The Energy Star Most Efficient 2014 designation recognizes some of the greenest products the industry has to offer. Combining cutting-edge technology with exceptional SEER ratings, these central air conditioners and heat pumps represent some of the most efficient products on the market.
Bryant
280ANV Evolution® Extreme Series with Evolution® Connex™ Control
Bryant’s Evolution® Extreme heat pump improves comfort all year long with Perfect Humidity® technology, stated the company. While standard systems only dehumidify the air during cooling operation, this system continues to remove moisture, even when it isn’t actively cooling. Inverter-driven variable-speed capabilities take the Evolution Extreme heat pump up to a 13 HSPF heating efficiency. Settings are automatically adjusted to deliver precision temperature and humidity control while also maximizing energy management. The Evolution Extreme heat pump operates within a range of sound levels between 58 dBA in cooling mode and as low as 62 dBA in heating mode. It also features a SEER rating of 20.5 for the the 25,200-Btu capacity model and still manages an 18 SEER rating for its 56,000-Btu model.
“The Evolution Extreme heat pump delivers warm, comfortable heating as outdoor temperatures plummet. Because it’s matched with a variable-speed fan coil or furnace, it provides superior humidity control all summer, even when it’s not cooling,” stated a company brochure. “And, it can save significantly on utility bills all year long, achieving up to 13 HSPF heating and up to 20.5 SEER cooling,”
Carrier Corp.
25VNA Infinity® Series with Infinity® Touch Control
Greenspeed™ intelligence monitors several critical system functions and adjusts operation to maximize performance and system reliability in the Carrier 25VNA Infinity® Series with Infinity Touch Control. Schedules, heating, cooling, humidification, dehumidification, fan speeds, and more can all be controlled from one easy-to-use control mounted on the wall. The heat pump operates within a range of sound levels between 62 dBA and 76 dBA in heating mode and as low as 58 dBA in cooling mode. The Silencer System II™ features a silencer top, integrated fan motor, forward-swept fan blades, compressor vibration-isolator plate, sound hood, and split-post compressor grommets to help deliver quiet operation by maximizing airflow and minimizing vibration. The Infinity 20 heat pump with variable-speed scroll compressor, when properly matched with a Carrier-compatible indoor unit, maintains consistent comfort by closely matching heating and cooling requirements. Carrier delivers heat pump heating efficiency of up to 13 HSPF and SEER ratings of up to 20.5.
“The Infinity Series heat pump offers precise heating and cooling, unwavering comfort, uncompromising energy efficiency, and quiet cooling performance,” said John Gibbons, director of product and platform strategy, Carrier, in a previously published ACHR NEWS article. “When combined with an Infinity gas furnace with Greenspeed intelligence, they create the hybrid-heat dual-fuel system that saves money year-round.”
Fujitsu General America Inc.
RLFCC Series with Inverter Control
The Fujitsu RLFCC Series with Inverter Control is a line of Energy Star-qualified heat pumps. The 9,000-Btu model checks in at a 24 SEER while the 12,000-Btu model registers 21.9 SEER.
“Our 9,000- and 12,000-Btu single-zone compact cassette models have qualified for Energy Star’s Most Efficient label the past two years,” said Roy Kuczera, senior vice president, Fujitsu General America Inc. “High-performance heating, great efficiency, and four-way airflow make this an ideal system for a concealed flush-mount finish, even with limited space above the drop ceiling. Applications include offices, restaurants, convenience stores, motels, and dormitories. The system is suited for both retrofit and new construction projects.”
Strong, quiet, and efficient dc motors are used both indoors and outdoors for the Fujitsu RLFCC Series with Inverter Control. Through advanced technology, inverter (variable-speed compressor) air conditioners are economical units. They can handle greater temperature extremes and are smooth and stable in operation. High-performance fan blades, condensers, and evaporators combine with variable-speed inverter-driven compressors to boost the performance of these models. Variable-speed compressors automatically adjust to fluctuating room capacity requirements. This category of equipment is ideal for smaller spaces where spot cooling or heating is required.
LG Electronics USA
LAU/LAN Series with LG Wired Remote
The LAU/LAN Series is LG’s most energy-efficient line of heat pump duct-free products. The systems are available in 9,000-, 12,000-, and 18,200-Btu capacities. The single-zone systems feature energy-saving inverter technology and can be controlled through a standard wireless remote or an optional wired-wall controller. Cooling, heating, dehumidifying, fan, auto, auto sleep, and defrost modes may be controlled from a wireless remote. The Chaos Wind feature electronically controls fan speeds to create a more natural flow of air while jet-cool/jet-heat options operate at high fan speeds for 30 minutes to quickly cool/heat a room.
The LAU/LAN Series allows refrigerant piping lengths up to 66 or 98 feet and elevation difference of 33 or 49 feet (depending on the model). The lowest-capacity model, with a 9,000-Btu capacity, boasts a SEER rating of 27.5 while the 12,000-Btu model maintains a 25.5 SEER rating.
“LG has made a strong commitment to energy efficiency as a core business principle across the company,” said Kevin McNamara, vice president, commercial air conditioning, LG Electronics USA.
William Cho, president and CEO, LG Electronics USA, said the company is extremely proud to be recognized by the EPA.
“LG works to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help fight climate change by bringing energy-efficient products to the market as quickly as possible and by teaching consumers simple actions they can take to protect the environment,” he said.
Mitsubishi Electric Cooling and Heating
Slim, wall-mounted units provide zone comfort control in Mitsubishi Electric’s M-Series. Inverter-driven compressors (a common theme throughout this group) provide higher efficiency with controlled power usage.
“Energy efficiency is no longer a fringe product benefit. Homeowners now demand that the products in their homes be energy efficient,” said Mike Smith, senior product marketing manager, Mitsubishi Electric US Cooling & Heating Division.
The 9,000-Btu capacity version boasts a 21 SEER rating and the 22,400-Btu version achieves a 19 SEER rating.
“Higher SEER ratings will lead to lower electrical costs,” said Smith. “The expectation is that energy-efficient solutions will save on rising utility costs. This is the solution residential building professionals need, and we’re confident the market will respond accordingly.”
The M-Series features complete individual zone/room control. The inverter-driven compressor and LEV provide highly efficient comfort while using only the energy needed to maintain maximum performance. The choice of fan speeds includes: quiet, low, medium, high, and super high, with auto fan-speed control included.
Rheem Mfg. Co.
Rheem Prestige Series™ with Comfort Control2 System™
The Rheem Prestige Series two-stage air conditioner featuring the Comfort Control2 System is designed for maximum efficiency, offering smart technology that helps lower energy use and electricity bills. A two-stage cooling design operates on low most of the time, providing comfortable temperatures while reducing energy use. The system only operates on high when necessary during peak, warm weather conditions.
Energy savings are further increased by a cooling efficiency rating of up to 19.5 SEER. When matched with a Rheem variable-speed furnace or air handler, the system adjusts airflow to help effectively control humidity. A low-profile design blends in with the exterior of homes and is less likely to obstruct views from exterior windows. A compressor sound blanket encompasses the unit’s compressor, greatly reducing operating noise while a protective design full-metal cabinet protects the coil from hail, lawn debris, and other intrusions. A powder-painted metal cabinet finish exceeds the industry-wide 1,000-hour salt-spray testing requirement, guarding against the elements and rust, keeping the Rheem Prestige Series two-stage air conditioner visually pleasing.
“The Rheem Prestige Series RASL-JEC condensing unit has long been one of our most popular and efficient products,” said Erich Bauman, senior product manager, residential cooling products.
“This unit was recognized on the inaugural Energy Star Most Efficient list in 2011. The Energy Star program highlighted this model not only because it is an efficient product, but also because it can provide dealers with impressive diagnostics through the Rheem Comfort Control2 System. In late 2014, and throughout 2015, Rheem will be debuting an entirely new cooling platform. We’re confident dealers that have been fans of this RASL model will be impressed with the new line, since it will deliver even higher efficiencies and better diagnostics through the Rheem EcoNet system.”
Publication date: 9/29/2014
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