HVAC Technology Spotlight

HVAC Technology Spotlight. The HVAC industry has seen remarkable advancements over the years, significantly enhancing the way we heat, cool, and enjoy our St. Louis homes. Today, homeowners have at their disposal a variety of innovative technologies that not only promise improved comfort but also higher efficiency and lower monthly pills. Understanding these technologies is crucial for making informed decisions that can lead to a more comfortable and less expensive living environment while simultaneously lowering your carbon footprint.

If you’re looking at making upgrades to your St. Louis home’s HVAC system, SmartHouse Heating & Cooling is here to give you honest advice geared toward optimizing your home’s comfort and energy efficiency. You can speak to a team member today at 314-370-1816, text us at 314-310-2242, or contact us online to get started.

HVAC Technology Spotlight

Here’s a look at some of the most common HVAC technologies that can improve your home’s comfort and efficiency:

Variable Capacity Systems

Traditional ACs, furnaces, and boilers are either single-stage or two-stage. Single-stage units run at 100% capacity until a desired temperature is reached, and then shut off. Two-stage units function similarly but have a “high speed” stage (100%) and a “low speed” stage (around 60-70% capacity). By not cycling on and off as much, two-stage units reduce wear and tear on the AC and offer greater efficiency and temperature uniformity than single stage units.

Variable capacity systems adjust cooling and heating output to match the exact needs of a home at any given time. By using the minimum amount of energy required to reach a certain temperature, variable capacity systems offer several benefits:

• Energy Efficiency: By avoiding full-power operation except on the hottest or coldest days, these systems significantly reduce energy consumption.
• Improved Comfort: Constant, low-level operation eliminates temperature fluctuations, maintaining a consistent indoor climate.
• Noise Reduction: Operating at lower speeds means quieter performance, enhancing the overall comfort of your living space.

The initial cost of variable capacity systems can be higher than traditional units, but is offset by the lower operating costs over the lifespan of the unit.

Heat Pumps

Heat pumps offer an efficient alternative to conventional heating and cooling systems by using a single unit to transfer heat from the outside into your home during winter, and vice versa in summer. Their advantages include:

• Versatility: One of the benefits of a heat pump is it operates to both heat and cool your home, eliminating the need to purchase and maintain separate heating and cooling systems.
• Efficiency & Environmental Impact: Heat pumps use electricity to transfer — rather than create — heat, making them much more efficient than traditional HVAC systems. Depending on what equipment you’re upgrading from, you could save up to 7.6 tons of carbon emissions per year.
• Cost-Effective Operation: Heat pumps can reach up to 300% – 400% efficiency, meaning they’re putting out three to four times as much energy in the form of heat as they’re using in electricity.

Whole Home Dehumidifiers

Maintaining optimal humidity levels is crucial for comfort, health, and the preservation of your home. Whole home dehumidifiers integrate with your HVAC system to:

• Enhance Comfort: By controlling humidity, these systems make your home feel cooler in summer without you having to lower the thermostat.
• Improve Air Quality: Reducing moisture levels helps prevent mold growth and dust mite proliferation.
• Health Benefits: A drier environment can alleviate allergy symptoms and respiratory issues.

Whole Home Air Cleaners

Indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air, making whole home air cleaners an essential component of a modern HVAC system. These systems:

• Trap Pollutants: Effective at trapping dust, pollen, pet dander, and other allergens.
• Enhance Health: Cleaner air reduces the risk of asthma attacks and allergic reactions.
• Improve System Efficiency: By keeping airways clean, they help maintain your HVAC system’s performance.

Whole Home Air Purifiers

Rather than trapping pollutants, air purifiers destroy them to further improve your home’s air quality. They can also remove household gasses, germs, viruses and bacteria. At SmartHouse, we generally recommend two products for whole home air purification:

• Air Scrubber by Aerus: This air scrubber’s patented ActivePure technology offers an advanced surface and air purification technology that uses Photocatalytic Oxidation (PCO). It has been proven by extensive independent testing to reduce up to 99.9% of many common surface and air borne contaminants including viruses, bacteria, mold, mildew, and VOCs.
• Daikin AMHP-250: This is an advanced purifier that utilizes 5 stages/technologies:
  • Prefiltration with activated carbon media filter
  • Ultra-high efficiency HEPA filtration
  • Non-ozone producing UVC germicidal light
  • Photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) of airborne contaminants
  • Activated carbon/potassium permanganate filtration

Zoning Systems

Zoning systems allow you to divide your home into different temperature zones, each controlled independently, offering:

• Customized Comfort: Tailor the heating and cooling of each zone to meet the specific needs of its occupants.
• Energy Savings: By only heating or cooling areas in use, you significantly reduce energy consumption.
• Flexibility: Ideal for homes with multiple levels, large windows, or varying occupancy patterns.

Zoning systems are perfect for families and homes where residents have vastly different comfort preferences, as well as homes where certain sections are often unused.

Smart Thermostats

Smart thermostats allow you to control your home’s thermostat settings from your phone or tablet, offering:

• Remote Control: Adjust your home’s temperature from anywhere using a smartphone or tablet.
• Learning Capabilities: These devices learn your schedule and preferences to optimize heating and cooling.
• Energy Savings: Smart thermostats provide insights into your energy usage, helping you make cost-effective adjustments.

Call SmartHouse to Bring the Latest HVAC Technology to Your Home

SmartHouse Heating & Cooling offers expert advice and customized solutions to meet your unique needs and home. Whether you’re interested in the latest in energy efficiency, seeking to improve your home’s comfort and air quality, or want your home to be more environmentally-friendly, our team is here to provide the information you need to make the best decision for your home . Contact us today to explore the best HVAC technologies for your home and take the first step towards a smarter, more comfortable living environment. Call us today at 314-370-1816, text us at 314-310-2242, or contact us online to learn more.