HVAC systems are essential to our homes and commercial buildings for ventilation, heating, and air conditioning. By using complex networks, these systems ensure the air circulation in the building is clean to make your stay safe and comfortable.
However, running these systems uses a lot of energy. According to the U.S. Department of Energy report, HVAC technology accounts for 48% of energy consumption in homes and up to 60% in commercial buildings. Therefore, if these processes are not handled and run efficiently, they can be expensive and even pollute the atmosphere.
Fortunately, the HVAC industry is evolving, and emerging technologies such as innovative technology and renewable energy make the systems more sustainable. The return air vent, for example, ensures that the air indoors is healthier and comfortable for the occupants.
Here are 7 of the exciting HVAC advancements meant to improve its efficiency
1. Sustainable HVAC Systems
Eco-friendly buildings use minimum energy in air conditioning. The ventilation systems are designed to maximize natural airflow and use materials that maintain building temperature. This reduces dependence on high-powered HVAC systems. Geothermal heat pumps and solar solutions are new HVAC technologies providing cheaper options.
Sensor-enhanced vents are the latest eco-friendly technology in the HVAC industry. The new technology uses intelligent sensors to collect and transmit climate conditions data of different rooms. This allows you to monitor every room’s climate through an app remotely, solving temperature variations in your rooms for more comfort and reduced energy consumption.
2. Smart Thermostats
Smart thermostats go beyond basic features like pre-set temperatures. You can connect them with other innovative home systems like Amazon Alexa to change the room temperature using your voice. The HVAC system can also detect lights accidentally left on and turn them off to save energy.
Besides, you can install a smart thermostat and use their HVAC technology to set up pre-determine routines. You can set the time the light bulbs turn on in the morning, the entertainment system turns on, the room heats up, or coffee preparation starts.
3. Preventive Maintenance
A recent breakthrough is a smart HVAC system that can predict and share real-time insights to help you monitor performance and avoid unexpected problems. This new technology uses sensors to analyze how the heating and cooling system is doing, providing real-time monitoring and alerts the contractors and homeowners when the system isn’t operating in full capacity.
The alerts sent as SMS include corrective maintenance, help predict and prevent issues before they even occur. Therefore, through these systems, you can lower your utility costs and extend the life of your HVAC systems.
4. Ductless HVAC Systems
A ductless HVAC system is an excellent fit for you if you live in an old home without ductwork (baseboard heat), receive huge monthly energy bills, have outdated air conditioning systems, and have spaces not regularly used.
Ductless HVAC systems use infrared technology to send data to cool or heat your room. This is a technology advancement that is easy to install, efficient and cost-effective. Also, this system allows you only to heat or cool a particular room in your building.
5. Dual-Fuel Heat Pumps
The dual-fuel heat pump is a new HVAC technology that combines both electric heat pump and gas furnace, switching between the two depending on the weather conditions. This hybrid system is ideal if you live in an area with low electricity rates and moderate climate conditions that rarely drop below freezing points.
The electric heat pump warms the room on hotter days and switches to the gas furnace during sub-freezing temperatures.
6. DeVAP Air Conditioning
The Desiccant-Enhanced Evaporative Air Conditioner (DeVAP) is an emerging technology that proves to revolutionize HVAC systems. This system combines the cooling ability of evaporation and the dehumidifying ability of liquefied desiccants; this results in an air conditioner that produces cold, dry air at a ratio of the cost.
Although these systems are not yet available on the market, their prototypes demonstrate a significant reduction in power consumption compared to traditional heat and cooling systems.
7. Ice-Powered Air Conditioning
Ice-Powered Air Conditioning is also commonly known as Ice Bear, a thermal battery that transforms the existing heating and cooling systems into cost-effective cooling systems. When the power consumption is at the minimum, the Ice Bear fills water and condenses it into ice during the night. This block of ice is then used to provide affordable cooling to the building during the day when the temperatures are high.
With this new technology, running of high-powered air conditioning is unnecessary. In the process, there is a 95% reduction in energy use during the day, cutting down the electricity costs and carbon emissions.
Conclusion
Many HVAC systems technologies have been developed, and a lot more are expected to emerge soon. With efficiency and reduced power consumption at the forefront of the innovator’s minds, these innovations aim to improve the comfort in your home and commercial buildings.
Watch this space for updates in the Technology category on Running Wolf’s Rant.
