The ICP booth showcased many new furnaces from its Arcoaire, Comfortmaker, Heil, KeepRite, and Tempstar divisions.
CHICAGO - The Windy City was the perfect place to showcase gas furnaces and heaters, as it was a little chilly at the 2006 International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition (AHR Expo). The crowds soon warmed, though, to the new energy-efficient products shown by a multitude of manufacturers.

Advanced Distributor Products (www.adpnow.com) showcased its Cayenneâ„¢ Separated Combustion unit heater, which can be used for heating cold spaces, such as garages, workshops, greenhouses, or warehouses. The FOA Series unit heater has a heating capacity input ranging from 45,000 to 300,000 Btuh and is more than 80 percent thermally efficient.

AirEase (www.airease.com) highlighted its Enhanced Series furnaces, which are available in many different models and configurations. Ken Ely, heating product manager, said that this furnace can offer "true 95 percent AFUE." The furnace features a GE ECM variable-speed fan motor and a two-stage gas control system.

Arcoaire (www.arcoaire.com) revealed its new multipoise 80 percent AFUE X VS 80 two-stage, variable-speed gas furnace. These versatile low-profile furnaces can be installed in an upflow, downflow, horizontal left or horizontal right configuration with heating inputs ranging from 50,000 to 125,000 Btuh. The furnace is equipped with a troubleshooting LED fault indicator that will diagnose practically all system-related malfunctions, and it's easy to view through a new sight glass in the blower door.

Comfort-Aire (www.heatcontroller.com) showcased its new gas furnaces for manufactured homes. These downflow furnaces feature three heat capacity and two blower choices, which can handle heating and heating/cooling (to 5 tons) in any climate. Spokesperson LeeAnne Perkins stated that all blowers are multi-speed to adjust airflow to the home for quiet operation, high efficiency, and comfort.

Comfortmaker (www.comfortmaker.com) introduced its 90 percent-plus AFUE PS90-DV gas furnaces. The new line of gas furnaces are competitively priced and feature a new design that is easier to install and tough enough to withstand years of use, according to the company.

The furnace is offered in six multiposition models with heating inputs ranging from 50,000 to 125,000 Btuh, including a high-airflow 100,000 Btuh model available for 5-ton cooling applications.

Ducane (www.ducanehvac.com) showcased its new Fits-All 80V gas furnace. The new gas furnace has an AFUE rating of 80 percent and features two-stage heat and a variable-speed motor that is designed to save energy and reduce temperature swings for extra comfort. The furnace offers two-stage heating inputs ranging from 50,000 to 125,000 Btuh with a 1-1/2 to 5-ton cooling capacity.

York introduced its Affinity modulating gas furnace, which delivers improved comfort at a lower operating cost.
Fedders(www.fedders.com) featured its line of all position 80 percent efficiency furnaces. Beth Marotta, director of marketing, stated that the new compact designs are some of the smallest in the industry at 35 inches tall, allowing more freedom of choice when selecting an installation location, while also accommodating the 13 SEER "A" coils for today's more efficient air conditioning systems.

Heil (www.heil-hvac.com) featured its new QuietComfort DLX 90 gas furnaces, which are dual certified for one- or two-pipe venting and feature single-stage gas valves and single-stage ignition control.

These furnaces come equipped with a troubleshooting LED fault indicator that will diagnose practically all system-related malfunctions. The furnace is offered in four multi-position models with heating inputs ranging from 50,000 to 125,000 Btuh, including a high-airflow 100,000 Btuh model for 5-ton applications.

KeepRite (www.keeprite.com) introduced its new line of competitively priced PS80 gas furnaces with new features for easy installation and years of comfortable performance. These versatile low-profile furnaces can be installed in an upflow, downflow, horizontal left or horizontal right configuration and are designed with easy-to-remove panels and extra-spacious service compartments to give technicians room to work. The furnace is offered in seven multiposition models with heating inputs ranging from 50,000 to 125,000 Btuh.

Lennox featured a whole host of new products, including the 80 percent efficient Elite Series G50E gas furnace.
Lennox(www.lennox.com) highlighted its new Elite Series G50E gas furnace. The 80 percent AFUE furnace is fully insulated, which ensures quiet operation. The dedicated low-speed fan operates continuously at low speed for improved comfort and indoor air quality. Spokesperson Tim Thorson noted that the furnaces are very quiet, and they offer the motor efficiencies of variable speed at a lower cost.

Louisville Tin & Stove Co. (www.cozyheaters.com) showcased its new Wind-o-Warm direct vent through-the-wall gas heater. These new heaters are perfect for heating rooms that need zone temperature control and are short on space. The heaters can be installed through a window or through a wall. The 25 MBtu unit fits easily between 16-inch center studs, and the grille face extends only 3 inches into the room.

Tempstar (www.tempstar.com) revealed its new multipoise 90 percent-plus AFUE SmartComfortâ„¢ VS 90 gas furnace line, which offers high-efficiency two-stage operation, and a variable speed blower. These versatile low-profile furnaces can be installed in an upflow, downflow, horizontal left or horizontal right configuration. They are dual-certified for one- or two-pipe venting, and feature stainless steel primary and secondary heat exchangers, a two-stage gas valve and two-stage ignition control.

York (www.yorkupg.com), a brand of UPG of York - a Johnson Controls Company, showcased its new Affinityâ„¢ modulating gas furnace.

These 95 percent AFUE furnaces feature a constant temperature while delivering improved comfort, quieter operation, and reduced energy costs. The Affinity modulating furnace technology is available in both a constant-speed blower configuration and a variable-speed blower configuration and is supported in all positions (upflow, downflow, and horizontal).

Sidebar: 80V Oil Furnace

CHICAGO -Armstrong Air(www.armstrongair.com) announced at the 2006 International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition (AHR Expo) that it has recently added the Enhanced 80V variable speed oil furnace to the line of Armstrong Air oil furnaces.

The new furnace features a high-efficiency variable speed blower motor, offering a comfort and reliable service. With an ultra-low continuous fan speed and the ability to maintain proper airflow by automatically adjusting to environmental and application conditions, the Enhanced 80V oil furnace creates "even temperatures and consistent comfort" throughout the home. Coupled with a central cooling system, the Enhanced 80V boosts cooling performance while increasing system humidity control.

Other product benefits include exceptional heat distribution and quiet operation. The variable speed blower motor reduces operating sound by slowly ramping up and down. In addition, the slow, quiet ramp down helps extract as much energy as possible from each heating cycle.

- John R. Hall

Publication date: 02/13/2006