Central Air Conditioning Systems - A US Market Overview

24 May 2011 • by Natalie Aster

The top 25% of efficient central air conditioning (CAC) models can bear the “ENERGY STAR” label, and, to be eligible, they have to have a minimum SEER level of 14. In addition, the minimum Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) levels for Energy Star® split system models must be 11.5 and for Energy Star® single-package models must be 11.0. Air conditioners bearing the Energy Star® label can be two time more efficient than some existing units. Consumption of energy by the current range of air conditioners is 30%-50% lower than air conditioners of the 1970s for producing the same amount of cooling.

The report “Central Air Conditioning Systems - A US Market Overview” by Industry Experts includes the complete competitive landscape for CAC market in the United States which comprises market share analysis (2009) for leading market players including Carrier, Goodman, Lennox, McQuay, Nordyne, Rheem, Trane and York. The study analyses these major players with respect to key financials, product listing & analysis, key brands, competitors and production plant locations & capacities. The report also briefly profiles 50 other key market players in the United States.

Central Air Conditioning product segments analyzed in the study include Direct Expansion (DX) Central Air Conditioning Systems and Central Plant/Chilled Water Central Air Conditioning Systems (Central Plant AC Systems) also referred as Applied Systems. The report also analyzes the market of the sub-segments of DX Systems – Split AC Systems (greater than 8 kW of cooling capacity), Packaged AC Systems and Heat Pumps; and Central Plant AC Systems – Chillers, Cooling Towers, Air Handling Units and Fan Coil Units.

In terms of unit shipments, Central Air Conditioners in the US are estimated at 4.5 million units in 2010, valued at US$ 9.22 billion. Though unit shipments are forecast to exhibit low CAGR of 1.70% over the 2006-2015 analysis period, shipment value is expected to maintain high CAGR of 5.02% during the same period. This can be attributed to changes in unit prices that vary from year to year, dependent on demand and new technologies. The market for 2011 is expected to touch 4.8 million units valued at US$ 9.7 billion.

Report Details:

Central Air Conditioning Systems - A US Market Overview

Published: May 2011
Pages: 198
Price: USD 3,600.00

Report Sample Abstract

Underfloor Air Distribution (UFAD) Systems Shows Slower Growth in Recent Past

Hitherto used centralized HVAC systems employing traditional methods of thermal and ventilation provision in offices are facing eventual extinction, due to marked changes in latest trends in employees’ environmental preferences. The past few years have witnessed increased attention towards individually conditioning air distribution systems that can be utilized by office workers within their operational areas. Basic requirements of the occupant include air supply direction, speed and temperature control.

UFAD systems have undergone substantial evolution since their introduction in Germany in the 1950s in high heat load spaces, such as computer rooms, control centers and laboratories. Subsequent to this, they were installed in office buildings in the 1970s, with high acceptance rates in Europe, Japan and South Africa in the ensuing decade. Surprisingly, North American adoption of this technology has been on the slower side in the past few years. This trend has been augmented by several factors that include lack of acceptance rates of a new an unknown technology, building owners’ and designers’ perception of high risk involved, inadequate set of standard design guidelines and additional costs associated with raised flooring for under-floor air.

Descriptive Analysis of UFAD Systems

Underfloor air distribution (UFAD) has emerged a crucial contender to hitherto traditional ceilingbased air distribution systems in commercial buildings and offices as a means of space conditioning deliverance because of certain inherent advantages. The hallmark of this technology lies in delivering conditioned air by utilizing the open space (under floor plenum) that links the structural concrete slab and the base of a raised floor system access. Air delivery systems involve several supply outlets, mostly situated at floor level, in addition parts of furniture and partitions.

UFAD systems employ air handling units to provide conditioned air via under-floor plenum ducts to supply outlets. As opposed to conventional ceiling-based systems, configuration of under-floor systems has a higher number of smaller supply outlets for convenience of building occupants. These may include floor diffusers or individually controlled desktop or partition outlets, more so as a part of a task/ambient conditioning (TAC) system. Adjustable outlets are beneficial for nearby occupants to control local environmental comfort conditions. Production of floor-to-ceiling air flow pattern due to return of air from the room’s ceiling offers a natural buoyancy experienced from the office’s heat sources and enables in removal of accumulated contaminants and heat loads.

More information can be found in the report “Central Air Conditioning Systems - A US Market Overview” by Industry Experts.

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