Take a closer look at the leading sustainable HVAC products.
[Photo: Courtesy of Aprilaire]
1. 8191 Ventilator with Dehumidification
Phew. Is it hot in here? Actually, it’s not. It’s just right, and it’s all because of the Aprilaire Model 8191 Ventilator with Dehumidification, which manages humidity year-round in warm, humid climates while using as little energy as possible.
We all know ventilation is a challenge in muggy weather—relying on passive ventilation to let in fresh air doesn’t work when the air outside is too humid. The 8191 is the only ventilation solution that efficiently removes excessive moisture from ventilated air in buildings located in areas with mild temperatures and high humidity in winter. Without the 8191, the air conditioner has to do all the work of conditioning the humid, outdoor air, which can lead to overcooling and wasteful energy management. The 8191 ventilator removes humidity from the ventilated air before it reaches the building’s living space.
The Model 8191 control system maximizes ventilation when the air conditioner is running. The system also automatically ventilates during optimal times of the day when temperature is lowest. The control system has a built-in dedicated dehumidifier for removing moisture from fresh air when the air conditioner is not running. The 8191 is typically mounted in an attic near the HVAC system. Once the ventilator is installed, it requires very little maintenance. This new ventilation solution has been tested with successful results in even the most challenging climates. aprilaire.com
[Photo: Courtesy of Messana]
2. mSense Radiant Heating & Cooling Home Control System
Messana’s mSense is the only home control technology designed specifically for radiant cooling and heating systems. Messana is changing the way buildings are conditioned—their new climate control platform enhances air comfort and saves energy.
mSense measures three main indoor environmental elements that influence well-being: operative temperature, relative humidity (dew point), and air quality. Its sensors work in a similar way to how human skin responds to temperature changes, adapting to the effects of air, temperature, and thermal radiation. mSense also accurately measures humidity and can be equipped with a gas sensor that analyzes volatile substances that impact your health. The main unit, or mBox, regulates the home energy flow and controls heat pumps, chillers, and boilers.
The zoning module, or mZone, activates thermal actuators, recirculating pumps, valves, and air handlers. Designed for both two-pipe and four-pipe systems for simultaneous heating and cooling, the mZone is also compatible with hybrid radiant and forced-air systems. Messana has a web and mobile app that gives you complete control over your radiant cooling and heating system even when you’re on the go. The app has an intuitive user interface so you can easily manage your system from any location. radiantcooling.com
[Rendering: Courtesy of LGRED]
3. LGRED° Heating System
Red has never been so green. LGRED° heating technology is designed to provide comfort and energy efficiency in harsh, cold climates. RED stands for Reliable to Extreme Degrees, and LGRED° is certainly dependable in even the coldest temperatures—products featuring LGRED° provide superior heating in residential and commercial buildings with 100% heating capacity performance down to
5°F and continuous heating operations down to -13˚F.
Conventional heating systems have limited performance in freezing locations, but LG’s new innovative technology is the perfect sustainable solution for beating the cold. LGRED° technology is available in a range of models, such as the compact LG Multi F and Multi F MAX outdoor units. LG’s Art Cool Premier indoor units, which received ENERGY STAR’s “2017 Most Efficient” award, can also enhance their performance with LGRED° technology. These indoor units have low operating costs, optimal performance, and a SEER rating of up to 27.5, one of the industry’s highest scores.
On top of that, LGRED° technology qualifies for the prestigious ENERGY STAR certification and is eligible for many utility company rebates. LG showcased the latest heating and air conditioning systems featuring LGRED° technology at Greenbuild 2017 in Boston. lgredheat.com
[Photo: Courtesy of Biome]
4. AirIQ Air Analysis Kit
AirIQ from Biome makes analyzing air quality easier than ever. This revolutionary single-use air analysis kit calculates VOC concentrations, odors, smells, carbon dioxide, and oxygen levels. As an industry leader in air analysis, AirIQ measures every compound, both regulated and unregulated, from a direct “whole” air sample.
AirIQ includes an easy-to-use evacuated glass jar with patent-pending nozzles for controlled air intake. You can choose to conduct a spot test, two-hour test, or eight-hour test, depending on your needs. And using it is simple. Just open it at the testing site, send the sample back in the same box with prepaid shipping, and detailed lab results will be posted to your dashboard in five days.
All of AirIQ’s data is available on the web dashboard—a centralized interface that manages records and results in one consistent, secure place. The dashboard displays all chemicals detected in the test, including accurate concentration amounts, safety thresholds, and mitigation solutions. Also, since AirIQ is single use, you’ll have no risk of a prior sample contaminating the testing vessel. biome.us
[Photo: Courtesy of Sensi]
5. Sensi Touch Wi-Fi Thermostat
Emerson has been a top industry provider for heating and cooling systems for more than 125 years. Now, with the Sensi line of smart home technology, Emerson is taking home comfort control to the next level.
The new Sensi Touch Wi-Fi Thermostat features comfort control in color. Whether you’re at home or traveling, the touch screen display and mobile app make it easy to access your thermostat. Change or program your home temperatures from afar while saving money and energy. Sensi technology tracks humidity and alerts you when extreme changes are detected. The thermostat software also upgrades automatically as new features come out. The app and thermostat even change color to let you know quickly whether your home system is heating or cooling. The thermostat’s innovative geofencing feature uses your smartphone’s location to change temperature settings when you leave and before you return to help you save energy effortlessly, too. Or you can use your app to program a schedule that fits your needs. sensicomfort.com
Share your suggestions for the best new products by emailing info@greenhvacrmag.com.
