This product roundup highlights a variety of motors, drives, and variable-speed products.

Carrier Corp. unveiled its newest residential heat pump during the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) Conference and Indoor Air Expo - and now can boast the industry’s highest air-source Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) of up to 13. The cooling efficiency of up to 20 SEER is certainly no slouch either, but the HSPF was the real news.

One of the most common HVAC technologies - common to people inside the trade - is variable speed. Although most HVAC people know its definition and how it affects equipment performance, chances are that most customers have limited or no understanding of how it affects the equipment in their basement or attic.

When Southern California was blasted by record-breaking heat, the tenants of an LAX Airport Center office building were fortunate that the cooling tower that works in conjunction with the building’s chillers had just been replaced. So, rather than having to endure the sweltering heat, the tenants remained cool and comfortable.

When consumers are buying a new or replacement furnace from an HVAC contractor, it shouldn’t be surprising that many get that “deer in the headlights” expression on their faces when a tech or salesperson is trying to explain the concept of variable speed. Is there help?

Time of use (TOU) rate structures have long been touted as a necessity for utility companies to incentivize homeowners and building owners enough to embrace demand response systems. According to John Galyen, president of Danfoss North America, “Smart meters will change the game.”

Taco’s Viridian pump line makes its first appearance at the 2012 AHR Expo in Chicago. The wet-rotor pump with an ECM motor offers an 80 percent decrease in energy consumption compared to a standard commercial pump of the same size, the company says.

The Tempstar® SmartComfort® 96 percent-plus AFUE gas furnace line is available. The SmartComfort® VC 97 features a modulating gas valve, variable-speed ECM blower motor, 97 percent AFUE, and stainless steel primary and secondary heat exchangers. The SmartComfort VT 96 is a two-stage variable-speed model at 96 percent AFUE.

Expanding the TM9X and TM9V families, two models have been added to the Luxaire® LX Series of multiposition gas furnaces. An input rate of 40,000 Btuh enables the furnaces to provide better heat load matches, avoiding oversized equipment selection.

With a working pressure of 175 psi, the Viridian line of wet-rotor pumps with an ECM motor offers an 80 percent decrease in energy consumption compared to a standard commercial pump of the same size, says the company.