While humans have heated and cooled their buildings for many years, the modern HVAC systems we have today are far more effective than the systems that were used several decades ago. The HVAC industry has experienced tremendous technological changes and upgrades over the past few years. Here’s a look at some of the developments that shaped HVAC history in the past decade.
- 2010 — On Jan. 1, 2010, a ban on the production, import, and use of the R22 refrigerant, except for servicing existing equipment, was put in place by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This was the first step in the phaseout of the refrigerant. The R22 refrigerant was the old industry standard, but it was found to harm the ozone layer.
- 2011 — Nest introduced the Nest smart thermostat. It made it easy to connect a home HVAC system to the internet. Some start-ups and utility companies followed suit. The smart thermostats allowed users to monitor energy usage via their phones. In the same year, Emerson introduced variable speed compressors, which contributed significantly to the advancement of HVAC energy efficiency.
- 2015 — Smart thermostats became mainstream, with their market experiencing a growth of 123%. In the same year, the Department of Energy began to fund research in non-vapor compression technology for HVAC systems. The technology doesn’t involve the use of coolants, and it’s estimated that it could lower energy use by more than 50%.
- 2016 — Several smart ventilation systems hit the market. These sensor-driven systems allow you to monitor airflow and turn off the vents in unused rooms.
- 2020 — The remaining production and importation of the R22 refrigerant were banned. As a result, the refrigerant can no longer be manufactured or imported into the United States. Existing R22 systems can only be serviced using reclaimed R22 coolant, or they’ll have to be replaced or retrofitted to be able to use non-ozone-depleting refrigerants.
Judging by recent HVAC history, we can expect to see advancements that will increase our levels of comfort, convenience, energy efficiency, and environmental-protection efforts. If you have any HVAC-related questions, contact us at Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning. We enjoy a rich history, having served the HVAC needs of satisfied clients in the Lorain area for more than 35 years.
Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
1 (440) 246-5440
Serving the Lorain, OH Area