DALLAS - The 13 SEER mandate of last year resulted in many new heat pump and air conditioning offerings, some of which were launched at the 2006 International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition (AHR Expo). This year there were still more new unitary products revealed at the 2007 AHR Expo.

While many 13 SEER products introductions took place, 14 and higher SEER units were revealed as well. Energy efficiency and quieter operation were definitely the themes of this year’s new unitary products.

HIGHER SEERS, QUIETER DESIGNS

Carrier (www.carrier.com) announced its new Infinity™ 15 Series small packaged products, including a complete family of single-phase packaged air conditioners, heat pumps, gas furnace-air conditioner systems, and the Hybrid Heat™ packaged system. The Infinity 15 Series features two-stage cooling and two-stage heating, Infinity controls, stainless steel heat exchangers with limited lifetime warranty, and full variable-speed motors. Puron® refrigerant, thermostatic expansion valves, ComfortHeat™, louvered side panels, corrosion-resistant base, filter driers, and high- and low-pressure switches are also featured on the new products.

Mead Rusert, director of product marketing and platform, Light Commercial Systems, North America, noted, “These new systems re-establish Carrier at the leading edge of high efficiency in the packaged residential and light commercial markets.”

ComfortStar Plus (www.comfortstarusa.com) introduced its MIS Series and MIH Series of 13 SEER air conditioners and heat pumps. The products feature lanced aluminum fins and rifled copper tubing to enhance heat exchange, as well as galvanized steel cabinets to protect inside coils. The unique design of the fan blade and top panel reduce vibration, while the factory-installed inline filter helps ensure a longer life span. The units are factory charged with R-22 and provide easy access to the service valve.

Haier (www.haieramerica.com) featured its new HR13-D2 Value Series heat pumps. The 13 SEER systems feature enhanced coils and a unique louvered noise reduction top with a three-blade fan assembly, which provides quieter operation. A Bristol compressor enhances quiet and smooth operation, and rigorous manufacturing processes check for refrigerant leaks before leaving the factory. The full metal jacket with four removable panels allows for easy and quick access to the interior from all sides for service and cleaning. The service valve location allows for easy access when servicing the unit.

Heat Controller (www.heatcontroller.com) launched the Comfort-Aire HRE line of split system heat pumps. The units are available in 1 1/2- to 5-ton capacities and are pre-charged with R-22. Rated at 13 SEER when installed as a matched system, the heat pumps feature long life copper coils with enhanced aluminum fins, which provide maximum surface area for heat exchange. Installation and maintenance are simplified by the easy-access control box. The company also showcased its new HFE Series of air handlers, which are specially designed for use with the HRE Series of heat pumps and condensing units.

Also introduced were the Comfort-Aire and Century RSE Series of R-22 condensing units. These units feature heavy-duty compressors, full metal louvered jackets, and quiet operation. The easy access control box houses all controls in a waterproof location for quick maintenance and service. Service ports for vapor and liquid are also easily accessed.

Manufactured homes weren’t left out either, as Heat Controller featured its new line of Century and Comfort-Aire air conditioners and heat pumps specifically designed for manufactured homes. These units feature scroll compressors, on-demand defrost, and drain pan. The outdoor section top cover is easily removed for access to components, the control box leaves plenty of room for connections, and wires are coded by number and color.

Midea (http://global.mideacom.cn) highlighted its new 13 SEER condensing units and air handlers. The MOV3 Series condensing unit features a scroll compressor and internal pressure relief valve, which protects against potential damage due to high currents, temperatures, and pressure. The galvanized steel cabinet can withstand a 1,000-hour salt spray test and features a specially designed louvered coil guard to keep the system operating safely. The MVA3 Series air handler is a modular, variable-speed unit that is fully insulated and easy to clean. The A-coil has long-life rifled copper tubes and aluminum fin refrigerant coils, which help enhance heat exchange.

Rheem (www.rheemac.com) expanded its growing package unit lineup with all-new light commercial Rheem and Ruud gas/electric package units and air conditioners. The company featured two of them, the Rheem and Ruud RQPW 14 SEER dual-fuel heat pump and the Rheem and Ruud KPL 14 SEER package gas/electric package unit, at the expo. These models are both available in R-410A and feature Copeland scroll compressors, louvered condenser compartments, and convenient refrigerant connections.

The company also introduced an all-new Rheem Prestige Series® and Ruud Ultra Series® 13 SEER heat pump equipped with its industry-exclusive, microprocessor-based Comfort Control System™ and R-410A refrigerant. The new Prestige Series RPNL and Ruud Ultra Series UPNL 13 SEER two-stage heat pump is available in 2-through 5-ton capacities and can provide year-round heating and cooling comfort for residential, multifamily, and light commercial applications.

The Comfort Control System delivers integrated control technology to monitor performance, conduct self-diagnosis, and provide active protection. Homeowners remain connected to the system through a specially designed Rheem or Ruud thermostat.

The new Rheem Prestige Series and Ruud Ultra Series 16 SEER, two-stage, R-410A heat pump equipped with the microprocessor-based Comfort Control System was also featured. Fully compatible with the Rheem RHPL and Ruud UHPL air handler, this new 16 SEER two-stage heat pump is available in 2-through 5-ton capacities. The Comfort Control System delivers integrated control technology to monitor performance, conduct self-diagnosis, and provide active protection and 24/7 AutoAlert. The system’s thermostat connects the homeowner to the contractor by advising homeowners to call their contractor when service is required.

Tempstar (www.tempstar.com) introduced its SmartComfort™ TXT + two-stage, split-system air conditioners and heat pumps. SmartComfort TXT + two-stage air conditioners operate at up to 18 SEER efficiency, and SmartComfort TXT+ two-stage heat pumps provide up to 17 SEER, 9.5 HSPF.

Two-stage Copeland scroll compressors and two-speed fan motors provide quiet operation by operating in the quieter, lower stage most of the time. Filter driers are shipped with every unit and high- and low-pressure switches protect the refrigeration system. An Air Management System (AMS) with increased fan propeller diameters improves performance without increasing sound. Comfort Alert™ troubleshooting LED fault indicators accurately diagnose practically all system-related malfunctions. Sound jackets and a sound-reducing fan orifice further reduce noise levels. The compressor and an innovative control box both offer easy-to-remove panels for convenient troubleshooting access to components. Three-piece grille panels can be removed separately as needed - making it easy to view and clean debris.

Texas Furnace (www.texasfurnace.com) introduced its 2AC14 Series air conditioners. These 14 SEER split system air conditioners feature an all aluminum, microchannel coil. The all-aluminum coil construction is more resistant to most corrosive environments like coastal applications. The 2AC14 Series air conditioners use reliable Copeland compressors and come standard with a factory-installed filter drier. The louvered galvanized steel cabinet wrapper has an attractive powder painted medium gray colored finish.

Publication date: 02/19/2007