Some cool new HVAC technology options are being introduced that will make staying warm in winter and cool in summer a whole lot easier for all of us. As a matter of fact, in some instances, you may not have to think about it all. Your new HVAC technology might just be able to follow you around—heating you up and cooling you down when you need it.
Seriously?
New HVAC Technology
Yes, according to architect Carlo Ratti, who designed one example of a new HVAC technology – the Cloud Cast system – which was then built by a team at MIT’s SENSEable City Lab and recently showcased in Dubai. Both energy- and water-efficient, the system consists of aluminum rods that are fitted with sensors in the ceiling and activated by the presence of people. This new HVAC technology actually sends down mist to cool you off as you walk by!
OK – it will probably be awhile until most of us get automatically misted from above, but in the meantime, some of the more advanced new HVAC technology already uses motion sensors to track your presence and adjust usage accordingly.
HVAC Gets Smart
New HVAC technology is changing the way we interact with our units. These days, everyone seems to be talking about smart technology and smart thermostats.
What’s smart about this technology is the fact that you, the customer, are given the power and ability to fully control your home’s heating and air conditioning whether you are home or not. With a traditional room thermostat, you have to be home in order to change the temperature using a dial or control panel. A smart thermostat allows you to manage your home’s temperature from any location, so long as you have a smart phone, tablet or desktop at your disposal. The practicality and affordability of these devices has made home automation an increasingly popular new HVAC technology.
Most smart thermostats tell you how much time it takes for your home to reach a certain temperature. This means you can manage your heating system to ensure your home is always at the temperature you want, which can lead to significant savings.
Here’s an example of how this new HVAC technology might help you out this winter:
Imagine you’ve gone on vacation and realize you forgot to turn off your heat. With a smart thermostat you can simply use your phone or tablet to turn it off from wherever in the world you are.
Many smart thermostats can also display your real-time energy consumption and even adjust this automatically based on factors such as humidity and weather conditions.
Related article: Smart Thermostat Reviews: Nest Learning & Honeywell Wi-Fi
Smart HVAC Systems for Business Owners
It also makes sense for business owners to invest in smart control systems because this new HVAC technology does more than just increase comfort for employees and customers– it ultimately decreases energy costs. While the initial investment may seem costly, in the long run, the investment will pay off.
Smart thermostats can have a big impact for managers of smaller spaces, because they provide the ability to control the temperature in multiple zones from one interface.
New HVAC Technology Includes Green Technologies
Energy-efficiency and eco-consciousness are at the top of everyone’s minds these days. Even the federal government is being asked to double its reliance on renewable energy by 2020, which translates into a requirement that 20 percent of its energy supplies come from renewable sources. Companies worldwide are involved in the search for more energy-efficient systems, including ones that will run off alternative energies, such as solar and geothermal.
Below is a brief description of some of the ‘green’ technologies in development:
Thermally Driven Air Conditioning
Thermally-driven air conditioning units provide a low-cost alternative to conventional electrically driven ones. This form of new HVAC technology makes use of solar energy, using solar panels that generate a high enough temperature to drive a double-effect chiller. This double-chiller system provides more cooling than comparative systems, and eliminates electricity costs. If solar energy sources run short, it can be supplemented by natural gas.
Energy Analysis Software
Energy analysis software is an important addition to the new HVAC technology arena. The software projects the most energy efficient and cost-saving HVAC systems for a space before you actually install and make use of such equipment. Architects and engineers looking for the most suitable equipment to use in their designs appreciate this software immensely. It can also be used to project the lifetime energy use of a building, and to assess the impact of non-HVAC techniques, such as reflective roofing.
Geothermal Heat Pump
Although not actually a brand new HVAC technology, geothermal HVAC technology has grown in popularity as a result of the move towards greener and cleaner energy. Geothermal heat pumps makes use of the earth’s own heat through a system of looped piping that is placed into the ground. During cold weather, this fluid absorbs underground heat, which then travels back indoors to provide heating. More than four times as efficient as traditional HVAC systems, this system can also be used to supply cooling.
Is a VRF HVAC System Right For Your Business?
Another new HVAC technology making headlines is the VRF HVAC system. VRF, an acronym for ‘Variable Refrigerant Flow,’ is becoming a popular choice for commercial HVAC. Especially in large cities like New York, where space is at a premium and energy costs are high, business owners are increasingly choosing the system for retail stores, restaurants and office spaces. Property managers are also choosing them for luxury apartment buildings and brownstones.
The system uses several small air handlers that are individually controlled, instead of one large, noisy unit that pumps out air to a large space. This new HVAC technology is capable of providing heat, in addition to cooling, and perhaps even both simultaneously to different areas within the space. In simple terms, the use of multiple indoor units provides the ability to create zones that can be individually controlled. An additional benefit is that these VRF HVAC systems are both quiet and energy-efficient.
Related article: 7 Reasons to Choose VRF Technology for Your New Air Conditioning
Integration of New HVAC Technology
Taking a systems approach is key to making the greatest impact possible with the new HVAC technology on the market. It’s imperative to view buildings as large systems that requires integration of their parts. HVAC controls need to be carefully integrated with other building systems, such as lighting, access and security technology and automation systems. When integrated well, the result will be greater comfort, energy efficiency, and reduced maintenance and energy costs for all.
If you happen to be reading this blog because your HVAC system is acting up and you’re thinking it’s time to replace it with newer and better technology, then you’re in luck. Here’s a guide that can help you sort out the most appropriate option for your business: The Ultimate Guide to NYC Light Commercial Air Conditioning.
