AREN 4570 Air Conditioning Systems for Residential Applications Bojana Barovic Craig Racey Brent Vollenweider Michelle

Walker

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Table of Contents: Executive Summary Introduction Types of Res. AC Units Standard Efficiency vs. High Efficiency Other System Components Trane Product Summary Carrier Product Summary Lennox Product Summary York Product Summary General Design Guidelines Sample Calculations (Economic Analysis) Conclusions References Appendix pg 2 pg 2-5 pg 2 pg 3 pg 3-5 pg 5-7 pg 7-9 pg 9-11 pg 11-12 pg 12-13 pg 14 pg 15 pg 16 pg 17-48

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Executive Summary: The primary purpose of this report is to provide basic electrical and economic information regarding current air conditioning options available to residential consumers. Although there are several different options for maintaining indoor air quality in a residence, the focus of this report is the most common residential air conditioning system; the unitary outdoor unit, or central air conditioning. There are four major manufacturers of these central air conditioning systems: Trane, Carrier, Lennox, and York. Each of these manufacturers makes several models of varying efficiencies, typically ranging in nominal cooling capacity from 1 or 1.5 tons to 5 tons. Efficiency is measured by the SEER ratio, which expresses cooling output (Btuh) divided by power input (W). Standard efficiency models have a SEER rating ranging from 10 to 12. High efficiency models have a SEER rating ranging from 12 to 18. Example calculations were performed to compare the economic benefits of a high efficiency unit vs. a standard efficiency unit for one Carrier model. The high efficiency model, with a SEER of 12, saves $35.42/yr over the standard efficiency model. The initial cost of the high efficiency model was $300 greater than that of the standard efficiency model, resulting in a payback period of approximately 8.5 years. The expected lifespan of unitary residential units is at least 10 years. Therefore, even a slightly more efficient model can be an economic benefit. If an even more efficient model with an SEER of 14 16, which are readily available today, were used, the savings could even be more significant. When designing a residential electrical system, several aspects of the air conditioning unit must be known. In order to size the branch circuit and the conduit, the circuit breaker, and the disconnect for the unit, it is necessary to know the operating voltage of the unit, its power consumption, and is rated line current. Although most units are available in 3-phase or 1-phase models, the 1-phase models are typically used in residential applications. There are other factors to be considered when buying a central air conditioning system. The manufacturers advertise features such as appearance, durability, maintenance / installation costs, types of components, warranty, and noise levels in decibels. All of these features are a matter of personal preference.

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Introduction: This objective of this report is to explore the various air conditioning options available to residential consumers and to determine their typical electrical demands. First, a discussion of various types of residential air conditioning is completed. A definition of standard and high efficiency units follows. Additional air conditioning components, individual as well as those within a unitary unit, are discussed next. The focus of this report is on available unitary units; as such, typical models available from four top manufacturers are then presented. After general design guidelines are discussed, some sample calculations showing the possible economic benefits of using high efficiency units are given. Types of Residential Air Conditioning Units: Cooling needs for residential buildings are generally controlled by climatic conditions rather than by internal loads. Therefore, the type of air conditioning unit selected is largely a function of the local climate. For example, evaporative coolers are used primarily in hot, arid climates because they raise indoor humidity levels while simultaneously decreasing indoor air temperatures. In a humid climate, window mounted units that work on the same principals as a refrigerator are of chosen to cool small spaces. However, the most common form of air conditioning is the unitary air conditioning unit, as 60% of U.S. residents use central air conditioning to cool their homes. Unitary air conditioning units, typically located outside, operate on the refrigeration cycle as do window-mounted units, but they typically have much greater cooling capacities. These units function well in most climates and are by far the most common product available on the market. This report will focus predominantly on these outdoor air conditioning units. Heat pumps, which supply 25% of residential buildings nationally, will be disregarded as they provide heating as well as cooling. Small packaged air handling units, which provide heating and cooling for 5% of residential buildings nationally, will likewise be disregarded, because they again do more than cool, and are impractical for most homes (http://www.residential.carrier.com). The following diagram illustrates the main components of central air conditioning systems.

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Standard vs. High Efficiency: There are as many different efficiency standards as there are types of air conditioning systems. The SEER efficiency rating applies to central air conditioning systems as well as heat pumps. SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. It is a ratio of the total cooling output averaged over a year (Btuh) divided by the required electrical power input (Watts). Because increased cooling output and decreased energy input results in a higher SEER, greater SEER values imply more efficient units. The current minimum SEER for air conditioning units allowed by code is 10.0. Standard efficiency units are defined as having a SEER between 10 and 12, and high efficiency models have an SEER ranging anywhere from 12 to 18. Other System Components: Within the air conditioner, electrical energy is primarily consumed by three components: 1. compressor - compresses the refrigerant from a liquid into a gas 2. fan moves air across the coils and exhausts the heated air 3. pump used to circulate the refrigerant through the system Within these three components, the compressor usually uses the most energy in the air conditioner. As such, one technique to improve the overall efficiency of an air conditioning unit is to improve the efficiency of the compressor. Following is a diagram of a Trane brand air conditioner.

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An air conditioning unit is not the only component of an HVAC system in a residential dwelling. A heating component is also needed to accompany the air conditioner such as a furnace or a boiler. Other units can be used in place of an air conditioning unit, such as a heat pump or a small packaged air conditioning unit. Added components such as an air filter and or a humidifier add to the energy consumption of these system. In addition, several types of air quality devices are available for residential dwellings, including humidifiers and air purifiers. This report will focus on unitary air conditioning units available from Trane, Carrier, Lennox, and York, ranging in cooling capacity from 1 3 tons. Trane Product Summary:
Efficiency: (Standard or High) Phase: (1 or 3) Nominal Cooling Capacity: (Btuh) Nominal Cooling Capacity: (Tons) Estimated Input Power: (kW) Estimated Line Current: (A) CB Size: (A) Minimum Wire Size: (AWG)

Product Desc:

Dimensions: (Height, width, depth) (in.)

Operating Voltage:

SEER:

Cost: ($)

TRANE RESIDENTIAL AIR CONDITIONERS XE 1200 Air Conditioner TCP024F 25 x 36 x 56 25 x 36 x 56 TCP030F 29 x 36 x 56 29 x 36 x 56 TCP036F 29 x 36 x 56 29 x 36 x 56 XE 1200 Over/Under Air Conditioner TCH024B 30 x 32 x 44 30 x 32 x 44 TCH030B 30 x 32 x 44 High High High 208 230 208 3 1 3 24000 24000 30000 2.0 2.0 2.5 12.05 12.05 12.60 1.99 1.99 2.38 5.53 8.66 6.61 15 15 15 14.00 14.00 14.00 High High High High High High 208 230 208 230 208 230 3 1 3 1 3 1 23800 23800 30000 30000 36000 36000 2.0 2.0 2.5 2.5 3.0 3.0 12.00 12.00 12.00 12.00 12.00 12.00 1.98 1.98 2.50 2.50 3.00 3.00 5.51 8.62 6.94 10.87 8.33 13.04 15 15 15 15 15 20 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.00

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High High High 230 208 230 1 3 1 30000 36000 36000 2.5 3.0 3.0 12.60 12.60 12.60 2.38 2.86 2.86 10.35 7.93 12.42

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30 x 32 x 44 TCH036B 30 x 32 x 44 30 x 32 x 44 XL 1200 Air Conditioner TCX024G 25 x 36 x 56 25 x 36 x 56 TCX030G 29 x 36 x 56 29 x 36 x 56 TCX036G 29 x 36 x 56 29 x 36 x 56 XL 1400 Air Conditioner TCY024G 29 x 36 x 56 29 x 36 x 56 TCY030G 29 x 36 x 56 29 x 36 x 56 TCY036G 29 x 36 x 64 29 x 36 x 64 TCK Air Conditioner TCK024F 31 x 32 x 44 31 x 32 x 44 TCK030F 31 x 32 x 44 31 x 32 x 44 TCK036F 31 x 32 x 44 31 x 32 x 44 TCC Air Conditioner TCC024F 25 x 36 x 55 25 x 36 x 55 TCC030F 29 x 36 x 55 29 x 36 x 55 TCC036F 29 x 36 x 56 29 x 36 x 56

15 15 20

14.00 14.00 14.00

High High High High High High

208 230 208 230 208 230

3 1 3 1 3 1

24200 24200 30600 30600 37000 37000

2.0 2.0 2.6 2.6 3.1 3.1

12.00 12.00 12.05 12.05 12.05 12.05

2.02 2.02 2.54 2.54 3.07 3.07

5.60 8.77 7.05 11.04 8.52 13.35

15 15 15 15 15 20

14.00 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.00

High High High High High High

208 230 208 230 208 230

3 1 3 1 3 1

24000 24000 30600 30600 36000 36000

2.0 2.0 2.6 2.6 3.0 3.0

14.00 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.10 14.10

1.71 1.71 2.19 2.19 2.55 2.55

4.76 7.45 6.07 9.50 7.09 11.10

15 15 15 15 15 15

14.00 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.00

High High High High High High

208 230 208 230 208 230

3 1 3 1 3 1

24000 24000 30000 30000 36000 36000

2.0 2.0 2.5 2.5 3.0 3.0

12.00 12.00 12.00 12.00 12.00 12.00

2.00 2.00 2.50 2.50 3.00 3.00

5.55 8.70 6.94 10.87 8.33 13.04

15 15 15 15 15 20

14.00 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.00

High High High High High High

208 230 208 230 208 230

3 1 3 1 3 1

23400 23400 29800 29800 35200 35200

2.0 2.0 2.5 2.5 2.9 2.9

12.00 12.00 12.05 12.05 12.05 12.05

1.95 1.95 2.47 2.47 2.92 2.92

5.41 8.48 6.86 10.75 8.11 12.70

15 15 15 15 15 20

14.00 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.00

*Costs were unavailable from local dealers or the manufacturer. However, costs can be estimated by comparing particular models with similar units produced by Carrier, Lennox, or York.

Trane products utilize Trane patented components. In this way they are able to optimize their efficiency by controlling every part of the cooling unit. Examples of Tranes patented air conditioning components include the Climatuff compressor and the Spine Fin TM coils, which dissipate heat even in harsh environmental conditions. Trane also touts many other reasons for choosing their product: (http://www.trane.com/residential/bcorner/) 1. High-end products are more energy efficient, so utility bills are significantly reduced.

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Our research shows that Trane has moderately efficient air conditioning units. None of the Trane units have a SEER above 14. 2. With high-end products you can have the added benefit of variable speed technology which offers both the joy of continuous comfort and the quietest operation possible. Though the cabinet is insulated, Trane does not advertise decibel levels to back this claim up. 3. 10-year parts and labor extended warranties may be purchased as an option adding even more peace of mind. 4. With high efficiency products, a homeowner can take advantage of zoning for the ultimate in home comfort. 5. A high efficiency heating and air conditioning system adds value to a home if a homeowner ever should decide to sell. Cutsheets from which product information was obtained are included in the appendix. Carrier Product Summary:
Efficiency: (Standard or High) Phase: (1 or 3) Nominal Cooling Capacity: (Btuh) Nominal Cooling Capacity: (Tons) Estimated Input Power: (kW) Estimated Line Current: (A) CB Size: (A) Minimum Wire Size: (AWG)

Product Desc:

Dimensions: (Height, width, depth) (in.)

Operating Voltage:

SEER:

Cost: ($)

CARRIER RESIDENTIAL AIR CONDITIONERS Weathermaker 38TDB Air Conditioner 38TDB 34 x 23 x 28 024-30 34 x 23 x 28 38TDB 036-30 40 x 30 x 35 40 x 30 x 35 Weathermaker 38TSA Air Conditioner 38TSA 40 x 30 x 35 024-30 40 x 30 x 35 38TSA 030-30 38TSA 036-30 40 x 30 x 35 40 x 30 x 35 40 x 30 x 35 40 x 30 x 35 Weathermaker 38TXA Air Conditioner 38TXA 34 x 30 x 35 024-30 34 x 30 x 35 38TXA 030-30 28 x 30 x 35 28 x 30 x 35

High High High High

208 230 208 230

3 1 3 1

24000 24000 36000 36000

2.0 2.0 3.0 3.0

15.00 15.00 16.50 16.50

1.60 1.60 2.18 2.18

4.44 6.96 6.06 9.49

15 15 15 15

14.00 14.00 14.00 14.00

High High High High High High

208 230 208 230 208 230

3 1 3 1 3 1

25000 25000 30000 30000 36200 36200

2.1 2.1 2.5 2.5 3.0 3.0

15.60 15.60 15.75 15.75 15.75 15.75

1.60 1.60 1.90 1.90 2.30 2.30

4.45 6.97 5.29 8.28 6.38 9.99

15 15 15 15 15 15

14.00 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.00 4000 4000

High High High High

208 230 208 230

3 1 3 1

26000 26000 29600 29600

2.2 2.2 2.5 2.5

14.00 14.00 14.00 14.00

1.86 1.86 2.11 2.11

5.15 8.07 5.87 9.19

15 15 15 15

14.00 14.00 14.00 14.00

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High High 208 230 3 1 36000 36000 3.0 3.0 14.00 14.00 2.57 2.57 7.14 11.18

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34 x 30 x 35 34 x 30 x 35

15 15

14.00 14.00

Weathermaker 38TZA Air Conditioner 38TZA 34 x 23 x 28 018-30 34 x 23 x 28 38TZA 024-30 38TZA 030-30 38TZA 036-30 28 x 30 x 35 28 x 30 x 35 28 x 30 x 35 28 x 30 x 35 28 x 30 x 35 28 x 30 x 35 Weathermaker 38TUA Air Conditioner 38TUA 32 x 34 x 23 018-30 32 x 34 x 23 38TUA 024-30 38TUA 030-30 38TUA 036-30 31 x 28 x 23 31 x 28 x 23 31 x 28 x 23 31 x 28 x 23 31 x 28 x 30 31 x 28 x 30 Weathermaker 38TKB Air Conditioner 38TUA 22 x 23 x 28 018-30 22 x 23 x 28 38TUA 024-30 38TUA 030-30 38TUA 036-30 22 x 23 x 28 22 x 23 x 28 31 x 23 x 28 31 x 23 x 28 31 x 23 x 28 31 x 23 x 28

High High High High High High High High

208 230 208 230 208 230 208 230

3 1 3 1 3 1 3 1

18000 18000 23600 23600 29200 29200 35800 35800

1.5 1.5 2.0 2.0 2.4 2.4 3.0 3.0

13.50 13.50 13.70 13.70 14.00 14.00 14.10 14.10

1.33 1.33 1.72 1.72 2.09 2.09 2.54 2.54

3.70 5.80 4.78 7.49 5.79 9.07 7.05 11.04

15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15

14.00 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.00

Standard Standard Standard Standard Standard Standard Standard Standard

208 230 208 230 208 230 208 230

3 1 3 1 3 1 3 1

18000 18000 23400 23400 29600 29600 36600 36600

1.5 1.5 2.0 2.0 2.5 2.5 3.1 3.1

13.00 13.00 13.00 13.00 12.20 12.20 13.00 13.00

1.38 1.38 1.80 1.80 2.43 2.43 2.82 2.82

3.84 6.02 5.00 7.83 6.73 10.55 7.81 12.24

15 15 15 15 15 15 15 20

14.00 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.00

Standard Standard Standard Standard Standard Standard Standard Standard

208 230 208 230 208 230 208 230

3 1 3 1 3 1 3 1

18000 18000 23800 23800 29800 29800 35000 35000

1.5 1.5 2.0 2.0 2.5 2.5 2.9 2.9

12.50 12.50 11.50 11.50 11.20 11.20 11.50 11.50

1.44 1.44 2.07 2.07 2.66 2.66 3.04 3.04

4.00 6.26 5.74 9.00 7.39 11.57 8.45 13.23

15 15 15 15 15 15 15 20

14.00 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.00 2800 2800

*Costs provided are based on purchase and installation of the units, and were obtained from local dealers. Costs for other units may be estimated based on SEER and cooling capacity relative to those units with provided costs.

As one of the leading HVAC companies in the world, Carrier uses only high quality energy saving components in their products. In their high efficiency air conditioning units, they use only Puron refrigerant, replacing the R-22 coolant used currently by other manufacturers. This refrigerant is designed to protect the environment as it does not contain any chlorine, as well as work more efficiently. All Carrier products are galvanized and coated with metals designed to protect them for many years. In addition, materials with superior heat transfer qualities allow for higher efficiency since heat will be transferred to the outdoors easier. The scroll compressors used are designed for performance along with quietness. Carrier works hard to

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develop new products that increase the efficiency of their products, while keeping costs to the consumers low. Cutsheets from which this information was obtained are included in the appendix. Lennox Product Summary:
Efficiency: (Standard or High) Phase: (1 or 3) Nominal Cooling Capacity: (Btuh) Nominal Cooling Capacity: (Tons) Estimated Input Power: (kW) Estimated Line Current: (A) CB Size: (A) Minimum Wire Size: (AWG)

Product Desc:

Dimensions: (Height, width, depth) (in.)

Operating Voltage:

SEER:

Cost: ($)

LENNOX RESIDENTIAL AIR CONDITIONERS: Elite 11 Air Conditioner: HS2925 x 24.25 x 24.25 012 25 x 24.25 x 24.25 HS29018 HS29024 HS29030 HS29036 25 x 24.25 x 24.25 26 x 24.25 x 24.25 25 x 24.25 x 24.25 26 x 24.25 x 24.25 29 x 24.25 x 24.25 30 x 24.25 x 24.25 33 x 24.25 x 24.25 34 x 24.25 x 24.25 Elite 13 Air Conditioner: HS2627.875 x 25.875 x 018 29.875 27.875 x 25.875 x 29.876 HS2627.875 x 25.875 x 024 29.875 27.875 x 25.875 x 29.876 HS2627.875 x 25.875 x 030 29.875 27.875 x 25.875 x 29.876 HS2627.875 x 25.875 x 036 29.875 27.875 x 25.875 x 29.876 Elite 14 Air Conditioner: HS2730.875 x 32.125 x 024 34.0625 30.875 x 32.125 x 34.0625 HS2730.875 x 32.125 x 030 34.0625 30.875 x 32.125 x 34.0625 HS2740.875 x 32.125 x 036 34.0625 40.875 x 32.125 x 34.0626 Power Saver Air Conditioner: HS2140.875 x 32.125 x 411 34.0625 40.875 x 32.125 x 34.0626 HS2140.875 x 32.125 x 511 34.0627 40.875 x 32.125 x

Standard Standard High High Standard Standard Standard Standard Standard Standard

208 230 208 230 208 230 208 230 208 230

3 1 3 1 3 1 3 1 3 1

12000 12000 18000 18000 24000 24000 30000 30000 36000 36000

1.0 1.0 1.5 1.5 2.0 2.0 2.5 2.5 3.0 3.0

11.05 11.05 12.00 12.00 11.50 11.50 11.50 11.50 11.20 11.20

1.09 1.09 1.50 1.50 2.09 2.09 2.61 2.61 3.21 3.21

3.01 4.72 4.16 6.52 5.79 9.07 7.24 11.34 8.92 13.98

15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 20

14.00 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.00

900 800

1200 1100

High High High High High High High High

208 230 208 230 208 230 208 230

3 1 3 1 3 1 3 1

18000 18000 24000 24000 30000 30000 36000 36000

1.5 1.5 2.0 2.0 2.5 2.5 3.0 3.0

13.40 13.40 14.00 14.00 14.05 14.05 14.00 14.00

1.34 1.34 1.71 1.71 2.14 2.14 2.57 2.57

3.73 5.84 4.76 7.45 5.93 9.28 7.14 11.18

15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15

14.00 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.00

1450 1350

1800 1700

High High High High High High

208 230 208 230 208 230

3 1 3 1 3 1

24000 24000 30000 30000 36000 36000

2.0 2.0 2.5 2.5 3.0 3.0

14.70 14.70 15.50 15.50 15.60 15.60

1.63 1.63 1.94 1.94 2.31 2.31

4.53 7.10 5.37 8.42 6.41 10.03

15 15 15 15 15 15

14.00 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.00

1850 1750

2100 2000

High High High High

208 230 208 230

3 1 3 1

36000 36000 48000 48000

3.0 3.0 4.0 4.0

15.75 15.75 14.05 14.05

2.29 2.29 3.42 3.42

6.34 9.94 9.48 14.85

15 15 15 20

14.00 14.00 14.00 14.00

2900 2800 3000 2900

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208 230

3 1

54000 54000

4.5 4.5

13.50 13.50

4.00 4.00

11.10 17.39

15 25

14.00 14.00

Merit Series Air Conditioner: 10ACC25 x 22.25 x 22.25 18 10ACC24 10ACC30 10ACC36

Standard Standard

208 230 208 230 208 230 208 230

3 1 3 1 3 1 3 1

18000 18000 24000 24000 30000 30000 36000 36000

1.5 1.5 2.0 2.0 2.5 2.5 3.0 3.0

10.65 10.65 11.25 11.25 10.85 10.85 10.90 10.90

1.69 1.69 2.13 2.13 2.76 2.76 3.30 3.30

4.69 7.35 5.92 9.28 7.67 12.02 9.17 14.36

15 15 15 15 15 20 15 20

14.00 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.00

750 650

25 x 22.25 x 22.25

Standard Standard

25 x 24.25 x 24.25

Standard Standard

25 x 24.25 x 24.25

Standard Standard

890 790

Dave Lennox Signature Collection: HSX1527.875 x 25.875 x 24 29.875 HSX1530 HSX1536 30.875 x 32.125 x 34.0625 30.875 x 32.125 x 34.0625

High High High High High High

208 230 208 230 208 230

3 1 3 1 3 1

24000 24000 30000 30000 36000 36000

2.0 2.0 2.5 2.5 3.0 3.0

14.00 14.00 14.70 14.70 14.60 14.60

1.71 1.71 2.04 2.04 2.47 2.47

4.76 7.45 5.66 8.87 6.84 10.72

15 15 15 15 15 15

14.00 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.00

1600 1500

1950 1850

*The provided costs are a representative sampling of the unit costs only (uninstalled), based on data available from local dealers.

With a full line of both commercial and residential air conditioners, Lennox is one of the leading suppliers of air conditioning equipment in the nation. The Lennox residential product line consists of many types of equipment, all designed to provide a comfortable, healthy indoor environment in an energy efficient, economic manner. Typical products include various heating devices, indoor air quality devices, packaged heating/cooling equipment, unitary cooling equipment, and various control systems for these products. As mentioned previously, the focus of this report is the typical unitary air conditioner. Standard Lennox residential unitary air conditioners range in cooling capacity from 1-ton to 5-tons. This wide range makes it possible to cool even very large residences with a single unit. As can be seen in the table above, several different models are available for similar cooling requirements. Lennox offers both standard and highefficiency units, the latter with a maximum SEER of approximately 16. The high-efficiency units typically have a greater initial cost than their standard-efficiency counterparts; however, the cost in energy savings can quickly offset this initial burden. An example calculation showing the payback period of a typical high-efficiency unit vs. a standardefficiency unit is presented on pages 12 - 13. It should be noted that

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3-phase units cost approximately $100 more than 1-phase units of the same model and cooling capacity. Cutsheets from which this information was obtained can are included in the appendix. York Product Summary:
Efficiency: (Standard or High) Phase: (1 or 3) Nominal Cooling Capacity: (Btuh) Nominal Cooling Capacity: (Tons) Estimated Input Power: (kW) Estimated Line Current: (A) CB Size: (A) Minimum Wire Size: (AWG)

Product Desc:

Dimensions: (Height, width, depth) (in.)

Operating Voltage:

SEER:

Cost: ($)

YORK RESIDENTIAL AIR CONDITIONERS H4TS Air Conditioner H4TS024 30 x 24 x 24 30 x 24 x 24 H4TS030 30 x 24 x 24 30 x 24 x 24 H4TS036 32 x 25 x 25 32 x 25 x 25 H1RE Air Conditioner H1RE024S06 33 x 37 x 27 33 x 37 x 27 H1RE030S06 39 x 37 x 27 39 x 37 x 27 H1RE036S06 39 x 37 x 27 39 x 37 x 27 H2RC Air Conditioner H2RC018SO6 25 x 35 x 23 25 x 35 x 23 H2RC024SO6 25 x 35 x 23 25 x 35 x 23 H2RC030SO6 27 x 37 x 27 27 x 37 x 27 H2RC036SO6 27 x 37 x 27 27 x 37 x 27 H4AH Air Conditioner H4AH024 24 x 24 x 24 24 x 24 x 24 H4AH030 30 x 24 x 24 30 x 24 x 24 H4AH036 36 x 35 x 35 36 x 35 x 35 H4DB Air Conditioner H4DB012 20 x 24 x 24 20 x 24 x 24 H4DB018 20 x 24 x 24 20 x 24 x 24 H4DB024 20 x 24 x 24 20 x 24 x 24 Standard Standard Standard Standard Standard Standard 208 230 208 230 208 230 3 1 3 1 3 1 13600 13600 18800 18800 25000 25000 1.1 1.1 1.6 1.6 2.1 2.1 10.00 10.00 10.30 10.30 10.60 10.60 1.36 1.36 1.83 1.83 2.36 2.36 3.77 5.91 5.07 7.94 6.55 10.25 15 15 15 15 15 15 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.00 1900 1900 Standard Standard Standard Standard Standard Standard 208 230 208 230 208 230 3 1 3 1 3 1 24600 24200 30800 30200 37400 36800 2.1 2.0 2.6 2.5 3.1 3.1 13.00 12.00 13.00 12.00 13.50 12.20 1.89 2.02 2.37 2.52 2.77 3.02 5.25 8.77 6.58 10.94 7.69 13.11 15 15 15 15 15 20 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.00 High High High High High High High High 208 230 208 230 208 230 208 230 3 1 3 1 3 1 3 1 20200 19600 25200 24000 32000 30600 34800 35000 1.7 1.6 2.1 2.0 2.7 2.6 2.9 2.9 13.75 12.50 13.50 12.00 13.75 12.25 12.00 12.00 1.47 1.57 1.87 2.00 2.33 2.50 2.90 2.92 4.08 6.82 5.18 8.70 6.46 10.86 8.05 12.68 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 20 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.00 1675 1675 2200 2200 2050 2050 2800 2800 High High High High High High 208 230 208 230 208 230 3 1 3 1 3 1 25400 25200 30600 28800 36000 36000 2.1 2.1 2.6 2.4 3.0 3.0 14.00 14.00 14.00 13.10 14.00 14.20 1.81 1.80 2.19 2.20 2.57 2.54 5.04 7.83 6.07 9.56 7.14 11.02 15 15 15 15 15 15 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.00 High High High High High High 208 230 208 230 208 230 3 1 3 1 3 1 24400 24400 21600 21600 37000 37000 2.0 2.0 1.8 1.8 3.1 3.1 14.50 14.50 14.60 14.60 15.50 15.50 1.68 1.68 1.48 1.48 2.39 2.39 4.67 7.32 4.11 6.43 6.63 10.38 15 15 15 15 15 15 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.00 3500 3500 3800 3800 4000 4000

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Standard Standard Standard Standard 208 230 208 230 3 1 3 1 30000 30000 37600 36600 2.5 2.5 3.1 3.1 12.20 12.20 11.60 12.40 2.46 2.46 3.24 2.95

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H4DB030

24 x 24 x 24 24 x 24 x 24

6.83 10.69 9.00 12.83

15 20 15 20

14.00 14.00 14.00 14.00 2200 2200

H4DB036

24 x 24 x 24 24 x 24 x 24

*Provided costs are based on data available from local dealers, and include purchase and installation. These are representative of typical York models with similar cooling capacities and efficiencies. York is known for using very high grade components in their air conditioning units. Their top-of-the-line units use a single twin piston compressor that allows the air conditioner to have a cooling efficiency up to 16 SEER. This is because it allows the BTUH to be almost doubled compared to a normal compressor. Not only are these units able to handle more BTUH, they are also able to cool the space in only 60% the time that a standard unit would take. The high efficiency of the air conditioner results in 40% of the energy consumption of a standard unit. Another feature York includes in their units is lower installation costs. York produces to make units that are easy to install by using wiring connections that are easy to connect. All units contain enough refrigerant for the smallest matching indoor coil and 15 feet of interconnecting piping, allowing the units to have a much smaller footprint compared to their competitors. They also provide more control over humidity for a price that is insignificant. General Design Guidelines: When a unitary air conditioning unit is utilized in a residence, several considerations must be made regarding the design of the electrical system. First, the actual piece of equipment to be used should be specified and its particular electrical requirements determined. Specific items to consider are the operating voltage of the unit (including phase), the kVA rating of the unit, the power factor, and the line current. Based on this information, the conductor size can be determined for the branch circuit used to feed the unit, the disconnect switch for the unit can be designed, and the circuit breaker for the unit can be sized. In general, unitary air conditioning units are connected to a power panel as an individual circuit. However, some of the smaller units draw very little current, and the possibility of placing additional equipment on the same circuit should be considered. Unfortunately, the desired electrical information is usually not provided directly by the manufacturer. It is therefore necessary to estimate the necessary input power of the unit and the resulting line current based on the known operating voltage, the nominal cooling

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capacity (Btuh), and the SEER. In dwellings, common operating voltages are 208-V (3-phase) and 230-V (1-phase). Most unit models are available for either case. The input power (kW) required can be estimated by dividing the nominal cooling capacity (Btuh) by the SEER. Next, the line current can be calculated by dividing the required input power (kW) by the line voltage and any required factors. The downside of this method is that the power factor of the unit remains unknown, as does the total apparent power consumed by the air conditioning unit. This is typically not a major concern in residential applications, however, as customers are generally not penalized for systems with large power factors. A problem could occur with sizing a residential transformer if the total kVA rating of the air conditioner is unknown. When sizing the circuit breaker for the air conditioner, the unit should be considered as a continuous load. Most smaller units will require the use of the minimum 15 amp circuit breaker, while larger units will require larger circuit breakers. The branch circuit(s) feeding the unit(s) should be sized based on tables 310.16-310.19 in the NEC (NFPA, 2001). The ampacity of the conductor should be greater than that of the circuit breaker and the local disconnect. In addition, the disconnect should be designed to isolate any fault caused by an overload as well as to allow for manual isolation of the unit from the rest of the electrical system. A diagram showing the typical installation of a unitary air conditioner is shown below. Typically, unitary air conditioners are installed outside with little or no shelter. Therefore, an additional component of the electrical system to be considered is conduit. The conduit should be designed in order to protect the enclosed conductor from weather conditions and potential fault conditions.

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Sample Calculations: Assumptions: Operating Schedule 4 months a year (123 days) 8 hours a day 24 hrs a day 984 hrs/yr Energy Cost .06 $ / kwh Installed Upfront Cost $ 2800 for the high efficiency model 3 ton unit $ 2500 for the low efficiency model 3 ton unit SEER High efficiency SEER=12.0 Low efficiency SEER=10.0 Calculations: (High Efficiency) 36000btuh 1kwh 12.0( SEER) 1000w = 3.0kw hr $ $177.12 3.0kw 984 .06 = yr kwh yr Calculations: (Low Efficiency) 36000btuh 1kwh 10.0( SEER) 1000w = 3.6kw hr $ $212.54 3.6kw 984 .06 = yr kwh yr Payback Period:
$2,800 $2,500 = 8.5 years $212.54 $177.12 *It should be noted that the high efficiency model used in this example has the minimum high efficiency SEER rating of 12.0. If a better high efficiency model were to be used, a shorter payback period could be achieved. In addition, the typical lifespan of a unitary air conditioning unit is a minimum of 10 years, and thus even a small increase in efficiency can be economically beneficial. PaybackPeriod =

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Conclusion: When designing a residential electrical system, various considerations must be made regarding the air conditioning unit, including sizing the conduit, conductors, circuit breaker, and main disconnect for the air conditioner. In this report, the products of four main manufacturers were analyzed to represent the most common products available on the market today. The products were categorized into two groups by these manufacturers; high and standard efficiency units. The main concern for residential air conditioning units is higher first cost spent for the high efficiency units versus the energy savings. As shown in the provided sample calculations, even a moderately efficient unit can be economically practical compared to a standard efficiency unit. While different manufacturers advertise various aspects of their equipment, most residential units are quite similar. Typical cooling capacities range from 1 5 tons, and prices can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars, accordingly. As environmental concerns continue to grow, so too will the technology employed by air conditioning unit manufacturers, which will result in more efficient units.

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References:
Broomfield Sheet Metal (York) 2851 Industrial Lane Broomfield, CO 80020 Phone: 303.466.4222 Cooper Exchange Systems Ltd. (Carrier) 7650 W 120th Ave. Broomfield, CO 80020 Phone: 303.466.4326 www.global.carrier.com H & M Mechanical Llc. (Lennox) 600 South Sunset Unit C Longmont, CO 80026 Phone: 303.664.9865 Home Run Heating (Carrier) 624 Main St. Longmont, CO 80501 Phone: 303.678.0777 Jones Heating & Cooling (York) 990 Lilac St. Broomfield, CO 80020 Phone: 303.947.9170 www.lennox.com Meyer Heating & Air Conditioning (York) 260 Pearl Street Boulder, CO 80302 Phone: 303.442.6640 National Fire Protection Association Inc. National Electric Code, 2002 Edition, NFPA: 2002. Stein, Benjamin and Reynolds, John. Mechanical and Electrical Equipment for Buildings, 8th edition, John Wiley and Sons Inc. New York: 1992. www.trane.com www.york.com

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Appendix: