NORMAN, OKLA. – Coming on the heels of its first major product launches in four years, the Unitary Products division of Johnson Controls (www.johnsoncontrols.com/) announced that its 33-inch, variable-speed modulating gas furnaces with electronically commutated motors (ECM) achieve up to 98 percent Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE).

This is the highest AFUE rating in the heating, ventilating and air conditioning industry, according to Andy Armstrong, director of marketing for Unitary Products.  He added that the other modulating ECM models in the Unitary Products line go no lower than 97.5 percent AFUE.

What’s more, Armstrong noted that all of the company’s modulating gas furnaces with permanent split capacitor (PSC) motors have a 97 percent AFUE rating – also an industry first.  In addition, all single-stage furnaces are now rated at 95.5 percent AFUE, eclipsing the previous rating of 95 percent AFUE on condensing furnaces.

“With the introduction of this new line of gas furnaces, Johnson Controls is setting the bar on energy efficiency,” Armstrong said.  “Higher AFUE ratings mean distributors and dealers now have a stronger selling proposition, and homeowners will greatly benefit from lower energy costs during the winter months.”

Johnson Controls recently launched the 33-inch gas furnaces under the York, Coleman and Luxaire brands.  The furnaces appeal to dealers and homeowners searching for efficient heating systems that are easy to install and service in tight spaces while contributing to green, sustainable home design.

The new design also includes the industry’s first fully modulating 80 percent AFUE offering that features integrated controls.  The controls provide comfort to within one degree of the thermostat setpoint and ensure precise modulation of the gas valve from 50 to 100 percent in 1 percent increments.  Meanwhile, the 97 percent and higher AFUE models modulate from 35 to 100 percent in 1 percent increments.

In redesigning the entire furnace line, Johnson Controls reduced the units’ height by seven inches and incorporated a variety of features, making the furnaces the ideal solution for applications where space is limited, including closets, attics and basements with low ceilings.

Multiple venting options and the multi-position design provide flexibility for all installations and applications, including upflow, downflow, horizontal left and horizontal right.  In addition, the units’ unique condensate management system eliminates the need for external traps, which means the furnaces do not need to be elevated in horizontal applications.

Their rugged yet stylish cabinets of folded sheet metal are free of sharp edges, ensuring worry-free service.  Moreover, the units’ doors are now interchangeable between the top and bottom, based on the desired venting option, and the toolless ¼-turn latches make door removal even easier.

Operation is quiet – as low as 61 decibels (dB) for models with an 80 percent AFUE rating and 65 dB for models up to 98 percent AFUE.  All 95 percent and higher AFUE furnaces are ENERGY STAR qualified.  And with new gaskets installed around the doors, these furnaces have a reduced air leakage rate of under 1 percent.

Johnson Controls backs every York, Coleman and Luxaire 95 percent and higher AFUE gas furnace with a lifetime warranty on the heat exchanger, while high-end 80 percent AFUE models come with a limited lifetime warranty on the heat exchanger.  Every York, Coleman and Luxaire model includes a 5-year limited warranty on all other components.