A variety of trends have been shaping the HVAC industry in recent years. Today, HVAC systems are designed to be more efficient and environmentally friendly.
It’s no secret the industry faced many new challenges in 2020. What will the future years look like in the heating, ventilation and air conditioning sectors?
Smart Tech/Internet of Things
In 2020, IoT continues its relevance. The smartphone has been introduced to the world for more than a decade now, and today’s consumer market demands connectivity. Property owners and operators are now able to monitor and adjust all sorts of systems, including HVAC. Just a single touch of a button or a single voice command makes it possible.
For at least two years now, smart thermostats have been trending. However, this year, intelligent HVAC systems became more mainstream and can even be controlled manually or remotely. Users can adjust their settings with just an internet connection. Smart HVAC systems provide remote temperature control and users—with the help of technology—can set schedules, receive maintenance reminders, dispatch contractors and even monitor efficiency with the use of smartphones.
Green Technology
New, green and environmentally conscious technology has been making a clamor in recent years, and the construction industry can expect the same in future years. It could already mean that heating will soon function by electricity or hydrogen, or a myriad of smart inventions that provide cleaner solutions. With the growth in the sustainability sector, the HVAC market will undoubtedly play a huge role in the rise of sustainable energy. More sustainable solutions from the HVAC access door and panel to the HVAC unit’s tiniest part may happen.
Facility and Data Automation
Building automation is also set to increase in the years to come. HVAC systems will be seeing control, reporting methodologies and management becoming automated for facilities for running at their most efficient. It is to provide greater efficiency, improve occupant comfort and reduce any operating costs.
Technology as Service
Thanks to technologies like smart controls and data analysis, HVAC efficiency is undoubtedly improving. However, none of these feats are possible without the help of specialized technology platforms that help connect data and create actionable insights. Technology options for HVAC contractors are not only helping them be able to communicate with customers but also to submit work orders, job photos and receive job site navigation.
Zoning Systems
Suppose there is one active HVAC trend that is promising when it comes to dominating the industry. In that case, it’s temperature regulation through zoning, which allows different temperatures set in various building areas. The temperature zones now come with ductwork dampers that will enable users to use multiple thermostats to control HVAC settings in every room.
For instance, this is helpful when someone wants one room to be set at a comfortable 67 degrees Fahrenheit, while another room could be set to a cooler 64 degrees because it’s occupied less. Each room can have its temperature settings based on the personal preference of the occupant. Moreover, zoning systems can also be set up on a floor-by-floor basis aside from being room by room. These systems will help in providing the most exceptional optimization.
Growth Potential
Technological advancements and developments will boost building convenience and lower utility bills—they also have the potential for a global impact on sustainability and can help in lowering a building’s energy consumption.
