There’s more incentive than ever to develop sustainable HVAC technologies. That’s led to the accelerated development of impressive heating, cooling, and ventilation systems. Let’s explore some of the latest available for home use.
Energy Recovery Ventilators
Developing more energy-efficient homes has led to tighter building envelopes. A potential downside is inadequate ventilation, which causes reduced comfort and indoor air quality. One solution is a whole-house fan, but those have limitations in colder environments. That’s where heat and energy recovery ventilators come in. They can provide a home with fresh air year-round, including the winter. An HRV claims heat from exhausted air and uses it to heat the incoming air. An ERV is similar but also adds moisture to the air to help avoid low humidity.
Predictive Maintenance
Many within the industry expect predictive maintenance to be the notable change to residential HVAC systems in the years ahead. It’s already made a substantial difference in commercial spaces when it comes to reducing costs and increasing efficiency. Systems with this feature can collect performance data and analyze it. That allows them to recognize quickly when the unit is operating outside normal parameters. When that happens, the system can alert the user to schedule a diagnostic appointment. Preventative service can avoid excessive energy consumption and prevent most major repairs.
Energy Monitoring
Energy monitoring is now a prevalent feature among different types of smart thermostats. These systems track energy usage daily, monthly, and yearly. One purpose is a kind of predictive maintenance. These systems can detect excessive consumption in hours rather than in a month when the bill comes in. Thermostats can now upload data to the cloud to hold substantial amounts. Cloud computing also allows for advanced analysis and reporting. Homeowners can use these reports to make upgrades and change behaviors for even better efficiency.
Geothermal Heat Pumps
Heat pumps provide more efficient heating than furnaces and boilers. The reason for this is that they transfer heat rather than generate it. Air-source heat pumps and mini-splits have become viable in colder climates but often still require hybrid configurations with a furnace. Geothermal heat pumps don’t have this problem. That’s because they transfer heat from the ground rather than the air. While geothermal systems aren’t new, they have been expensive and difficult to install. That’s changing thanks to innovations that have lowered costs and made installation easier. The federal government has also introduced a rebate that can save homeowners thousands.
Condensing Furnaces and Boilers
Condensing systems are the big change for households that rely on a standalone fuel-burning boiler or furnace. The typical gas furnace or boiler has an 80 AFUE rating. That means it only successfully uses 80% of the fuel it burns. Condensing systems start at AFUE 90, and some are as high as 98.5. This is possible through a second heat exchanger that curbs heat loss through the exhaust.
Advanced Zone Control
Central systems have traditionally had a single zone, which is the entire home. That results in a lot of inefficient heating and cooling, especially in larger homes. Zoning allows you to heat and cool the different areas within your home independently. This is possible through upgrades like advanced thermostat control, automatic mechanical duct dampers, and variable-speed blowers.
Variable Refrigerant Flow Technology
Mini-split systems are inherently zoned systems that have an outdoor condenser unit and one or more indoor air handlers. They’re among the most efficient HVAC technologies available. That said, there are some limitations when it comes to large homes. These systems are often less efficient the more indoor units you add. It can also be difficult to achieve a high zone count.
One of the issues with a mini-split system is that it must distribute refrigerant equally to all indoor units. Variable flow technology lets the system adjust the flow to each indoor unit as needed. That makes VRF systems even more efficient than conventional mini-split systems. It also makes it much easier to size and configure these systems for larger homes.
Energy-Efficient HVAC Solutions in Middletown
WK Mechanical, Inc. is a family-owned and -operated HVAC contractor that’s served Middletown and the entire Hudson Valley since 1945. Our company provides both residential and commercial services. We install, maintain, and repair heating systems like boilers, furnaces, heat pumps, hybrid heating, air conditioners, ductwork, and ductless mini-split systems. Our team installs and services air purifiers and UV lamps as well. We also provide in-home comfort solutions, including water quality. We’re available 24/7 for emergencies, and you can count on us for standby generator installation and service.
Call today to schedule an appointment.
