RACINE, Wis. - As part of its Energy Efficiency Symposium, Modine Manufacturing Co. introduced its Effinity93 with Conservicore™ gas-fired unit heater. Modine CEO Tom Burke told an audience of close to 30 contractors, distributors, and sales representatives that the new unit “is designed to be the most efficient gas-fired unit heater in North America. It gives HVAC users a more efficient way to heat their buildings so they can dramatically lower their energy bills, decrease fuel consumption, and keep their environments controlled for optimal comfort and safety.”

In addition to the product announcement, the one-half day symposium included a tour of the company’s world headquarters in Racine, Wis., and talks on energy efficiency issues from several Wisconsin environmental proponents including the state’s lieutenant governor.

THE PRODUCT

“We developed the Effinity93 line to provide commercial HVAC users an option that meets the energy needs of tomorrow, drives down energy costs, and creates a substantial return on investment - benefits that are clear to the end user,” said Matt McBurney, director of Modine’s Commercial Products Group. “We strived to include standard benefits that would make it an attractive and convenient addition to any building project or pre-existing facility.”

According to a statement from the company, the Effinity93 (Model PTC) features Modine’s Conservicore technology, a stainless steel secondary heat exchanger specifically designed to withstand the acidic condensate that is a byproduct of the combustion process.

It was noted that the unit can be vented as either a two-pipe or concentric vent system with either 3-inch or 4-inch PVC vent piping, deliver 93 percent efficiency in the same box size as Modine’s 80 percent efficient PTS model line, and has a Contractor Convenience Package that allows for ease of connectivity and trouble-shooting.

“The new efficiency standard we’re unveiling is a major bottom-line advantage for customers, but this is also a feature-driven unit,” said Richard Boothman, director North American sales for the Commercial Products Group. “The 93 percent efficiency standard means a substantial energy savings. It’s environmentally friendly, pocket book-friendly, and user-friendly.”

THE ENVIRONMENT

In his talk to attendees, Burke noted a range of other Modine products that stressed energy efficiency, as that was the topic of several speakers.

Wisconsin Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton noted that “Modine is on the cutting edge of Wisconsin’s bold (environmental) vision. Modine and Wisconsin are on the same path.”

She noted that while “decreasing emissions by decreasing consumption” is important “the first environmental step is energy efficiency (in equipment).”

She said that government stimulus money “particularly singles out energy efficiency.”

Further, she spoke of attending a luncheon meeting with former President Bill Clinton who said that the current global recession should not be a reason to slow down efficiency efforts.

Eric Callisto, chairperson of the Public Service Commission for the Governor’s Global Warming Task Force, said at the Modine event that even though there may be disagreement on the extent of global warming concerns, “one solution which everyone agrees on is energy efficiency.”

He said energy efficiency need not get caught up in issues related to values, beliefs, or the need to sacrifice. He said energy efficiency could produce a good return on investment and be a marketing opportunity.”

“It is not about freezing in winter or Madison liberals. It is about jobs and profits for companies.”

He added, “We can improve our energy efficiency by turning down thermostats. But we can also do so with more energy-efficient equipment.”

Publication date: 11/09/2009