HVAC is usually one of the biggest energy consumers in any home or business. So with technology constantly evolving to help these systems become more effective and less wasteful, knowledge is power (literally). So check out the latest HVAC technology trends worth following for a smarter, more efficient home.

Zoning Systems
Say goodbye to the days of household rivalries started by “who turned up the thermostat?!” Now, one system can be controlled by multiple thermostats in individual areas of a home or building. With a Zoning System, the ductwork features a series of dampers to provide various temperature zones throughout your home. So instead of heating or cooling the entire space at all times, you can adjust only the rooms you’re using to meet your comfort needs, while reducing energy use from 20-40%.

Dual Fuel Heat Pumps
Heat pumps are a much more energy-efficient alternative to a traditional AC. By using electricity to move the heat between your home and outside, Dual Fuel Heat Pumps allow you to take advantage of two types of energy in order to maximize the benefits of each. For cooler settings, the pump will use low-cost gas for power, and when temperatures rise, it switches to electricity, generating up to 4x the energy it uses to save you significantly in the long run.

Geothermal Heat Pumps
While not exactly a new technology to the HVAC scene, Geothermal Heat Pumps are being used by more and more homeowners because of the energy-saving benefits they provide. By utilizing the consistent heat from the ground through underground tubing, the unit transforms cold air into heat during the winter months. In the summer, the ground is used as a heat sink to remove the heat to produce cold air. It can also produce hot water, which makes it a pretty all-in-one piece of technology – a quality that’s very consistent with today’s technology trends.

Thermally Driven AC
With a shift toward renewable energy leading the latest trends, Thermally Driven AC is at the forefront, operating on solar energy and incorporating natural gas whenever more power is needed. During the summer months, electricity costs peak for homeowners while traditional AC units are running their hardest. Since Thermally Driven chillers are fueled by natural resources, you’ll reduce this demand on your Power-Grid and avoid costly spikes. And since this system features fewer moving parts, it tends to have longer lifespans than most electric AC units.

Movement-Activated AC

When your air conditioning runs constantly, it’s most likely cooling when you don’t need it to. By eliminating this unnecessary output, you’ll save energy and reduce your carbon footprint. But you can’t constantly adjust the thermostat all day long. So a Movement-Activated AC system does it for you. Through the use of sensors hung from the ceiling, the system can detect when someone is in the room and know to kick on. When the room is empty, the air shuts off automatically, saving you big on utility bills.

Home Automation
There was a time when we could only dream of our popcorn making itself, so you didn’t have to miss your favorite part of the movie. Now, home automation is making it all a reality. Through apps and remotes, we can control our security, lighting, appliances and more from anywhere to make our lives easier and more efficient. Engineers are working overtime to get HVACs into the home automation game in a big way, so we may not be far from managing our units with a tap of our mobile device.

To learn more about the newest HVAC technology or find out which systems are best for your home, contact our expert technicians today.