It is no secret that the weak economy has had an impact on sales of high-end HVAC equipment, noted Dave Nark, director of product management, Lennox Intl. Inc. However, he believes that the combination of an improving economic outlook, lower unemployment rates, slowly improving consumer confidence, and a recovery in existing home prices in some areas of the country will help customers feel increasingly more confident in making the necessary investment in higher-efficiency HVAC equipment.
Customers looking to invest in more expensive heating and cooling systems have numerous options from which to choose, and most will result in better comfort and efficiency. But for that rare homeowner for whom money is no object, contractors may want to suggest manufacturer-recommended “dream” systems, all of which offer exceptional comfort, whisper-quiet operation, and super high efficiency.
For John Gibbons, director of product and platform strategy, Carrier, the ultimate HVAC system would consist of the Infinity® 98 gas furnace combined with the Infinity 20 adaptable-speed heat pump, both with Greenspeed™ intelligence. He would also include an Infinity air purifier, which captures up to 95 percent of particles 0.3-1.0 microns in size, and a Performance™ Series energy recovery ventilator (ERV), which replaces stale indoor air with fresh outside air. To complement the system, he would add a Performance Series fan-powered humidifier to enhance air quality, as well as zoning, which can be accomplished through the Infinity Touch Control.