Energy Efficient Technology

Rheem Introduces Super Efficient Geothermal Heat Pump.

Rheem breaks new ground with the introduction of a Prestige Series^™ 27 to 31 EER geothermal heat pump with the Comfort Control² System^™ serial communicating feature. Offering energy savings and flexibility, Rheem geothermal units supply heating, central air conditioning, and domestic hot water, sources say.

“Consumers are looking for ways to save energy and lower utility costs; the Rheem geothermal heat pump makes this a reality through advanced technology that delivers enhanced comfort and peace of mind to homeowners,” says Adam Schuster, manager, Rheem product marketing and development. “With the addition of the geothermal heat pump, Rheem now offers contractors an unparalleled choice of ultra-efficient, earth friendly, whole-home comfort solutions.”

The heat pump is offered in package and split system configurations. Package products are available in 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6-ton capacities; split systems are available in 2, 3, 4, and 5-ton capacities. Rheem geothermal heat pumps feature two-stage compressors and advanced variable speed air delivery that automatically adjusts to changing weather conditions.

Rheem geothermal heat pumps are available with an optional water-heating generator, which diverts a portion of the supplied heat to the domestic water heater.

Rheem geothermal heat pump systems come equipped with the following features:

• On Board Diagnostics - Exclusive seven segment LED display quickly and accurately reports unit operating condition and provides easy-to-read fault codes for fast diagnostic assessment

• Advanced Diagnostics - Comfort Control² System monitors and reports system operating status, including an advanced auto shut down feature that protects against catastrophic system failure

• Advanced Scroll Compressor - A two-stage scroll compressor delivers enhanced durability, efficiency, and quiet operation. rheem.com circle 162

Goodman's ComfortNet Dual Fuel System Offers Easy Installation.

The combination of a ComfortNet Communicating control system coupled with either a Goodman or Amana brand 95% AFUE gas furnace and an 18 SEER heat pump results in a dual fuel system that is easy to install, offers homeowners energy efficiency and operational savings, and the entire system is backed by a limited warranty, Goodmansources say.

During installation, the ComfortNet control system will automatically configure the system. In its operational mode, the ComfortNet system will help maximize energy savings by determining whether to deliver heat from the gas furnace or heat pump, depending on the outdoor temperature.

Features of the ComfortNet communicating dual fuel system include a large touchscreen display, service indicator that alerts a homeowner whom to call, intuitive menu-driven programming with audio prompts, remote sensing for indoor and outdoor temperatures and more. Amana brand gas furnaces employ a patented, dual-diameter stainless steel heat exchanger that has successfully surpassed over 2 million cycles, and the test is still continuing. The Goodman brand gas furnaces use an aluminized steel tubular heat exchanger. Both the Amana brand and Goodman brand heat pumps employ scroll compressors. goodmanmfg.com or amana-hac.com circle 163

The Home Heating System by freewatt^®.

The freewatt^® home heating system operates by using micro-combined heat and power (micro-CHP) technology. The technology combines an Energy Star-rated, high-efficiency gas furnace or boiler to a Honda generator.

The micro-CHP technology has been identified by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as one of two technologies designated as a Climate Choice technology. Climate Choice is a new partnership program that recognizes emerging technologies that have the potential to substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions once they are more widely adopted.

“The freewatt system is designed to operate whenever the home has a need for heat,” according to Michael Paparone, ECR president and CEO. “Using the Honda generator, freewatt generates 1.2 kW of electric power, and nearly all the heat created by the generator is then recycled to heat the home. This electricity can be used to power the home or can be sold back to the ‘grid,’” Paparone says.

The freewatt system can produce nearly 5,000 kilowatts of electricity each year. freewatt.com circle 164