Technology is changing the HVAC landscape. HVAC systems have become updated with smart thermostats, algorithms, and smart sensors to improve air quality and comfort for homeowners. Along with these technological advances comes a demand for HVAC technicians trained in smart HVAC systems.
Do you want to train to become an HVAC technician that manages smart HVAC systems? Interactive College of Technology can help with our Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Residential program. Courses focus on refrigeration management, electrical circuits, HVAC computer fundamentals, customer service, and safety. After graduation, you are ready for an entry-level apprenticeship. So, what are smart HVAC systems all about?
What is a Smart HVAC System?
Smart HVAC systems allow the homeowner to control the temperature to achieve an ideal comfort level. Smart also includes eco-friendliness and energy efficiency. The components that make up a smart HVAC system include HVAC sensors and actuators connected to a hub that wirelessly communicates with software in the cloud and is managed by mobile devices.
HVAC Sensors
Sensors are used to collect the data and detect motion to help adjust the HVAC setting for the people within the room. There are different types of sensors.
- Environmental Sensors –monitor the HVAC condition and alert the homeowner if something is wrong and requires attention. They can alert the homeowner to air duct leaks, dirty air filters, and poor HVAC efficiency.
- Occupancy Sensors – detect the presence of people in the home and automatically adjust the HVAC controls. The HVAC system can lower the temperature when everyone leaves the room to save energy while it isn’t occupied.
- Proximity Sensors – detect how close you are to the home. Then, the HVAC system can start heating or cooling the house based on your arrival time.
HVAC Actuators or Smart Vents
The HVAC systems use actuators to facilitate airflow in and out of a home. Closing supply vents helps regulate temperature and maximize energy efficiency.
Smart Air Purifiers
This HVAC component can help track the level and type of pollutants in a home. The smart air purifier can alert the homeowner when the indoor air quality falls below a safe level.
HVAC Algorithms
These algorithms gather information about the HVAC system’s performance and automatically adjust the energy usage to heat or cool a home.
Internet of Things (IoT)
Smart HVAC systems can connect to mobile devices, allowing homeowners to get up-to-date information about the climate in their homes anytime and from anywhere. If they are coming home early or want to set a specific temperature before returning home, they can change the indoor environment from their mobile device.
HVAC Zoning
Most HVAC systems focus on keeping a comfortable temperature in an entire home. This may waste energy in rooms that are not occupied. Plus, it may not offer flexibility for different occupants within a house. The thermostat is usually placed near the center of the home and only senses a temperature fluctuation when the outer parts of the home are already uncomfortable. This can cause an HVAC system to waste energy by heating or cooling every room in the home.
HVAC zoning can solve this problem. Instead of heating or cooling the entire home, the smart thermostat can focus on different zones of the home. It can change the temperature based on occupancy, identify the exact temperature in each zone, and understand the people’s preferences. This can save energy costs and make everyone more comfortable. The bedrooms can be warmer, while the kitchen can be cooler to compensate for the oven.
What are the Benefits of a Smart HVAC System?
There are many benefits to having a smart HVAC system. These benefits include:
Connectivity and Remote Access
Whether you are at work, enduring the elements, or want to check on the energy efficiency of your HVAC system, you can connect to your HVAC hub and access the temperature control remotely. It is as easy as opening an app on your mobile device and checking the temperature or air quality within your home.
HVAC Zoning
Zoning a home can increase energy efficiency and allow for different settings in different sections of the home. Like a vehicle with dual climate control, everyone has their comfort level, and having zones can make everyone in the house comfortable.
Energy Efficiency
Everyone wants to combat climate change, and a smart HVAC system can give you the power to make a difference. You will no longer waste energy heating an empty home. You can let the HVAC algorithm identify the most energy-efficient setting and enjoy the environmental benefit.
Decreased Cost of Energy
In addition to energy efficiency, you can decrease your energy bill. Energy can cost a lot of money these days, and doing everything you can to combat the energy cost is at your disposal with a smart HVAC system.
Convenience
Whether you want to allow the HVAC algorithm to find the most energy-efficient heating and cooling system or you want remote access to make changes yourself, a smart HVAC system offers the homeowner convenience to make changes at a granular level and achieve the desired comfort level for everyone in the home.
Clean & Safe Air
Smart HVAC systems can also keep the air within your home purified and healthy. The system can alert you to unsafe conditions and change ventilation and air purification to improve the air quality. Some smart HVAC systems can even detect elevated carbon dioxide levels. It can save your life.
Final Thoughts
The training for HVAC technicians is changing, and Interactive College of Technology is changing along with it. Let Interactive College of Technology train you in HVAC systems’ basic and advanced fundamentals. Start a career as smart as the technology dominating the HVAC industry.
Want to Learn More?
This heating, ventilation, and air conditioning residential program offers training in all phases of repair and maintenance of residential heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. The HVAC technician program also includes the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Certifications in the management of refrigerants and North American Technicians Excellence (NATE) Certifications.
An externship is a part of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning residential training program and assigns you to a partnering company for 135 hours, allowing you to put your new skills to use and gain real-life career training experience. Plus, after you graduate, our Lifetime Career Placement Support program will be there to help you find work whenever you need it.
Let’s take the first step together! Contact us now to learn more.
