PRINCETON, N.J.—Dynamic Air Quality Solutions, a leading manufacturer and distributor of high-performance indoor air quality products, showcased its V8 air cleaning system at this year’s AHR Expo. Dynamic air cleaning systems utilize a technology called non-ionizing, polarized-media, which significantly reduces the energy and environmental footprint of an HVAC’s filtration system. Over the past five years, Dynamic has helped building owners save more than 78 million kWh in fan energy alone. When Dynamic Air Cleaners are used as a substitute to high-efficiency passive filters, the savings can be as great as 75 percent less than fan energy. Maintenance is also dramatically...

BOULDER, COLO.—Although the primary purpose of heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems in commercial buildings is occupant productivity, a new report from Pike Research finds that the objective of most changes to HVAC systems in the next five years will be to decrease energy cost. According to the study, because of rising energy prices and the drive to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with building operations, many building owners have begun to manage energy cost as an asset, rather than a fixed cost. The tools for improving efficiency of HVAC systems include building energy management systems (BEMS), on-site...

NATIONAL REPORT—In one respect, comparing guestroom energy management systems today is apples to apples with each system basically doing the same thing—using a sensor or sensors (or a key card) to turn off the HVAC system entirely or to allow the thermostat setting to drift to an energy-saving level. As similar as most systems are, however, each vendor offers something unique—whether it be the technology by which systems communicate within the hotel, the robustness of the reporting features, the ability to integrate with local or Web-based systems, or the extent to which lighting and other electrical items can be...

MILWAUKEE, WIS.—Telkonet, Inc., a leader in occupancy-based energy management technology, just announced the introduction of its next generation line of energy management products, the EcoSmart Product Suite. With the EcoSmart flagship product, the EcoInsight Programmable Controllable Thermostat (PCT), Telkonet has evolved beyond its successful SmartEnergy product line and built upon its patented Recovery Time Technology. The EcoSmart suite of products introduces several new developments including a fully wireless thermostat, EcoWave, and a plug load controller branded the EcoGuard. The EcoSmart Product Suite development process included extensive input from customers, maintenance engineers, and Energy Service Companies to ensure that the product...

SAN DIEGO—The Crowne Plaza Alice Springs has won recognition as Asia-Pacific’s most environmentally-sustainable hotel after installing an Energy Eye guestroom energy management system. Awarded at the 2010 Asia Pacific Hotel Investment Conference (HICAP) in Hong Kong, the decision panel included judges from a number of prestigious organizations, including the National Geographic Society and the World Wildlife Fund.  First established in 2007, the award is designed to recognize a superior commitment to sustainable business practices within the hospitality industry. “It’s exciting to see our environmental sustainability initiatives validated and recognized,” said Investnorth principal and hotel owner Lloyd Berger. Berger accepted the...

WILMINGTON, DEL.—American Hometec, Inc. introduced its new Thermolock line of ultra-compact electric tankless water heaters—thermostatically controlled (a.k.a. temperature controlled) hot or tempered water units designed for easy compliance to codes like UPC 413.1-2006. The Thermolock line includes a family of three electric units—the AHQ-TC10, ACQ-TC10Y and ACQ-TB03X—all designed for hand washing, eye washing, booster heat or kitchen sinks in commercial settings as well as sinks, dishwashers or a single shower (tropical zone only) in residential settings. Unlike other electric water heaters on the market, the Thermolock units feature a lockable interface that can be set to a precise, desired temperature...

ORLANDO, FLA.—At the 2011 International Builders’ Show (IBS) in February, Panasonic Home & Environment Company will showcase its third generation of the WhisperGreen line of premium ventilation fans. Thirteen ceiling mounted fans designed for 4” or 6” ducts will be featured. The fans offer quiet operation and enhanced energy efficiency and are ideal for light commercial applications.   “The third generation models include all the advanced features that builders and contractors have come to love about WhisperGreen, including SmartFlow Optimum CFM Technology and our super energy efficient DC motor,” said Anita So, marketing manager, Panasonic Home & Environment Company. “At Panasonic,...

NIANTIC, CONN.—The InterContinental San Francisco hotel is reaping the financial and environmental benefits of implementing the e4 Smart Digital Thermostat developed by Niantic, Conn.-based INNCOM, a leader in advanced guestroom automation systems for hotels and resorts. According to the INNCOM tracking system, the property saved $75,491 on energy costs from January to September 2010. “With the INNCOM EMS and e4 Smart Digital Thermostat, we can allow guests a much greater amount of control and responsiveness than we could with systems that simply turn everything off,” says Harry Hobbs, InterContinental San Francisco director of engineering. “Most of the time the features...

WESTPORT, CONN.—With two weeks still remaining before the 2011 AHR Expo in Las Vegas, January 31 to February 2, show management reports that it is already bigger than the largest Western event ever held, which was in Anaheim, Calif., in 2004. Nearly 1,900 exhibiting companies have already reserved more than 374,000 square feet of booth space. This represents a 15 percent increase in both the number of exhibiting companies and booth space reserved. These numbers include 100 first-time exhibitors and nearly 400 international companies from 31 different countries. In addition, visitor pre-registration is running ahead of last year’s AHR Expo...

VENICE, CALIF.—Enovative Kontrol Systems recently launched D’MAND CIRC recirculation pump controllers that optimize central water heating systems for multi-tenant buildings. To improve the delivery of hot water, D’MAND CIRC operates on an as needed basis, minimizing radiant heat loss and pump run times. This greatly enhances the overall efficiency of water heating systems for hotels, and lowers natural gas consumption as well as heating costs by up to 30 percent. The installation of D’MAND CIRC can also assist in a building’s LEED certification. “We’ve incorporated D’MAND CIRC into all of our buildings and immediately saw a significant energy savings reflected...