One bill in particular that tends to be troublesome is utilities. Depending on where you live, heating and cooling costs can be a large chunk of your monthly budget. However, certain HVAC technologies on the horizon can help curb those costs. Let’s take a look at some of them below.
Digital Zoning
Have you ever thought about why your energy bill is consistently high month after month? It’s because your current HVAC system is trying to get the entire house to the same temperature. The bigger the house, the longer it’ll take for that to happen. But, with digital zoning, you’ll no longer have to worry about that. You can optimize temperature settings for each room. So lesser-used spaces won’t need to be the same temperature as areas you use frequently. Also, if you know you’re going to be in an area of your home for a certain period, you can set a timer so it can come on then. If you have a wireless connection in your home, it’ll be easy to set up this system.
Eco-Friendly Systems
If you’re one of many people that are considering going “green,” you’re in luck. Many HVAC companies are creating systems that use sustainable energy resources. For example, geothermal energy systems get their energy from the Earth’s heat. The heat pumps in these systems use ground and water resources to generate power to heat and cool your residence. They also operate more quietly than traditional HVAC systems. As a result, you’ll create a healthier and less noisy environment for your household. Furthermore, if you really wanted to be money savvy, you could incorporate the use of solar energy. That way, you could switch between the two, depending on your current needs. But there are other eco-friendly innovations too, such as:
Sensor Enhanced Vents
One HVAC trend that most companies incorporate in their systems is sensor-enhanced vents. Like digital zoning, you’ll be able to control your temperature by using an app on your phone. However, the temperature data is sent to a smart hub, coordinating changes with your vents. Installation takes no time at all, and you’ll save more since temperature differences in rooms won’t be too drastic.
Energy Analysis Software
Another reason why your energy bill could be high each month is that the unit is the incorrect size. When your unit isn’t appropriately sized for your home, it’ll work harder to get the rooms to optimal temperature. But now, HVAC technology, like energy analysis software, ensures these problems don’t happen upon installation. HVAC technicians use this software to project the ideal heating and cooling solutions for your home. This software can also help homeowners see the cost/benefit analysis of improving technology on their existing system. With proper maintenance and this new data, you’ll be sure to save money in the future.
Ice Powered AC
Ice-powered air conditioners are a part of a new HVAC design that’s popped up in recent years. These units take gallons of water and freeze it overnight to keep buildings cool the following day. As of right now, this is more of a commercial building solution since its maximum cooling output lasts a few hours. However, with this advancement, this type of system bodes well for homeowners in the future.
Rotary Vane Air Compressors
If you don’t have in-depth knowledge of your HVAC system, this piece of technology can fly under the trade. Rotary vane air compressors have various uses, but they are an excellent solution for reducing energy costs. Let’s say your HVAC system is air-cooled; the compressed air it uses is part of the reason why your energy bill remains high. But when you install a rotary vane air compressor, it creates high-pressure air pockets. As a result, it helps your system remain efficient since less output capacity is used. They’re also very durable, leaving you with less HVAC maintenance to worry about.
3D Printed Air Conditioners
Your eyebrows may have raised slightly after reading this headline. But it’s true; 3D-printed air conditioners are part of future HVAC solutions. So far, the innovation has involved the creation of a mechanism that can absorb moisture in the air to cool the area. Furthermore, 3D printed materials tend to be more durable than traditional ones. So that means your HVAC unit will require less maintenance. Although this is far from perfected and can’t be used in high-temperature areas, it still shows how promising 3D solutions can be.
Ductless HVAC Systems
Whether you’re a home or business owner, upgrading older property ductwork is always challenging. Sometimes there’s not enough space to make the necessary changes, and the work can be costly if there is. However, you can work around it by using ductless HVAC systems. These units can get installed anywhere on your property, and like the name states, they don’t need any previous duct installation. But how do they work? Mini-split heat pumps are installed indoors and are connected to outdoor units through refrigerant lines. Since they help transfer heat instead of generating it, your heating costs will be less. Also, these units are an excellent choice if your property has gaps in walls or ductwork. Why go through the hassle of costly ductwork repairs when you can have energy-efficient HVACs by going ductless? It’s a no-brainer.
Variable Refrigerant Systems
High-rise buildings are prone to having HVAC problems because of the type of systems they use. But it made room for the creation of variable refrigerant systems. They’ve recently gained popularity in the U.S. after having enormous influence in Japan and Europe. VRF systems have a large condenser unit that feeds smaller air handlers in the area. Also, since it’s air-cooled, you won’t have to worry about water leaks and chemical water treatment. It also comes with other benefits such as:
Minimizing energy usage Quieter operation Fewer space requirements for installation More durability
It can be challenging to figure out what HVAC options to choose from since many are out there. But VRF systems differ from the other types of HVACs that you would typically see in high rise buildings such as:
Packaged units Individual split systems Four pipe water systems Central cool water systems
Let’s diver further into some of those differences below.
Packaged Units
Packaged units are a relic of the past, which you’ll see on most landmark buildings today. They’re installed through an existing wall opening and can only serve two rooms. While they will give you the essential heating and cooling needs, they can be very noisy during operation. Plus, if you have a luxurious space, they’re not aesthetically appealing.
Individual Split Systems
Individual split systems are units placed in personal living spaces. You’ll usually see the condensing unit mounted on windows or the balconies of apartments. The indoor fan is located somewhere within your property. These systems are standard for high-rise residential buildings because they are inexpensive to install. But the indoor units are tricky to install because they need a decent amount of space.
Four Pipe Water Systems
Another type of HVAC system you’ll see in high-rise buildings is four-pipe water systems. They consist of a central water system with air chillers and boilers that serve individual living spaces. Their design gives them the energy efficiency most people are looking for. However, they can be expensive to install.
Central Cool Water Systems
For years, central cool water systems have been a staple in residential apartment buildings. But because the pipes run through the walls, it leaves room for water leaks. Furthermore, the heat pumps in these systems tend to be noisy, and the water used will need consistent treatment for bacteria. It’s not an ideal system to use when trying to improve your environment.
Lookout for These HVAC Technologies in the Future
As you can see, various HVAC technologies on the horizon will change heating and cooling solutions forever. Go over your monthly bills to see where the problem areas in your home are. Then decide on the best HVAC technology you think will be most effective in your property. But if you’re having trouble deciding, talk to a professional service for further insight. Hopefully, you’ve enjoyed this article. If so, feel free to check out our blog for related content. We’re sure you’ll find something that interests you.
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