Emerson Introduces Breakthrough Air-Conditioning Technology to Meet 20

Emerson Introduces Breakthrough Air-Conditioning Technology to Meet 2006 Federal Efficiency Standard

    Business Editors/High-Tech Editors
    2005 AHR Expo

    ORLANDO, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 7, 2005--

Emerson's Copeland Scroll Compressor Wins 2005 AHR Expo Innovation Award
    Emerson Climate Technologies(TM), a business of Emerson (NYSE: EMR), today officially introduced the next generation of its industry-leading Copeland Scroll(TM) compressors designed to more efficiently and quietly power residential and light-commercial central air conditioning systems.
    The new Copeland Scroll compressor is designed to help manufacturers meet and exceed the U.S. federal government's minimum 13 SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) standard for new central air conditioning systems that goes into effect in January 2006. The 13 SEER standard represents a 30-percent increase over the current 10-SEER minimum energy efficiency requirement for central air conditioners that was set in 1992.
    With 20 major design improvements and nine new patents pending, Emerson's new Copeland Scroll compressor offers the most significant advancements in efficiency, reliability and sound for scroll compressors since Copeland introduced scroll technology to the market nearly 20 years ago. Its new design increases the efficiency of the compressor by up to 7 percent, significantly reduces operating sound, and is up to 30 percent lighter and smaller than the prior version.
    The new line of Emerson's scroll compressor technology was unveiled at the International Air-Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Exposition (AHR Expo) taking place Feb. 7-9 in Orlando, Fla. The new compressor has received the 2005 AHR Expo Innovation Award in the cooling technology category and was cited for its "breakthroughs in performance."
    "This product offers a major step forward for manufacturers, contractors and homeowners. With the new 13 SEER regulations less than a year away, the next generation of Emerson's Copeland Scroll compressor is designed to help the industry achieve higher efficiency standards," said Tom Bettcher, Emerson executive vice president and Emerson Climate Technologies business leader. "More than 85 percent of new homes built today have central air conditioning and about four million homeowners replace their systems every year. This is a technology that will help keep homes cool and comfortable while using less energy."
    The biggest energy user in any air conditioning unit is the compressor; it is the "engine" that pumps the refrigerant through an air conditioning system to cool the inside of a home. Scroll compressor technology is more energy efficient, quieter and more reliable than reciprocating compressors. "Scroll" refers to the scroll-like design of the two finely machined pieces of iron that fit together to smoothly compress the refrigerant during its heat transfer cycle.
    Emerson, which pioneered the development of scroll compressors in the 1980s, has continually improved and expanded its line of scroll compressors to incorporate the use of new refrigerants, modulation technology, and new applications. The new Copeland Scroll manufacturing platform includes a full product line of 1.5 to 5 horsepower compressors, available in R-410A and R-22 refrigerants, and motor voltages for both residential and light commercial applications.
    Today, there are more than 45 million Copeland Scroll compressors currently installed in residential and commercial air conditioning and commercial refrigeration systems around the world. Emerson is the world's largest manufacturer of scroll compressors.
    "The vast majority of contractors today prefer Copeland Scroll compressors because of their proven levels of performance and reliability. The next generation of Emerson's Copeland Scroll compressor honors that trust by meeting the industry's need for 13 SEER requirements and contractors' need for reliability," Bettcher said.
    Information about the 2005 AHR Expo Innovation Award for Emerson's new Copeland Scroll compressor can be found at http://www.ahrexpo.com/innovationawards/index.php.

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CONTACT: Emerson Joe Dugan, 314-982-1788

KEYWORD: MISSOURI FLORIDA TRACK INDUSTRY KEYWORD: HARDWARE COMPUTERS/ELECTRONICS MANUFACTURING CONSUMER/HOUSEHOLD RETAIL TRADESHOW PRODUCT SOURCE: Emerson

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