Greener, Smarter HVAC Systems Are Hotter Than Ever
The world of home comfort is changing and greener, smarter HVAC systems are taking over the market. Check out these big changes.
Greenspeed Intelligence for HVAC Systems
Greenspeed Intelligence is achieved by pairing a compatible Infinity gas furnace or heat pump with the Infinity control system. Together, these features provide adaptable-speed control. This allows your furnace or heat pump to operate anywhere between 40 and 100 percent capacity to suit your home’s needs. The system automatically selects the capacity that’s most energy efficient while still meeting your comfort needs.
These systems operate longer but use lower and steadier capacities to maximize energy efficiency. Using this technology, the Infinity 20 heat pump is as much as 69 percent more efficient than other 3-ton ducted air source heat pumps.
Infinity Thermostat Controls Provide In-Depth Control
Infinity thermostats take smart home climate control to a new level. These sleek thermostats control up to eight different zones in your home, so you don’t waste energy heating and cooling unused spaces. Maintain the ideal comfort levels in every area, and change those temperatures as needed throughout the day. These thermostats offer 7-day programming so you can set your home to automatically adjust with your schedule.
This smart system offers a wealth of information, including:
- 5-day weather forecast
- Energy use in real time
- Indoor air quality monitors
- Airflow percentages for each zone
- Four adjustable programming periods throughout the day
- Filter replacement reminders
- Maintenance reminders
WiFi capability allows you to control the system from the Internet. Control your HVAC settings from the comfort of your bed or the convenience of your office. These greener, smarter HVAC systems give you supreme control.
Geothermal Systems Are Harnessing New Energy Sources
Geothermal energy is a clean and renewable energy source that comes from heat stored beneath the earth’s surface. Geothermal energy can be sourced from water and ground. Geothermal heat pumps channel the earth’s consistent warmth as an energy source. Even when temperatures are cold above ground, geothermal energy remains fairly consistent.
Geothermal heat pumps use a ground heat exchanger to supply homes with warm air and even hot water in winter. In summer, the system works in reverse, removing heat from indoor air and sending it through the heat exchanger. This heat can even be used to provide hot water to the home in warm weather months.
Environmentally Friendly Refrigerants Rule
The industry standard in refrigerants was once R-22. Unfortunately, R-22 is hazardous to the environment. The Clean Air Act prohibited the manufacture of new systems that use R-22 in 2010, so today’s new installations are all greener, smarter HVAC systems. By 2020, the production of R-22 will cease so dated systems that still rely this particular refrigerant will have to be upgraded.
Products receive two important ratings that will help you understand their environmental impact. The Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) explains a product’s impact on the ozone layer. The lower this number, the better. Look for refrigerants with an ODP of less than 1.
The Global Warming Potential (GWP) measures the impact the refrigerant has on global warming. This is usually calculated over a 100-year period. The lower the GWP, the better.
Maintenance for Energy Efficiency
Maintenance is essential to maximize energy efficiency with any system. Smart systems can assist by reminding you when it’s time for routine maintenance, but every product needs a little help from an HVAC professional.
Changing the air filter in your HVAC system is one of the easiest and most important things you can do to improve efficiency. No matter what type of filter you have, clean or change it at least every three months and usually once a month for best results.
A smart thermostat will help you minimize energy usage, but this system only works when you take the time to program it correctly. Set your thermostat to coincide with your schedule so your home uses less heating and cooling while you’re away. Remember to update your setting seasonally, keeping the home slightly warmer in summer and cooler in winter.
Learn more about greener, smart HVAC systems available at Keith Air Conditioning, Inc. or contact us today at 251-476-3610 to schedule an appointment for your Mobile home!