Question 1

What is hydro air conditioning?

Accepted Answer

Hydro air conditioning enhances traditional mechanical cooling with water-assisted heat rejection. Navien’s proprietary Hydro-Boost technology intermittently applies water to the outdoor condenser coil during cooling, lowering coil temperatures and improving efficiency. This controlled, engineered approach delivers efficiency gains similar to much higher SEER systems.

Question 2

Does Hydro-Boost use water all the time?

Accepted Answer

No. Hydro-Boost operates automatically and intermittently based on system conditions. Water is only applied when it can meaningfully improve performance and efficiency, not continuously.

Question 3

What happens if Hydro-Boost is not connected to water?

Accepted Answer

The NAE Hydro Air Conditioner operates as a high-efficiency, variable-capacity AC using standard dry-coil operation. In this mode, it delivers efficiency of approximately 16.5 SEER2 (NAE28V36), or 17.5 SEER2 (NAE28V60) and without water-assisted cooling.

Question 4

Does the NAE Hydro Air Conditioner require special maintenance in cold climates?

Accepted Answer

Our NAE Series Hydro Air Conditioner includes a water-assisted cooling feature, so basic seasonal maintenance is recommended in colder regions, similar to other outdoor systems that connect to a water supply. Your installing contractor can advise on simple end-of-season steps to help protect the system when freezing temperatures are expected.

Question 5

How do the different operating modes work?

Accepted Answer

The NAE Hydro Air Conditioner offers four operating modes the contractor can configure when installing the product to match comfort and efficiency priorities:

Efficiency: Optimizes operation for lower energy consumption.
Normal: Balances comfort, efficiency, and system performance.
Performance: Increases cooling and dehumidification capacity for enhanced comfort during warmer or more humid conditions.
Boost: Runs the system at maximum capacity to cool the space as quickly as possible during peak demand.

Question 6

What is a good SEER rating for an air conditioner?

Accepted Answer

A “good” SEER rating depends on climate, home size, and usage, but many modern systems fall in the 14–18 SEER range. Higher SEER ratings indicate greater efficiency and lower energy use. The NAE Hydro Air Conditioner delivers strong efficiency even without Hydro-Boost well above minimum efficiency levels and can achieve significantly higher performance when Hydro-Boost is enabled under the right conditions.
SEER2 is the updated efficiency standard and more accurately reflects real-world operation by accounting for airflow resistance, cycling losses, and a broader range of temperatures.

Question 7

What is R-454B refrigerant?

Accepted Answer

R-454B is a next-generation refrigerant designed to replace R-410A. It has a significantly lower global warming potential (GWP) and does not contribute to ozone depletion, making it a more environmentally responsible choice.

Question 8

Why are microchannel coils more efficient?

Accepted Answer

Microchannel coils increase surface area contact between refrigerant and air, allowing heat to transfer more quickly and efficiently. This design supports faster cooling, improved efficiency, and a more compact coil structure.

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