HVAC Future Trends

October 10, 2014 by HVAC Expert

Future Trends for HVAC Industry
By Betty Stephens

HVAC technology is constantly changing due to new discoveries and influences outside the industry. As recently as this century, central, indoor climate control was available to only a privileged few. Today, even central air-conditioning in homes is common in the U.S. Improvements occurred through a number of factors such as technical, market changes, energy and environmental concerns, and political decisions. Changes continue to occur and they benefit of our customers and are our part of our future.
Environment:
The environment has possibly had more influence on HVAC technology than has energy. The environment will continue to impact the industry into the foreseeable future.
Policies regarding climate change have also directly impacted our industry. As we design and operate more energy-efficient equipment and systems, we use less energy, energy that, in many cases, comes from burning CO2-producing fossil fuels.
The environment will continue to impact the industry. The industry has proven that it can respond in a timely way. As new environmentally friendly products are developed, those products are also more energy efficient. Adopting new technologies and supporting research will help our industry meet the challenges of the future.
User-Friendly Controls
While smart, Wi-Fi-connected thermostats promise significantly increased energy efficiency, the real draw for homeowners seems to be how easy the interfaces are to operate. Take the Nest Learning thermostat, for example. It is programmed by the user to remember his preferred temperature settings. If the user prefers the thermostat to kick in a faster, warmer temperature, on cold, wintery mornings, the Nest thermostat will store that information and adjust the temperature accordingly. The thermostat also monitors temperature with humidity and activity sensors, and it can determine regional climate by the user punching in their zip code
Wireless-controlled thermostats present HVAC data in a language that contemporary consumers understand. Homeowners are accustomed to easily digestible, visual representations of information and data. The reporting tools that smart systems include take the mystery and obscurity out of an industry that has been thriving on overall complacency from its customers.

DEVap Air Conditioning
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) developed the DEVap (desiccant-enhanced evaporative air conditioner) in 2011 and estimates that it reduces air conditioning energy usage by 40-90 percent. So far, DEVap is found primarily in commercial buildings, and the technology is so new that it’s difficult to find for residential use. But, given how promising the innovation seems, and how cost-effective it has already proven to be, and is anticipated great gains in the future.
Zero Energy Buildings
Zero-energy buildings that produce energy instead of just using large quantities will gain traction with companies that target eco-friendly employees and consumers. Many businesses are already headed in this direction with geothermal heating and cooling, solar-powered systems, and white roofing. If HVAC manufacturers can work to design structures that are both energy efficient and comfortable for their residents, we’re sure to see some fresh companies take on the challenge.
Variable Refrigerant Flow Systems
A popular trend in Eastern markets, variable refrigerant flow (VRF) is the future of the HVAC industry. Though US market have yet to reach the demand experienced abroad, VRF systems are establishing their place as in-demand items for housing and commercial cooling needs. Simple and elegant in design, VRF systems connect an outside condensing unit to several fan coil units throughout the building. Each coil and evaporator in the system can be controlled individually to reduce waste from over-allocated resources. The shift will stimulate job growth and overall economic development throughout the HVAC sector that will continue well into the coming years.
Career Trends
Current industry trends indicate a future growth rate of nearly 28% nationwide. This trend is predicted to continue until 2018, a total period of researching and studying 10-year industry trends beginning in 2008. Studies have revealed that once the results of that research and those studies are complete, there will be nearly 395,000 individuals who make their living in the HVAC industry, and choose to make this their lifelong career Choice. The rate of change in our industry will be exponential. Some changes will be caused by improvements in technology whereas others will be the result of influences outside our immediate control. As engineers, we have an obligation to be proactive in encouraging changes that are of benefit to the society we serve. This in turn will have direct benefit to our industry and to each of us individually.

In Summary
Building Management Systems and air-conditioning controls systems will develop to become:

• Intelligent self-learning systems that measure the performance characteristics for the building and its systems for different ambient and occupancy conditions and using thermal modelling technology are able to operate the buildings systems to provide the require conditions whilst minimizing energy consumption and plant wear and tear.

• Self-checking systems that are able to eliminate the fly by wire problems that many systems suffer from, which the head end computer is thinking one thing is happening however in the field the actuality is very different.

• Self-diagnosing systems that are able to determine fault conditions analyses the cause and report or even rectify the condition, systems that are able to recognize fault situations that are resulting in excess energy consumption or unacceptable equipment wear and report.

• Systems with seamless remote access, diagnosis and control functionality.

• Systems with the flexibility to take advantage of wireless technology and the onboard intelligence that is already starting to be installed in items of central plant

Portable A/C & Spot Cooling Units

June 10, 2014 by HVAC Expert

Portable A/C Units/Spot Cooling By Betty Stephens

Portable Air Conditioner or Spot Cooler
A spot cooler is a portable, self-contained air conditioner used to cool a space. The entire unit is portable and can be moved to another space, if needed. The spot coolers are completely self-contained and do not have condensing units that need to be installed outside, like at the house.

Air-cooled portable air conditioning systems are most often the system of choice for end-users and industry professionals. The fact that air cooled portable air conditioning units can be installed almost anywhere – usually in minutes – explains their popularity. They can be used for temporary cooling as needed.

Spot cooling products can go with you in the yard while doing landscaping or gardening and in the garage for cooling home projects. Factories and warehouses benefit from the extremely low operational cost (less than $1.00 per day) of these powerful units, while keeping workers cool, thus increasing productivity and employee comfort.

Spot/Portable air conditioner systems are often used to provide cooling relief outdoors and at events. Units are entirely self-contained, enabling quick and easy set-up, installation and breakdown at all events. The portable air conditioners are both ETL listed for outdoor use. This ensures safe cooling under strong sunlight and high humid conditions.

 Brings outdoor cooling to areas area thought impossible to air condition.
 Spot cooler can produce a comfortable environment, even in the hottest and stickiest of seasons.
 Protect participants from the dangers of extreme heat during events.

The Dallas Cowboys were the first NFL football team to use portable units for their summer workouts and the early season games at Texas Stadium. Some claim that, “Thanks to portable cooling that the Cowboys won the Super bowl! This, of course, is not a claim that can be proven, but may not be too far from reality.

The same is true for athletes in training, construction work, and numerous other jobs in warehouses, factories and work areas where the temperature is hot. Working in a cool environment improves the efficiency of workers. Employees stay more alert and become less tired.

Manufacturers Portable/Spot Air Conditioner Units

Portable Air Conditioner prices run from $299 to $3,194.00.Manufacturers are:

• Fedders Corporation
Manufacturer of air treatment products, including air conditioners, air cleaners, dehumidifiers and humidifiers, and thermal technology products.

• Cool-Off
Offers outdoor misting fans, misters, patio cooling systems, and high pressure misting systems.

• Cold Air Products
Manufacturer of portable air conditioners and spot coolers, available for rental or purchase.

• MovinCool
Portable air conditioner, providing cooling solutions for heat problems.

• Heatbusters
Manufactures portable air conditioners.

• Aermec Spa
Air conditioning systems.

• Alen Corporation
Manufacturer of HEPA air purifiers and large capacity portable air conditioners for residential use.

• Advanced Misting Systems
Manufactures outdoor cooling and misting systems, dust and odor control systems, portable fans, and garden accessories.

• Kwikool
Manufactures water and air cooled portable air conditioning systems.

• Air Rover
Manufacturer of portable A/C units and spot cooling systems 1-20 ton capacities.

• AirPac
AirPac manufactures, sells, and rents portable air conditioners, spot coolers, and commercial portable heaters.

• Adapt, Inc.
Supplier and manufacturer of portable air conditioning and spot cooling supplies.

• Portatemp USA Inc.
Manufacturer and vender of air conditioners and split system units.

• MaxPower
Manufactures CoolCube 10 portable air conditioning products for computer rooms, warehouses, and outdoor events that can stand alone, stack, or be mounted on a rack or ceiling.

• Innovative Portable Air Conditioners
HVAC wholesale distributors of portable room air conditioners.

• Crawford Equipment
Manufactures and distributes portable air conditioning solutions worldwide.

• Spot Coolers
Spot Coolers provides temporary and emergency air conditioning for people, equipment, and processes.

Split Ductless System

September 21, 2013 by HVAC Expert

Split Ductless Systems
By Betty Stephens

A ductless air conditioner, also called a mini-split system, has two major components: a unit mounted on an inside wall that delivers cool air to the room and a unit mounted on the outside of the house. A pair of refrigerant lines that runs between the two systems one delivering electricity, the other one taking away condensate. The system also has thermostatic control and a variable quiet blower.

A split system has several advantages over a traditional window unit, first and foremost a thermostat that can keep the room at a constant, comfortable temperature instead of blasting on and off. Also, you don’t have to move a spilt system in and out of the window as the seasons change, and you don’t have the open-window security concerns of a moveable unit.

The rapid growth in recent years of duct-free air conditioning systems in the U.S. has been impressive. In a contracting unitary market, Ductless mini-split style systems are very common in major markets in Asia and Europe; they have not made significant penetration into the United States. In spite of the recent growth in the U.S. market, they still only represent around 5 percent of the U.S. unitary air conditioning market. This low penetration is probably due to the huge installed base of larger U.S.-style homes and businesses that already have ductwork in place.
Also, with the decline of new construction in the U.S., air conditioning purchases have been dominated by system replacements. And when an air conditioner needs to be replaced, it is usually easier and less expensive to continue using the existing ductwork and just replace the system with a traditional outdoor unit and indoor coil or air handler. Still, there are obviously some situations where ductless solutions make sense.

Duct-free air conditioning provides good, economically sound solutions for smaller spaces which have no existing ductwork, and sales of these systems into U.S. applications will likely continue to grow to meet this demand. The top concerns about duct-free systems are indoor airflow and air quality, ease of service/troubleshooting for technicians, higher-than-expected costs and some concerns about general appearance.

Components
A ductless mini split has three main components:
1. Outdoor condensing unit.
2. Indoor air handler/evaporator.
3. Conduit (3″-4″ diameter) housing a power cable, refrigerant tubing and a condensation drain.
The condenser is installed outside the home or structure and the conduit is run from the outdoor unit to individual offices, bedrooms, living rooms, computer/server rooms, basements, anywhere a controlled temperature is desired. Wall-mounted interior units are then placed in the desired spaces to cool or warm air as needed by means of refrigerant flowing between the outdoor and indoor units through tubing in the conduit.
Ductless systems manage environments individually with remote, handheld thermostats that control the temperature and air flow for each room. The heating or cooling is directed precisely where it’s needed, with less energy wasted to heat or cool empty areas. This capability also means temperatures can be set according to individual preference, with each room warmer or cooler than the other…
Common Applications
Over half of all the ductless systems installed were 1.5 hp and below (less than 22,000 Btuh) and the majority were 2 hp and below (less than 27,000 Btuh). Over two-thirds of all ductless installations are done with single evaporator models. Approximately 85 percent of all ductless systems are probably installed in commercial applications. The most common ductless mini-split applications in the U.S. would typically be those going into single space, commercial buildings and, to a lesser extent, some suitable ductless applications in small residential spaces such as those involving room additions or smaller, zoned apartments.
Issues
Units can be difficult to install, and it’s harder to find qualified professionals to do the work, as most are used to putting in duct systems. Second, Ductless split air conditioning units have leaks. There are leaks that occur, which are hard to fix. Third, it’s important to purchase the right sized unit, as a unit that is too small will not effectively cool the home and one that is too large will not remove enough moisture.
Cost
The price of ductless split air conditioner units range from around $1,500 to $5,000, depending on the BTU and overall efficiency. These units typically cost $1,500 to $2,000 per ton (12,000 BTU per hour). The overall cost of the unit will depend on the square footage that is needed to cool and the type of efficiency needed. Choosing to get a high-efficient air conditioner, such as a SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) brand, costs more money for the actual system, but saves money on energy bills.

EPA Regulations on R22 / SEER Ratings

June 15, 2013 by HVAC Expert

EPA Regulations on R-22 / SEER Ratings
By Betty Stephens of Quest Media

The EPA has begun phasing out the production of R-22 and has banned the production of HVAC equipment that uses R-22 in compliance with Title VI of the Clean Air Act. The refrigerant that replaces R-22 is R-410A. R-410A is an HFC refrigerant blend with common trade names such as GENETRON AZ-20®, SUVA 410A®, Forane® 410A, and Puron®.
R-22 will be manufactured on a limited basis after this year and after 2020 will not be manufactured after… The EPA suggests that contractors to recycle and rescue as much R-22 to be used to continue to service existing units…
R-410A requires more pressure to cool, so therefore it requires new compressor and piping. Both the outside and inside unit must be replaced and current piping would need to be flushed with a special chemical.
The use of R-410A, as opposed to R-22, does not affect the HVAC unit’s energy efficiency. The energy efficiency is determined by a system’s SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio). As of 2006, the minimum SEER rating allowed to be manufactured in the U.S. is a 13 which is 30% more efficient than a 10 rating. To receive the ENERGY STAR, a system must have a minimum 14 SEER rating. Currently, you can find a residential split-system with a SEER rating of 20 or more, but at a substantial cost over the standard SEER 13 units.
Systems with R-22 may find as the manufacturing of the product is reduced, the supply becoming difficult to find. “Also the price of R-22 is rising. Although the continued use of existing appliances with R-22 is not banned nor is the EPA mandating all R-22 equipment be converted, that is a factor that a homeowner should take into consideration when faced with repairing or replacing their system. More factors to take into consideration are the cost, energy efficiency, reliability, and performance. The life span of the outside condensing unit is usually around 15 years and the furnace around 20 years.
To learn more click the following link for EPA’s phase out of R-22 and R142b:

http://http://www.epa.gov/Ozone/title6/downloads/homeownerbrochure.pdf

Contamination Test Kit

May 24, 2011 by HVAC Expert

Refrigerant Moisture / Compressor Oil Acid Contamination Detection Test Kit

If a HVAC technician tells you he needs to test your refrigerant or compressor oil he will mostly be referring to a test and using a similar kit and methods as shown in the video below.

This is valuable information about the health of your air conditioning system. If you had a compressor failure, and got a test result that showed a high acid reading it would indicate a burn out. A high acid or moisture reading in the refrigerant would mean a clean up would need to be performed on the remaining system componenents before installing the new compressor or condensing unit.

Watch Video Below for Demo.

Heat Pumps

May 18, 2011 by HVAC Expert

Heat Pumps are so misunderstood.

I looked and searched for information to help me explain how a heat pump works. One source I went to was Carrier’s web site, they invented air conditioning after all. Under heat pumps it says, “For more on heat pumps go to E-Hows web site.” Carrier was right. It is the best and most complete information on and about heat pumps I have seen.

So for information on:

What is a Heat Pump? How Does It Work? What Climates Does It Work Best In? Can I Use It If I Have Gas? What About SEER?

All those things I planned to answer for you… Link below:
http://www.ehow.com/how-does_4564424_heat-pump-work.html

Pictures courstey of Google Images.