Future of HVAC and industry supply issues.

[ultrarunner]

I’ve been thinking about the future of HVAC and the supply issues we’ve been facing lately. The industry seems to be in a pickle with all these delays and shortages. I believe a shift towards more energy-efficient systems is on the horizon. People are more conscious about their energy use, which is excellent!

Yes if it really is a net gain.

I say this looking at my third new Heat Pump system in 21 years… ouch!

I then think back to friends with central air installed in the 80’s and still very reliable.

 

[Sigarms]

I never in a million years would have thought that a brand new unitary equipment refrigerant being used by most of the manufacturers sold in the USA would ever cost more per lb than R22.

 

[ultrarunner]

Time for propane refrigerant?

7 years ago I bought a sub $200 stand alone ice maker for the clinic nurse’s station not expecting much.

It was Costco and since my 6k ice machine was again down I jumped on the cheap Costco ice maker…

It uses propane and has never run out of ice bag ice.

 

[Sigarms]

Time for propane refrigerant?

7 years ago I bought a sub $200 stand alone ice maker for the clinic nurse’s station not expecting much.

It was Costco and since my 6k ice machine was again down I jumped on the cheap Costco ice maker…

It uses propane and has never run out of ice bag ice.

The industry was crapping bricks with the current selection of "mild flammable" new refrigerants that hit the market the last year coming into this year

Somewhere here I believe, I pointed on propane has been used for years by refrigeration guys.

Seriously, there is a shortage nationally on the new refrigerant due to various reasons (excuses a lot of guys call them LOL).

 

[arto98607]

Not trying to change the subject - this kind of fits in to OP's "Future of HVAC" topic I hope.


Anyone here with information or personal experience regarding the longevity of variable speed compressor ground source heat-pumps?

Our ground source heat-pump has served us well for many many years and hopefully will many more.

I like the variable speed compressor idea, and both ClimateMaster and WaterFurnace are offering them but not sure of any other brands?

Just curious of their longevity.