The "subject" is a 5 ton single phase 16 SEER two-stage with communicating thermostat and two-stage 95% furnace. Oddly, it never had been set up to even read outdoor temperature and therefore had never been used in heating. While setting it up, I noticed a severe refrigerant leak at the indoor expansion valve and took care of that. It would be just "wrong" if Goodman got the idea that Ice COLD made the system leak. We take care of this little stuff before we begin any testing.
We saw the results from another test where the oil in the evaporator immediately returned from the evaporator to the compressor and how well it improved evaporator capacity. Thinking this effect would be wonderful in a heat pump as it gets really cold, I could imagine that the system would enjoy a boost in capacity, especially when it gets really cold.
Long story, short, it DID. Below about 25 degrees outside, the system running times became noticeably shorter after the product was installed.
 |
This can be a big deal for heat pump customers who have expensive supplemental or standby heating. We found that IceCOLD at Goodman lowered the point where additional heat is needed by about 10 degrees. With rising electrical rates and skyrocketing LP prices, this is a very big deal.
We will do additional low temperature research to support these conclusions. This could revolutionize our current marketing strategies.
Absolutely Fantastic!!
ReplyDeleteFrom what I understand, the balance point has lowered 10 deg f. That would equate to a minimum of 75% increase in efficiency. From industry resources reporting, a 1 degree change is equal to 7.5%.
This product is Phenomenal!
Good work Bruce; and thank you for all you do!!
Kevin - I appreciate your comments and your enthusiasm. The last phase of the testing will verify actual system capacity improvements. The 7.5% reference you have pointed out is generally used for improvements in supply air temperature differential and is an excellent estimating tool. It may be less useful for changes in balance points.
DeleteHaving said that, I do believe this test will show that a few degrees improvement in supply air temperature can deliver a huge advantage for consumers and that IceCOLD can deliver these gains.