Product News

Expanded Water Solutions Portfolio at AHR Expo 2024 Underscores LG’s Commitment to Providing Solutions that Maximize Efficiency and Promote Decarbonization

LG Air Conditioning Technologies USA is expanding its line of cutting-edge heat-pump-enabled HVAC water products at AHR Expo 2024. LG’s growing assortment of water solutions highlights the company’s dedication to delivering products that redefine comfort, prioritize energy efficiency and champion sustainability for residential and commercial applications.

Featured at AHR Expo 2024, the LG R32 Air-to-Water Heat Pump Monobloc system is the latest addition to the company’s water heating product lineup. This all-in-one unit provides ease of installation by seamlessly integrating indoor and hydronic components, using water pipes to eliminate the need for refrigerant piping. Powered by LG’s advanced heat pump technology, the R32 Air-to-Water Heat Pump Monobloc efficiently produces hot water for various applications, including space heating (baseboard heating, radiator, radiant floor) and domestic hot water. Incorporated noise reduction technology, such as an encapsulated compressor and vibration decoupling, operates at audio levels as low as 49B at a 1m distance.

LG’s R32 Air-to-Water Heat Pump Monobloc is engineered for year-round comfort, operating within versatile leaving water temperature ranges, covering cooling (41 to 80.6°F), heating (59 to 149°F), and domestic hot water (59-176°F) with a third-party booster heater. The unit maintains 100 percent heating capacity, even at 5°F outdoor temperature, with leaving temperature at 131°F, providing optimal performance in colder conditions. The product sets a new standard in HVAC innovation with reduced defrost cycles, extended operation time and intervals, providing a transformative experience in climate control for residential and light commercial spaces.

In addition to the LG R32 Air-to-Water Heat Pump Monobloc, LG maintains a robust lineup of advanced water solutions that exceed expectations in eco-conscious practices and technology. Developed to meet the evolving demand for electric alternatives, LG’s water products specifically prioritize efficiency, offering cost savings through reduced energy consumption, streamlined performance, and enhanced comfort by optimizing heat and cooling retention and distribution.

“As the landscape of commercial and residential spaces undergoes a dynamic shift, LG’s HVAC solutions keep pace with the industry’s demand for quieter, more intuitive, and more eco-conscious options,” said Steve Scarbrough, senior vice president and general manager, LG Air Conditioning Technologies USA. “Embracing electrification, LG remains committed to delivering a vibrant array of products, ensuring cleaner and more efficient heating and cooling experiences. Anticipating the spotlight at AHR Expo 2024, we are excited to showcase our high-performing HVAC products, embodying innovation and setting the stage for a new era of excellence in the industry.”

Visitors at AHR Expo 2024 can explore additional hydronic solutions from LG, further emphasizing the brand’s commitment to advancing HVAC technology for a sustainable and comfortable future. Additional hydronic show products include:

LG Inverter Heat Pump Water Heater

LG’s Inverter Heat Pump Water Heater emerges as a highly energy-efficient alternative to conventional water heaters, achieving an efficiency rating of up to UEF 3.93, surpassing ENERGY STAR^® certification requirements. With potential energy savings of up to 76 percent compared to conventional electric heaters, the Inverter Heat Pump Water Heater, now available in 58- and 80-gallon capacities, minimizes reliance on supplemental electric resistance heat. Utilizing LG’s inverter heat pump technology and a Dual Inverter Compressor, it offers faster heating time in Turbo Mode and operates quietly. Aligned with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards, this water heater addresses the rising interest in electric alternatives amid efforts to promote environmental sustainability. Complete with LG ThinQ^® technology, Wi-Fi capability, and smartphone control, it provides users with a unique and efficient solution.

LG High Temperature Hydro Kit

Also on display is the award-winning LG High Temperature Hydro Kit system. This system uses a refrigerant-to-water heat exchanger to produce chilled or heated water. The High Temperature Hydro Kit can be used to preheat domestic water stored in an indirect storage tank, snow melt, in-floor or other radiant heating systems. This system can be used in conjunction with the Single Phase or Three-phase Multi V^TM Heat Pump or Heat Recovery outdoor units. The LG High Temperature Hydro Kit can deliver hot water up to 176° F.  The kit’s controllers allow flexible temperature management, and its compact design helps ease installation.

Engineers, contractors, distributors, and various trade professionals attending the world’s largest HVAC trade show can experience the latest air conditioning technologies and award-winning products and controls. Find comprehensive details about LG’s air conditioning systems portfolio at lghvac.com.

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.