusually cold winters is spurring the need for cooling and warming indoor spaces such as homes and office buildings. Home temperature control is aimed at keeping interiors of the house at a comfortable, uniform temperature.

In the industrial sector, temperature control is vital to ensure machines operate within specified temperatures and humidity for optimal efficiency and longer life. Temperature control is also important in ensuring the desired quality of manufactured product. A case in point is the importance of plant temperature control for plastic injection molding machines, a widely used piece of technology present in most manufacturing parts to produce millions of parts and components. Incorrect maintenance of temperature can result in the production of faulty products. Plastic injection molding is therefore a major application for process chillers.

Temperature control is also vital to ensure conformance to occupational safety standards. For instance, in boiler rooms, commercial kitchens, food canneries and chemical plants, temperature has to be controlled to safeguard against heat-related illnesses. Also, the progressively worsening air pollution levels the world over and the resulting concerns over indoor air quality (IAQ) is pushing up the importance of HVAC as the front line of defense against poor indoor air quality. Incorporation of high quality HEPA filters in HVAC systems ensures effective removal of airborne contaminants and microscopic particulates. Development of innovative pleated fabric filters capable of filtering contaminants as small as 3 microns also bodes well for market growth.

Given that HVACs are important and indispensable with omnipresent applications in virtually all buildings and factories, their growing carbon footprint is a major area of concern. HVAC systems utilize refrigerants to trap and transfer indoor heat to the outdoors. A majority of these refrigerants are volatile organic compounds (VOC) that emit greenhouse gasses (GHG) responsible for the depletion of the earth's ozone layer.

In the United States, over 45% of CO2 emissions are generated by residential HVAC systems used for heating and cooling purposes. The scenario is helping drive replacement demand for energy efficient systems. A significant percentage of technology innovations are directed at achieving energy efficiency. From variable refrigerant flow (VRF) technology, environmentally friendly filters, more efficient air handling units (AHUs), to the use of superior insulation materials, the market is witnessing a flurry of innovations. Of noteworthy importance is the integration of Internet of things (IoT) capabilities to enhance HVAC performance by continuous monitoring, management and improved controllability.

For example indoor environmental conditions can be monitored and the HVAC system that be accordingly controlled to reduce energy consumption. The growth in the number of smart homes will help make deployment of these HVAC systems more feasible. Few of the technologies under R&D include Movement-Activated Air Conditioning, Thermally Driven Air Conditioning, On-Demand Hot Water Recirculator, Ice-Powered Air Conditioning, Sensor-Enhanced Ventilation, Geothermal Heat Pumps, Dual-Fuel Heat Pumps, among others.

The United States, Europe and Asia-Pacific represent large markets worldwide with a combined share of 77.3% of the market. China ranks as the fastest growing market with a CAGR of 7.1% over the analysis period supported by the expanding middle class population in the country and a robust manufacturing industry. The country ranks as the world's largest producer of room air conditioners with a 68% share.

Burbank to offer incentives for HVAC replacement

Burbank Water and Power is looking to help residents save money on their electric bills while reducing the load on the city’s electrical infrastructure during peak periods. A new program approved this month will help achieve those goals, according to city officials.

The Burbank City Council voted 4-0 on March 3 to implement an early replacement program for residential central heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) units to incentivize those property owners with older, high-energy-consuming systems with new, high-efficiency models. Councilwoman Emily Gabel-Luddy was absent.

BWP was given a budget of $400,000 for the 2019-20 fiscal year for the new program, which will include up to $1,500 in incentives to replace an air-conditioning unit, $75 to install a smart thermostat and $50 to have one’s current HVAC system tested.

To qualify for the program, the air-conditioning system must be between 10 to 15 years old and/or operating at a low efficiency.

Launching by July 1, BWP expects the replacement program to assist in the replacement of about 225 residential air-conditioning units over the next year, said Joe Flores, marketing manager for the city-owned utility.

Additionally, residents may also be eligible for BWP’s appliance rebates when purchasing a new HVAC unit, Flores said.

Those who upgrade to an energy-efficient system can see up to $2,500 in savings on their electricity bill over the lifetime of the unit, which ranges between 10 to15 years.

Should the new program sway enough residents into upgrading their HVAC unit, BWP could see a reduction of about 260 kWh during peak hours and about 194,000 kWh in annual energy savings.

During peak demand periods, about 42% is attributed to residential use, with air-conditioning use being the major portion, according to a city staff report.

While the city-owned utility hopes to attract participation from residents, Councilman Jess Talamantes said $1,500 might not be enough to persuade people to make a pricey purchase if it isn’t necessary.

“When you talk about $1,500, it sounds like a lot but when you look at the total for a new system, you’re talking $8,000 to $10,000,” Talamantes said.

He added that residents might be more inclined to utilize the city’s air-conditioning tune-up program to keep their existing unit running for as long as possible. However, that service will be coming to an end.

Within the same March 3 vote, the City Council opted to sunset its air-conditioning tune-up program by July 1. Flores said the cost of running the service is exponentially rising due to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s ban on refrigerants such as Freon.

Since the 1990s, the EPA has been phasing out the production and use of ozone-depleting substances, according to the EPA website.

As of the beginning of this year, such refrigerants were banned from production and importation, which has driven up the price of the product, which is still in use for maintaining older existing HVAC systems.

Flores said HVAC contractors have seen the price of Freon skyrocket from $30 per unit to about $800 per unit.

“The A/C tune-up program right now is just not cost-effective,” he said. “It’s only going to get more expensive as it becomes less available.”

BWP performs about 125 HVAC tune-ups annually, Flores said. He added that BWP does not plan to offer discount programs for newer units.

Overcoming challenges in HVAC through Internet of Things

Building architecture and design is greatly influenced by the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) requirements. Energy savings and cost optimizations are a critical part of the design process. Technological advancements have already made inroads into the HVAC industry and we can say that the HVAC industry has started enjoying the benefits of the digital age. As a consequence, HVAC systems are becoming 'smarter' every day, with interconnectivity and predictive operations being at the forefront of this newfound smartness. With the advent of digital building management systems, smart thermostats and smart room controllers, the Internet of Things (IoT) has already established its footprint in the HVAC industry.

The introduction of IoT in HVAC enables technology providers to launch customer focused solutions, resulting in better productivity and greater energy efficiency.
What is IoT?

It is useful to first understand the different parts of the IoT ecosystem in the context of HVAC. In its simplest form, the IoT concept enables appliances such as heat pumps, air conditioners or dehumidifiers to be connected via smart thermostats or smart room controllers. Once connected, the next step is to give complete control of the appliance to the user through a mobile app and/or desktop interface with the help of a smart thermostat or a proprietary smart air conditioner controller.

This connectivity is achieved by connecting the appliance and the user console through a common cloud network, such as Microsoft Azure or Amazon AWS. Once a command is sent through the user console, it transmits to the cloud service, where it is then processed and relayed to the appliance. The data transmission to the appliance can be done in one of two ways: Inbuilt smart functionality, commands are sent directly to the appliance.

With third party smart controllers or thermostats, commands are first sent to the controller/thermostat and then further relayed to the HVAC appliance through IR or hard wiring.

In a nutshell, IoT capability will provide any HVAC device the capability to establish two-way data sharing. This data can then be used and processed to enhance the value proposition of HVAC products.
What are the Technology Challenges in HVAC for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) & HOW IoT can Help?

The 4 C's of modern day HVAC systems entail control, communication, comfort and cost. The appliance manufacturers are more interested in controls and communication part as comfort and cost comes in their playground. For control & communication, the HVAC manufacturers have to rely on third parties and in few cases they do it themselves. The IoT enables the OEMs to enhance their value proposition. Some of the challenges being faced by the appliance OEMs and which can be addressed via IoT in HVAC industry are given below:

1.     Preventive Maintenance of Heating & Cooling Equipment

OEMs always want to provide the best of their services to a user. With something technical like an HVAC product, a user is often not able to timely and accurately identify a potential issue with their HVAC system. Delay in identifying a possible issue can lead to further worsening of the problem.

This is where the OEM can use IoT and keep a tab on any potential issues which arise during use. These can be excessive energy consumption, faulty thermostat readings, or any other issues within the appliance. As soon as an anomaly is detected, the user can be notified and prompt action can be taken to rectify the problem.

The shift from reactionary to predictive maintenance practices serves to increase both the convenience of a user and also increase the lifetime of the appliance.

2.     Remote Diagnosis of Costly HVAC Equipment

With the establishment of a direct line of communication between the HVAC appliance and the manufacturer, any minor issues can be resolved from a remote location with the click of a few buttons. This saves the added expense of manpower for the OEM, while the consumer gets to save on contractor costs.

3.     Flexible Building Controls and Demand Management

Most people associated with the HVAC industry will be familiar with BACnet, a communication protocol for automated controls within large building complexes. This protocol has been in service since the turn of the century and provides a convenient one stop solution to building managers for controlling various functions from one console.

Incorporation of IoT within the HVAC system will enable building managers to be even more flexible with their choices. Temperature ranges can be set which would be restricted to what the manager wants, in order to save energy. Operating modes can be automatically adjusted by the HVAC systems based upon the occupancy of a specific room.

Moreover, energy companies are now pushing for demand management across localities. What this means is that whenever there is an increase in load demand, energy utilities can automatically alter HVAC temperature and mode settings to decrease power demand from a specific building. In return, the utilities give out rebates for the amount of energy saved through these measures. This direct control of HVAC appliances by a utility is made possible by the interconnectivity provided by IoT.
Benefits of IoT for HVAC Consumers

As discussed before, a consumer has the convenience of HVAC controls from remote locations. This is the most basic application case of IoT. But this is not enough. Consumers are now wanting a 360-degree view of their usage habits.

1.     Real-time Usage Tracking of Heating or Cooling Equipment

Usage tracking lets the consumer be in complete control of their air conditioning. Past usage trends enable a user to better understand their routines, and as a result be able to incorporate energy saving habits.

For example, a user is out of their home from morning till evening, but they have a pet at home. During midday, the temperature gets hotter and the air conditioning setting which they set in the morning is not suitable. With an IoT enabled appliance, the user can set up an automatic schedule for the temperature to be according to the ambient, or can remotely control the temperature in real time, however they see fit.

The next step is to adopt machine learning algorithms which can learn from a users' usage habits and automatically make decisions which would provide both convenience and energy savings to the end consumer.

2.     Smart AC Controls Result in Increased Efficiency of Connected Equipment

Tailor made daily schedules, routines, and usage profiles help to save energy and cut down on the bills. Smart systems with occupancy tracking can keep track of how many people are in the room and accordingly set the operating modes. Geolocation features within many third-party smart AC controls automatically turn the AC off when the user has gone a specified distance away from their home. Temperature range controls can maintain a specific temperature range without excessive use of the AC compressor, and drastically alter energy consumption.

Energy utilities are also introducing time-based tariffs, with a higher rate applicable during times of higher demand. Scheduling can ensure that there is minimal air conditioning usage during those high tariff periods.

Energy efficiency and user comfort is the key. In the US, brands like Cielo Breez are pioneering the smart control industry for ductless air conditioning. The smart control offerings by Cielo are brand & type independent and work seamlessly with any brand ductless mini-splits, window or portable ACs. Smart connectivity and brand independence makes these products ideal for rebate programs being run by utilities.
What's the Future of IoT in HVAC Industry?

With the first wave of IoT well and truly underway, we can look optimistically to the future. More and more manufacturers are introducing smart products within their appliances. A study by Parks Research tells us that by 2020, over 40 million US homes will have smart thermostats.

With such a huge userbase, information gathered from it will be greatly beneficial in modeling better predictive models for air conditioning usage and efficiency, with the end goal of ensuring an eco-friendlier HVAC industry.

Such a promising beginning bodes well for the integration of IoT with HVAC products. Global controls, location-based features, and intelligent temperature and humidity based operating modes are just some of the ways IoT can bring about a marked difference in the lives of a consumer.

Remote maintenance, real time diagnostics, and flexible building management are areas of promise for OEM's in HVAC. Assimilation of IoT can make a visible difference in the bottom line for large manufacturers and HVAC companies, which is a higher profit margin.

We can safely claim that IoT will serve to be a very powerful tool in the coming years within the HVAC industry, and will prove itself to be a driver of exponential advancement!

Empirical Report on HVAC Systems Market 2020-2027 Growth with Major Key Vendors like Daikin Industries, Electrolux AB, Emerson, Hitachi, Honeywell International

HVAC Systems Market
This study offers a comprehensive, 360 degree analysis on the HVAC Systems Market, bringing to fore insights that can help stakeholders identify the opportunities as well as challenges. It tracks the global HVAC Systems Market across key regions, and offers in-depth commentary and accurate quantitative insights. The study also includes incisive competitive landscape analysis, and provides key recommendations to market players on winning imperatives and successful strategies.

HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air-conditioning) is a system used to maintain and control indoor environment safe and comfortable, meaning that the air should have sufficient amount of oxygen and free of unpleasant and hazardous gases. HVAC is based on the principle of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics and heat transfer. These systems has three main components i.e. a central plant, a distribution system and a rejection unit. With the rising need for better working and living spaces the HVAC systems market is expected to grow in forthcoming future.


This report covers the HVAC Systems Market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years, the Report also brief deals with the product life cycle, comparing it to the relevant products from across industries that had already been commercialized details the potential for various applications, discussing about recent product innovations and gives an overview on potential regional market shares.

The Major Key Players:
Daikin Industries, Electrolux AB, Emerson, Hitachi Ltd., Honeywell International Ltd., Ingersoll-Rand Inc., Johnson Controls International, LG Electronics Inc., Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, United Technologies Corporation

The growing HVAC systems market is driven significant factors like rapid industrialization, increasing population and urbanization, rising temperature and pollution across the globe due uncontrollable greenhouse and other toxic gases emission. However, high initial cost of systems and their maintenance is hampering the growth of the market. Moreover, with emerging need towards comfortable and safe indoor environment and replace old systems with more effective and efficient systems is likely to flourish the HVAC systems market.

The report analyzes factors affecting the HVAC Systems market from both demand and supply side and further evaluates market dynamics affecting the market during the forecast period i.e., drivers, restraints, opportunities, and future trend. The report also provides exhaustive PEST analysis for all five regions namely; North America, Europe, APAC, MEA, and South & Central America after evaluating political, economic, social and technological factors affecting the HVAC Systems in these regions.

Coronavirus Prompts Response in HVAC Industry

As guardians of the indoor air we breathe, HVAC contractors and technicians stand alongside public health workers in the fight against coronavirus (COVID-19). As with the SARS outbreak in 2003, the airborne nature of the new coronavirus (part of the same family of viruses as SARS) puts the epidemic — and its prevention and containment — front and center for HVAC professionals.

For concerned clients, the priority will be keeping their employees, their facilities, and their families safe. Contractors should be aware of what the available technologies are and represent them in an honest and transparent way while noting that disease prevention cannot be solved by HVAC alone.

“You can't guarantee that because you've installed a certain product, you've prevented infections from occurring, because there are multiple ways that they can be transmitted,” said William Bahnfleth, ASHRAE presidential member. “If I were a contractor, I’d be prepared to suggest to a homeowner other things they might do that are not necessarily HVAC-related that would reduce infection risk.”

ALL ABOUT AIRBORNE TRANSMISSION

One of the big questions about coronavirus — especially from an HVAC perspective — is how significant of a role airborne transmission plays in its spread. As professor of architectural engineering at the Pennsylvania State University and founding director of its Indoor Environment Center, Bahnfleth is well versed in what’s been published recently on that topic.

“The current consensus is that it's predominantly large droplet transfer,” he reported. This means droplets too large to remain airborne that are spread through coughing and sneezing within a fairly close range of other people. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) puts this range at about six feet.
Coronavirus

“If I were to cough or sneeze in your direction unprotected, some of the virus-containing droplets coming out of my mouth or nose might enter your mouth, eyes, or nose and cause an infection,” he said.

Another mode of transmission involves intermediate surfaces. For example, an infected person might cough or sneeze into their hand and then leave infective material on a door knob that someone else might touch and then transfer it to their own mouth or eye.

“But there's also the potential for airborne transmission,” Bahnfleth said. “And if viruses that are viable are in those droplets that you're producing, some of them will be small enough that they will stay airborne for a long time. So, it's not impossible that infectious particles in the air could stay aloft long enough to be collected, say at the return grille of an HVAC system, go through a duct, and infect someone in a different space.”

“Because there are three distinct ways of transmitting an infection,” he added, “even perfect control of airborne pathogens would not eliminate all risk.”