Residential Furnaces Heat Up Expo

Craig Ellis demonstrates how easy it is to service Fedders’ new line of all-position 80-percent-efficiency furnaces.

ORLANDO, Fla. - Maybe it was the free samples of ice cream in one booth or the magician in another that drew throngs of people into their booths. Or maybe, just maybe, it was the equipment itself that pulled hordes of attendees into the booths highlighting residential furnaces at the 2005 International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition (AHR Expo). Exhibitors had a whole lineup of new and exciting residential furnaces at the show.

Bryant (www.bryant.com) featured its Evolution variable-speed gas furnace. Spokesman Scott Koch noted that the furnace is extremely quiet and provides a high level of comfort and efficiency. The furnace is available with indoor air quality (IAQ) accessories such as an air cleaner, humidifier, and ultraviolet germicidal light. Bryant also highlighted its new Model ASP automatic home standby generator. This portable generator is fueled by natural or LP gas and will operate indefinitely as long as the natural gas supply is available.

Carrier (www.carrier.com) touted its Infinity system as the only truly integrated system on the market. The Infinity uses a single control to integrate and manage all six comfort functions: temperature, humidity, airflow, ventilation, IAQ, and zoning. Spokesman Mike Branson stated that the new generation Infinity system with its programmable digital control was radically redesigned for ease of use by the consumer and for simplified installation by the dealer. "The Infinity offers unprecedented levels of comfort, energy savings, and peace of mind," said Branson.

A magician in Nordyne’s booth made the crowds appear to see the company’s new residential furnaces.

Coleman (www.colemanac.com) introduced its all-new Echelon line of furnaces, which includes the variable-speed V Series, two-stage T Series, and single-stage S Series, which combine stylish design and energy-saving technology. All three model segments feature a design that incorporates single- or two-stage heat, convertible upflow, horizontal, and downflow configurations, and advanced diagnostics for ease of installation and serviceability. The furnaces are available with AFUE ratings of 80 percent and over 92 percent.

Fedders (www.fedders.com) introduced its new line of all-position 80-percent-efficiency furnaces. The new compact designs are 35 inches tall and feature heavy-gauge aluminized tubular heat exchangers and a furnace control module with self-diagnostics to monitor furnace functions. The new furnaces have a low firing rate, which results in a quiet unit, noted Todd Duckwitz, senior manager product planning, residential HVAC.

Haier (www.haieramerica.com) featured is new 80-percent and 90-percent AFUE gas furnaces. Spokesman Lintao Lu noted that the furnaces are very versatile and are available in upflow and downflow configurations.

"These furnaces are very quiet and easy to service," stated Lu. "They were designed with the contractors in mind."

Visitors at the York booth learned about the company’s Affinity furnaces, which are available in single-stage, two-stage, and variable-speed units.

Heat Controller (www.heatcontroller.com) showcased its new Conquest 90 Max two-stage gas furnace. The 92-percent AFUE gas furnace reduces temperature swings and on-off furnace cycling.

It features a 34-inch, low-profile cabinet; an insulated blower compartment for quiet operation; and an integrated furnace control. The control board is set up to handle central A/C.

Luxaire (www.luxaire.com) introduced its all-new Acclimate furnaces, which feature a variable-speed V Series, two-stage T Series, and single-stage S Series of units. The premium 8.V (80 percent) and 9.V (90 percent-plus) variable-speed furnaces are equipped with an electronically commutated motor (ECM) with GeoTrak technology. Unlike standard blower motors, this technology provides nearly continuous, gradual fan speed operation, resulting in more energy-efficient operation, effective humidity control, reduced sound levels, and improved IAQ.

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Nordyne (www.nordyne.com) introduced its two-stage, fixed speed, 80-percent gas furnaces in the Philco, Kelvinator, Frigidaire, Tappan, Westinghouse, and Maytag lines. Spokesman Matt Lattanzi noted that these furnaces circulate air at longer cycles and more continuously, so room temperatures are balanced and more comfortably mixed. "This means you don't get a big blast of heat when the furnace comes on. It also lowers energy bills," he noted.

Rheem (www.rheem.com) and Ruud (www.ruud.com) introduced the Super Quiet 80-percent gas furnaces. The new Rheem RGPN Classic Series and Ruud UGPN Achiever Series Super Quiet 80 furnaces feature a unique combustion air inlet, solid doors, and top plate to perform at industry-leading sound levels. Input rates range from 50,000 to 150,000 Btu. The units are designed to be easy to handle, install, and service, the company said. At a height of 34 inches, they are among the smallest in their class.

Williams (www.williamscomfortprod.com) featured new vertical stack fan coil units in four-pipe configuration. New features on the company's hearthside products include a thermostat mounted on the side and a millivolt system.

York (www.yorkupg.com) highlighted its new Affinity furnaces, which are available in 80-percent- and 90-percent-efficient models. The variable-speed V Series, two-stage T Series, and single-stage S Series feature a stylish design.

The ClimaTraK control lets Affinity installers customize the comfort for each home, depending on the area's climate - dry, temperate, or humid. ClimaTraK also offers nearly continuous, gradual fan speed operation, resulting in effective humidity control and improved IAQ, according to the company.

Publication date: 02/28/2005

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Joanna Turpin is a Senior Editor at The ACHR NEWS. She can be contacted at 248-786-1707 or joannaturpin@achrnews.com. Joanna has been with BNP Media since 1991, first heading up the company’s technical book division before moving over to The ACHR NEWS, where she frequently writes about refrigerants and commercial refrigeration. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Washington and worked on her master’s degree in technical communication at Eastern Michigan University.