Technology and HVAC Systems

Oct 12, 2018Blog

In a lot of ways, technology has done a lot of things for us and has constantly improved our lives.

It has integrated into the way we live, innovated the way we communicate, and improved our quality of life. There is almost no exception to the improvement that technology has done. Even HVAC systems have been blessed by the refinement only technology can provide.

This article will explain that. We all know how impactful the constant change of technology is.

But do we know how it specifically impacted the HVAC system? Because of technology, we are able to experience the service of a high-performance HVAC and many more.

This article will look into HVAC systems, how an HVAC system has improved throughout the years, how technology is integrated to our HVAC systems, and any other relevant information to establish the idea that technology is indeed beneficial to the HVAC system.

 

What is an HVAC system?

Technology and HVAC Systems

Commonly abbreviated as HVAC, a Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning System perform the basic function of adjusting the ambient temperature in residential, industrial, and commercial buildings. The mechanical system design of the HVAC system primarily attempts to take control of the environmental conditions in a certain space or room.

Aside from providing cool or warm air, an HVAC system is also used to filter out interior airborne contaminants and replace them with treated fresh air. A properly maintained HVAC system provides you with a comfortable living and workplace environment.

However, the HVAC system wasn’t always this complex and helpful. In the first few years after it was invented, the HVAC system consisted of fairly simple mechanics, simple controls, and simple functions.

But, because of constant improvements in technology, we are now able to experience functions more than just simply cooling or warming the air.

 

HVAC System Improvement

Invented in 1970, the first ever ductless air conditioner raised a lot of eyebrows. They were not received warmly by the United States and in some densely populated cities in Asia.

Companies like Carrier offered ductless air conditioners as an alternative to standard portable wall A/C units. In the late 1970s the federal government made its first investment in HVAC research.

This was primarily driven by the energy crisis of that year. It was also this year that solar power become a a viable energy source for HVAC systems.

The Heat Pump Design Model is invented in 1978 at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Because of this invention, the heating and cooling mechanism are made easier.

Moreover, significant improvements in HVAC became more possible.

The SEER or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio was adapted as the main measure of energy for the HVAC system. This is the first national standard for any HVAC system energy efficiency.

This became really helpful in measuring how efficient an HVAC system is in terms of energy. It is still used up to this day with a few changes.

In the 1990s, HVAC manufacturers like Carrier and Honeywell went beyond their research and decided to go further in their search for more environmentally friendly coolants. Carrier introduced a new HVAC system with no ozone depleting chemicals.

Drastic improvements in HVAC coolants became prevalent as more and more environmentally friendly coolants are invented and innovated every year. This goes to show how technology is well integrated into the HVAC system without sacrificing efficiency and safety.

New technology in refrigerants and coolants in 2005 dramatically improved the quality of HVAC systems. Since 1993, the energy efficiency of HVAC systems has improved by up to 30 percent.

Because of its availability and the service it provides, almost 86 percent of Americans nowadays have air conditioning in their homes. This is a great rise from only just 10 percent in 1965.

2010 marked a memorable milestone for the HVAC system as it first connects to the IOT or the Internet of Things. HVAC manufacturers claimed that the HVAC system would greatly benefit from the Internet once it connects and several technological advancements are made.

Only recently, technological innovations in the HVAC system can be seen. Now, you can easily monitor and adjust your systems from your phones.

The US Department of Energy are now researching about non-vapor compression technologies for the HVAC system. If this research is successful, this would mean that HVAC systems won’t rely on coolants for chilled air.

An estimated 50 percent would be reduced from the average energy use from a typical HVAC system.

From its humble beginnings, the HVAC system has advanced a lot and went through countless changes and innovations. More innovation is expected and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for the HVAC system.

For more detailed information about HVAC systems, click here.