POSITIVE OUTLOOK FOR 2024 DESPITE UNPREDICTABLE FACTORS

Experts remain optimistic for election-year industry forecast; Electrification and lower interest rates to fuel growth.

Throughout 2023 the U.S. construction industry gained momentum from legislation such as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the Creating Helpful Incentives Produce Semiconductors Act and the Inflation Reduction Act. These acts aimed to rebuild infrastructure, prioritize clean energy initiatives and foster job creation. While high interest rates and inflation caused slowdown among some sectors, overall, companies within the PHCP-PVF industry enjoyed a successful year.

Heading into 2024, the above legislations are still at play as many areas of the country have yet to see the effects of funding. Additionally, manufacturers and distributors face the uncertainty of an election year, ongoing skilled labor shortages, and lingering supply chain disruptions along with other challenges. Despite these impending factors, PHCP-PVF experts remain positive for the outlook of this year, citing technology advancement, housing demand and the societal push toward greenhouse gas emission elimination as reasons for expected growth.

As distributors plan for the upcoming year, Deloitte identifies five key areas that may help them capitalize on the projected industry growth and tackle unforeseen challenges, including heightened focus on sustainability and efficiency, advancement of digitalization and generative AI, differentiated impact of market uncertainty across the residential and nonresidential segments, change in operating strategies to manage cost volatilities, demand and customer priorities, and new workforce norms to bridge the lingering talent and skills gaps.

SOURCE: https://www.supplyht.com/articles/105668-positive-outlook-for-2024-despite-unpredictable-factors

Selecting the right mount for a mini-split condenser is a choice that is very important and often overlooked. This decision has a profound impact on various aspects, from the unit's operational efficiency to ease of maintenance. If a mini-split condenser is installed on an unsuitable mount, increased vibration, noise, and potential mechanical issues can come about. Factors like the manufacturer's specs, surrounding environmental conditions, and installation space constraints need to be considered. The mounting solution isn’t just a part of the installation process but a critical step to ensure sustainable functionality and efficiency of the mini-split system, protecting the investment in the home or commercial cooling solutions. We’ll explore the different factors to consider when choosing which equipment mount is best for the job.

What Mounting Options Are There?

Typically, there are three main categories for mini-split mounting products: pads, stands, and wall brackets. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, but it will always come down to the application.

PADS

Condenser pads like those offered by DiversiTech, are an essential mounting option for mini-split condensers. These platforms are characterized by their flat, robust construction, providing a level and stable base for the condenser. Pads come in two primary materials: durable concrete and lightweight composite; concrete pads offer unmatched strength and longevity, while composite pads provide ease of handling and installation due to their lighter weight. When selecting a pad, several critical factors come into play. The pad's size and load capacity must align with the condenser's dimensions and weight, ensuring a perfect fit and adequate support.

MINI-SPLIT STANDS

Mini-split stands are specialized mounts designed to elevate condenser units above the ground. These metal stands are offered in a range of heights to cater to different installation needs. When choosing a mini-split stand, it's essential to consider the stand's height, ensuring it's appropriate for the specific environmental challenges of the location. Although these stands are made of metal, they can be made from aluminum, powder coated steel, stainless steel, or another metal – so selecting the material that will endure your specific weather conditions and bear the weight of the condenser without bending or breaking over time is paramount. Quick-Sling’s comprehensive selection of stands fits any installation application.

WALL BRACKETS

Wall brackets are a versatile mounting option for mini-split condensers, typically made of strong, weather-resistant metals and are designed to be affixed directly to the exterior wall of a building. When selecting wall brackets, design should allow for some level of adjustment to ensure the condenser is mounted level, which is vital for its proper functioning. The 230-B3L wall bracket is a great example of a solution with this feature.

Ultimately, the right mounting choice maximizes the system's performance and longevity. Whether it's a pad, mini-split stand, or wall bracket, each option serves specific needs based on various factors like compatibility, geographic location, and installation location. By considering these elements carefully, one can ensure that the mini-split system operates efficiently, safely, and harmoniously within its environment.

DiversiTech offers a full range of HVAC equipment mounting products for both mini-split and conventional installations.

Check out our Diversitech products here.

SOURCE: https://www.achrnews.com/articles/153959-3-factors-to-consider-when-mounting-a-mini-split-condenser