The Future of AC Systems: Innovations and Advancements in Cooling Technology

Cooling technologies have undergone significant development in the past few decades. Newer HVAC systems are more focused on energy-saving, sustainability, and comfort and there are many players in the market that offer all these features.

The future of modern AC systems looks quite promising which is apparent from the fact that from 2020 to 2025 the global AC system market is expected to grow from $202 to $277 billion. The new AC and HVAC systems have really improved the quality of life in both residential and commercial areas and that makes it important for us to explore these new features.

In this article, we are going to look at some of the most useful innovations in cooling systems that have the potential to increase the comfort as well as the energy efficiency of these systems.

1. Movement-Activated AC Systems

Newer AC systems focus more on reducing energy consumption while giving the same amount of comfort. These efforts have led to the development of AC systems that are only functional when people are present inside the room.

These systems use special sensors that are attached to aluminum roads. These sensors are hung from the ceiling and they can automatically command the AC system to turn ON and OFF.

This simple idea has paved the way to more compact, energy-efficient, and portable AC systems that have the potential to decrease energy consumption and enhance comfort manifolds.              

2. Automation Features

Wouldn’t it be great if your AC systems were able to turn ON and OFF according to a fixed schedule? Or you could use your phone to remotely give commands before you even arrive at your place.

Well, newer AC systems have made it possible through automation. You can either use scheduling or geofencing features to control your AC system better. Smart technology has made AC systems self-learning. Now these systems can remember your temperature requirements and other preferences. 

If the temperature outside is not that high, these systems can use low-fan settings to preserve energy. This way, you can enjoy a consistent temperature all day without having to use your AC system at very high settings which leads to more energy consumption.

3. Ductless AC Systems

Ductless systems are gaining more popularity as a cost-effective and easy-to-install cooling solution. These systems tend to give more efficiency and since there are no ducts involved, they are easy to clean and maintain.

Ductless systems give you zoning capability which is not possible when you have ducts installed that cool or heat the entire space at the same time.

You can install these systems in both moderate and harsh temperature zones to keep the temperature at your desired value. In order to increase the efficiency of these systems, you can incorporate smart AC controls into the system.              

4. Solar Power Based Air Conditioning

In order to make AC systems more sustainable, solar power-based systems are getting more and more attention from investors and researchers. Traditional air conditioners consume a lot of energy and their carbon footprint is also considerable.

However, newer systems eliminate electricity costs by using solar energy and natural gas. These thermally driven systems can remove heat using evaporation at a very low pressure which makes these highly effective.

The only limitation is that in order to get the power to run the system, a very high temperature of about 350F must be provided for the solar panels.           

5. Zoned AC Systems

New AC systems are often equipped with zoning features that allow you to maintain different temperatures at different areas inside your house or office. This helps you decrease AC usage in areas that are not frequently used.

In such systems, your house is divided into various zones and the temperature in each of these zones is controlled by separate thermostats. You can install zones in your existing AC systems with the help of a zone control panel.       

6. Virtual Training for HVAC Specialists

Advancements in cooling systems call for better training of the people responsible for the maintenance of these systems. HVAC professionals can take virtual training to hone their skills and become better at identifying and solving technical issues in AC systems.

This type of training can familiarize these professionals with new systems while eliminating injury risks. VR training gives beginners a chance to get better faster while ensuring safety. It can prepare them for real-life unexpected risks which builds confidence in their skills as an AC system maintenance and repair professional.             

7. Energy Analysis Software

There are many data analysis software in the market now that can help you find ways to cut back your energy consumption and costs. These tools can help you keep track of your energy consumption, health of the system, current and future costs, and much more.

With this information, you can easily track the efficiency of your HVAC system. This can also help you make timely repairs and do regular clean-ups that increase the life of your AC system.       

8. Geothermal AC Systems

Geothermal AC systems are a great way to minimize your carbon footprint. These systems are able to cool your house naturally by using underground piping, heat pumps, and water.

These systems do not use a refrigerant, rather they exchange heat with the ground which makes these highly eco-friendly. Though these systems are a bit expensive and complex, however, they tend to give a two to four times higher energy efficiency.         

Final Thoughts

Technology has impacted every area of our lives and AC systems are not an exception. There was a time when manual buttons, dialers, and remote controls were a necessity to unlock the full features of your AC system. Now that has been replaced by smartphones, voice commands, and automation features.

The future of AC systems is filled with many exciting possibilities. We are expected to see more AC systems with self-learning, super-efficient, and sustainable technologies that will make our lives easier in many ways.          

Visit MEA York to explore our huge range of premium quality, innovative cooling solutions for residential and commercial spaces.