Home heating and cooling technology has evolved considerably over the course of centuries, and that technology is still progressing today. What advancements have been made in home comfort this century? Here’s a bit of HVAC history from the last 5-10 years, to see how home comfort has improved.
Smart Thermostats
The early 2010s saw advancements that allowed us to equip any device with an Internet connection. The Internet of Things used an online app to let you set your coffee pot, turn on a light, check your refrigerator, and more.
This included HVAC systems too. In 2011, a smart thermostat was released that let you control your HVAC system from anywhere in the world. Not only could you turn the system on and off using your phone, the thermostat could monitor local weather conditions and adjust accordingly, alert you to potential issues with the unit, and even send you regular updates on its energy usage and how it could be improved. This smart technology can help you use your system more efficiently, fix problems, and save energy without sacrificing comfort.
Coolant Alternatives
Another recent milestone in HVAC history involves advancements in cooling technology itself. In 2015, the Department of Energy began researching non-vapor compression alternatives for use in air conditioners. Most current A/C units use a liquid refrigerant, which is evaporated into vapor, compressed, and condensed into liquid again, over and over.
A new method of cooling the air could eliminate the need for refrigerants, saving significant amounts of energy and improving the environment. Some of the potential refrigerant alternatives include shape memory alloys which release signifiacnt amounts of heat when they change form, magnetic fields that can transfer heat to their dipoles, and heat pumps with water permeable membranes that cool using evaporation.
Only time will tell which solution will emerge as the most practical and efficient. Rest assured, though, that history is being made, and the future of HVAC is just around the corner.
To learn about other advancements in HVAC history, contact us at Ace Hardware Home Services. We provide quality home comfort solutions to the Dayton area.
