Can ComfortNet™ communicating controls only be used with
communicating indoor and outdoor equipment? |
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In most cases the CTK01 communicating control will be matched with communicating-compatible equipment. A single-stage air conditioner, however, can be connected using the Y1 and C terminals on the furnace’s control board.
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Will communicating controls be used only for systems with indoor units
equipped with electrically commutated motor (ECM) units? |
Yes, the extensive variety of speeds available with the ECM makes it exceptionally compatible for use the ComfortNet communicating control system.
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In the future will all Goodman® and Amana® brand units, except the basic
or standard efficiency units, include a communicating control board? |
At this time only the indoor units with a full feature ECM and outdoor premium two-stage 16 and 18 SEER models come standard with the ComfortNet communicating control.
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How are the outdoor temperatures captured
when the system is configured for a dual-fuel system?
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An outdoor temperature sensor is included standard on all 16 and 18 SEER Goodman and Amana brand two-stage products.
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How long does the control board store fault codes
and what action clears the fault codes from the indoor control board? |
The indoor and outdoor control boards have buffers that will store a maximum of the six most recent faults. The buffers can retain a maximum of three of the same fault on either board. Faults can be erased from the ComfortNet communicating control at the indoor or outdoor control board or at the communicating control.
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| What is the dual-fuel balance point’s temperature range? |
| 0°F to 50°F in 5-degree increments. |
What are the benefits of the ComfortNet
communicating control for the homeowner? |
The primary benefits to the homeowner are much the same as the main benefits to the dealer.
Simplified wiring ensures that the homeowner is going to get an HVAC system that is properly connected.
The automatic configuration arrangement provides the homeowner with the most effective and efficient installation set-up.
Advanced diagnostic capabilities will allow technicians to diagnose the equipment faster and with more accuracy.
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If a furnace board needs replacing,
how does the system receive the new information? |
| The beauty of the of network is that once the unit is operational the shared data is distributed to the indoor unit control board, the outdoor unit control board, the motor end bell and communicating control (thermostat). When any of those system components is replaced, the shared data is re-populated into the replacement part when it is installed and powered. |
Will the ComfortNet controls and motor
stand up to a lightning strike? |
| No electronic control can stand up to a lightning strike but the Emerson® motors being used in these models feature a 6 kV resistance to lightning strikes. This is three times better than the 2 kV rating featured on previous Regal Beloit® (GE) motors. |
What happens when you have a 4-ton furnace with a 3-ton condensing unit?
How does the indoor system match the airflow to the outdoor tonnage? |
| The indoor unit will auto-configure airflow settings to the tonnage dictated by the outdoor unit. In the scenario described above, the system would optimize airflow operation for a 3-ton system. |
| Are there any zoning compatible systems? |
By being able to easily integrate traditional (legacy) wiring into the units, most over-the-counter zoning systems are compatible with the communicating controls.
There are third-party supplier options available that mate directly with the communicating system and control. Check with your local distributor for more detail.
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| Are there any color-coded terminal identifiers? |
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Yes. Both the indoor and outdoor units use color-coded removable terminal blocks for both communicating and non-communicating (legacy) connections.
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With the dual-fuel system, should the furnace combustion cycle fail, would the
control revert back to the heat pump cycle in order to provide some heat to the home? |
The heat pump is the first stage and the furnace is the second stage when the heat pump fails. As the indoor temperature decreases, the equipment will cycle the furnace on when the increased heating demand calls for the second stage. The heat pump will send a fault code to the ComfortNet communicating control. If the unit fails in the furnace mode, a fault will be sent to notify the homeowner that service is required. The heat pump will not cycle ON to prevent compressor damage in low ambient temperature conditions.
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The local electric utility will sometimes remove power to the outdoor heat pump
during high-peak load times. In dual-fuel operation, how will this system operate? |
| The system will shut down and register a minor low-voltage fault that will be stored in the fault buffer but will not affect equipment operation. |
Will there be ample room for a hard-start kit
within the control box of the outdoor unit?> |
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Yes. Though a hard-start kit is typically not required or recommended with a scroll compressor, there is ample space for the control board, run capacitor, optional outdoor transformer, and factory-recommended hard-start kit.
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| How does the dehumidification 'logic' works? |
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If the communicating control calls for cooling and dehumidification, in-parallel Demand Dehumidification improves the comfort level in the home by reducing the humidity level. The control slows down the system fan speed and lengthens the run time. The humidity setting may not be reached before the call for cool has been satisfied, as the system priority is to maintain the temperature in the home.
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How would you hook up a safety switch
or float switch in this type of a system? |
The 24 VAC low-voltage power wire (R) would be interrupted much like is done with traditional legacy wiring. Second-generation indoor control boards will have provisions for this function.
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Is the 100' limit for 18-gauge wire from the indoor unit to the condenser
or from the t-stat to the indoor unit and then to the outdoor unit recommended?
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This is a component-to-component wiring guideline. Regardless of the wiring configuration, 100’ is the maximum individual wiring length recommended. The signal strength of the communicating control is very robust; however, splicing should be avoided.
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| Does the new ECM motor read static pressure to adjust CFM? |
| Most (if not all) ECM motors from all manufacturers use some form of feedback from the motor to establish and maintain fan speed at static pressures between .1 and .8 inches WC ESP. This is used with the new communicating models and is also used with the discontinued non-communicating models. |
| Will ComfortNet ever use employee auto-charging technology? |
The second-generation outdoor air conditioning and heat pump control boards will come standard with provisions for auto-charging, including three seven-segment LED’s, a pressure transducer, and thermal sensor.
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