Michael Stagno

Natural Refrigerants for Cold Storage: A Guide to CO₂, Propane and Ammonia Systems As sustainability regulations evolve and refrigerant technologies continue to advance, commercial refrigeration operators are facing an important strategic decision: whether and when to transition to natural refrigerants. For supermarkets, refrigerated warehouses, food distribution centers, and cold-storage facilities, refrigeration systems represent some of … Read more

For decades, commercial HVAC maintenance followed a relatively simple formula: fix equipment when it breaks or perform scheduled maintenance at predetermined intervals. While these traditional approaches remain common, they often result in unnecessary service visits, unexpected equipment failures, increased energy consumption, and costly downtime. Today, a new era of HVAC management is emerging. Driven by … Read more

R-454B and R-32: Performance, Environmental Impact, Equipment Requirements and More  The HVAC industry is undergoing one of its most significant refrigerant transitions in decades. As environmental regulations continue to push manufacturers toward lower-global-warming-potential (GWP) solutions, two refrigerants have emerged as the primary replacements for R-410A in residential and light commercial applications: R-454B and R-32. Both … Read more

National HVAC Tech Day: Celebrating HVAC Technicians Serving Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia (DMV) Every year, on June 22, National HVAC Tech Day serves as a reminder to recognize the dedicated professionals who work behind the scenes to keep homes, businesses, and commercial facilities comfortable, safe, and energy efficient. HVAC technicians are often called upon … Read more

Commercial kitchens are among the most demanding environments in any facility. From restaurants and hotels to schools, hospitals, and catering operations, these spaces operate under constant pressure to produce food quickly, safely, and efficiently. Yet one of the most overlooked factors in maintaining a successful commercial kitchen is cleanliness, not just surface cleaning, but comprehensive … Read more

Why Climate-Controlled Growing Systems Are Gaining Popularity Agriculture has undergone significant changes over the past decade. As concerns surrounding food security, sustainability, transportation costs, and climate unpredictability continue to grow, businesses are increasingly turning to innovative technologies to produce fresh food closer to consumers. One of the most exciting developments in this space is the … Read more

All Commercial Kitchens Need Proper HVAC Systems, Pre-Rinse Washdown Systems, and Functional Walk-In Cooler Curtains Commercial kitchens are some of the most demanding environments in any building. From restaurants and hotels to schools, hospitals, and catering facilities, these spaces operate under constant pressure to maintain food safety, employee comfort, and operational efficiency. While most property … Read more

Different Types of Commercial Ice Machines and How Preventative Maintenance Saves Money Ice is an essential commodity in countless commercial environments. From restaurants and hotels to healthcare facilities and office buildings, commercial ice machines play a critical role in daily operations. When an ice machine fails, businesses can experience disruptions that affect customer satisfaction, food … Read more

Inside the 2026 NRA Show: How NRI Is Strengthening Commercial Kitchen Service Across DC, Maryland & Virginia The 2026 National Restaurant Association Show once again proved why it remains the premier destination for foodservice innovation, networking and industry growth. Held May 16–19 at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois, this year’s event brought together tens of … Read more

Why Grocery Stores Must Prioritize HVAC, Refrigeration, and Cooling System Maintenance Walk into any grocery store and you’ll immediately notice something most shoppers take for granted: the environment feels clean, cool, and consistent. Fresh produce stays crisp, dairy products remain cold, frozen foods stay solid, and customers can comfortably browse the aisles regardless of the … Read more