The HVAC industry has always embraced innovations that have improved the performance and energy efficiency of heating and cooling equipment. In fact, with the average lifespan of an HVAC system being 10-20 years, it is entirely possible that things can change a lot between upgrades. This can present a real challenge for a homeowner or business owner that wants to research new HVAC technologies. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the latest and upcoming innovations to help you make an informed decision.
1. Smart Technology
During the last decade, we have seen a considerable uptake in smart technology in a number of different areas including HVAC systems. Although programmable thermostats can still be found on the market, they are becoming a less popular option. The main advantage of the smart thermostat is that it can be programmed remotely in real time via a Wifi connection and an app on a mobile device.
This is certainly convenient, but there are considerable advantages when this type of thermostat is installed. First, the system can learn about your heating and cooling habits and make the changes for you automatically to ensure that you’re getting the indoor comfort you want. But, the smart thermostat can also track the energy used and small changes can be made to improve the energy efficiency and lower the utility bills. The best systems even have error reporting features and servicing reminders to fix potential problems quickly. This is extremely useful because early identification can solve an issue before it turns into a problem that can be expensive to solve.
2. Dual-Fuel Heat Pumps
These are an excellent option for people that want to maximize their energy efficiency. These HVAC systems typically pair an electric heat pump with an oil or propane furnace. The heating sources are alternated and will run the heat pump for heat and the gas furnace is used as a backup. The main advantage of this system is that there are zero emissions and this makes this a greener option for heating. Another advantage is that if the gas prices rise further you will have a second option to heat a home or business until the prices come down again.
3. Zoned Systems
Although zoned HVAC systems have been around for a while the latest models have even better performance and energy efficiency features. Installing a zoned HVAC system is the best solution to the dreaded thermostat wars that occur in many homes and businesses.
A zoned system gives the user the capability to heat specific zones to the desired temperature with no need to heat other areas at the same time. This improves the indoor comfort for everyone, but when more than one person occupies a zone they may still need to reach a happy compromise. These systems truly shine when they are paired with a smart thermostat which offers unparalleled control. If you have a multi-level home with hot or cold spots and adding insulation has not helped, this may be the answer.
4. Ductless Systems
Again, this technology has been around for a while, but there has been a significant increase in its popularity recently. Why? Well, a ductless HVAC system tends to consume 30-40% less energy than a typical forced air system. The cooling and heating systems are brought together under a single system. This means that you only have one appliance to maintain, repair and replace which will lower the ongoing running costs. As you can imagine, in the current economic climate any HVAC system that is less expensive to run is going to garner significant interest.
5. Energy Analysis Software
There has been some interesting development in HVAC energy analysis software. In the past, this technology was limited to commercial applications, but it is now a viable option for homes too. This software can be found in the latest smart thermostats and it’s used to track HVAC use habits. The data gathered from this software can be used to find ways to improve the performance and energy efficiency. This can lead to considerable energy savings over time with no loss of indoor comfort.
6. Geothermal Systems
Some manufacturers are taking their green energy commitments to the next level with geothermal HVAC systems. These promote the natural air flow to cool or heat the home with heat pumps, water pumps, and even underground pipe systems. The heat can be exchanged with the ground to remove the need for refrigerant. When the weather is colder the ground heat is absorbed and transferred to the home. Although the initial installation and purchasing costs are high this is still an attractive option. It’s estimated that these geothermal HVAC systems can deliver four times the energy efficiency of other HVAC systems.
7. Thermally Driven AC Systems
A thermally driven air conditioning system is a relatively new technology that has captured the interest of some early adopters. The main drain is that these systems have lower operating costs when compared to traditional forced-air systems. This AC system will leverage the power of solar energy and natural gas to reduce the demand on the power grid. This can lower the demand for energy at peak rates which is good for the environment too. A thermally driven AC system is a reliable option with fewer moving parts. This lowers the maintenance costs and the useful lifespan is much longer than other AC systems.
8. Predictive Maintenance
Many people have heard of preventative maintenance to keep an HVAC system running efficiently. But, predictive maintenance takes this concept to the next level by automating this process. Let’s face it, most of us live busy lives and essential HVAC maintenance is usually low on our list of priorities. But, predictive systems can monitor the sensors and components and detect potential problems. Using these systems can lower the overall running and energy costs and extend the lifespan of the HVAC system.
If you’re considering an HVAC upgrade for your home or business, contact your local heating and cooling specialist.