HVAC Technology from York® Appears in ‘This Old House’ Renovation in Boston
11/30/2000

NORMAN, OK – New, high-efficiency HVAC technology developed by York Unitary Products Group here has been installed recently in an 1865 Boston townhouse in the historic Charlestown section. The air conditioning system was installed as part of a renovation on the home for the popular PBS television show “This Old House.”

According to the installing HVAC contractor, John Ambrosino, president of Total Temperature Control, Wakefield, Mass., two new, 16-SEER Stealth™ air conditioning units from York have been installed in a three-story brick townhouse on Bunker Hill Street owned by Heather and Dan Beliveau. One Stealth unit is installed downstairs in a rental apartment. The other Stealth unit is installed in a third-floor attic space, with zone controls for the second and third floors the Beliveaus will occupy.

“The term ’SEER’ refers to Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio,” Ambrosino added, “but in practical terms, a ratio as high as 16 means that these Stealth units are 50- to 100-percent more efficient than most other types of air conditioning equipment on the market.”

The operation of the York Stealth units, supplied by a single compressor known as a Twin-Single™, creates the efficiency, Ambrosino explains. “Stealth air conditioners work on a very simple principle. When the outside temperature is relatively constant, the compressor runs steadily, but only at 50-percent capacity. Over time, this operating principle saves huge amounts of energy.

“The units automatically switch to full load when the outside temperature soars, which keeps the house evenly cooled and eliminates any sudden spikes in temperature.”

Ambrosino notes that indoor air quality also has been addressed in this installation. “The new air conditioning system constantly distributes air throughout the home. The air is cleaned via an electronic air cleaner, and the humidity level is controlled.”

The 1865-era Boston townhouse presented significant challenges when it came to finding enough space for the necessary ductwork, he acknowledges. Nevertheless, Total Temperature Control, experienced in installing high-end, variable speed systems in older homes such as brick townhomes and old brownstone buildings, employed several creative approaches.

“For example, we were able to sneak seven-inch ductwork through spaces such as the nine-inch chases around old chimneys,” he recalls, as well as take advantage of hidden closet spaces to keep it out of sight.

In the process, Total Temperature Control not only got all its ducts in a row to distribute the air in a very efficient air conditioning system, it also lined up a greater level of comfort and a better use of energy for the Beliveaus in “This Old House”…and their new home.