Bringing homeowners increased comfort, higher efficiency, and greater control, the Residential Controls (including zoning) category of The NEWS’ ninth annual Dealer Design Awards is full of products pushing home control to new heights.

Source: Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI). Industry figures are estimates that are derived from the best available figures supplied by a sample of AHRI member companies.

Featuring efficiencies up to 19 SEER, the line of two-stage Tempstar® SmartComfort® TXT+ air conditioners and heat pumps is available in two model lines in 2- through 5-ton cooling capacities. A Copeland Scroll® Ultratech® compressor provides quiet operation.

Added to the Coleman® LX and Comforteer™ series of mid-efficiency 14.5 SEER air conditioners and heat pumps are 1.5-ton condensing units. To boost energy efficiency and offer a compact footprint, both 1.5-ton models include a coil constructed of aluminum microchannel tubing and enhanced aluminum fins.

Many in the industry are still lamenting the loss of the federal tax credits for higher efficiency HVAC systems; however, most manufacturers believe that customers remain willing to pay a premium for better equipment.

Consumers often seek out products that are considered to be the best or most efficient in their class. For this reason, many only consider highly fuel-efficient cars, Energy Star labeled refrigerators, or televisions rated as top performers in consumer magazines. This principle may work with other types of products, but will it work when it comes to the purchase of a high-efficiency heating and/or cooling system?

Customers who purchase high-end heating and cooling equipment want energy savings, as well as total comfort, which is why most contractors offer a wide range of accessories to enhance system performance.

“Contractors beware! If you are at all like me, you have been anticipating that the new residential construction market is just a year or so away from rebounding to previous heights.” Is it true, or is there more to this story?

As every contractor knows, both money-making opportunities and unexpected situations present themselves on a regular basis. With this in mind, upgrading your equipment to meet new safety standards and repairing a broken-down van both have one thing in common. What is it?