What Contractors Need to Know: The Impact A2L Refrigerants Will Have on the Design, Installation, and Maintenance of VRF Systems

Laura Michel, Ductless Product Manager for Trane

In her current role, Laura Michel drives strategy, product roadmap, and execution for Trane’s joint venture partner METUS (Mitsubishi Electric Trane US) to grow the ductless and VRF business. Laura has more than 16 years of HVAC experience, most of which were spent in new equipment sales with the Trane Chicago sales office. She is an ASHRAE member and former Illinois ASHRAE Chapter President, as well as a licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Illinois. Laura graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Chemical Engineering Degree and has recently begun her MBA Program.

Karina Bolton, VRF Ductless Sales Specialist for Trane Greater Northeast 

Her primary focus is helping is supporting the local sales team with the design and application of VRF systems.  She also focuses on assisting the sales team with educating the engineering and contracting community on new VRF products and VRF related topics.  Karina has been with Trane for 5 years and did 3 years of system sales prior to her current role as the ductless sales specialist.  The refrigerant transition and its associated challenges has always been a topic that interests Karina, which is why she has focused on understanding the HVRF product and how it can be a solution for dealing with some of the challenges that come with new refrigerants.  Karina graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering.  After graduating, she attended Trane’s 5 month Graduate Training Program (GTP) in Wisconsin.  In her free time, she enjoys running.

Joseph Guerin, VRF Ductless Sales Specialist 

Joseph (Joe) is Mid-Atlantic’s VRF Ductless Sales Specialist. In his current role, Joe is primarily responsible for overseeing and supporting the design and application of commercial VRF projects in the region. He focuses on plan and spec project design, working closely with consulting engineers and consultants in Baltimore, Harrisburg and Northeastern Pennsylvania. With over 10 years of experience in Trane Commercial, Joe has focused on systems design, applications, and sales. As an active ASHRAE member since 2023, he has taken a keen interest in the 2022 update of the ASHRAE 15 Safety Standard, exploring its implications for VRF and Ductless system designs.

Joe graduated from The Cooper Union in New York City with a Bachelor’s of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering and hold a Masters of Education from the University of Notre Dame. In his free time, Joe enjoys hiking and mountain biking, and is an avid runner. He is married and has two girls.