Johnson Controls, Inc. (Johnson Controls) has donated energy-efficient heating and cooling system, York Affinity home comfort system to Kansas town's first home, known as the Silo Eco-Home. Using energy efficient systems, the home will reduce energy costs by 60 to 70% compared to a traditionally built home of the same size. Built with concrete walls and roof, the home incorporates a variety of building techniques, energy efficiency features and green living products and services.
The 2,000-square-foot Silo Eco-Home was inspired by the strength and durability of the grain silo that survived the devastating tornado, virtually unscathed. The heat pump provides heating and cooling to the home, while an Affinity high-efficiency media air cleaner and an Affinity humidifier quietly deliver 24-hour filtration and humidity.
The Chain of Eco-Homes project will include 12 homes, all using sustainable products. The homes will be available both as information centers and as eco-lodging where visitors can experience green living firsthand. Greensburg GreenTown, a grassroots community-based organization, is organizing the rebuilding process with city and county officials, business owners and local residents.
The heat pump was delivered through cfm Distributors, Inc., Kansas City, and free installation was provided by York contractor Fahnestock Plumbing, HVAC, Electric and Fireplaces, Wichita. The air-source heat pump features:
R-410A refrigerant that delivers environmentally-friendly performance with zero ozone depletion;
Outstanding efficiency ratings of up to 18 seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) and 9.4 heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF). These ratings meet the rebate and efficiency requirements of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009;
Recognition for its energy efficiency by Good Housekeeping, EnergyGuide and ENERGY STAR.
Fahnestock Chief Executive Officer George Fahnestock expects the York system will account for as much as 30% of the home’s energy savings.
“Working on the Silo Eco-Home project, we felt a keen responsibility to bring the very best technologies and experience to the table in the hopes of moving our industry and our community toward energy independence,” Fahnestock said. “The York Affinity system we installed is one of the most efficient home comfort systems on the market today, ensuring lower operating costs and longer life as well as comfort, quiet and affordability.”
Daniel Wallach, executive director and founder of Greensburg GreenTown, echoed Fahnestock’s sentiments: “The heating and cooling system is a huge contributor to the overall efficiency goals of the home. Because the system that was installed is such an incredibly efficient system, the efficiency of the home is going to be even better than we anticipated. It’s a state-of-the-art system, meaning it’s going to demonstrate to people just what’s possible and how to heat and cool a 2,200-square-foot home for as little as $50 to $100 per month.”
Lee Lindquist, technical projects manager at Fahnestock Plumbing, HVAC, Electric and Fireplaces, added: “As an energy rater certified by the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET(R)), I rated the Silo Eco-Home and helped select the heating and cooling equipment that would operate most efficiently in this particular home. The York Affinity heat pump system that we installed is the most efficient system that’s available, so it’s definitely going to conserve energy in the home.”