HVAC Residential Market - Articles - Page 38

By installing a solar array, homeowners can essentially pre-purchase their future electrical needs at today’s cost. PHOTO Courtesy of Michigan Energy Services

Geothermal + Solar = Expensive but Often Worth it

Combination systems often result in net-zero consumption

June 20, 2016

For those looking to take energy conservation to the next level, many contractors are encouraging the installation of a combination geothermal heat pump and solar energy system.

American Standard’s AccuComfort Platinum 20 air conditioner runs at up to 700 stages, allowing homeowners complete control over temperature and humidity.

HVAC Units Loaded with Features

HVAC systems designed to exceed customer expectations

Joanna R. Turpin

June 20, 2016

Manufacturers offer a wide array of high-end products loaded with features designed to exceed the expectations of discerning consumers and contractors alike. Here are a few examples.

Champion brand of Johnson Controls: Packaged Heat Pump

June 20, 2016

This addition to the Champion Direct Replacement rooftop solution features advanced controls and an optional Mobile Access Portal (MAP) Gateway and fault detection and diagnostics (FDD).

DOE Finalizes Regional Standards Enforcement

New record-retention requirements for distributors, contractors outlined in rule

June 17, 2016

While the Regional Standard only applies to installations in the South and Southwest portion of the country, distributors across the United States must begin to maintain certain records effective July 1, 2016.

By taking two pressure measurements across the coil, you can quickly determine if it will significantly restrict airflow.

Duct Dynasty: Prevent Airflow Problems with Replacement Indoor Coils

Be sure to accurately measure pressure drop and acknowledge the number of fins per inch

David Richardson

June 13, 2016

According to National Comfort Institute (NCI) studies of properly performing HVAC systems, coil pressure drop shouldn’t exceed 40 percent of the equipment’s rated total external static pressure.

Luxaire Unitary Products: Heat Pump

June 13, 2016

Available in 3- to 8.5-ton capacities, this heat pump’s exact-fit footprint and advanced control technology contribute to easy installation, setup, and maintenance.

Tempstar: Inverter Heat Pumps

June 13, 2016

These variable-speed inverter units integrate advanced technology with a rotary compressor, compact electronically commutated motor (ECM) fan, and an integrated inverter control.

The age of the system, total cost of repair, and total cost of future repairs are just a few of the things contractors need to take into account

Condenser Units: When to Repair and When to Replace

HVAC contractors share how they help homeowners decide when to replace outdoor units

Jen Anesi

June 6, 2016

While making the decision to replace a condensing unit instead of repairing it may be a difficult one, some contractors have guidelines in place to help homeowners make such a decision a little less difficult.

The R-22 phaseout, which will end all production and importation of virgin R-22 in the U.S. by 2020, has significantly altered condenser unit designs. Photo courtesy of Mastercool

Condenser Units Bound by Efficiency Regulations

Regional standards, refrigerant changes, consumer demand influence innovation in condenser design

Jen Anesi

June 6, 2016

Dozens of regulations affecting HVACR equipment manufacturers, along with refrigerant regulations and technological innovations in variable-speed technology, have resulted in a bevy of change for condenser unit manufacturers.

World HVAC Equipment Demand to Reach $122 Billion by 2020

Growth will slow from the 2010-2015 pace

June 6, 2016

Global demand for HVAC equipment is forecast to increase at a 4.1 percent yearly rate through 2020 to $122 billion, according to a new study from The Freedonia Group, a Cleveland-based industry research firm.