DALLAS - Green refrigerant topped the list of features heralded by geothermal manufacturers at the 2007 International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition (AHR Expo).

Air pollution, however, wasn’t the only thing on these manufacturers’ minds. Demands for a cleaner environment, lower noise maximums, and greater foundation protection kept manufacturers busy as they displayed this year’s new geothermal products.

QUIET, EFFICIENT, AND PROTECTION

Bard Manufacturing Co. Inc. (www.bardhvac.com) displayed its patent-pending QuietClimate 2. According to the company, this wall-mount heat pump operates at sound levels 20 to 35 times quieter than other standard wall mounts. The unit uses R-410A refrigerant and a two-stage compressor. Available in 3- to 5-ton models, the QuietClimate 2 features a built-in, sound-reducing plenum, a liquid line filter drier, aluminum-finned copper coils, and a current sensing relay.

The relay is designed to detect high amps caused by high-ambient or low-voltage conditions. Once detected, it then drops the compressor to its first stage, keeping it online until the voltage condition is corrected. The design also includes a sloped top for water runoff and built-in, full-length mounting brackets.

Heat Controller Inc. (www.comfort-aire.com) featured its split system geothermal heat pump, the GeoMax2. This new series of geothermal heat pumps combines the advantages of a split system with the efficiency of two-stage operation and is available in four different models from 2- to 5-ton capacities. The cabinets can be stacked on top of each other for multiunit installations.

Along with R-410A refrigeration, the GeoMax2 Series also has an extended operating range of 20°-120°F. Standard features include a hot-water generator with built-in pump, multistage scroll compressor, and solid state, microprocessor controls with a performance monitoring system.

Insulation Solutions (www.insulationsolutions.com) showcased its new Viper VaporCheck™ vapor retarder. This triple-ply, extrusion-coated, virgin polyethylene membrane is available in three different thicknesses: 6.5, 10, and 16 mil.

It can be used in crawl spaces and as an underslab, foundation wall, and radon retarder. It is manufactured using woven high-density fibers creating a high strength to weight ratio, tensile strength, tear resistance, bursting strength, and puncture resistance. It comes in 2,400-square-foot-rolls measuring 12 by 200 feet, and exceeds all American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) E-1745 class A, B, and C requirements.

Publication date: 02/19/2007