Experts from all over the world always look to improve the air conditioners in all kind of ways ever since they were invented. Different air conditioning technologies are introduced every year just to make the ACs to function more efficiently and properly.

Air conditioners of today are certainly more efficient than they were before. They have also become more affordable and have become a norm these days. As a result, there are now a lot of people who are using them in their home which leads to a lot of energy being used to keep people cool.

Here are some of the HVAC improvements and developing technologies that will change the way houses will be cooled in the future.

HVAC Improvements

Radiant chilled beams – this type of system will cool your home or building through natural transfer of heat and convection. This will involve the use of ceiling pipes that carries chilled water which will directly cool a particular space or area. However, mould and condensation can be a major concern for this type of system but this can be solved with the help of a dehumidifier. This system promises to use 15-20% lower energy than the conventional HVACs and also provides better efficiency for cooling.

Displacement Ventilation – this system makes use of the natural airflow to push the hot air upwards and remove it from the ceiling. This system improves the ventilation efficiency and air quality in comparison that the conventional HVACs have.

Developing Air Conditioning Technologies

These developing air conditioning technologies are still concepts at this stage, but once they become a reality, they will definitely change the way how air conditioners work.  Here are some of the developing technologies for air conditioners.

Sound-wave cooling – this technology makes use of the helium gas instead of a refrigerant. The cooling action will involve the use of a loudspeaker to turn electricity into sound waves, which will then pressurizes the gas and enables it to absorb the heat and release it outside.

Smart metals – this technology is still it its concept stage. The concept behind this technology is that it involves the use of shape memory alloys that have the ability to transform in response to applied stress. As the shape memory alloys transforms, they change shape and develop the ability to remove heat from a particular room.

As these air conditioning technologies are still developing, time will only tell when they become a norm in the near future. You can expect from these developing technologies to provide a cleaner and a more efficient cooling method for air conditioners in the future.

It’s only natural to rely on your air conditioners on a hot summer day for a cool breeze of air.  It feels relaxing to have an air conditioning unit giving you cool temperatures on the hottest of days during summer.  But what if your air conditioner is not functioning efficiently? It’s always important to do an air conditioner efficiency check especially during summers to make sure that it is functioning efficiently and properly. But how do you perform an efficiency check?

Below are some tips to help you check the efficiency of your AC unit and to make sure that you get the most out of it.

Checking the Filter

Dirty filters can also cause your AC units to run inefficiently especially if they are clogged. It’s always suggested to replace your AC filters at least once in every 3 months to make sure that your unit will run smoothly and efficiently. Dirty and clogged filters can lead to wasted energy which also means wasted money.

Check Areas for Extra Sources of Heat

An AC unit will not be able to do its job properly especially if there are extra sources of heat inside your house. If there are any areas or part of your house that receives extra heat like your windows because of excessive sunlight, your unit will have to work more just to make that area cool.

Checking the House Insulation

Even though your AC unit is new, it doesn’t mean that it’s running efficiently. If your house is not properly insulated, your unit will have a hard time making your living areas cool and comfortable. Poor insulation can result to air leakage. You don’t really want to pay more money for your energy bills every month even though you’re not getting the most out of your AC unit. Be sure to check the insulation of your home if you want your AC to run efficiently.

Measuring the Air Temperature Differential

When the temperature outside goes high, you have to set your thermostat for a temperature that’s lower than your room temperature. Just let the device to run until it reaches the set temperature. After that, place a refrigerator thermometer inside of your AC air duct. Wait for at least 10 minutes and record the temperature reading. Find your AC unit’s return air duct and place a thermometer inside it to also get the temperature inside there. Next, get the difference between the first temperature reading and the second. If the result is less than 14 degrees, it means that your unit is already low on refrigerant which causes it to run inefficiently. Call a professional repairman to help solve this issue.