Millions of households continue to rely on older central air conditioning systems which have lower SEER ratings than newer, variable speed units. It’s also true that many homeowners have delayed replacing comfort systems due to financial difficulties.
Besides their general inferior performance compared to today’s high SEER rated variable speed units. In addition, older systems provide inadequate humidity control. And, with excess humidity comes a greater potential for mold, mildew, and dust mites.
An Affordable Solution
For customers facing cost-constraints, one option for home comfort relief is the CC750 Comfort Control Center from ICM Controls, North Syracuse, NY, a leading U.S. manufacturer and supplier of electronic controls to the HVACR industry.
ICM sources report the CC750 enhances comfort and Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) of the home or workplace by intelligently controlling the blower speed in the structure’s existing single-phase central air conditioner or heat-pump. By safely reducing the blower speed, the CC750 helps the existing system more effectively draw moisture from the air, reducing humidity levels.
According to ICM spokespeople, when used in conjunction with a system equipped with advanced IAQ devices, the CC750 allows these devices to operate more effectively and efficiently, leading to even greater end-user satisfaction. By allowing the air to stay in contact longer with the IAQ devices, the CC750 can play an important role in keeping occupants healthier and create a perfect option for elderly residents, allergy sufferers or people with asthma.
Plus, the CC750 protects against mold propagation by keeping humidity levels low (it has been shown that relative humidity levels below 60% eliminate most mold, mildew and dust mites).
Noise reduction is an added benefit. The slower fan speeds, coupled with a programmable “Skip Frequency” menu option, provide imperceptible fan operation noise ICM reports the CC750 is one of the quietest systems of its kind on the market.
As an added bonus, during colder months, the CC750 also provides warmer air discharge temperatures for heat pumps.
A stand-alone product, the CC750 eliminates the need for – and costs of – extra equipment; it can be easily mounted in or out of the air handler, enhancing its appeal.
Reduced Energy Consumption
As a variable frequency/variable voltage fan motor speed control, the CC750 varies the blower speed of the existing central air conditioner or heat pump based on the evaporator and return air temperature. A field-adjustable temperature differential between the evaporator and the return air duct is maintained by controlling the blower speed. Uncomplicated, menu-driven programming allows the installer the latitude to fine-tune key parameters to establish a latent and sensible cooling ratio best suited to the environmental conditions unique to each install.
These advanced features also increase the potential for reduced energy costs, according to ICM.
Besides improving overall system efficiency, the device through the resulting drier air allows for higher set point temperatures in the home while improving the overall perception of comfort. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, for every two degrees that you raise your thermostat in the summer, you can save 5-7% on your cooling bill. Furthermore, with controlled fan speeds from the CC750, a system will consume less overall power for the potential of even greater energy savings. In these challenging economic times, that is a notable advantage.
Larry Stewart, an outside sales associate with Florida Cooling Supply, Clearwater, FL, performed a test installation at a home in Melbourne, Florida. His experience with the product was extremely positive.
“The residents of the home where I installed the product were completely satisfied,” he says. “They can’t hear it, and the air in their home feels much more comfortable. Everything I’ve heard and read about the CC750 is true.”
“The CC750 provides a very economical replacement for an old unit where the variable drive has gone bad. It’s the perfect option, where you can buy an inexpensive, standard motor to go along with it. We’re saving the customer a lot of money and giving them a better product.”
The energy savings of the CC750 did not go unnoticed.
“This is such a unique product,” he says. “It’s the perfect thing to save customers money in the long run.”
Installation of the CC750 was smooth, “It was very easy to put in,” Stewart notes. “And that’s saying something, since I’m not an air conditioning technician.” The controller was installed in one hour.
Bill Price, a purchasing agent with Duncan Supply, has a similar tale to tell about the CC750.
“The system works perfectly,” says Price. “I’ve seen a number of benefits since the system was put in: increased efficiency of the UV light and electronic air cleaner, lower humidity in the summer, more comfortable heat from the heat pump during the winter, and lower noise levels.”
American-made, with Quality
Ron Kadah, president of ICM Controls — now in its 25th year — says company leadership is proud that its products are made in the U.S.
“The decision to become a vertically integrated manufacturer has served us, and our customers, extremely well over the years by providing greater control over both sides of the supply chain,” Kadah says.
“Our OEM customers appreciate our greater design flexibility and faster times-to-market, while end-users continue to benefit from our ability to more closely monitor quality and performance on our full-line of OEM and aftermarket products.”