May 17, 2019
Advancements in technology have revolutionized countless different industries for decades. Showing no signs of slowing down, new innovations in technology have taken the HVAC industry by storm! Are you interested in learning more about what is out there and how an upgrade might benefit you and your home? Well, the team at Bardi is here to tell you about 8 trends in HVAC technology that are rapidly changing the game for homeowners just like you!
1. Geothermal HVAC Systems
First on our list of trends in HVAC technology is geothermal HVAC systems. With the great strides being made in developing renewable energy resources, geothermal HVAC systems are among the most impressive innovations. Why are these systems so impressive? Well, simply put, geothermal HVAC systems utilize the consistent temperatures underground to heat or cool water that runs through a system of pipes called an earth loop. Then, an indoor unit uses a fan, compressor, and pump to transport the mild air through the building.
Because the temperatures below the earth’s surface remain constant, regardless of extreme climates, geothermal heating and cooling is a viable energy source for any environment. Consequently, geothermal energy is predicted to become one of the most popular energy resources moving forward. In addition to reducing your carbon footprint, a geothermal HVAC system can also reduce your heating and cooling bills significantly, around $400 to $1,500 annually, to be precise. Also, the lifespan of these systems is as high as 50 years, with a warranty of around 25 years for the heat pump.
2. Solar HVAC Systems
Second on our list of trends in HVAC technology is solar HVAC systems. As another renewable energy option, you can install solar HVAC systems into new construction or retrofit it to existing buildings. To heat a building, this system uses solar paneling to absorb thermal energy from the sun. Then, this thermal energy is used to heat a mixture of water and antifreeze, which runs through a heat exchanger to create heated air. When it comes time to cool a building, this system uses solar power to generate electricity in order to run the AC. With a solar cooling system, an evaporative method is used to cool the air with the evaporation of contained water.
3. DeVAP HVAC Systems
Another trend in HVAC technology is a “Desiccant Enhanced Evaporative” (DeVAP) system. Using an evaporative cooling system to produce AC, water runs through a honeycomb media.Then, a fan blows the water through this honeycomb media, causing the water to evaporate into air which is then cooled as it releases into the system. Meanwhile, the DeVAP system uses a desiccant substance to absorb humidity from the air before introducing it into your home. Because DeVAP HVAC systems require less energy to operate, they are energy-efficient options that can save you a good deal of money. Moreover, these systems don’t use harmful refrigerant for cooling, making them a more environmentally-friendly option.
4. Smart HVAC Systems
Fourth on our list of trending HVAC technology is smart HVAC systems. With the ever-evolving technology of today’s world, it’s no surprise that smart technology has invaded the HVAC industry. As an exciting new energy-efficient option, a smart HVAC system provides an unprecedented level of control over your energy use and heating and cooling preferences. With the capability to program and adjust your thermostat settings remotely and with the touch of a button on your smart device, the amount of money you can save with this system is virtually limitless. Moreover, a smart HVAC system has advanced algorithms which allow it to learn your schedule, habits, and preferences so it can predict future adjustments and automatically make them without your needing to even think about it.
Additionally, most smart HVAC systems have built-in sensors that allow it to adjust thermostat settings around activity levels in each room of the house. Another useful feature of a smart HVAC system is the ability to alert you when it needs a repair, and when it’s time for routine maintenance. In fact, many systems even make the appointment for you! Also, you can receive reports on your energy use to help you see your savings and how you can make additional adjustments to save even more. Simply put, smart HVAC systems optimize efficiency without sacrificing comfort, while saving you money along the way.
5. Sustainable Building Design
Often referred to as “green building design,” the new movement of sustainable building design is a noteworthy new trend. As a major component in sustainable building design, the HVAC systems in these green buildings typically use alternative energy sources. Consequently, you can eliminate the need for a high-powered HVAC system to keep the building comfortable. Because sustainable buildings have ventilation systems that incorporate more natural airflow, the overall energy costs are lower. Also, most sustainable designs use different building materials. Some of these materials include grasscrete, straw bales, rammed earth, hempcrete, bamboo, recycled plastic, or timbercrete.
6. Integration
Lately, the HVAC industry is seeing greater options for integrating HVAC controls with other controls, such as your lighting. For instance, you can control the lighting and ventilator in a room with one sensor. As a result, you can optimize the energy you use by powering multiple devices simultaneously with one control. In other words, integration of your HVAC system with other devices offers increased convenience and savings.
7. Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) Systems
Next on our list of trends in HVAC technology is variable refrigerant (VRF) systems. Although these systems cost more upfront, the autonomy it provides for individuals living under one roof can offset the expense. With a VRF system, you install multiple indoor units with one outdoor unit or heat pump. To maximize the comfort of individual occupants, you can control the flow of refrigerant to each indoor unit. Moreover, a VRF system quickly reestablishes temperature balance after you set it higher or lower than normal. Therefore, if you leave for a weekend trip and set the temperature back while the house is empty, the system quickly returns to a comfortable temperature after you reset it upon your return.
8. Variable Speed Controls
Last but not least is the option of using variable speed controls. Unlike a traditional single speed system, HVAC equipment with variable speed controls operate at multiple capacity levels. As a result, variable speed controls lower the amount of energy used during operation. While variable speed can offer a more flexible cooling capacity, variable speed fan motor technology is also a rising trend. With a variable speed blower motor, operating at different speeds allows for more precise control of the amount of airflow. Furthermore, you can lessen the “cold air blow” that’s often associated with single speed furnaces during winter months.
Discover More Trends in HVAC Technology
In addition to these trends in HVAC technology, there are many more options to explore. If you’re interested in finding the perfect upgrades to save money and maximize comfort, Bardi is ready to help! For reliable advice and service from the best HVAC technicians in the industry, call us today at 770-263-9300 or fill out a service request form on our website!
