High-tech HVAC is becoming more common in homes today. As research has steadily left the lab and entered the consumer market, progress in heating and cooling technology is making homes more comfortable, more economical, and more environmentally friendly. Most major brand names now offer high-tech HVAC upgrades that can replace the more basic, conventional units and help advance your indoor environment. Here, we discuss some cutting-edge options that have already gained a foothold in many homes.
- Variable-capacity units. The standard air conditioner typically operates in just two modes: on and off. The AC compressor produces coolness cycles that switch on and off regularly, cooling the house down and then turning off. When the indoor temperature begins to rise, the compressor activates again. New variable-capacity compressors run continuously — but at a reduced output that maintains the indoor environment at a greater temperature accuracy. This eliminates continuous on/off/on-again operation and delivers highly consistent cooling, improved efficiency, and lower operating cost.
- Really smart thermostats. HVAC thermostats just keep getting more intelligent. Learning thermostats continuously analyze your indoor temperatures and their relation to your daily routine. This data is analyzed to create a 24/7 cooling and heating schedule for your home that corresponds with your specific preferences. As seasons and conditions change, the program continuously revises temperatures to keep comfort consistent. Other advances include geofencing, which informs the thermostat when you leave the house and when you’re approaching home again, and individual temperature sensors in rooms throughout the house.
- Rapidly rising SEER ratings. Short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, it’s the metric that expresses the amount of cooling produced by an air conditioner divided by the total amount of electricity consumed. A higher SEER rating is associated with greater AC efficiency and lower energy costs. While a SEER rating ranging from 8 to 10 was once typical, today’s air conditioners offer SEER ratings that routinely top 14, and certain units with advanced technology now push the SEER rating as high as 26.
For all your home or business indoor comfort needs, talk to the experts at Jackson & Sons.
