Shifting Your HVAC System To Green Technology Pt2

Reasons Why You Should Switch To Green HVAC Technology

Custom Cooling And Heating In Multiple Zones

If you are looking for the ultimate in cooling and heating zones, you should look at a Variable Refrigerant Flow system. This is green HVAC technology that uses small air handlers which are individually controlled but make up a full system. The VRF of the main system will detect the requirements for each zone and will control the amount of refrigerant that flows to each of the air handlers.

This type of system will be able to deliver green cooling and heating. In fact, this system could do both at the same time. Unlike other traditional systems, the compressor of these units will provide the right amount of cooling required for the conditions of smaller zones. This means that the system runs less frequently and at a lower capacity which is what makes it energy efficient.

The green HVAC technology which is used will also capture heat from the cooling process and redirect this to the areas in the property that require heat. The small indoor air handlers are also quieter than a traditional split system.

Readily Available Solar Power

Solar energy is probably the most well known green technology with rooftop-mounted systems and solar farms being prominent. Solar panels will contain photovoltaic materials which cover sunlight into electricity. This electricity can be used for lighting, heating, and cooling.

The installation of a solar energy system can be expensive, but there are tax rebates as well as other incentives which can be used to reduce the initial costs. There are also some less expensive systems which make use of liquid and air to absorb the energy of the sun and transfer it to the heating of a building.

Geothermal Is Not Just For Icelanders

Iceland is the pioneer of geothermal energy and this is no surprise when you consider their volcanoes and geysers. The country uses this type of energy in around 87% of buildings to ensure that they are heated. However, this is an energy source that is not only available for Icelanders and it is a viable option for people in the US as well.

Geothermal systems will take advantage of the constant temperature found a few feet below the surface of the Earth to provide heating and cooling. The system requires a geothermal heat pump and looping piping which is underground and contains either a refrigerant or water. In the cold months, the fluid in the pipes will get heat from the ground and transfer this into the air of the building. In the summer, the process will be reversed with the heat traveling out of the house and into the ground.

There is an added bonus to this system and that is the creation of hot water. It is important to note that these systems will use electricity, but they are still more energy efficient than other types of technology.

AC On Ice

A new green HVAC technology that you should know about is an ice-powered air conditioner. This will not only cool the air, it will also reduce the amount of energy you use.

The AC unit will freeze large amounts of water during the night. During the hottest [art of the next day, the ice will be used by the unit instead of a compressor to cool the refrigerant. This will reduce the electricity that is used by the cooling system. As the ice melts, the normal AC system will start to kick in while the water to reused and frozen overnight.

It is important to note that this AC unit will use electricity. However, the combination of the cooling and the cost saving is likely to make this green HVAC technology popular as it starts to become available to the general public.

Bringing Your Radiator Into The 21st Century

Heating systems which use hot water flowing through the pipes and providing heat are nothing new. However, a much better green technology will be the hydronic heating system.

This modern system will use a liquid, which could be antifreeze, water or another liquid, to run through plastic tubing. The tubing can run under the floors, through baseboards, radiators or another heating exchange. The heat will then be transferred via radiation, convection or conduction depending on the system design. The boiler used to heat the liquid can run on geothermal power or solar power instead of fossil fuels to make it greener.

AC Man is a professional HVAC repair company in Houston, TX. We offer both commercial and residential HVAC services. Give us a call today to speak with a professional HVAC repair technician, or check our services. Click here to proceed to the first issue of this article.

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Shifting Your HVAC System To Green Technology Pt1

9 Reasons To Switch To Green HVAC Technology

Heating and cooling accounts for at least 56% of a typical home’s energy usage. This is according to research conducted by the U.S Department of Energy. These figures can, however, change depending on the household’s energy needs, with some commercial building registering up to 73% of energy usage. These figures should be a real cause for concern considering how much you have to pay for the same. Switching to a greener, more efficient, HVAC technology can, however, help keep the bills on the low, as well as reduce your carbon footprint. This applies to both commercial and residential property owners.

Outlined below are 9 good reasons why you need/should embrace the green HVAC technology.

1. Tax Savings

Under the 2018 federal law, switching to a newer green HVAC system can give you a tax break on the same. While this will depend on the system in question, you could save up to $5000 worth of tax break from installing these systems. This not helps bring down energy bills but also takes care of the cost of replacing the older HVAC system.

2. R22 In Air Conditioners Will Soon Be Illegal

R22 is the standard refrigerant used in most air conditioning and heat pump systems. This ozone-depleting refrigerant is however due to being phased out, come 2020 as the government tries to protect the environment. Banning R22 in the US also means new ACs will have to use the more ecologically-friendly R410A refrigerant. This also means servicing the older HVAC systems will become harder as importing R22 will be illegal after 2020.

Getting rid of that old R22 AC unit and replacing it with the newer green HVAC systems would therefore be a wise idea. In addition to the tax break benefits, the newer systems run efficiently and also use very little energy.

3. Local Support for Green Systems

Almost everyone, including state and local governments, have stepped in, in promoting the use of green technology to help save the environment. A good example of this is the NYC Carbon challenge that encourages commercial tenants, business owners, private organizations, and nonprofits to work towards reducing their carbon footprint.

The Mayor’s office, under this program, provides the resources and support to participants in this challenge, which enables them to implement improvements in their workplaces. This includes choosing the best green alternatives for heating and ventilation, sustainability initiatives, and efficient on-site generation of energy. With such an initiative, the city might be able to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% by the year 2050.

4. Several Green Enhancements for Old HVAC Systems

If you aren’t ready to give up the sweet old HVAC system just yet, you can then take advantage of green enhancements that can make it better.

One of the best investments for the HVAC system is the thermostat. Investing in a smart thermostat makes it easier to control and monitor the system anywhere, anytime using an app from your phone, computer, or tablet. The smart thermostat makes it possible to preset temperatures, as well as control the same remotely. This comes in handy if you had forgotten to adjust the setting before leaving the office. This translates to more energy savings in the long run.

Zoning is another feature you can have installed and enabled on your HVAC system. This feature enables one to control heating and cooling cycles in various rooms (zones) separately. It works by keeping occupied spaces comfortable while shutting off cooling and heating in unused areas. This means you can have either the bedroom or the living room warm, which means no energy is wasted on unused areas and zones. This feature is designed to provide more comfort while lowering energy consumption and costs.

Another useful feature you can have incorporated in the HVAC system is the HVAC economizer. This feature reduces the time the AC system needs to run, hence reducing energy usage by up to 75%. An economizer would be a wise investment even for the old HVAC system. This however isn’t something you can do as a DIY. You’ll need a professional HVAC technician to set it up for optimal performance.

 

AC Man is a professional HVAC repair company in Houston, TX. We offer both commercial and residential HVAC services. Give us a call today to speak with a professional HVAC repair technician, or check our services.

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Could Humidifiers Help Your Residential HVAC System?

A Guide To Portable Humidifiers For Your Residential HVAC System

The majority of homes require additional humidification, particularly during the winter months, to help keep a balanced humidity level in the air and avoid any dry air problems. One of the best methods of dealing with humidity issues is by using humidifiers; however, it may not be possible to install a whole-house humidifier. In these cases, a portable humidifier is the next best option as this unit adds moisture directly to the area where you need it most!

Is The Potable Humidifier The Best Option For Me?

While the whole-house humidifier is an ideal solution for most people, in certain circumstances the portable humidifier may be the more suitable solution. Portable humidifiers may be more suited to your needs if you have any of the following circumstances:

1. You Rent The Property

If you are renting your home, then an installation of a full-property humidifier may not be possible because of its permanent application. Moreover, permanent installation of the whole-house humidifier means you cannot take it with you when you leave.

2. The Property Does Not Have A Duct System

If the property you live in does not present with a duct system, then you are not able to install a humidifier. In this case, the portable humidifier would be the best option as it adds moisture to the area where a duct system is not available for use.

3. You Require Moisture In Areas Temporarily

One of the greatest benefits of using a portable humidifier is that they can be placed in specific areas around the house, as and when they are required. It is ideal for adding humidity to problem areas, or when someone is ill and requires moisturized air as a treatment.

What Is The Portable Humidifier?

The portable humidifier operates by adding moisture into the atmosphere within a specific area or room. While the whole-house humidifier is attached to the property’s heating system and utilizes the property’s ductwork to distribute moisture, the portable humidifier operates independently of the house’s HVAC system. This means it can be moved about as required to distribute moisture directly to the specific areas when necessary. How portable humidifiers operate is dependent on the type of humidifier you are using, as is discussed below.

What Are The Different Types Of Portable Humidifiers?

There are several types of portable humidifiers available to release moisture into a specific area when required. The primary types include the following:

1. The Cool Mist Humidifier

The cool mist humidifier produces a cool vapor that spreads moisture through the air.

2. The Warm Mist Humidifier

The warm mist humidifier produces a warm vapor from heated water, which is then cooled and released into the allocated area.

3. The Ultrasonic Humidifier

The ultrasonic humidifier is a portable humidifier model utilizing a metallic diaphragm. The high-frequency vibrations form moisture droplets that are sent into the air.

4. The Evaporative Humidifier

An evaporative humidifier is a portable option using a damp wick to create moisture, and then a fan to dispense it into the air.

What About Portable Humidifier Output?

The output of a portable humidifier refers to the amount of moisture it creates, and this is measured using gallons per day. The average portable humidifier outputs approximately one to nine gallons per day; however, the amount is influenced by the model and type of humidifier.

To determine the most suitable output for a portable humidifier in your house, it is recommended that you measure the living area the unit will service. Select a humidifier unit with a suitable output according to the square footage of the area in which it will be used. If the house is a well ventilated one, you will not require high levels of humidity as compared to poorly ventilated homes – keep this in mind when choosing your new portable humidifier.

How Do I Care For My Portable Humidifier?

Unlike the whole-house humidifier, the portable humidifier requires regular refilling and maintenance to continue effective operation. A whole-house model has a dedicated water supply line; however, the portable option uses a water reserve exclusively that needs to be refilled regularly so the unit can continue to produce moisture.

The amount of times you need to refill the water reserve varies according to several factors including the size of the humidifier’s tank, the humidifier brand, how long the humidifier is running, and the level of air dryness. A unit with larger output can run for days without a need for a refill, but smaller units may need to be refilled several times per day. Always review the owner’s manual regarding the recommended refill frequency, and monitor the humidifier to determine when it should be refilled based on your use.

AC Man is a professional HVAC repair company in Houston, TX. We offer both commercial and residential HVAC services. Give us a call today to speak with a professional HVAC repair technician, or check our services.

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Houston HVAC Expert Explains Ductless HVAC

Dispelling Myths Of Ductless HVAC Technology

Ductless mini splits are growing in popularity across the nation as both business and homeowners choose to use ductless HVAC systems for indoor comfort solutions. However, there is still misinformation regarding the technology used for this solution. The latest trend in the HVAC industry involves experts working together to dispel the myths; thereby, helping consumers learn more about the ductless technology and how to can be applied in both businesses and homes.

The Most Well-Known Myths About Ductless HVAC Units

• MYTH: Ductless units can be installed in any location within a building.
• TRUTH: While no ductwork is necessary for the air circulation in a unit, the sizing and placement are as significant when installing ductless indoor HVAC systems. Placement influences efficiency and the effectiveness of conditioned air delivery. By installing units anywhere you please, you will increase the utility expenses and contribute to poor indoor temperature regulation.
• MYTH: The mini-split HVAC unit needs to remain ductless.
• TRUTH: It is not true that all ductless units must remain duct-free.
  Recently, the ducted mini-split system has gained popularity in the HVAC industry. This type of system utilizes existing ducts and infrastructure in the building for the efficient delivery of cooling and heating; as well as, improving effectiveness via inverter technology and zoning.
• MYTH: Ductless mini-split units are utilized for supplemental cooling and heating exclusively.
• TRUTH: While the ductless mini-split system is the ideal alternative for affordable additional cooling and heating to certain areas in the home, they are capable of handling the full heating and cooling demands of a property when installed correctly.
• MYTH: Ductless systems require more maintenance than the central HVAC systems.
• TRUTH: The myth of ductless systems requiring more maintenance has been reported due to the advanced technology utilized by the ductless mini-split systems. Consumers are often mistaken in their belief that a system with advanced technology will require more service or maintenance. In reality, the ductless systems are effective in their design; therefore, the users are able to perform regular maintenance without a need for professional assistance. Contractors are required to perform maintenance when necessary by the central system. Filters can also be removed for simple cleaning purposes.
• MYTH: The ductless mini-splits cannot be retrofit and are installed in new constructions exclusively.
• TRUTH: Ductless systems are suited for both retrofit and new construction applications. While this technology is typically utilized in new constructions according to their efficient technology and space-saving features, the same qualities make the ductless option an ideal choice for retrofit installation.

Final Words

Comfort Specialists is a professional service with trained technicians here to assist you in attaining full comfort at your home with HVAC system solutions. This ranges from maintenance and installation to design and equipment. The AC Man of Houston can increase the effectiveness of your property while providing you with quick and precise services. Our staff’s skills, combined with the commitment to customer service, make us one of the elite HVAC companies in the Houston area and in the HVAC industry.

 

AC Man is a professional HVAC repair company in Houston, TX. We offer both commercial and residential HVAC services. Give us a call today to speak with a professional HVAC repair technician, or check our services.

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