Climate Control Systems
A climate control system providing both heating and cooling, is used in most homes in the US. Cooling is especially popular in sunbelt climates like Arizona and the Southeast. High levels of climate control in our homes has occurred gradually over the last sixty years or so.
Historically, homes were built around a single centrally located heat source. Initially the source was a wood burning fireplace. There was no “air conditioning” because it wasn’t until the early 1900’s that Willis Carrier invented it. Even by 1965 only about 10% of US homes had the luxury of air cooling. Early cooling technologies were screened porches, shade and open windows to allow the breeze in.
Fireplaces provided heat for the home. The great room around it was the original “open plan” since walls would block the heat. The folks gathered, ate and socialized around the fire because it was the warmest and most comfortable place in the home.
New Fuels Changed Everything
As technology marched on, we developed new fuels for our heat sources. As we advanced, fuel sources changed from wood, to coal, to oil, and now to natural gas and electricity. We now have the ability to distribute both heating and cooling to every room in the home. In the process, our homes have tended to spread out and become larger.
Central heating and cooling systems have become more efficient now. Combined with better construction technology, window and door improvements and insulation, our homes have cleaner air and are less costly to heat than ever.
One effect of this has been home designs with more volume in the rooms (higher ceilings) and larger windows.
Newer climate control systems eliminate central heat and a/c units altogether and replace them with individual combination heat/cool (ductless) units in every room. Split, or ductless systems are controlled individually giving the home a limitless combination of climate control selections.
Air Quality And Tight Homes
The efficiency of any climate control system is to a large degree (no pun intended) dependent on the extent to which the home is airtight. Homes that are extremely airtight are easier to heat and cool but require special fresh air exchangers (HRV’s). HRV’s bring in fresh air from outside, filter it, expel old stale interior air and do so while minimizing effects on the interior temperature.
For homeowners, the key parts of the climate control system that you need to know are the thermostat, furnaces and other heat sources, air quality/filters/registers/ducts, condensate drains and exhaust fans.
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