Product Focus

CLIMATEMASTER The new ClimateMaster digital thermostat line consists of three models to match the needs of all applications. While each model is designed for bestin-class user experience, the CM300 and CM500 WiFi thermostats empower facility managers to do their jobs more efficiently with advanced features and remote capability via the company’s free mobile app and web portal. With the app, users can monitor and control a virtually unlimited number of thermostats from anywhere in the world using a connected iPhone, iPad, or Android device. >> climatemaster.com

NORTEK Nortek Global HVAC introduces the W-Series of air conditioning and heat pump equipment for residential and light commercial applications. The introduction completes the final phase of an overall redesign of Gibson, NuTone and Frigidaire branded 1.5 to 5-ton, single-phase air conditioning units and heat pumps. The redesign began with introductions of the premium F-Series in 2017, the mid-range E-Series in 2018 and now culminates with the economically-priced W-Series in 2019. >> nortekhvac.com

WATERFURNACE WaterFurnace Versatec Variable Speed technology enables the building owner to replace the previous system with multiple “twinned” modular units that operate as one unit providing more capacity in a much smaller footprint. The Versatec Variable Speed units are capable of twinning up to 4 units (60 tons) and can provide the convenience of modularity and redundancy. All units are equipped with 4 row air coils that allow for improved dehumidification over standard WSHP equipment. >> waterfurnace.com

YORK As part of the YORK LX Series, YEE single-stage heat pumps offer 14 SEER cooling and 8.2 HSPF heating efficiency performance. YEE heat pumps provide homeowners with a lower cost solution to meet their budget and specific application needs. The systems can provide heat down to an outdoor temperature of 0F and cooling up to 125F – making it the perfect yearround comfort solution optimized for Southern U.S. climates. YEE heat pumps are optimized to be paired with indoor equipment, such as air handlers and gas furnaces, with electronically communicated motors (ECM). >> york.com

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with METUS products and learn the ins and outs of each, prior to encountering them in the field.

What’s the most important thing contractors need to be aware of as they head into cooling season? Davenport: Safety of their employees and the safety of the consumers’ homes that they’re in is critically important at this time. We’re ensuring that the safety of our people and our partners is our top priority, that we’re following all the guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and then obviously anything local by county or by region, to make sure we’re prepared.

What we do is critically important to all of our companies involved, but most importantly to consumers that we’re supporting through our products.

Nguyen: With the current situation, contractors need to be aware of consumer concerns and address them immediately, proactively.

Contractors have to build confidence that when the homeowner allows them into their home, they’re going to be safe. Our industry is essential to the operation of this country, and homeowners know that. And they also want to know that contractors are doing their part to support the operation of the company as well as keeping them healthy. Nolte: With people potentially spending more time at home than ever, indoor air quality products like air purifiers and UV lamps may become more important solutions to offer consumers.

Training is a big piece of it. In my opinion, one of the wisest things they can do is invest in training. Contractors should ask what is important to the consumer and offer a few different options understanding that efficiency, dehumidification and lower noise levels are the top features customers are willing to spend more to get. Roberts: We all know our business, both HVACR and the water heating, is an essential service. It’s vital for both the manufacturer or distributor partners, and our contractors to work together. We’re providing all kinds of tools right now, and training around safe practices for what — Steve Scarbrough

homeowners are looking for, what we need to be doing, what we’re doing as a manufacturer, as far as the steps we’re taking in our facilities.

Scarbrough: In terms of cooling technology and building science, contractors should consider staying up-to-date with manufacturer-provided training and webinars. This cooling season, with the impact of COVID-19, contractors need to be especially mindful about respiratory etiquette, keeping surfaces clean, and handwashing when on service calls or otherwise engaging with customers. Clear communication about how a contractor is safeguarding a homeowner’s health during a visit will go a long way.u

Pete Grasso is the editor of HVACR Business magazine. To reach him, email pgrasso@hvacrbusiness.com.