There is often difficulty distinguishing fact from fiction, hype and speculation from realistic predictions, and determining what these changes mean for the average American family home.
Considering Musk’s statements and Tesla’s work, it’s likely that some of the excitement should be disregarded, but there’s also much to be curious about.
We are interested in seeing where things go here at Pacific Aire. We’ll discuss how Tesla’s technology works with a comprehensive heating and cooling system.
A home version of Tesla’s HVAC system has been talked about by Elon Musk. Fans remain enthusiastic about the concept, despite some issues with the in-car units.
It has been reported that Elon Musk‘s Tesla will enter the residential HVAC market more than once. The company claims to be upgrading the system it uses in its electric cars for the home market. The idea has been receiving significant attention from the public and people in the HVAC industry.
Tesla’s HVAC system does not seem to be that innovative and makes some of the least reliable cars, Consumer Reports says. Tesla’s in-car heat pumps do not perform well in cold climates, according to online complaints. The company launched its Octovalve heat pump system in March 2020. With this new system, Tesla was able to maintain efficiency as it produced larger vehicles such as the Model Y SUV.
Energy-Efficient Heat Pumps
Let’s talk about energy-efficient heat pumps which will be relevant to our discussion.
Heat pumps (electric or gas) are systems that move warm air from one place (inside or outside) to another. Therefore, when it comes to cooling your home, heat pumps do not actually deliver cold air but rather pull warm air from your home and vent it outside.
Here are a few good things about heat pumps:
- Heating with electricity is actually more efficient than using gas.
- Heat pumps have become much more practical for cold-weather use as technology has developed.
There are 2 main disadvantages:
- The cost of using electric energy is typically much higher than it is for using gas.
- Warm air from heat pumps is often difficult to achieve during the coldest winter months, which means heating from an electric furnace is needed which makes it more costly.
Many people find gas to be more affordable, particularly during the coldest months, so it is more economical.
Historically, heat pumps shut down at around 40 degrees Fahrenheit. At any lower temperature, they stop providing heat. At that point, the electric furnace kicks in, which is usually what drives those utility bills up.
Even in temperatures as low as 15 degrees Fahrenheit, modern heat pumps can heat a home. Technology has significantly changed in the last decades.
Therefore, homeowners are set to gain a lot of benefits from this technology. That’s where Tesla comes into the picture.
HVAC Technology Is Already Available
There is a lot of cutting-edge technology in cars, but not so much in houses. Tesla’s HVAC system is marketed as a ductless mini split with higher efficiency than many other units on the market. Tesla’s system also features filtration. The system includes a HEPA filter.
Many consumers don’t know that there are different types of filtration. It’s clear to them that HEPA is a good thing, but they have no idea how it works. A higher MERV filter already captures the majority of contaminants.
There’s also a setting called “Bioweapon Defense Mode” available from Tesla. This setting minimizes the amount of outside air in the car’s cabin by pressurizing it. Musk’s catchy name shows why people pay attention when he talks about HVAC.
Health Benefits of Quality Indoor Air
The following are some of the benefits of controlling the air quality in your home:
- Allergies are reduced.
- Bugs and dust mites are less prevalent.
- Flu risk is reduced
Exploring Possibilities
It is always worth listening to one of the world’s richest people who is speaking about something relevant to your industry. A large media presence has changed consumer perceptions before about HVAC technology.
If Tesla enters the residential HVAC market, HVAC contractors may have opportunities. Installing home charging connections for Teslas has been added to the services of some HVAC contractors. The company may seek to partner with established contractors if it gets into the home market. Tesla, on the other hand, is known for not forming a franchise dealer network to sell its cars, going so far as to change state laws to do so.
The increased interest in high-end HVAC can be beneficial for the industry, even if a direct relationship with Tesla never develops.
What matters to us, is that Elon Musk and Tesla empower people to make informed decisions about the air they breathe, as well as the HVAC systems they choose for their homes.
