Trends come and go, but there are technological trends that are simply hard to ignore because of the impact they make on our lives. The move toward greener solutions and the Internet of Things can change the way we live. Of course, HVAC technology is not to be left behind. These trends will make HVAC systems more energy-efficient and eco-friendly.
The next time you have a new air-conditioning installation, ask your service provider about these top HVAC trends:
Green Technology
More and more people are becoming conscious of how their actions affect the environment. Technological innovations are gearing toward cleaner solutions with lesser carbon emissions. Green technology utilizes methods and materials to develop environmentally friendly techniques. HVAC is also constantly evolving as new and more eco-friendly methods are developed. Green technology involves implementing the following concepts and strategies:
Sustainability – The HVAC industry aims to make equipment more efficient.
Source Reduction – The HVAC industry will design equipment that will only use the amount of energy needed for the demand to conserve energy,
“Cradle to Cradle” Design – The HVAC industry will design more recyclable items.
Innovation – The HVAC industry continually works with changes that aim to reduce the utilization of fossil fuels and harmful chemicals.
Viability – The HVAC industry works to make green technology economically feasible.
Smart Thermostats and the Internet of Things
Smart thermostats can be controlled by your smartphone. Property owners can now operate, monitor, and adjust home appliances, including HVAC systems. With the rise of smart thermostats, smart HVAC systems are becoming more popular. Users can now change the settings of their HVAC manually or wherever they are with an Internet connection.
So if you left home and forgot to turn off your A/C, you can now turn it off from your office using your smartphone. How is this being done? Your A/C system is connected to the internet through your Wi-Fi connection.
Smart HVAC systems go beyond the remote operation of your A/C. They also allow you to set schedules, dispatch contractors, receive maintenance reminders, and monitor your HVAC system’s efficiency from your smartphone.
Ductless HVAC Systems
Ductless HVAC systems are becoming common, especially for new additions in homes. They can also work well in homes where family members do not agree on the setting of the thermostat. A ductless HVAC usually consists of a wall-mounted indoor unit and an outside compressor. They are space-efficient, quiet, and more energy-efficient. That’s because you do not lose any energy to your ductwork.
Ductless HVAC systems are also perfect for homeowners who want to downsize. If not all rooms need the airconditioning, it is wise to install a ductless A/C in those that do need it, such as the master’s bedroom. It allows you to cool only the rooms where there are occupants and where cooling is required.
Sustainable Heating and Cooling Options
This might belong under the first trend, but sustainability is worth mentioning on its own. Eco-friendly structures are designed to be energy efficient when heating and cooling the interiors. This goes beyond simple sealing and insulation. Examples of sustainable innovations in HVAC installations include:
1. Use more natural airflow to reduce the need for high-powered A/C
2. Use of solar panels and geothermal heat pumps
3. Use of sensor-enhanced vents that allow you to control the climate in your home through an app that uses sensors and gather climate data in each room. The data is sent to a smart hub that then sends a signal to each vent for appropriate action (open or close).
4. Use of ice-powered airconditioning which helps reduce total net energy consumption
Zoning Systems
Temperature regulation through zoning is a very promising trend that is useful for buildings with large areas or multiple rooms. This is done through ductwork dampers, which allow the use of multiple thermostats to control the climate per room. One place can have a comfortable setting of 67 degrees Fahrenheit, while one can be cooler at 65 degrees.
Zoning can also be set on a per floor basis. A small difference in temperature can equate to savings, allowing you to optimize your energy usage.
Software as a Service
Leveraging on SaaS allows for easy management and monitoring of complex HVAC systems. It allows for distributed systems and databases, where delivery of software upgrades are done online. The person in charge can access the system anywhere, as long as he has an internet connection.
The issuance of work tickets for repair and maintenance became easier. It has significantly changed the way service providers do their job and allowed them to be more efficient.
Every year brings exciting new technological trends that change the HVAC industry for the better. With sustainability and efficiency at the forefront, we can expect more eco-friendly solutions from the industry that aims to bring comfort to homes and establishments.