What Is A Green HVAC System?

Green air conditioning broadly refers to HVACs that use less energy than a standard air conditioning system. Green HVACs can be referred to more specifically as using green energy as defined by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Green energy is output from geothermal, wind, solar, biomass and landfill gas sources.

Since the pandemic, an increase in individuals working from home has seen energy usage through HVAC units soar. With overall US energy use increasing yearly, investing in green energy HVACs that reduce our overall energy output is essential. 

In this guide, NTI will explore the different green air conditioning units, their benefits, and how they work within HVAC compliances.

Different Types of Green HVAC Systems

Geothermal Heat Pumps

Geothermal heat pumps extract and store heat from the ground until a temperature drop prompts heat release. When it gets cold, the heat is released through the green HVAC and used to warm properties. The opposite occurs when the temperature gets hot: heat is drawn through the pipes and back to the ground. The underground temperature keeps the refrigerant in the cooling system at low temperatures and returns cool hair through green air conditioning.

Dual Fuel Heat Pumps

Dual fuel heat pumps toggle between gas and electric. These green HVAC units are eco-friendly: when the temperature drops below 35 F, a gas furnace is activated to generate heat quickly. When the temperature rises above 35 F, electric power cools the air and circulates it through your home by reversing the refrigerant.

Wind-Powered Systems

Wind-powered green heating and cooling units use small wind turbines integrated into water heaters to provide heat. They are installed on roofs or other wind-exposed areas of your property to generate electrical power that can be used to heat or cool homes. The wind-generated power replaces the need for fuel or other energy sources.

Solar-Powered Systems

Solar-powered systems rely on solar panels installed on roofs or other sun-exposed property areas. The panels are composed of photovoltaic cells, which absorb the sunlight and convert it directly into electricity. Solar-powered green HVAC systems have dropped in price in recent years; certain states offer discounts, incentives and loans to help support people exploring this method of green air conditioning.

Quiet Duct Wrap

Quiet duct wrap is a form of green air conditioning made up of insulation. The insulation comprises materials like recycled denim or cotton instead of fiberglass. The materials are treated with a spray that helps with mold resistance and is fire retardant. Quiet duct wrap helps insulate your home from moisture and air currents and is often installed in basements or attics. The fabric also makes it safer for HVAC technicians and installers to work with over fiberglass.

Water-Powered Systems (Hydronic)

Water-powered systems have existed for centuries, but the longevity of this green air conditioning has made it increasingly energy-efficient. Hydronic systems are usually installed in radiant-floor heating and use features such as under-floor piping or baseboards to generate heat in the home. Water power works by convection, where heat is drawn upwards through the floor and even up to the roof to circulate heat throughout the home.

Ice-Powered Green HVACs

Ice-powered HVAC units freeze hundreds of gallons of water overnight rather than relying on Freon. It then switches to circulating the air in a property over six-hour time-frames. Once the ice is melted, a standard HVAC will heat or cool the building while the ice is frozen, and the entire process begins again.

What Are The Benefits Of Green HVAC Systems?

Green air conditioning units have several benefits over a standard HVAC, enticing more people to these energy-efficient green energy HVAVs.

Just some of the benefits include:

• Cost savings – green air conditioning units are often more cost-effective than other units, mainly because they don’t always require electricity from the grid to generate heat. Using renewable energy sources may have a higher initial installation cost, but often saves you money in energy bills over time.
• Energy-efficient – green HVAC units take heat and energy from heating and cooling and recycle it directly into the process. Geothermal energy is one of the most energy-efficient green HVAC units.
• Environmentally friendly – green energy HVACs help us move away from harmful fossil fuels, limiting their environmental impact. Renewable energy sources emit far less greenhouse gasses or pollutants into the air.
• Reduce the impact of allergens – renewable energy helps to circulate cleaner air, reducing the exposure to irritants that can trigger allergies or mold exposure.
• Financial incentives – many companies and local governments incentivize and support people or businesses looking to use green air conditioning. You may also be entitled to specific tax incentives or breaks when using green heating and cooling units.
• Self-sustainable – renewable energy sources take your dependence off the power grid, giving you autonomy over how you generate your energy sources. Avoid the risk of being exposed to national grid outages.
• Better temperature control – new green HVAC technology often comes with smart sensors and automation. Overhauling your old HVAC in favor of a new green unit often comes with better temperature control, which can help you reduce your energy bills even further.
  
• Avoid expensive repairs – the EPA is gradually phasing out the use of certain types of refrigerant, like R22. This means that repairing units using these refrigerants will become increasingly expensive and eventually impossible. Avoid expensive repairs and install a green energy HVAC.
• Longer-lasting – technology like heat pumps can last 15 – 25 years if well maintained. This is over a decade longer than traditional HVAC units, making them even more cost-effective.
  
• Less maintenance – as many green air conditioning units are self-sufficient, they often require less maintenance. A yearly checkover is recommended for HVACs of all types to ensure they run optimally.

Green HVAC Units: A Sustainable Future

Green air conditioning units represent the future of HVACs. Fortunately, many cost-effective solutions exist, from heat pumps to ice-powered green HVAC solutions. Increasing support and financial incentives for green air conditioning units mean that many individuals and business owners can use self-sustainable green heating and cooling systems that offer better temperature control and huge cost savings.

Get Started With A Career in HVAC Today

If you’re ready to begin your journey to becoming an HVAC technician, then NTI is here to help. You can learn more about our HVAC Technician Training program or ask questions about the application process by getting in touch today. We can’t wait to help you take the next step towards your successful future.