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

Lowe’s Nest Learning Thermostat

October 20, 2013 by HVAC Expert

Lowes’ Nest Thermostat
By Betty Stephens

The Nest Learning Thermostat goes beyond this simple temperature detection to make a real impact in your HVAC energy consumption. A thermostat controls almost half one’s energy bill more than TVs, computers, appliances and lighting combined, but a lot of that energy is wasted. A properly programmed thermostat can cut your heating and cooling bills by 20%. The problem is 89% of thermostats are rarely or never programmed. Nest also makes it incredibly easy to adjust your schedule. You can add, edit or remove set points in seconds from the Nest thermostat or the web and mobile apps.

The Nest Learning Thermostat is simple. Nest works with its owners’ lives because Nest doesn’t need to be programmed: It remembers your temperature adjustments and programs itself. When you turn the temperature up or down, Nest remembers what you like and automatically creates a schedule for you. As your life or the weather changes, that schedule automatically adjusts as Nest learns your new preferences.

Features like Auto-Away and Airwave automatically save energy. The Nest thermostat tells you when you’re choosing an energy-efficient temperature or exactly how long it’ll take to reach the temperature you want. Most people can install it themselves in about 30 minutes.
Saves Energy
The Nest Thermostat saves energy by using the following tools:
Auto-Schedule: Turn it up when you’re cold, down when you’re hot. Nest will remember the temperatures you like and learn your schedule. And as your life changes, Nest’s schedule will automatically adapt.
Auto-Away: Nest senses when you’re gone and turns itself to an energy-saving temperature that you choose during setup.

Energy History and Energy Report: Nest shows you exactly when your system was on and what affects your bill the most.

Nest Leaf: The Nest Leaf appears when you turn Nest to an energy-saving temperature or make an efficient choice in Nest’s settings.

System Match: Nest uses SystemMatch to adapt to your system and activates features to maximize your comfort and savings.
Airwave: Airwave automatically turns off the air conditioner (A/C) a few minutes early, but keeps the fan running. The air stays cool, but you’re A/C runtime drops 30%.

Wi-Fi
You can connect the Nest thermostat to your home’s Wi-Fi network to control it from your iPhone, Android smartphone, iPad or computer. Software updates are loaded automatically as it stays connected to the Wi-Fi.
Who Is Behind the Nest Thermostat?
So, who is the brains behind Nest? Would you believe it’s the same brilliant mind behind the iPod and iPhone? Prior to 2008, Tony Fadell was a legend at Apple. Fadell is the father of the iPod, having led the Apple team that had developed the first 18 generations of the iPod and the first three generations of the iPhone.
After he retired in 2008, Fadell concentrated on building his new house in Lake Tahoe. It was during that time that Fadell, who owns more than 100 patents, had an innovative idea to improve the thermostat. He took that vision to his former colleague Matt Rogers, who was responsible for iPod software development. Seeing value in the idea, Rogers joined Fadell in nurturing it to fruition.

WiFi Thermostats

April 18, 2013 by HVAC Expert

WI-FI THERMOSTATS

By Betty Stephens owner of Quest Media

Now you can buy a Wi-Fi thermostat” (or “ip thermostat”, “internet thermostat”, etc.) which allows you to control your thermostat settings remotely, it can be controlled from a computer or even your iPhone or Smartphone!

With the use of smartphones and laptops now there are ways to put them to work for us in controlling our thermostats. Many companies are putting resources toward creating home wireless thermostats that can be controlled with a Smartphone or computer. Now you can adjust the temperature even when you’re away from home, allowing you to control your heating and air conditioning temperatures and save money no matter where you are. Scheduling when to heat or cool your home is environmentally friendly, saves you money and is easy to do.

The easiest way to reduce your energy bills is to lower your thermostat when the house is empty. For people who work most of the day, set your thermostat much lower (or higher for cooling) during the hours you are gone. Then have a more comfortable temperature kick in about half an hour before you arrive home.

The Wi-Fi thermostat allows you to schedule heating and cooling using a connection to the Internet from a home broadband connection, Utilities can also operate demand response programs through the thermostat, where consumers get a rebate for allowing the utility to change thermostat settings to lower energy use during peak times.

The hope is that easy-to-use Smartphone and tablet apps, which let people remotely, control their heating and cooling, will increase the participation in efficiency and demand response programs. The arrival of popular Wi-Fi thermostat and apps to program thermostats helps make them more consumer-friendly.

Once properly installed, the radio transmitter chip inside the thermostat allows you to connect to your laptop or iPhone using your Wi-Fi network. You are then able to control the thermostat remotely. Even with the thermostats technical advances, it works with all modern central air conditioning units, making it compatible with your home no matter how old.

Wi-Fi Thermostats Features

Here are some features you should look for when installing a Wi-Fi thermostat:

Scheduling & Programming:

A top-ranking Wi-Fi thermostat should be able to schedule a variety of preferred temperatures based on several weekly or daily programs, such as a seven-day schedule or a weekday and weekend program.

Design:

The best Wi-Fi thermostats have a sleek, modern look and are easily integrated into most home designs. Top-ranking thermostats have a touch screen display.

Features:

The best Wi-Fi thermostats have advanced features, such as multiple heating and cooling stages, vacation features, a clock, a humidity sensor, an outside temperature display, and compatibility with a mobile app. It offers internet connectivity via Wi-Fi, mobile apps for remote management, and “learning” features that let it auto-program itself based on your habits.

Warranty & Support:

The best Wi-Fi thermostats are backed by a strong warranty. Manufacturers should offer FAQs, online support forums, and installation documents and other helps on their websites.

Costs

The Wi-Fi thermostat tends to be expensive. They retails from $200 to $500 depending on the model and features you want. Some models require a professional contractor to come and install so they can get expensive. Almost any smart thermostat will require more money at the outset than a simple programmable model. Some are designed so you can install them yourself.

Are programmable thermostats worth the cost?

June 1, 2011 by HVAC Expert

Programmable Thermostats

Q: Tammy I’m a single guy and don’t spend much time at home, would it be worth it for me to have a programmable thermostat installed?

A: I should just pinch your hinny hard for asking such a question. A programmable thermostat is ideal for people who are away from home a lot or have a set schedule. According to the Department of Energy you would save about 10% on your heating and cooling bill which is around $180 on an average home per year.

There are several different types and styles. You can program for five to seven days depending on your schedule. You can program for energy savings temperatures while you are away and asleep. The new digital screens are easy to program and read. I have the latest and greatest in my house with a remote control that even tells me the outdoor temperature, humidity and when to change my air filter. My recommendation is Honeywell products for their longevity and reliability.

Know before you buy:

You can buy programmable thermostats on line, or at your local home improvement store. They do come with installation instructions and many have live tech support if you need help. You may need to purchase according to the type of heating and cooling system you have (gas, electric, heat pump or single or two stage), because that effects your wiring. Some thermostats will work with any type of system; you just need to program and wire accordingly. Be sure to read the box carefully before you purchase.

Price Matters:

This is where you get what you pay for. The cheaper the thermostat, the fewer features you will get possibly making it less user friendly and not as accurate. Some manufacturers do not sell their top models to the public, only to contractors. However, contractors and technicians install these thermostats and program them every day so they may give you access to a better selection and save you some aggravation depending on how handy you are.

Kisses!

Tammy Technician

(Picture courtsey of Google Images.)

Proper Disposal of Mercury-Containing Thermostat

May 2, 2011 by HVAC Expert

So you just went to the big box home improvement store, bought a new programmable thermostat, installed it yourself. Only had to call the help line once, used less swear words than the kids swing set project and you can’t wait to see your next electric bill. Good Job! Helping to save the environment.

But wait! Don’t break the law. You can’t just throw your old mercury-containing thermostat in the trash or recycle bin. Even if it is not illegal in your state, please be environmentally responsible. When these thermostats are dumped into landfills the mercury glass bulbs become broken. Mercury then seeps into the ground water contaminating the underground aquifers which flow to creeks, rivers, and lakes and even sometimes become drinking water causing health problems for humans, fish and other wildlife.

To find a drop off site in the U.S.

WWW.thermostat-recycle.com/

To find a drop off site in Canada

WWW.switchthestat.ca/eng/dropoff.php/

Pictures courtsey of Google Images.