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Community Development Corporation: Magna, UT
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Location: |
Magna, UT |
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Climate Zone: |
Hot-Dry |
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Subdivision: |
N/A |
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Builder: |
Community Development Corporation |
Evaluation
Start Date: |
August 2005 |
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Completion Date: |
March 2006 |
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Objectives: |
Compare steady-state field performance of a water-cooled versus air-cooled condenser in a desert climate. |
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General Construction Information: |
The Salt Lake Community Development Corporation (SLCDC) seeks to provide affordable housing for low-income families in Salt Lake City and the surrounding communities. In addition to reducing the first cost of the homes, the SLCDC recognizes the importance of reducing operating costs. For families to thrive, low-income homeowners must be able to operate and maintain their homes. In 2004, the SLCDC developed three homes in Magna (two of which are the side-by-side prototypes evaluated by PATH). The Magna prototype design specifications include: advanced framing techniques, low-e windows, a compact duct design with central returns, properly sized HVAC equipment, direct- or power-vented mechanical equipment, and air sealing. |
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Significant Results: |
- There does not appear to be a dramatic difference in operating performance of the two air conditioning systems under the mild weather conditions (about 85°F) experienced during testing.
- As the outdoor temperature rises above 95°F, the efficiency gains of the Freus system over a conventional SEER-14 system become more pronounced.
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