A Message from the Founder

2024 was a challenging year for manufacturers in the HVAC industry as we transitioned to the new A2L (454B) refrigerants. A2L refrigerant is slightly flammable, which concerns building officials. Listing agencies require sensors to shutter the units if refrigerant leaks are detected.

At CaptiveAire, our mission is to provide the highest quality products and service to our users at the lowest possible price. This requires attention to detail at every step; from understanding the user's requirements and providing simplified application engineering to improve outcomes and reduce cost. It also requires the best component selection for performance and sustainability.

Post pandemic, manufacturers have struggled to find quality partnerships with component suppliers. To alleviate these challenges, CaptiveAire has invested in both software solutions, extra redundancy in components, and improved quality testing at the factory.

For example, all of our DX coils are pressurized with an inert gas and sealed while in inventory, pending installation within a unit. This long-term pressure test assists in identifying the smaller leaks that can be challenging to catch on an assembly line. If a pressure drop occurs before installation in a unit, the coil is rejected. After each Paragon HVAC is complete, coils are pressurized again to insure they are leak proof prior to charging. Each unit undergoes a rigorous inspection using advanced electronic testing equipment by a qualified QC technician after assembly.

Another example, over the past few years CaptiveAire has added redundant sensors for mission critical components. When one sensor fails or doesn't perform as expected, the secondary sensor takes over seamlessly, similar to the approach taken in the aviation industry. This added redundancy ensures unit uptime and prevents disruption for our operators.

As a final step towards improved uptime and quality for operators, we have continued to grow our sales and service teams to focus on local market support. We are the ‘boots on the ground’ that is necessary to ensure a great outcome, from the start of a design through the life of the operation. We strive for simplified sequence of operations (SOO) so that the building can operate on day 1 and at year 20 with the same high-quality outcome.

CaptiveAire in its 49^th year is now a major supplier of Total HVAC Building Integration. Our roots are deeply held in the soil of the kitchen ventilation market, but our product development has allowed us to focus on Integration of all commercial and industrial applications.

Our approach to HVAC includes clean filtered outside air, sustainable comfort, temperature and humidity control that is delivered through low velocity air distribution for optimal comfort.

Our videos demonstrate Fresh Air Restaurant Systems, Total Building Integration and the technologies supporting modern HVAC Systems.

Bob Luddy
President & Founder
Read Entrepreneurial Life, Mr. Luddy's story of the founding of CaptiveAire