After undergoing extensive testing by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Rheem®, a global manufacturer of HVACR and water heating products, was honored to be acknowledged for its exemplary performance in the Residential Cold Climate Heat Pump Technology Challenge. Focused on residential, centrally ducted, electric-only heat pumps, the DOE’s Residential Cold Climate Heat Pump Technology Challenge Read more
Rheem
After undergoing extensive testing by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Rheem®, a global manufacturer of HVACR and water heating products, was honored to be acknowledged for its exemplary performance in the Residential Cold Climate Heat Pump Technology Challenge.
Focused on residential, centrally ducted, electric-only heat pumps, the DOE’s Residential Cold Climate Heat Pump Technology Challenge assessed heat pump performance in the Canadian and northern US climate, where temperatures can get much colder than 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Following testing, it was determined that Rheem’s residential heat pump had delivered outstanding results in the challenge.
Rheem has a legacy of developing state-of-the-art heat pump technology. With a variety of leading products already in market, Rheem improved its existing innovative design to deliver 5% higher COP during heating at 5 degrees Fahrenheit ambient temperature than the DOE challenge specification, making it ideal for heating homes in the targeted climate regions. The Rheem heat pump also performed at a 9% higher HSPF2 than the DOE challenge specification, highlighting the unit’s incredible efficiency.
The DOE launched the Residential Cold Climate Heat Pump Technology Challenge to accelerate development and commercialization of next-generation heat pumps by supporting American innovation and manufacturing. The DOE recognized the need for an efficient heating and cooling system based on updated state and federal policies and the growing demand for decarbonization. Rheem has always been at the forefront of sustainability efforts, especially since announcing its “A Greater Degree of Good” initiative, and has made notable progress toward the 2025 sustainability goals which encompass intelligent products, responsible processes and inspired people.
“Rheem is committed to making a difference with the products we create, and our sustainability efforts know no bounds,” said Jeff Goss, Director, Product Management, at Rheem. “We were not surprised that our team of dedicated, innovative engineers at Rheem developed a residential heat pump that was able to provide 77 percent of nominal heating capacity at −15 degrees Fahrenheit ambient temperature and provided uninterrupted heating operation at −23 degrees Fahrenheit ambient temperature surpassing expectations and delivering top quality performance.”
Heating and/or cooling a home, along with water heating, account for 40% of the primary energy consumption in buildings in the United States and are a major source of carbon emissions. As Rheem’s heat pumps run on electricity, they reduce the need for natural gas, making them an ideal solution for homeowners to reduce emissions and increase energy efficiency. Heat pumps are more efficient than electric resistance heating, and Rheem’s heat pump needs less supplementary heating due to its improved performance in cold ambient temperatures. Together, these elements, and their ability to function at a wider range of ambient temperatures, make them a more sustainable heating option.
To learn more about Rheem’s innovation pipeline, including its full line of cost-effective, eco-friendly products, visit Rheem.com.
Rheem®, a leading global manufacturer of water heating and HVACR products, today announced that Chris Haynes, vice president of Global Procurement, has been named as a Supply & Demand Chain Executive “2023 Pros to Know” award recipient. The award recognizes outstanding executives whose accomplishments offer a roadmap for other leaders looking to leverage their supply chain Read more
Rheem®, a leading global manufacturer of water heating and HVACR products, today announced that Chris Haynes, vice president of Global Procurement, has been named as a Supply & Demand Chain Executive “2023 Pros to Know” award recipient. The award recognizes outstanding executives whose accomplishments offer a roadmap for other leaders looking to leverage their supply chain for competitive advantage.
As vice president of Global Procurement, Haynes oversees the global strategic sourcing across Rheem’s air and water divisions that include an array of products, such as tank-type and tankless water heaters, air conditioners, furnaces and HVAC systems for residential and commercial applications.
“I am honored to be chosen by my peers for the Pros to Know award and to be in the company of the other esteemed winners in my field,” said Haynes. “With the fast-paced world of supply chain becoming highly volatile in recent years, this is great recognition of Rheem’s unwavering commitment to deliver high-quality products for our customers. Today’s environment requires us to constantly reinvent what it means to be a supply chain professional and I’m incredibly proud to help lead Rheem’s global sustainability practices, which we have implemented rapidly on a large scale.”
Haynes has had an illustrious career with Rheem spanning more than a decade. He manages a global team with 60 direct and 125 indirect reports across 25 locations in 10 countries. Haynes also is passionate about mentoring staff and investing in talent to build strong teams across Asia, Europe, Latin America and North America.
Facing global supply chain disruptions, post- COVID-19 recovery and inflation, Haynes always ensures Rheem can deliver outstanding results for its customers by spearheading and revolutionizing Rheem’s inbound supply chain process. Serving as a company leader on Rheem’s “A Greater Degree of Good” sustainability initiative, Haynes has worked with global suppliers and manufacturing facility leaders to reduce Rheem’s carbon footprint, utilize recycled materials and work toward achieving the zero waste to landfill goal.
“Chris is not only a ‘Pro to Know,’ he is one of Rheem’s supply chain heroes and sustainability champions,” said Rheem President Global Water, Rich Bendure. “Chris is customer-focused in everything he does and, as a leader, inspires his teams to put that into practice every day. Chris knows that exceeding our customers’ expectations, particularly in times of uncertainty, gives us a competitive advantage in the marketplace, and solidifies Rheem’s long-term reputation as a manufacturer that delivers on our commitments. Congratulations, Chris, on this much-deserved award.”
Visit https://www.sdcexec.com/awards/pros-to-know to view the full list of “Supply & Demand Chain Executive 2023 - “Pros to Know” winners and visit rheem.com to learn more about Rheem’s latest news.
Rheem®, a leading global manufacturer of water heating and HVACR products, has introduced the all-new Endeavor™ Line of Gas Furnaces, Air Handlers, Split and Packaged Air Conditioners, Split and Packaged Heat Pumps and Packaged Gas Electric units. This new line is fully compliant with the new 2023 Department of Energy regulations. Rheem’s goal is to Read more
Rheem®, a leading global manufacturer of water heating and HVACR products, has introduced the all-new Endeavor™ Line of Gas Furnaces, Air Handlers, Split and Packaged Air Conditioners, Split and Packaged Heat Pumps and Packaged Gas Electric units. This new line is fully compliant with the new 2023 Department of Energy regulations.
Rheem’s goal is to increase energy efficiency and reduce emissions, an effort that continues to drive change in the HVAC industry. In support of these efforts, the Department of Energy is also introducing significant regulation changes in energy efficiency criteria and ratings for both residential and commercial equipment in 2023. Rheem has fully embraced these new regulations as an opportunity to innovate new technologies to create an even better product line for contractors and homeowners.
“At Rheem, we knew had to meet the new DOE efficiency standards, but we insisted on also exceeding our customers’ expectations,” said Jeff Goss, Director of Product Management at Rheem. “The Rheem Endeavor Line includes top-of-the-line efficient products with useful features like Bluetooth® capabilities, industry-leading warranties and performance you can count on day after day, year after year.”
Rheem leveraged this opportunity to reimagine its product line, designing for it to be even smarter and more compact to ensure the line is the company’s most energy-efficient, reliable and sustainable offering ever. Rheem is also vigilant about the additional regulation changes coming in 2025 and is working to ensure the Endeavor line is ready to meet those standards by designing a line that works with both waves of regulation changes.
The Rheem Endeavor Line includes the following products:
Gas Furnaces
Available in a range of high efficiencies that work for a range of customers, every Rheem Endeavor Gas Furnace is designed to deliver comfort and optimal savings, allowing for lower utility bills.
- Peace of Mind: Including one of the top industry warranties with up to 10 Year Limited Parts + up to Limited Lifetime Heat Exchanger + up to 10-Year Conditional Unit Replacement.
- Energy Efficient: Featuring higher AFUE ratings and increased energy savings, many Endeavor models carry an ENERGY STAR®certification and apply for utility service rebates.
- Smart Controls: Endeavor gas furnaces offer the latest in sensor technology and the EcoNet monitoring system is on more models, allowing on-the-go control and receipt of system alerts by the homeowner via the EcoNet® Smart Thermostat and EcoNet App.
- Quiet Comfort: Designed with sound-dampening features such as insulated cabinets, solid bottoms and innovative airflow technologies.
- Smart Features: Built-in Bluetooth connectivity makes it faster and easier for the contractor to install and service on select Classic® and Classic Plus®Series systems using Rheem’s Contractor App.
Air Conditioners
With the Rheem Endeavor Line of Air Conditioners, every model is designed to deliver high efficiency and dependable energy savings.
- Peace of Mind: Includes leading industry warranties with up to 10 Year Parts + up to 10 Year Conditional Unit Replacement.
- Curb Appeal and Quiet Operation: Designed with curb appeal in mind, along with integrated sound-dampening features such as refrigerant tubing and fan blade design, the composite base pan, compressor sound blankets and innovative compressor and drive technologies.
- Energy Efficiency: Provides increased energy savings month after month with higher efficiency with SEER2 and EER2 ratings. Also features, a 7mm condenser coil to reduce refrigerant requirements by up to 15%, in line with Rheem’s sustainability mission.
- Ultimate in Comfort: Providing the ultimate comfort including inverter-driven, variable speed, scroll or twin rotary compressor technology and cooling operations that allow Rheem’s Endeavor line Prestige® and Classic Plus®Series air conditioners to continuously meet customer’s ever-changing cooling needs.
- Smart Features: Built-in Bluetooth connectivity makes it faster and easier for the contractor to install and service Prestige® and Classic Plus®Series systems using Rheem’s Contractor App.
Heat Pumps
A versatile solution for every home, Rheem Endeavor Line of Heat Pumps features super-efficient technology and outstanding durability.
- Peace of Mind: Includes one of the best warranties in the industry with up to 10 Year Parts + up to 10 Year Conditional Unit Replacement.
- Energy Efficient: Provides more energy savings with higher SEER2, EER2 and HSPF2 ratings due to the higher efficiency of Rheem’s heat pump. With households generating 72% of greenhouse gas emissions, switching to a heat pump can make a big difference for the environment.
- Curb Appeal and Environmental-Friendly: Features built-in curb appeal and a 7mm condenser coil to reduce refrigerant requirements by up to 15%, in line with Rheem’s sustainability mission.
- Quiet Operation: Designed with sound-dampening features such as refrigerant tubing and fan blade design, the composite base pan, compressor sound blankets and innovative compressor and drive technologies.
- Ultimate in Comfort: Inverter-driven, variable speed, scroll or twin rotary compressor technology features cooling and heating operations that allow Rheem’s Endeavor Line Prestige®and Classic Plus® Series heat pumps to continuously meet the customer’s ever-changing heating and cooling needs.
- Smart Features: Built-in Bluetooth connectivity makes it faster and easier for the contractor to install and service Prestige® and Classic Plus®Series systems using Rheem’s Contractor App.
Air Handlers
Designed with comfort in mind, the Rheem Endeavor Line of Air Handlers offers high energy efficiency, dependably quiet operation and reduced energy bills.
- Peace of Mind: Covered with one of the best warranties in the industry with up to 10 Year Limited Parts.
- Optimal Comfort: Using variable speed motor technology that allows for modulating (between 40% and 100% of capacity), three-stage (high, medium, low) or two-stage (high, low) heating and cooling operation, ensures a steady stream of just-right airflow to maintain the customer’s comfort level preference while providing superior humidity control.
- Smart Controls: Features the latest in sensor technology and the EcoNet monitoring system are on more models allowing on-the-go control and receipt of system alerts by the homeowner via the EcoNet Smart Thermostat and EcoNet App.
- Quiet Comfort: Air handlers sound levels range from quietest to quiet with insulated air handler cabinets and truly variable speed airflow technology.
- Smart Features: Built-in Bluetooth connectivity makes it faster and easier for the contractor to install and service Prestige® and Classic Plus®Series systems using Rheem’s Contractor App.
Packaged Air Systems
Save valuable space and relax in dependable comfort with the Rheem Endeavor Line of Packaged Air Conditioners, Packaged Heat Pumps, Packaged Dual Fuel and Packaged Gas Electric Units.
- Peace of Mind: Covered by one of the best warranties in the industry with up to 10 years Conditional Parts + Limited Lifetime Stainless Steel Heat Exchanger (Residential Applications).
- Energy Efficient: With a higher SEER2, EER2 and HSPF2 rating, the higher the efficiency of the packaged system the more energy savings month after month.
- Smart Controls: New models launching in 2023 will feature the latest in sensor technology and the EcoNet monitoring system on select Classic Plus®Series models allow on-the-go control and receipt of system alerts by the homeowner via the EcoNet Smart Thermostat and EcoNet App.
- Smart Features: New models launching in 2023 will feature built-in Bluetooth connectivity makes it faster and easier for the contractor to install and service select Classic Plus®Series systems using Rheem’s Contractor App.
Please check with your distributor for lead times and distribution timelines. To learn more, visit Rheem.com/HVACKnowZone and Rheem.com/Endeavor.
Hiller Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical (Hiller), the region’s premier provider of residential and commercial plumbing, HVAC, and Electrical service and repair, was included among Ruud’s “Top Market Maker” winners and honored as the #1 Top Ruud ProPartner for 2021. This award follows Hiller’s six first-place recognitions among Ruud’s list of Most Reliable Contractors. The Read more
Hiller Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical (Hiller), the region’s premier provider of residential and commercial plumbing, HVAC, and Electrical service and repair, was included among Ruud’s “Top Market Maker” winners and honored as the #1 Top Ruud ProPartner for 2021. This award follows Hiller’s six first-place recognitions among Ruud’s list of Most Reliable Contractors.
The Ruud Market Makers award recognizes exceptional U.S.-based contracting businesses for sales, customer support, and overall service excellence. Through their strong vendor relationships with Ferguson Enterprises (Nashville) and Coburn Supply (Memphis), Hiller was ranked among the Top 10 “Market Makers” for 2021.
Above this honor, Hiller was named Ruud’s “Most Valuable Player”, recognizing their “overall stellar performance” as the #1 Top Ruud ProPartner of 2021. The company was honored via email announcement in February, then via live announcement at the 2022 International ProPartner Conference at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada, on March 7 and 8, 2022. Chief Executive Officer, Jimmy Hiller and Chief Operating Officer, Jimmy Hiller, Jr. accepted the award in person at the event.
“We couldn’t be more grateful to receive the MVP recognition from Ruud this year”, remarked Jimmy Hiller, founder and CEO of Hiller Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical. “In partnership with our wonderful distributors, we are able to provide Ruud’s exceptional equipment to so many families across the southeast. Ruud’s commitment to installation and maintenance excellence,” he continued, “parallels our own high quality and service standards, so we are exceptionally thankful for this award, that acknowledges this commitment.”
Launched in 1990 with a single employee and just $500, Hiller was founded on the tenets of professionalism, exceptional levels of customer satisfaction, and a dedication to high quality work. As a result, Hiller has grown exponentially, operating across 15 locations in 7 states with a fleet of over 500 trucks.
Ruud, part of the Rheem family of brands, provides Ruud-branded heating, cooling, and water heating products for residential and light commercial use to professional installers across the United States and Canada. Named for water heating pioneer, Edwin Ruud, the brand was acquired by Rheem in 1960. To learn more, visit www.ruud.com. Founded in 1925, Rheem is the only manufacturer in the world that produces heating, cooling, water heating, pool/spa heating and commercial refrigeration products. Rheem, headquartered in Atlanta, has an international presence in 14 countries. To learn more, visit www.rheem.com
Hiller Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical provides residential and commercial service and repair throughout Tennessee, Southern Kentucky, Northern Alabama, Northern Georgia, Southeastern Arkansas, Northeastern Mississippi, and Northwest Florida. As the homeowner’s premier provider of choice with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, Hiller is Tennessee’s largest residential and commercial plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and electrical services provider. Hiller, a 12-time honoree to the Inc. 5000 List, employs more than 700 associates, boasts a fleet of 500 “Happy Face” trucks across 15 locations, and has responded to over 1.5 million service calls. Hiller is a proud sponsor of the Nashville Predators, the Tennessee Volunteers, and the Vanderbilt Commodores.
This is what we know from last month’s AHR Show: according to the numbers, attendance was shattered — more than 61,000 total attendees, including 42,400 visitors, participated in the Expo. What was trending at this year’s show? Themes from the show included continued product efficiency and systems that now have intuitive communications—which were once considered Read more
This is what we know from last month’s AHR Show: according to the numbers, attendance was shattered — more than 61,000 total attendees, including 42,400 visitors, participated in the Expo. What was trending at this year’s show?
Themes from the show included continued product efficiency and systems that now have intuitive communications—which were once considered disparate components in the mechanical room—are now becoming more integrated, holistic platforms with intuitive communications which can interact from one unit to another, and communicate with a tech or homeowner.
It’s interesting to note: I covered the corporate security world about 12 years ago and the integration of security systems with building automation, the ability to notify the building owner of a problem and the ability to access a building’s security remotely via a secure web connection was the talk at every trade show.
What we’re hearing
The plumbing/HVAC industry, while some say is a very mature industry, has adopted similar practices when it comes to integration and communication among components through the Internet and Wi-Fi-enabled devices.
It’s a matter of getting used to. We hear it more and more and we’ll be hearing more of it in the years to come. Leveraging the advancements and growth in machine-to-machine communications, for instance, Daikin Applied is launching Intelligent Equipment. This new technology platform harnesses the Internet of Things (IoT) for the first time in commercial HVAC equipment, making it possible for HVAC systems to talk to operators and proactively take action, in order to improve efficiencies and exponentially increase cost savings.
“The Internet of Things is impacting all levels of how we interact with, control and maintain HVAC equipment,” said Paul Rauker, vice president of systems and controls at Daikin Applied. “We’re able to unlock data and use that information in ways never possible before now. We’re able to receive actionable, real-time data and see proactive shifts in behavior instantly, without expending additional effort.”
With the technology, HVAC systems can be monitored and controlled remotely using any mobile device. It moves users from a reactive to a proactive model, in order to quickly adjust ineffective systems and help facility managers maintain equipment before it loses efficiency or impacts occupant comfort.
Selling & Profitability
There are two schools of thought on this when it comes to the residential contractor level, however. One is that any technology is a positive, especially when it comes to servicing a boiler, water heater or AC unit. The other, however, is how this affects the bottom line with the consumer. When the heat or AC goes, the first call that goes out is, “how quickly can you be here to replace it and how much is going to cost me.” Difficulty in finding the right price points for consumers and serviceability is just as important as the equipment itself. Yet, information is paramount, and can’t be undervalued.
“The ability to troubleshoot remotely and to be armed with the information and parts in hand before I show up increases my profitability and efficiency on the job,” says the Hub’s Eric Aune, who works on the job everyday with his business, Aune Plumbing, LLC.
I suppose these new systems need to be sold and marketed to customers, as contractors and media alike need to get up to speed on these new systems.
During the AHR Show, Lochinvar, LLC announced that it has expanded its line of CREST® Condensing Boilers to include three new models with 750,000, 1.0 million and 1.25 million Btu/hr inputs. Featuring Lochinvar’s patented Wave™ fire-tube design and advanced combustion technology, the new CREST Boiler models deliver 96.2 percent thermal efficiency and up to 20:1 modulation turndown. With the addition of the new models, the CREST line now includes 10 condensing commercial boilers with inputs ranging from 750,000 Btu/hr up to 5.0 million Btu/Hr.
In addition, Lochinvar’s FTXL™ Fire Tube Boiler is among the products recognized in the 2015 AHR Expo Innovation Awards Competition. The new FTXL Fire Tube Boiler represents a new generation of fire-tube technology, delivering up to 10:1 turndown and models ranging from 97 to 98 percent Thermal Efficiency – higher than any other boiler in its class. With five models ranging from 399,999 to 850,000 Btu/hr, the FTXL Boiler is well suited for light commercial applications.
Enabled for CON-X-US™ remote connect capability as part of the advanced SMART SYSTEM™ operating system, the FTXL Boiler offers complete control from across town or across the country. This remote connectivity option redefines monitoring by simplifying data acquisition and providing remote diagnostics.
Make Lahti, vice president sales & marketing at Lochinvar, kicks off the Lochinvar press conference at AHR.
With the Con-X-Us remote connectivity, status alerts can be sent to a smart device, and the user can monitor and re-program control parameters from almost anywhere.
Rheem continues to delve into this side of the market with its EcoNet system—as seen at the KBIS/IBS Show last month—which is a smart technology that will efficiently manage 65% of a home’s energy consumption. EcoNet is the first system to connect a home’s heating, cooling, and water heating systems through a central hub, making it easy for homeowners to conveniently manage energy usage and monitor diagnostics and maintenance schedules.
The system uses a home’s existing WiFi connection to locate and link all compatible Rheem air and water products. Homeowners can then securely control these products through the free EcoNet mobile app on smartphones or tablets (both iOS and Android platforms), or a control center mounted in their home.