New HVAC Technologies are Saving Consumers Money while Helping the Environment

smart phone connecting with home controls

Technological breakthroughs and improvements have changed the HVAC dramatically in recent years.

Consumers have also influenced HVAC, particularly in terms of making heating and cooling devices more ecologically-friendly.

HVAC Trends

1. Eco-Friendly HVAC Systems

Everyone wants to save money while reducing climate change. As a result, the demand for earth-friendly HVAC devices is on the rise, including solar energy and wind farms being developed to curb the use of fossil fuels.

Geothermal heating and cooling are also gaining interest, as they reduce the use of hydrocarbon-based electricity. These heat pumps collect energy from ground and surface water sources (such as ponds), to heat and cool. Some buildings use a combination of gas and solar energy, allowing users to toggle between the two to cut electricity bills. Thermal air conditioners are also coming.

Here are some additional sustainability efforts that are being implemented into HVAC systems:

  • Technologies that allow customers to use less energy with less heat loss/leaks
  • Materials and engineering properties that reduce overall carbon emissions

High energy costs are straining business owners as well as householders. Green is becoming increasingly popular among both groups, since it is cost-effective and shows their commitment to protecting the environment and reducing climate change.

2. SMART Systems

Automation uses the systems’ own data collecting and intelligence to operate HVAC without human intervention:

  • Data can help determine usage trends, past performance and the current state to guide a preventive maintenance schedule that prevents errors.
  • AI can use this data to push heat and cold where needed, as well as to activate/deactivate smart blinds using the sun’s location.

Sensors that communicate with one another are included in HVAC designs contractors are recommending. Motion detectors, for example, can control internal temperatures, moisture and light.

These systems can also monitor exterior temperature, moisture, light and sun position. If part of a structure doesn’t get sun, for example, the unit will send less AC in June, July and August, and more heat in December, January and February.

3. Recyclable Materials

EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) substances are considered sustainable because they are a 100% recyclable, mono material. Because heat is used as a source of power and very little water is used, EPS production has a smaller carbon footprint compared to similar materials.

There is little waste created in the production process because everything can be recycled. The material’s carbon emissions are low: EPS contains only 2% polystyrene.

With excellent insulating properties, EPS and EPP (Expanded Polypropylene) parts limit energy loss and increase Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) in HVAC systems. They prevent heat transfer, while maintaining the desired temperature.

Thus, thermal energy is kept to a minimum, lowering costs.

Lightweight HVAC materials such as EPS and EPP (Expanded Polystyrene) also reduce transportation energy use.

4. Ductless HVAC

It is difficult to install air conditioning in old houses, especially if there isn’t enough room for ducts. Customers may find the cost of these improvements prohibitive in buildings without sufficient space. Contractors who work in HVAC often recommend Ductless AC equipment as a workaround.

These small, versatile units can be installed almost anywhere; there is no ductwork. Ductless air conditioners also work well in modern buildings with air-leaking duct flaws and gaps. Instead of paying for costly replacement, homeowners with these concerns can use ductless HVAC systems.

5. Other Innovations

Wireless gadgets will keep rising in popularity as smartphones and tablets become more integrated. New sensors and controls will improve security while also making HVAC systems more convenient to use.

Since people will be able to design systems that can measure indoor temperature and humidity, a trend toward generating standard temperature control is expected.

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When are Home Air Filters a Good Investment?

Air filters for the home removes dust, pet dander and bacteria from air flowing through your HVAC system. Not only does this improve your air quality, it also protects your system. Because today’s homes are better insulated, more tightly-sealed and more energy-efficient, indoor air can be less healthy than outdoor air. All air filters are rated for their ability to remove particles. The industry standard is the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV), a scale developed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers. Another rating method is the Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR), recognized by the Federal Trade Commission and the Environmental Protection Agency. In both systems, higher numbers equal better particle removal. Higher-rated filters are the best choice for families who suffer from allergies, have pets, deal with excessive dust or want to capture airborne bacteria. But some HVAC systems cannot push air through filters with higher ratings.