Rheem announced today that its all-new Comfort Control System^™ has received the prestigious HVAC Comfortech 2006 Product Showcase Award in the Diagnostics and Controls category.  The award was presented to Rheem at Comfortech in Baltimore by Contracting Business magazine, the industry’s largest contractor-focused tradeshow and conference.  This year’s award marks the first time any manufacturer has won Product Showcase Award in four consecutive years. 

This award follows on the heels of Product Showcase Awards in the Heating Products category for the Rheem Prestige Series^® 90 Plus Modulating Gas Furnace with Contour Comfort Control^™  in 2003 and the Rheem Classic Series^® Super Quiet 80 in 2004.  The company’s Web-based new home comfort system upgrade tool, the Better Home Planning Guide was also awarded top recognition in the Software Development category at HVAC Comfortech 2005.

The 2006 Showcase winner, the Comfort Control System is a technological breakthrough exclusive to Rheem that applies microprocessor-based “smart” technology to residential condenser products to deliver integrated control technology to monitor performance, conduct self-diagnostics and provide 24/7 active protection on residential condensing units.

The industry’s first and only 7-segment LED information display quickly and accurately directs technicians to the root cause of faults and abnormal operating parameters.  The system also connects homeowners to contractors through the thermostat to help avoid potentially costly repairs or replacements, while promoting greater peace-of-mind and comfort system satisfaction.

“We are thrilled that the judges recognized the unique features and benefits of the Comfort Control System.  Our engineers and hundreds of contractors who have worked with us in the development of this fabulous product told us how excited they were about it.  Receiving the prestigious Comfortech Product Showcase Award from such an esteemed panel of industry experts further validates the valuable contractor and homeowner benefits of the Comfort Control System,” said Ed Raniszeski, director of market development and communications, Rheem Heating and Cooling Division.  “Listening to our customers has delivered a highly differentiated new product designed to enhance the connection of homeowners to their contractors.  Now, contractors can significantly reduce jobsite diagnostic time and costly call backs while increasing customer satisfaction; homeowners are now able to take proactive steps when prompted to call their contractor for service before major problems develop.  The industry-exclusive 7-segment LED display provides contractors with accurate, easy-read diagnostics that simplify their jobs and heighten homeowner confidence and peace-of-mind.

Rheem residential condensers and heat pumps equipped with the Comfort Control System are available in 13, 16 and 18-SEER models all carrying a 5- or 10-year conditional unit replacement warranty.  13-SEER models are available in choices of R-22 and R-410A refrigerants.