Nortek Global HVAC Launches EarthDirEX Geothermal Heat Pump System

19+ EER, 3.8+ COP Geothermal Direct Geoexchange Heat Pump

St. Louis, February 4, 2015 — Nortek Global HVAC, a subsidiary of Nortek, Inc. (Nasdaq: NTK), has launched a new geothermal heat pump system that requires less drilling than most other geothermal systems. The new EarthDirEX model Y1SA geothermal direct geoexchange heat pump delivers 19+ EER cooling and 3.8+ COP heating in 2, 3, 4 and 5 ton capacities.

To reduce drilling, this direct geoexchange heat pump uses a series of underground refrigerant tubes called an “Earth loop.” A typical installation includes a small trench and/or one to two 5- to 6-inch diameter boreholes drilled to depths of 400 feet or less. The refrigerant tubes are placed into these holes, which is how they access the natural heating and cooling power of the Earth.

“The EarthDirEX Y1SA heat pump is the cost-effective geothermal choice for homeowners,” states Dave Garvin, Nortek Global HVAC product manager. “Drilling can account for half of the system cost to consumers. Because the EarthDirEX system reduces the drilling requirements, final installed costs can become much lower.”

Additionally, the new EarthDirEX geothermal system uses 100% refrigerant. While other geothermal systems transfer heat from refrigerant to water to the Earth and back again, the EarthDirEX system has no Earth-to-water heat exchanger component, helping it transfer heat more efficiently.

Other advantages of the EarthDirEX geothermal direct geoexchange heat pump include:

  • Fewer moving parts. An EarthDirEX system has only two primary moving parts – a compressor and a fan – which means there are fewer parts to service and potentially break down over time.
  • Greater corrosion resistance. EarthDirEX geothermal heat pumps utilize all-aluminum Anteater MC® Micro-Channel coils for superior protection against leaks caused by corrosion.
  • Electronic expansion valve. While other geothermal heat pumps use a thermal expansion valve, EarthDirEX uses an electronic one for precise refrigerant control.

The EarthDirEX model Y1SA geothermal direct geoexchange heat pump system is available in the Broan®, Frigidaire®, NuTone® and Westinghouse® brands of heating and cooling equipment with an out-of-the-box five-year parts warranty for residential applications. With product registration, the parts warranty extends to 10 years, and a 10-year replacement guarantee on the compressor is added.

For more information about this direct geoexchange heat pump, contractors and distributors should visit www.nortekhvac.com.

About Nortek Global HVAC (formerly NORDYNE)

Nortek Global HVAC has been designing and manufacturing reliable heating and cooling products for more than 95 years. The company focuses on creating genuine value for its customers through a unique combination of innovation, product performance and responsive support. Nortek Global HVAC and its subsidiaries build and sell HVAC systems under the Maytag®, Broan®, Frigidaire®, NuTone®, Westinghouse® and Reznor® brands, among others. To learn more about Nortek Global HVAC and its product offerings, please visit www.nortekhvac.com.

Nortek Global HVAC is a subsidiary of Nortek, Inc. (Nasdaq: NTK) a global, diversified company whose many market-leading brands deliver broad capabilities and a wide array of innovative, technology-driven products and solutions for lifestyle improvement at home and at work. Please visit www.nortek.com for more information.