HVAC technology is constantly evolving to offer enhanced home comfort with improved energy efficiency. While you were once confined to only a handful of options for heating and cooling your home, you now have a wealth of choices for everything from central heating and cooling to integrated heat pump systems. Check out the latest innovations to keep your Lexington, Kentucky, home comfortable while trimming your utility expenses and going green with your appliances.
Variable Speed Motors
HVAC systems traditionally run on fixed-speed motors. With these, the blower is either on or off. There’s no middle ground, making it difficult to maintain a comfortable temperature. A fixed speed motor leads to more inconsistencies in your home’s heating and cooling. Your system has to cycle on and off more frequently with this motor, decreasing your efficiency.
Multi-speed motors are the next step up. These allow the blower to operate at varying speeds, so the system can manage your comfort with more refinement. A multi-speed motors will improve your energy efficiency and home comfort significantly, but this still isn’t the top of the line.
Variable speed motors are the latest and greatest in HVAC technology. A variable speed blower motor can make incremental adjustments to your air flow. This allows for minute changes to the temperature in your home. While a fixed speed motor either blows at full force or turns off completely, a variable speed motor can subtly adjust your heating or cooling, so you always enjoy prime conditions in your home. Variable speed blower motors also give you more control over your humidity levels.
Two-Stage Compressors
Single stage compressors, like fixed speed blower motors, are simple systems that are either on or off. These are found in older heat pumps. A single stage compressor can only run at full speed, offering poor energy efficiency and temperature management.
A two-stage compressor is more refined. This offers two settings so the heat pump can make subtle adjustments to the home’s temperature. The low compressor speed is ideal for mild weather when you need only moderate heating and cooling in the home. With a two-stage compressor, your heat pump will offer better energy efficiency and enhanced comfort management. If you’re purchasing a new heat pump, look for one with this advanced technology. Though it has a higher initial price tag, a two-stage compressor will help pay for itself over time in lower utility costs.
Smart Thermostats
If your thermostat still requires manual adjustments, you’re wasting time, effort, and energy every day. The latest smart thermostat technology takes the guesswork out of home comfort and energy efficiency, handling all the essential details for you. A system like Trane’s ComfortLink II XL950 is Wi-Fi enabled so you can control it remotely using a smartphone, tablet, or computer. You can input varying settings that are appropriate for your weekday and weekend schedules, so you don’t waste energy heating or cooling an empty house.
These advanced thermostats offer a wealth of helpful information including a weather forecast, local radar images, and maintenance reminders. The beautiful 7-inch screen on the ComfortLink II XL950 even doubles as a digital picture frame, turning your HVAC technology into a decorative home addition.
Geothermal Heat Pumps
Geothermal heat pumps are the latest in eco-friendly home comfort. These heating and cooling systems utilize the Earth’s own natural temperatures to keep your home comfortable. Your HVAC technician installs an underground loop that circulates liquid beneath the Earth’s surface, where temperatures are stable year-round. In summer, the liquid dissipates heat underground. In winter, it absorbs the Earth’s warmth.
Geothermal heat pumps use less energy than traditional HVAC systems and offer integrated heating and cooling with one installation. If you’re looking for an intriguing way to make your home greener, this is a great place to start.
Are you ready to upgrade your home’s heating and cooling? Contact Stivers HVAC at 859-226-0809 to learn more about the latest opportunities for enhanced home comfort and energy efficiency in your Lexington home.
