The NEWS reports on new products found by our editors at the recent AHR Expo in Chicago. Products are listed in alphabetical order within each category.

The goal of Energy Star is to help consumers save money and protect the environment through the use of energy-efficient products. The HVAC products shown here have earned the Energy Star label by meeting strict energy efficiency guidelines, which Energy Star states will enhance the comfort of a home while saving energy.

This year will bring plenty of changes to the Energy Star program, including implementation of Version 3 of its New Homes program. Most of the new guidelines became mandatory on Jan. 1. The rest kick in after July 1.

Expanding the TM9X and TM9V families, two models have been added to the Luxaire® LX Series of multiposition gas furnaces. An input rate of 40,000 Btuh enables the furnaces to provide better heat load matches, avoiding oversized equipment selection.

The features and benefits of high-tech HVAC equipment can often be lost on the end users — homeowners and building owners. What may seem to HVAC contractors like the greatest invention since sliced bread can result in blank stares from customers. But there is a way to make tech trends understandable to customers.

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.

The Tempstar® SmartComfort® 96 percent-plus AFUE gas furnace line is available. The SmartComfort® VC 97 features a modulating gas valve, variable-speed ECM blower motor, 97 percent AFUE, and stainless steel primary and secondary heat exchangers. The SmartComfort VT 96 is a two-stage variable-speed model at 96 percent AFUE.

Heil® QuietComfort® 96 percent plus AFUE gas furnaces feature models with stainless steel primary and secondary heat exchangers. According to the manufacturer, it designed the new line of gas furnaces after conducting focus groups with dealers across the country.

The Evolution® 987M A unit with an AFUE of up to 97 percent is available in a new high-efficiency line of gas furnaces. The fully modulating gas furnace has load matching performance. A modulating gas valve is capable of adjusting from 40 to 100 percent of capacity.

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.