The new touchscreen model, along with an updated version of the classic Sensi Wi-Fi Thermostat, is now compatible with smart home management platform Apple HomeKit™, bringing simple and secure control using the Apple Home app on an iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, or voice (Siri). The new Sensi thermostats will build upon the brand’s legacy of connecting temperature control and convenience to ensure exceptional home comfort.

“When we introduced the Sensi thermostat just three years ago, we knew our position in HVAC controls, combined with our expertise in system connectivity, would enable us to develop a superior product,” said Robert Sharp, executive president of Emerson Commercial and Residential Solutions. “As we’ve continued to learn from our customers, homeowners are gravitating toward simple smart home solutions that make life easier. Our latest Sensi thermostats combine enhanced capabilities, including support for Apple HomeKit with simple and secure controls and a sleek, new interface, with a proven home comfort experience that puts users firmly in control of their environment anytime and from anywhere.”

Ed Blittschau, vice president of marketing, White-Rodgers, said contractors have always been drawn to the Sensi due to its simple, easy-to-use interface, and the thermostat’s new touchscreen feature is yet another attractive benefit.

“Homeowners wanted a higher level from a look and feel perspective, so we released the Sensi Touch in August of 2017,” he said. “There’s a light you can turn on to make the terminal connections easy to see. It also features geofencing capabilities that allow it to sense when homeowners arrive and leave.”

Emerson also introduced its Sensi Multiple Thermostat Manager, a software application that can manage and control multiple heating and cooling systems through one convenient online portal. The software solution works with Sensi Wi-Fi Thermostats to create a powerful and affordable HVAC management solution for businesses that typically have multiple HVAC systems across one or several buildings or even locations.

The Sensi Multiple Thermostat Manager empowers facility managers to create thermostat groups and make batch setting changes to balance occupant comfort with energy savings and operational efficiency. While bigger office buildings often require massive commercial HVAC systems, smaller businesses, schools, and places of worship often rely on solutions like the Sensi thermostat to keep buildings comfortable year-round.

“This is a software solution that works with all our Sensis,” Blittschau said. “As we looked at the Sensi’s impact in the residential market, we examined opportunities for growth. We did some research and found there are more than 3 million commercial buildings that use residential-type systems. Many churches, schools, and small businesses don’t have building automation systems due to cost. So, we started talking with the maintenance facility managers and found it would be advantageous if we had a software solution that would allow them to batch a bunch of Sensis together. We feel this is a great addition to the Sensi family because it’s using our existing product. This allows contractors to grow their businesses using existing products in different markets.”

COMPRESSOR EVOLUTIONS

The third generation of the Copeland Scroll two-stage compressors from 1-10 ton has been redesigned for improved performance and reliability in residential and commercial air conditioning systems. The latest technology, which received a 2018 AHR Expo Innovation Award in the Cooling category, is optimized for mid-tier comfort and efficiency rebates with improved full- and part-load performance up to 5 percent greater than the preceding generation. Systems with two-stage compression technology provide improved temperature and humidity control for comfort that homeowners and building occupants can feel.

The two-stage compressor runs at full capacity, or approximately 65 percent, which helps keep humidity at bay while reducing energy use. Internal bypass ports enable the compressor to run at approximately 65 percent part-load capacity during times when only part-load heating or cooling is needed. When demand increases, the modulation control valve is activated, sealing the bypass and instantly shifting capacity to 100 percent.

“In this generation, we put in a better motor and changed the way the compressor modulates,” said Joe Linsenmeyer, director of marketing, residential air conditioning for Emerson’s Commercial and Residential Solutions platform. “The second-generation design was based on the K5 fixed-speed design while this generation is based on the K6 fixed-speed compressor. Also, we used to be at a 67 percent step, but we moved that to a 65 percent step. That 2 percent difference provides a significant SEER benefit. We currently have four models out, and this unit will continue to evolve going forward.”

LAST BUT NOT LEAST

Emerson also exhibited its Site Supervisor, a flexible facility control platform that lets users keep an eye on every piece of equipment impacting customer experience. 

Emerson’s Ridgid brand showcased several developments, including its PEX-One 12V Battery PEX Tool; the Press Booster and MegaPress® XL Rings, which now presses steel pipe up to 4 inches in diameter; the RP 240, which is 13 inches long and weighs in at 7.4 pounds with battery and jaws included; and more.  

Publication date: 2/26/2018