Industry News

New VCRTs Help Technicians Recover Refrigerant Faster and with Confidence Every Time 

Fieldpiece Instruments, the leading manufacturer of tool and test instruments that enhance the work of HVACR professionals, introduced three valve core removal tools (VCRTs) designed to improve system charging, recovery and evacuation tasks. VCRTs remove the valve core from service valves in air conditioning, heat pump, and refrigeration systems to replace defective cores and provide an unobstructed flow of refrigerant for faster servicing. The Fieldpiece VCRTs represent a significant leap forward in valve core removal technology, overcoming the limitations of existing tools.

One of the game-changing features within the Fieldpiece VCRT lineup includes an integrated sight glass that allows technicians to verify at a glance that the valve core is captured prior to removing it and confirm when refrigerant is flowing. Fieldpiece eliminated the frustration that techs face when it takes multiple tries, and lost refrigerant, before the valve core is captured with current competitive products. The Fieldpiece VCRT capture tip also includes an interior gasket that the valve core pin presses into to secure it for removal. No more fishing around for lost valve cores – a solid grip guarantees that the job is done right the first time, every time.

Another Fieldpiece exclusive feature is a comfort spinner, a free-spinning, rubberized cap that makes removing and inserting the valve core, while under pressure, easier and more comfortable. Like the sight glass, this comfort spinner is available on the VC1G and VC2G models. All three VCRT models, including the ultra-compact VC1, include a magnet in the cap to keep the removed valve core on hand during service.

All VCRT models are equipped with a 1/4” service port fitting that can be swapped in the field with an optional 5/16” service port fitting for mini-split systems, conveniently reducing the number of tools to carry. Replacement capture rod assemblies also streamline the maintenance process. Techs can say goodbye to deep-buried O-rings, as these simple replacement kits reduce downtime and expedite the repair process.

The premium VC2G tool features a dual ball valve design that protects attached vacuum gauges and pressure probes and adds versatility for connecting hose lines and isolating system service ports.

“Our VCRTs offer benefits that current VCRTs on the market do not have,” notes Jeb Ball, vice president of sales and marketing at Fieldpiece Instruments. “We collaborate with techs to understand the pain points and develop solutions that enhance their jobs. The VCRT line expands our arsenal of tools built for efficiency, versatility and durability, and underscores our commitment to innovations that allow technicians to work faster with more reliable results.”

Wholesalers are purchasing inventory now and product will be available to techs in April. To learn more about the benefits of Fieldpiece VCRTs, visit https://www.fieldpiece.com/valve-core-removal-tools.

Rinnai’s state-of-the-art water heating advancements move residential and commercial industries forward 

Rinnai America Corporation — manufacturer of the number-one-selling brand of tankless gas water heaters in North America — announced its full line-up of new and noteworthy product innovations slated for launch in 2024, as the company celebrates its 50th anniversary in the North American market. The new product offerings were designed to meet unmet market needs, deliver industry-leading efficiency, help PROs simplify installation, decrease setup time, improve serviceability, streamline maintenance, and provide more flexible install options.

“It is at the forefront of Rinnai’s belief to listen and learn from our customers’ wants and needs to propel technology innovations,” said Frank Windsor, President, Rinnai America Corporation. “By doing this, we lead the charge in delivering game-changing products that drive our customers’ businesses and continue to deliver on our brand promise of ‘Creating a healthier way of living™’.”

The PRO is at the center of every Rinnai product design, delivering water heating solutions Built for the PRO, by the PRO™. The following details the latest products and capabilities to make the PRO’s job even easier.

SENSEI RX

SENSEI® RX featuring Smart-Circ™ Intelligent Recirculation™ is easier than ever to sell, install, and service with new, advanced capabilities. SENSEI RX series offers natural gas, propane gas, and indoor and outdoor capability all in one model, resulting in a 4:1 SKU reduction.

1. Smart Connect™: An industry first where the PRO can connect their smartphone or tablet to the SENSEI RX Series via Bluetooth®, decreasing set-up time and improving serviceability.
2. Smart Sense™: Rinnai’s proprietary adaptive gas valve technology adjusts to either natural gas or liquid propane gas for optimal combustion and flexible installation — no conversion kit is required.
3. Versa Vent™: An outdoor vent cap easily adapts to any SENSEI RX Series model for outdoor installations providing the ultimate in installation flexibility (sold separately).
4. Quick Flush™: Provides a more efficient flushing procedure to make periodic preventive maintenance a simple task to perform.
5. Industry-Leading Efficiency: With up to 0.98 Uniform Energy Factor (UEF), SENSEI RX is the industry leader.

REHP Series™ Electric Heat Pump Water Heater is one of the most sustainable water heating solutions available. Meeting the highest efficiency standards with up to 4.0 UEF. The REHP Series qualifies for many rebates.

1. Zero Emissions: Delivers consistent hot water by extracting heat from the surrounding air and converting it to hot water while producing zero emissions.
2. First to Market in the US: The micro channel heat exchanger condenser with the integrated heat pump water heater is designed to optimize heat transfer and enhance overall energy savings for the end user.
3. Simple, Flexible Install: Designed to install as easily as an electric water heater, the REHP is duct-ready to allow for indoor installation and requires zero clearance.
4. Superior whisper-quiet operation. 

REHP Electric Heat Pump

RCB SERIES™ Commercial Wall-Hung Boiler is a compact building heat source that delivers reliable, energy-saving performance with ground-breaking features that outperform other boilers.

1. Commercial Product Portfolio: Rinnai has expanded into the commercial market boiler segment with both wall-mount and floor-mount condensing boilers, providing commercial heating products up to 1 million Btu/h.
2. Integrated Cascade Connection: Combine up to 8 boilers on one system with integrated cascade logic that distributes runtimes equally for optimal application diversity.
3. Energy-Saving Efficiency: At 97% thermal efficiency.

I-SERIES Plus™ Wall-Hung Condensing Gas Boiler is a NEW I-SERIES Plus line of solo and combi condensing gas boilers that offers unmatched value and performance with an expanded product line that features Smart Sense adaptive gas valve technology. Now with the touch of a button on a unit controller or smartphone, fuel type can be selected — conversion kits are no longer required.

1. Smart connect™: Bluetooth-enabled setup on the Rinnai Central® App for parameter settings and speedy unit configuration.
2. Simultaneous Delivery: Rinnai’s proportional valve allows simultaneous delivery of heat and domestic hot water for maximum comfort.
3. Excellent Efficiency: With up to 96% Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE).
4. Flexible Install: I-SERIES Plus has the capability for cascading, common venting and longer vent lengths, giving PROs more options during the installation.

Rinnai Central™ App provides PROs the ultimate water heating management experience with quick access to key tools and controls for Rinnai units, including the new I-SERIES Plus and SENSEI RX.

Expanding its tankless water heater offering, A. O. Smith offers customers unparalleled installation flexibility

A. O. Smith, a leader in water heating and water treatment solutions, announces the launch of its Adapt™ Premium Condensing Gas Tankless Water Heaters with X3® Scale Prevention Technology. With new premium features, including an integrated recirculation pump and patented heat exchanger; enhanced installation flexibility and highly efficient performance, Adapt™ tankless meets the needs of busy contractors and homeowners alike.

Building on A. O. Smith’s legacy of innovation, this unit is the first tankless water heater designed and manufactured entirely by A. O. Smith. To enhance installation flexibility, the Adapt line offers two- and three-inch dual pipe venting, ½- and ¾-inch gas line options and universal indoor/outdoor installation.  A. O. Smith designed the units so they can be converted from natural gas to liquid propane in the field with an included kit. All of these features work together to provide plumbing professionals with unparalleled installation flexibility when working in the field. Plumbers now have a unit that conforms on the spot to fit their exact needs, no matter the install location, fuel type or existing venting.

“Innovation is at the heart of everything A. O. Smith does and the Adapt series is no different. When designing and manufacturing this product, flexibility was our top priority. We’re providing contractors with the ultimate hot water toolkit,” said Isaac Wilson, A. O. Smith tankless senior product manager. “We understand that contractors are not just in the field; they are also on the clock. With the Adapt line, contractors can meet a homeowner’s needs without having to go back to their wholesaler to get a different unit or without having to carry additional inventory in their truck— saving them both time and money.”

The Adapt tankless water heaters also include several high-end features that are frequently requested by homeowners, such as Wi-Fi capability for remote monitoring and peace of mind and an integrated recirculation pump that provides instant hot water and eliminates the time homeowners typically spend waiting at their fixture for the water to heat up.

Available in 160,000-; 180,000-, and 199,000-BTU/hr units, the Adapt line of water heaters fits a variety of needs. Plus, the unit is equipped with A. O. Smith’s patented X3® Scale Prevention Technology which inhibits scale build-up and corrosion to extend the life of the unit up to three times longer. With zero lifetime descaling maintenance, the Adapt tankless water heater meets the needs of busy installers and homeowners.  Units also qualify for numerous state and local rebates and are ENERGY STAR® certified.

To learn more about the Adapt Tankless Water Heater line and A. O. Smith’s full suite of offerings, visit www.hotwater.com.

Malco Tools, one of the nation’s leading solution developers and manufacturers of a variety of high-quality tools for the HVAC trade, announced the winners of its New Product Ideas Contest, which aimed to solicit ideas for new products from trade pros in the field.

First place was awarded to Aurelio “Cheekz” Godina from Nebraska, who submitted an idea for a new duct notcher. “Malco’s tools have been a part of every stage of my career and life,” Godina says. “I am happy and thankful that there is a company like Malco who is changing the game with every new tool designed by their team.” As part of Godina’s prize, he joined Malco as a VIP guest at the 2024 AHR Expo in Chicago.

Additionally, Randy Allender of Massachusetts took home the second-place prize for his idea to add a light accessory for Malco’s popular TurboShear™ line. Allender is a Malco “super fan,” previously having participated in Malco’s Head of the Class program, which recognizes outstanding students in HVAC programs around the U.S. Allender also advocates for the trades as an HVAC instructor at local trade schools, and has chosen to further invest in the future of the industry using a portion of his prize winnings to purchase popular Malco tools for use in the classroom.

“We thank both Aurelio and Randy for entering our new product ideas contest,” said Rebecca Talbot, vice president of marketing at Malco. “At Malco, we highly value feedback and always encourage input from the field for innovative new high-quality tools that bring value to hard-working trade pros.”

Malco encourages trade pros to submit feedback on existing products, as well as ideas for new product innovations, on its website at www.malcotools.com/ideas.

For more information about Malco Tools, visit www.malcotools.com.