How Tech is Making HVAC Cheaper, Greener and Easier to Maintain
From cloud-based software that can automate processes and optimize service schedules, to AI that enables predictive upkeep, technology is making it easier to keep your furnace and air conditioner running better, longer.
Making new connections
Smart thermostats, meters and sensors are being incorporated into new commercial and residential construction at an unprecedented rate. Some automation schemes even enable HVAC and “smart” blinds to adjust independently in different parts of the building with changing sunlight and outdoor temperature conditions.
These systems not only generate real-time data on temperature, humidity and airflow, but also identify patterns of energy use and likely problems before they happen.
Taking advantage of interconnected sensors, data analytics and machine learning rules to continually analyze home comfort systems, Jansen Heating & Cooling technicians can track everything from imbalances in airflow to blocked filters to equipment stoppages.
This allows us to plan proactive maintenance to address potential system malfunctions.
Going green
With consumers looking to save money in response to rising energy costs, the demand for environmentally-friendly solutions is only going to increase in 2024.
While the shift to renewable energy sources often means adding solar panels, demand for high-efficiency heating and air conditioning systems, such as dual-fuel heating, variable refrigerant flow (VRF) and geothermal heat pumps is also rising, due in part to a renewal of the HVAC technology tax credit.
Geothermal heat pumps use the ground and water sources to heat, cool and, if equipped to do so, supply hot water. Some models are available with two-speed compressors and variable fans for additional comfort and energy savings.
Relative to regular heat pumps, they are quieter, longer-lasting, nearly maintenance-free, and do not rely on the outside temperature.
Dual-source heat pumps combine the best of air-source and geothermal systems. While not as efficient as geothermal units, they cost significantly less to install and work almost as well.
Our technicians are also getting more and more requests for green AC. Traditional refrigerants cause direct and indirect emissions; green techniques use natural refrigerants such as carbon dioxide, ammonia, water, air and hydrocarbons (HCs) in combination with energy-efficient design.
Such refrigerants are less expensive and, because they are part of natural biogeochemical rotations, do not form obstinate wastes.
Updating older buildings cost-effectively
To retrofit older buildings with energy-efficient air conditioning, HVAC technicians are using ductless technology. Because ductless mini-split heat pumps are relatively small and offer the flexibility of heating and cooling individual areas, they are great for structures without ducts, and good for additions where putting in distribution ductwork is not feasible.
Ductless systems are easier to install than many other types of AC, and because they have no ducts, do not allow the level of energy loss associated with standard ductwork.
Improving the customer experience
It’s no longer enough for companies to do good work at competitive prices. Customers now expect immediate service, ongoing attention to their HVAC needs, and the use of innovative and sustainable technology to address any problems.
We are up to the task, and excited about how new technologies are helping our customers extend the lives of their home comfort systems. Our training program is constantly evolving to keep technicians up-to-date on tools that can help our customers save time, energy and money.
HVAC contractors like Jansen are using digital means to send customer messages, schedule service and repair calls, transmit invoices and receive payments. Field service management software, meanwhile, enables us to build calendars that cross-reference assignments, so we can efficiently move workers from customer to customer.
It all adds up to better service for our loyal customers.