Technology Update: Specialty Comfort Systems

Friedrich

Friedrich Air Conditioning announces the addition of 20- SEER ductless split system heat pumps to its extensive line of ductless split system products. The 20-SEER wall-mount heat pumps are available in 9,000 and 12,000 btu capacities and feature inverter technology that reaches the desired temperature setting faster, maintains it more accurately, and uses less energy, according to company sources.

The M09Y1G and the M12YG feature automatic changeover from cooling to heating mode as needed to maintain the set temperature. Other features include an LCD remote control, 24-hour timer with sleep timer, four fan speeds, five operational modes (auto, cool, dry, fan, heat), auto swing louvers, continuous “air sweep,” a washable, removable air filter, and sleek louvers that automatically close when not in use. Visit www.friedrich.com for more info.

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Fujitsu

Fujitsu offers two ductless split system wall-mount models with longer refrigerant pipe lengths and lower ambient operation for heating or cooling. The low ambient operation is especially useful for ambient cooling of computer rooms during the winter months. In addition, all Halcyon units are equipped with Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) plasma filtration.

Fujitsu’s 24,000 btu 24RLQ wall-mounted heat pump is replaced by the 24RLXQ – the unit with an extended line set capability, providing a combined line set maximum of 165 lineal feet. It also operates optimally at temperatures as low as 0F for both cooling and heating purposes. The manufacturer’s 30,000 btu 30CLX cooling-only system is being replaced with the 30RLXQ which now offers heat pump operation, extended line set length (also 165 lineal ft.) and optimal operation with outdoor temperatures at low as 0F – providing full heat performance with no supplemental heat.

These units are available with these capabilities right off the shelf with no modifications needed for low ambient operation. There is no need to add a crank case heater, fan cycle control, or larger suction accumulator to protect the compressor; these are already built-in. Visit www.fujitsugeneral.com for additional info.

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Goodman

Goodman mini-splits offer complete room comfort with a remote control.

The Goodman MSG series units don’t require ductwork. A single 3 -in. wall opening connects the outdoor and indoor units, with the refrigerant, drain lines, and controls running through that one opening.

Inside, the small-profile unit sits high on a wall. A straightforward remote control conveniently operates the unit.

Goodman mini-split systems use R-410A refrigerant.

A five-year compressor limited warranty plus a one-year parts limited warranty is standard on the mini-splits.

The Goodman MSG series offer air conditioner and heat pump units in three sizes, from one to two-tons. Other features include auto-start, sleep mode, easy-to-clean front panels, anti-rust cabinets, inner-grove copper, self-diagnostics, auto-protection, and bidirectional airflow. Visit www.goodmanmfg.com for additional info.

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Heat Controller, Inc.

Comfort-Aire introduces its GeoMax2® series geothermal heat pumps. Four models are available in two to five-ton capacities, with EERs as high as 28.5 on partial load.

According to company sources, the two-stage system saves energy by shifting between part load and full load, automatically adjusting to optimize comfort. It does this by running at 67% capacity most of the time, maintaining a constant temperature and humidity level. When there’s a greater demand for conditioning, such as during weather extremes, the unit instantly shifts to 100% capacity. Efficiency is enhanced by a multi-stage scroll compressor and a variable speed blower motor that provides a multitude of operational modes.

Quiet operation is assured by a double isolation compressor mounting system and vibration isolation spring. An insulated divider and separate compressor and air handler compartments further reduce sound.

The GeoMax2 HTV series uses R-410A and has an operating range of 20F to 120F.

Standard features on the Geo- Max2 series include a hot water generator with built-in pump and solid state microprocessor controls with a performance monitoring system that signals a problem before a lock-out occurs. Units are covered by a 12-year warranty on the compressor and a 6-year warranty on other parts. Visit www.heatcontroller.com for additional info.

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Honeywell

The Prestige™ comfort system from Honeywell is a high-resolution, full-color thermostat. The Prestige is enabled with RedLINK™ wireless technology, making it wireless-ready, company sources say. Prestige is equipped with touchscreen technology. It doesn’t come with an owner’s manual as it programs itself after “interviewing” consumers by asking a few simple questions about their daily schedules. Prestige is designed to work with Honeywell’s Portable Comfort Control and the Wireless Outdoor Sensor.

Honeywell has also introduced the first wireless platform engineered specifically for HVAC, featuring the Portable Comfort Control™, a hand-held device that not only senses and allows homeowners to adjust for that room’s temperature but also provides information on outdoor conditions to help them make informed decisions that could positively impact overall energy use. Used much like a TV remote, the Portable Comfort Control is a hand-held, batteryoperated device that automatically adjusts the temperature in whatever room its in to whatever desired setting, displays outdoor temperature and humidity, puts energy-related decisions conveniently in homeowners’ hands, and allows for energy-saving set-back at bed-time after homeowners fall asleep. Visit www.forwardthinking.honeywell.com/wowtour for more info.

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