Growing into solar with Lennox SunSource®

Here ComeS tHe Sun

the news s u m m e r 2 0 1 0V o l u m e 6 4 N u m b e r 2

hen discussing what he sees as the expected shrinking

of the contractor base over the next decade, Alan

Givens, President of Parrish Services, Inc. in northern

Virginia, offers a frank assessment – and an

optimistic look at a significant growth

opportunity in reach of everyone

right now.

“You’ll either grow or get out of the way

very soon,” he says. “The great thing is,

this is a wide open market.”

He’s talking about the solar

market, which is growing by leaps

and bounds. According to the

Solar Industries Association, net

additions of utility-tied solar in the

U.S. during 2008 grew 81% over

the previous year. Paving the way

for solar air conditioning, Lennox®

is introducing the SunSource® Home

Energy System as the simplest way to

bring money-saving solar power into your

customers’ homes.

The SunSource system not only provides

energy to power the air conditioning or heat pump

system, but can also power other appliances when the

system is not running. If it generates more power than the

home uses, the excess power is sent back to the utility company for a

possible credit on the homeowner’s utility bill. Families can also monitor

information about the power generated by the solar modules, including

environmental benefits.

Homeowners can start small with just one, two, or three photovoltaic

(PV) panels and expand the system over time to as many as 15 panels

per outdoor HVAC unit. “Eventually all of Lennox’ most efficient

air conditioners and heat pumps will be sold as ‘solar ready,’ just

as many of today’s TV sets come ‘HD ready,’” says John Hurst,

Vice President, Residential Product Management, Lennox

International.

Your customers are ready“Even 3-4 years before the original

SunSource came out in 2008, people

were calling us wanting solar

AC,” says Mike Gardner of

Mediterranean Heating & Air

Conditioning in Los Angeles.

Family-owned and operated

since 1968, Mediterranean

installed one of the original

Lennox solar products – a water

heater – in the 1970s. “As Lennox

advertises SunSource nationally,

people will get more excited.”

And, similar to the recognizable

shape of Toyota’s Prius hybrid, many people

like the instant “green” credibility a visible

PV panel gives them. “For many of our customers,

having a PV panel is actually a status symbol, like

having a Mercedes logo on your car,” Alan Givens says.

Solar contractors also agreed the Lennox brand offers a major

advantage. “One of the real pluses of SunSource is having one

of the most recognized names in home products behind it,” Mike

Gardner notes. “The solar market is still fairly fragmented, and most

companies just don’t have the name recognition Lennox does.”

With the Federal solar PV tax credits good until 2016, consumers

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Energence™ rooftop line hits the road

ive special demonstration trucks are showing construction professionals across North America how to reduce operational costs and energy usage with the ultra-efficient Energence™ rooftop unit line. The trucks are stopping at trade shows, retailers, contractors, engineers, school administration offices and elsewhere in the U.S. and Canada to demonstrate the industry’s most energy-efficient rooftop unit line in its class – and the first to break the 17.0 SEER energy-efficiency barrier.

“We wanted to make the new Energence rooftop line as accessible to everyone as possible,” says Denise Ernst, Lennox’ director of commercial marketing. “With these

five trucks serving as mobile training and sales centers, customers can see and touch the actual products, and experience their excellent quality first-hand.”

Each truck has room for up to 15 people inside, and includes a five-ton Energence unit featuring almost all of the configurable options available. Simulating real-life conditions, a trainer demonstrates how to use the intelligent Prodigy™ control system during installation, operation, verification, and trouble-shooting to avoid costly downtimes.

The trucks will also demonstrate Lennox’ SmartWire™ system, a color-coded and keyed design that helps ensure accurate setup, reduces service hours and simplifies field installation of sensors or thermostats.

Truck tours are scheduled across North America throughout

2010, and stops can be arranged by contacting the Lennox sales manager in each district. More information about the Energence rooftop unit line and other energy-saving products is available at www.lennoxcommercial.com, www.energence.com, or by calling 1-800-9-LENNOX.F

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he Lennox Commercial FinancingSM program allows you to offer affordable finance solutions for light commercial replacement HVAC systems. Now your customers can enjoy flexible monthly payments, making

it easier for them to upgrade to a more efficient system.

Leading solutions to finance HVAC purchasesNew energy-efficient HVAC systems and components can help reduce energy costs, increase tax credits and increase productivity and customer comfort through improved IAQ. Lennox Commercial Financing provides an easy application process, generous finance terms and fast approval process. As the HVAC financing company of choice for companies nationwide, we have helped organizations large and small successfully finance purchases of $5,000 and above.

Easy, convenient processLennox Commercial Financing provides custom-fit financing solutions to perfectly meet each company’s purchasing needs. Our experience and personal attention make working with Lennox Commercial Financing convenient, easy and affordable.

Customized commercial financing options made easy• One-page credit application for

purchases up to $75,000

• Terms from 12–60 months

• Deferred and structured payments available

• Quick and easy online quoting tool

• Total project financing

• 24-hour approval for purchases up to $75,000

• 48-hour approval for purchases over $75,000

• Payment within 24 hours of completion

“It was so easy to go online to your ‘quick quote,’ enter the total contact amount, and instantly get terms and a proposal for my client,” said Victor Serrano, President, Seaside Air Conditioning & Heating. “Without your program I would have probably lost the sale, as my client could not have afforded the new system. Moreover, I appreciate your efficiency handling the paperwork and getting the financing approved and expedited. When the installation was complete I was paid promptly

and in full. Great job! I would absolutely recommend your services to others and will definitely use the Lennox Commercial Finance Program in the future.”

For more details, contact: Corinne BeyerLennox Commercial FinancingSM

phone: 856-642-0200, ext. 140fax: 856-642-9917email: corinne@horizonkeystone.comwww.lennoxleasing.com

will have more reasons to get interested. “Once the efficiency tax credits

expire, we can still sell the solar credit,” Givens notes.

You’re ready“This is for every contractor, not for any certain group,” Givens says. Mike

Richards agrees. “Ideally I suppose someone with an electrical background

might have an advantage, but the mechanical people should be able to learn

pretty easily.” But what’s the learning curve really like? “It really isn’t all

that steep,” Mike Gardner says. “From my perspective, what’s typically needed

is usually much more consistent than HVAC systems, which can always be

so different.” Lennox is also offering full training programs and support for

the SunSource system. “The training and product support from Lennox are

definitely there,” Givens says.

Contractors stressed the importance of roof safety, and becoming familiar

with building and fire codes. “In some cities we can get a permit over the

counter, and others require fully fleshed-out plans and drawings,” Mike

Richards says. “You need to do your homework on all of the codes in your

area.” Beyond the necessary code and technical knowledge, Mike Gardner feels

the ability to educate the customer is key. “It definitely helps to know and

appreciate energy conservation and become familiar with all of the credits and

rebates in your area, correlating that knowledge with system energy savings

and communicating it all clearly.”

Gardner likes how the planned install feature of solar offsets some of the

uncertainty of his service and replacement business. “Typically you have

to plan out a solar installation in advance to ensure you have all of the

right permits, and customers understand that. It gives us some flexibility

in scheduling and allows us to schedule work more evenly … it makes my

business a lot more predictable, revenue-wise.”

continued from page 1

“Broaden your horizons”Contractors agreed Lennox is offering a major growth opportunity with the

new SunSource system. In an increasingly competitive industry, making your

business stand out becomes even more crucial. “Lennox dealers as a whole are

often the best in their market, and the new SunSource system will only help

further separate them from the competition,” Mike Richards says.

And for Lennox dealers looking to grow, the time for solar is now, Alan

Givens urges. “Stop talking and get into it. Don’t make the mistake of

assuming customers can’t afford it or don’t want it. Give them the solar

option and educate them.

“Take the time to learn, and broaden your horizons.”

Growing into solar with Lennox SunSource®

Here ComeS tHe Sun

And for Lennox dealers looking to grow, the time for

solar is now

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April 16 – 19, 2009 Charleston, South Carolina

quick look at Conditioned Air’s

website (http://conditionedair.com) reveals the Naples, FL-based Lennox dealer is active on Facebook and Twitter, and offers a live chat room where customers can get expert answers to HVAC questions.

Passing fad, or path to success?“None of these is the end-all,

be-all,” says Theo Etzel, president and CEO of Conditioned Air says of social media. “But they’re certainly more tools in our marketing toolkit.” He says the company’s active involvement in social media is part of building for the future, while remaining true to their core mission: staying close to their customers and community. “Many of the audience currently using social media regularly are younger and may not even be ready to buy from us for seven or eight more years,” he says. “That’s okay. We’re building future relationships, and giving them every

ive Lennox® dealers were recently honored for their efforts and investment in creating a learning culture for their organization,

where professional growth is valued and encouraged … but they’re seeing the real rewards in their business daily.

HVAC Learning Solutions recently presented five dealers – Air Rite A/C, ASI Hastings Inc., Air Assurance, Prudential Heating & A/C, and Beutler Heating & A/C – with special awards for fostering learning cultures at their company by logging the most training hours with HVAC Learning Solutions.

“We’re seeing the benefits daily,” says Larry Taylor of Air Rite A/C in Ft. Worth, TX of his company’s training program. “Our employees

BUiLDiNg THE RELATiONSHiPCustomer and community service drive Conditioned AirA

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opportunity to contact us. ”Staying close to the customer

has not only made Conditioned Air successful since 1962, but recently helped earn the company the ACCA Contractor of the Year Award for 2010. “The company has always focused on building trusting relationships,” Theo says. “When i joined in 1995, the company’s reputation didn’t need fixing. We’ve simply refined and expanded that original core mission.”

Aside from giving customers more ways to contact them, Conditioned Air has expanded its regular service hours to accommodate their customers. Employees are also empowered to make customer-centric decisions. “Our overriding message is consistent: do the right thing for the customer,” Theo says. “Always err on their side; we’ll review the decision later if necessary, but make them happy first.”

This culture is so pervasive

throughout the company that anyone who doesn’t make the customers’ needs a top priority won’t last long. “The peer pressure is tremendous to do the right thing for the people we serve,” Theo notes. “it’s a culture that has been consistently driven and supported top down for many years now. Having served in the hospitality industry for many years, i’m personally very passionate about it.”

And the company’s 150-plus employees, Theo explains, are also treated like customers. “We devote a lot of time to safety, technical and business education,” he points out. “By understanding why we do things a certain way, employees become more invested in the process. They become happier representatives of our company and brand.”

While customers and employees are both part of Conditioned Air’s mission of relationship building, so is community. The company is very

active locally, but their approach is low-key. “My philosophy on community involvement is that it has to be from the heart, with no strings attached,” Theo says. “if you do it without expectation of a payback or patronage, if it’s sincere, then more people will want to do business with you.”

Building relationships with customers, employees and community have made Conditioned Air successful for nearly a half century. “We show up when we say we will, we finish what we say we’re going to do, we’re respectful of our customers, and we provide them with value,” Theo says. “We receive comments from people astonished at our level of service.” Whether it’s via Twitter, Facebook, a chat room, or just a handshake and a smile, Conditioned Air plan to continue focusing on building better business through better relationships, inside and out.

Dealers honored for nurturing “learning cultures”

are gaining better self-awareness on the job and have more self-confidence in dealing with daily issues and challenges.”

Air Rite motivates employees to take more training through cash incentives. Any employee logging more than four training hours on non-company time receives a $50 cash incentive, with those logging the most hours quarterly and annually earning additional incentive

money and valuable prizes. “The Learning Management System (LMS) offered by HVAC Learning Solutions allows us to track the hours, which makes it easy,” Larry says. Employees can do training wherever and whenever they want, 24/7. Air Rite’s goal is to get all employees to log 80-100 hours of training a year, with 40 hours or more self-directed.

Bonnie Maupin, Marketing Manager, HVAC

Learning Solutions, agrees wholeheartedly with the emphasis Air Rite and the other four award-winners give to making training part of their business culture. “Employees are the difference between a good company and a great one,” Bonnie says. “Each employee is an investment, and continuous learning allows companies to win in up and down times.”

A study by the American Society for Training

& Development found companies that invest in training have higher revenue and profit growth, higher customer satisfaction, higher sales per employee, more successful recruitment of top candidates, and improved employee job satisfaction and morale.

“When you invest in your employees, you send the message you care about their welfare and about the company continuing to move forward,” Bonnie says.

The HVAC Learning Solutions LMS allows you to create an individualized training plan for every employee, assign courses and track their progress, all online at anytime. For more information on the LMS and the new 4-hour technical classes, visit the HVAC Learning Solutions website at www.hvacls.com.

Air Rite employees at their monthly breakfst meeting.

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The newly designed XC17 air conditioner and XP17 heat pump

feature enhanced components and technologies delivering the

features consumers want, including higher efficiency.

Equipped with an industry-exclusive composite fan motor

design to improve performance and reduce noise, the XC17 can achieve

efficiency ratings up to 18.00 SEER. SilentComfort™ technology features a

precision-molded compressor sound cover to help deliver industry-leading

low sound levels. The XC17 also uses chlorine-free R410A refrigerant,

meeting the U.S. EPA’s most stringent environmental guidelines. ENERGY

STAR® qualified, it may be eligible for federal, state, or local tax credits, as

well as rebate programs from local utilities.

Service technicians will appreciate the SmartHinge™ louvered design,

allowing them to quickly access interior components from all sides for

cleaning and maintenance. The durable, corrosion-resistant cabinet is

made to last, with a superior high-quality, pre-painted steel and textured

finish. The new XC17 & XP17 come standard with a full 10 year warranty.

Unique options increase efficiency and comfort. The Lennox

SunSource™ solar-ready design offers homeowners an easier way to

bring energy-saving solar power into their home, either at the time of

installation or in the future. Lennox icomfort™ technology allows the

XC/XP17 to exchange information with other icomfort-enabled system

components and make adjustments as needed to optimize performance and

efficiency. An exclusive Lennox Humiditrol ® system can also be added to

manage indoor air moisture for greater comfort and improved indoor air

quality.

Addressing every homeowner concern for home cooling – comfort,

energy efficiency, reliability, and quiet operation – the XC/XP17 is an ideal

choice for many homeowners, while making your job much easier.

* Efficiency claim based on comparison of single-stage air conditioning products’ SEER as published in AHRI (December 2009). Actual system combination efficiency may vary. Consult a Lennox dealer or AHRI for exact system efficiencies.

The industry-leading PureAir™ Air Purification System

continues to clean the air in your customers’ homes

better than any other single system they can buy …

so well, in fact, it recently earned a “Best Buy” in the

whole-house air purification systems category from Consumers

Digest magazine (April 2010 issue).

The PureAir system comes in three sizes to easily fit most

furnace and air handler applications, with minimum transitions

required. A reduced cabinet width of 10” allows for installation

in smaller spaces. An annual maintenance kit makes servicing

simple and comes complete with a MERV 16 PrecisionPleat™

filter, a 1” Titanium Dioxide coated metal insert, and two UVA

lamps.

Providing hospital inpatient care/general surgery level

filtration, the PureAir system is the only single indoor air quality

system to attack all three classes of indoor air contaminants:

small, breathable particles such as dust, dirt, pollen and

allergens; airborne mold spores, bacteria and viruses; and odors

and chemical vapors. The PureAir provide all these benefits

without generating any ozone by-products while also reducing

ozone. It comes complete with a 5-year limited warranty on

covered components.

PUREAIRTM RECENTLY RATED AS A “BEST BUY”

THE MOST EFFICIENT SINGLE-STAGE AIR CONDITIONER YOU CAN BUY*

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P roduc t Showcase

The new Lennox® SunSource® Home Energy System is a

revolutionary advancement in residential heating and air

conditioning design, transforming how people heat and cool

their homes. It fully integrates solar power in harnessing

renewable energy to reduce the electricity used by the entire heat pump

or air conditioning system, and to operate other devices in the home

that consume electricity – such as lighting and appliances – when the

system is not running.

If the system generates more power than the home uses, the excess

power is sent back to the utility company for a possible credit on

the homeowner’s utility bill. Families can also monitor real time and

historical information about the power generated by the solar modules,

including environmental benefits like the amount of carbon offset by the

solar energy production.

Homeowners can start small with just one solar panel and expand

the system over time to as many as 15 panels per outdoor HVAC unit.

The Solar Ready feature of the heat pump or air conditioner lets

homeowners include the solar panels when a Lennox system is installed,

or at a later date. “Eventually all of the most efficient air conditioners

and heat pumps manufactured by Lennox will be sold as ‘solar ready,’

just as many of today’s TV sets come ‘HD ready,’ said John Hurst, Vice

President, Residential Product Management, Lennox International.

As an example of energy savings, a consumer who lives in a 1,800

sq. ft. home in Corpus Christi, Texas, can reduce his or her cooling

electricity usage by approximately 58% percent annually by installing a

Lennox high-efficiency air conditioner with two solar modules, or 91%

percent using 15 modules. In addition to the cost savings and incentives

offered by many local utilities for using high-efficiency heating and

cooling equipment and/or renewable energy sources, the new system

can make homeowners eligible for Federal and state solar tax credits. “In

some areas, when combined, these incentives can cover a significant part

of the cost of the solar modules, including installation,” Hurst said.

The new Lennox SunSource® Home Energy System will be available

with several products from the Dave Lennox Signature® Collection, the

company’s premium line of heating and cooling products, beginning in

June 2010.

BEYOND BRILLIANT: SUNSOURCE® HOME ENERGY SYSTEM

(Energy savings calculations are based on a Lennox XC21-036 air conditioner, which has a 20 SEER (seasonal energy efficiency rating), compared to a 10 SEER unit with equivalent capacity. Solar equipment savings depends on local and state incentives in a homeowner’s area. Typical incentives range between 30 percent and 94 percent of the cost of the solar modules, including installation.)

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Is the LEED Exam necessary?Taking the exam may not be necessary for everyone working on LEED projects. Jim Cavanagh says that for the staff of a large contractor, some of the information may only be “nice to know.”

But Eric Thordarson says the knowledge he gained from the LEED exam has allowed him to better serve contractors and building owners committed to sustainable design.

“It’s a worthwhile undertaking, even though some of the knowledge may be outside your field,” he says. “The awareness of the LEED process and the required procedures and documents has been helpful in meeting my customers’ needs.”

Take the next stepsLearn more about LEED accreditation at www.usgbc.com. The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) no longer handles testing for the program. The LEED Professional Credential program is now managed by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI). Details are available at www.gbci.org.

If you’re interested in earning points toward LEED certification of a building, Lennox provides extensive information in the Green Building Solution section at LennoxCommercial.com.

Green Cred: Ready to Take the LEED?

T h e L e n n o x n e w s6

ooking to make a closer

connection to your

customers? Lennox®

offers interactive

website and mobile

solutions to meet their changing

needs – and yours.

Lennox Residential Webservices

(LRW): Originally launched

last year, LRW allows you to

optimize your website with real-

time product information and

interactive tools from Lennox.

com. Display all of the latest

product information from Lennox.

com on your company website,

in the style and color of your

choice – and embed the interactive

Connect closer with your customers

Looking for a new job in the design/build industry, or seeking a professional advantage in a crowded construction field? It may be time to take your green credentials to the next level. For many, that means becoming a LEED® Accredited Professional, proving their knowledge of the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification process.

Many professionals take the LEED Green Associate Exam for the “entry level” credential representing a basic understanding of green building design, construction and operation. Whatever level you pursue, here are some basic tips for preparing:

Be realistic about the time commitment, especially if you intend to take more than one LEED exam. “I put in about 80 hours of study time before testing,” said Lenox national account manager Eric Thordarson, who recently became a LEED Accredited Professional.

There is also a significant financial commitment if you invest in training materials, which many LEED APs recommend – leading to Tip 2.

Take online courses or seminars offered across the country. Also, purchase the study guides. While taking a seminar may cost hundreds of dollars, it is also one of the easiest ways to prepare for taking the Green Associate Exam. You can also achieve eligibility by proving your experience with a LEED-registered project or employment in a sustainable field of work.

Take the practice tests sold online. While some of the questions are very basic, others are more complicated and some are not related to HVAC. “One of the questions required you to compute the water usage in a building for a men’s room and a women’s room,” says Jim Cavanaugh, Field Application Consultant, who provides Lennox support to specifying engineering firms.

Take your exam 6-8 weeks after taking a seminar. Taking the test as soon as possible means you’ll retain more of what you learned. After your application to take the test is approved, you’ll have one year from the date of approval to score at least 170. If you don’t pass the first time, you are allowed to register twice more within the year. After an application expires, you must wait 90 days before submitting a new application and demonstrating eligibility for your chosen credentials.

TiP 1: TiP 2: TiP 3: TiP 4:

Lennox Energy Savings Calculator

on your website. Lenox Residential

Webservices is available to all

DaveNet® subscribers who have a

knowledgeable in-house or third-

party web developer.

Mobile Marketing: The Lennox

Mobile website gives your

customers instant access to your

residential products and services,

get details on your promotions,

connect to the Lennox Call Center,

or view the full Lennox.com

website. A new text service texts

dealer information to consumers

who use the Dealer Locator,

allowing them to view the contact

listing late and add it to their

address books.

Lennox Residential Mobile

Application: This new iPhone app

allows customers to quckly find and

contact you, view your website,

calculate projected energy savings

based on their location and SEER/

AFUE data entered, explore Lennox

products, and visit the Lennox.com

website.

More traffic for your website,

more calls to your business:

Lennox interactive solutions meet

the needs of today’s consumers

while making you more successful.

T h e L e n n o x n e w s

Green Cred: Ready to Take the LEED?

the newsThe Lennox News is a publication of

Communications and Public Relations,

Lennox international inc.

P.O. Box 799900

Dallas, TX 75379-9900

972/497-5258 fax 972/497-5292

MANAgiNg EDiTOR:Ed BriCkEll

ed.brickell@lennoxintl.com

CONTRiBUTiNg EDiTORS:Ed BriCkEll, dEnnis wood,

lEnnox ProduCt ManaGErs & salEs forCE, our dEalErs

DiRECTOR, COMMUNiCATiONS AND PUBLiC RELATiONS:ozziE BuCklEr

Published for over 7,000 dealers WorldWide.

7

ollowing the one year anniversary of the first PartsPlus location in Garland, Texas, in early 2009, we are intensifying our efforts to revamp, remodel and open new locations

for meeting your parts and supplies needs. Did you know PartsPlus also offers a wide assortment of universal components for other HVAC equipment brands, providing you more flexibility and convenience? With over 40 stores now open across the U.S. and Canada and many more to open soon, dealers and contractors will find an extensive inventory of universal service and replacement parts.

New product lines have been added, including a comprehensive line of Healthy Climate® IAQ products, compatible with any

equipment available in the marketplace; the New iComfort Touch™ touchscreen thermostat, LG ductless systems, Honeywell Prestige thermostats, and the specially-priced Aire-Flo™ brand to help you be more competitive when the job calls for it. Lennox PartsPlus carries the most recognized and quality brands in the industry.

PartsPlus uses a contractor-friendly approach to meet the need for a “one-stop shop.” With the mantra of SPEED – focusing on availability, knowledge, convenience and value – we are working to help you return quickly to the job site with everything required to complete the project.

Look for more details soon on extended summer hours in select markets.

FBringing a steady supply of universal parts to market

Working to help you return quickly to the job site with everything you need.

Lennox® PartsPlus: the growth continues

Have a question or topic for the Service Center? Fill out and return the yellow card inserted in this copy of the Lennox News today!Send question requests to: Service Center P.O. Box 799900 Dallas, TX 75379-9900 Or submit it online at www.lennoxdavenet.com

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the service centerWe would like to be able to use the 2-stage scroll compressor as a warranty replacement for the HP21 units.

Robert Dyeradvanced Mechanical systemsWhispering Pines, NC

The HP21 unit was developed, designed and tested for operation with HCFC-22 refrigerant with the necessary controls to operate and protect the 2-speed reciprocating compressor. Our compressor supplier, Copeland, does not offer the 2-stage scroll compressor for R-22 applications. it would not be feasible to convert an existing R-22 unit to R-410A as all of the components, refrigerant piping and wiring to accept the 2-stage scroll compressor would require major changes and void Agency approvals.

I’d like to see the tooling that stamps out the knock-outs for the drain lines on the CBX26 fan coils maintained better so the knock-outs can be more easily knocked out without bending the door out of shape. I’ve worked in manufacturing of electrical boxes and wire-ways and we had the same issues with knock-outs when the dies and punches were in need of attention.

Howard gurnHP servicesColleyville, TN

Thank you for bringing this issue to our attention. We do have a specification on the clearance of the knockout tooling for the front panels. We will verify our daily production units are within the specification in our factory. We will also review the specification on our prints to see if we need to tighten up this tolerance. Again, we appreciate the feedback – this allows us to cross check our processes and specifications. We will also alert our Quality department to watch for this.

Q. Q.

Q.

A. A.

A.

Please address the issue of temperature rise after completion of a new installation of a furnace. too often, installers put in a furnace and do not check the temperature rise.

T. DeCarloassured air, ltdWillow Springs, iL

great question! Temperature rise is one of many checks to perform when starting up a new installation or performing annual maintenance. Please follow the “Heating System Checks” in the installation instructions and/or the Unit information Manual when performing start-ups or maintenance. Before checking temperature rise, one of the first steps is to verify the inlet gas pressure, manifold gas pressure, proper gas flow and combustion analysis for that unit. The following temperature rise explanation is paraphrased from one of the manuals:

Temperature RiseTemperature rise depends on unit input, blower speed, blower horsepower and static pressure as marked on the unit rating plate. The blower speed must be set for unit operation within the “Temperature Rise Range” listed on the unit rating plate.

To Measure Temperature Rise:1. Place plenum thermometers in the supply and return air plenums. Locate supply air thermometer in the first horizontal run of the plenum where it will not pick up radiant heat from the heat exchanger or sense turbulent air.

2. Set room thermostat for a heat call and raise temperature to its highest setting. if the furnace is a multi-stage furnace, ensure the unit is operating at full capacity.

3. After plenum thermometers have reached their highest and most stable readings, subtract the two readings. The difference should be in the range listed on the unit rating plate. if the temperature is too low, decrease blower speed. if temperature is too high, first check the firing rate. Provided the firing rate is acceptable, increase blower speed to reduce temperature.

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Permits and safety: “do your homework”solar projects such as the sunsource test site require advance preparation, danny says. “it’s not rocket science, but you have to do your homework.” the required information and permits necessary to install solar projects can vary by region or city, but he stresses things go much smoother if you take the time to find out up front exactly what’s required.

for the test installation, the srE team were required to participate in a site visit and survey -- which includes providing a roof layout and measurements -- then prepare a design package with drawings for the permit process. “Each permit agent will have different requirements, so you need to know the local regulations,” danny says. racking has to be built into the rafters, so it must be measured properly. “some locations will have larger wind load requirements. again, if you do your homework, it’s not hard.”

if you plan to have your own installers work on rooftops, danny says, learn all of the necessary osHa requirements,

ounded in 2006 with locations in arizona, Colorado, louisiana, oklahoma, and texas, srE provides comprehensive energy solutions, including solar, for homeowners, businesses, and

government entities. the company’s dallas office was asked to assist with one of several field tests around the country featuring the sunsource system. a local home was chosen as the test site.

although srE is an experienced solar contractor, danny says he’s excited about the potential the sunsource system offers those new to the solar market. “it’s really not that daunting or difficult for someone with no solar experience, but getting the required permits takes a little planning,” he says, noting he advised lennox on information later used in developing full training and support programs for the sunsource system.

train your installers and follow osHa to the letter.

Installationonce srE met the necessary permits and safety requirements, the work began: mounting the solar panels on the roof. “You just plug them in, panel to panel, in series … up to 15 panels,” danny notes. the test house used eight panels. “it’s just a matter of wiring everything up according to the diagram … the sunsource system makes it pretty simple, plug-and-play really. the electrical part is not that difficult for someone with a mechanical background, and almost

“ Lennox first talked to me about this

a few years ago, and I told them

everything I felt would be important

from a contractor perspective,” says

Danny de la Torre, Area Manager with

Standard Renewable Energy (SRE),

about Lennox’ initial research for

what became the SunSource® Home

Energy System.

“Now that the product is here, it’s

obvious they listened. The Lennox

engineering team did an outstanding

job.”

Winning with SunSource®

Installing the PV panels.

Nearly finished.

Wiring the panels together.

F

everything else from a refrigerant cycle and start-up perspective is the same as a non-solar job.”

“A win-win all the way”the test site was a success for srE and lennox. Even though he’s been in the solar business for awhile, danny says, he’s genuinely excited by sunsource. “i feel very fortunate to have been part of this. it’s leading-edge technology for the industry and the efficiency part is already becoming mainstream. this is another big step forward, and dealers who take advantage of lennox’ training and product support are going to be the new leaders.

Wiring the panels to the SunSource® ready condensing unit.

“ i think it’s a win-win all the way.”