We seem to have been born in a world where our impact on the environment is one of the most pressing issues, yet we still have to live in it.
That’s why what you purchase can be just as important as how you use it. Fortunately, a few technologies have emerged that ensure a greener future without compromising functionality or performance.
They may not be ready to replace traditional heating and cooling systems. Still, when we look at the five eco-friendly HVAC technologies below, you will see what they offer and how they could revolutionize your home’s HVAC system sooner than you think!
Eco-Friendly HVAC Technology You Can Easily Install Yourself
1. Regenerative Heating Heat Pipes
Regenerative heat pipes are an alternative to traditional heating systems and are a great eco-friendly HVAC technology. The hot water is circulated through a central pipe and back into the room through radiators or low-level heat exchangers.
Turning a boiler on and off requires a lot of energy, so most of the power supplied to radiators or heat exchangers go to waste; not even half is used. The regenerative heating system uses waste heat from your home’s heating system and pumps it back into the same pipe, where it will be used again.
Heat pipes are copper tubes that carry hot water, and their primary function is to transfer heat from one point to another.
However, it is now possible to equip these pipes with devices that recover and recycle the heat that would usually be lost, thus increasing the total energy efficiency of the home.
2. High-Velocity Heat Exchangers for Air Conditioning
Many people don’t realize how much energy is wasted in a typical HVAC system because it operates at suboptimal levels.
High-velocity heat exchangers, also known as low-density heat exchangers, can recover more of the hot steam and hot water produced by a boiler. They allow the steam to circulate faster than in traditional systems.
The high-velocity heat exchanger pipes are built to operate at lower flow rates to make this possible. This reduces their size while increasing their ability to handle high flow rates.
It also impacts the cost per unit of energy recovered as it is less expensive than conventional or high-velocity steam boilers. Overall this is a fantastic eco-friendly HVAC technology.
3. The Integrated Heat Pump
Heat pumps already exist and works by extracting heat from air and water, then compressing it until it reaches a higher temperature. The resulting energy is then fed into your home and transforms the air around you.
However, their functionality is limited because of the inefficient heat pumps and compressors that enable them to do their jobs. This is why those who have invested in them have spent half the electricity bills on keeping them running.
Nowadays, though, things are different! New models of heat pump technology now allow you to integrate an air conditioning system with an active (compressor-free) heat pump inside your HVAC system.
This allows you to recover the heat and cool air inside your house so that electricity is only used for the final step of heating or cooling the air and water in your home. The result is a tremendous reduction in energy consumption and the perfect eco-friendly HVAC technology.
4. Hybrid Air Conditioning Systems
The initial investment for this type of system is higher than the conventional ones, but it enables homeowners to save up to 40% on their annual energy bills. You can do this by installing a small device inside the ductwork of a central unit that works as an electronic switch.
When the device senses warm air coming down from upstairs, it directs all of that air back into the room where it is needed instead of using all of it to cool other rooms downstairs.
This is just one example of how a hybrid air conditioning system works, so it’s best to talk to an expert if you think you could benefit from one!
5. Zone System Building Controls
Zone systems are the ultimate way to help you make the most of your HVAC system by allowing you to control its operation for each room separately. This is usually done through a thermostat installed in each room so that its temperature can be adjusted independently from the rest of the house.
Most zone systems operate using standard or programmable thermostats and mechanical or electronic dampers. However, some modern variations use computers and electronic valve actuators instead.
Making your HVAC system more eco-friendly doesn’t mean spending thousands of dollars on a replacement. Investing in regenerative heat pipes, high-velocity heat exchangers, and integrated hybrid air conditioning systems could considerably reduce your energy bill every month.
Best of all, you’ll be doing your bit for the environment!
Author Bio
Happy Hiller is a family-owned plumbing and HVAC business with 14 locations across four states. Since 1990, Happy Hiller has fulfilled all plumbing and HVAC needs with exceptional service, honesty, and integrity.
