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Shaping Tomorrow's Global Built Environment Today
May 14, 2026
The global cooling sector has seen overall demand rise 245% since 2010 and diverged into two distinct markets: a high-value commercial sector and high-volume residential sector. New research, covering 18 key AC markets and 15 heat pump markets, identifies the key forces shaping the industry: enhanced technology, tighter regulation and the rapid proliferation of data center cooling systems. The reports show a clear divergence in pricing between the high-value commercial sector driven by specialist applications and a high-volume residential sector where competition is suppressing prices. Read more
Researchers from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have developed a highly efficient cold plate technology for computer chips that could cut data center cooling costs from 30% to just 1.1% of total energy consumption. Using a process called topology optimization, the team let a mathematical algorithm design the perfect cooling surface, leading to the ridged design. Read more
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Home Depot is adding HVAC distribution as a new line of business through SRS Distribution's purchase of Mingledorff's. The company has been emphasizing its professional customer segment, and this deal fits that effort by widening what it can offer contractors beyond traditional building materials. The expanded HVAC footprint could influence how the company competes for larger, project based work across both residential and commercial jobs. Read more
New research highlights that AI systems can significantly enhance energy forecasting accuracy and HVAC efficiency in urban environments. Optimized AI systems have achieved energy savings of up to 44% while ensuring thermal comfort standards are met. The study identifies key barriers such as technical, governance and cybersecurity issues that hinder the large-scale deployment of AI in energy management. Read more
Join Rebecca Norris and Paul Raymer as they discuss practical tips for contractors and consumers alike to make informed decisions about residential heat pump systems.
 
Hot Air Podcast
ASHRAE Journal
By George Tsongas. Ph.D.
Mold problems are more common than most people realize in both new and older single-family and multifamily housing, potentially causing serious indoor air quality (IAQ) problems. Columnist George Tsongas provides guidance to help readers better understand mold problems inside housing and what to do about them. Download here
 
ASHRAE News
ASHRAE released its technical program for its 2026 Annual Conference, taking place June 27–July 1 in Austin, Texas. The conference will bring together industry professionals, researchers and practitioners from around the world for a week of knowledge-sharing, technical exploration, professional development and peer engagement. The complete schedule is now available online and through ASHRAE 365, enabling attendees to build personalized conference itineraries in advance. Read more
 
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In Case You Missed It
Researchers from the University of Calgary in Canada designed an air-source heat pump integrated with an air-based solar collector and radiant floor heating for cold climates, showing that the proposed system configuration could significantly reduce annual energy consumption. The system was simulated under the environmental conditions in Calgary. Read more
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