Addressing Dehumidifier Issues in Cooling Repairs

Addressing Dehumidifier Issues in Cooling Repairs

Arctic

Common Dehumidifier Malfunctions in Cooling Repairs



Dehumidifiers play a crucial role in maintaining comfortable indoor environments, particularly in regions with high humidity levels. These devices are often integrated into cooling systems to enhance their efficiency by extracting excess moisture from the air, thus preventing issues such as mold growth and musty odors. However, like any mechanical device, dehumidifiers can experience malfunctions that compromise their performance and necessitate repairs. Understanding common dehumidifier malfunctions is essential for addressing these issues effectively within the broader context of cooling system repairs.

One prevalent issue with dehumidifiers is inadequate moisture removal, which can result from several underlying problems. A clogged or dirty filter is a frequent culprit; it restricts airflow, thereby diminishing the unit's ability to draw in humid air efficiently. Regular maintenance and filter replacement are vital practices to prevent this problem. A sudden rise in your energy bills could mean it’s time for HVAC Repair HVAC maintenance to maintain your heating and cooling system year-round. Additionally, malfunctioning fans or blowers can impede airflow and reduce the dehumidifier's effectiveness. Technicians should ensure that these components are operating correctly during routine inspections.

Another common malfunction involves water leakage or pooling around the unit. This issue typically arises when there is a blockage in the drainage system, such as a clogged hose or drain pipe. Such blockages cause water to back up and overflow rather than being properly directed outside or into a collection container. Inspecting and clearing obstructions from drainage lines can resolve this problem swiftly.

A third frequent issue relates to refrigerant leaks within dehumidifiers that use refrigeration coils to remove moisture from the air. Low refrigerant levels due to leaks not only impair the device's ability to condense moisture but also force it to work harder, leading to increased energy consumption and potential overheating risks. Detecting refrigerant leaks requires specialized tools and expertise; therefore, professional assistance is recommended for resolving this type of malfunction.

Electrical problems can also afflict dehumidifiers, manifesting as units that fail to power on or exhibit erratic operation cycles. Faulty wiring connections or damaged control boards might be at fault here. Diagnosing electrical issues demands careful examination of circuit integrity and component functionality by qualified technicians who can safely perform necessary repairs.

Addressing these common malfunctions promptly ensures optimal performance of both standalone dehumidifiers and those integrated into cooling systems. Regular maintenance routines-such as cleaning filters, checking drainage paths, inspecting fans/blowers-and timely repair interventions help mitigate humidity-related challenges effectively while extending equipment lifespan significantly.

In conclusion, recognizing typical dehumidifier malfunctions allows homeowners and HVAC professionals alike to take proactive measures toward resolving them efficiently within comprehensive cooling repair strategies-thereby enhancing overall indoor comfort through consistent humidity control capabilities across varying climatic conditions year-round without interruptions caused by technical setbacks associated with faulty equipment operations over time if left unattended indefinitely so always prioritize preventive care alongside responsive solutions whenever possible!



Addressing Dehumidifier Issues in Cooling Repairs - outdoor fireplace

  1. energy security
  2. shed
  3. ultraviolet radiation

Impact of Faulty Dehumidifiers on Overall Cooling Efficiency



Dehumidifiers play a crucial role in maintaining optimal indoor air quality and comfort by removing excess moisture from the air.

Addressing Dehumidifier Issues in Cooling Repairs - outdoor fireplace

  1. Arctic
  2. outdoor fireplace
  3. moisture
However, when these devices malfunction, they can significantly impact the overall cooling efficiency of a space. Addressing dehumidifier issues is therefore essential to ensuring effective cooling repairs and sustaining energy efficiency.

Faulty dehumidifiers can lead to several problems that compromise the performance of an entire HVAC system. One of the primary issues is that a malfunctioning dehumidifier may fail to extract sufficient humidity from the air. As a result, the air conditioning unit has to work harder and longer to achieve desired temperature levels. This increased workload not only reduces the system's efficiency but also accelerates wear and tear on its components, leading to higher maintenance costs and potential breakdowns.

Moreover, excessive humidity levels caused by faulty dehumidifiers can create an uncomfortable indoor environment. When humidity is high, human bodies perceive temperatures as warmer than they actually are, prompting occupants to lower thermostat settings in search of relief. This behavior further strains cooling systems and leads to increased energy consumption and utility bills.

Additionally, unchecked humidity fosters an ideal environment for mold growth and other allergens, which can degrade indoor air quality and pose health risks. Mold spores circulating through HVAC systems can exacerbate respiratory conditions such as asthma or allergies among building occupants. Thus, addressing dehumidifier issues promptly is vital not only for mechanical reasons but also for maintaining healthy living conditions.

To mitigate these impacts on cooling efficiency, regular maintenance checks should be conducted on dehumidifiers as part of comprehensive HVAC service routines. Such checks help identify potential faults early and address them before they escalate into more significant problems affecting overall system performance.

In conclusion, while often overlooked compared to other components of HVAC systems, dehumidifiers are integral in ensuring efficient cooling operations. Faulty units undermine this efficiency by forcing systems into overdrive due to elevated humidity levels or causing discomfort that prompts unnecessary thermostat adjustments. Through regular maintenance and timely repairs focused on resolving dehumidifier issues, property owners can enhance cooling efficiency while reducing energy costs and promoting healthier indoor environments.

Diagnostic Techniques for Identifying Dehumidifier Issues

Diagnostic Techniques for Identifying Dehumidifier Issues



Addressing issues with dehumidifiers is a crucial aspect of maintaining efficient cooling systems, especially in regions where humidity levels can exacerbate discomfort and reduce the effectiveness of air conditioning units. Diagnostic techniques for identifying dehumidifier issues are varied and require a systematic approach to ensure that problems are accurately identified and resolved promptly.

The first step in diagnosing dehumidifier issues involves visual inspection. This basic yet essential technique helps identify obvious signs of wear or damage, such as cracks in the unit's casing, rust on coils, or leaks from water reservoirs. Additionally, checking for clogs or blockages in filters and vents can reveal issues affecting airflow, which is critical for proper functioning.

Beyond visual inspections, listening to the unit while it operates can provide valuable clues. Unusual noises such as rattling, buzzing, or clicking may indicate mechanical failures within the compressor or fan motor. These sounds often precede larger mechanical breakdowns if left unaddressed. Professionals trained in handling these devices can often pinpoint specific components needing repair based on auditory diagnostics alone.

Another vital diagnostic technique involves measuring humidity levels within the environment using hygrometers before and after running the dehumidifier. A lack of significant change suggests that the device may not be extracting moisture efficiently from the air. This could point to issues with sensors or thermostats that regulate its operation.

Furthermore, electrical testing is an advanced diagnostic method used by technicians to assess whether power supply problems might be causing operational inefficiencies. By using multimeters to check voltage and continuity across various components like capacitors and relays, technicians can determine if electrical faults are hindering performance.

Advanced dehumidifiers equipped with digital displays often have built-in error codes that assist in diagnosis. When these codes appear on-screen, they provide specific information about malfunctions ranging from sensor errors to full reservoir alerts. Consulting the user manual allows users to decode these messages effectively without unnecessary guesswork.

In conclusion, diagnosing dehumidifier issues requires a combination of observation skills and technical expertise. From simple visual checks and sound analysis to sophisticated electronic assessments and code reading, each technique plays a pivotal role in ensuring optimal performance of cooling systems through effective humidity control. Regular maintenance employing these diagnostic methods not only prolongs the life of dehumidifiers but also contributes significantly to energy efficiency and comfort levels in residential and commercial spaces alike.

Diagnostic Techniques for Identifying Dehumidifier Issues
Solutions and Best Practices for Repairing Dehumidifier Problems

Solutions and Best Practices for Repairing Dehumidifier Problems

Solutions and Best Practices for Repairing Dehumidifier Problems



Dehumidifiers play a crucial role in maintaining an optimal indoor environment by removing excess moisture from the air, thereby enhancing comfort and preventing issues like mold growth. However, like any appliance, dehumidifiers can encounter problems that require attention and repair. Addressing these issues effectively is essential for ensuring their longevity and efficiency, particularly when integrated into broader cooling systems. Below are some solutions and best practices for repairing common dehumidifier problems.

One prevalent issue with dehumidifiers is inadequate moisture removal. This problem often results from clogged filters or blocked airflow due to dust accumulation. Regular maintenance is key to preventing this issue; filters should be checked monthly and cleaned as needed to ensure unobstructed airflow. Additionally, positioning the dehumidifier in a space with good circulation can enhance its performance.

Another common problem is water leakage, which can occur if the collection bucket is misaligned or if there are cracks in the bucket itself. Ensuring that the bucket is seated correctly after each emptying can prevent leaks. If cracks are present, replacing the bucket may be necessary. In cases where water drips outside of the designated collection area, inspecting hoses and connections for tightness and integrity will help identify potential sources of leaks.

A malfunctioning compressor could also impede a dehumidifier's functionality since it plays a vital role in extracting moisture from the air.

Addressing Dehumidifier Issues in Cooling Repairs - outdoor fireplace

  1. oven
  2. humidifier
  3. evaporator
Signs of compressor issues include unusual noises or complete failure to operate. Diagnosing compressor problems typically requires professional assistance due to the complexity involved; however, homeowners can regularly check electrical connections to ensure they are secure as part of routine maintenance.

Moreover, temperature fluctuations within the operating environment can impact a dehumidifier's efficiency. Most units function optimally within specific temperature ranges; therefore, placing them in locations where temperatures drop too low or rise excessively might hinder performance or cause freezing coils. Understanding manufacturer specifications regarding ideal operating conditions helps mitigate such risks.

Finally, power-related issues such as frequent cycling on and off could indicate electrical faults or thermostat malfunctions. Inspecting power cords for damage and ensuring that thermostats are set appropriately according to room conditions are simple yet effective troubleshooting steps.

In conclusion, addressing dehumidifier issues involves both preventative measures through regular maintenance and reactive repairs when problems arise. By understanding common faults-ranging from filter blockages to mechanical failures-and implementing best practices such as regular cleaning and strategic placement within appropriate environments, users can significantly extend their dehumidifiers' lifespan while ensuring efficient operation within overall cooling systems. For complex repairs beyond basic troubleshooting steps, consulting with professional technicians remains advisable to avoid exacerbating existing problems inadvertently.

Preventative Maintenance Tips to Avoid Future Dehumidifier Failures

Preventative Maintenance Tips to Avoid Future Dehumidifier Failures



Preventative maintenance is a crucial aspect of ensuring the longevity and efficient operation of any appliance, including dehumidifiers. These devices play an integral role in maintaining optimal humidity levels within homes and cooling systems, which can significantly impact indoor air quality and overall comfort. By incorporating a few preventative maintenance tips, you can avoid future dehumidifier failures and ensure that your cooling repairs are less frequent and less costly.

First and foremost, regular cleaning is essential to keep your dehumidifier running smoothly. Dust and debris can accumulate over time, clogging filters and reducing the efficiency of the device. It's important to clean or replace the filter according to the manufacturer's instructions-typically once every one to three months. Additionally, wiping down the exterior surfaces with a damp cloth can help maintain cleanliness and prevent dust from entering internal components.

Another key tip for preventing dehumidifier issues is ensuring proper placement. A dehumidifier should be placed in an area where air can circulate freely around it. Avoid placing it too close to walls or furniture, as this can obstruct airflow and reduce its effectiveness. Ideally, position it centrally within the space you want to dehumidify so that it can evenly distribute moisture removal throughout the room.

Regularly inspecting your dehumidifier for signs of wear or damage is also pivotal in avoiding failures. Check hoses for leaks or cracks that could lead to water damage or reduced performance. Ensure that all connections are tight and secure, particularly if you frequently move or adjust your device's settings.

Moreover, it's vital not to overlook routine checks on humidity levels within your home environment using a hygrometer. This will help you monitor whether your dehumidifier is set correctly according to seasonal changes or specific needs like drying out a damp basement after heavy rainfalls.

Furthermore, addressing any minor issues promptly before they escalate into significant problems is an effective preventive measure. If you notice unusual noises during operation or if the unit fails to turn on properly despite being plugged in securely with power supply intact-consider consulting professional technicians who specialize in cooling repairs immediately rather than waiting until complete breakdown occurs later down line when more extensive damages might have occurred already making repair costlier affair altogether!

In conclusion-the importance implementing simple yet effective preventative measures cannot be overstated enough when comes keeping appliances such as humidifiers functioning optimally well beyond their expected lifespan while minimizing chances encountering unexpected downtimes along way! Regular cleaning schedule coupled careful monitoring usage patterns proactive troubleshooting efforts go long way safeguarding investment made into these invaluable household helpers providing healthier living spaces everyone involved alike!

Preventative Maintenance Tips to Avoid Future Dehumidifier Failures
Importance of Professional Assistance in Complex Dehumidifier Repairs

Importance of Professional Assistance in Complex Dehumidifier Repairs



When addressing dehumidifier issues within the broader scope of cooling repairs, the importance of professional assistance cannot be overstated. Dehumidifiers play a crucial role in maintaining indoor air quality and comfort by regulating humidity levels. However, like any complex appliance, they can encounter problems that require expert intervention to resolve effectively.

Firstly, one must consider the intricacy of modern dehumidifiers. These devices are equipped with sophisticated components such as compressors, condensers, evaporators, and electronic controls. Each part plays a vital role in ensuring the unit operates efficiently. A malfunction in any of these components can lead to reduced performance or complete failure. Professional technicians possess the technical expertise and experience needed to diagnose issues accurately and implement appropriate solutions without causing further damage.

Moreover, attempting DIY repairs on complex dehumidifier systems can pose safety risks. Electrical hazards are a significant concern when dealing with appliances that integrate both water and electricity. Professionals are trained to handle these risks safely, following industry standards and regulations to ensure that repairs do not compromise user safety or appliance integrity.

Additionally, professional repair services often come with warranties or guarantees on their work. This provides homeowners with peace of mind knowing that if an issue reoccurs shortly after repair work has been completed, it will be addressed promptly without additional cost. Such assurances are rarely available when individuals attempt repairs themselves or hire unqualified personnel.

Time efficiency is another critical factor favoring professional assistance for complex dehumidifier repairs. Experienced technicians can swiftly identify problems using specialized diagnostic tools and techniques honed through years of practical experience. This allows them to restore functionality much faster than an amateur could achieve through trial-and-error methods.

Finally, regular maintenance conducted by professionals can prevent many common issues from arising in the first place. During routine check-ups, technicians can identify potential problems before they escalate into costly repairs or replacements, thus extending the lifespan of the dehumidifier while optimizing its performance.

In conclusion, while minor dehumidifier issues may seem manageable at first glance, engaging professional assistance is essential for complex repairs due to the technical nature of these devices and associated safety concerns. By relying on skilled professionals for diagnosis and repair work, homeowners benefit from efficient service delivery backed by expertise and reliability-ensuring their cooling systems function optimally year-round without unexpected disruptions caused by faulty humidity control mechanisms.

A condensing boiler
Hot water central heating unit, using wood as fuel

A central heating system provides warmth to a number of spaces within a building from one main source of heat.

A central heating system has a furnace that converts fuel or electricity to heat through processes. The heat is circulated through the building either by fans forcing heated air through ducts, circulation of low-pressure steam to radiators in each heated room, or pumps that circulate hot water through room radiators. Primary energy sources may be fuels like coal or wood, oil, kerosene, natural gas, or electricity.

Compared with systems such as fireplaces and wood stoves, a central heating plant offers improved uniformity of temperature control over a building, usually including automatic control of the furnace. Large homes or buildings may be divided into individually controllable zones with their own temperature controls. Automatic fuel (and sometimes ash) handling provides improved convenience over separate fireplaces. Where a system includes ducts for air circulation, central air conditioning can be added to the system. A central heating system may take up considerable space in a home or other building, and may require supply and return ductwork to be installed at the time of construction.

Overview

[edit]

Central heating differs from space heating in that the heat generation occurs in one place, such as a furnace room or basement in a house or a mechanical room in a large building (though not necessarily at the geometrically "central" point). The heat is distributed throughout the building, typically by forced-air through ductwork, by water circulating through pipes, or by steam fed through pipes. The most common method of heat generation involves the combustion of fossil fuel in a furnace or boiler.

In much of the temperate climate zone, most detached housing has had central heating installed since before the Second World War. Where coal was readily available (i.e. the anthracite coal region in northeast Pennsylvania in the United States) coal-fired steam or hot water systems were common. Later in the 20th century, these were updated to burn fuel oil or gas, eliminating the need for a large coal storage bin near the boiler and the need to remove and discard coal ashes.

A cheaper alternative to hot water or steam heat is forced hot air. A furnace burns fuel oil or gas, which heats air in a heat exchanger, and blower fans circulate the warmed air through a network of ducts to the rooms in the building. This system is cheaper because the air moves through a series of ducts instead of pipes, and does not require a pipe fitter to install. The space between floor joists can be boxed in and used as some of the ductwork, further lowering costs.

The four different generations of district heating systems and their energy sources

Electrical heating systems occur less commonly and are practical only with low-cost electricity or when ground source heat pumps are used. Considering the combined system of thermal power station and electric resistance heating, the overall efficiency will be less than for direct use of fossil fuel for space heating.[1]

Some other buildings utilize central solar heating, in which case the distribution system normally uses water circulation.

Alternatives to such systems are gas heaters and district heating. District heating uses the waste heat from an industrial process or electrical generating plant to provide heat for neighboring buildings. Similar to cogeneration, this requires underground piping to circulate hot water or steam.

History

[edit]

Ancient Korea

[edit]
An illustration of the ondol system

Use of the ondol has been found at archaeological sites in present-day North Korea. A Neolithic Age archaeological site, circa 5000 BC, discovered in Sonbong, Rason, in present-day North Korea, shows a clear vestige of gudeul in the excavated dwelling (Korean움집).

The main components of the traditional ondol are an agungi (firebox or stove) accessible from an adjoining room (typically kitchen or master bedroom), a raised masonry floor underlain by horizontal smoke passages, and a vertical, freestanding chimney on the opposite exterior wall providing a draft. The heated floor, supported by stone piers or baffles to distribute the smoke, is covered by stone slabs, clay and an impervious layer such as oiled paper.

Early ondols began as gudeul that provided the heating for a home and for cooking. When a fire was lit in the furnace to cook rice for dinner, the flame would extend horizontally because the flue entry was beside the furnace. This arrangement was essential, as it would not allow the smoke to travel upward, which would cause the flame to go out too soon. As the flame would pass through the flue entrance, it would be guided through the network of passages with the smoke. Entire rooms would be built on the furnace flue to create ondol floored rooms.[2]

Ondol had traditionally been used as a living space for sitting, eating, sleeping and other pastimes in most Korean homes before the 1960s. Koreans are accustomed to sitting and sleeping on the floor, and working and eating at low tables instead of raised tables with chairs.[3] The furnace burned mainly rice paddy straws, agricultural crop waste, biomass or any kind of dried firewood. For short-term cooking, rice paddy straws or crop waste was preferred, while long hours of cooking and floor heating needed longer-burning firewood. Unlike modern-day water heaters, the fuel was either sporadically or regularly burned (two to five times a day), depending on frequency of cooking and seasonal weather conditions.

Ancient Rome and Greece

[edit]
Ruins of the hypocaust under the floor of a Roman villa at La Olmeda, Province of Palencia (Castile and León, Spain)

The ancient Greeks originally developed central heating. The temple of Ephesus was heated by flues planted in the ground and circulating the heat which was generated by fire. Some buildings in the Roman Empire used central heating systems, conducting air heated by furnaces through empty spaces under the floors and out of pipes (called caliducts)[4] in the walls—a system known as a hypocaust.[5][6]

The Roman hypocaust continued to be used on a smaller scale during late Antiquity and by the Umayyad caliphate, while later Muslim builders employed a simpler system of underfloor pipes.[7]

After the collapse of the Roman Empire, overwhelmingly across Europe, heating reverted to more primitive fireplaces for almost a thousand years.

In the early medieval Alpine upland, a simpler central heating system where heat travelled through underfloor channels from the furnace room replaced the Roman hypocaust at some places. In Reichenau Abbey a network of interconnected underfloor channels heated the 300 m2 large assembly room of the monks during the winter months. The degree of efficiency of the system has been calculated at 90%.[8]

In the 13th century, the Cistercian monks revived central heating in Christian Europe using river diversions combined with indoor wood-fired furnaces. The well-preserved Royal Monastery of Our Lady of the Wheel (founded 1202) on the Ebro River in the Aragon region of Spain provides an excellent example of such an application.

Modern central heating systems

[edit]

The three main methods of central heating were developed in the late 18th to mid-19th centuries.[9]

Hot air

[edit]
Sylvester's warm-air stove, 1819

William Strutt designed a new mill building in Derby with a central hot air furnace in 1793, although the idea had been already proposed by John Evelyn almost a hundred years earlier. Strutt's design consisted of a large stove that heated air brought from the outside by a large underground passage. The air was ventilated through the building by large central ducts.

In 1807, he collaborated with another eminent engineer, Charles Sylvester, on the construction of a new building to house Derby's Royal Infirmary. Sylvester was instrumental in applying Strutt's novel heating system for the new hospital. He published his ideas in The Philosophy of Domestic Economy; as exemplified in the mode of Warming, Ventilating, Washing, Drying, & Cooking, ... in the Derbyshire General Infirmary in 1819. Sylvester documented the new ways of heating hospitals that were included in the design, and the healthier features such as self-cleaning and air-refreshing toilets.[10] The infirmary's novel heating system allowed the patients to breathe fresh heated air whilst old air was channeled up to a glass and iron dome at the centre.[11]

Their designs proved very influential. They were widely copied in the new mills of the Midlands and were constantly improved, reaching maturity with the work of de Chabannes on the ventilation of the House of Commons in the 1810s. This system remained the standard for heating small buildings for the rest of the century.

Steam

[edit]
Thomas Tredgold, a noted engineer and authority on central heating systems in the early 19th century

The English writer Hugh Plat proposed a steam-based central heating system for a greenhouse in 1594, although this was an isolated occurrence and was not followed up until the 18th century. Colonel Coke devised a system of pipes that would carry steam around the house from a central boiler, but it was James Watt the Scottish inventor who was the first to build a working system in his house.[12]

A central boiler supplied high-pressure steam that then distributed the heat within the building through a system of pipes embedded in the columns. He[clarification needed] implemented the system on a much larger scale at a textile factory in Manchester. Robertson Buchanan wrote the definitive description of these installations in his treatises published in 1807 and 1815. Thomas Tredgold's work Principles of Warming and Ventilating Public Buildings, delineated the method of the application of hot steam heating to smaller, non-industrial buildings. This method had superseded the hot air systems by the late 19th century.

Hot water

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The Summer Palace in St. Petersburg had an early system of hydrologic central heating.

Early hot water systems were used in Ancient Rome for heating the Thermæ.[13] Another early hot water system was developed in Russia for central heating of the Summer Palace (1710–1714) of Peter the Great in Saint Petersburg. Slightly later, in 1716, came the first use of water in Sweden to distribute heating in buildings. Mårten Triewald, a Swedish engineer, used this method for a greenhouse at Newcastle upon Tyne. Jean Simon Bonnemain (1743–1830), a French architect,[14] introduced the technique to industry on a cooperative, at Château du Pêcq, near Paris.

However, these scattered attempts were isolated and mainly confined in their application to greenhouses. Tredgold originally dismissed its use as impractical, but changed his mind in 1836, when the technology went into a phase of rapid development.[15]

Early systems had used low pressure water systems, which required very large pipes. One of the first modern hot water central heating systems to remedy this deficiency was installed by Angier March Perkins in London in the 1830s. At that time central heating was coming into fashion in Britain, with steam or hot air systems generally being used.

Details of furnace and expansion tube from Perkins' 1838 Patent

Perkins' 1832 apparatus distributed water at 200 degrees Celsius (392 °F) through small diameter pipes at high pressure. A crucial invention to make the system viable was the thread screwed joint, that allowed the joint between the pipes to bear a similar pressure to the pipe itself. He also separated the boiler from the heat source to reduce the risk of explosion. The first unit was installed in the home of Governor of the Bank of England John Horsley Palmer so that he could grow grapes in England's cold climate.[16]

His systems were installed in factories and churches across the country, many of them remaining in usable condition for over 150 years. His system was also adapted for use by bakers in the heating of their ovens and in the making of paper from wood pulp.

Franz San Galli, a Prussian-born Russian businessman living in St. Petersburg, invented the radiator between 1855 and 1857, which was a major step in the final shaping of modern central heating.[17][18] The Victorian cast iron radiator became widespread by the end of the 19th century as companies, such as the American Radiator Company, expanded the market for low cost radiators in the US and Europe.

Energy sources

[edit]

The energy source selected for a central heating system varies by region. The primary energy source is selected on the basis of cost, convenience, efficiency and reliability. The energy cost of heating is one of the main costs of operating a building in a cold climate. Some central heating plants can switch fuels for reasons of economy and convenience; for example, a home owner may install a wood-fired furnace with electrical backup for occasional unattended operation.

Solid fuels such as wood, peat or coal can be stockpiled at the point of use, but are inconvenient to handle and difficult to automatically control. Wood fuel is still used where the supply is plentiful and the occupants of the building don't mind the work involved in hauling in fuel, removing ashes, and tending the fire. Pellet fuel systems can automatically stoke the fire, but still need manual removal of ash. Coal was once an important residential heating fuel but today is uncommon, and smokeless fuel is preferred as a substitute in open fireplaces or stoves.

Liquid fuels are petroleum products such as heating oil and kerosene. These are still widely applied where other heat sources are unavailable. Fuel oil can be automatically fired in a central heating system and requires no ash removal and little maintenance of the combustion system. However, the variable price of oil on world markets leads to erratic and high prices compared to some other energy sources. Institutional heating systems (office buildings or schools, for example) can use low-grade, inexpensive bunker fuel to run their heating plants, but capital cost is high compared to more easily managed liquid fuels.

Natural gas is a widespread heating fuel in North America and northern Europe. Gas burners are automatically controlled and require no ash removal and little maintenance. However, not all areas have access to a natural gas distribution system. Liquefied petroleum gas or propane can be stored at the point of use and periodically replenished by a truck-mounted mobile tank.

Some areas have low cost electric power, making electric heating economically practical. Electric heating can either be purely resistance-type heating or make use of a heat pump system to take advantage of low-grade heat in the air or ground.

A district heating system uses centrally located boilers or water heaters and circulates heat energy to individual customers by circulating hot water or steam. This has the advantage of a central highly efficient energy converter that can use the best available pollution controls, and that is professionally operated. The district heating system can use heat sources impractical to deploy to individual homes, such as heavy oil, wood byproducts, or nuclear fission. The distribution network is more costly to build than for gas or electric heating, and so is only found in densely populated areas or compact communities.

Not all central heating systems require purchased energy. A few buildings are served by local geothermal heat, using hot water or steam from a local well to provide building heat. Such areas are uncommon. A passive solar system requires no purchased fuel but needs to be carefully designed for the site.

Calculating output of heater required

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Heater outputs are measured in kilowatts or BTUs per hour. For placement in a house, the heater, and the level of output required for the house, needs to be calculated. This calculation is achieved by recording a variety of factors – namely, what is above and below the room you wish to heat, how many windows there are, the type of external walls in the property and a variety of other factors that will determine the level of heat output that is required to adequately heat the space. This calculation is called a heat loss calculation and can be done with a BTU Calculator. Depending on the outcome of this calculation, the heater can be exactly matched to the house.[19][20][21]

Billing

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Heat output can be measured by heat cost allocators, so that each unit can be individually billed even though there is only one centralized system.

Types of central heating

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Water heating

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Active indirect water heater

Circulating hot water can be used for central heating. Sometimes these systems are called hydronic heating systems.[22]

Common components of a central heating system using water-circulation include:

  • A supply of fuel, electric power or district heating supply lines
  • A boiler (or a heat exchanger for district heating) which heats water in the system
  • Pump to circulate the water
  • Radiators through which the heated water passes in order to release heat into rooms.

The circulating water systems use a closed loop; the same water is heated and then reheated. A sealed system provides a form of central heating in which the water used for heating circulates independently of the building's normal water supply.

Expansion tank in a sealed system
A straight braided filling loop used to add water to a sealed central heating system in the UK

An expansion tank contains compressed gas, separated from the sealed-system water by a diaphragm. This allows for normal variations of pressure in the system. A safety valve allows water to escape from the system when pressure becomes too high, and a valve can open to replenish water from the normal water supply if the pressure drops too low. Sealed systems offer an alternative to open-vent systems, in which steam can escape from the system, and gets replaced from the building's water supply via a feed and central storage system.

Heating systems in the United Kingdom and in other parts of Europe commonly combine the needs of space heating with domestic hot-water heating. These systems occur less commonly in the USA. In this case, the heated water in a sealed system flows through a heat exchanger in a hot-water tank or hot-water cylinder where it heats water from the regular potable water supply for use at hot-water taps or appliances such as washing machines or dishwashers.

Hydronic radiant floor heating systems use a boiler or district heating to heat water and a pump to circulate the hot water in plastic pipes installed in a concrete slab. The pipes, embedded in the floor, carry heated water that conducts warmth to the surface of the floor, where it broadcasts heat energy to the room above. Hydronic heating systems are also used with antifreeze solutions in ice and snow melt systems for walkways, parking lots and streets. They are more commonly used in commercial and whole house radiant floor heat projects, whereas electric radiant heat systems are more commonly used in smaller "spot warming" applications.

 

Steam heating

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A steam heating system takes advantage of the high latent heat which is given off when steam condenses to liquid water. In a steam heating system, each room is equipped with a radiator which is connected to a source of low-pressure steam (a boiler). Steam entering the radiator condenses and gives up its latent heat, returning to liquid water. The radiator in turn heats the air of the room, and provides some direct radiant heat. The condensate water returns to the boiler either by gravity or with the assistance of a pump. Some systems use only a single pipe for combined steam and condensate return. Since trapped air prevents proper circulation, such systems have vent valves to allow air to be purged. In domestic and small commercial buildings, the steam is generated at relatively low gauge pressure, less than 15 psi (100 kPa).[citation needed]

Steam heating systems are rarely installed in new single-family residential construction owing to the cost of the piping installation. Pipes must be carefully sloped to prevent trapped condensate blockage. Compared to other methods of heating, it is more difficult to control the output of a steam system. However, steam can be sent, for example, between buildings on a campus to allow use of an efficient central boiler and low cost fuel. Tall buildings take advantage of the low density of steam to avoid the excessive pressure required to circulate hot water from a basement-mounted boiler. In industrial systems, process steam used for power generation or other purposes can also be tapped for space heating. Steam for heating systems may also be obtained from heat recovery boilers using otherwise wasted heat from industrial processes.[23]

Electric heating

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Electric heating or resistance heating converts electricity directly to heat. Electric heat is often more expensive than heat produced by combustion appliances like natural gas, propane, and oil. Electric resistance heat can be provided by baseboard heaters, space heaters, radiant heaters, furnaces, wall heaters, or thermal storage systems.

Electric heaters are usually part of a fan coil which is part of a central air conditioner. They circulate heat by blowing air across the heating element which is supplied to the furnace through return air ducts. Blowers in electric furnaces move air over one to five resistance coils or elements which are usually rated at five kilowatts. The heating elements activate one at a time to avoid overloading the electrical system. Overheating is prevented by a safety switch called a limit controller or limit switch. This limit controller may shut the furnace off if the blower fails or if something is blocking the air flow. The heated air is then sent back through the home through supply ducts.

In larger commercial applications, central heating is provided through an air handler which incorporates similar components as a furnace but on a larger scale.

A data furnace uses computers to convert electricity into heat while simultaneously processing data.

Heat pumps

[edit]
External heat exchanger of an air source heat pump

An air source heat pump can be used to air condition the building during hot weather, and to warm the building using heat extracted from outdoor air in cold weather. Air-source heat pumps are generally uneconomic for outdoor temperatures much below freezing. In colder climates, geothermal heat pumps can be used to extract heat from the ground. For economy, these systems are designed for average low winter temperatures and use supplemental heating for extreme low temperature conditions. The advantage of the heat pump is that it reduces the purchased energy required for building heating; often geothermal source systems also supply domestic hot water. Even in places where fossil fuels provide most electricity, a geothermal system may offset greenhouse gas production since most of the heat is supplied from the surrounding environment, with only 15–30% as electrical consumption.[24]

Environmental aspects

[edit]

Public and commercial properties are directly and indirectly responsible for 30% of the final energy consumed around the world, including almost 55% of global electricity consumption.[25] Heating is currently responsible for around 45% of building emissions, and still relying on fossil fuels for supplying more than 55% of its final energy consumption.[25]

Around 4.3 Gt of CO2 were released to the atmosphere in 2019 for heating in buildings when accounting for emissions from direct fossil fuel combustion as well as from upstream electricity and heat generation. This represents nearly 12% of global energy and process-related CO2 emissions.[25]

From an energy-efficiency standpoint considerable heat gets lost or goes to waste if only a single room needs heating, since central heating has distribution losses and (in the case of forced-air systems particularly) may heat some unoccupied rooms without need. In such buildings which require isolated heating, one may wish to consider non-central systems such as individual room heaters, fireplaces or other devices. Alternatively, architects can design new buildings which can virtually eliminate the need for heating, such as those built to the Passive House standard.

However, if a building does need full heating, combustion central heating may offer a more environmentally friendly solution than electric resistance heating. This applies when electricity originates from a fossil fuel power station, with up to 60% of the energy in the fuel lost (unless utilized for district heating) and about 6% in transmission losses. In Sweden proposals exist to phase out direct electric heating for this reason (see oil phase-out in Sweden). Nuclear, wind, solar and hydroelectric sources reduce this factor.

In contrast, hot-water central heating systems can use water heated in or close to the building using high-efficiency condensing boilers, biofuels, or district heating. Wet underfloor heating has proven ideal. This offers the option of relatively easy conversion in the future to use developing technologies such as heat pumps and solar combisystems, thereby also providing future-proofing.

Typical efficiencies for central heating (measured at the customer's purchase of energy) are:

  • 65–97% for gas-fired heating;
  • 80–89% for oil-fired and
  • 45–60% for coal-fired heating.[26]

Oil storage tanks, especially underground storage tanks, can also impact the environment. Even if a building's heating system was converted from oil long ago, oil may still be impacting the environment by contaminating soil and groundwater. Building owners can find themselves liable to remove buried tanks and the remediation costs.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "energy.og – Electrical Resistance Heating". Retrieved 2015-01-15.
  2. ^ "History of Radiant Heating & Cooling Systems" (PDF). Healthyheating.com. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2017-12-04. Retrieved 2016-05-19.
  3. ^ Donald N., Clark (2000). Culture and Customs of Korea. GreenwoodPress. p. 94. ISBN 0313304564.
  4. ^ Harris, Cyril M. (2013-02-28). Illustrated Dictionary of Historic Architecture. Courier Corporation. ISBN 9780486132112.
  5. ^ "BBC - Romans - Technology". BBC. Archived from the original on 2007-10-18. Retrieved 2008-03-24.
  6. ^ "Hypocaust". Encyclopedic. Britannica Online. 2009. Retrieved 2009-01-29.
  7. ^ Hugh N. Kennedy, Hugh (1985). "From Polis To Madina: Urban Change In Late Antique And Early Islamic Syria". Past & Present (106). Oxford University Press: 3–27 [10–1]. doi:10.1093/past/106.1.3.
  8. ^ Hägermann & Schneider 1997, pp. 456–459
  9. ^ Robert Bruegmann. "Central Heating and Ventilation:Origins and Effects on Architectural Design" (PDF).
  10. ^ Sylvester, Charles (1819). The philosophy of domestic economy: as exemplified in the mode of warming ... p.48 et al.
  11. ^ Elliott, Paul (2000). "The Derbyshire General Infirmary and the Derby Philosophers: The Application of Industrial Architecture and Technology to Medical Institutions in Early-Nineteenth-Century England". Medical History. 46 (1): 65–92. doi:10.1017/S0025727300068745. PMC 1044459. PMID 11877984.
  12. ^ Patrick Mitchell (2008). Central Heating, Installation, Maintenance and Repair. WritersPrintShop. p. 5. ISBN 9781904623625.
  13. ^ Fawkes, F. A. (1881). "antiquity+of+hot-water+heating" "Horticultural Buildings: Their Construction, Heating, Interior Fittings, &c., with Remarks on Some of the Principles Involved and Their Application. (123 Illustrations.)".
  14. ^ Emmanuelle Gallo: "Jean Simon Bonnemain (1743–1830) and the Origins of Hot Water Central Heating" in Proceedings of the Second International Congress on Construction History (2006-06-17), pages 1043–1060; retrieved from http://halshs.archives-ouvertes.fr/halshs-00080479/en/ on 2007-02-05
  15. ^ Adam Gopnik (2012). "1". Winter: Five Windows on the Season. Quercus. ISBN 9781780874463.
  16. ^ McConnell, A. (2004). "Perkins, Angier March (1799–1881)". Oxford Dictionary of National Biography. Oxford University Press. Accessed 14 August 2007 (subscription required).
  17. ^ Family Sangalli / San Galli
  18. ^ The hot boxes of San Galli Archived 2010-02-07 at the Wayback Machine (in Russian)
  19. ^ Warmteverliesberekening
  20. ^ Warmteverliesberekening: software
  21. ^ Heat loss calculation
  22. ^ 2012 ASHRAE Handbook: Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning. 2012, ISBN 978 1936 504 251: Page 13.1
  23. ^ 2012 ASHRAE Handbook: Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning. 2012, ISBN 978 1936 504 251: chapter 11
  24. ^ Cooper, D. (2021-05-27). "The UK is sabotaging its own plan to decarbonize heating". Engadget. Archived from the original on 2021-05-27. Retrieved 2021-11-23.
  25. ^ a b c "Is cooling the future of heating? – Analysis". IEA. 13 December 2020. Retrieved 2023-04-27.  This article incorporates text available under the CC BY 4.0 license.
  26. ^ EERE Consumer's Guide: Selecting Heating Fuel and System Types

Sources

[edit]
  • Hägermann, Dieter; Schneider, Helmuth (1997). Propyläen Technikgeschichte. Landbau und Handwerk, 750 v. Chr. bis 1000 n. Chr (2nd ed.). Berlin. ISBN 3-549-05632-X.cite book: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)

Further reading

[edit]
  • Adams, Sean Patrick. Home Fires: How Americans Kept Warm in the 19th Century (Johns Hopkins University Press, 2014), 183 pp
[edit]

 

A Nest Labs thermostat

Smart thermostats are Wi-Fi thermostats that can be used with home automation and are responsible for controlling a home's heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. They perform similar functions as a programmable thermostat as they allow the user to control the temperature of their home throughout the day using a schedule, but also contain additional features, such as Wi-Fi connectivity,[1][2] that improve upon the issues with programming.

Like other Wi-Fi thermostats, they are connected to the Internet via a Wi-Fi network. They allow users to adjust heating settings from other internet-connected devices, such as a laptop or smartphones. This allows users to control the thermostat remotely. This ease of use is essential for ensuring energy savings: studies have shown that households with programmable thermostats actually have higher energy consumption than those with simple thermostats because residents program them incorrectly or disable them completely.[3][4]

Smart thermostats also record internal/external temperatures, the time the HVAC system has been running and can notify the user if the system's air filter needs to be replaced. This information is typically displayed later on an internet-connected device such as a smartphone.

Manual vs. programmable vs. smart thermostats

[edit]

Manual thermostats

[edit]
Honeywell Manual Thermostat

Manual thermostats (also known as analog thermostats) are the oldest and simplest type of thermostats. These thermostats are set to one temperature and do not change until the user manually adjusts the temperature.[5]

Programmable thermostats

[edit]

Programmable thermostats, first introduced over 100 years ago,[6] are a type of thermostat that allows the user to set a schedule for different temperatures at different times. Most programmable thermostats also have a hold feature which suspends the schedule and effectively turns the thermostat into a manual thermostat.[5] The idea of the scheduling feature is that users will set a warmer or cooler temperature when the home is unoccupied to save energy and money. Due to this assumed energy savings, some building codes and government programs began requiring the use of programmable thermostats.[7] Due to the way people use these devices, most programmable thermostats result in more energy use than the basic manual thermostat.[8]

Issues with programmable thermostats

[edit]

One of the main objectives of smart thermostats is to reduce the issues involved with using traditional programmable thermostats. In order to understand how smart thermostats take on this task, it is important to understand the issues regarding programmable thermostats and how they affect energy consumption. Between 2008-2009, Florida Power & Light (FPL) provided 400 homeowners with programmable thermostats and monitored their heating and cooling patterns. Out of the 400 participants, 56% of users used the programming feature while the remaining participants did not program the thermostat and left it on "hold". It was determined that the users who used the programming feature actually consumed 12% more energy than the non-programmers. This consumption increase resulted from higher overnight duty cycles associated with lower thermostat setpoints (i.e. lower temperature setting), due to confusion with setting the schedule. This study reveals that programmable thermostats will not necessarily save energy. The smart thermostat attempts to combat this issue by taking the user out of the picture and relying on sensors and computers to save energy.[8]

Another study conducted on the issue determined that the biggest problem for programmable thermostats was the human using it. The technology inside a programmable thermostat is no doubt one of the most important factors in determining whether or not the thermostat will be successful in saving energy. But an equally important factor is the human who is using the thermostat. Unfortunately, many people who own programmable thermostats do not know how to use the thermostat or are not using all of the features that are offered. One study conducted a number of interviews, surveys, and observations to determine that the vast majority of programmable thermostat owners are not using the thermostats for their intended purpose. An online survey showed that 89% of respondents do not use the schedule feature on their programmable thermostat. Other results from the interviews and surveys show that a large number of people have misconceptions about heating/cooling and the use of programmable thermostats. One misconception is people believing that heating all of the time is more efficient than scheduling the heat to turn off. Another misconception noted in the study is that turning down the thermostat does not substantially reduce energy consumption. These misconceptions reaffirm the idea that the programmable thermostat itself could have all of the necessary tools, but if the user does not use them or uses them incorrectly, then these thermostats will fail at saving energy.[7]

As a result of these studies and others like them, energy star suspended its labelling of programmable thermostats in December 2009. It became the goal of smart thermostats to address these issues by taking the human out of the picture and creating a thermostat that uses smart computing to truly reduce energy usage and cost.[7][8]

Smart thermostats

[edit]

Smart thermostats are similar to programmable thermostats in the sense that they have a scheduling feature that allows users to set different temperatures for different times of the day. In addition to this feature, smart thermostats implement other technologies to reduce the amount of human error involved with using programmable thermostats. Smart thermostats incorporate the use of sensors that determine whether or not the home is occupied and can suspend heating or cooling until the occupant returns. Additionally, smart thermostats utilize Wi-Fi connectivity to give the user access to the thermostat at all times. These additional technologies have proven to make smart thermostats successful in saving users energy and money.[5]

History

[edit]

Development of the smart thermostat began in 2007 with the creation of the ecobee thermostat. The founder of ecobee, Stuart Lombard, wanted to save energy and reduce his family's carbon footprint. After realizing that heating and cooling made up most of his home's energy usage,[9] Lombard purchased a programmable thermostat in an attempt to reduce total energy usage. Lombard quickly discovered that the programmable thermostat was difficult to use and unreliable. Following difficulties with the programmable thermostat, he set out to create a smart thermostat that saved energy and was easy to use. With that goal, the ecobee company was created in attempt to offer users a thermostat that could truly save energy by fixing the issues with programmable thermostats.[10]

Following the ecobee, EnergyHub released its version of a smart thermostat in 2009 with the creation of the EnergyHub Dashboard. The co-founder of EnergyHub, Seth Frader-Thompson, got the idea for the Dashboard from his Prius. The Prius had screens on the dashboard that displayed the car's gas mileage in real time. Thompson felt that a house should have something that does the same. With that goal in mind, Thompson created a thermostat that could communicate with a home's furnace and appliances to determine the energy usage and efficiency and how much it was costing. The thermostat also had the capability to turn off appliances or raise and lower the temperature to save energy and cost. Ultimately, the goal of this thermostat was to display energy usage to users and to save energy and money.[11]

Nest Labs company logo. Creators of the Nest Learning Thermostat.

In 2011, Nest Labs developed the Nest Learning Thermostat. The Nest Thermostat attempted to reduce home energy consumption by addressing the problems with programmable thermostats through the use of better technology. This new technology included the implementation of sensors, algorithms, machine learning, and cloud computing. These technologies learn the behaviors and preferences of the occupants, and adjust the temperature up or down to make the occupant comfortable when they are home and to save energy when they are away. Additionally, the Nest Thermostat connects to the home Wi-Fi. This allows users to change the temperature, adjust the schedule, and check energy usage from a smartphone or laptop. All of these features were part of Nest's goal to create an easy to use thermostat that saves users energy and money.[12]

Technology

[edit]

Programmable schedule and auto schedule

[edit]

The programmable schedule feature on the smart thermostat is similar to that on standard programmable thermostats. Users are given the option to program a custom schedule to reduce energy usage when they are away from the home. Studies have shown, though, that manually creating a schedule may lead to more energy usage than just keeping the thermostat at a set temperature.[8] To avoid this problem, smart thermostats also provide an auto schedule feature. This feature requires the use of algorithms and pattern recognition to create a schedule that results in occupant comfort and energy savings. Upon creating a schedule, the thermostat will continue monitoring occupant behavior to make changes to the auto schedule. By taking the human error out of the scheduling, smart thermostats can create smart schedules that actually save energy.[13]

Sensor

[edit]
The Nest Web Portal allows users to remotely change the temperature, create a schedule, and view past energy usage.

In an attempt to mitigate the issues with human error involved with programmable thermostats, the smart thermostat utilizes a sensor that can determine occupancy patterns to automatically change the temperature based on occupant patterns and behaviors. The Nest Learning Thermostat in particular uses passive infrared (PIR) motion sensors inside the unit to sense occupancy in the vicinity of the thermostat. This sensor informs the thermostat whether or not the home is occupied. In the case that the home is not occupied, the thermostat can suspend heating/cooling until the sensor is reactivated by an occupant. This sensor is also used to determine the occupancy patterns to create the auto schedule. A grille member is placed in front of the sensor to visually conceal and protect the PIR motion sensor inside the thermostat. The grille also helps to make the thermostat visually pleasing.[2] While this sensor technology is important for conserving energy, it is not without flaws. One of the major issues is that the sensor must be activated by someone walking in front of or near the thermostat. It is possible that an occupant could be at home and not pass in front of the sensor. In this case, the thermostat would shut off the heating/cooling and decrease human comfort.[14]

Wi-Fi connection

[edit]

A major feature of Wi-Fi thermostats (such as smart thermostats) is their ability to connect to the internet. These thermostats are designed with a Wi-Fi module that allows the thermostat to connect to the user's home or office network and interface with a web portal or smartphone application, allowing users to control the thermostat remotely.[15] The Wi-Fi feature also has the ability to send reports on energy usage and HVAC system performance via the web portal, informing the user on their energy efficiency and how it compares to other smart thermostat users. It also may alert users when a problem arises with their HVAC system or when it is time for equipment maintenance. The thermostat also may use the Wi-Fi connection to display current weather conditions and the weather forecast.[1]

Another feature offered by some smart thermostats through the internet connection is geofencing. A geofence is a perimeter boundary created around the location of a smartphone or other device, based on GPS signals. The benefit of having a smart thermostat with geofencing capabilities is that it uses a users smartphone location to determine whether the home is occupied. Instead of using a schedule or sensor to determine occupancy, the smart thermostat can rely on the location of the geofence to tell the HVAC system whether it needs to be on or off.[16] Since most people carry their phones with them, geofencing can be an accurate way to determine occupancy patterns.[13]

Learning thermostats

[edit]
The Ecobee 4 thermostat

Some smart thermostats, such as the Nest thermostat, can learn when the house is likely to be occupied, and when it is likely to be empty. This allows automatic pre-heating or pre-cooling so the temperature is comfortable when a resident arrives. If the residents or lifestyles change, these smart thermostats will gradually adjust the schedule, maintaining energy savings and comfort.

Motion detectors can determine if someone is home. One smart thermostat that uses motion detectors is the Ecobee4.[17]

A wireless network can be used to sense when someone is out of range, thus determining if they're in or nearby their home. This geofencing technique is used by the Honeywell T6 Smart Thermostat.

Connected thermostats

[edit]

A Connected thermostat is one that can be controlled through an internet connection, but will not provide analytic information. In recent years Wi-Fi thermostats have risen in popularity, they combine the technology of thermometers and Wi-Fi. So now you can have a thermometer in your home that is displayed on your phone that uses Wi-Fi technology. This technology is being developed right now so it will be available for thermostats in machinery and cars. Google is involved in this push towards technology since it acquired a Wi-Fi temperature company called Nest.[18] The market of smart thermostats is expected to reach around 3.5 Billion USD by the end of the year 2022.[citation needed]

Zoned systems

[edit]

Rather than controlling the temperature of the whole house, zoned systems can control individual rooms. This can increase energy savings, for example by heating or cooling only a Home-office and not the bedrooms and other areas that are empty during the day.

Studies

[edit]

Internal studies

[edit]

To show that their thermostats save energy and money, numerous smart thermostat producers have conducted models and studies to confirm their savings claims. One popular way that smart thermostat producers calculate energy usage is through energy modeling. In these models, the smart thermostat is compared to a thermostat set at a constant temperature, and savings are calculated. Using this method, ecobee calculated energy savings by correlating how long heating and cooling equipment run to local weather conditions. Energy savings were calculated relative to a constant temperature of 22 °C (72 °F). Upon conducting this model, ecobee determined a 23% savings on heating and cooling costs for those who switch to their smart thermostat.[19] Using a similar modeling method, Nest claimed a 20% energy savings for homeowners who install a Nest Learning Thermostat.[20]

To determine energy savings using actual data instead of energy models, in February 2015, Nest conducted a national study of Nest customers in 41 states who had enrolled in Nest's MyEnergy service. In May 2013, Nest acquired MyEnergy, a company that tracks and analyzes utility usage of people enrolled in the program. Upon acquiring MyEnergy, Nest was able to use the historical data to determine the energy savings of those who installed the Nest Learning Thermostat. This study looked at energy usage before and after the installation of a Nest Learning Thermostat and used a weather normalization procedure to prevent unusually cold or warm weather from skewing the data. The study had a sample size of 735 homes for gas usage analysis and 624 homes for electrical analysis. All of these homes were enrolled in the MyEnergy program and had sufficient energy data before and after the installation of a Nest Learning Thermostat. After observing the energy usage for one year, Nest determined that there was an average gas savings of 10% and a cooling savings of 17.5%. The savings varied from house to house depending on how occupants set their thermostat before the installation of a Nest thermostat, along with differences in occupancy patterns, house characteristics, and weather.[20]

Gas and Electric Savings Results[20]
Fuel Sample Size Pre-Nest Total Energy Use Pre-Nest HVAC Total Energy Savings % of HVAC
Natural Gas (therms/yr) 735 774 584 56 ±12 9.6 ±2.1%
Electricity (kWh/yr) 624 12,355 3,351 585 ±97 17.5 ±2.9%

While the results from the MyEnergy study are significantly lower than those from energy modeling, both show a savings in energy usage by switching to a smart thermostat.[19][20]

Third-party studies

[edit]

Since the release of smart thermostats, a number of third party studies have been conducted to determine if smart thermostats actually save energy and how they compare to manual and programmable thermostats with regards to savings. One study conducted an experiment in which 300 standard programmable thermostats were placed in homes and 300 Nest smart thermostats were placed in other homes. It is important to note that the homeowners involved in this study received proper training on how to properly use all of the thermostat functions. This effectively eliminated the issues regarding human error with programmable thermostats. All homes were located within one region of Indiana and had previously undergone home energy assessment. After 1 year of observation, the study concluded that Nest users reduced their heating gas consumption by 12.5% while users of a standard programmable thermostat reduced consumption by 5%. Additionally, it was concluded that Nest and standard programmable thermostat users reduced their cooling electric consumption by 13.9% and 13.1%, respectively. The major factors that allowed Nest to reduce consumption more than other thermostats was its ability to further reduce human error and set more efficient temperatures. The Nest thermostat used sensors and Wi-Fi connectivity to adjust the temperature on its own and provide more savings. This study helps to suggest that smart thermostats are in fact successful in reducing energy consumption.[21]

Gas Savings as a Percentage of Heating Gas Usage[21]
Thermostat Pre Heating

Usage (Therms)

Savings

(Therms)

Savings

(%)

Range of

Savings (Therms)

Range of

Savings (%)

Nest 548 69 12.5% 60 to 77 11 to 14%
Programmable 602 30 5% 22 to 38 4 to 6%
Electric Savings as a Percentage of Cooling Electricity Usage[21]
Thermostat Pre Usage

(kWh)

Savings

(kWh)

Savings

(%)

Range of

Savings (kWh)

Range of

Savings (%)

Nest 3,080 429 13.9% 270 to 589 9 to 19%
Programmable 2,537 332 13.1% 181 to 483 7 to 19%

A similar study conducted in 2012 with the ecobee thermostat also concluded that smart thermostats are capable of saving energy. The goal of this pilot program was to determine the gas and electric savings of smart thermostats. This study provided 86 households with 123 ecobee thermostats and monitored the homes for 12 months. The study included 69 houses from Massachusetts and 17 from Rhode Island. The participants either had manual or programmable thermostats before the study was conducted. Gas and electric billing data were provided for 12 months before the study was conducted to use as a baseline. After the 12 months of observation, the study concluded that ecobee thermostats led to an average electricity savings of 16% and an average gas savings of 10%. The gas savings for manual thermostat replacements (10% per thermostat) was found to be larger than for programmable thermostat replacements (8% per thermostat). The difference in electricity savings between homes whose prior equipment was a manual thermostat or programmable thermostat was found to be minimal.[1]

Gas Billing Analysis Savings Summary[1]
Previous

Thermostat

Number of

Participants

Pre Usage

(Therms)

Savings

(Therms)

Savings

(%)

Range of

Savings (Therms)

Range of

Savings (%)

Manual

Thermostat

23 890 87 10% 60 to 113 7 to 13%
Programmable

Thermostat

44 842 66 8% 43 to 88 5 to 10%
Electric Savings Analysis Savings Summary[1]
Previous

Thermostat

Number of

Participants

Pre Usage

(kWh)

Savings

(kWh)

Savings

(%)

Manual and

Programmable

Thermostat

12 640 113 16%

Although these studies report differing amounts of savings compared to the internal studies conducted by Nest and ecobee, both of these studies show that smart thermostats have the potential to save energy. This suggests that the technologies added to fix the issues with programmable thermostats have been successful.[1][21]

Study discrepancies

[edit]

Although most studies show that smart thermostats show an energy savings, the amount of savings varies. A large discrepancy is seen between energy modeling savings and the savings found using actual data. The energy modeling compares the smart thermostat to a constant set point temperature of 72 °F, but an online survey conducted by Nest showed that most users have a set point temperature that is 10% more efficient.[20] Therefore, the savings predicted by the energy modeling are going to be higher than real savings.

There are other factors that cause discrepancies even between studies that all look at actual data. Most studies compare total energy consumption of a house from year to year to determine energy savings, as opposed to looking at just the energy that is used for heating and cooling. Due to this, there could be other factors that change the energy consumption of a house, and it might be incorrect to state that the thermostat is responsible for all energy savings in a house. For example, it is possible that other new energy efficient practices/appliances are partially responsible for the savings in addition to the thermostat.[20]

Another discrepancy to consider is the population of people involved in the study. Some studies, such as the MyEnergy study, involve people who signed up for an energy analysis program.[20] These people are likely to be more energy conscious and efficient and have better heating and cooling practices. This greater interest in energy efficiency may lead to lower energy savings by switching to a smart thermostat. The most energy-conscious customers are the ones more likely to have had efficient thermostat settings, therefore, the savings that they receive from the smart thermostat may not be as great.[1]

The weather will also have an impact on the results of a study. Having very high temperatures in the summer and very cold temperatures in the winter will lead to more cooling and heating in those months, requiring more energy. When comparing year to year data, if one year had extreme temperatures, while the following year had moderate temperatures, the savings may look drastic. In reality though, the savings are not from the thermostat, but rather from the change in weather. Studies will try to mitigate this problem through weather normalization procedures.[20]

Broader Impact

[edit]

While smart thermostats have the potential to save energy consumption, they can create unintended consequences on the broader electrical grid. Smart thermostats tend to operate similarly across a population and can create load synchronization. This load synchronization can create much higher peaks and more rapid changes in heating demand. Particularly in the winter, this heating demand is shifted earlier in the morning, when solar electricity is unavailable, making it more difficult to supply electric heating sources like heat pumps with renewable energy.[22]

Improvements

[edit]

Motion sensors

[edit]

One issue with using a smart thermostat is the unreliability of the motion sensor. One of the main features of the smart thermostat is the ability to change the temperature when the sensor in the thermostat does not sense an occupant. The only sensor that is used though is the sensor in the thermostat. This means that if the home is occupied but no one walks passed the thermostat, the thermostat will think that the home is unoccupied and will change the temperature, potentially leading to occupant discomfort.

One study attempted to address this issue by adding more sensors throughout the house. Instead of using just one sensor in the thermostat, this team experimented with placing motion sensors and door sensors throughout the house to gain better understanding of the occupant's sleeping and occupancy patterns. These sensors communicated with each other and used an algorithm to quickly determine whether the occupants were active, sleeping, or away. The system used historical data to estimate when occupants would be returning and would begin "preheating" the home before they arrived. Additionally, the system would drift further from the set point when it was certain that no one was home. The study compared a standard ("reactive") smart thermostat and the multiple sensor system to a manual thermostat. The study concluded that a reactive smart thermostat with just on sensor saves, on average, 6.8% of energy consumption, while the multiple sensor system saved an average of 28% of energy consumption. This study again shows that, on average, smart thermostats achieve their goal of saving energy. It also shows that smart thermostats are not as well developed as they could be, and the addition of more sensors could result in better performance and energy savings.[14]

User interface

[edit]

One of the issues with programmable thermostats that smart thermostats try to fix is the confusing user interface. Many owners of programmable thermostats found the controls and directions to be too confusing and opted out of using the scheduling feature completely. Others who used the feature used it incorrectly, due to the confusing directions, and saw an increase in energy usage.[7] Developers of smart thermostats have attempted to fix this issue by creating simple to use thermostats and providing proper direction. While this is an improvement on programmable thermostats, studies have shown that users desire more intense training from the installer of the thermostat on how to use the technical features. Additionally, many smart thermostats use a web portal where users can adjust the thermostat settings and look at their energy usage history. Again, studies have shown that users want this feature to be improved. Some complain that the web portal is not user friendly and they desire more training on how to use the web features during installation.[1]

Internet security

[edit]

Researchers from the University of Central Florida conducted an experiment to show that hackers could use the Nest thermostat as an entry point into one's home. Upon being connected to the internet, the hackers could use the thermostat to control local network traffic from a remote location. The hacker could also use the thermostat to act as a spy and would know whether or not the home is occupied. The research showed that in order for a hacker to gain access to the thermostat, they would have to gain physical access to the device and upload the malicious firmware via a USB port. This drastically decreases the chances that this type of attack will occur, but it is still possible if a used thermostat is purchased with the firmware already uploaded. The problem that allows this type of attack is with the hardware in the thermostat. Therefore, Nest cannot repair this issue with a simple software update, but rather it would need to build a new thermostat that can prevent this type of attack.[15][23]

Sustainability

[edit]
Residential Energy Consumption Survey conducted by the U.S. Energy Information Administration shows residential electricity consumption by category.

Climate change

[edit]

According to the 2015 Residential Energy Consumption Survey conducted by the U.S. Energy Information Administration, home heating and cooling account for the highest percentage of residential electrical energy consumption. Air conditioning accounts for 17% of electrical usage while space heating accounts for 15%.[9] The Residential Energy Consumption Survey from 2009 looked at energy consumption from all energy types (natural gas and electricity). This survey determined that space heating accounted for 42% of all residential energy consumption, while air conditioning accounted for 6%.[24] This energy usage needed to heat and cool homes is directly linked to climate change, as the energy provided for heating and cooling often comes from the burning of fossil fuels, leading to the release of greenhouse gas emissions. With an added focus on combating climate change and global warming, nations from around the world have begun to take on this issue by limiting greenhouse gas emissions and preventing the rise in global temperature through agreements such as The Paris Agreement.[25] Any steps taken to reduce residential energy consumption will help to achieve those goals.

Smart thermostats could be a solution to reducing energy consumption, as numerous studies have shown that these thermostats do in fact reduce home energy consumption.[1][19][20][21] Additionally, the technology within smart thermostats has proven to provide optimal occupant comfort, while still reducing energy consumption.[20] In addition to providing comfort, these technologies take the human out of the picture. Many sustainable devices rely heavily on how the user uses them. By relying on technology instead of human actions, smart thermostats reduce the amount of human error often experienced with other sustainable devices, such as the programmable thermostat. These factors suggest that installing a smart thermostat is one easy step than many people can take to reduce energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions, ultimately leading to a more sustainable future.

Programs

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Many housing corporations and smart thermostat developers realize the potential of smart thermostats to save energy, and have developed programs to advance sustainability through smarter technology. Ecobee promotes a sustainable future through its "A Better Tomorrow" program, in which the company donates time, data, and technology to ensure a brighter future.[26] As part of this program, in January 2018, ecobee donated 776 ecobee thermostats to the Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC) to help the city of Toronto advance their climate change action plan. This donation helps to improve the TCHC's goal of providing healthy, safe, and sustainable homes for the people of Toronto.[27]

Another popular way that utility companies promote switching to a smart thermostat is through monetary incentives. The San Diego Gas & Electric company currently runs a program that offers participants a $50 e-gift card after switching to a smart thermostat.[28] The Wisconsin Focus on Energy program partners with utility companies across Wisconsin to offer a $75 check to those who purchase a qualifying smart thermostat.[29] Austin Energy, a utility company providing electricity to the city of Austin, Texas, offers a $25 rebate for each eligible smart thermostat that is purchased and installed.[30] Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) offers smart thermostat rebates in California for residential and multifamily customers.[31][32] Many other companies across the United States offer similar programs to incentive smart thermostats and more sustainable heating and cooling.[33][34]

Upon installing a smart thermostat, there are additional programs that continue to promote sustainability and reduced energy consumption. The Nest Rush Hour Rewards program partners with utility companies across the United States to incentivize customers to set a higher or lower temperature during peak demand periods. Energy rush hours occur when everyone in a particular area turns on their heating or cooling at the same time, such as during a heat wave. This extra demand may require utility companies to run additional power plants, leading to more cost and carbon emissions. To avoid this, the Rush Hour Rewards program incentivizes customers to set a more efficient temperature that will reduce the amount of energy needed to be produced by the utility.[35]

As more programs like these are created, smart thermostats will play an increasingly important role in reducing residential energy consumption. This reduction will lead to fewer greenhouse gas emissions, helping to create a more sustainable future.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i Miller, Alexi, et al. Wi-Fi Programmable Controllable Thermostat Pilot Program Evaluation. The Cadmus Group, Sept. 2012, ma-eeac.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/Wi-Fi-Programmable-Controllable-Thermostat-Pilot-Program-Evaluation_Part-of-the-Massachusetts-2011-Residential-Retrofit-Low-Income-Program-Area-Study.pdf.
  2. ^ a b Huppi, Brian (19 Nov 2010). "System and method for integrating sensors in thermostats".
  3. ^ Environmental Protection Agency. Summary of Research Findings From the Programmable Thermostat Market. Washington, DC: Office of Headquarters, 2004
  4. ^ H Sachs. Programmable Thermostats. ACEEE, 2004
  5. ^ a b c "Manual vs Programmable vs Smart Thermostats | Which Is Best for You?". Service Champions. 2018-05-18. Retrieved 2018-12-06.
  6. ^ "The Honeywell Temperature Regulator".
  7. ^ a b c d Meier, Alan (2010). "How People Actually Use Thermostats". ACEEE. cite journal: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)[permanent dead link]
  8. ^ a b c d Lopes, Joseph. "FPL Residential Thermostat Load Control Pilot Project Evaluation" (PDF). ACEEE. cite journal: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  9. ^ a b "EIA's residential energy survey now includes estimates for more than 20 new end uses - Today in Energy - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)". www.eia.gov. Retrieved 2018-12-07.
  10. ^ "About ecobee | ecobee | Smart Home Technology". www.ecobee.com. Retrieved 2018-12-06.
  11. ^ "The 50 Best Inventions of 2009 - TIME". Time. 2009-11-12. ISSN 0040-781X. Retrieved 2018-12-06.
  12. ^ "Nest Labs Introduces World's First Learning Thermostat". Nest. 25 Oct 2011.
  13. ^ a b Nest. "Support". Nest. Retrieved 2018-12-07.
  14. ^ a b Lu, Jiakang; Sookoor, Tamim; Srinivasan, Vijay; Gao, Ge; Holben, Brian; Stankovic, John; Field, Eric; Whitehouse, Kamin (2010). "The smart thermostat". Proceedings of the 8th ACM Conference on Embedded Networked Sensor Systems - Sen Sys '10. p. 211. doi:10.1145/1869983.1870005. ISBN 978-1-4503-0344-6. S2CID 207183167.
  15. ^ a b Hernandez, Grant; Arias, Orlando; Buentello, Daniel; Jin, Yier (2014). "Smart Nest Thermostat A Smart Spy in Your Home" (PDF). Blackhat. S2CID 14493263.
  16. ^ "Should You Get a Thermostat with Geofencing Technology?". General Heating & Air Conditioning. 2014-07-21. Retrieved 2018-12-07.
  17. ^ "Does the ecobee4 also have a built-in motion sensor?". ecobee Support. Retrieved 2018-09-21.
  18. ^ Whitney, Lance (February 12, 2014), "Google closes $3.2 billion purchase of Nest", CNET
  19. ^ a b c "Saving money with ecobee smart Wi-Fi thermostats | ecobee | Smart Home Technology". www.ecobee.com. Retrieved 2018-12-07.
  20. ^ a b c d e f g h i j "Energy Savings from the Nest Learning Thermostat: Energy Bill Analysis Results". Nest Labs, Inc., Feb. 2015, nest.com/-downloads/press/documents/energy-savings-white-paper.pdf.
  21. ^ a b c d e Asrish, Carlyn. Evaluation of the 2013–2014 Programmable and Smart Thermostat Program . The Cadmus Group, 9 Jan. 2015, www.cadmusgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Cadmus_Vectren_Nest_Report_Jan2015.pdf?submissionGuid=c8eda45b-2759-4a31-90e3-d2ecdb9001de.
  22. ^ Lee, Zachary (2022). "Unintended consequences of smart thermostats in the transition to electrified heating". Applied Energy. 322: 119384. doi:10.1016/j.apenergy.2022.119384. S2CID 249809288.
  23. ^ Tilley, Aaron. "How Hackers Could Use A Nest Thermostat As An Entry Point Into Your Home". Forbes. Retrieved 2018-12-07.
  24. ^ "Energy Use in Homes - Energy Explained, Your Guide To Understanding Energy - Energy Information Administration". www.eia.gov. Retrieved 2018-12-07.
  25. ^ "The Paris Agreement | UNFCCC". unfccc.int. Retrieved 2018-12-07.
  26. ^ "Social Impact | ecobee | Smart Home Technology". www.ecobee.com. Retrieved 2018-12-07.
  27. ^ "CNW | ecobee donates over 700 thermostats to Toronto Community Housing to improve sustainability and resident comfort". www.newswire.ca. Retrieved 2018-12-07.
  28. ^ "Smart Thermostat Incentives | San Diego Gas & Electric". www.sdge.com. Retrieved 2018-12-10.
  29. ^ "Smart Thermostats | Focus on Energy". www.focusonenergy.com. Retrieved 2018-12-10.
  30. ^ "Power Partner Thermostats". savings.austinenergy.com. 2013-04-24. Retrieved 2018-12-10.
  31. ^ "Smart thermostat rebate". www.pge.com. Retrieved 2021-09-29.
  32. ^ "Energy management for property managers". www.pge.com. Retrieved 2021-09-29.
  33. ^ "Smart Thermostat Rebate Program | The City of Naperville". www.naperville.il.us. Retrieved 2018-12-10.
  34. ^ "Energy Efficiency Programs | Entergy Mississippi, Inc". www.entergy-mississippi.com. Retrieved 2018-12-10.
  35. ^ Nest. "Support". Nest. Retrieved 2018-12-10.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Common signs include increased humidity levels, musty odors, water leakage or pooling around the unit, and the dehumidifier not turning on or shutting off unexpectedly.
Check if the air filter is clean and replace it if necessary. Ensure the coils are free of dust and debris. Verify that settings are correct for current humidity conditions, and ensure proper airflow within the room.
Freezing can occur due to low ambient temperatures, restricted airflow from dirty filters or blocked vents, or refrigerant issues. Ensure the unit is operating at an appropriate temperature (above 65°F) and check for any obstructions.
Seek professional help if basic troubleshooting doesnt resolve issues like persistent leaks, electrical problems, unusual noises, or if you suspect refrigerant leaks. Professional assessment ensures safe and efficient repairs.