Spanaway’s Top HVAC Trends – What’s Hot and What’s Not

The HVAC industry is focused on smart technology and energy efficiency. This is why we’re seeing an increase in the use of products like smart thermostats and air source heat pumps.

Smart tech allows users to monitor and diagnose issues remotely. This provides convenience and comfort for homeowners and businesses.

1. Miniaturization

HVAC manufacturers are pushing toward smaller devices and systems that require less space. This is driven by consumer demand for energy efficiency and wellness-focused solutions. It’s also a response to increasing DOE (Department of Energy) standards and the ongoing shortage of skilled technicians.

The technologies used in space exploration have influenced HVAC systems on Earth. The result is better, more sustainable HVAC products that save energy and money. Energy-saving innovations include smart thermostats that learn user preferences and optimize energy usage, communicating zoning systems that control HVAC system operations while homeowners are away from home, and improved air filtration systems that promote healthy indoor environments.

Educating and training the next generation of HVAC professionals remains a priority for the industry. Training programs that provide hands-on experience with real HVAC equipment and simulated scenarios allow students to understand real-world settings and conditions. This will help them gain valuable skills and prepare for a career in the field.

2. User-Friendliness

For HVAC product & service providers, wellness-focused solutions and improved indoor air quality are top of mind for both residential and commercial consumers. In addition to lowering utility costs, sustainable HVAC technologies often qualify homeowners for energy efficiency tax credits.

The latest smart thermostats have been designed to monitor indoor air quality, as well. They can alert homeowners of potential maintenance issues, making them easier to diagnose and fix.

Homeowners also have a greater interest in communicating zoning systems that allow them to reduce heating or cooling in unused rooms, saving money and energy. These systems can automatically create preferences while a homeowner is away, allowing them to save even more energy.

A slow-loading website will keep visitors from spending time on your HVAC company’s site, potentially driving them to a competitor. Investing in site optimization, coding and hosting can help your website perform better and make more sales. The new user-friendly HVAC sites are easy to navigate and are optimized for mobile devices.

3. Sustainability

With the COVID-19 pandemic magnifying the importance of indoor air quality and societal demands for sustainability, HVAC businesses are taking steps to meet these demands. This includes focusing on efficiency, reducing emissions and utilizing renewable energy sources.

Newly constructed buildings are often designed with sustainable features, such as ductless systems that reduce the materials needed to build them and use less energy to operate. Additionally, some HVAC companies are shifting to greener technologies like geothermal heating and cooling that harness the earth’s natural energy to heat and cool homes and offices without relying on fossil fuels.

The trend toward sustainability also involves using smart technology to optimize energy usage and reduce waste. For example, many HVAC companies are now incorporating occupancy sensors and automated controls that adjust ventilation rates according to the needs of the building’s occupants. This helps to ensure that sufficient fresh air is available to keep occupants healthy and productive. Additionally, advanced filtration systems like UV lamps and HEPA filters can eliminate allergens, pathogens and other harmful contaminants from the air.

4. Energy Efficiency

A growing body of research shows that HVAC solutions with an emphasis on energy efficiency are good for the environment and occupant comfort. Electric heating and cooling systems like heat pumps that run on renewable electricity reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while reducing homeowner energy bills.

Multi-zone air-conditioning systems that allow each area of the home to be heated or cooled independently, are also on the rise. These systems optimize energy efficiency by heating or cooling only areas that are being used, and identify temperature imbalances in vacant rooms, enabling homeowners to save up to 25% on their energy costs.

With the COVID-19 pandemic still fresh in people’s minds, HVAC systems equipped with advanced air filtration and purification technologies to improve IAQ are becoming increasingly popular. High-efficiency particulate air filters, UV lamps and bipolar ionization systems help remove viruses, pollutants and allergens from indoor environments. These features are particularly important in commercial properties and healthcare facilities where occupants are recovering from illness or undergoing treatment for serious conditions.