Emerging Trends at AHR Expo 2023

Posted by LaFrance on Feb 10, 2023 10:51:00 AM

The 2023 AHR Expo is one of the largest HVAC&R shows of the year, attracting the most comprehensive international gathering of the industry. Taking place this week in Atlanta, Georgia, the AHR Expo delivers the latest information on indoor air quality, green building technology, energy conservation, and industry standards within the air conditioning, heating, and refrigeration industries. As a leader in branding manufacturing, LaFrance attended the show to promote our work within the latest trends in aesthetics, technology, and industry standardization and how we support the future of HVAC&R. Here are some of the most notable trends we observed, and how they’ll positively impact the industry. 

SUSTAINABILITY
With new regulations from the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), the HVAC&R industry is making great strides towards a more sustainable future. Two of these changes are the HVAC efficiency and refrigerant regulations. The HVAC efficiency change requires HVAC manufacturers to update their testing standards to SEER2 ratings. The second change relates to new refrigerant regulations, which require a completely new refrigerant to be housed within units. For some manufacturers, these changes mean completely redesigning their units and considering new aesthetic designs for the upgrades. Not only is LaFrance currently working with global leaders in HVAC&R to reimagine their branding on new units, but we also offer sustainable material options such as recycled aluminum. We see increased sustainability efforts across all industries, and we’re proud to support them with high-quality options.  

WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY
Across the entire HVAC&R industry, brands have made significant technological advancements with wireless connectivity. This gives consumers the ability to connect their units to their smartphones, which opens the door to an entire new world of convenience. Consumers can control their units, check data and features, and easily view maintenance needs at their fingertips. With the newest advancements, commercial units can identify parts or maintenance diagnostics on their own. Now, consumers save time, money, and get their units up and running in record time. 

TANKLESS WATER HEATERS
Tankless Water Heaters offer several benefits: an unlimited hot water supply, reduced energy consumption, smaller size, and a longer lifespan. With tankless water heaters, water is heated only on demand, which saves time and reduces fuel costs compared to tank water heaters. Additionally, tankless water heaters take up a fraction of the space and are often installed as a box on the wall. With this smaller size, tankless water heaters do not need to be stashed away in a separate room or corner like the big tanks. Tankless water heaters are more visible, so their aesthetic appearance is more important than ever. LaFrance supports both tank and tankless water heaters with name plates that elevate product design.  

LaFrance strives to be informed in all the industries we support, including HVAC&R. If you would like more information on what we do, please complete our form below. 

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Topics: Materials, Branding and Materials, Branding, Trends, Sustainability, HVAC

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