Learn what’s hot and what’s not in the world of home heating and air conditioning in the next year.
New tax incentives for energy-efficient heat pumps, inexpensive intelligent thermostats, and a desire for virus-fighting filters are among the top HVAC installation trends 2023. These new technologies and tax incentives may lower your power rates while helping you pay for a more energy-efficient HVAC system. Learn more about how these tax benefits and new technology may protect you against viruses and assist in increasing the energy efficiency of your home’s HVAC system in the sections ahead.
Smart ThermostatsWith energy prices growing in lockstep with inflation, many individuals are turning to smart thermostats to help them save money on their utility bills. These gadgets link to a home’s Wi-Fi network and let users make heating and cooling schedules from their smartphones, enabling the HVAC system to consume less Energy while no one is there. For example, an Energy Star-certified smart thermostat may save up to 8% on cooling expenditures. Furthermore, the cost of this energy-saving technology has decreased, with intelligent thermostats available for as low as $60.
AC Unit Prices Will Rise Due to New Efficiency Standards
If you want a new air conditioner in 2023, you can expect to spend a lot more on it. New government rules that go into effect on January 1 raise the minimum Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating, which assesses the efficiency of heating and cooling systems. An air conditioner, from 13 to 14 for households in the nation’s northern half and from 14 to 15 for those in the southern half. Supply chain concerns are making it difficult for manufacturers to construct new units that fulfill these criteria, which experts believe might increase the cost of AC units by up to 30%.
Heat Pumps Stay Red Hot
Heat pumps have become more prevalent in recent years, and this trend is unlikely to abate soon. Unlike gas furnaces, heat pumps operate on electricity, which may come from renewable sources such as wind and solar. According to the US Department of Energy, an air-source heat pump may reduce energy use by 50%. Furthermore, due to the inclusion of heat pumps in the Inflation Reduction Act, which President Joe Biden signed into law this summer, homeowners may get a federal tax credit of up to $2,000 for purchasing and installing a new heat pump.
Covid-19 Drives Demand for Air Scrubbers
Covid-19 has impacted almost every element of our life, including HVAC. The worldwide pandemic has increased demand for HVAC systems that can remove toxins and viruses from the air, preventing certain illnesses’ transmission. In many situations, converting an HVAC system into an air scrubber is as simple as installing antimicrobial air filters that may remove viruses and germs as they circulate air around a house.
Digital Zoning
Digital zoning is another developing technology that is helping to increase the efficiency of HVAC systems. This technique regulates and redirects airflow via an HVAC system’s ductwork using a series of dampers. When used with sensors, digital zoning automatically changes dampers to send hot or cold air away from empty rooms and toward occupied areas of the house, therefore saving Energy.
Mini-Split Air Conditioners
As with other HVAC technology advancements, energy efficiency keeps the mini-split air-conditioning industry warm. This air conditioner comprises an exterior compressor connected to an air handler mounted on the wall within the room. They are much more efficient than central air conditioning systems since they do not waste 25% of their Energy on ducting. Furthermore, mini-split units employ inverter-driven technology, which adjusts the compressor’s speed rather than switching it on and off, conserving even more Energy.