Rheem Manufacturing Company was selected as the 2013 AHR Expo Product of the Year Award winner for its innovative H2AC Rooftop Unit, a restaurant integrated AC and water heating system.
During a special ceremony at the world’s largest HVACR expo in Dallas on January 29, it was announced that the product that Rheem entered was selected from among the 10 AHR Expo Innovation Award winners as the Product of the Year. The innovative new product features refrigerant-to-water heat recovery that can reduce the water heater’s energy consumption by an estimated 50%. Rheem was an Innovation Award winner in the Cooling category.
Widely recognized as one of the most prestigious honors in the HVACR industry, the 2013 AHR Expo Innovation Awards competition celebrated its 11th anniversary at the record-breaking Dallas Show. Created by ASHRAE, AHRI and AHR Expo, the awards program was designed to recognize the most innovative and useful products among the thousands on display at the AHR Expo. Entries submitted by exhibitors each year are judged on the basis of innovative design, application, market impact and value to the HVACR industry. The Awards are also meant to promote and encourage new product development in ten major categories.
The entry fees from the AHR Expo Innovation Awards are donated to a local charity in the city where the expo is being held. This year’s total of $10,350 was donated to Family Gateway, a Dallas-based organization dedicated to helping homeless children and their families achieve independence. Family Gateway will use the donation to upgrade outdated and inefficient HVAC equipment in 28 of their family units.
“We congratulate Rheem and all the winners of the AHR Expo Innovation Awards,” said Clay Stevens, President of International Exposition Company, which produces and manages the AHR Expo. “These companies deserve recognition for the innovative products they are creating, products that improve the environment where we work and live by making it healthier and more comfortable while using less energy.”