There has been serious concern regarding Silktech Heat Pumps, particularly the EcoAuro (1.0) and EcoAuro 2.0 models. These units are using more power than is legally allowed. The brand has been publishing misleading and inflated performance numbers, making the models non-compliant and illegal for sale and installation in the U.S. This false information can directly impact users by increasing their electricity bills, shortening equipment lifespan, and resulting in overall poor system performance. In this article, we will break down how Silktech is making false efficiency claims.
Fails To Meet Federal DOE Minimum Efficiency Standards
Silktech’s EcoAuro System advertises the EcoAuro 1.0 unit as having a rated capacity of 8,000 BTUs. However, the performance rating published by the California Energy Commission indicates a capacity of 8,831 BTUs, with a rating of 10.4%. Meanwhile, the EcoAuro 2.0 has a rated capacity of 12,030 BTUs. According to federal law (10 C.F.R. Part 430 and AHRI 210/240), any heat pump with a capacity of 8,800 BTUs must meet a minimum SEER2 rating of 13.4 to be legally sold, installed, or used in the United States.
Both Silktech EcoAuro (1.0) and EcoAuro 2.0 claim to provide a SEER2 value in their documentation. However, this is likely because the units failed to meet the required 13.4 SEER2 during certified lab testing. Silktech has not provided any documentation or data to demonstrate that its units meet the minimum SEER2 requirement of 13.4, confirming that they do not comply with federal regulations.
Use Of Non-Compliant Rating Metrics
Silktech Heat Pump appears to use incorrect efficiency metrics in its published data. Like all HVAC systems, the Silktech HVAC system must utilize SEER2 and HSPF2 ratings to represent a model’s cooling and heating efficiency. Instead, they have used EER and COP2 ratings, which are typically associated with Packaged Terminal Heat Pumps (PTHPs). This difference in rating systems creates confusion and gives the impression that they are compliant, even though they do not meet the required regulatory standards.
Wrong Classification of Products
Silktech uses the Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) rather than the more recent Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER2) and classifies its EcoAura 1.0 and EcoAura 2.0 models as Packaged Terminal Heat Pumps (PTHP). However, neither of these units meets the official definition of a PTHP. According to 10 C.F.R. § 430.2, a lawful PTHP must have:
– A wall sleeve
– A separate, unencased chassis
– Through-the-wall mounting
The Silktech EcoAura 1.0 and 2.0 units lack these features, leading to a misclassification that directly violates Department of Energy (DOE) regulations and renders the units illegal. Furthermore, even though they are improperly classified as PTHPs, they also fail to meet the required efficiency standards. The federal minimum efficiency for the EcoAura 1.0, with an 8000 BTU capacity, is an EER of 11.6, yet Silktech claims an EER of only 10.9. Consequently, not only is the classification incorrect, but the units also do not meet the efficiency requirements specified by law.
Concerns About Inaccurate Performance and Efficiency Claims
The Silktech EcoAuro 1.0 Heat Pump has raised concerns due to inaccuracies in its reported performance and efficiency data. The company claims a cooling capacity of 8,000 BTU with a power input of 750 W. However, when calculated, the Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) is 10.67, which is lower than the advertised EER of 10.91.
Similarly, the heating capacity claims are questionable. The product is said to have a heating capacity of 8,000 BTU and a power input of 700 W, resulting in a Coefficient of Performance (COP) of 3.35, while the company advertises it as 3.4. Both of these inconsistencies can lead to unexpectedly high energy bills, decreased home comfort, and potential equipment failure for consumers.
End Note
This article highlights that Silktech EcoAuro (1.0) and EcoAuro 2.0 are illegal and non-compliant. Silktech HVAC Products has not provided valid data demonstrating compliance with the SEER2 requirement of 13.4. Without efficiency certifications and proper documentation, the product is deemed non-compliant for sale or use in the USA.
