HVAC technology has come a long way in recent years. For Easton, Maryland, residents looking for the latest home improvement technologies, these top 2016 HVAC trends are a great place to start.
Smart Equipment Integration
Not only are your phone and laptop getting smarter, but so is your home. Connected devices have allowed homeowners to control everything from lighting and appliances to HVAC systems, thermostats, and window blinds, making it easier than ever to adjust settings throughout the house remotely. Programmable thermostats have been an essential technology that new homeowners are finding it hard to live without, but 2016 will be the year that smart thermostats take over the limelight.
Smart thermostats, unlike programmable thermostats, learn a homeowner’s habits and preferences, along with the house’s characteristics, adjusting the temperature based on this information as needed. Smart thermostats know exactly how long it takes a house to cool down or heat up, for example, allowing them to adjust the temperature at the precise time. This technology can help you keep your energy consumption in check, assuming that you’ve programmed the thermostat to operate in an energy-efficient manner.
Smart thermostats operate on a concept called “geo-fencing,” which utilizes data based on a homeowner’s location via his or her smartphone. When the smartphone is within a certain distance from the home, the system will kick in and adjust according to its presets. Even better, geo-fencing technology works with multiple smartphones and security systems, allowing your whole family to be connected to the home.
Geothermal Boom
As more homeowners are becoming aware of the benefits of geothermal heating and cooling, 2016 should see an increase in geothermal heat pump installation across the country. This technology has been around for more than 40 years, but they’ve only recently become popular options thanks to a demand for more energy-efficient HVAC solutions.
Geothermal heating and cooling technology is an environmentally friendly option that can lower your utility bills, provide you with a positive cash flow, increase your home’s indoor comfort, and ensure you have free hot water. The system also has a lengthy lifespan, making it a worthy investment for any homeowner.
An Increase in Mini Split Popularity
Ductless mini split heat pumps are incredibly popular in Europe and Asia, but they’ve only recently become viable options for American homeowners. This year, we should see mini split sales increase as more people turn to more efficient whole-home HVAC solutions that don’t require costly installations.
Ductless systems can be used for whole-home heating and cooling, or they can be installed in new-room additions, basements, or individual rooms to create a zoned HVAC solution. Mini splits are cheaper than having a central HVAC system installed and they’re quite flexible in their installation options, allowing you to choose from ceiling-, wall-, or floor-mounted options. Since air isn’t forced through ductwork, you can enjoy minimal energy loss and a quiet operation, which may be the wave of the future for HVAC technology.
Demand for Radiant Floor Heating
Radiant floor heating has enjoyed an increased demand in recent years thanks to new product innovations that have made this home comfort solution a more viable option. The biggest reason we should continue to see an increase in radiant floor heating in 2016 is because this technology complements whole-house heating, providing additional comfort in bathrooms and bedrooms where you need it most.
Radiant heating is available in either electric or hydronic varieties. Electric systems are controlled with dual-sensing thermostats that house a floor temperature sensor and air sensor, while hydronic systems utilize warm water that’s pumped through tubing to generate heat in the flooring. When supplemented with renewable energy sources like geothermal heating, a home’s energy performance will shoot through the roof.
Better Energy Efficiency Standards
In 2015, new residential energy efficiency standards were put into place, which means that we’ll see many more homeowners implementing better technologies this year. Manufacturers have been adapting product lines to bring systems up to speed, ensuring that the HVAC technologies you buy today are the best yet.
Learn more about the latest HVAC solutions by calling Griffith Energy Services, Inc., at 888-474-3391 today. We look forward to providing you with the most up-to-date HVAC technology for your home.
Image provided by Shutterstock
