If your utility bills are making you sweat, and your AC isn’t cooling you down, it’s time to upgrade your HVAC system. New HVAC technologies have made systems cheaper, quieter, and more effective. Here is a handy breakdown from the HVAC experts at Acree Plumbing & Air!
1. Zoning
Zoning is a new HVAC technology that is taking off in homes and offices across the country. Zoning enables each room in your home to have a different temperature. For example, if you are hosting a party, you can reduce the temperature of your kitchen, dining room, and living room but increase the temperature of your second floor, as it won’t be used. Establishing zones in your home will decrease the demand on your HVAC unit and save you money.
2. Better Refrigerants
Refrigerants are a key part of your HVAC system: they absorb the heat and moisture from your home’s air, making it cool and dry.
R-22, more commonly known as Freon, is the refrigerant that most HVAC units were originally outfitted with. The Environmental Protection Agency discovered, however, that Freon damages the Earth’s ozone layer. Freon is now being phased out of homes and buildings, in favor of newer, better refrigerants like R410a.
3. Variable Speed Fans
In the past, the fans that distributed warm or cold air throughout the home ran at only one speed: high. These days, HVAC fans have multiple speeds to provide gentle cooling on warm days, and more intense cooling on hot days. Variable speed fans reduce the noise and energy used by your AC unit.
4. Dual Stage Compressors
Compressors are one of the most important parts of your AC system. Compressors regulate the humidity in your home and release the heat into the outside air.
Like old fans, older model compressors operate at one speed. New compressors, however, can run at high or low capacity. Installing a new model will reduce the energy demand of your HVAC system, reduce the noise produced by your unit, and better control the humidity in your home.
5. Smart Thermostats
Smart thermostats are rapidly becoming ubiquitous. These advanced thermostats enable you to schedule heating and cooling according to your family’s schedule. Some smart thermostats are wi-fi-enabled and will provide you regular energy usage reports and energy saving tips.
6. Better Ducts
Sheet metal ducts, which are common in older HVAC systems, are noisy and un-insulated. These old ducts allow hot and cold air to escape, making your AC unit work harder to bring your home to the chosen temperature.
Fiberglass, fireboard, or duct wrap usually line new ducts. These materials (new HVAC technologies) will prevent hot and cold air from escaping, and also reduce noise.
7. Better Energy Efficiency
SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) measures the efficiency of your HVAC system by comparing the input (electricity) to the output (cooling or heating). With all of the above advancements in HVAC technology, the SEER ratings of new AC units are up to 25, while old units have SEER ratings of only 7 or 8.
Though upgrading your HVAC system is a huge investment, it will pay for itself in increased comfort and shrinking utility bills.
Take advantage of new HVAC technologies! Call us today! If you’re ready to reap the savings and cooling provided by an HVAC upgrade, call us at Acree Plumbing & Air today! Our technicians will walk you through the many different modern aspects of up-to-date HVAC units, and we’d be glad to answer any questions you have.
Give us a call at (813) 530-9061 today!
