The Latest Innovations in HVAC Technology

HVAC-related energy consumption contributes significantly to negative environmental effects. The government has challenged the HVAC industry to achieve better energy efficiency. That emphasis has led to a wide range of notable innovations in HVAC technology.

Smart Thermostats

Smart thermostats are becoming even more advanced. Some systems can now configure and program themselves without user interaction. Many have machine learning capabilities. Features like geofencing can eliminate the need for scheduling entirely. Manufacturers are also no longer limiting their systems to onboard computing capabilities. This is possible through cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI) models.

Energy Monitoring and Reporting

Modern innovations are providing households with greater insight into the energy they use. One way they do this is through automatic energy usage tracking. A key benefit here is that the system can detect spikes in usage. An energy spike is often the first sign of an HVAC problem. Another pro is that it provides you with a record of your daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly use. It allows you to spot patterns and deviations easily. Some systems even analyze that data for you and provide energy reports. Such features have become even more powerful through cloud computing.

Predictive Maintenance

Detecting energy spikes isn’t the only way modern systems can detect problems in advance. Another is predictive performance analysis. The industry has used these technologies in large commercial buildings for years, and they’re now becoming practical for homes and small businesses. They work by monitoring system performance and establishing normal parameters. When the system functions outside those parameters, something is likely wrong. The system can inform the homeowner to schedule diagnostics. If a proactive repair is necessary, it will usually be more convenient and affordable than an unexpected repair.

HVAC Zoning

A ductless mini-split is an example of a zoned HVAC system. That has traditionally been one of the key benefits of a mini-split over a central system. That said, you now have the option of a zoned central system as well. Using upgrades like variable-speed blowers, automatic dampers, and smart vents, we can organize your home into zones. This can reduce energy consumption considerably over the long term. You can, for instance, enjoy cool sleeping temperatures in the bedrooms while you use a more efficient setting elsewhere.

Remote Sensors

A limitation of a traditional thermostat is that you have to locate it centrally in a home. Failure to do so could result in inaccurate readings and reduced efficiency. Even with proper positioning, the reading might not be perfect. Many systems now support multiple sensors both inside and outside for a more accurate reading. You can also have sensors for other than just temperature. That includes relative humidity (RH), smoke, carbon monoxide (CO), particulate matter, and chemicals.

Multi-Stage, Variable-Speed, and Modulating Furnaces

Modern furnaces are more efficient than ever. In response to this, the Department of Energy has established 95% annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) as the minimum starting in 2029. That’s a sharp increase from the pre-2029 80% minimum. One reason for this jump is dynamic blowers and burners. Traditional furnaces are either on or off. When on, they run at a consistent speed, which is often more than needed. Multi- or dual-stage furnaces have a low and high mode. Variable-speed furnaces have three or more settings. Modulating furnaces can ramp up and down heating output in 5% increments.

Condensing Fuel-Burning Furnaces

Condensing systems are another furnace innovation that allows for a higher AFUE minimum. Traditional furnaces lose heat energy through the gases they exhaust. Condensing furnaces have a second heat exchanger. They use it to condense water vapor in the gases before exhausting them. The resulting water drains away. What’s left is the heat that the furnace releases into the home.

Hybrid Heating Configurations

Air-source heat pumps are among the most efficient ways to heat a home. The issue with these heat pumps is that they have a threshold at which they’re no longer efficient. One option is to buy a heat pump with a low enough threshold, but that can be expensive in cold climates. A more affordable solution is what the industry calls a dual-fuel heat pump or hybrid heating. This is where we pair a fuel-burning furnace and a heat pump. The heat pump gives you cooling in addition to heating most of the time. When the temperature drops below the heat pump’s threshold, the furnace takes over and provides your heating instead.

Geothermal Heating and Cooling

Air-source heat pumps function by transferring heat between the ambient and indoor air. The reason they can become inefficient in winter is that there’s limited ambient heat. Geothermal systems overcome this limitation. They transfer heat from the ground, which provides it more abundantly and consistently. The downside to geothermal is that it can be expensive. On the upside, the long-term value is excellent, there are energy incentives available, and prices continue to drop with each passing year.

Variable Refrigerant Flow Systems

Variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems are ductless systems similar to mini-splits. They’re common for commercial use and are now readily available for residential applications. Core benefits include not needing ducts, avoiding air leakage, and inherent zoning. Like a mini-split that provides cooling and heating, a VRF system is a heat pump with one outdoor unit and multiple indoor units. Mini-splits provide a consistent refrigerant load throughout the system. VRF units can adjust that load for each indoor unit independently for even greater energy efficiency.

Heat and Energy Recovery Ventilators

Whole-house fans can provide much-needed fresh air to a modern home with a tight building envelope. They can also delay how soon into a season you need to turn on the heating or cooling. A downside to a whole-house fan is that you can’t use it between heating cycles. It would introduce cold air to the home. This is where a heat recovery ventilator (HRV) comes in. It’s a fan that extracts heat from the exhausted air to preheat the fresh incoming air. An energy recovery ventilator (ERV) is similar but also extracts moisture to avoid dry air.

Duct Sealing

Ductwork is the leading cause of inefficiency in central HVAC systems. Air leakage can be as high as 5% in a new duct network and increase to as high as 40% over the years. To avoid this loss, we recommend an annual camera inspection of your ducts. If you do have this problem, modern duct sealing techniques are very effective. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends the aerosol method. It can reduce air leakage losses to less than 5%.

Local HVAC Expertise in Los Angeles

Monkey Wrench Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric has served Greater Los Angeles homeowners and businesses since 2007 with superior HVAC services. Our NATE-certified HVAC technicians install and service furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps, and ductless mini-splits. Our ductwork experts install, repair, seal, and clean ducts. We offer premium HVAC filters and install ventilation systems, air purifiers, UV lights, and humidity control. Our electricians perform inspections, installations, repairs, wiring, and rewiring. Our electrical expertise extends to standby generators, EV charging stations, surge protection, ceiling fans, and indoor and outdoor lighting. We have expert plumbers too. Our plumbers perform piping and repiping of sewer, water, and gas lines. We clean drains. Our team also installs kitchen and bathroom fixtures, water heaters, water filtration and softening systems, and leak detection equipment. Contact us today with any questions or to schedule an appointment.