New Heating and Cooling System Options for Homeowners

Time marches on and so does technology. And advances in computer and mobile technology have impacted every industry, including home heating and air. In fact, there are scads of new HVAC system options available to homeowners interested in making their homes more comfortable, functional, and energy efficient. Whether you’re looking to raise your convenience level when it comes to heating and cooling your home, you’d like to cut your energy bill, you’re interested in finding ways to address cold or hot spots in your home, or you’re concerned about your interior air quality and the role your HVAC system plays, there are products that can help you to achieve the environment that will keep your family healthy and happy. Here are some options you’ll want to consider.

Let’s start with convenience, since most adults don’t have a lot of time to spare for adjusting heating and cooling. Your best bet here is to upgrade to a programmable thermostat. This device will allow you to set a schedule that reduces demand during times when your family members are away at work and school (or sleeping). But it also cycles up your heating and cooling efficiently so that your home is the desired temperature when you return. You can certainly accomplish this manually each and every day, adjusting the thermostat before you leave and once you get home, but this is sure to be less energy efficient (due to instant demand). And why waste time when your system is designed to meet your needs when appropriately programmed? Don’t forget about wireless options that let you control your thermostat remotely from your smartphone or tablet.

In addition to saving you time, modern HVAC components can also save you a ton of money. While installing a new, energy-efficient furnace or AC unit will certainly bear some up-front expense, you will save money over time by using two-stage or variable speed equipment that reduces or increases energy use based on demand. This way your system isn’t running at 100% all the time, wasting energy in the process. Over time you could see massive savings on your heating and cooling costs, helping to offset your initial expense.

And you should definitely look into a zoning system. Even if your home is relatively new construction, you may find that some rooms in your home remain stubbornly hot or cold, despite cranking the thermostat. But when you’re using extra juice to heat your upstairs bedroom, you’re not only turning your main floor into a frozen wonderland, you’re also wasting energy (and money). A zoning system allows you to section your home off into heating and cooling zones thanks to additional thermostats for each area, along with a system of sensors and dampers electrically controlled to route air where it is needed. This makes for a more comfortable interior and lower energy bills.

Finally, you probably want to ensure that your interior air quality is conducive to healthy living, especially if you suffer from asthma or allergies. You can start with good duct design and installation, and there are several viable products on the market these days. But you can also consider adding a whole-home HEPA filtration system to your existing HVAC as a way to pull allergens out of your breathable air and trap them so that they aren’t cycling through your system and being re-released into your home. With the right modern HVAC options, you can easily have the comfortable, healthy, and energy-efficient home interior you crave.