Learning About the Latest Air Conditioning Technology

October 04, 2023

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HVAC technology continues to make leaps and bounds in terms of improving comfort, temperature control, and energy efficiency at home. Today, central air conditioners are found in 88% of new homes, and a majority of older homes have been retrofitted to allow for convenient and effective home cooling as well. Keeping an eye on the latest developments in cooling technology can help you take charge of your home comfort in Jacksonville, both today and in the future.

Today: Mini-Split Systems

Mini-split systems offer the convenience of central air conditioning in Jacksonville without the need to install ductwork in an existing home. If you want to enjoy home cooling in multiple rooms without the need for window units, a single mini-split system can utilize an opening of just a few inches in your home’s exterior to provide cooling for one or several rooms at once. Mini-split systems incorporate outdoor and indoor units, just like a central system, but transfer coolant directly between the condenser outdoors and an individual evaporator unit installed in each room you want to cool. The evaporators can be operated via manual or remote control to provide the cooling you want when and where you need it.

Today: Two-Stage Compressors

Air conditioner compressors play a vital part in the cooling process. However, compressors also require power to run, and contribute to the overall noise created by the air conditioning system. Two-stage compressors allow you to tailor the amount of work your air conditioner does, based on your cooling needs. A two-stage compressor activates fully when more cooling is needed for fast, effective results, but reduces the amount of work performed at times when less cooling is needed to achieve your desired results. This can help you save money and prolong the lifetime of your air conditioner by allowing it to do less work whenever possible; a two-stage compressor can also reduce the amount of noise generated by your air conditioner for a quieter, more peaceful home.

Tomorrow: Refrigerant Replacements

Refrigerants are at the heart of every air conditioner, regardless of its size or type. Currently, air conditioners use liquid refrigerants to absorb heat from indoor air and release that heat to the outdoors, lowering the temperature inside your home. Older refrigerants, such as R-22 (Freon), are being phased out due to environmental concerns; while new refrigerants are safer, they are still liquids with limitations. Researchers are now beginning to explore the possibility of using a solid or a membrane to provide cooling, rather than circulating a liquid refrigerant as in current systems. This solution would reduce the amount of energy required for cooling by eliminating many of an air conditioner’s moving parts, while also increasing the environmental safety and longevity of these systems.

Are you ready to discover how the latest air conditioning technology can benefit your home and family? Take a look through our blog to find out even more about modern advancements in home cooling; if you’re ready to schedule repairs, service, or installation, you can reach an experienced air conditioning expert on our website.