Energy-Efficient Housing: Project Debuts

March 9, 2006, HAMILTON — Funding from the Government of Canada is helping homeowners in Hamilton to conserve energy and reduce peak power consumption during summer heat waves. Today, a new air-handling system makes its debut at a new Hamilton townhouse development.

Developed by Ecologix Heating Technologies Inc. of Cambridge , with $400,000 in support from Natural Resources Canada and the National Research Council, the Zone Comfort System is a simple, inexpensive technology available to all residents. It allows combination-heating systems to operate with greatly improved efficiency year-round.

With its sophisticated compact boiler and forced air handler, there is less energy consumption in both winter and summer, with heating and cooling distributed to different parts of the house when and where needed.

“The Government of Canada is proud to be part of projects like this,” said Gary Goodyear, Member of Parliament for Cambridge , on behalf of the Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of Natural Resources. “We are working with industry to bring clean energy technologies to market and lay the groundwork for further innovation in the energy use and comfort of Canadian homes while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”

“In terms of cooling performance, the Zone Comfort System excels,” said Ecologix president Steve Davies. “Its airtight, pre-engineered duct system and floor-by-floor airflow control ensures that the cool air produced by the air conditioner gets to where it is needed. A built-in dehumidification cycle delivers superior air-conditioned comfort. Together, these features lead to lower electricity consumption and ultimately savings for the homeowner.”

A boon for the individual householder and the entire province, the Zone Comfort System will provide an estimated savings of 3,300 kilowatt-hours a year, per unit.

Duran Park Towers is a unique complex of six three-level vertical townhouses developed by Passport Homes of Burlington . With this type of townhouse comprising a growing portion of residential new construction in major urban centres, the Zone Comfort System can be an environmentally friendly, affordable way to provide excellent residential comfort, while still adhering to the principles of energy conservation.

FOR BROADCAST USE:

The Government of Canada is providing financial support to develop a revolutionary air-handling system that is making its debut today at a Hamilton townhouse project. The Zone Comfort system allows combination-heating systems to operate with greatly improved efficiency year-round.

Contact Information

Ghyslain Charron

Media Relations

Natural Resources Canada

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