Human ingenuity has let us solve all problems we run into. We can live in any environment, like woodlands and deserts. It serves us to this day, making our lives better with every new technology. The HVAC industry has also enjoyed its fair share of innovations through the years. Our ancestors had to chop wood for heat while we only need to turn on the thermostat and decide the level of comfort we want. Our air conditioners help us, so we don’t have to endure warm temperatures. The past decade saw several changes in HVAC technology that brought significant improvement in energy consumption, indoor air quality, and heating and cooling comfort.
Changes In HVAC Technology
Contents
Here are some of the changes in HVAC technology:
Higher HVAC Equipment Efficiency
Only some households used to have HVAC systems because of the high prices that came with them. The equipment was expensive to buy, and using them for a long time also cost a lot. Moreover, the systems were bulky and needed a significant amount of space.
Many improvements have been made with the modern HVAC equipment’s increasing efficiency. Air conditioners consume less energy to cool your home or building. Owners save more money from reduced energy bills. It also offers lower environmental impact, an attractive feature to eco-conscious consumers.
R-22 Refrigerant Phase-Out
Refrigerants are essential in the cooling cycle of your air conditioning system. However, older air conditioning models that use the refrigerant R-22 were found to cause harm to the ozone layer. This layer absorbs most of the UV radiation from the sun. Ozone depletion means sun exposure puts us at a higher risk of cataracts, skin cancer, and other adverse effects. Increased UV radiation also causes negative impacts on materials, marine life, and plants.
HVAC manufacturers were encouraged to switch to new refrigerant mixtures with less ecological effects. R-22 was banned in 2010, aside from use on existing equipment. This was increased to a total ban in 2020, in that older systems had to be replaced or retrofitted to ensure they function well with eco-friendlier refrigerants like R-410a.
Smart HVAC Technologies
All tech companies have been pushing to have smart homes, even introducing their own innovations to the movement. Many appliances can be connected to the internet nowadays, allowing you access through smartphones. You can now check their current status and see their historical statistics. You can also control them from virtually anywhere. For example, you might have forgotten to turn down your cooling system as you were leaving. You can prevent energy waste with innovative HVAC technology. You can even switch the air conditioner on 15 minutes before coming home so you can enjoy coming home to a cool space on a hot summer day.
Ductless Heating & Cooling Systems
Central cooling is common in many homes. This type of HVAC system requires ductwork to move the conditioned air throughout the house. However, this configuration isn’t always practical. For example, you might be moving to an old home that was built before central air conditioning systems became a mainstream feature. Therefore, this type of older home does not have ducts. Instead of going through a major renovation, consider a ductless system. Also known as ductless heat pumps or mini-split systems, this system consists of an indoor air handler and an outdoor unit that can cool a single zone. A ductless heat pump can also warm your home during the winter. This configuration offers better system efficiency, noise reduction, and temperature control.
HVAC Zoning Systems
Consider HVAC zoning systems if you own a larger home. It is a good strategy to implement if you use a standard HVAC system that cannot heat or cool your entire home adequately. One side could be shaded by trees while the other gets more sun. Each zone will be equipped with its own thermostat so that you can monitor and control the temperatures more effectively. All air ducts will also be fitted with dampers. These changes will help your family feel more comfortable throughout the day. Moreover, you also save more energy and money.
Sensor-Driven HVAC Ventilation
Ventilation is often overlooked in heating and cooling. However, it is equally crucial to a home’s overall comfort. Smart ventilation systems were introduced to the market in 2016. These allow homeowners to monitor the flow of air in all vents in their homes. This is a helpful tool in finding blockages and eliminating obstructions. They also let users switch the vents off in unoccupied rooms to reduce energy use. Sensor data can also help you in automating specific tasks.
Air Conditioners Have Variable-Speed Compressors
Newer AC models have variable-speed compressors. This way, the system can operate with less noise, improved temperate management, higher energy efficiency, and better humidity control. It can also adapt to changing environmental situations easily. A variable-speed compressor can slow down when it has a light load. On the other hand, it can speed up when there is a heavy load. It also doesn’t require a starting surge, enhancing the power supply quality. Air conditioners with variable-speed compressors are also likely to have longer lifespans while providing users with greater comfort. They also offer higher efficiency, so there are reduced running costs.
Conclusion
It is truly impressive how far we’ve come in terms of our technological progress. Each year brings more innovations to look forward to that are designed to solve common issues and improve our lives. If you are still using an HVAC system installed over ten years ago, consider replacing it to make use of the improvements listed above. This is especially relevant if your system malfunctions frequently. Replacing your system might save you more money as you avoid costly repairs while reducing your monthly energy costs.
Call PFO Heating & Air Conditioning For All Of Your HVAC Requirements
PFO Heating & Air Conditioning provides superior HVAC services in the Greater Princeton, NJ. Our company only has the best professionally certified technicians on staff who can conduct excellent heating and cooling replacements, tune-ups, repairs, and installations. Each of our friendly techs has the skills, knowledge, and experience to promptly and correctly service any HVAC system.
Rest assured, we offer the most competitive HVAC services prices in the area. Our maintenance services can improve your comfort, energy efficiency, and indoor air quality while reducing your home’s energy costs. When you need an HVAC repair or replacement system, we can recommend the best and most budget-friendly one. All our work comes with a guarantee to ensure your satisfaction. Don’t hesitate to call PFO Heating & Air Conditioning today to book a service appointment. We offer free, in-home estimates.
Click here to contact us now or call us at (800) 253-9001 to find out more!