ANAHEIM, Calif. - Commercial boiler manufacturers displaying their wares at the 2004 International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition had two basic themes: Offering products that are highly efficient with low nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. Other enhancements were also shown, but manufacturing environmentally friendly, cost-effective equipment was at the top of most lists.
Aerco International (www.aerco.com) introduced the Benchmark, its high-efficiency, gas-fired, low NOx, hot water boiler. These condensing modulating commercial boilers offer seasonal efficiencies of up to 96 percent. Marketing Manager Georgeann Russo said the Benchmark's efficiencies increase under part-load conditions because the system was designed around low-return water temperatures. The small, 12-square-foot footprint allows the Benchmark to fit through a 30-inch doorway, and the small vent size reduces installed cost, the company said.