Often, when people think about smarter HVAC devices or connected HVAC devices, they think about their home air conditioning and heating. Maybe they’ve sprung for a Nest home thermostat or another network-enabled thermostat that allows them to turn up the heat without ever having to get up off the couch or out from under a toasty blanket and thought, “Yeah, the future is pretty great!”
But there are a lot more benefits to connected HVAC devices than the simple convenience of raising or lowering the temperature with the touch of a finger or the sound of a voice. And many of those benefits are on display this week at the annual AHR Expo, which features the latest technologies revolutionizing the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC-R) industry.
In advance of this year’s big event, which is truly the preeminent HVAC exposition and conference in the world, we sat down with some of the largest and most recognizable global brands in the HVAC industry to talk about the evolution of smarter, more connected devices and the rise of HVAC as a Service (HVACaaS).
One of the individuals we spoke with was Russell Tavolacci, the Senior Vice President and COO of Samsung HVAC America. During our discussion, we talked about some of the exciting new technologies that Samsung is launching at AHR, the connected nature of virtually everything that Samsung manufactures today and the benefits of connectivity that extend beyond comfort and convenience – including the ability to enable proactive maintenance and remote device monitoring.
Here is what he had to say:
Modern Equipment Manufacturer (MEM): Can you tell our readers about Samsung’s HVAC solutions? What types of HVAC products does the company offer and what market sectors does it serve?
Russell Tavolacci: Samsung HVAC America in Roanoke, Texas, is the headquarters for Samsung’s heating and cooling products with distribution channels throughout the United States and Canada providing residential, light commercial, and commercial solutions.
MEM: What key technologies and capabilities differentiate Samsung HVAC equipment from others in the marketplace?
Russell Tavolacci: We offer unique indoor units throughout our entire product offering. Specifically, our 360 Cassette, which is available for light commercial and commercial applications. Also, our Wind-Free cooling technology is unique and used to eliminate direct airflow to occupants, which is available for residential, light commercial, and commercial applications. In addition, our systems offer some of the easiest start up commissioning process capabilities.
MEM: We’ve seen massive changes in the HVAC industry over the past few years. One change involves HVAC equipment becoming smarter and more connected. Is this something Samsung HVAC has looked to embrace in its solutions? If so, how?
Russell Tavolacci: Absolutely! Samsung has integrated HVAC equipment in its connected eco system through SmartThings, which is Samsung’s global smart hub. All HVAC products manufactured by Samsung and most Samsung consumer electronics can be controlled through this one, simple app. The SmartThings app is also compatible with third-party equipment to complement our HVAC systems – for example, thermostats.
MEM: What benefits do smarter, more connected HVAC devices deliver to residential owners? What about commercial owner/operators?
Russell Tavolacci: It gives the homeowner easier, remote access to control and manage efficiency. In addition to easier remote access, it also provides system performance and real time monitoring.
Commercial owner/operators can also remotely monitor, control, and operate Samsung equipment utilizing the SmartThings app without losing any functionality.
MEM: In advance of the AHR Expo, we sat down with some of the show organizers, including the show manager, Mark Stevens. One of the hot topics that came up in that discussion was the evolution of HVAC as a Service (HVACaaS). Is HVACaaS something Samsung is looking to implement? Why or why not?
Russell Tavolacci: Many of our products are equipped to provide our customers and their customers the ability to monitor and measure the product regarding preventative maintenance and service. At the present time, we are committed to our distribution channel including their dealers and contractors to properly sell, install, and service Samsung’s high technology products.
MEM: What does Samsung HVAC have planned for this year’s AHR Expo? Are there any exciting announcements or new products that the company will be demonstrating? What can AHR attendees expect from Samsung this year?
Russell Tavolacci: Samsung has planned to introduce a whole new generation of mini split systems that feature unique and value-added benefits for our distribution customers and for their contractor customers. We will also display our mobile training center lab which allows our customers and their clients to conduct hands-on single and 3-phase product training.
To learn more about Samsung and their HVAC solutions, click HERE. To learn more about the rise of HVACaaS and its impact on the HVAC industry, click HERE to download a complimentary copy of the eBook, “The HVAC as a Service Revolution.”
