Solar Air Conditioning Not A Thing Of The Future
With the dog days of summer typically comes the buzz about air conditioning costs. And, in the era of sustainable thinking and living, how to reduce that cost in a greener way is foremost on many consumers’ minds. The question is this; why can’t we have an air conditioning system that can keep our family cool 24/7, but not worry about increased energy costs or the environmental impact?
Enter the idea of a solar assisted air conditioner. Now I know what you’re thinking, “It’s going to be a thing of the future, maybe another five years at least.” Actually… it’s already here, right now... today!
Why haven’t you heard about it? Probably because summer has just arrived and most people don’t think too much about their A/C system until it gets blazing hot out or it breaks down. Temperatures are topping out in most of the nation, so it’s likely you’ll start to see stories on the first widely available solar air conditioner, just as energy prices and air conditioning bills are also rising.
In addition to the solar feature, this air conditioning system is just teaming with innovation and futuristic features. So without further adieu, here’s everything you need to know about the first integrated solar-assisted residential heating and air conditioning system: The SunSource™ Comfort System from Lennox®:
Environmentally Responsible
The industry's first solar-assisted central heat pump uses a combination of solar energy and electricity to reduce home electric usage. Chlorine-free
R410A refrigerant provides exceptional comfort without exacting a costly environmental toll.
The system meets or exceeds EPA guidelines for energy efficiency. This air conditioning and heating system also
qualifies for a tax credit under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. That's a substantial savings of 30%, up to
$1,500 or more.
Extreme Comfort & Energy Efficiency
Efficiency ratings of up to 18.20 SEER and 9.70 HSPF can save hundreds of dollars a year compared to a standard heat pump. A single solar panel provides freely available renewable energy to offset the electric usage of the heating and cooling system. A two-stage scroll compressor runs at low speed most of the time, which means it's less expense to operate and provides more consistent comfort. Plus it's specifically designed to work with a Humiditrol® whole-home dehumidification system for added comfort control.
Quiet Operation
The SilentComfort™ fan grille uses patent-pending, vortex-suppression technology to reduce the sound of airflow exiting the unit, providing a quieter environment. A fully insulated compressor compartment uses vibration-isolating mounts to muffle operating sound, resulting in extremely low sound pollution.
Reliable Performance
Constructed of heavy-gauge, pre-painted steel and tested in the most extreme environments to ensure maximum durability, the system also comes with the first onboard cooling system diagnostics in the industry, the Lennox
® System Operations Monitor, which continuously monitors system performance and assures reliable operation and fast troubleshooting. A 10-Year Limited Warranty on compressor and all remaining covered components (excludes the solar panel).
Additional Considerations
Heat pumps and air conditioners must meet Federal minimum efficiency standards as set forth by the Internal Revenue Service to be eligible for tax credits. You can verify actual system efficiency at
ahridirectory.org, and not all system combinations may apply. (As with any tax advice you see online, consult a tax expert before claiming energy efficiency tax credits.) SEER and HSPF ratings noted are for operation without solar power input.
In my personal opinion, SunSource™ should be the first product a consumer needs to consider when researching an air conditioner or HVAC system replacement (the second being a
hybrid home comfort system), especially if costly A/C repairs are needed to an existing HVAC system. Although Heat Pump’s are not for use in every climate, the environmentally-friendly features of the SunSource Comfort System make it a system of choice for today’s energy and cost-conscious families.
For more information,
call today for a free appointment and mention you are interested in learning more about SunSource.