What Will HVAC Look Like in the Future?

Unless you work in the HVAC industry, you probably don’t think much about the future of HVAC—but the new innovations that are emerging will be exciting for everyone. Whether you want to save money on your energy bills, reduce your carbon footprint or both, these new technologies are sure to make an impact.

Here are some of the most interesting HVAC developments to watch:

  • Ice-powered air conditioning: Why cool down hot air when you can start with cold air? One California-based company has created an air conditioner that freezes water inside a tank overnight. In the morning, when the air conditioner comes on, it blows over the ice to cool down the building. After the ice has melted, the traditional method of blowing air over cold condenser coils takes over.
  • Thermally-driven air conditioning: Some companies are starting to manufacture air conditioners powered by solar energy, wind and even natural gas. If your home is already outfitted with solar panels, this could be a great opportunity to harness renewable energy and stay cool at the same time.
  • Movement-activated air conditioners: Constantly cooling down your home—even when you’re not home—costs a lot of money. If you want to reduce your carbon footprint while staying comfortable, movement-activated air conditioners can help cut down on bills. You’ll be able to concentrate your air conditioning only in the rooms that are being used. No word on whether that means you’ll have to occasionally get up from your summertime Netflix binge, though.
  • Dual fuel heat pumps: If you have access to both gas and electricity, dual fuel heat pumps can help keep you warm all winter long—and save money in the process. The gas portion of the pump runs when temperatures are extra low, then switches to electricity as soon as the temperature is warm enough. This saves money by using the cheapest possible energy at any given time.
  • Computer-harnessed heat: Have you ever noticed how your laptops and other electronics get hot when they run? Some companies are trying to harness this heat to warm up homes and offices, as well as cool down server rooms.
  • Geothermal heat pumps: Geothermal heat pumps use the naturally occurring heat underground to heat both your home and your hot water supply, saving you money and energy.
  • Fully automated homes: With automation becoming increasingly popular, many experts predict that HVAC systems will become another part of our fully automated homes.
  • App-driven heating and cooling: You might be familiar with smart thermostats like Nest, which allow you to control your home’s heating and cooling from anywhere with an internet connection. Look for more companies to jump on the bandwagon—app-driven thermostats will definitely become more common in the future.

If you’re looking for the latest innovations in HVAC technology, we can help. Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling is dedicated to bringing you the future of HVAC—or simply ensuring that your existing system runs well. Reach out to us today to get started with a maintenance appointment!