Product Spotlight

iFLO Will Save HVAC Technicians Nuisance Calls, Save Homeowners from an Out-Of-Service HVAC

Professional HVAC Specialists have a new friend in the smart home space, to help save them time, make them some money, and service customers more conveniently.  iFLO® is the first-of-its-kind, smart automated device that dispenses a bio-enzymatic cleaning solution directly into the AC drain line and drain pan actively breaking down and flushing out the build-up that leads to clogs, floods, and shutdowns. iFLO patented technology uses geo-location and reads local temperature, and humidity levels to customize maintenance needs. iFLO is on a mission to save HVAC technicians from nuisance calls and homeowners from unnecessary costly clogs.

iFlo is thrilled to be launching at the AHR Expo in Chicago with partners Watsco Distribution, and Dealers: Air Pro’s, All Year Cooling. Come visit booth N2067 at AHR in Chicago January 22-24.

How it works for the PROS

• Real Time Outbound Calls:Patented “Smart” Float Switch immediately alerts service provider when condensate line is clogged.
• Recurring Revenue:Enroll your customers in 6-month service calls to replace iFLO® bottles, saving homeowners the hassle of needing to remember and do it themselves.
• Real-time dashboard:Provide service techs with custom admin panel identifying location and status of iFLO® customers.

When an HVAC Expert includes iFLO on a new HVAC install, it ensures the unit will run smoothly. This is especially helpful, as in year one, when the unit is under warranty HVAC technicians often have to absorb the cost, or work with insurance to get paid on calls related to the unit not working, that many times, are caused by a clogged drainpipe. Something iFLO was invented specifically to target and solve.

Stay in control Using AI-based technology, the FLO app can geo-locate users and provide a customized dispensing schedule based on humidity and temperature. iFLO proprietary cleaning solution lasts for 3-6 months depending on location. Through the app, utilize a variety of subscription plans, something that an HVAC service provider can offer to customers, including installation.

“iFLO is a revolutionary smart home product that will change the landscape for servicing and maintaining HVAC units,” says Joe McDonell, inventor iFLO, “By installing iFLO a PRO can make sure that their customers units are running smoothly. Shut downs, water damage, leaks related to clogged drain pipes are no longer an issue with iFLO smart device and proprietary cleaning solution. With the app there is ability to service from a far, and ensure the AC doesn’t shut down, especially when it’s needed most, and create an unhappy customer.”

Why iFLO is needed: ACs cool the space and eliminate excess humidity by passing warm air through the cold condensation coils located inside the air handler. Condensation forms on the coils and collects in a catch basin. When the condensation mixes with biological particles such as dust, pollen, pet dander, and airborne germs, a thick jelly-like mucus called “Zooglea” starts to form. Zooglea becomes sticky and gummy as it builds up inside the condensate drain line, eventually clogging the PVC pipe and causing the AC to either shut down or overflow.

Why Does Zooglea Matter? Before 2015, condensation coils contained copper, an antimicrobial inhibitor slowing the growth of bacteria that minimized clogs between six to nine months. Due to the rising cost of materials, manufacturers have since replaced copper with aluminum. Unlike copper, aluminum does not inhibit the growth of Zooglea. The number of ACs replaced every year has increased by 5-6%, further exacerbating the problem.

iFLO Kit Includes: Device, 36oz Drain Cleaner, Drain Line Connector/Adaptor

Learn more at https://iflo.com/ visit us at booth N2067 at AHR in Chicago January 22-24.

Trusted manufacturer empowers heating professionals with new robust, high-performing solutions designed to fit a wide range of applications

Bradford White Water Heaters, an industry-leading manufacturer of water heaters, boilers and storage tanks, announces the release of its new Brute® XTR commercial boilers and volume water heaters.

Brute XTR boilers and volume water heaters are available in six sizes, ranging from 399 MBH to 1500 MBH, and deliver AHRI-certified thermal efficiency of 96-plus percent.

“With the Brute XTR, we’re offering an advanced solution that meets the high standards of heating professionals in the field and empowers them to deliver the high-performing, long-lasting products their customers need,” said Louise Prader, senior director of product management for Bradford White. “The Brute XTR was developed to ensure our professional customers have a robust, easily installed solution that fits a wide range of applications.”

The Brute XTR line-up features:

• A reliable stainless steel, low-pressure drop water tube heat exchanger
• Dual venturi combustion system for 10:1 turndown
• PVC, CPVC or PP venting materials
• Variable speed boiler pump
• Top gas and water connections and easy access service panels for flexibility in installation
• Convenient touchscreen control platform

For more information about Bradford White Water Heaters and the Brute XTR series of boilers and volume water heaters, visit www.bradfordwhite.com.

Gripple, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of wire joining and tensioning solutions for the construction sector, has launched FlexiStak, an innovative adjustable pipe hanger that is set to make VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow) systems quicker and simpler to install.  FlexiStak will be demonstrated by Gripple at AHR EXPO 2024 (January 22-24 Chicago).

Recognizing the challenges facing contractors in hanging and supporting VRF pipework, Gripple designed FlexiStak as a robust hanger and track system that makes VRF line sets simple to install, easily adjustable and is compatible with modular installation.

FlexiStak has been designed around Gripple’s innovative Fast Trak system. This unique trapeze system comprises of Fast Trak brackets that seamlessly attach to tracks using a patented push-button cartridge mechanism. Allowing for a secure and easy height adjustment for the suspension of mechanical services Fast Trak saves contractors significant time and effort on every installation.

FlexiStak deliberately utilises this same technology, providing simple height adjustment on tracks varying from 12-59 inches, as well as the ability to support a modular install of multiple hangers to allow for the separation of line sets and pipework or to accommodate multiple services, giving contractors complete flexibility.

Setting a new standard for the way VRF pipework is installed, FlexiStak can be used independently or can be integrated seamlessly within the Fast Trak system to provide contractors with more options and greater efficiency on a wide variety of projects that support line sets/pipework running between branch controllers and fan units (cassettes). It is fully tested to support a 75 lb load, providing reliability and peace of mind.

Sean Boyle, Product Manager at Gripple inc, explains: “There are potentially huge labor and cost savings to be made by using FlexiStak.  Our system is unique as it utilises a fully flexible track and has health and safety benefits as there is no need to cut rod on site.

He adds: “A major benefit is its height adjustment capability, which avoids other services being installed on site.  It also means that projects can run on time, with no additional costs for replacement product that is no longer compatible or suitable.  It also offers the ability to modularise the install to separate lines and enables multiple pipes stacks, overcoming many of the challenges facing contractors using conventional methods. With the US government and the Energy Trust incentivising use of VRF systems, there is huge scope for contractors to optimise installations using FlexiStak.”

FlexiStak’s ingenious design features a built-in wire gate, which when firmly closed, ensures the pipework remains securely locked in place within the hanger.  Strong and durable, FlexiStak is manufactured from a robust glass-filled nylon material. With UL approval, FlexiStak meets stringent industry standards offering quality and safety.

Suitable for both small or large pipework, Gripple FlexiStak offers two hanger sizes, allowing for single and stacked pipework configurations. The system has the ability to support pipework up to 3 inch outside diameter, making it an essential piece of kit on a wide range of projects.

Extremely straightforward to install, Gripple FlexiStak requires no specialist tools, cutting or hot works. This reduces the risk and helps to improve health and safety on-site.

For more information about the FlexiStak range visit https://www.gripple.com/en-us/building-services/install/flexistak/

Watts introduces the ArmorTek™ advanced coating system for ACVs.  With an 8-year Microbiologically Induced Corrosion (MIC) warranty, this advanced patent pending technology is now available on Watts Classic and Mustang valves, providing three layers of protection to create an effective barrier, dramatically increasing resistance to corrosion.

Watts ArmorTek includes:

1. An Anti-corrosion primer containing an electrochemical corrosion inhibitor that significantly slows the spread of corrosion should the metal substrate become exposed from wear or impact.
2. A Microbial inhibitor which curbs the growth of bacteria that causes microbial-induced corrosion or MIC. This further slows the spread of corrosion and limits the growth of tubercles that can clog or foul downstream equipment.
3. A Robust topcoat specially designed to bond to the primer below, providing a high-strength barrier between the iron substrate and water.

For more information, visit Watts.com/ArmorTek.