Century (www.heatcontroller.com) introduced its line of geothermal heat pump systems. Spokesperson LeeAnne Perkins stated that the systems are very quiet, with a double spring and grommet isolation compressor mounting system, which reduces vibration and attenuates sound. All components can be accessed from multiple sides, and the solid state microprocessor controls feature easy-to-understand diagnostics.

ClimateMaster (www.climatemaster.com) introduced the ClimaDry dehumidification option for its Tranquility Series EarthPure 410A product line. The microprocessor-controlled option will automatically provide 100 percent reheat by adjusting the amount of reheat based upon supply air temperature, eliminating the problem of overcooling the space when loop temperatures drop. Spokesperson Jeff Hammond noted that the unit can now function in cooling, heating, and dehumidification modes.

Comfortmaker (www.comfortmaker.com) featured its new lines of 13 to 18 SEER residential air conditioners and heat pumps. These "SoftSound" air conditioners and heat pumps feature compressor sound jackets and efficient two-speed fan motors for quiet performance. These units also feature an innovative control box, which offers an easy-to-remove two-screw panel for convenient troubleshooting access to components (plug and play), control accessories pre-punched for attachment, and the self-diagnostic Comfort Alertâ„¢.

Concord (www.concord-air.com) introduced its 13 SEER air conditioners and heat pumps, both of which feature Copeland compressors. The units are designed for reliable and efficient money-saving performance and have fewer moving parts for dependable, quiet operation. For added comfort, the precision-balanced direct-drive fan sends hot air and noise up and away from the home. The heat pumps are equipped with field-proven adjustable time/temperature defrost control to ensure performance is maintained during freezing temperatures.

Ducane (www.ducanehvac.com) featured its new line of 13 SEER air conditioners and heat pumps. The company stated that when matched with a variable speed indoor section, these units can achieve up to 14 SEER. The heat pump also has a 7.7 HSPF rating. These new units are designed to help use significantly less energy than units installed as recently as five years ago. New, attractive louvered panels protect coils, are easy to service, and easily blend with most architecture and landscaping.

Fedders (www.fedders.com) showcased its line of ultra-quiet and compact 13 SEER high-efficiency series central air conditioning products. The complete line of 13 SEER unitary split air conditioning systems, from 1-½ to 5 tons, are ideally sized for slab or rooftop mounting in single or multifamily homes and light commercial applications. Due to Fedders' use of state-of-the-art condenser coils that require less space and use approximately 30 percent less refrigerant, the company states that its new central air conditioning products have some of the smallest foot-prints in the industry.

Heil (www.heil-hvac.com) in-troduced its lines of 13 to 18 SEER residential air conditioners and heat pumps that are tougher, quieter and easier to install, service and sell. These QuietComfort air conditioners and heat pumps feature compressor sound jackets and efficient two-speed fan motors for quiet performance. These new single-phase air conditioners and heat pumps are available in 1-½ to 5 ton cooling capacities and feature Copeland scroll compressors and a rigid fin design.

HydroHeat (www.hydroheat.com) featured its new Mega-Tek staged dual-compressor geothermal heat pump, which can provide space conditioning and domestic water heating.

The Mega-Tek is a closed-loop, geothermal heat pump, which has a COP greater than 4 and an EER of over 20. The system is equipped with a sophisticated, state-of-the-art microprocessor controller, which can be accessed by the banana, a hand-held diagnostic display terminal.

Lennox (www.lennoxinternational.com) highlighted its new Dave Lennox Signatureâ„¢ Collection XC15 air conditioner and XP15 heat pump. Both utilize the patented SilentComfortâ„¢ technology for smooth, quiet cooling.

Spokesman Tim Thorson stated that the units are 40 times quieter than standard 13 SEER units. Both products feature precision-balanced, direct-drive fans for ultra-quiet operation with a patent-pending fan design and both provide cooling efficiencies of up to 16 SEER. The XP15 has heating efficiencies of up to 8.5 HSPF.

Maritime Geothermal (www.nordicghp.com) introduced its Nordic line of geothermal heat pumps, which feature R-410A. The new units are available with a two-speed compressor and an ECM motor. The motor is quieter and has improved programmability for multiple speeds. The two-speed compressor allows the heat pump to match heating and cooling loads instead of having to choose one or the other.

Maytag (www.maytaghvac.com) introduced its line of heat pumps and air conditioners. From the new 13 SEER line to a new high-efficiency product line, all units are designed for quiet performance, with features like swept-wing fan blades, sound-absorbing base pans, and larger muffler and low-pressure switches on the heat pumps. The new product lineup also uses environmentally friendly R-410A refrigerant.

Rheem (www.rheemac.com) featured its 13 SEER Classic Series condensing units. These new high-efficiency units are available with either R-22 and R-410A refrigerants and feature all-steel, durable, low profile cabinets.

The new Classic RAND utilizes R-22 and can reach capacities up to 15 SEER when matched with an RCFA indoor coil. The Classic RANL features R-410A refrigerant and can reach capacities up to 16.2 SEER when matched with a RCFL indoor coil. The condensing units are available in sizes ranging from 1-½ to 5 tons.

Robur (www.robur.com/us) displayed its new gas absorption heat pumps, which earned an honorable mention in the AHR Expo's Innovation Awards Green Building and Heating categories. This new generation of heaters and chiller-heaters provides cooling and/or heating from a single unit operating on natural or propane gas. Spokesperson Brian Cullinane stated that the units require minimal electricity by using a single gas burner that produces both hot and chilled water simultaneously.

Ruud (www.ruudac.com) introduced its Achiever Series 13 SEER optimized condensing units, which are available with either R-22 and R-410A refrigerants.

For service accessibility, the simple two-fastener access provides fast entry to all critical service points, controls, and the single Copeland scroll compressor. The inconspicuous lower-profile style and the durable patented Neutra Green color will blend quietly into landscapes. The condensing units are available in sizes ranging from 1-½ to 5 tons.

Spinnaker Industries (www.spinnakerindustries.com) introduced its line of water-source heat pumps and air conditioners for the retrofit market. The company stated that regardless of space limitations, it can provide a unit to fit any application. The company will soon introduce a lineup of standard water-source heat pumps and air conditioners in both horizontal and vertical configurations with capacity ranges of 3/4 to 5 tons.

Tappan (www.tappan.net) introduced its line of heat pumps and air conditioners. From the new 13 SEER line to a new high-efficiency product line, all units are designed for quiet performance, with features like swept-wing fan blades, sound-absorbing base pans, and larger muffler and low-pressure switches on the heat pumps. The new product lineup also offers environmentally friendly R-410A refrigerant.

Tempstar (www.tempstar.com) unveiled its new lines of 13 to 18 SEER residential air conditioners and heat pumps. The all new mainline models are backed by new No Hassle Replacement limited warranties. These SmartComfort air conditioners and heat pumps feature compressor sound jackets and efficient two-speed fan motors for quiet performance. These new single-phase air conditioners and heat pumps are available in 1-½ to 5 ton cooling capacities.

Texas Furnace (www.texasfurnace.com) revealed its new high-efficiency air conditioner. The new product features a micro channel coil, which consists of multiple flat aluminum tubes containing small channels, through which the refrigerant flows. Between the flat aluminum tubes are sandwiched enhanced aluminum fins.

Francis Franck, VP of marketing, stated that the new condensing coil has a small footprint, so it will fit in most applications.

Westinghouse (www.westinghousehvac.com) introduced its line of heat pumps and air conditioners. From the new 13 SEER line to a new high-efficiency product line, all units are designed for quiet performance, with features like swept-wing fan blades, sound-absorbing base pans, and larger muffler and low-pressure switches on the heat pumps. The new product lineup also offers environmentally friendly R-410A refrigerant.

York (www.yorkupg.com), a brand of UPG of York - a Johnson Controls Company, introduced the "[mc]2 MicroChannel MiniCube" 13 SEER air conditioner. Available in 1- to 3-ton sizes, this unit uses an aluminum tube coil and micro-channel technology to provide higher efficiency, without a corresponding in-crease in coil surface area.

Spokesman Jeff Tucker stated that the new micro-channel technology also makes the unit less susceptible to collecting dirt. "It's also ideal for sea coast applications," said Tucker, "because it will not corrode."

Publication date: 02/13/2006