Home and commercial heating and cooling costs commonly account for the bulk of energy and utility usage for a property. Next-generation HVAC systems and the latest technological trends and innovation have created numerous equipment options that are designed to provide optimum comfort with reduced operational costs. From displacement ventallation and chilled-beam cooling systems designed for use in larger commercial buildings to heat pumps and ductless-mini split and variable-flow volume (VFV) systems intended for home and residential use, there are no shortage of options available for property owners who are interested in ways to reduce their monthly bills.
Heat Pumps
Systems that move air between an interior environment and an external reservoir are becoming more and more common in both home and commercial HVAC and climate control systems. Heat pumps are able to reduce heating and cooling costs by moving warmer air into or away from an environment in order to achieve a more optimal temperature. The number of HVAC contractors equipped to install such systems continues to grow as more property owners learn about the potential benefits and energy savings that may be achieved.
Chilled-beam Cooling
While rarely seen outside of larger commercial structure, chilled-beam cooling is another climate control method with the potential to reduce the demand for conventional air conditioning. This technology utilizes convection and radiative heat transfer in order to introduce colder air directly into building spaces. While widespread residential use of chilled-beam cooling may be years from happening, these systems provide yet another example of how next-generation HVAC technology is being used to achieve greater energy efficiency.
VFV systems
This type of cooling provides a level of versatility and efficiency that conventional air conditioning is unable to rival. Ductless systems function in much the same way as a heat pump, only on a far smaller scale. Transferring warmer air through use of multiple compressors can provide room and area-specific cooling for far less cost than would be possible with conventional climate control systems. When it comes to finding ways to reduce cooling costs without sacrificing comfort or convenience, ductless mini-split systems are one of the most popular items that HVAC contractors are called upon to install.