AHR EXPO: Doors Open for 40,000

Show planners for the 2010 AHR Expo expect to see 40,000 HVACR professionals visit this year's show at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL, now till Wednesday.

According to show officials, this year's event features more than 1,800 exhibitors— more than 200 of whom are first-time exhibitors — filling 354,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space.

Today, the aisles were packed with attendees jostling to make their way through the crowds, many of whom came seeking energy efficient or improved technology solutions for commercial and residential HVACR customers.

Commercial contractor Dave Yates, of F.W. Behler Inc., York, PA, was at the AHR Expo looking for enhanced controls to integrate HVAC systems for homes and businesses, specifically wireless products.

"I think wireless is the future for the HVACR industry," Yates said. "We found about three dozen control systems, at different levels of sophistication. They're still a relatively expensive item, but they're coming down in cost. Eventually, the simplicity of them will drive the business with contractors.

A residential HVAC contractor, Alan McCormick, owner of Cool Breeze Heating & Air, Savannah, GA, said he spent five hours at the Expo and still hadn't walked half of the show floor. The 12-year business owner said he's had a busy year despite a down economy. He was looking for energy recovery products and other energy efficient systems.

Innovation Awards
The Expo is certainly about products, and nine of those received AHR Expo Innovation Awards, which are given for products that the judges believe best help HVACR contractors and engineers provide safer, healthier, more efficient or comfortable indoor environments.

This year's winners:

• Building Automation: AIC Wireless
• Cooling: Delphi micro channel evaporator
• Green Building: Danfoss Performer VSD
• Heating: Daikin AC Americas VRV III-C
• Indoor Air Quality: Samsung Electronics compressor direct
• Refrigeration: Muller Industries 3C Condenser
• Software: AEC Design Group
• Tools/Instruments: LA-CO Industries Cool Gel-Heat barrier spray
• Ventilation: DuraSystems Barriers DuraDuct HP.