Innovative, sustainable HVAC systems shown at AHR Expo

Manufacturers at the 2024 AHR Expo highlighted energy efficient and sustainable solutions, which has become a major priority for building owners.

By Anna Steingruber February 1, 2024
AHR Expo took place from Jan. 22-24, 2024 at McCormick Place in Chicago. Courtesy: Anna Steingruber, CFE Media and Technology

AHR sustainability insights

  • Heat pumps are one of the products that companies highlighted as a sustainable alternative to traditional heating methods
  • Many companies are focusing on integrating their solutions under one app or platform to make monitoring inefficiencies easier for clients.

The 2024 AHR Expo at McCormick Place in Chicago from Jan. 22-24 had a strong focus on the ways companies and manufacturers are working to save space and energy as codes and consumers demand more sustainable options. Many companies highlighted the multiple solutions and machines they provide that create a unified HVAC system.

AHR Expo took place from Jan. 22-24, 2024 at McCormick Place in Chicago. Courtesy: Anna Steingruber, CFE Media and Technology

AHR Expo took place from Jan. 22-24, 2024 at McCormick Place in Chicago. Courtesy: Anna Steingruber, CFE Media and Technology

Schneider Electric highlighted how monitoring systems can be the key to creating efficient systems. Steve Forst discussed their EcoStruxure software which monitors smaller buildings’ systems for inefficiencies to help clients meet their energy goals. “Many of our competitors are focused on large scale solutions,” said Steve Forst, customer project manager for Schneider Electric. “But our EcoStruxure solution fills the gap for smaller buildings. With our monitoring system, we can help clients identify inefficiencies and work together to create meet their sustainability goals.”

LG HVAC highlighted their ThinQ app, which connects their products to streamline monitoring and installation. Solutions like the ThinQ app demonstrates, “LG’s commitment to innovation and creating cleaner, efficient solutions that will not only save customers money but also make their lives simple and comfortable,” said Steve Scarbrough, senior vice president and general manager, LG Air Conditioning Technologies USA. Other products at LG’s booth included their Split Compact M3 DOAS with Multi V S and their inverter heat pump water heater.

Heat pumps were one of the most talked about products at the show. Exhibitors such as Lochinvar showed off their heat pumps, which offers a more sustainable heating solution by taking heat from the outside air rather than traditional water or fuel methods. Dustin Wiggins, senior development manager for commercial water heating, talked about Lochinvar’s Veritus commercial heat pump. This product can heat buildings from outside temperatures as low as 23°F with its variable speed and flexible piping arrangements.

The Lochinvar Veritus on display at the 2024 AHR Expo. Courtesy: Anna Steingruber, CFE Media and Technology

The Lochinvar Veritus on display at the 2024 AHR Expo. Courtesy: Anna Steingruber, CFE Media and Technology

Eric Newberg, VP of product management for Climate Control Group, believes they need to be available for many kinds of buildings and systems for these solutions to be successful. “Our solutions are entirely customizable and can be built around any spec,” he said. This kind of flexibility allows design engineers to look past the current codes and standards and implement the most sustainable solutions no matter the climate, building type or unique challenges of a project.

Sustainability will continue to be a major focus in the HVAC industry as manufacturers look to stay ahead of the ever-evolving codes and standards. Beyond meeting these standards, more sustainable solutions will allow customers to reach their broader environmental goals while reducing energy, space and saving money.


Author Bio: Associate editor, WTWH Media and Technology