How to Minimize An Emerging Problem with New HVAC Technologies

Yes. You live in an era where you have the greatest technological capability to keep your home operating as efficiently as possible.

But you have to make use of what’s available.

And it does have some quirks that you need to work to minimize. While far better than anything in the past, it’s not perfect now.

What are we getting at?

Sensors you install around your home which tell your HVAC system how to act based on detected conditions throughout your house.

These can include humidity sensors or occupancy sensors, for example.

And you can mistakenly install them in ways that reduce their effectiveness.

So here’s what to do (and not do) so any new sensors you install do their job keeping you comfortable while also making you as efficient as possible:

1. Temperature Sensors

The biggest potential pitfall here is to install these in an area of the home that’s not representative of how the rest of the home feels.

For example, you have a room in your home with computer and electronic equipment which generates heat.

Don’t locate a temperature sensor there, as that will cool the rest of the home when not needed.

In the same way, think about the function of each room in your home. And install your temperature sensors only in areas where the temperature represents what people will experience throughout your home, and not just in specific locations.

2. Humidity Sensors

Again, this has a similar lesson to the afore-mentioned temperature sensors. Don’t install these in commonly humid areas of your home, like your kitchen and bathroom.

That throws off the accuracy of the humidity reading for the rest of your home.

And it’ll kick in the humidity-removal feature of your HVAC system when unnecessary.

3. Air Quality Sensors

Because we spend so much of our lives indoors, these sensors are skyrocketing in demand.

You should have them in every room of your home. But where you put them is the biggest concern.

These sensors generally detect VOCs and small particles. So you want to keep them away from areas of any room that might emit high levels of both and give your HVAC system a skewed reading of what’s really going on in your home.

For example, if you store all sorts of cleaning chemicals, which emit VOCs, on some shelves in your laundry room or pantry, you don’t want to put these sensors right there.

Locate them a ways away so they’re detecting VOCs and small particles in amounts which represent the typical conditions around your home.

Whew!

Technology isn’t perfect. But it sure offers amazing benefits never seen by previous generations.

And now you can make sure you get those benefits with proper attention and installation!