The Newest Trends in the HVAC Industry
Technology is constantly changing. A lot of things are continuously improving for the betterment of human life. Almost all industries are affected by these changes, and the construction industry is of the fields that appear to be a strong proof. The materials that are in use in building concrete structures are continually being enhanced and refined with technology and research, and equipment are also being developed and are evolving. When it comes to the area of Heating, Ventilation, and Air conditioning (HVAC) systems, science, technology, and research are also working incessantly to build or create materials, equipment, and machines that will make the jobs of contractors and subcontractors lighter and easier, the everyday lives of the people more convenient and comfortable, and for nature to be more protected and free from the harmful pollution caused by chemicals and wastes coming from the products of today’s civilization. Although it might take more time and effort to achieve the latter, it is definite that the technology used in different industries such as construction, specifically HVAC, is changing and improving.
Below is list the of new the trends in HVAC generated by today’s technology:
1. Virtual Reality (VR)
One of the newest trends in HVAC is using virtual reality to train HVAC professionals. Using virtual reality HVAC technology is becoming a trend because it is seen as a technique that is on its way of becoming cost-effective. This is when it comes to training current employees and new staff in working on advanced certifications and in using new equipment. Maximizing virtual materials online before using real materials in construction helps reduce the risk and expenses in training.
2. Zoning Systems
The use of zoning systems is another one of the most effective and productive HVAC trends. Applying zoning in temperature regulation permits setting dissimilar temperatures in different areas of a building. These temperature zones are made with ductwork dampers which permit users to operate multiple thermostats to regulate HVAC settings room per room. Bedrooms can also have their temperature settings depending on the resident’s personal choice or preference. In addition to these, zoning systems can also be emplaced floor-by-floor, and because small temperature difference can result in a huge difference in energy use, these zoning systems give the best optimization.
3. Energy Analysis Software
Another trend in the field of HVAC today is using energy analysis software. These are types of software programs that support projecting the best cost and energy-efficient systems in a specified area. Before proceeding to installations, HVAC technicians are utilizing new software that can assist contractors, and help them save time. For clients and customers, this technology can help them save money. In addition to that, these can also be used to provide a benefit and cost analysis for energy improvement in existing systems, which can help update customers about the enhancements that can help them spend less money afterward or in the future. This kind of technology can result in innovations in HVAC on a bigger scale. Architects, engineers, and other construction professionals can also maximize it to project a building’s lifetime energy consumption, to locate the appropriate equipment for their design, and to reflect on using or implementing non-HVAC techniques.
4. Smart Thermostats
Another HVAC technology that has been famous for a few years is smart thermostats. It is constantly improving as smart HVAC systems are becoming more conventional. These HVAC systems can be directed manually and, in a distance, which allows users to change their settings physically or remotely as long as there is an internet connection. Smart thermostats can also detect additional factors such as motion, temperature, and humidity. In addition to this, it permits greater control, and it is also able to interact and integrate with other online systems like Alexa and Google Home.
5. Ice-Powered Air Conditioning
Ice-powered conditioning is also one of the newest trends in HVAC technology. Ice Air uses this kind of technology in its product Ice Bear. An air conditioning unit produced with this kind of technology like Ice Bear is powered by ice and can freeze 450 gallons of water in a tank in one night as part of its “Ice Charging” mode. During the day, when it is switched to the “Ice Cooling” mode, it produces cool air conditioning which can last for 6 hours, and then the A/C will return to the building’s conventional unit. When the product is used in conduction with standard units, it can lessen total net energy consumption.
6. SaaS
Another new trend in HVAC is a “software as a service” or SaaS. Data analysis technologies have helped modernize HVAC system processes which led to the improvement in the efficiency of systems. More than these, the use of SEO, widgets, and software of HVAC contractors has helped and supported them in connecting with the community to accumulate market share on a local level. The use of software as a service also provides contractors a higher sense of knowledge and control over their jobs and projects which results in a more accurate and productive system. In addition to these, software as a service is also a kind of software that companies and businesses can subscribe to and access, instead of developing their own which can incur higher costs.
7. Sensor-Enhanced Vents
Another latest HVAC technology is sensor-enhanced vents. These enable customers to digitally control the climate in each room in their homes or buildings with the use of a convenient app that has sensors that collect and transmit climate data in every room. This kind of technology resolves the extreme temperature differences between rooms that cause inefficient heating and cooling. The process of installing this technology is also fast and easy, and there is even 30% more energy being saved.
8. Dual Fuel Heat Pump
A dual fuel heat pump is a type of HVAC technology that combines a full-sized gas furnace and an electric heat pump into a single product. This kind of heating system is an excellent choice for people whose homes are located in regions with average climates that seldom drop below freezing, and with low electricity rates. In most instances, the electric heat pump will warm the home when temperatures reach above 35 degrees. Although, during those times when the temperature is sub-freezing, the pump will shift to gas to more efficiently warm the home.
9. Solar HVAC
Solar methods of HVAC are also a trend. These have been famous for several years in the sustainable energy field. With the use of panels, solar HVAC units is an option that can be placed on new and existing buildings, and it can work for both cooling and heating.
10. Geothermal HVAC
Geothermal methods of HVAC are also a trend. In contrast to solar HVAC, geothermal HVAC uses underground pipes to manage and regulate temperature. The pipes that are used are dug at least 6 feet deep underground, and at this depth, the temperature stays relatively the same. These pipes manage the temperature around the structure.
11. Tech-savvy Services and Staffs
With the presence of today’s technology, customers now expect and prefer software and systems that will make it easier to book and pay for HVAC services. They want tech-savvy customer-service options. It is also more convenient for them to have access to the information that they need about HVAC contractors and subcontractors, and the jobs that they offer, and for these to be readily available in one place. Learning and applying mobile technology is one way for HVAC contractors, subcontractors, and staff to be updated with today’s technological trends. With the use of smartphones, technicians can demo smart-home automation to their customers. Exhibiting that they are updated with today’s technology shows customers that they are knowledgeable, proficient and experts with their work.
Another way to be on-trend and to maximize the developments and innovations in today’s technology is by using a construction management software in arranging crew schedule and for construction crew management itself. With this software, contractors and subcontractors can monitor their construction staff and see if they were able to accomplish the task or tasks that were assigned to them. The whole construction crew can also send files and documents that need to be seen by everyone. This kind of software, like Pro Crew Schedule, is convenience and efficiency packaged in one.
12. Green Technology
One of the biggest trends in the HVAC industry is green technology. Human beings use technology and other man-made materials to achieve convenience and efficiency. But with the pollution and harmful chemicals that these machines and materials produced, the environment is being affected negatively, and in the long run, these negative effects can come back to us and harm us. That is why green technology has been developed and is continually being developed by experts; for us to achieve convenience and efficiency that is also environmentally friendly.
Some of the innovations included in green technology can be using electricity or hydrogen, or other smart inventions as fuel for heating. The use of electronic air cleaners which can be up to 40 times more efficient than a standard filter is also a trend. In connection to green technology, R22 which is one of the most common refrigerants but is also one of the most harmful to the environment was set to be banned in the U.S. by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on January 1, 2020.
Conclusion
The human mind is both brilliant and enigmatic. Human beings create materials, equipment, and machines to live a better and easier everyday life. But human beings also produce things which can cause more harm than benefit. During this time that we are aware and conscious of the technological inventions and innovations present for us to use, we should maximize these things, and use these in our everyday lives and/or in our jobs such as in construction. But we should also always remember our duty as part of this nature and environment.
