SVL’s latest Coffee Break webinar brought a fresh perspective to one of the industry’s biggest challenges: how to dramatically improve HVAC efficiency while navigating increasing energy demand, decarbonization pressures, and evolving refrigerant regulations. Hosted by Jeff Peterson of SVL, the session featured Matthew Kruse, VP of Sales at Blue Frontier, who introduced a breakthrough approach to air conditioning that rethinks the fundamentals of how cooling and dehumidification are achieved.

Rethinking HVAC at a Critical Time

The conversation opened with a clear reality: HVAC systems sit squarely at the center of rising energy demand. With global temperatures increasing and cooling loads projected to surge, traditional vapor compression systems are under scrutiny—not just for efficiency, but for their reliance on high-GWP refrigerants and peak energy consumption patterns.

Blue Frontier’s technology aims to address both challenges head-on by fundamentally changing how HVAC systems operate. Rather than relying solely on vapor compression, their system combines liquid desiccant technology with indirect evaporative cooling and integrated thermal storage—a combination designed to significantly reduce energy use while improving performance.

A New Approach: Decoupling Temperature and Humidity

One of the most compelling takeaways from the session was how Blue Frontier separates temperature control from humidity control—something conventional systems struggle to do efficiently.

Traditional systems typically:

• Overcool air to remove moisture
• Then reheat it to maintain comfortable supply temperatures

 

This process wastes energy. Blue Frontier avoids this by using a non-corrosive liquid desiccant to remove moisture directly, without overcooling. Then, indirect evaporative cooling is used to precisely control supply air temperature.

The result? A system that moves differently on the psychrometric chart—delivering targeted humidity and temperature control without the energy penalty of conventional methods.

Built-In Energy Storage: A Game Changer

Another standout feature is the system’s integrated thermal energy storage, which acts like a battery within the unit.

This allows the system to:

• Shift energy use to off-peak hours
• Reduce peak demand charges
• Operate at extremely low power during peak periods

 

In some cases, the system can deliver full cooling capacity using roughly the same energy as a household appliance for several hours. This “dispatchable cooling” capability is particularly attractive to utilities and building owners looking to manage demand and reduce operating costs.

Efficiency Gains That Stand Out

While using onboard thermal storage – Blue Frontier reports efficiency improvements of up to 300% compared to conventional systems!

Real world benefits translate to:

• 40–85% energy savings, depending on climate
• Significant reductions in operational costs
• Lower carbon footprint
• Zero refrigerant leak mitigation risk
• Heat Exchanger has no moving parts – nothing to break or degrade over time.

 

The system becomes even more compelling in regions with high cooling loads or where utilities incentivize load shifting and energy efficiency.

Practical Considerations for Engineers

While the technology is innovative, the discussion stayed grounded in real-world application:

• Capacity: Current units deliver ~20 tons, with extended capacities on the horizon.
• Airflow: 3500 cfm capable of delivering 55 degree dew point.
• Water Use: Minimal (approximately 0.3–0.8 GPM), this ends up being a net water savings when considering power plant usage
• Weight: Heavier than traditional RTUs (~8,000 lbs), requiring structural consideration or on ground level mounting. While heavier than traditional DOAS – much lighter in comparison to traditional thermal storage.
• Freeze Protection: Desiccant remains stable down to -58°F

 

Importantly, the system is designed for flexibility—capable of rooftop, indoor, or split configurations depending on project needs.

The Bigger Picture

Beyond efficiency, the webinar highlighted a broader shift happening in HVAC. As utilities struggle to balance grid demand and renewable energy integration, technologies that align energy consumption with production (like solar) will play a critical role.

Blue Frontier’s system does exactly that—offering a way to store cooling capacity and deploy it when needed, rather than consuming energy at peak times.

Final Thoughts

This Coffee Break made one thing clear: the future of HVAC won’t be defined by incremental improvements to existing systems—it will come from rethinking the process entirely.

Blue Frontier’s approach represents a bold step in that direction, combining proven technologies in a novel way to deliver meaningful gains in efficiency, sustainability, and operational flexibility.

For engineers, contractors, and building owners, the key takeaway is simple: there are now viable alternatives to traditional vapor compression—and they’re worth serious consideration.

If you’re interested in exploring how this technology could fit into your next project, reach out to your SVL sales engineer to learn more.

Don’t Miss the Next SVL Coffee Break

SVL Coffee Break is our fast-paced webinar series designed to deliver practical engineering insights for today’s commercial HVAC professionals. Each session features real-world applications, expert perspectives, and actionable takeaways across topics like HVAC systems, indoor air quality, hydronics, and emerging technologies.

Opt-in to SVL marketing emails to receive upcoming Coffee Break invites and on-demand recordings.

Commercial and institutional projects are putting exhaust systems under more scrutiny than ever—especially when safety, code compliance, and long-term durability are on the line. In this SVL Coffee Break, Chad Sime (SVL Sales Engineer) hosted Connor Rampley, ME (Jeremias National Account Manager, Atlanta, GA) for a deep dive into the applications and design of UL Listed stainless steel exhaust systems, with a focus on what engineers need to specify for grease duct, boiler and gas vent, and engine exhaust.

From material selection, Certifications and real-world installation considerations, the core message was simple: the details of the products joining technology, the system design, and the application’s temperature range paired with the correct material choice determine whether a system performs for decades—or becomes a future liability.

Why UL Listed Stainless Steel Exhaust Systems Matter

Factory-built stainless exhaust systems continue gaining ground because they offer predictable performance and documented testing for high-risk applications. Connor emphasized that “UL Listed” isn’t just a label—it’s evident the system has endured rigorous fire, temperature, pressure, and durability criteria that field-built options often can’t match in real conditions.

For designers and facility owners, that means:

• Improved life safety and reduced fire risk
• Better compliance with NFPA/IMC requirements
• More predictable installation and coordination which cuts down on time and cost.
• Lower long-term maintenance risk, especially where cleaning is inconsistent

The Big Three Applications: Engine Exhaust, Grease Duct, Boiler Exhaust

Connor structured the presentation around three core categories most engineer’s encounter.

1) Engine Exhaust: Temperature + Pressure Drive the Spec

For engine exhaust systems, Connor highlighted the importance of aligning specifications with applicable codes (NFPA 37 / NFPA 211) and relevant UL requirements (commonly UL 103, and in many cases UL 2561). He also urged engineers to spec performance outcomes—like man-safe skin temperature—instead of prescriptive insulation thicknesses, allowing compliant solutions while protecting personnel.

A key takeaway: if you’re dealing with higher continuous exhaust temperatures, verify the system’s listing and ratings—not every “modular” option in the market is equivalent at elevated temps and pressures.

2) Grease Duct: Design for Reality, Not Best-Case Maintenance

For commercial kitchen exhaust (grease duct), Connor focused on why more projects are moving toward UL 1978 (and UL 2221 for 0-clearance/fire-rated shaft alternatives). The webinar explored practical design issues engineers face every day:

• Required slope for horizontal grease duct runs greatly varies by system type and listing
• Access and cleanout strategy matters because cleaning methods can be aggressive
• Balancing multiple hoods should consider routing and static pressure—not velocity alone

One standout section compared UL-tested performance to typical field-built solutions under fire conditions. The point wasn’t to shame “the way it’s always been done”—it was to reinforce that grease duct design should assume imperfect maintenance and still protect the building.

3) Boiler Exhaust & Gas Vent: Listings, Materials, and Draft Calculations

For condensing boiler exhaust, Connor addressed common specification mistakes—especially around UL 1738-listed materials. He walked through how stainless options such as 444 and 316 can be acceptable under the right listing requirements (depending on the appliance and listing), and why 304 is often misapplied.

He also explained why draft calculations shouldn’t be optional for common-vented systems. Using the ASHRAE chimney design equation alongside NFPA 54 natural draft guidelines can help prevent issues caused by routing changes, added fittings, or wide ambient temperature swings. That design discipline is also what determines when dampers and/or draft fans become necessary—especially on tall stacks or multi-appliance systems.

Stainless Steel Materials: 304 vs 444 vs 316 (What Engineers Need to Know)

Connor fielded direct questions about stainless steel material selection and clarified a practical hierarchy:

• 304: widely used, but not always a “lifetime” choice depending on application
• 444 / 316: often preferred for longer life and more demanding environments
• Outer jackets: selecting an exterior-appropriate stainless can help prevent long-term corrosion issues

Need Help Specifying UL Listed Exhaust, Grease Duct, or Boiler Venting?

SVL can support your team with application guidance, layout coordination, and manufacturer-backed design support for UL Listed stainless steel exhaust systems, including grease duct design, boiler venting, and engine exhaust.

Don’t Miss the Next SVL Coffee Break

SVL Coffee Break is our fast-paced webinar series designed to deliver practical engineering insights for today’s commercial HVAC professionals. Each session features real-world applications, expert perspectives, and actionable takeaways across topics like HVAC systems, indoor air quality, hydronics, and emerging technologies.

Opt-in to SVL marketing emails to receive upcoming Coffee Break invites and on-demand recordings.

Healthcare facilities are no longer designed for a single, fixed purpose. From pandemic response and patient surges to evolving infection control standards and care delivery models, today’s hospitals must be built for flexibility. In this SVL Coffee Break, Jeff Peterson welcomed Amy VanWagner, National Sales Director for AJ Manufacturing, to discuss how modular construction and prefabricated HVAC solutions are helping healthcare facilities design for long-term adaptability without sacrificing performance, compliance, or speed to occupancy.

The central theme of the discussion was clear: adaptability is no longer a luxury in healthcare design—it is a strategic necessity.

Why Adaptable Healthcare Design Matters

Healthcare environments demand high standards of performance and flexibility:

• Shifting patient volumes and acuity levels
• Outpatient growth and decentralized care
• Pandemic preparedness and surge capacity
• Stricter infection control requirements
• Evolving codes and standards

Traditional construction methods can struggle to keep pace with these pressures. Modular and prefabricated systems offer a faster, more predictable alternative—supporting future-ready healthcare facilities that can adjust as needs evolve.

What Modular & Prefabricated Solutions Mean for Healthcare

By shifting construction to a controlled manufacturing environment, project teams gain:

• Reduced onsite construction time
• Improved installation accuracy
• Enhanced quality control
• Better schedule predictability
• Reduced disruption in occupied facilities

For healthcare HVAC systems specifically, prefabrication supports tighter coordination between trades—minimizing field conflicts and accelerating commissioning.

Infection Control & Air Distribution: The HVAC Priority

One of the most critical elements of adaptive healthcare design is ventilation performance. Healthcare spaces must meet strict requirements for:

• Air changes per hour (ACH)
• Pressure relationships (positive and negative isolation)
• HEPA filtration
• Redundancy and reliability
• Code compliance (ASHRAE 170, FGI Guidelines)

Amy emphasized the importance of designing air distribution systems that can accommodate room-use changes. For example, converting a patient room into an airborne infection isolation room requires thoughtful planning around duct routing, dampers, and pressure control.

Modular plenum systems with structural supports allow engineers to build in this flexibility from the start.

Scalability & Phased Expansion

Healthcare campuses rarely stay static. Expansion phases, department relocations, and renovation projects are part of long-term growth strategies.

Designing for scalability reduces lifecycle costs and avoids major system overhauls when future demands arise.

Speed to Market Without Sacrificing Quality

Healthcare projects are often on aggressive schedules. Prefabricated mechanical systems help compress timelines while maintaining precision.

Factory-built assemblies:

• Reduce field labor
• Improve installation consistency
• Enhance patient safety
• Simplify inspections
• Improve operational efficiency

For facilities undergoing renovations, modular solutions minimize downtime and disruption to active patient care areas—an increasingly important consideration in occupied hospitals.

Designing for Long-Term Performance

The discussion reinforced that adaptive healthcare design is not about short-term flexibility—it’s about strategic resilience.

Engineers must evaluate:

• Long-term energy performance
• Maintainability and service access
• Code evolution
• Surge capacity planning
• Integration with future technologies

By incorporating modular and prefabricated strategies early in design, project teams can reduce risk and build healthcare environments capable of evolving alongside patient care demands.

Preparation Over Reaction

Healthcare systems cannot afford reactive design. The future will continue to bring regulatory changes, technology advancements, and shifting patient expectations.

Designing for adaptability today—through modular construction, prefabricated HVAC systems, scalable infrastructure, and flexible air distribution—positions facilities to respond quickly without compromising safety or compliance.

Need Support for Your Healthcare Project?

If you’re designing or retrofitting healthcare facilities, SVL can help evaluate modular HVAC solutions, prefabricated assemblies, infection control strategies, and scalable infrastructure planning tailored to your application.

Don’t Miss the Next SVL Coffee Break

Be sure to catch the next SVL Coffee Break—our exclusive 50-minute webinar series featuring the HVAC industry’s most innovative voices. Whether your focus is on decarbonization, IAQ, or long-term energy planning, SVL is your trusted partner in delivering sustainable HVAC solutions.

To stay informed about upcoming sessions, sign up for our marketing emails, opt-in now.

Refrigerants are something commercial HVAC professionals live with every day—until a new acronym shows up and changes the conversation. In this SVL Coffee Break, SVL’s Marie Romell (B.S. Chemical Engineering, M.S. Applied Data Science) unpacked one of the fastest-rising topics in environmental policy: PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), and why it’s now intersecting with the refrigerant transition already underway across chillers, heat pumps, VRF, rooftop units, and split systems.

Marie’s goal wasn’t to prescribe “the right refrigerant.” Instead, she shared the PFAS education, regulatory trends, and refrigerant policy landscape engineers should understand when specifying equipment expected to operate for 15–25 years. The takeaway: we’re watching two major “policy trains” converge—PFAS regulation and HFC phase-downs—and that overlap may influence long-term decisions around low-GWP refrigerants, A2L adoption, leak detection, serviceability, and end-of-life disposal.

PFAS: Not One Chemical, but a Chemical Structure

PFAS isn’t a single substance—it’s a category defined by chemical structure. Marie walked through the “alkyl” backbone (a carbon chain), then explained how replacing hydrogens attached to those carbons with fluorine creates fluoroalkyl groups. In perfluoro structures, all hydrogens bonded to carbon atoms are replaced by fluorine (meaning the carbon chain is fully fluorinated), though hydrogens can still be present elsewhere in the molecule as part of other functional groups. In polyfluoro structures, only some of the carbon-bonded hydrogens are replaced by fluorine.

To bring it home for HVAC, she used a familiar example: R-134a (1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane). In other words: PFAS isn’t just a cookware, coating, or firefighting foam story—depending on definitions used by regulators, it can intersect with modern refrigerants and their breakdown products.

So why does structure matter? Because the carbon–fluorine bond is exceptionally strong. Fluorine’s electronegativity and “shielding” effect makes many PFAS compounds resistant to breakdown, contributing to their environmental persistence—hence the nickname “forever chemicals.”

Why PFAS Has Everyone’s Attention Right Now

The concern isn’t limited to one industry. It’s the broader reality that some chemicals persist in the environment long after use, migrate through shared resources like soil and drinking water, and may have long-term health and ecological impacts.

Marie shared examples of widespread detection in U.S. water systems and explained the key difference between long-chain vs. short-chain PFAS: long-chain compounds tend to persist and bioaccumulate more, while short-chain compounds can be more mobile. She also summarized current research trends showing associations between PFAS exposure and outcomes including developmental risks, immune impacts, and certain cancer risks—with the caveat that research continues to evolve.

Refrigerants Add a Twist: TFA, Atmospheric Breakdown, and Water Persistence

Unlike many PFAS sources (solids or liquids entering the environment through product pollution), refrigerants are often released as gases and move through the atmosphere. Under UV-driven reactions, certain fluorinated refrigerants can form TFA (trifluoroacetic acid)—a PFAS-like compound that can return to water systems through precipitation.

Marie emphasized an important nuance for HVAC professionals: TFA doesn’t bioaccumulate like long-chain PFAS, but it does persist in water, spreads easily, and isn’t effectively removed by conventional treatment. The concern isn’t “immediate danger,” but the long-term effect of a background concentration that can rise over time—a key watch item for future policy discussions.

Refrigerant Policy: Montreal Protocol, Kigali, AIM Act, and the 700 GWP Shift

The HVAC industry has navigated major refrigerant shifts before:

• Montreal Protocol (1987): phased down CFCs/HCFCs due to ozone depletion potential (ODP).
• Kigali Amendment (2016) + AIM Act (U.S., 2020): targets high-GWP HFCs with an 85% phase-down by 2036, pushing the market toward lower-GWP alternatives.

 

Now, we’re in the current transition: as new equipment aligns with a ~700 GWP limit, much of the market is shifting toward A2L refrigerants (mildly flammable, lower toxicity). Marie explained A2L in practical terms: ignition still requires fuel concentration, sufficient ignition energy, and oxygen—A2Ls make those conditions harder to achieve than highly flammable hydrocarbons, but they still require thoughtful design, code compliance, and best practices.

R-32 vs. Blends: Serviceability, Glide, and Long-Term Risk

One of the most practical commercial HVAC design conversations today is single-component refrigerants vs. blended refrigerants.

Marie highlighted R-32 as a notable option because it’s:

• Single-component (no temperature glide; improved predictability for heat transfer performance)
• Often lower charge with easier servicing (no fractionation concerns)
• Competitive when considering “effective GWP” and system realities

 

By contrast, blends like R-454B can balance constraints (pressure, flammability, performance), but introduce temperature glide and can complicate service, charging, and long-term availability planning.

That last point matters. As Andy noted, engineers are specifying systems that will be in service for decades. Marie’s advice: make the most ethical decision available, and document refrigerant choices, compliance rationale, and handling practices—because future requirements may expand around reporting, leak detection, disposal, and PFAS-related stewardship

What’s Next: Natural Refrigerants and Application-Specific Solutions

Marie closed by reframing the “future refrigerant” question: commercial HVAC is unlikely to land on a single solution. Instead, expect more application-specific refrigerant strategies, including wider use of natural refrigerants:

• Ammonia (R-717): high efficiency, zero GWP, but requires design for toxicity, ventilation, detection, and controlled spaces
• Propane (R-290): very efficient, but A3 flammability drives charge limits and modular system approaches
• CO₂ (R-744): nonflammable, low toxicity, GWP = 1, but high pressures and transcritical design complexity—already common in supermarket refrigeration and emerging in heat pump applications

 

The message wasn’t panic—it was preparation. If policy continues trending toward stricter GWP limits, expanded PFAS reporting, and broader scrutiny of fluorinated compounds, it’s better to understand the pathways now than be forced into rushed decisions later.

Need Help Sorting Through Refrigerants, PFAS, and Low-GWP Options?

If you’re designing or retrofitting commercial HVAC systems—especially long-lived infrastructure like chillers, central plants, and heat pump retrofits—SVL can help you evaluate refrigerant options based on performance, code implications, safety, serviceability, availability, and the policy trends shaping what comes next.

Low Pressure Centrifugal Chillers

Medium Pressure (R-134a)

High Pressure (R-410A)

Don’t Miss the Next SVL Coffee Break

Be sure to catch the next SVL Coffee Break—our exclusive 50-minute webinar series featuring the HVAC industry’s most innovative voices. Whether your focus is on decarbonization, IAQ, or long-term energy planning, SVL is your trusted partner in delivering sustainable HVAC solutions.

To stay informed about upcoming sessions, sign up for our marketing emails, opt-in now.

Boiler rooms rarely make the front page—until something goes wrong. In this SVL Coffee Break, RM Manifold’s Scott Blackmon walked attendees through the fundamentals of boiler venting and combustion air, showing how smart draft control protects people, equipment, and uptime in commercial and institutional buildings.

With more than 18 years in the HVAC industry and deep experience in engineered draft systems, Scott broke boiler venting down into practical concepts that engineers, contractors, and facility owners can put to work immediately.

Know Your Boiler – And What It’s Asking For

Scott started with the basics: not all boilers are created equal, and neither are their venting requirements.

Most projects will see two appliance families:

• ANSI Z21 categorized appliances – typically smaller, packaged boilers and water heaters, categorized by vent pressure and condensation. Category I (non-condensing, negative) and Category IV (condensing, positive) are the most common.
• UL 795 building heating appliances – large sectional and Scotch Marine boilers that often require UL 103 chimneys and see much higher flue temperatures.

 

Each appliance is tested and listed with a specific vent type—B-vent, UL 1738 special gas vent, or UL 103 chimney. Scott stressed a key message: follow the listing. If the boiler calls for UL 1738 stainless or polymer vent, don’t substitute PVC just because it’s on the truck. It’s not listed for flue gas, and failures can be fast and catastrophic.

Good Venting Practices: Let the Draft Work for You

Boiler rooms are full of rules of thumb, and Scott highlighted a few that matter:

• Use boot or lateral tees, not straight tees. “Air is stupid—it does exactly what you tell it to do.” A straight tee can send flue gas right into a dead end and starve upstream boilers. Lateral entries keep flow moving in the direction of the stack.
• Respect the 10/2 rule. Terminations must be at least 2 ft above anything within 10 ft—parapets, penthouses, intakes, or adjacent equipment. Ignoring this is a quick way to kill draft and contaminate outdoor air.
• Watch the 7x rule on retrofits. You can’t just dump small condensing boilers into a huge existing chimney and expect it to “just work.” If the flue is more than seven times the area of the smallest outlet, you’re in engineered-system territory.
• Never mix vent categories without engineering. The infamous “Texas special”—stubbing B-vent into a Category IV or UL 103 chimney—can create serious condensation and carbon monoxide issues.

Why Common Vented Systems Need Engineered Draft

Real boiler plants rarely run at full fire on every unit. Instead, stages ramp up and down with pre- and post-purge cycles, creating a roller-coaster pressure profile in the common stack.

Scott explained how theoretical draft depends on stack height and temperature difference: a short chimney on a hot Texas day may have almost no natural draft, while a tall stack in a Minnesota winter can pull too hard. Add varying firing rates, and you quickly hit the limits of natural draft design.

US Draft’s solution is mechanical draft control—termination fans and in-line fans built from 316 stainless steel, paired with intelligent controls that maintain stable pressure in the common vent. For systems with large turndown, an overdraft damper can “shrink” the stack cross-section at low fire to protect burner stability.

At the appliance level, Scott highlighted the CDS modulating outlet damper, which mounts right at each boiler outlet. With a two-second actuator and built-in pressure sensing, the CDS keeps each boiler at its ideal draft setpoint year-round—regardless of stack height, wind, or what the neighboring boilers are doing. It’s equally powerful for tricky single-boiler installations at high altitude or with long sidewall runs.

Don’t Forget Combustion Air (Most Problems Start Here)

According to Scott, the majority of boiler issues trace back to either venting or combustion air, not the boiler itself.

Traditional wall louvers are simple, but they introduce cold air, get blocked in winter, pose security concerns, and can clash with architectural goals. Direct venting to each boiler can work, but installers must stay within the boiler manufacturer’s intake length and fitting limits or risk voiding the IOM.

A controlled combustion air system offers another path. By using a supply fan with pressure sensors indoors and outdoors, US Draft can keep the mechanical room at a stable pressure and deliver only as much air as the plant needs. The result: smaller wall penetrations, better freeze protection, and fewer nuisance problems.

Safety First: CO Monitoring Is Non-Negotiable

Scott closed with a clear ask for designers and owners: always include carbon monoxide monitoring in the mechanical room, interlocked to shut down gas equipment on alarm. The cost is low compared to the risk, and it’s one of the simplest ways to protect occupants and facility staff.

Need Help With Boiler Venting?

SVL partners with RM Manifold and US Draft to support engineered venting and combustion air solutions for boiler plants across our territory. From vent sizing and draft fan selection to CDS dampers and combustion air systems, your SVL Sales Engineer can help ensure your next boiler project is safe, code-compliant, and built for long-term reliability.

Don’t Miss the Next SVL Coffee Break

Be sure to catch the next SVL Coffee Break—our exclusive 50-minute webinar series featuring the HVAC industry’s most innovative voices. Whether your focus is on decarbonization, operating cost reduction, or long-term energy planning, SVL is your trusted partner in delivering sustainable HVAC solutions.

Winter weather can bring HVAC systems to a halt—but it doesn’t have to. In this SVL Coffee Break Webinar, Veotec’s co-owners Peter Valsler and Mike showcased how their advanced heated louver solutions keep air inlets clear, airflow stable, and critical facilities online, even in the harshest cold-climate conditions.

For building owners, engineers, and facility managers operating commercial HVAC systems, this discussion offered valuable insights into preventing costly downtime and maintaining reliable ventilation through snow, ice, wind-driven rain, and extreme cold.

Why Snow and Ice Can Shut Down Commercial HVAC Systems

For rooftop units, AHUs, data centers, and industrial ventilation systems, snow and ice buildup at the air inlet is one of the most overlooked failure points. Traditional horizontal louvers, bird screens, and hooded intakes can pack with snow quickly—choking airflow and triggering cascading operational problems.

Peter and Mike highlighted real-world examples across hospitals, laboratories, food processing plants, pharmaceutical facilities, power plants, and data centers. When the air inlet plugs:

• Hospitals face shutdowns or compromised indoor air quality
• Power and turbine systems derate or fail
• Data centers risk thermal overload and costly outages
• Manufacturers lose production time to cleanup and re-sterilization

As the presenters emphasized, heated louvers are inexpensive insurance that protect the performance and lifespan of commercial HVAC equipment.

High-Performance Vertical Louvers for Winter Protection

Veotec’s system begins with a compact, engineered vertical wind-driven rain louver—a major upgrade from the industry-standard horizontal louver. Their SE1 design removes fine droplets, mist, and fog before they can reach filters or coils, improving:

• Filter life
• AHU efficiency
• Indoor air quality
• Moisture control within the air handler

Available in stainless steel, aluminum, or plastic, Veotec louvers are used across commercial, industrial, and marine environments—including nuclear remediation, transit applications, food processing, and building intakes exposed to severe weather.

Electrically Heated Louvers: Instant Snow Melt at the Intake

For cold-weather markets like Minnesota, North Dakota, and Canada, electrically heated louvers offer precision control and consistent performance.

Key highlights from the webinar:

• Self-regulating or constant wattage heating elements
• Ideal intake velocity of 505–550 fpm
• Proven reliability for hospitals, turbines, generators, and energy facilities

Live test videos demonstrated snow melting instantly upon contact—a powerful visual showing why heated louvers eliminate ice loading and prevent blocked intakes.

Fluid-Heated Louvers: Efficient Use of Existing System Energy

The standout innovation for the commercial HVAC audience was Veotec’s fluid-heated louver, which uses hydronic heating water or glycol from the existing coil loop to melt snow at the air inlet.

This design effectively transforms the louver into a vertical heat exchanger, delivering:

• 15–20°F air temperature rise
• Significant snow-melt capacity
• Reduced risk of filter freeze-up
• Improved energy efficiency of the downstream coil
• Performance equivalent to adding a two-row coil—turning an 8-row AHU into a 10-row system

Because these louvers use heat already present in the system, they offer a highly sustainable, low-energy snow melt solution ideal for commercial buildings prioritizing efficiency.

Drainage, Maintenance & Aesthetics—Designed for the Real World

Veotec’s heated louvers include integral drain troughs that capture meltwater and route it to building drainage. Installers can trace heat the drain piping as needed.

Maintenance is simple: louvers can be washed with city water or mild detergents and are durable enough to withstand power washing.

To meet architectural requirements, Veotec louvers can be powder coated in standard colors or installed behind decorative façade louvers without compromising performance.

Retrofit-Friendly for Commercial HVAC Upgrades

SVL and Veotec emphasized how easy these louvers are to retrofit onto existing air handlers, rooftop units, and building intakes. Many installations take less than an hour of mechanical downtime.

SVL’s engineering team and Veotec’s custom design support allow:

• Field measurements and engineered fit-up
• Matching existing flange patterns
• Integration with AHU housings or outdoor air hoods
• Structural consultation when needed
• Fast-turn drawings and submittals

For commercial HVAC contractors, this simplicity translates to smoother installs and minimal disruption to occupied buildings.

Commercial HVAC Reliability Starts at the Air Inlet

Veotec’s heated louvers give building owners and engineers the confidence that their systems will keep running—no matter how severe the winter gets. With benefits in energy efficiency, uptime, and filter protection, these louvers provide a powerful upgrade for any commercial HVAC air handling unit.

To explore heated louver solutions or plan a retrofit, contact your SVL Sales Engineer. Our team can help specify the right Veotec configuration for your application and ensure your systems stay protected year-round.

Don’t Miss the Next SVL Coffee Break

Be sure to catch the next SVL Coffee Break—our exclusive 50-minute webinar series featuring the HVAC industry’s most innovative voices. Whether your focus is on decarbonization, operating cost reduction, or long-term energy planning, SVL is your trusted partner in delivering sustainable HVAC solutions.

To stay informed about upcoming sessions, sign up for our marketing emails, opt-in now.