The President's Message

January 2025

Eli wirtes

Dear Connecticut ASHRAE Members,

Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a great holiday season and was able to enjoy quality time with family and friends.

Our January meeting is Thursday the 9^th and we’re thrilled to welcome Evan Cohen and Mitchell Joseph, who will present on A2L Refrigerants, a timely and important topic. This meeting promises to be an engaging and informative event—I look forward to seeing you there!

Lastly, I’d like to remind everyone about ASHRAE’s Winter Conference in Orlando from February 8-12. This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with industry professionals, learn from thought leaders, and explore the latest innovations in HVAC&R technology.

Eli Wirtes
President, Connecticut Chapter ASHRAE

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Meet the Team

CT ASHRAE 2024-2025

Officers and Board of Governors

Past President:  Kevin Wixom

President:  Eli Writes

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President-Elect:  Brittany Lydon

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Treasurer: Hank Cullinane

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Vice President: Brian Messerschmidt


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Secretary - Ryan Martin

Board of Governor: Kevin Wixom

Board of Governor: Matt Andel

Board of Governor: Erik Schubert

Board of Governor: Joe Valle

Board of Governor: Chris Gallagher

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Special Announcement

Busy people don’t have time to waste on bad conferences. And let’s face it – you’re busy! Busy designing concepts, visiting project sites, meeting with clients and pushing your firm to the next level.

In alignment with SMPS Connecticut’s mission to advocate for, educate and connect leaders in the building industry, back by popular demand, they are pleased to present the Win More Work Summit: a one-day summit featuring A/E/C thought leaders delivering critical content to position your firm to win more work. Polish your marketing and business development skills and engage with our client panel. Conclude the day by networking with attendees, panelists and speakers at a cash bar happy hour to enrich your conference experience.

The best part of the Win More Work Summit is that they’re empowering you to design your day and maximize the return on your investment by choosing between (2) focused learning sessions!

This high-value conference is applicable to anyone in the A/E/C space. Architects, engineers, landscape architects, environmental scientists, construction managers, owners' representatives, specialty contractors, business developers and marketers – that means YOU. Let your business development strategy take flight in 2024. Sign up today!

The Connecticut Chapter of ASHRAE is a proud collaborating sponsor of the Win More Work Summit. Members of our organization will receive the SMPS CT member rate ($25 savings) when registering for the summit! Here’s how to register:

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Newsletter Sponsors

If you'd like your personal or business card to appear here, please contact the Sponsorship Committee today! Click Here to see the sponsorship opportunities!

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Meeting Announcement

JANUARY 2025 DINNER MEETING

Refrigerant Transition 

Meeting Sponsors:

Wine/Beer Raffle Sponsors:

Appetizer Display Tray Sponsor: 

Vendor Tables: 2 Available

Order of Events:

5:00 PM to 6:00 PM - Tech Session

5:45 PM to 6:45 PM - Registration, Networking & Cocktail Hour

6:45 PM to 7:15 PM - Dinner

7:15 PM to 8:30 PM - Dinner Session

Tech Session:

A2L Refrigerant Transition

Tech Session Duration: 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM

Tech Session Location: Waterford Room

Tech Session Description: A2L Refrigerant Transition and Impacts/Changes to RTU Manufacturing 

Refrigerants play a pivotal role in the world of HVAC manufacturing.  Their classifications determine their safety and environmental impact.  The EPA Technology Transition Rule mandates a paradigm shift in the HVAC industry. Compliance with GWP limits is paramount, and understanding the differentiation between products and systems is crucial.

The A2L classification has emerged as a necessary category for refrigerants, addressing the challenge of creating alternatives with lower GWPs.  Units utilizing A2L refrigerants are designed with safety as a top priority. Components are selected and tested in compliance with industry standards to address the specific challenges presented by the A2L classification. To further enhance safety, these units are equipped with refrigerant leak detection sensors as a standard feature. These sensors play a crucial role in early detection of any leaks, enabling prompt intervention and resolution. 

Choosing a refrigerant with a lower GWP aligns with the industry's commitment to environmental sustainability. It not only reflects a responsible approach to current regulations but also prepares for future standards that prioritize eco-friendly options. 

Tech Session Speaker: Evan Cohen, APA Connecticut

Speaker Bio: 

Evan joined APA CT (fka Aercon Corporation) in 1997 after earning his degree from the University of Vermont.  Professionally, Evan has more than 25 years of experience in the HVAC Industry, specializing in the application and sale of engineered HVAC products and systems.  Evan’s clients include consulting engineers, building owners, mechanical contractors, architects and others involved in the construction and operation of HVAC systems.

Dinner Presentation:

Considerations for Designing a VRF System with A2L

Dinner Session Duration: 7:15 PM to 8:30 PM

Dinner Session Location: Nutmeg Ballroom

Dinner Presentation Description: 

With lower Global Warming Potential mandates affecting refrigerant based systems, there are various standards, guidelines and codes that need to be reviewed in order to design in a variable refrigerant system within a construction project.  With this presentation of considerations for designing a VRF system with A2L, we hope this will assist you and your design team counterparts, understand the what, why and how to ease the transition. 

Dinner Sessions Speaker: Mitchell Joseph, Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC LLC

Speaker Bio: 

Mitchell was in the consulting engineering industry for roughly 15 years after receiving his degree from the University of Hartford.  Prior to joining Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC LLC “METUS” in 2022, Mitchell’s experience was collaborating with building owner’s, owners’ representatives, contractors, company internal teams and sales engineers to provide custom HVAC systems for high-end residential homes.  Mitchell’s clients now include consulting engineers, building owners, distributors, mechanical contractors, architects and others involved in the build industry and operation of HVAC systems.

 Dinner Menu:

 Caesar Salad and Soup

Sliced Sirloin with Roasted Garlic Au Jus

Chicken Francaise

Rice Pilaf

Butter and Rolls, seasonal vegetable, dessert, coffee and tea

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Calendar of Events

Mark your calendar for the 2024-2025 year! 

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Research Promotion

Research Promotion

CT ASHRAE Vendor Directory Campaign with RepGuide

We are excited to announce that our 2024-2025 Product Directory is now available to our CT ASHRAE Chapter Members! 

Available on a web-based portal and as a PDF Download, this Directory features many of our local equipment representatives' and suppliers' line cards as well as a helpful product cross-referencing index. Thank you to all who contributed to our 1st collaboration with RepGuide in creating this directory. Our hope is that we will continue to grow this directory to encompass more and more of our local equipment representatives and products each year in support of our Chapter's Research Promotion Campaign.

You can access the Online and PDF versions of the 2024-2025 Product Directory by logging in to the Member Area of our chapter website: https://ctashrae.org/members.php and selecting NEW! 2024 Product Directory from the menu on the left-hand side of the webpage.

Please direct any questions or concerns to [email protected]

Kevin Wixom
2024-25 CT ASHRAE Research Promotion Chair

The RP Campaign is an annual fundraising campaign benefitting the funding of numerous ASHRAE programs:

• ASHRAE Research
• Scholarships for Undergraduate Students
• ASHRAE Learning Institute (ALI) Development of Course & Materials
• Graduate Research Projects
• Young Engineers in ASHRAE (YEA) Leadership Training

Please vist https://www.ashrae.org/technical-resources/research/ashrae-rp for more information on Research Promotion. 

Donation Levels

• Recognition at all Chapter meetings
• Organization name on www.ctashrae.org home page
• Organization name on www.ctashrae.org Research Promotion page
• Recognition in monthly newsletter

• Recognition at all Chapter meetings
• Organization name on www.ctashrae.org home page
• Organization name on www.ctashrae.org Research Promotion page
• Recognition in monthly newsletter

• Organization name on www.ctashrae.org Research Promotion page
• Recognition in monthly newsletter

Donate to

ASHRAE Research

ASHRAE Research Promotion contributions made through the ASHRAE HQ website are fast, secure, and easy. CLICK below to donate

CT ASHRAE thanks the following 2024-2025 Research Promotion Contributors:

Platinum Level Donors: Min. $2,000

EMCOR Services New England Mechanical

Gold Level Donors: Min. $1,000
ABS Building Systems, Inc.
Harry Grodsky & Company Incorporated

EDOS Manufacturers Reps

Belimo

Silver Level Donors: Min. $500
Flow Tech, Inc.

Consulting Engineering Services, Inc.

Mitsubishi Electric Trane

Melia Associates

CTC Building Solutions

Tighe & Bond

Swan Associates Incorporated

Macri Associates

Organization Donors

Individual Donors

THANK YOU FOR CONTRIBUTING TO OUR RP GOAL!

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Membership News

Membership News 

We would like to give a big shout out to all of our new members that have joined CT AHSREA in 2024!

Membership Special Events!

Membership Referral Program

The membership referral program is still around! If you refer a member and they pay the CT chapter dues, both you and the new member will be given a $20 Visa gift card.

Click Here to learn more about the benefits of ASHRAE Membership!

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Young Engineers in ASHRAE

YEA Leadership Weekend (Spring 2025)

Location: Louisville, Kentucky
Dates: March 14-16, 2025

Registration is NOW OPEN until February 13th, 2025!!

Are you interested in expanding your knowledge, meeting fellow engineers and having some fun along the way? Look no further than YEA Leadership Weekend! YEA Leadership Weekend is an opportunity for you—the future leaders of ASHRAE—to learn more about Society, develop soft skills and network with other young professionals. Over 1,100 YEA members have already taken advantage of this great opportunity…will you be next?

This event will include segments on understanding your own personality as well as other types, leadership development for young professionals, communication techniques and ASHRAE leadership opportunities.

Leadership Weekend Objectives

1. Leadership
2. Networking
3. Communication
4. Professional Development

Download the YEA Leadership Weekend flyer for more information. It’s a great resource to supply your employer to support your attendance!

YEA LEADERSHIP WEEKEND FLYER YLW FLYER (SPANISH)

Registration

The Spring 2025 YEA Leadership Weekend will be held at the Louisville Marriott Downtown in Louisville, KY from March 14-16, 2025. Registration is $580 and includes hotel accommodations for Friday and Saturday, meals during the event (dinner on Friday, all meals on Saturday, and breakfast and lunch on Sunday), and all necessary materials and resources. Airfare and any ground transportation costs are not included.

Travel Information: The event starts at 2pm local time on Friday, March 14, 2025 in Louisville, KY. It is highly recommended to please book your flight to land in San Francisco no later than 12:00pm local time. The event ends by 12pm local time on Sunday, March 16, 2025. We highly recommend that you please book your return flight no earlier than 2pm local time so that you are able to get the full complete experience of the weekend. If you are unable to find flights that accommodate these times, please let me know.

OPTIONAL TECHNICAL TOUR : The technical tour will be at the Norton Children’s Cancer Institute-Novak Center in Louisville, KY.  The tour will take place at 3pm local time on March 13, 2025. Built in 2018, the Novak Center is a 174,000-square-foot pediatric medical facility. The building houses comprehensive medical services including a pharmacy, patient testing areas, clinical research facilities, oncology services, and medical education spaces, all designed with flexible, convertible spaces. It is Kentucky's first medical office building to implement a chilled beam heating and cooling system.

Registration for the tour is an additional $200 and includes a hotel room for the night of Thursday, March 13, 2025 and the technical tour. If you sign up for the technical tour, additional information will be sent after you register.

>> By registering for this event, you agree to the YLW Policies and to the ASHRAE liability waiver.

Register Now     YLW 1.0 Schedule     YLW Policies  

YLW Schedule

Leadership U

Leadership U is a program in which four YEA members are selected for an ASHRAE Winter or Annual Conference to be matched up with Society Officers and participate in all of their events and board meetings, including social activities. Leadership U not only allows these young professionals to experience a conference like an Officer, but it is also a great opportunity to network and form connections with those active in ASHRAE.

If you have questions about Leadership U, please contact YEA at [email protected] or 678-539-1178.

Program Overview

• If selected to participate in the program, you will have the costs of attending the conference (transportation, lodging and registration) covered by ASHRAE Society. Transportation includes the cost of your flight or gas mileage – whichever is less. Your hotel room will be covered for check in on Friday, and check out on Thursday. You will be registered for the conference and the Welcome Party, President's Luncheon, Members Night Out. Expenses not covered by the program include baggage fees, parking, taxis/public transportation, and food.
• Those selected to participate in the program will document their experiences and share them with the YEA Committee, their Chapter and their Region.
• The Leadership U Program Definition document provides a complete overview of the program.

Application Review

Applications are reviewed using a scoring system that awards a dedicated number of points to each question/qualification. In order to be considered for selection, an applicant must tally a minimum number of points. The scores from each reviewer are compiled and the four applicants with the highest scores are selected.

Program Requirements

The goal of Leadership U is to provide current YEA leaders with the opportunity to develop their knowledge and inspire their continued ASHRAE leadership. In order to qualify for selection, Leadership U applicants must meet the following requirements.
Required :

• ASHRAE chapter leadership
• Attendance at an ASHRAE Annual or Winter Conference. (Exceptions may be made if an applicant has fulfilled all other requirements and their score qualifies them for selection.)

Recommended :

• ASHRAE Regional leadership
• ASHRAE Society leadership, which can include Technical Committee participation
• Attendance at YEA Leadership Weekend or YEA Leadership International

In addition, your application will be reviewed based on your responses to the non-experience questions on the application: your overall YEA participation, how ASHRAE has benefitted you, your interest in participating in Leadership U, and your aspirations within ASHRAE.

Apply Now

Applications for the 2025 Winter Conference in Orlando are Now Open until October 9^th, 2024!

ASHRAE Region LeaDRS Program

(Leadership Development through Regional Support)

LeaDRS is an ASHRAE regional program that encourages the development of future regional and Society leaders. Similar to YEA’s Leadership U program, the LeaDRS program allows a Region to select an ASHRAE member to shadow their Director and Regional Chair (DRC) at an ASHRAE conference. The LeaDRS program is open to all ASHRAE members (it is not restricted to YEA members). The LeaDRS program is run, funded, and administered by each Region.

Please review the LeaDRS program document for a complete description of the program.

If you are interested in applying for your Region’s LeaDRS program, please contact your Region’s DRC directly:

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Student Activities

 

Through its scholarships, ASHRAE seeks to motivate students and prospective students worldwide to pursue an engineering or technology career in the HVAC&R field, part of the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) industry. The Society’s Scholarship Program also serves the public interest by aiding in the education of men and women to become qualified to practice as engineers in HVAC&R.

Over the course of 30 years ASHRAE has awarded over $2.25 million to 400+ deserving students.

 

Apply	Donate

ASHRAE Society Scholarships

Did you know ASHRAE Society offers 53 scholarships to students through one application! Deadline for applications is December 1^st for returning students and May 1^st for incoming freshman.

Society Scholarships Application

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Refrigeration

Refrigeration News

Sean McKenna, Refrigeration Chair

We are looking to increase the exposure that refrigeration gets at the CT level, and are looking for help.  If you know of any contacts that could help us find possible presenters for refrigeration themed monthly meetings or tours, or if you have any other suggestions for the refrigeration committee, let us know by e-mail: [email protected]

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Technology Transfer

ASHRAE certification programs were founded to meet industry need and today provide value to 1,000s of built-environment professionals, employers and building owners.

For the past 100+ years ASHRAE has worked hard to earn and maintain a worldwide reputation for being the leader in HVAC&R design. ASHRAE certification programs serve to reinforce that reputation.

Interested in an ASHRAE Certification? Click here for more information

ASHRAE’s mission is to serve humanity by advancing the arts and sciences of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration and their allied fields. ASHRAE’s vision is a healthy and sustainable built environment for all.

If you are seeking a job in the engineering field or searching for the most qualified engineers, the ASHRAE job board offers the most qualified opportunities and candidates. Engineers can set up a personal account for job searches, manage resumes and create alerts for new job postings. Employers can set up a corporate account to post new jobs, review resumes and manage recruiting.

ASHRAE Jobs

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Government Affairs

Government Affairs

Refrigerants Will Be Replaced by Air, Korean Researchers Say

The Korea Energy Research Institute has developed, for the first time in the country, a refrigeration technology that uses air as a refrigerant instead of freon gas, hydrofluorocarbons and other refrigerants that cause global warming. Researchers have successfully developed an ultra-high-speed integrated compression and expansion system using advanced design technology. The system is capable of cooling down to -100°C (-148°F), so it is expected to have wide applications in semiconductor processes, biotechnology, pharmaceutical storage and more. Read more

Save the Date

DEEP is announcing two important meetings scheduled for this fall: 

October 17, 2024- DEEP will be hosting a Technical Meeting from 10 AM to 4 PM to review the Utility Budget Optimization Plan as required by the 2024 Plan Update Final Determination.  

November 21, 2024- DEEP will be hosting a Technical Meeting from 10 AM to 4 PM to review and gather public input on the 2025-2027 Conservation and Load Management Plan.   

Both meetings will be held at 10 Franklin Square in New Britain, CT with a hybrid attendance option.  Meeting Notices and Agendas will be provided prior to both Technical Meetings.   

AHJ Is Here To Stay

On April 4, 2024, the ASHRAE Standard 90.1 Project Committee overwhelmingly voted and approved the use of “AHJ” (authority having jurisdiction) as the entity responsible for the acceptance or rejection of the design and installation of a construction project within a community where ASHRAE Standard 90.1, Energy Standard for Sites and Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings, has been adopted. Read more

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Grassroots

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History Report

History News

My name is Eric Fontaine and I am going into my third year as CT ASHRAE historian.  There are a lot of items I would like to accomplish this year as historian, and the first and foremost is gathering information on our chapter’s history.  If anyone has relevant items from our CT ASHRAE history, please reach out to me so I can look to gather them.  I am looking to compile them and digitize as best as possible our chapter’s history.  I know that our chapter has a lot of historical information, so if anyone, whether you are a current member or a past president or BOG member, please reach out to me.  

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Become a Sponsor

2024-2025 Sponsorship OPPORTUNITies

Thank you for visiting the CT ASHRAE Sponsorship page.

By becoming a 2024-2025 sponsor, your firm will be exposed to decision-makers from major engineering, design, construction and contracting firms at programs and social events throughout the year. Our membership includes 450+ members made up of owners, principals, senior associates, business developers and more!

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor CLICK THE LINK BELOW to access our sponsorship catalog(s).

Sponsorship Catalog

Contact Brian Messerschmidt with the sponsorship committee with any questions, concerns or to discuss a customized opportunity.

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Classifieds

Are you interested in posting a classified ad on the CT ASHRAE website and through our monthly newsletter? Please click HERE to fill out the submission form. We will contact you upon receipt of the form to implement the ad. The cost is $100 per month.

Please email us at [email protected] with any questions or concerns.

CLASSIFIEDS

SUBMIT AN AD

 Job Posting:

• Eversource;  Supervisor, Energy Efficiency Implementation (Hybrid)

Please reach out to Siobhan Hickey ([email protected])

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ASHRAE Social Media

Follow ASHRAE on Social Media 

Check out the NEW CT ASHRAE page on Linkedin! 

LinkedIn: CT ASHRAE

Want to stay up-to-date with all the latest and greatest news to hit the HVAC&R industry? Start following ASHRAE National on one of their many social media channels!

Linkedin: ASHRAE

Facebook: ASHRAE

Twitter: @ASHRAENews

YouTube: ASHRAEvideo

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Job Board

https://jobs.ashrae.org/

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