Boiler EfficiencyThe KnightIn this time of rising energy costs, it's more important than ever to take a look at high efficiency heating as well as cooling units. That's exactly what the judges did when they studied the entries for the HVAC Residential Equipment/High Efficiency category in The NEWS' third annual Dealer Design Awards. A boiler and air conditioning unit/heat pump won. The Knight Heating Boiler by Lochinvar Corp. and the XC15 air conditioner/XP15 heat pump by Lennox Industries Inc. earned first and second place respectively. 
GOLD: The Knight heating boiler's Smart System operating control is standard with indoor/outdoor reset, three pump controls, and sequencing up to eight boilers. Lochinvar Corp.'s Knight Heating Boiler earned the highest marks in the HVAC Residential Equipment/High Efficiency category. The boiler can be installed for hydronic space heating in both residential and commercial applications. The Knight's internal cascading sequencer feature allows up to eight boilers to be controlled by one of the boilers themselves rather than an outside, third-party controller. The boiler offers a 91-93 percent AFUE efficiency rating, depending on the model. Its Smart System operating control is standard with indoor/outdoor reset, three pump controls, and sequencing up to eight boilers. "The Smart System control aids troubleshooting using words rather than codes," said Michael Juhnke, Lochinvar marketing manager. Some of the basic functions of the Smart System are: 5:1 burner turndown; two-line, 16-character display; two levels of password security; product service indicator; pump relay with freeze protection; low water flow indication; outdoor reset and sensor; the DHWP with pump control; contacts on any failure; system pump control; boiler pump and control; inlet and outlet water temperature sensors; Fahrenheit or Celsius displays; boiler set point; off time limiting; building management system input; night setback; and service mode. A judge commented on the benefits of not only the overall design, but the value proposition of the controls and the venting. The direct vent sealed combustion boiler allows for up to 100 feet of air intake and 100 feet of exhaust vent, and has zero clearance to combustible materials. "The Knight draws combustion air directly into the gas valve/combustion air fan assembly, rather than into the cabinet, so contractors never have to worry about maintaining a sealed jacket or drawing dirt and dust into the combustion chamber," stated Juhnke. The judges liked the design of the unit. As one judge put it, "It's a very nice product — well designed and well built."
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Important Energy Saving Information
Energy Efficiency Radiant Floors
Radiant Flooring cuts energy requirement by as much as 30% - besides providing a more comfortable environment, for you and your family, radiant heating is more energy efficient than traditional forced air heating systems. For most homes, energy requirements range from 10 – 30% less than with forced air systems. Boiler Upgrades
The KNIGHT Heating Boiler has earned a 93% DOE AFUE rating, well above ENERGY STAR requirements. Built to commercial-grade standards, and armed with a 12-year limited warranty, this boiler is ready for battle. |