Top 5 Emerging Trends That Are Transforming The Commercial HVAC Industry

The year 2022 has proved to be the year of constant innovation and technological advancements. The heating and cooling industry has noticed some significant transformations in these recent years. It has pushed energy efficiency to the forefront. Engineers now can develop equipment that lowers heating and cooling consumption in buildings for a greener and sustainable future. The definition of smart HVAC systems has changed. All thanks to the Internet of Things (IoT). The industry has now diversified from thermostats with simple programming capabilities to a wide array of sensors that provides data to algorithms and apps for making remote adjustments. It is a notable change that needs to be appreciated!

The energy demand in HVAC systems is constantly rising. It is contributing to electricity costs. The HVAC industry is now looking for ways to increase its energy efficiency and provide solutions for its customers to better monitor energy consumption in buildings. The Internet of Things (IoT) perfectly matches the need. It is useful in tracking vibration, airflow, pollutants, number of occupants, weather conditions, and much more. Smart IoT devices and sensors monitor key stress indicators and make remote analysis that improves troubleshooting and makes preventive maintenance in facilities easier to establish. As a result, facility managers can meet energy consumption and efficiency benchmarks without compromising occupant comfort and IAQ.

Growing and rapidly evolving HVAC Industry

Smart HVAC systems coupled with IoT can improve buildings’ efficiency and profitability. Innovative methods of collection and analysis of data improve smart HVAC systems that meet comfort, IAQ, and maintenance benchmarks. There are some latest progressing advancements made in the HVAC industry. What is the reason? The emerging trends are reshaping the HVAC field. Let’s explore them one by one:

1. Smart HVAC systems that drive automation

Technology is at the forefront of the HVAC industry. The hype around the Internet of Things is finally actualizing! It’s a lot smarter and easily accessible for the users. HVAC manufacturers are implementing the Internet of Things (IoT) technology to embed sensors and other devices into heating and cooling equipment to monitor and collect data regarding the system’s performance and condition in buildings.

It means buildings with different systems can communicate with each other. As a result, they are able to improve efficiency, increase comfort, provide real-time monitoring of the systems, and conduct predictive maintenance of the HVAC systems. At the same time, they can also manage and control temperature and humidity levels.

2. Ductless HVAC systems are gaining popularity

Ductless HVAC systems are present in Asia and Europe. They are also gaining popularity in the USA as well. Well, there is a reason. Ductworks come with a hefty price tag and pose unique architectural challenges. Upgrading older commercial buildings and homes with air conditioning is a hassle, especially when there is not enough space for ductwork. Holes and gaps in ductwork can cause air leaks that increase the work for maintenance.

Ductless HVAC systems come as a perfect solution for such issues. In modern infrastructures where there is not enough space for ductwork, the installation of these ductless compact HVAC systems proves to be a valuable investment. They are easy to install, efficient, and distribute conditioned air evenly across buildings as compared to traditional HVAC systems. Instead of paying for pricey replacements, opt for ductless HVAC systems. Buildings can save hundreds or even thousands of money with the installation of this smart technology.

3. High adoption of innovative and energy-efficient solutions

HVAC systems are energy-intensive as they contribute massively to overall building energy consumption. Outdated HVAC systems cannot offer the expected air quality in today’s environment. Additionally, they add to the excessive energy consumption that leaves a deteriorating environmental impact. In the end, it’s the user who has to feel the pressure of high energy costs. To overcome these concerns, facilities are adopting innovative and energy-efficient solutions.

Facilities are looking forward to reducing their carbon footprint and fulfilling their social responsibility. Here are some of the innovations that are in trend in the HVAC systems:

• Shift to Zoned HVAC systems that heat or cool specific rooms when required. They deliver high energy savings in buildings.
• Rising preference for Gas and solar-powered HVAC systems. They are a much cheaper option than fossil fuel or coal-based grid electricity.
• Eco-friendly HVAC systems such as geothermal heating and cooling are in high demand. They are safe, quiet, and up to 65% more efficient than traditional HVAC systems. Geothermal systems make use of the Earth’s natural heat energy for heating and air conditioning, the reason why they are sustainable and effective.

Installing these kinds of HVAC systems proves to be future-proofs for businesses.

4. Data connectivity for better control

Instead of trusting instincts, facility managers should use real metrics and data to make informed decisions. The IoT technology contributes massively to ensuring this motive.

With the installation of smart meters, thermostats, and sensors, managers get next-level control over building operations. How? They gather data and compile it into reports that help in identifying usage trends, system status, and past performance of the building. This data can be further used to inform preventive maintenance of the equipment and detect the source when something malfunctions for faster repairs. Modern HVAC systems can self-diagnose. It allows technicians to quickly repair issues to minimize equipment downtime.

5. Smart thermostats

Smart thermostats are technologically advanced devices that connect to Wi-Fi and enable users to automatically connect to their HVAC systems to adjust the temperature to heat and cool the buildings, even if they are away from home. They are slowly making their way into the mainstream with the growing need to maintain energy efficiency in buildings. With this advanced technology, facility managers can make real-time adjustments contributing to overall energy savings and a sustainable future.

The future is sustainable with these advancements in the HVAC Industry. Want to implement these innovative trends of the HVAC systems in your business? Connect with Zenatix and ensure this motive with our expert IoT solutions.