Bluon, a leading HVAC data and AI technology company, and American Residential Services (ARS/Rescue Rooter), one of the nation’s largest providers of air conditioning, heating, plumbing, and electrical services, today announced a strategic partnership to significantly enhance ARS’s service capabilities through OCR technology, equipment documentation, advanced data enrichment, and AI-powered technical support.

ARS views the Bluon integration as a key part of its commitment to leverage AI and cutting-edge technology to deliver best-in-class home services with maximum productivity and efficiency. This development project represents a significant investment by ARS into improving their field technicians’ capabilities, capacity, and service quality.

The partnership and integration provide ARS’s nationwide network of technicians and support staff with access to Bluon’s comprehensive, brand agnostic HVAC equipment database and AI-powered troubleshooting assistant, MasterMechanic. The agreement represents one of the most significant technology integrations in the residential HVAC service industry.

“This partnership with Bluon represents a significant step forward in our commitment to equipping our technicians with the most advanced tools in the industry,” said Scott Boose, CEO of American Residential Services. “By integrating Bluon’s extensive database and AI technology into our operations, we’re not only enhancing our technical capabilities but also ensuring faster, more accurate service for millions of customers nationwide.”

Key elements of the partnership include:

• Comprehensive Data Enrichment: Bluon will clean, normalize, and enrich ARS’s enormous database of millions of HVAC equipment records, adding critical technical specifications, age, and warranty status.
• AI-Powered Technical Support: ARS technicians will gain access to Bluon’s MasterMechanic AI tool, which provides instant, conversational diagnosis and troubleshooting guidance derived from Bluon’s proprietary tech support training data collected over 5+ years and 135,000 tech-to-tech interactions.
• Advanced Equipment Identification: Integration of Bluon’s OCR scanner technology will allow ARS technicians to instantly identify equipment by scanning nameplates, providing immediate access to technical specifications, original manuals, troubleshooting guides, and wiring diagrams.

“This partnership with ARS represents a major milestone for Bluon, as we are deploying our newly developed, easily deployed, SDK plugin directly into ARS’s FSM platform – showcasing our ability to integrate the power of Bluon’s database and AI Tech support into any platform in weeks, not months,” said Peter Capuciati, CEO of Bluon.

The implementation is expected to be completed by early Spring 2025, with ARS technicians nationwide gaining access to the full suite of Bluon’s technology solutions. The partnership is projected to help ARS navigate the skilled labor shortage plaguing the HVAC services industry while significantly improving first-time fix rates and reducing diagnostic times.

The post American Residential Services (ARS) and Bluon Announce Strategic Partnership to Transform HVAC Service Through AI and Equipment Data appeared first on HVAC Directory.

Platinum Equity, a leading global investment firm renowned for its expertise in mergers, acquisitions, and strategic growth investments, has announced its significant investment in Global The Source, a prominent distributor of HVACR (heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration) products. This partnership marks a pivotal moment for the HVACR industry, as it aims to amplify Global The Source’s capabilities and market presence.

Global The Source, based in Dallas, Texas, has earned a stellar reputation for its comprehensive distribution network and unwavering commitment to serving HVACR professionals. The company offers an extensive range of products, including compressors, motors, controls, and tools, supporting contractors and service providers across the United States.

The partnership with Platinum Equity is expected to enhance Global The Source’s operational efficiency, expand its product offerings, and accelerate its growth trajectory. The investment aligns with Platinum Equity’s strategy of leveraging its operational expertise to drive growth and innovation in the companies it invests in.

A Vision for Growth and Market Expansion
Jacob Kotzubei, Partner at Platinum Equity, expressed his enthusiasm for the deal:
“Global The Source has a strong foothold in the HVACR distribution space, and we see significant opportunities to further scale the business. Our investment will focus on expanding their geographic reach, diversifying their product portfolio, and supporting their commitment to exceptional customer service.”

The investment underscores the increasing demand for HVACR products and services, fueled by trends like the growing emphasis on energy efficiency, the shift toward sustainable building solutions, and the need for reliable climate control systems across residential, commercial, and industrial markets.

Strengthening the HVACR Industry
Global The Source plans to leverage Platinum Equity’s extensive resources and industry expertise to strengthen its competitive edge. This collaboration is set to provide HVACR professionals with even greater access to high-quality products and advanced solutions, ensuring they can meet the evolving needs of their customers efficiently.

This strategic move by Platinum Equity reflects the ongoing consolidation in the HVACR sector, where companies are positioning themselves to capitalize on market growth while addressing challenges such as supply chain disruptions and increasing regulatory demands.

About Platinum Equity
Founded in 1995 by Tom Gores, Platinum Equity is a global investment firm managing a portfolio of businesses across diverse industries. With over $36 billion in assets under management, the firm is known for its focus on operational excellence and transforming companies to maximize value.

About Global The Source
Global The Source has been a trusted distributor of HVACR products for over 20 years. With a commitment to providing exceptional service and high-quality products, the company has established itself as a key player in the HVACR industry.

This partnership is poised to set new benchmarks in the HVACR distribution landscape, ensuring that both companies continue to deliver value and innovation to their stakeholders.

Venkat

The post Platinum Equity Makes Strategic Investment in HVACR Distributor, Global The Source appeared first on HVAC Directory.

BIDDEFORD, Maine, Sept. 13, 2024

The Biddeford Regional Center of Technology (BRCT) is opening its newly expanded vocational wing, equipped with innovative mock hotel rooms and culinary spaces. The expansion aims to provide students with immersive learning experiences that prepare them for careers in trades such as plumbing, carpentry, and hospitality.

Along with advanced equipment, BRCT is prioritizing student and staff health by partnering with ThinkLite Air for best-in-class indoor air quality (IAQ) management. The school installed ThinkLite Flair IAQ monitors and Purilux units in the new wing, ensuring continuous air quality detection, reporting, and improvement to create a healthier and safer environment.

Meeting the New Standard for IAQ Post-COVID

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, schools made significant investments to reduce infections, but proving their long-term effectiveness has been challenging. Biddeford Schools Superintendent Jeremy Ray views this pilot project as a transformative step in promoting the well-being of students and staff.

“Being a high-profile school, it’s essential for us to set the standard in indoor air quality, not just for the safety of our students and staff but also to communicate our results effectively to the community. We needed a solution that was affordable, energy-efficient, and space-saving to fit seamlessly into our environments. ThinkLite Air delivered exactly that, providing tools to monitor and improve air quality in real-time,” said Ray.

The ThinkLite Air Purilux units, installed in the culinary section, combine energy-efficient LED lighting with air purification. The ThinkLite Air Flair monitor offers real-time IAQ data, empowering school officials to measure and share results with students, staff, parents, and the community.

Energy Efficiency Meets Indoor Wellness

ThinkLite Air’s Purilux units not only improve IAQ but also align with ASHRAE guidelines by supplementing or reducing HVAC system usage, enhancing air treatment and reducing energy consumption.

Kevin Roche, Principal of DI Manufacturing Solutions, emphasized the long-term benefits: “Biddeford Schools are setting a new standard for wellness and sustainability in education. The energy savings from the Purilux units are just as impressive as the air purification.”

Looking Ahead: Continued Partnership and Expansion

Biddeford Schools plans to expand their partnership with ThinkLite Air to enhance IAQ across more campuses, including Biddeford High School in 2025 and a new facility in 2026. This effort aligns with the school’s commitment to wellness and sustainability through space-saving, energy-efficient technology.

The post Biddeford Trade School Expands with Indoor Air Quality Solutions from ThinkLite Air appeared first on HVAC Directory.

Top 20 HVAC service providers in Sioux Falls, South Dakota

The post Best HVAC contractors in Sioux Falls, SD appeared first on HVAC Directory.

AAON, Inc. (NASDAQ: AAON), a leading manufacturer of HVAC systems, has reported a stellar financial performance for the second quarter of 2024, setting new records for sales, earnings, and backlog.

Net sales for the second quarter of 2024 increased 10.4% to a record $313.6 million from $284.0 million in the second quarter of 2023. The year-over-year increase was largely driven by the BASX segment, which recognized an increase in sales of 58.3%, a majority of which was spurred by sales of data center equipment.  Sales at the AAON Oklahoma and AAON Coil Products segments grew year-over-year 3.4% and 4.3%, respectively. 

Gross profit margin in the quarter expanded to 36.1%, up from 33.1% in the comparable quarter in 2023.  Gross margin expansion was a result of greater operational efficiencies at the AAON Oklahoma and AAON Coil Products segments as well as lower material costs across the organization. 

Earnings per diluted share for the three months ended June 30, 2024, were a record $0.62, up 12.7% from the second quarter of 2023. 

At June 30, 2024, we had a record backlog of $650.0 million, up sequentially for a third straight quarter.  Compared to a year ago, backlog was up 23.5% from $526.2 million, driven by the BASX and AAON Coil Products segments.  The increase in bookings for the quarter primarily related to solutions for the data center market.

Gary Fields, CEO, stated, “Our second quarter performance exceeded expectations.  Production issues from the first quarter were largely resolved, leading to increased volume output and productivity across all three segments.  This resulted in record quarterly sales and earnings. 

The BASX segment saw a significant rebound from the first quarter, with sales increasing 103.7%   and gross profit rising by 182.2%, quarter-over-quarter.  AAON Oklahoma and AAON Coil Products segments also realized sequential improvements.  Our operating margin in the quarter expanded to 21.4%, making it the most profitable quarter in the Company’s history.  We achieved these results with premium pricing and operating efficiencies, which drove our performance.”

Mr. Fields continued, “Bookings in the second quarter performed exceptionally well, resulting in a record backlog at the end of June.  The data center market continues to be robust and AAON is well positioned to take advantage of the growing opportunity.  Beyond the bookings that made up the backlog at quarter-end, there remains a large pipeline of data center projects for both airside and liquid cooling products that the Company is pursuing.  For AAON’s traditional packaged rooftop business, bookings in the first half of 2024 were up year-over-year, including in the second quarter.  However, growth moderated from prior years. 

This business is impacted more by the softening macro conditions and disruptions associated with the refrigerant transition, which is resulting in an increased amount of uncertainty regarding near-term demand.  Any softness in the rooftop market will be more than offset with our data center products.  We anticipate sales and earnings will improve in the second half of the year from the first half, mostly realized in the fourth quarter.”  

Mr. Fields concluded, “AAON is strategically positioned for long-term success.  As regulations and demands for higher quality HVAC equipment increase, AAON is becoming increasingly cost competitive.  Furthermore, the Company is leading the industry in the development of cold climate heat pumps. 

The opportunities within the data center market are vast and promising, which we anticipate will drive accelerated growth and further market share gains.  Consequently, we are investing in expanded production capacity through new facilities and enhanced output within our existing facilities.  Additionally, we continue to invest in our people and technology to effectively manage the business and adapt efficiently to the robust growth rates we are targeting for the long-term.”        

As of June 30, 2024, the Company had cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash of $12.1 million and a balance on its revolving credit facility of $85.9 million.  Rebecca Thompson, CFO and Treasurer, commented, “During the quarter, we completed our share repurchase program totaling $100.0 million. 

This initiative reflects our confidence in the long-term prospects of the Company and our commitment to delivering value to our shareholders.  Looking ahead, we remain focused on executing our growth strategy with continued investments in capex and maintaining a healthy balance sheet through disciplined financial management.” 

Venkat

The post AAON Achieves Record-Breaking Sales and Earnings in Q2 2024 appeared first on HVAC Directory.

Johnson Controls, the global leader for smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, today announced the launch of the YORK® YMAE 575 V Air-to-Water Inverter Scroll Modular Heat Pump for use in Canada. The high-efficiency heat pump is now available in a 575-volt model, and is compliant with the Canadian Registration Number (CRN) requirements for pressurized equipment in certain provinces.

“The YORK® YMAE heat pump has achieved exceptional results around the world, and we are proud to further optimize its performance for the Canadian market,” said Gerald Laumann, global product manager, air-cooled scroll chillers and heat pumps, Johnson Controls. “Its high-efficiency design and use of low-GWP refrigerant makes it a smart solution to drive sustainability within a wide range of applications.”

“The YORK® YMAE heat pump has achieved exceptional results around the world, and we are proud to further optimize its performance for the Canadian market.”

– Gerald Laumann, global product manager, air-cooled scroll chillers and heat pumps, Johnson Controls

Building upon the award-winning YORK® Amichi platform, the YMAE 575 V features innovative, variable speed electronic vapor injection (EVI) scroll technology to significantly expand heating capacities. Available in two- and four-pipe configurations, the YMAE 575 V can deliver 60 C (140 F) water in heating capacities up to 443 MBH while in heating-only mode, and 546 MBH during simultaneous heating and cooling using recovered energy. The YMAE 575 V also utilizes the low-GWP refrigerant R-454B to help reduce emissions.

With a highly flexible, modular design, the YMAE 575 V provides an energy-efficient solution that is compatible with a wide range of applications including offices, schools, healthcare facilities and multi-unit residential buildings. This modularity simplifies installation and provides added design flexibility. Up to four modules can be factory-kitted to expand capacities while maintaining a minimal footprint.

The YORK® YMAE 575 V Air-to-Water Inverter Scroll Modular Heat Pump is part of the OpenBlue platform of connected equipment and is available on a short lead-time. Product details can be found in the Johnson Controls Solution Navigator, a one-stop platform that makes it easy to find products that best meet application needs.

To learn more about the YORK® YMAE air-to-water heat pump, search for “YMAE” in the Johnson Controls Solution Navigator.

Venkat

The post YORK® Launches 575 Volt, High-efficiency Air-to-Water Heat Pump appeared first on HVAC Directory.

More than 250 professionals reviewed best practices and expectations for Marcone during the company’s first-ever sales summit. It included team members from the appliance, HVAC, plumbing and commercial kitchen verticals as they looked to develop even more innovative ways to deliver a consistent value proposition.

“With our distinct verticals being united in one enterprise, we have the opportunity to sell the house to every customer,” said Marcone Chief Executive Officer Avichal Jain. “The Marcone team’s dedication to fast, reliable order fulfillment across Marcone’s vast portfolio of products is the reason we are proud to be an industry leader.”

Separately, about 150 professionals considered next steps for the HVAC vertical during the company’s first-ever operations summit. They heard from Jain and company leaders about the role they play in the company’s future direction and learned more about Marcone’s Centers of Excellence.

“Marcone grew quickly to become a dominant name in HVAC distribution and it’s crucial that we align our goals so that we can continue providing customers with the quality solutions and fast service they’ve come to expect,” said Randall Hudspeth, President of Marcone HVAC. “Our leadership team is committed to making sure that service technicians can have their customers back up and running quickly.”

Marcone’s HVAC vertical encompasses 12 business units with 103 branches. Each offer deep industry knowledge and a vast inventory made up of more than 120,000 SKUs.

Marcone Group has expanded its product offering in recent years, entering the HVAC, plumbing, commercial kitchen and pool/spa sectors. Today, the company boasts nearly 200 locations in the U.S. and Canada, including distribution centers in most major metro areas.

Venkat

The post Marcone Group’s top HVAC leaders gather for networking appeared first on HVAC Directory.

Reliable Controls is pleased to announce the appointment of Cameron Lutz as vice president of Marketing and Communications. In his new role, Cameron leads the Marketing, Website Operations, Training, Creative Services, and Technical Communications teams to amplify the company’s standing as a global leader in building automation technology.

Cameron joined Reliable Controls in January 2020 as marketing manager, where he demonstrated his collaborative, compassionate leadership style to empower efficiencies and expand the company’s marketing efforts. Prior to that, he held various roles at controls contracting companies working with Automated Logic and Reliable Controls products, at times overseeing system design, service and operations, and sales and business development. He is an Applied Science Technologist with a specialty in mechanical engineering and a LEED Accredited Professional designation. 

“At Reliable Controls I’ve found my forever home,” says Cameron. “As a contractor I often brought my customers to the Reliable Controls headquarters for tours and wished I could work in an environment like that. Now I do, and I’m fortunate to be part of an international organization that cares and makes a difference around the globe. Every day I am more motivated than the last to make sure everyone knows who Reliable Controls is and what makes us different.”

“By cultivating stronger leadership and improved workflows in each of his subdepartments,” says Tom Zaban, Reliable Controls president, “Cameron has helped build bridges of trust, respect, and understanding among team members, and as a result, the effectiveness of our Marketing department, in my opinion, has never been stronger than it is today.”

Cameron’s strategic leadership will support the company’s innovation and growth in the upcoming years with his exceptional experience and dedication to forging strong relationships with the network of Reliable Controls Authorized Dealers.

With more than 200 factory-certified partners spread across more than 40 countries, as well as a LEED Platinum and ISO-certified corporate office and manufacturing facility in Victoria, Canada, Reliable Controls is a global leader in building automation and controls.

Venkat

The post Reliable Controls names Cameron Lutz as VP of Marketing appeared first on HVAC Directory.

SWORDS, Ireland

Trane Technologies (NYSE: TT), a global climate innovator, today announced its successful completion of the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Residential Cold Climate Heat Pump (CCHP) Challenge for high-efficiency heating in extremely cold temperatures.

After surpassing DOE laboratory tests, the Trane® high-efficiency, Cold Climate Heat Pump prototype, installed at a Boise, Idaho residence, successfully warmed the home for two winters by extracting heat from the air – relying on its backup electric heat strip only 10% of the time. During field trials over two full summer and winter seasons of cooling and heating, the prototype delivered the homeowner 15-20% average energy bill savings.

“We were confident going into the Cold Climate Heat Pump Challenge in our ability to deliver cutting-edge, highly-efficient climate control solutions – the results were outstanding and we’re proud of our performance,” said Dwayne Cowan, president, Residential HVAC, Trane Technologies. “Backed by our purpose-driven strategy and relentless investment in innovation, we are ready to continue scaling today’s technology for a sustainable tomorrow.”

“Our modeling was spot on with how the prototype functioned in the field, and we were thrilled to hear of the homeowner’s outstanding reviews as well as their energy savings,” said Katie Davis, vice president of engineering and technology, Residential HVAC, Trane Technologies. “We are excited to advance electrification of heating in homes while maintaining both comfort and efficiency for its occupants.”

Trane Technologies is one of the first companies to successfully complete the CCHP challenge. The company’s prototype has been relocated to its Tyler, Texas manufacturing facility, where it will continue to undergo robust performance evaluations at the site’s new state-of-the-art psychrometric testing labs – used for new product development programs and capable of withstanding temperatures as low as negative 20 degrees Fahrenheit.

The company will complete the design for its new Trane residential Cold Climate Heat Pump, with additional comfort and efficiency enhancements, in 2025. The Cold Climate Heat Pump will be compatible with advanced, connected comfort solutions including Trane Link, enabling seamless integration with Trane’s comprehensive ecosystem of smart home technologies. Additionally, all heat pumps 15 SEER and higher in the company’s newly-announced residential portfolio meet the requirements for the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Tax Credit and incentives and rebates available through the Inflation Reduction Act – significantly reducing upfront costs and achieving long-term energy bill savings for homeowners.

Through bold, industry-leading action and innovation, Trane Technologies is advancing its 2030 Sustainability Commitments, including the Gigaton Challenge to reduce customer emissions by a billion metric tons and its pledge to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The company’s emissions reduction targets have been externally validated by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi).

Venkat

The post Trane Technologies Completes the U.S. Department of Energy’s Residential Cold Climate Heat Pump Challenge with Exceptional Performance appeared first on HVAC Directory.

Redwood Services Welcomes Raj Midha as Chief Marketing Officer

Redwood Services is delighted to announce the addition of Raj Midha to its executive team as the new Chief Marketing Officer. In his new role, Raj will be spearheading the enhancement of Redwood’s national marketing strategy while providing robust support to the marketing initiatives of the Partners.

Raj Midha joins Redwood Services with an impressive 15 years of experience in the home services industry, bringing a wealth of expertise in strategy and marketing. His extensive background and proven track record make him a valuable asset as Redwood continues its mission to build a best-in-class operation. Raj’s experience, skillset, character, and humility align perfectly with Redwood’s vision for strategic growth and innovation in marketing.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the new role, Raj Midha shared on LinkedIn,

“I’m very excited to be joining an amazing team at Redwood Services that is investing in Partnerships with some of the best home services entrepreneurs in the country.”

He extended his gratitude to Richard Lewis, John Conway, Shaun Hardick, David Katz, Sandra Koblas, and Adam Hanover for their warm welcome.

Redwood Services is confident that Raj Midha’s leadership will drive forward the company’s marketing strategies, fostering growth and success across all its partnerships.

Venkat

The post Raj Midha Joins Redwood Services as CMO to Lead National Marketing Strategy appeared first on HVAC Directory.