New Patented Whole-home Ventilation Logic Designed Specifically for New Construction Industry
MADISON, Wis. (PRWEB) May 22, 2018 -- Energy efficiency and code compliances are front and center in new home construction, yet they often run counter to one another in the real world. While builders bring in fresh air to ensure health and comfort and meet new code requirements, their homes are intentionally constructed with a tight envelope to reduce passive air exchange and preserve energy goals.
Aprilaire engineers anticipated that the convergence of energy efficiency and requirements for fresh air would require unique solutions – and set to work developing products and controls that could satisfy this unique application.
The result is a patented control logic that sets Aprilaire fresh air solutions ahead of the curve.
Build it tight – ventilate right
Aprilaire has a strong tradition of developing HVAC solutions that improve conditions throughout the home. The company’s solutions have continued to adapt to changing trends and requirements for heating, cooling, and air quality. Working alongside home builders, raters, and contractors Aprilaire senior engineer for ventilation Scott Grefsheim set out to design a better solution.
“Tighter, well-insulated building envelopes and increased ventilation requirements have changed the health and comfort equation in new home construction,” Grefsheim said. “We developed this control strategy as a means of meeting new, higher ventilation requirements that in some instances were causing comfort issues and energy concerns. In some cases these issues were being dealt with by people turning their ventilation systems off. After listening to the issues our customers were facing, and then carefully examining the relevant codes/standards, we developed a solution that can deliver the fresh air needed in an efficient way without sacrificing comfort.”
Grefsheim’s work led to a new U.S. patent: System and method for adjusting fractional on-time and cycle time to compensate for weather extremes and meet ventilation requirements. This logic is now used in all Aprilaire ventilation products and the 8120X control.
The Model 8120X Fresh Air Controller optimizes when and how long to ventilate the home based on weather conditions and the indoor relative humidity. This allows homebuilders to satisfy ventilation code requirements and provide the most energy efficient operation by ventilating without introducing overly hot and humid or cold and dry air to the home. Ventilation without this logic increases the burden on HVAC systems and negatively impacts energy efficiency.
Consumer satisfaction and savings
Ultimately, home buyers also reap the rewards of this new product by occupying a healthier home with improved indoor air quality and lower utility bills.
About Aprilaire
Aprilaire is the number one trusted brand in the indoor air quality industry for more than 60 years. As a division of Research Products Corporation, the company designs and manufactures whole-home indoor air quality products – partnering with HVAC contractors, distributors and home builders to provide comfort, health, energy efficiency, and preservation of the home.
Joseph Hillenmeyer, Aprilaire, http://www.aprilaire.com, +1 608-310-6236, [email protected]
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