Smart homes are advancing, with a sustainability twist. Consider the example of HVAC-R (heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration) systems, which on average runs two to three times an hour for 10-15 minutes, using about 3,500 watts, which is costing homeowners big dollars every month.
Another consideration is if as a society we want to meet the objectives of the Paris Agreement and move the needle with global warming to remain under two degrees Celsius, then we must become more sustainable in many areas—including HVAC in homes and buildings.
The good news is the systems themselves are advancing to become more sustainable. Falkonair executives have been in the HVAC-R industry for more than 30 years and realized there was a demand for a product to be innovated to change old-style systems to the modernized, energy-efficient way of operating.
Made with sustainability in mind, a smarter system was created in 2019 for all HVAC-R equipment, including cooling and heating, making the solution suitable for all old or new systems being built today in buildings and homes.
Chris Micallef, CEO, Falkonair, explains how the VMF (variable mass flow) has been innovated with an optimized, intelligent compressor control to improve energy efficiency on older HVAC-R systems as a retrofit solution. Additionally, this advanced technology has AI (artificial intelligence) that modulates compressors to meet the continuously changing demand of a live, working environment.
Of course, this is simply one example of an advancement. There are many ways HVAC-R systems are advancing both for the home and for buildings to help lower the cost and consumption of energy. The use of green, efficient eco-energy HVAC-R solutions is changing how heating and cooling systems operate and consume power. Some of the systems still tend to be a tad pricey for the average homeowner, but like everything, time will tell if the price becomes more affordable for us all.
Still, homeowners themselves can also play a role in reducing energy consumption of HVAC systems by regularly maintaining the system, sealing and avoiding leaks, having the right insulation in the home, cleaning the filters, using home controls to create climate zones, and so much more.
With heating and cooling being some of the largest energy expenses in a home, we all have a part to play in reducing the impact both in our pocketbooks and on the environment. Big or small changes can make a big difference when it comes to reducing cost and energy.
As the summer months begin to heat up, how will you use your HVAC-R more efficiently? Will you upgrade to something more energy efficient? Or will you be a little bit wiser about how you use the system you already have in place?
Want to tweet about this article? Use hashtags #IoT #sustainability #AI #5G #cloud #edge #futureofwork #digitaltransformation #green #ecosystem #environmental #circularworld