Environmentally Friendly HVAC Trends
It is no secret that Americans are becoming more environmentally aware these days. As a matter of fact, a recent poll done by Neilson found that a large number of people would rather pay extra for products that are safer for the environment. With the evolution of technology in HVAC, environmentally aware consumers now have several options in the type of heating and cooling system they prefer for their homes.
Here is a list of the top five trending HVAC environmentally friendly options that consumers can now choose from.
#5) Sustainable Building Design
When building a new home, consumers can now choose from a variety of energy-conscious layouts and systems. HVAC systems play a big part in the planning process for these homes because they are such a major source of energy use. When planning to install a new HVAC system in a sustainable building, many factors are taken into consideration such as the layout of the ductwork, more natural air flow for the least amount of energy use, and many times, these new HVAC systems have an alternative power source to minimize their carbon footprint.
#4) Geothermal Heating and Cooling
Geothermal heating and cooling are great for the environment because it uses the earth’s natural temperatures to heat or cool a building through a series of pipes that run six feet under the earth’s surface. Water runs through the pipes and is either heated or cooled (according to the time of year) by the earth, and the correct temperature is dispersed throughout the building by nothing more than a compressor, pump, and fan. This trend hasn’t caught on in full force yet because it can be expensive to install, however, another benefit is that it will pay for itself in a relatively short time by saving on energy costs.
#3) Zoning Systems
Zoning systems have been growing in popularity in the HVAC industry. This type of system divides a home or office into two or more heating and cooling areas that allow an owner to control the temperature separately in several areas at once. This option has been growing because it can be added to an existing HVAC system, or it can be installed in new buildings. Another reason this trend is growing is that it is relatively inexpensive (depending on the complexity and number of zones) to install and consumers normally see immediate savings in their energy bills, up to approximately 30%.
#2) Quiet Duct Wrap
Ductwork is a major component of the modern HVAC system. It basically carries the warm or cold air to the vents in all the rooms in a building. While ductwork is not new, quiet duct wrap is gaining popularity with consumers because it leaves a smaller carbon footprint than the more traditional ducts. Quiet duct wrap is created by using recycled denim materials that have been diverted from landfills and uses no fiberglass. These ducts also have an aluminum barrier that provides protection from air currents, moisture, and vapors and reflects unwanted radiant heat.
#1) Smart HVAC Systems
The number one growing environmentally friendly HVAC trend is smart systems. A smart system can also be added to an existing HVAC unit or can be installed with new ones. This requires sensors to be added to the thermostat and/or the compressors so your HVAC system can communicate with you. Some systems can alert the homeowner to maintenance needs, such as the Nest Learning Thermostat, also allow the homeowner to control the temperatures of the building remotely. This is an excellent way to save on energy costs since the temperature of a building can be lowered while everyone is away and turned back to the ideal temperature while the family is on their way home.
Middleton Heat and Air can help with several of these growing “green” technology trends. For more information on how we can make your HVAC system more environmentally friendly, contact us online or by phone at 1-800-404-0371.