As air conditioning is increasingly considered to be a required amenity in both residential and commercial settings, even as concern about global warming and greenhouse gasses has grown, this forum will discuss the key air conditioning system types and their related energy efficiency. We will also discuss some design issues, troubleshooting installation problems and, finally focus on the need for expanded technician education and training.

Forum Agenda:

System Types and Relative Energy Efficiency - Brendan Casey, Fujitsu General America

Brendan will provide a brief overview of system types and focus on the fundamentals of Variable Refrigerant Flow technology and how these systems can be installed to improve the energy efficiency of buildings.

Design and Installation Issues - Michael Hlinka, Lightning Mechanical

Michael will provide an overview of design and installation issues that he faces and how problematic installations are identified and resolved.

Education and Training and Gaps in the Field - Craig Gallagher, Lightning Mechanical

Craig will provide an overview of the training and that his employees receive and speak about the education and training gaps that exist in the HVAC design and installation industry.

Date: Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Time: 6:30-8:00pm
Place: Fujitsu Airstage, 1450 Broadway, New York, NY 10018

Event speakers include:

Brendan Casey – Sales Engineer, Fujitsu General America

He has worked in the NYC HVAC industry since 1999 and has been working with VRF since 2010. He holds a bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering from NJIT and a Masters degree from Rutgers Business School.

Michael Hlinka – Lead Project Manager, Lightning Mechanical

Michael has 12 years of mechanical and controls experience. He graduated with degrees from NJIT and previously worked for Johnson Controls and LG. One of our main focuses is VRV/VRF technology and it's ever expanding use in today's commercial and residential fields. We support multiple manufactures in making sure systems are installed properly, running efficiently, and controls integrated to improve ease of use. Our clients include: hospitals, schools, pharmaceutical facilities, offices, and apartment complexes and high end residential.

Craig Gallagher – Owner, Lightning Mechanical

Craig has 23 years in both Electrical and Mechanical Engineering fields, working on both commercial and residential applications. We have assisted in designing mechanical systems in some of the most advanced buildings in the NY metro area, and repaired some of the worst. We pride ourselves on providing thorough and accurate diagnoses of deficiencies and identifying and implementing solutions to them. Our specialties are VRV/VRF, commercial and residential modulating boiler, and package unit VAV based system design, service and installation.