Revolutionary System Reduces Energy Costs, Fuel Consumption and Greenhouse
Gas Emissions
ALPHARETTA, Ga., April 3 /PRNewswire/ -- American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
and Climate Energy, LLC announced today the official start of retail sales
of freewatt(TM), their collaborative Micro-sized Combined Heat and Power
(Micro-CHP) cogeneration system for homes, which features advanced and
highly efficient energy management technologies.
The freewatt(TM) Micro-CHP system is comprised of an MCHP cogeneration
unit developed by Honda, which is paired with a furnace or boiler produced
by Climate Energy. This system provides heat for the home with the added
benefit of electricity production. The ultra-quiet MCHP unit produces 3.26
kilowatts of heat and 1.2 kilowatts of electric power. Further, it allows
homeowners to reduce their utility bills and curb carbon dioxide emissions
while improving overall energy efficiency and comfort.
In relation to energy costs, Climate Energy test data has shown that
when the freewatt(TM) Micro-CHP system replaces a typical 80% efficiency
home heating system, homeowners can realize an average of 30% in energy
cost savings.
The freewatt system produces electric power as a by-product of its
heating functionality. The electric power produced displaces electricity
that consumers would otherwise purchase from the local electric utility,
saving $500 to $1000 per year on their electric bill. An additional unique
financial savings benefit of utilizing the freewatt system is realized
through the process of net metering. In states where legislated, net
metering allows homeowners to literally sell unused electric power back to
the power grid in their community, providing additional savings.
In addition, the system produces 30% less carbon dioxide emissions than
a conventional heating system, with electricity provided from the grid.
This allows homeowners to take an active role in the effort to reduce
greenhouse gases.
Comfort is enhanced due to the system's ability to provide constant and
extremely quiet circulation of heated air. This produces more uniform and
comfortable temperatures in the home without running noisy blowers at high
speeds.
Initial sales of the heat and power units will be targeted at customers
living in the Northeastern United States in conjunction with select local
utility providers.
This is due to the cold climate and high heating demand in the region
which allows the system to provide the greatest benefit. The freewatt(TM)
Micro-CHP systems will only be available through certified, trained, and
authorized Climate Energy installation professionals.
"It is very gratifying to be a part of bringing this new and exciting
home heating technology to consumers," said Steve Bailey, vice president of
power equipment for American Honda. "Honda is proud to maintain our
commitment to the development and introduction of advanced environmentally
responsible technologies such as the MCHP system."
Climate Energy and Honda plan to gradually expand production and sales
of the freewatt(TM) Micro-CHP system and plan to introduce the system to
other cold weather climates in the U.S. in the future. The units will be
assembled domestically in the United States with components supplied by
both companies. Currently, a similar version of an MCHP system is retailed
in Japan, with over 45,000 units sold to date since its introduction in
2003.
Honda is the world's preeminent manufacturer of engines for
automobiles, motorcycles and power equipment, selling more than 21 million
units globally in 2006. Honda engines are characterized by the same clean,
quiet, fuel-efficient technology that is the cornerstone of the company's
unrivaled reputation for durability, reliability and quality.
Editor's Note:
Honda Power Equipment, a division of American Honda Motor Co., Inc.,
manufactures and markets a complete range of outdoor power equipment,
including outboard marine engines, general purpose engines, generators,
lawnmowers, pumps, snowblowers, tillers and trimmers for commercial, rental
and residential applications. Its comprehensive product line is powered
exclusively by environmentally advanced 4stroke engines.
Consumer information regarding Honda products is available at
http://www.honda.com. Consumer information regarding Climate Energy is available
at http://www.climate-energy.com
For product inquiries and dealer locations, please call 800-426-7701.
SOURCE American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
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Related links:
http://www.climate-energy.com
http://www.honda.com
CONTACT:
Sara Pines, Honda Public Relations, American
Honda Motor Co., Inc., +1-678-339-1385, cell +1-310-433-3026
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