In Florida, there’s no question that air-conditioning is a necessity for homes and businesses. Staying cool when it’s hot and humid is a priority for everyone, but that doesn’t mean that HVAC systems can’t do their job and use less energy. Thanks to new HVAC technology, homeowners and commercial property owners have plenty of energy-efficient options that keep them cool and lower their energy costs.
What Is Green HVAC?
When people hear the term “green HVAC,” they’re naturally curious about about the technology. What makes it a better choice than other HVAC systems? Any time a heating and cooling unit is described as green it means that it’s going to cost less to operate with fewer complexities that require more energy. Most green HVAC systems are roughly 30%-50% smaller than the average, energy-guzzling HVAC system.
What Types of Green Systems Are Available?
Green technology is found in a number of different types of systems such as the following:
- Dual fuel heat pump: This technology is an electric heat pump and gas furnace combo. An eco-friendly feature of this system is that when temperatures fall below 35 degrees, the pump switches from electric to gas to heat with better efficiency.
- Ice-powered air-conditioning: This is a green technology that commercial properties have begun to install to cool buildings and reduce energy usage. Instead of using Freon, this system freezes 450 gallons of water overnight during a process called ice charging. In the morning, it switches to the ice cooling mode and can cool a building up to 6 hours. After the ice has melted, the unit turns off and the regular commercial AC unit is used.
- Quiet Duct Wrap: This product is made from recycled denim and reduces heat gain and loss through air ducts protecting against moisture, air currents, and radiant heating.
- Geothermal heat pump: The technology has been around since the 1940s, but it’s only now growing in popularity due to the recent rise in homeowners and commercial property owners interested in green technology. What makes this technology so special is that it generates heat from the ground and stores it in a looped pipe. When it gets cold outside, the heat stored in the pipe is released and carried indoors. Geothermal systems are also highly efficient at cooling.
What You Should Expect from a Green HVAC System
When you switch to a greener HVAC system, you can expect reduced operating costs, fewer maintenance costs, improved reliability, and unrivaled efficiency. Although the up-front cost of energy-efficient systems might attempt to scare you away, don’t let it. If your budget allows, installing one of these new systems will earn you back your initial investment in very little time. You’ll see cheaper electric and gas bills and the unit won’t need constant repairs. Property owners should consider the overall cost and savings when deciding to go green.
How to Implement Green Technologies
Surprising to most, it’s relatively simple to install these new technologies. When you work with qualified HVAC specialists like those at Cox Air, installing green HVAC systems can be done quicker than you think. First, discuss your specific needs with your HVAC specialist. What is the goal you want to achieve? Some systems are better for different goals. For example, do you want to lower your energy costs to save a little money or are you looking for off-the-grid technology?
Going green is easier than you imagine, but you have to take the first step and make that initial call. To speak with a qualified HVAC contractor at Cox Air, call us at 727-442-6158.
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