As a Jacksonville, Florida, homeowner, you know how important your HVAC system is to your quality of life. HVAC systems get more advanced and efficient every year. But you might be surprised at how dramatically they’ve evolved in the past few decades. Take a look back at the history of home comfort and get a glimpse of today’s newest HVAC technologies.

The Early Days of HVAC Systems

You might think of an HVAC system as a modern-day invention. The desire to get comfortable indoors isn’t new, though. In fact, people have been trying all kinds of creative ways to cool down and warm up for centuries.

In ancient Greece and Rome, homeowners built the stone or marble floors of their homes directly above channels that held hot coals or fires. This simple yet effective form of heating eventually evolved into the radiant heating that many homeowners appreciate today.

In the late 19th century, the first furnace took HVAC technology to the next level. William Siemens developed an early furnace that was powered by electricity and used a small fan to blow air over heated coils.

The 20th-Century HVAC Boom

Right after the turn of the century, Willis Carrier made one of the most famous HVAC breakthroughs. In 1902, the Father of Air Conditioning created a system prototype that used refrigerant and a series of fans to cool down an industrial space.

It didn’t take long for this cool invention to catch on in manufacturing spaces, public building and homes. Today, air conditioners are essential in homes in Jacksonville and beyond.

In the 20th century, HVAC experts also learned that they could reverse the cooling process, effectively providing both warm air in the winter and cool air in the summer. Today, heat pumps are year-round staples in many Jacksonville homes.

In the 1990s, energy efficiency became a hot topic. The U.S. Energy Department began issuing efficiency standards for HVAC equipment. As a result, the HVAC equipment of today uses about 50 percent less energy than it did in the 1990s. And consumers have saved billions in heating and cooling costs.

Today’s Cutting-Edge HVAC Technology

These days, HVAC technology keeps evolving at a breakneck speed. Take a closer look at some of the most exciting technology that’s emerged in recent years.

HVAC Zoning

At Ocean State Air Conditioning & Heating, we know how uncomfortable your home can get when the indoor temperature is inconsistent. That’s why we often recommend HVAC zoning, which effectively breaks your HVAC system down from one large zone into multiple smaller areas, thanks to a series of dampers in the ductwork. A separate thermostat for each zone ensures that each room or floor in your home is the perfect temperature in any season.

Ductless Systems

Standard HVAC systems require extensive ductwork, but it isn’t always possible to install this type of unit in every home. Instead, ductless systems offer smart solutions.

These systems can cool and heat without ductwork, and they’re incredibly easy for our team to install. If you’re thinking about finishing an area in your home or adding a room, ask our team whether a ductless system would work for you.

Smart Thermostats

These advanced thermostats make it easier than ever to keep your family comfortable. You can program a typical cooling and heating schedule, log into your device from anywhere to change the settings and even check energy reports. Some smart thermostats can even sense when you’re nearby, providing impeccable comfort.

Geothermal Heat Pumps

Did you know that your backyard has its very own source of energy? Geothermal heat pumps draw energy from the soil in your yard, which keeps a relatively consistent temperature year round. These systems are some of the most efficient, long-lasting and durable heat pumps on the market, making them smart picks for savvy homeowners.

Whether you’re looking for the latest energy-efficient HVAC system, a mini-split system or a geothermal system, our team is at your service. Call the HVAC experts at Ocean State Air Conditioning & Heating today at (904) 574-5619.

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