How the HVAC Industry is Becoming Greener

Across the country and around the world, businesses are getting greener. Efforts to become more environmentally friendly and widen societal contribution can significantly improve a company’s image. The trend toward a more earth-friendly way of doing business by reducing waste, conserving energy, and emitting less harmful greenhouse gases is being echoed across an increasing number of industries.

Here are seven ways in which the HVAC industry is becoming greener.

1. Using Recycled Materials

Using recycled duct tape in the HVAC industry contributes to sustainability. Eco-friendly materials, such as recycled denim fabric, are being used in place of materials that contain irritants or other health hazards. When properly manufactured and applied, the recycled version of duct tape can be just as effective at acoustic and thermal insulation as conventional duct tape.

2. Smart Technology

Today’s green HVAC systems are equipped with smart sensors that monitor room temperature and other essential energy metrics. The data can be accessed using a smartphone app, allowing real-time data monitoring of energy consumption. A smart technology system can also pinpoint where energy is being wasted, signaling when an adjustment to consumption patterns is needed to avoid high energy bills.

3. Analytics

Smart technology, including the Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, data transmission, and data analysis, is spreading rapidly among electric and water utility companies. Energy analysis software can assist in revealing system leaks and vulnerabilities. Discovering these heating and cooling inefficiencies allows for system adjustments to improve energy conservation.

4. HVAC Zoning

HVAC zoning involves dividing homes or businesses into separate zones to control heating and cooling efficiently. Using a zoning technique creates a green HVAC ecosystem and is an effective strategy for reducing or eliminating energy waste.

5. Installing a Dual Fuel Heat Pump

Homeowners can maximize comfort by installing a dual fuel heat pump in their HVAC systems. This device automatically activates a backup furnace when the room temperature drops to an uncomfortable level. While this solution requires a higher upfront cost than a typical HVAC system, it provides long-term energy and cost savings. A dual fuel heat pump is a particularly useful concept for commercial buildings.

6. Integrating with Renewable Energy

One of the most common ways utility companies are becoming greener is by broadening their renewable energy sources. While most utility companies still draw most of their power from fossil fuels, solar and wind power are steadily being incorporated into the mix of energy production. The increasing variety of renewable energy resources may allow homeowners to heat and cool their homes in a more environmentally sustainable way, without the necessity of installing solar panels.

Combining solar panels with a new HVAC system that meets modern building codes can provide significant cost savings to consumers while also reducing carbon emissions. Utilities are increasingly turning to renewable energy for backup power when there are shortages in conventional energy sources. Cities across the country are planning to adopt a combination of smart technology and renewable energy during the next decade.

Geothermal energy is another renewable resource that can effectively warm a home or swimming pool using heat from the ground. Surprisingly, it can be used for cooling as well. Geothermal heating and cooling can be up to eight times more efficient than conventional systems.

Also read: How to choose an HVAC contractor

7. Merging Modern and Historical Cooling Methods

Long before the advent of electrically powered cooling systems, ice was shipped to communities and stored in large icehouses. Today, this simple cooling system is making a comeback as the HVAC industry continues to find ways to go green. It involves freezing water in a tank during off-peak periods, then switching the cooling mode during peak hours so that water from the melting ice circulates through the system to provide cooling. This type of cooling solution is usually integrated with a conventional modern HVAC system.

The future of green HVAC is being propelled forward by smart technology, renewable energy, and recycling. If you would like to know more about making your home safer and more sustainable, please do not hesitate to contact the experts at Artisan Insurance Solutions. Our dedicated team is ready to assist you with all your coverage needs today.