Do You Know the Latest in HVAC Cooling Technology?

Even with the most efficient system, HVAC is the biggest contributor to your home’s carbon footprint. That’s why new technologies are being developed to save energy and minimize your environmental impact while still keeping your home comfortable. Here’s a rundown of some of the latest developments in cooling technology.

Solid State Heat Pump Cooling Technology

R-22 refrigerant was phased out a few years ago and replaced with more environmentally friendly options, such as R-410a and R-134a. However, while better than Freon, these alternatives still aren’t great for the environment. They use harsh chemicals and suffer from energy-efficiency problems.

Therefore, researchers are currently working to develop a solid state heat pump. It uses thermoelectric energy to transfer heat from one side of the unit to the other without using liquid refrigerants. Not only is it better for the environment, it’s much more energy efficient, and it even runs quieter than current ACs. Plus, it’s more reliable, lasting longer and breaking down less frequently.

Membrane-Based AC Cooling Technology

Evaporative cooling has been around for centuries. As air is pushed through a water-soaked membrane, the water evaporates, cooling the air. However, researchers in Florida are looking to take things even further.

The membrane in this new, experimental cooling system is made of nanostructured polymer. Water passes through it at the molecular level, which allows for even cooler temperatures, plus better humidity control. Not only does it cool without chemical refrigerants, it can reduce home electricity use by up to 50%.

Thermoacoustic Cooling

Researchers in Pennsylvania may have just found a way to produce cooling using sound waves! As a sound wave oscillates, it creates vibrations which result in temperature and pressure changes in the air. This new technology focuses those vibrations using helium gas, which is safer and cleaner than chemical refrigerants. In doing so, they hope to find the hotter and colder areas of sound waves and use them to create viable, energy-efficient cooling.

For help getting the latest cooling technology for your home, contact us at Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning. We provide quality home-comfort solutions to the Lorain, Elyria, and Oberlin areas.