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Revised:
July 19th, 2023
As a society, our energy consumption this decade is breaking the previous record by a landslide. In fact, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) predicts that our global energy usage will increase by almost 50% by the year 2050.
That said, it is more important, now more than ever, to consider ways you can save energy in your residential household. There are various ways to do so, such as:
- Switching to an energy-efficient HVAC system
- Only turning on your HVAC system when you need to
- Utilizing a Smart Thermostat
- Ensuring routine maintenance is performed on your system
Being aware of your surroundings, the amount of energy you, your home, and your loved ones consume, as well as making conscious decisions regarding your home's HVAC system, is one of the many keys to success surrounding our energy consumption.
If you are a homeowner who is trying to think of ways to lower your carbon footprint, live sustainably, and save energy, then you've come to the right place! Today, we will discuss a revolutionary piece of HVAC technology (created in the 1970s) called AquaTherm. An AquaTherm HVAC system that can help homeowners save energy, money, and our planet.
This article will cover what an AquaTherm HVAC is, how it works, its features, as well as the pros and cons of investing in an AquaTherm HVAC system, including how much energy your home can save when switching.
Let’s dive in!
What Is An AquaTherm HVAC System?
In its simplest terms, an AquaTherm, sometimes called a “Combo Heater,” is an air handler with advanced heating, ventilation, and air conditioner system that uses water-based technology to provide homeowners with efficient and sustainable climatization.
To many homeowners like myself, this may seem like a new concept; however, the first combo heater was installed in a California home in 1974. Today, over a million combo heaters are installed in homes around the United States and Canada.
Installation Of An AquaTherm HVAC System
When installing the AquaTherm, it connects to natural gas, low-pressure, or an oil field water heater, which will cause the water heater to become a dual-function household system that can heat your water and keep your home at your desired temperature.
It’s important to note that at Fire & Ice, our installers are licensed and equipped to install AquaTherm HVAC systems; however, it is a special order and can take up to seven weeks to be delivered.
Keep in mind that an AquaTherm system is specifically designed and manufactured to be flexible and compatible with other whole-home appliances, which allows them to be adaptable to almost any home or building layout.
On top of that, these systems have built-in smart controls that automate certain features, which, in turn, allows for precise temperature matching and ultimate control of your home’s humidity.
How Does An AquaTherm HVAC System Work?
An AquaTherm Air Handler uses water as its medium to heat the air in a given residential (or commercial) space.
- When heat is needed, your wall thermostat will send a signal to the AquaTherm when it’s needed to heat your home to your set temperature.
- From there, it energizes a small pump that circulates and transfers hot water from your existing water supply to the hot water coil located inside the air handler/combo heater.
- As the fan motor pushes the air from your return vent over the system's hot water coil, the air sucks up heat from the hot water.
- Finally, the warm air is evenly distributed through your ducted system into your living space to heat your home.
It’s important to note that once the warm air is generated, it’s typically around 105° to 110° Fahrenheit; however, as the heated air moves through the AquaThem’s coil, it will lose about 15° to 25°. Nevertheless, the water that is not used will be transferred back to your water heater to be heated and start the cycle again.
Do I Need A Specific Water Heater To Install An AquaTherm System?
Contrary to popular belief, any household water heater should be sized big enough to account for heating your water and your air. However, if your current domestic hot water heater cannot meet your demands, it won't be able to keep up with an AquaTherm system; therefore, you may need a different size.
Unfortunately, when your hot water heater is undersized, it’s usually only off by a gallon or two. If you have questions on whether or not your current water heater is up for the task, we suggest talking to your trusted HVAC or plumbing professional to guide you in the right direction.
AquaTherm’s Benefits & Features
When it comes to investing in an AquaTherm HVAC system, there are several benefits, such as high energy efficiency, little to no maintenance, consistent heat, flexibility, and even a longer lifespan for your water tank.
Little to No Maintenance
Another great benefit of the AquaTherm HVAC system is that it requires little to no maintenance. In fact, this system has only five (yes, you read that right, FIVE) moving parts. These combo systems are considered to be simple and uncomplicated, especially compared to other HVAC equipment, like a heat pump or an energy-efficient gas furnace.
However, we wouldn't be a trusted HVAC contractor if we didn’t mention that while this system has little to no maintenance, you should still schedule your HVAC system’s annual tune-up to ensure your investment is paying off.
Related Content: Why Do I Need a Furnace Tune-Up Every Year? Pros of HVAC Maintenance
Consistent Heat
Unfortunately, depending on where you live, sometimes your HVAC system cannot keep up with the demand needed to keep your home at your desired temperature. Luckily, as long as hot water is available, an AquaTherm or “Combo Heater” will provide your home with warm air and hot water regardless of the temperature outside.
Flexibility & Compatibility
As mentioned earlier, the AquaTherm HVAC System was created and designed to be flexible and compatible with other whole-home appliances, making it one of the most (if not the most) flexible and adaptable heating and cooling systems in the current HVAC industry.
In addition, the cooling coils within the AquaTherm HVAC system are compatible with other major HVAC brands, including, but not limited to,
- Carrier
- Rheem
- Trane
- Goodman
Furthermore, First Co. (who owns AquaTherm) offers home and business owners 15 different AquaTherm/ Combo Heaters models. These models can fit seamlessly into hard-to-reach places, like a recess in a wall, a closet, or an attic.
When purchasing an AquaTherm HVAC system, you can pick models that only heat or cooling coils (up to five tons). Plus, you can add a heating coil if you already own an air handler. Nevertheless, if you’re unsure if your current system will be compatible, ask one of our knowledgeable and friendly technicians on their next visit.
High Energy-Efficiency
In today’s world, the recovery efficiency of natural gas water heaters is anywhere between 76%-94%. That said, having energy-efficient appliances and home comfort systems is becoming the standard norm.
On top of that, since these systems use water-based technology, they decrease our energy consumption, lower overhead operating costs, and significantly reduce your household’s carbon footprint, as well as your monthly heating and energy costs.
When investing in an AquaTherm HVAC system, you will notice an improvement in your home's indoor air quality, which provides you, your home, and your loved ones with a comfortable and healthy living environment.
Making the AquaTherm HVAC system one of the most revolutionary and eco-friendly ways to control the comfort of your home while decreasing your overall environmental impact.
Improved Longevity of Your Water Tank
A standard water tank is supposed to last between 8 to 12 years with proper maintenance. But, believe it or not, investing in an AquaTherm HVAC system can improve the overall lifespan of your water heater. This is because it is more frequently circulating water through your hot water tank, which helps reduce sediment build-up and corrosion.
If you live in Columbus or any of the surrounding areas and you're looking for a trusted hot water tank installer, read our “Best Hot Water Tank and Water Heater Installers in Columbus, Ohio” article for who we recommend.
Pros & Cons of the AquaTherm HVAC System
Image Source: ronstik
As with everything else in our lives, before making a big purchase/decision, we should do ample research and weigh the pros and cons; that said, the AquaTherm HVAC system is no different.
Below are the pros and cons when investing in a Combo Heater.
Pros
- It’s energy efficient and reduces your carbon footprint.
- It can perform two heating functions simultaneously, for example, heating your home and your water for domestic purposes, like taking a shower or washing dishes.
- It is either connected to a natural gas or oil water heater.
- It’s less maintenance.
Cons
- If your system is installed but undersized, it can cause your BTU (British Thermal Units), which is the unit of heat required to raise one pound of water by a full degree.
- We DO NOT recommend installing an AquaTherm/Combo Heater on your own. It takes specialized tools, it’s dangerous and can cause water damage.
What’s Next?
Now that you've learned what an AquaTherm/Combo Heating system is and how it can benefit you, your home, and your loved ones, there's only one thing left to do, schedule an in-home estimate!
The AquaTherm HVAC system is a revolutionary technology that should be discussed more, especially given our current climate. In fact, I wasn't completely sure what an AquaTherm HVAC system was until I sat down to write this article.
Nevertheless, if you're looking for an energy-efficient HVAC system that is also environmentally friendly, reduces your carbon footprint, and creates a cleaner and greener home, the AquaTherm would be the perfect addition to your home.
Are you ready to begin your AquaTherm/ Combo Heater installation journey? Or do you need an air conditioning repair? What about a furnace replacement? If any of these ring a bell, call or click below to schedule a free in-home estimate with one of our sales comfort specialists.
We look forward to making your day better!
