The most obvious means of increasing HVAC efficiency is by using an energy-efficient system. Newer heaters and air conditioners are not only constructed of more modern materials that improve insulation and reduce electric use, but also feature computerized systems for enhanced temperature control. As such, not only do these systems use the energy they are given more efficiently, but they also allow an unprecedented level of control over the times of day when heating or cooling is used.

Upgrading an inefficient system to a newer, more energy-efficient one is a step that many will not take without incentive. While more efficient systems will save money over longer terms due to lower bills, this is often not enough cause to justify such an expensive upgrade. As such, many state and federal tax credits are available to further encourage such a move.

Information on such credits can vary widely based on where you are located. An online search is the best place to start, with lots of information being made available at the Energy Star website ( http://www.energystar.gov.) Your HVAC contractor is also likely a great source of information, as knowledge of the various tax credits available in your region is a great way to encourage purchases that might otherwise not be made.

Another less obvious source of increased energy efficient heating and cooling is solar power, or more specifically, passive solar energy. With the correct architectural and other considerations, the rays of the sun can be harnessed not only to heat a structure, but to cool one as well. Such use can dramatically slash your need for traditional, electronic systems.

Solar energy’s ability to heat is its most obvious use. Proper placement of windows can admit rays which have a dramatic effect on internal temperatures. In instances where windows are not available, glass tubes can be used to channel rays into other enclosed spaces, offering the benefits of solar heating in rooms without an abundance of natural light.

Solar energy can be used to cool as well. By heating air in certain locations, the sun’s rays can cause the air to rise, displacing it with cooler air. As such, a location can be cooled by the constant replacement of the heated air by cooler, moving wind.

Many other solar techniques are available for heating and cooling. Using solar energy in this way is often more efficient than is converting it into electrical power, a process in which some energy is lost. As such, passive techniques can be used in areas where traditional solar energy use is otherwise impractical.

Air source heat pumps that have typically been reserved as a heating and cooling option for homes in milder climates are working their way north! Innovative advances in heat pump technology have created a legitimate heating alternative for colder regions where temperatures drop to below freezing. Millennials who grew up in these colder areas may have rarely experienced heat from a heat pump because it wasn’t a comfortable option. However, today’s heat pumps are now being installed from Alaska to Florida.

Some models of heat pumps are now equipped with variable-speed or dual-speed motors on their indoor fans (blowers), outdoor fans, or both. “The variable-speed controls for these fans attempt to keep the air moving at a comfortable velocity, minimizing cool drafts and maximizing electrical savings.” Additional advancements, including refrigerant, advanced controls and additional mechanics that simplify installation, have also impacted the indoor comfort and energy costs associated with heat pumps.

The heat pumps of today are likely not the same as your parent’s heat pump!

How Smart is your Heat Pump?

As we know, product technology is advancing at breakneck speed! The smart phone is changing the behavior of many Generation Xers and Millennials, and even some Baby Boomers. Just a few years ago, the term “smart home” didn’t exist. Yet, the increased availability and reduced cost of smart products have created a smart home marketplace boom. Tech savvy homeowners are increasingly looking for ways to connect this technology to their home systems…and heating and cooling manufacturers are taking notice.

Innovative thermostats or control systems now offer a wide range of control features and connectivity with your smart phone and the Internet. This makes it easier to align your heat pump operation with your lifestyle. But as history has shown, current events dictate future expectations. What will a heat pump look like for the kids that never experienced life without a smart phone? Will their expectations of “normal” extend to home heating and cooling?

As technology continues to become more integrated into the heating and cooling equipment, some heat pumps may be able to communicate status updates directly to the homeowner or your HVAC dealer. In the future, the technician or dealer may be able to contact the homeowner regarding the notification, arrive at their home with the correct part(s) and be sure the HVAC system is maintained without the homeowner having to lift a finger or experience an uncomfortable temperature in their home.

This technology could allow for proactive maintenance or service scheduling, possibly before you realize that it’s necessary. But before this becomes a standard heat pump feature, consumers need to demonstrate their expectations. As with generations before them, the events and trends of today’s youth may impact future behaviors and heating and cooling products.