Crystal Rae
Researchers and entrepreneurs are always working to make sure technology is driving us forward into the future in all aspects of our lives. That includes the way we heat and cool our homes.
If you would take a minute to think about it, the HVAC systems of today are very much different than they were even 20 years ago. They are more effective and certainly more energy efficient. Based on that knowledge, it is easy to surmise that things in the HVAC sector will continue evolving, most likely towards the same goals of effectiveness and energy efficiency.
In the sections below, you will get a look at where HVAC systems could be headed in the future.
Where HVAC Systems are Headed in the Future
In recent years, HVAC systems like MyAir Zoning have given us a peek at what SMART HVAC systems can do for you at home or in the office. They allow you to control room temperatures throughout the house by room with a single control panel or remote. They will also allow you to control your home temperature when you are away from home. These have been great SMART innovations that have led to energy efficiency and lower utility bills for families all over the world.
Going into the future, these kinds of innovations might be just the tip of the iceberg. Here are some innovations that are on deck.
Thermal A/C
If you are not interested in running your home electric grid with solar power, how would you feel about running your air conditioning on solar power? Australian company Chromasun has already developed an affordable A/C unit that runs mainly on solar power with an assist from natural gas. On days when the sun doesn’t shine, the gas will pick up the slack.
Movement Driven A/C
After programming your SMART HVAC system, you would still have times when the A/C is running with no one at home. Much in the same way light sensors work, innovators are developing technology that turns on an A/C unit only we movement is sensed in the home. One idea is being developed with aluminum rods fitted with sensors that are strategically placed throughout the house.
Geothermal Heat Pumps
The one constant about planet earth is the heat that lies at the earth’s core. Using geothermal energy for heating is not a new technology. However, it is just now surging as an important home/office energy source for heating. The technology is in place, it’s just a matter of developers designing affordable and usable heat pump units.
Dual Resource Heat Pumps
Some homes and businesses have access to both natural gas outlets and electricity. Several U.S. companies are working on technology and systems that will allow homeowners and businesses to purchase a single heat pump and decide for themselves what they want to use as an energy source. These pumps are being developed to actually switch back and forth automatically between gas and electricity based on the temperatures outside.
Computer Energy
Have you ever felt how hot your laptop gets if you place it in a position that blocks the cooling system? It can really pick up heat. There are a few companies in the U.S. that are working to find a way to harness this heat energy to run an HVAC system. For a large business with lots of computer infrastructure, the possibility of huge savings is intriguing.
