Introducing the Newest Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps in the Lennox Lineup

For more than 120 years, Lennox has been synonymous with innovation in the field of home comfort. In fact, the company’s first product was an improved furnace that prevented harmful fumes from escaping into the living space of a home.

That same commitment to innovation is readily apparent in the XC20 Air Conditioner and XP20 Heat Pump, which will be available later this year.

The XC20 and XP20

When it comes to creating your perfect environment, you’re trying to strike a balance between temperature, humidity and energy savings. After all, it’s hard to enjoy a cool space if it’s too humid, and it’s hard to enjoy any combination of temperature and humidity if it’s costing you a fortune. Enter the XC20 and XP20.

Better than on and off

Before you understand what makes the XC20 and XP20 so special, you must first understand how a normal air conditioner and heat pump work. At the heart of every heat pump and air conditioner, you’ll find a compressor. That’s the component that pressurizes the refrigerant to help it transfer heat.

Most compressors are either on or off, like a light switch. That means they’re either running full blast, or not running at all. But the XC20 and XP20 use a different type of compressor operation.

Efficiency and comfort on a sliding scale

Rather than totally on or off, the XC20 and XP20 have the ability to adjust the speed of their compressors to more than 60 different levels, making them operate less like a light switch and more like a dimmer switch.

This allows the XC20 and XP20 to find the perfect balance between cooling or heating output and energy use, because they’ll always operate at just the right speed. Not too fast, not too slow. Just right, like the environment they create.

Precise humidity control for greater comfort

Humidity is a big factor in the way the air in your home feels. With proper control of it, you will not only enjoy a more comfortable environment, you can spend less on energy. That’s because properly humidified air still feels comfortable even at higher temperatures.

Slow and steady

Because they have the ability to adjust their cooling output, the XC20 and XP20 can help remove moisture from your air with greater precision when paired with a Lennox iComfort thermostat.

This happens because an iComfort thermostat can work with the XC20 or XP20 and the furnace or air handler to adjust airspeed and cooling capacity, to make sure the air travels slowly during startup. This allows more moisture to be drawn out before the air begins to circulate.

To learn more about the XC20 or XP20, contact Betlem Residential 

Home comfort tech has come a long way in a short while

Today, we pretty much take home comfort for granted. But we haven’t always been so fortunate. In fact, compared to even the most basic of today’s systems, the home comfort equipment of even a few decades ago seems almost primitive.

Controls.

Early thermostats were mechanical in nature, regulating system operation using either mercury or a metal strip that would expand or contract with the ambient temperature to open and close a switch. Today, sophisticated electronic sensors use varying electrical resistance to sense temperature, anticipating heating and cooling needs before you even know you’re uncomfortable. Some, like theiComfort Wi-Fi® touchscreen thermostat, can hold the temperature in your home to within .5 degree or less of your set temperature.

Airflow.

Furnaces used to operate at only one speed. They’d wait until the home was too cold, then blast it with warm air until it was too hot. Then repeat the cycle over and over. Today’s furnaces, like the Lennox® SLP98V, offer variable-speed airflow that changes based on demand, ramping up and down as needed to keep a quiet, even flow of air moving through the home. This also means quieter startups, and no startling rush of hot air. See variable-speed airflow here.

Heating.

Furnaces have always used fire in some capacity. But the way they use it has changed quite a bit. Conventional furnaces use a series of burners that warm the air as it passes through the furnace. They come on when heat is needed, and go off when it isn’t. More sophisticated furnaces like the high-efficiency EL296Vcan burn fuel at different rates to produce varying amounts of heat based on demand. This helps it operate much more efficiently than a single-stage furnace.

Some furnaces, like the SLP98V with Precise Comfort® technology, can adjust output in increments of as little as 1% for pinpoint comfort and amazing efficiency.

Cooling.

Like conventional furnaces, conventional air conditioners and heat pumps operate at one speed. They cool when it’s hot inside, and they shut off when it isn’t.

Today’s most modern air conditioners and heat pumps, like the XC21 and XP21, can adjust compressor speed to many different levels, like a dimmer switch.  This makes them incredibly efficient, with the added benefit of extremely quiet operation.

When the sun comes up, your energy costs can go down.

With energy costs ever on the rise, you’re probably looking for ways to use less energy without compromising your lifestyle.

One of the most efficient and effective ways you can save energy also happens to be one of the most abundant: solar energy.

Home heating and cooling: your biggest chance at savings.

Perhaps the greatest impact that solar energy can have on your home will be felt in heating and air conditioning. As your home’s biggest consumer of energy, the heating and cooling system can produce substantial savings when integrated with solar energy.

Adding solar energy can be easier than you think.

Adding a solar energy source to your home heating and cooling system used to require a complicated, costly custom installation. However, with the introduction of SunSource, adding solar energy is much simpler and more cost-effective. 

Solar energy blends in perfectly with the rest of your home.

A typical solar installation will make a big difference in your energy savings. But it won’t make a big difference in the appearance of your home. Most of the time, the solar modules in a solar energy system are installed on the roof where they’ll gather the most light, and be the least intrusive on your landscaping and home décor.

Solar modules stand up to the elements and more.

While solar modules may look fragile, they’re actually extremely robust. Premium materials like those used in the SunSource Home Energy System can withstand even the most brutal weather conditions, including heavy rain, hail and snow.

Solar heating and cooling does more than heat and cool.

With a solar-enabled heating and cooling system in place, you will certainly enjoy a reduction in the amount of energy you use to stay comfortable. But the savings may very well be felt throughout your home as well, because energy systems such as SunSource can actually route extra power away from the heating and cooling system and use it to power small appliances in the home.

Too much electricity? Sell it back.

On days when solar panels produce more electricity than you’ll actually need for heating, cooling and small appliances, many local utilities may let you sell that excess electricity back to them, which means you’re actually making money on the energy your panels produce.

See your savings in a different light.

While it’s easy to understand the benefits of solar energy, it’s even more impactful when you can see just how much you can save, right there in front of you. Visit the Lennox Solar Calculator for an interactive example of how the savings can add up in your home. You’ll see just how good the sun can make you feel.

The furnace filter: The forgotten hero of your heating and cooling system.

It’s a bright, sunny morning, and you don’t have a care in the world.  The birds are chirping, the coffee is hot, and the forecast calls for blue skies all day.

Then, in a fit of panic, you suddenly remember that it’s been a while since you changed your furnace filter. How many times has this happened to you?

Probably never.  Most people don’t give their furnace filters a second thought.  But maintaining your furnace or air handler’s air filter is crucial to your indoor air quality. Improve every breath with these helpful tips.

Why filter at all?

Today’s homes are built better than ever.  And while tighter tolerances and better seals are great for insulation, they also trap contaminants inside the home so they circulate over and over. That is, until they’re drawn into somebody’s lungs where they can trigger disease, allergies and other respiratory difficulties.

Basic isn’t always best

The type of filter you install will have a huge impact on indoor air quality. The least expensive air filters are usually made of a loose fiberglass mesh, are about an inch thick and cost about a dollar each.  While they’ll protect your furnace from larger particles, they don’t do a lot towards protecting your lungs from tiny particles.

High efficiency can be highly effective

Inexpensive, one-inch fiberglass filters may not provide enough filtration to affect the quality of your air. Instead, consider a pleated, high-efficiency filter like the Carbon Clean 16 filter which has a MERV 16 rating to achieve the highest possible filtration efficiency. While a more expensive option, it will do a better job of capturing the contaminants that would otherwise circulate in your home.

Don’t forget to check

The frequency with which you change your air filter can depend on many factors, including the type of filter you’re using and the amount of contaminants (dust, dirt, cooking fumes, smoke) your home generates.  Checking your filter at least once a month is always a safe bet.  If it’s visibly dirty or dark, it’s time for a change.  If you have a professionally installed air filtration system, have it maintained according to the manufacturer’s specifications.

Size your filter correctly

A filter that’s too small will let dirty air pass around it.  A filter that’s too big will not fit properly in your system.  Make sure you’re using the correct size for your furnace.  You can verify size either by checking the size of the old filter you’re replacing, or by checking the owner’s manual of your furnace.

The cleaning power of a powered air cleaner

For the most effective whole-house air cleaning, consider investing in an electrostatic air cleaner or other powered solution.  Many of them use an electrical charge to gather smaller particles that filtration cannot catch.  And some, like the PureAir™ Air Purification System, use multiple technologies in unison to clean, deodorize and purify the air for a truly healthier, cleaner environment.

Find your home “comfort zone”

You know the drill: Excessively hot in the summer, extremely cold in the winter. The in between? Completely unpredictable.

When it comes to maintaining home comfort during seasonal transitions, adjusting the indoor temperatures according to outdoor conditions can prove a bit tricky. If you live in a multi-level home, it’s more than likely you’re familiar with the routine. Heat rises up, making second floor rooms too hot while the main level is cool. During the opposite season, you’re left with a too cold basement and a warm main floor. New homes can also present uneven heating and cooling issues, with dramatic temperature swings coming into play due to architectural features such as large glass windows, vaulted ceilings, and lofts, as well as glass-enclosed patio rooms. Add to that balancing sun-facing south rooms with north-facing rooms receiving excess wind, and you’ve got a recipe for high temperature variances.

With different areas of the home to make comfortable and each family member having different temperature needs, it may seem like it’s time to bring on the “thermostat wars.” Fortunately, zoning offers an easier fix.

Home Zoning Solution

Zoning provides homeowners with the ability to heat and cool various areas of the home through separate temperature-controlled areas or “zones”—typically three to four designated areas. Working with your HVAC, a zoning system will increase, reduce or shut off heating and cooling in each zone by opening and closing dampers located inside the home’s air ducts.

A thermostat, along with a control panel on the inside wall that regulates damper function, allows each zone to be controlled independently. When heating or cooling is programmed for any zone, the appropriate equipment is turned on. The dampers to zones not requiring heating or cooling will close, and the conditioned air will instead be directed to the programmed zone until the thermostat reaches the desired temperature, thus maintaining comfort levels while reducing energy use and utility costs. In fact, if a homeowner uses a zoning system properly, it can pay for itself in as few as two to five years.

Lennox’ Harmony III™ Zoning System offers customized comfort for every corner of the room, dividing your home into four different temperature zones to virtually eliminate hot and cold spots. By directing airflow only to certain areas, the Harmony III Zoning System works with your heating and cooling system to deliver optimum performance without continually operating at peak capacity. Plus, since lower speeds translate to lower sound levels, homeowners can enjoy increased comfort in peace and quiet.

When combined with a Lennox® variable speed furnace, the Harmony III works even more efficiently to provide precise comfort throughout the home, all year long.

Seasonal home energy tips

Up to 50% of your home utility bill comes from costs associated with heating and cooling. And as the unusually hot temperatures of summer continue into the early months of fall, consumers are looking for more ways to stay cool while saving money on monthly utility bills.

Energy Savings Expert Bobby DiFulgentiz, who recently appeared on San Diego’s KUSI-TV/IND (7/19/2012), offers homeowners a few energy and cost-saving tips. View energy savings video.

His tips include:

Performing basic home maintenance

A little preventive maintenance goes a long way. Change your air filter every one to three months to help your home comfort system run more efficiently. It’s a simple step that can have a big impact on home energy use.

Making DIY improvements

Keep cool air in and hot air out. Purchase a tube of caulk from your local home improvement store, walk around your home, and seal any visible cracks.

Invest in LED light bulbs. It’s a bigger investment up front than a standard light bulb, but you’ll save big in the long run—one bulb can last as long as nine years. CFL light bulbs are also a good choice—but less efficient than LED bulbs.

Keeping up with the latest technology

Install a programmable thermostat, like the Lennox iComfort® Wi-Fi thermostat, which keeps temperatures under control from anywhere in the world using a smartphone, tablet or laptop to help you to save energy. Remote access, along with a live weather forecast and automatic updates, offers an added level of convenience.

Save On Home Heating Bills With Solar Energy

When the sun comes up, your energy costs can go down.

With energy costs ever on the rise, you’re probably looking for ways to use less energy without compromising your lifestyle.

One of the most efficient and effective ways you can save energy also happens to be one of the most abundant: solar energy.

Home heating and cooling: your biggest chance at savings.

Perhaps the greatest impact that solar energy can have on your home will be felt in heating and air conditioning. As your home’s biggest consumer of energy, the heating and cooling system can produce substantial savings when integrated with solar energy—especially when the solution is as practical as the Lennox SunSource® Home Energy System.

Adding solar energy can be easier than you think.

Adding a solar energy source to your home heating and cooling system used to require a complicated, costly custom installation. However, with the introduction of SunSource, adding solar energy is much simpler and more cost-effective. Take a look at a typical SunSource system by visiting the Lennox® solar house.

Solar energy blends in perfectly with the rest of your home.

A typical solar installation will make a big difference in your energy savings. But it won’t make a big difference in the appearance of your home. Most of the time, the solar modules in a solar energy system are installed on the roof where they’ll gather the most light, and be the least intrusive on your landscaping and home décor.

Solar modules stand up to the elements and more.

While solar modules may look fragile, they’re actually extremely robust. Premium materials like those used in the SunSource Home Energy System can withstand even the most brutal weather conditions, including heavy rain, hail and snow.

Solar heating and cooling does more than heat and cool.

With a solar-enabled heating and cooling system in place, you will certainly enjoy a reduction in the amount of energy you use to stay comfortable. But the savings may very well be felt throughout your home as well, because energy systems such as SunSource can actually route extra power away from the heating and cooling system and use it to power small appliances in the home.

Too much electricity? Sell it back.

On days when solar panels produce more electricity than you’ll actually need for heating, cooling and small appliances, many local utilities may let you sell that excess electricity back to them, which means you’re actually making money on the energy your panels produce.

See your savings in a different light.

While it’s easy to understand the benefits of solar energy, it’s even more impactful when you can see just how much you can save, right there in front of you. Visit the Lennox Solar Calculator for an interactive example of how the savings can add up in your home. You’ll see just how good the sun can make you feel.