Carrier 50PSD AQUAZONE Single-Stage Water Source Heat Pump

The Carrier 50PSD AQUAZONE Single-Stage Water Source Heat Pump is perfect for customers interested in maintaining an environmentally friendly home or work environment. Compatible with a variety of heating techniques, Aquazone heating pumps are compatible with new construction and recently renovated properties. Unit pricing varies by unit size.

How Heating Pumps Work
Before discussing the Aquazone unit, it is important to understand the function of a heating pump. Heating pumps are seen as a convenient and cost-effective method of climate control because one unit handles heating and cooling needs. A Professor of mechanical engineering at the University of Alabama describes water source heat pumps as air conditioning units with an extra valve to re-route hot and cold refrigerant at desired times.

Brief Overview
Carrier’s 50PSD Aquazone unit is an indoor, downflow model. The device works by pulling warm air down from an existing furnace. According to manufacturers, downflow heating pumps have started to increase in popularity among consumers. The 50PSD model is available in capacities from .5 to 6 tons, allowing them to be used in small homes and large office buildings. Professional heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) contractors are able to determine the best pump size for a particular structure. Consumers have the option of using traditional (gas, electric, etc.) or geothermal heating sources. Geothermal methods work with surrounding ground temperatures to heat and cool buildings.

A Galvanized steel body houses eight internal safety features, including high/low refrigerant protection and high/low short protection. These safety features work together to keep the unit functioning properly. According to Carrier, 50PSD heating pumps can be mounted in the ceiling, in a closet or placed in an attic. Three removable side panels provide access to the inner pump in an effort to simplify routine maintenance. Additional accessories include five or seven-day programmable thermostats, remote sensors and a built-in visual diagnostic panel.

Coolant Used
Puron, an environmentally safe refrigerant, is used in all 50PSD single-stage water source heat pumps. This is especially important for people seeking a greener lifestyle. The first signs of ozone depletion were detected back in 1985, in the form of a hole above the Antarctic. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), this was caused by a build-up of vehicle exhaust and chemical vapors that led to a weakening of the natural cover used to shield living organisms from ultraviolet (UV) rays.

One chemical found to inflict major ozone damage is a compound called chlorofluorocarbon or CFCs. CFCs are a combination of chlorine, fluorine and carbon that are easily broken down with exposure to UV light. They were used to give refrigerators and air conditioners their cooling abilities, but Federal regulations and The Clean Air Act ended their use. Companies have started to discover new cooling materials, like Puron.

Puron is a mixture made from R-32 and R-125 refrigerants. The coolant first entered the consumer market in 1996. In addition to environmental benefits, owners of units that use Puron will possibly experience financial benefits in the future. In 2004, the Clean Air Act began to limit the supply of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), including the refrigerant R-22. Like CFC compounds, HCFCs were used for heating and cooling. As supplies start to diminish, customers with devices that use R-22 will start to pay more for heating and cooling. With no Puron shortages in the foreseeable future, their customer pricing is expected to remain consistent.

Costs
According to the Carrier website, customers must contact an authorized dealer for pricing on 50PSD Aquazone units. 2011 reviews of similar geothermal heat pumps made by the company list prices between $2,500 and $7,000. Installation and back-up, which supplies an alternate heating source if the pump malfunctions, is included. Limited 10 year warranties cover outdoor coils and internal parts, while compressors are covered by limited 12 year warranties. For an additional fee, extended warranties are available with conditions that vary by dealer.