Articles tagged with "HVAC"
Gradient’s heat pumps get new smarts to enable old building retrofits
Gradient is developing advanced heat pump technology designed to retrofit old multifamily buildings, particularly those with outdated boiler systems common in cities like New York. Their horseshoe-shaped window units provide both heating and cooling without obstructing views, offering a cost-effective HVAC upgrade that can be installed quickly without electrical system overhauls. Gradient has piloted these systems in public housing in New York City and affordable housing in California, and is engaging with colleges to improve dormitory comfort amid rising temperatures. A key innovation is Gradient’s Nexus system, which allows building managers to set usage limits on heating and cooling to prevent energy overconsumption by residents, leading to significant energy savings—one example showed a 25% reduction in energy use after imposing a 78˚F heating cap. Additionally, Nexus can manage electrical load by reducing power draw on outlets with limited capacity and supports demand response strategies by adjusting cooling based on building conditions and sensor data. This approach aims to ease strain on the electrical grid during peak demand, making widespread
energyheat-pumpsbuilding-retrofitsHVACenergy-efficiencydemand-responsesmart-gridMajor success from the Electric Home Show - 3 months before it even happens - CleanTechnica
CleanTechnica is organizing its first large-scale event, the Electric Home Show, scheduled for April in Honolulu. This three-day festival includes a professional day for contractors followed by two days of consumer-focused trade shows featuring talks and workshops centered on earth-friendly technologies. The event aims to address a key market challenge: contractors often push traditional fossil fuel systems like gas water heaters because they are more familiar with them, limiting the adoption of efficient electric technologies such as heat pump water heaters. By educating contractors through Pro Day sessions—including technical training, marketing support, and rebate information—the show seeks to empower them to confidently install and promote advanced, energy-saving products. The Electric Home Show has already achieved significant early success, exemplified by connecting a local AC installer with Quilt Technologies, a company offering energy-efficient cooling systems. This partnership could lead to widespread adoption of Quilt’s products in Hawaii, reducing residential and commercial energy demand, lowering electricity costs, and accelerating the state’s transition to 100% clean energy. The event has
energyheat-pumpenergy-efficiencyclean-technologyHVACrenewable-energysustainable-livingHow Quilt solved the heat pump’s biggest challenge
Quilt, a smart home startup, has launched a three-zone heat pump system that significantly improves efficiency under challenging conditions that typically hinder traditional heat pumps. This new system features one outdoor unit capable of driving three indoor heads, simplifying large installations, reducing costs, and minimizing the outdoor footprint. Central to Quilt’s innovation is its extensive use of data collected from over a thousand internet-connected units equipped with numerous sensors. By analyzing real-world operational data, Quilt engineers enhanced heat pump capacity by 20% through a software update and developed the three-zone unit that overcomes common multi-zone heat pump challenges, particularly maintaining compressor stability at low speeds. Unlike most systems that sacrifice efficiency and comfort by stopping the compressor at low speeds, Quilt’s data-driven approach and design improvements—including a larger copper coil paired with a smaller compressor—allow the unit to operate efficiently even at very low temperatures (down to -13˚F/-25˚C). This design delivers nearly 90% of its rated capacity without losing low-demand performance
energyheat-pumpsmart-homeIoTHVACenergy-efficiencysensorsDIY-ing Our Ductless Heat Pump Install Was Hard, But We Saved $7,000 - CleanTechnica
The article recounts the author's ambitious experience of DIY-installing a ductless heat pump system consisting of five indoor units and two outdoor units in a duplex, aiming to assess the accessibility of such systems for DIYers and to save money. Despite having moderate DIY skills and no prior heat pump installation experience, the author successfully completed the project over about a week, saving approximately $7,000 compared to professional installation quotes that exceeded $15,000. The motivation included curiosity about the installation process, cost savings, and the desire for effective cooling on the duplex's upstairs level, which conventional whole-house systems struggled to provide. The author purchased a Mr. Cool DIY heat pump kit for $6,500 and spent an additional $2,000 on labor help and parts. Preparation involved extensive research and video tutorials, but finding professional HVAC assistance proved difficult, as contractors were reluctant to work on equipment they did not supply, likely due to liability concerns and profit motives. The installation challenges included drilling multiple large holes through
energyheat-pumpDIY-installationductless-systemhome-energy-efficiencyHVACcost-savingsNew solar-powered nanofiber filter captures carbon from vents
Researchers at the University of Chicago’s Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering have developed a novel solar-powered nanofiber direct air capture (DAC) filter designed to fit into standard building ventilation systems. This carbon nanofiber-based filter, made from a polyethylenimine (PEI) compound, can efficiently trap CO2 from indoor air while reducing energy consumption by limiting the need to heat or cool outside air. A life-cycle analysis indicates the filter maintains 92.1% efficiency even after accounting for manufacturing and disposal emissions. The technology offers significant scalability, with the potential to remove up to 596 megatonnes of CO2 annually if deployed across global building stock—equivalent to removing 130 million cars from the road—and could reduce electricity bills by over 21% for households and offices. Unlike traditional HEPA filters that require frequent replacement and disposal, these DAC filters are regenerable using solar-thermal heating, leveraging their strong solar absorptivity to enable CO2 release powered by
energycarbon-capturenanofiber-filtersolar-powerHVACdirect-air-capturerenewable-energySlash Energy Consumption Costs with Exhale Fans - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica highlights an innovative energy-efficient HVAC solution developed by Exhale Fans, led by CEO and Founder Richard Halsall. Exhale Fans has created a bladeless ceiling fan that uses a unique vortex effect to draw air from below and circulate it evenly in a 360-degree pattern throughout indoor spaces. Unlike traditional ceiling fans that push air straight down, this design provides a smooth, whisper-quiet breeze that reaches every corner of a room, enhancing comfort while reducing energy consumption. This technology is applicable across various environments including offices, hotels, airports, data centers, restaurants, schools, and homes, aiming to support year-round comfort with a modern, discreet aesthetic. The article also references a detailed discussion on CleanTech Talk, where Halsall elaborates on the fan’s design and benefits. Overall, Exhale Fans represents a promising advancement in HVAC efficiency, offering a quieter, more energy-saving alternative to conventional ceiling fans.
energyenergy-efficiencyHVACbladeless-fanclean-technologysustainable-coolingindoor-air-circulationWin A Free Heat Pump Water Heater On HPWH Day — October 23 - CleanTechnica
The article highlights the upcoming Heat Pump Water Heater (HPWH) Day on October 23, organized by the nonprofit Advanced Water Heating Initiative. This event, which extends throughout the week, aims to promote the adoption and awareness of heat pump water heaters, a highly efficient water heating technology. Activities include free educational sessions such as HPWH 101, livestreamed contractor training, and a virtual conference featuring 50 industry leaders. The 2023 theme, “Go Go HPWHs,” emphasizes the innovative features and benefits of these systems. To further encourage public engagement, two manufacturers, Ariston and Bosch, are donating a free heat pump water heater and installation each. Interested participants can enter the raffle by posting on any social media platform about why they want or appreciate HPWHs, tagging their posts with #HPWHDay by October 23. The article invites readers to join the celebration, participate in the events, and consider entering the giveaway to win a free HPWH, while also supporting CleanTechn
energyheat-pump-water-heaterenergy-efficiencysustainable-technologywater-heatingclean-energyHVAC$2,000 Tax Credit For Heat Pump Water Heaters Is Going Bye Bye In 90 Days - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica highlights that the $2,000 tax credit for heat pump water heaters (HPWHs) is set to expire in 90 days due to recent Republican legislation. This tax credit, which covers 30% of the installed cost of a HPWH, has been a significant incentive for homeowners to replace traditional water heaters with more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly heat pumps. With average installation costs around $4,700, the credit could reduce expenses by approximately $1,410, and it can be combined with additional local utility rebates to further lower costs. The article urges homeowners to act quickly to install HPWHs before the end of the year, noting that unlike solar panels, HPWH installations typically have shorter wait times and can be completed within three months. It also provides guidance on choosing models, recommending that those using contractors select familiar brands, while DIY installers often opt for Rheem or A. O. Smith models available at major retailers. The piece includes resources for finding
energyheat-pump-water-heatertax-creditenergy-efficiencyrenewable-energyhome-heatingHVACWhy Refrigerant Matters More Than You Think for AC (or Heat Pump) Efficiency - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica highlights the critical but often overlooked role of refrigerants in the efficiency, cost, and environmental impact of HVAC systems, including air conditioners and heat pumps. Refrigerants are essential chemical compounds that enable cooling and heating functions, yet many systems operate with improper refrigerant levels. A common issue is undercharging, where systems have less refrigerant than designed, sometimes by about 15 percent, which can occur even at installation due to improper adjustment for specific configurations like longer piping. This undercharging leads to reduced cooling performance and increased energy consumption. Over time, refrigerant leaks caused by aging equipment, corrosion, and vibrations further degrade system efficiency. Residential HVAC systems can lose 5–11 percent of their refrigerant annually, resulting in a significant drop in the coefficient of performance (COP). Even a 10 percent refrigerant loss can reduce system efficiency noticeably, increasing energy bills by $72–$144 during summer months. Larger losses above 20 percent cause steep performance declines and soaring
energyHVACrefrigerantsenergy-efficiencycooling-systemsemissionsHVAC-maintenanceHow an over-the-air update made Quilt’s heat pumps more powerful
Quilt, a heat pump startup, has pioneered the use of over-the-air (OTA) software updates in residential HVAC systems, significantly enhancing the performance of its heat pumps without hardware changes. By integrating higher quality sensors—such as additional pressure sensors and more accurate temperature and current sensors—Quilt was able to collect detailed operational data that revealed untapped capacity in their units. This insight allowed the company to increase the maximum heating and cooling output from 20,500 and 19,700 BTUs per hour to 25,200 and 24,000 BTUs per hour, respectively, enabling the heat pumps to better handle extreme temperatures while maintaining efficiency. The OTA update involved both software and firmware improvements across the main processor and microcontrollers within the indoor and outdoor units. While the inclusion of advanced sensors and networking components added some cost to the bill of materials, Quilt’s leadership believes the benefits—such as continuous improvement, broader market applicability, and avoiding the need for new hardware models—far outweigh
energyHVACheat-pumpsover-the-air-updatesensorsfirmwaresoftware-defined-HVACTwo Leading Manufacturers Bring New Heat Pump Water Heater Updates To Market - CleanTechnica
energyheat-pumpwater-heaterefficiencysmart-technologyhome-efficiencyHVAC