| Frequently Asked Questions |
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| What does KVAR mean? |
| KVAR is an electrical term for Kilovolt-Ampere-Reactance. For the KVAR Energy Savings corporation, KVAR stands for Kilo-Volt Ampere Reduction. This was adapted because it has the same acronym as an industry term and our translation describes our product precisely. |
| Is the KVAR Energy Controller legal? |
| Absolutely, the KVAR Energy Controller (KVAR EC™) is UL listed, CE compliant and is certified by CSA (Canadian Standards Association). The KVAR EC™ has been tested by several independent organizations to include NASA and Honeywell. Every KVAR EC™ is also in compliance with RoHS. (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) UK. |
| How does the KVAR Energy Controller save me money? |
| The KVAR Energy Controller is installed in compliance with article 460 of the National Electric Code (NEC), basically meaning as close to your electric motors as possible. Reactive energy is stored within the unit itself, which supplies the motor that same reactive energy they need to run. Because the reactive energy is stored in the KVAR unit, there is no longer a need for it to be supplied to you by the electric company. Now the power is no longer being pushed through your electrical system and wasted within your facility. The power being supplied to your individual pumps and motors is as close to 100% efficient (unity) as possible. This results in a cooler distribution system where heat is no longer being lost in the form of watts, (the unit in which you are billed). This also accounts for a minimum of a 6% reduction in electricity due to there no longer being a need for the excess power to be supplied to your home or business, for it is constantly stored and recycled between the KVAR unit and your motors. Depending upon the rate structure of your electric utility, you may be able to save a substantial amount of money on your electric bill. Other ancillary benefits to be gained by optimizing power factor are, lower energy losses, better voltage regulation and released system capacity. Motors typically show a higher starting torque and shorter start up time. |
| What is Power Factor? |
| Simply stated, power factor is the efficiency of real power being used compared to apparent (total) power being supplied. Power Factor is usually expressed as a percentage. Ultimately, this percentage is a measurement of how efficiently Volts and Amps work together to produce work. |
| How much does the KVAR Energy Controller cost, and how can I get mine? |
| The KVAR EC™ ranges from just a few hundred dollars up to a few thousand dollars depending on the application. Generally speaking a residential unit retails for approx. $400.00. With 93 different custom built KVAR units, the prices are specific to individual motor loads in each commercial and industrial settings. You can get your KVAR unit(s) by contacting your local KVAR distributor. If you need help finding the distributor in your area, contact us and we'll be glad to help you. |
| Will the KVAR Energy Controller affect my appliances and their normal use? |
| No, the KVAR EC™ is designed to be completely passive. There is no solid state circuitry and no moving parts. If the KVAR EC™ were to stop working, you would simply stop saving money. |
| Why do we go to the motors? |
| The energy reduced in the system happens when Inductive reactive amps sum at a point of contact with Capacitive reactive amps. Higher energy (an losses) are present from the source of these reactive energies and remain in the system until the come to a meeting point and cancel out. The closer these two energies are to each other, the less of the system is stressed/spilling losses caused by these excess amps that exist in the system. If we are close to the inductive load when we remove the reactive amps (optimize power factor), the more overall benefit's. If we instead go to the panel, all the energy must exist in the system and only benefit the system between the power source and the panel. |
| Are there any benefits to installing at a panel? |
| Technically, there are less benefits. There is a time and a place based of a given application. I believe the correct question is "Are there any benefits in installing at a service entrance panel in a home?" The answer is that empirically we find that there is benefits greater than what the fundamental mathematics and science suggests. This simply means that we haven't correctly represented the actual equivalent circuit. Fundamentally, any of those benefits will be present and more significant based on the math and science models that we have. |
| How much does it cost to leave a KVAR system on all the time? |
| Any costs would be related to the efficiency of the device (capacitors are some of the most coefficient devices made)and the amount of amps they demand and what losses are in the system that the amps will dissipate. Fundamentally, Amps are Amps as far as a system is concerned. Reactive or otherwise. If the KVAR does not turn off with the load as Article 460 of the NEC requests, the amps remain in the system when the motor is not running and the losses exist while the motor is not running.
This can be substantial, depending on the system. In regard to panel units for a home, the most popular model typically draws around 5 amps. The losses will be 5^2 times the R of the wire, main breaker and a few other components. IF there is 200Amp or 400Amp service this loss should be very small. Some meter boxes have the kilowatt Hour meter in the box making it even smaller. Some calculations suggest it maybe between 0.1 to 0.4 kilowatt hrs a month. Obviously, it depends on the installation. |
| How much can I expect to save per month with a KVAR Energy Controller in my home? |
| This depends on several factors. The size of your home, the amount of inductive motor load, (multiple air conditioning, freezers, etc.) and the amount you are paying per kilowatt-hour for electricity can all have an impact on your savings. However, generally speaking, users of the product have seen 6-25% in reduced consumption. |
| How long will it take for the KVAR Energy Controller to pay for itself? |
| The KVAR EC™ has a simple payback of 36 months or less, but again, the same factors above apply, some will see sooner (as quick as 6 months), some will see latter (36 months). |
| Is the KVAR Energy Controller easy to install? |
| KVAR Energy Savings, Inc. recommends installation by a licensed electrician. The units come with complete installation instructions. It installs in about 20-30 minutes. |
| How long will the KVAR Energy Controller last? |
| Residential units are warranted for 12 years. Custom commercial and industrial units are warranted for 5 years. KVAR units have a predicted lifespan of 20 year or longer. |
| Why haven't I heard of KVAR until now? |
| With rising energy costs and the threat of global warming, many businesses are now recognizing the benefits of using green technology to reduce their carbon footprint and to minimize waste. In the past, this method of applying our technology only helped those who were being penalized for a poor power factor, but with energy rates rising at an alarming rate, every day you don't have a KVAR EC™, regardless of your rate structure, you're essentially paying not to have it. |
| Will a KVAR unit protect my home or business from electrical surges? |
| There are many types of electrical disruptions. This includes transients, surges, sags, swells, brown outs, the list goes on. Most people consider all of these things in the surge category. What most people are concerned about is transients that result in a higher than normal voltage shooting through the electrical system, frequently damaging or reducing the life of electronic equipment. KVAR Energy Controllers (KVAR ECs™) are capacitors and as such, when these spikes come in, they appear for a very short duration, appearing as a high frequency. Capacitors draw more amps at higher frequencies. As a result, there will be a lot more amps drawn from spike. This alone is not an effective surge suppressor. To get rid of these spikes, it would be better to get a TVSS (Transient Voltage and Surge Suppressor). Many have insurance policies that will cover equipment destroyed while the protector is in place. Do your own research. The KVAR EC™ will help with situations where the lights flicker when an inductive load turns on. The KVAR EC™ will help provide energy for the inrush of amps. If you have such flickers, they will be reduced or eliminated. |
| Do you have a 3-phase KVAR Energy Controller for commercial and industrial applications? |
| Yes, the KVAR EC™ can be custom made to fit any service single phase or three phase, 600 volts and below. |
| Is the KVAR Energy Controller warranted? |
| Yes, the residential KVAR EC™ is warranted for 12 years and the commercial and industrial units are warranted for 5 years. |
| Can the KVAR Energy Controller be installed outdoors? |
| The KVAR EC™ is enclosed with a NEMA 3 enclosure which is suited for indoor/outdoor use. Other enclosures are available at additional cost. |
| Are there rebates or energy credits available? |
| Many utility companies, counties and states offer rebates for energy savings. Check with your local utility authority directly. |
| Can the KVAR Energy Controller eliminate my current power factor penalty or help with my KVA demand charge on my utility bill? |
| Absolutely, by optimizing your power factor within your facility using KVAR Energy Savings Inc.'s patented method your power factor penalty can be eliminated, and in some instances, a rebate may apply. KVA charges will be reduced in accordance to amp reductions. |
| Why should I go with KVAR rather than one of your competitors? |
KVAR Energy Savings, Inc has been in business since 1992 and has a long running reputation of support and standing behind their product with great success stories. KVAR Energy Savings, Inc.'s authorized distributors are the only ones with the patented method and apparatus used to determine exactly what you need in your home, business or at your individual motors. Without KVAR's patented method, there is absolutely no reason why anyone should buy, sell or install a device like this in their electrical system.
The KVAR Energy Controller is not a one size fits all device. Each of our units are properly sized and are custom built to suit your needs and to meet and exceed the National Electric Code. Also, 100% of the units sold in America are built with pride and tested in our Daytona Beach, FL manufacturing plant. |
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