WASHINGTON - Carrier Commercial Services placed new variable-speed drive (VSD) technology for small heating and cooling air-handling units in the Longworth House of Representatives office building, a U.S. Capitol building in Washington D.C. The company's Comfort-Plus Driveâ„¢ fan coil VSD was demonstrated during a live presentation of the newly installed technology as Carrier's service technicians showed how the unit's airstream should provide more comfort and energy efficiency.

The upgraded energy-saving unit provides precise heating or cooling to the occupied space based on comfort needs, according to the company. For this one unit alone, Carrier estimates the operating costs will be reduced by at least 45 percent, or more than $1,000 over 10 years of use.

"We are pleased to support energy-savings initiatives by Congress and the administration. This adaptive VSD technology can reduce energy costs per unit, by 40 percent to 60 percent or more, and improve kilowatt demand," said Ken Fox, president of Carrier North America Commercial business. Significant savings could be realized if this technology is broadly implemented across federal office buildings. "This is a classic win-win situation," said Rep. Sherwood Boehlert, chairman of the House Science Committee. "I am proud that a locally-produced product is now helping improve the energy efficiency of the U.S. Capitol complex."

Publication date: 12/26/2005