Technological advancement has driven the HVAC industry to innovate more efficient and superior HVAC systems. The increase in construction of green buildings and demand for energy-efficient HVAC systems has further pushed innovators to create eco-friendly and energy-efficient HVAC systems. Below are some of the current and upcoming technologies and innovations in HVAC you should look out for. Check new innovations in HVAC below.
1. Geothermal HVAC systems
Geothermal HVAC systems are becoming popular due their ability to reduce energy costs and make use of renewable resources. The geothermal HVAC systems source renewable geothermal energy stored in the ground to efficiently heat or cool your home.
These HVAC systems are eco-friendly since they make use of natural resources to function. As a homeowner, you can utilize geothermal HVAC systems in your commercial or residential property.
The first geothermal HVAC system was a ground system that was invented by an American scientist called Carl Nielsen.
Geothermal HVAC systems can help you as a homeowner cut energy costs since they are highly energy-efficient. These HVAC systems can save you around 50% of their cooling costs and about 70% of your heating costs This innovation can also help HVAC companies make more sales since energy-efficient HVAC systems are likely to be in more demand in the future.
2. Ductless HVAC systems
Ductless HVAC systems are also known as mini-split systems and they are used to heat or cool a home without using connective ductwork. Traditional HVAC units use ductwork to effectively heat or cool a room which uses a lot of electric energy. About 30% of electrical energy is lost through ducts.
The ductless HVAC systems were invented in 1959 by Mitsubishi which is a Japanese company that continues to produce these units.
These types of HVAC systems are relatively small which make them flexible and effective for small spaces. Ductless HVAC systems can also be used to effectively cool several rooms at different temperatures.
Ductless HVAC systems are very energy-efficient and can help you cut down on utility costs in your home. Mini-split systems are also relatively easy to install. This makes it easy for you as an HVAC technician to handle several installations and boost your productivity. On the other hand, as a homeowner, you experience minimal disruptions and reduce labor costs since your technician can quickly handle your mini-split installation.
3. Solar-powered AC units
The need for sustainability in the HVAC industry has driven the innovation of solar-powered HVAC systems. These systems utilize solar power to heat or cool your space. These eco-friendly HVAC units are becoming popular since they use renewable energy and cut down on electricity costs.
The first solar-powered air conditioner was invented by a company in China called Shandong Vicot Air Conditioning Co. Ltd.
Solar-powered AC units can cool your home or commercial space effectively because they soak up a lot of energy from the sun. Unlike traditional AC units, solar energy could be a great option in the future since it is environmentally friendly and reduces carbon emissions.
HVAC companies that manufacture solar-powered AC units might make more sales and profits in the future due to the rising demand for these units. For instance, a data scientist who owns an HVAC company said that they sell around 300 – 500 solar-powered AC units per month to different countries.
As an HVAC contractor, you can focus on installing, repairing or replacing solar-powered AC units. Try to reach out to homeowners looking for more energy-efficient alternatives.
4. Dual-fuel heat pumps
A dual-fuel heat pump uses a combination of a gas furnace and an electric heat pump to efficiently heat or cool your home providing maximum comfort. The gas used by this system can either be propane or oil. Mitsubishi Electric Trane US is among the top producers of dual-fuel heat pumps.
This system alternates between using the heat pump and the furnace for heating. The heat pump heats your home until the temperatures become too low. This is where the gas furnace takes over and effectively heats your residence.
The dual-fuel heat pump is very energy-efficient and can provide you with maximum comfort especially if you reside in an area with varying temperatures. This HVAC system can also help you cut energy costs since it uses two types of fuel. The heat pump can also cool the air effectively without using too much electric energy.
Dual-fuel heat pumps are becoming popular as homeowners try to maximize energy efficiency and reduce their utility bills. As the demand for dual-fuel heat pumps increases, you can get an opportunity to produce more heat pumps and boost your profits as an HVAC manufacturer. Try to focus more on providing property owners with more energy-efficient alternatives as a roofing contractor.
5. Ice-powered air conditioning
Ice-powered air conditioning uses thermal power to cool your home. This air conditioner has a thermal battery which is used to store energy. The thermal battery fills with water which then freezes into a block of ice. The air conditioner then uses the block of ice to cool your home during the day. The ice-powered air conditioner uses minimal electrical energy since the compressor is not overworked.
The concept of ice-powered air conditioning was developed by a company called Ice Energy in 2017 which they said cuts down on energy costs by around 30%.
While this air conditioner is not yet popular, it could revolutionize the HVAC industry. This is because it can help you cut down your utility bills in the long run. The air conditioner is also environmentally friendly since it makes use of thermal energy to cool your home.
As homeowners bend more towards sustainability, as a HVAC contractor, you can consider venturing more into ice-powered air conditioning. Manufacturers can use this as an opportunity to produce and sell more ice-powered air conditioners.
6. Recyclable ductwork
Sustainability is a core concern when it comes to technologies and innovations in HVAC. Recyclable ductwork is the reusable material used to facilitate airflow within your HVAC system. This type of ductwork comes from a cardboard product that is stronger than the commonly used metal ductwork. Recyclable ductwork requires around 20% insulation. It ensures proper utilization of resources.
Using eco-friendly materials for your HVAC systems can help you save costs that you could otherwise spend by replacing your metal ductwork as a property owner. Green materials also reduce emissions and also protect you from hazardous substances thus ensuring your safety.
Recyclable ductwork is an innovative HVAC technology that could become popular in the HVAC industry. This technology has the potential of transforming the industry by making it more environmentally friendly. As an HVAC technician you can invest more in using recyclable ductwork to install HVAC systems. Manufacturers can use the rising demand for eco-friendly HVAC systems to produce more innovative recyclable ductwork.
7. Zoned HVAC systems
A zoned HVAC system allows you to control the temperature of individual rooms in your residence. A traditional HVAC system may not effectively heat or cool all the rooms in your house equally. A zoned HVAC system effectively maintains the desired temperature in all rooms. As a homeowner, zoning helps you cut utility costs by only heating or cooling the rooms in use.
A company called ZONEFIRST developed zoning systems in the 1950s and continues to manufacture and sell these products.
Most homeowners might prefer a zoned HVAC system in the future to maximize energy efficiency and achieve comfort in all areas of their households. As a HVAC technician, you can consider investing in more energy-efficient HVAC systems. Try to educate your customers about the importance of zoning through blogging, social media posts, and other channels.
8. Smart thermostats
These are WIFI-enabled devices that let you automatically adjust your temperature from your smart phone to achieve comfort as a property owner. The first smart thermostat was invented by Stuart, John, and Mark from Ecobee in 2007.
You can adjust these thermostats even when you are away from your residence. The increase in smart homes has contributed to embracing technology to increase convenience.
Automatically controlling your temperature helps you spend less on energy costs. For instance, you can set the thermostat to an optimal temperature that uses little energy when you are away from home. With the increase in smart homes and advances in technology, the HVAC industry could be on its way to total automation.
As n HVAC contractor, you can use the demand for smart homes to your advantage by installing more HVAC systems with smart thermostats. Manufacturers can also focus more on producing more smart thermostats.
9. Smart sensors
Smart HVAC systems have smart sensors. The sensors automatically turn HVAC systems off when there is no one around to save energy. They also automatically turn the systems back on when they detect movement in the house.
You can integrate these sensors with other systems in your home to further save your energy. For instance, the sensors can automatically turn your lights and thermostat off when you are not home. Smart sensors can help you reduce utility bills and maximize efficiency.
The smart HVAC control market size was more than $7 billion in 2017 and was projected to grow at a CAGR of 19% between 2018 and 2024. The global shipment of smart HVAC controls is estimated to reach 250 million units by 2024.
More homeowners are installing smart HVAC systems into their homes. As a HVAC technician, you can invest more in smart HVAC technologies. Manufacturers should also consider producing more innovative HVAC systems with smart sensors.
10. Smart vents
Smart vents combine the use of smart thermostats and sensors to automatically open or close to regulate airflow in your home. You can control the airflow using an app on your phone from wherever you might be. For instance, you can close the vents when you are away from home to reduce utility costs.
Smart vents are a recent development. Ecovent made the first smart vents. The goal of the vents is to increase comfort and promote energy saving.
The need for comfort and cost savings could drive more homeowners to adopt HVAC systems with smart vents. This in turn could translate to the growth of your HVAC business as a contractor through the sale and installation of vents. As a manufacturer, you can also venture into producing more smart vents to meet the growing demand and boost your profits.
11. Predictive maintenance
The power of prediction is a full-fledged human desire. Predictive maintenance alerts your technician when corrective measures are needed to prevent system failure. Predictive maintenance saves you on costly repair costs and ensures your HVAC system runs smoothly to prevent inconveniences. Your technician addresses potential issues before they escalate into much larger ones.
CH Waddington invented the concept of predictive maintenance after he noticed that there were a lot of system failures and repairs even with planned maintenance.
The IoT has revolutionized the maintenance of HVAC systems potentially increasing the durability of some HVAC systems. This is because regular system failures and repairs can reduce the life cycle of your HVAC system. Smart HVAC technology can analyze data related to equipment status and air quality and effectively predict the ideal time for maintenance.
Predictive maintenance also helps HVAC technicians identify the exact issue they should address which eliminates time wastage while trying to manually check your HVAC system for errors. They can therefore tend to other matters and manage their HVAC business better.
12. Energy analysis software
This is a program that helps you analyze and select the most suitable HVAC system for your property in regards to energy efficiency and costs. This software can calculate the estimated energy your building can use and the potential savings you can make on utility bills. The software helps you keep tabs on your energy consumption rate and utility bills.
Energy Technology Systems Analysis Programme, which is part of the International Energy Agency, devised the energy analysis.
When your bills are too high you can work out a strategy that reduces costs by turning off your AC unit when there is cool weather. This software can also help you as an HVAC technician to easily educate property owners on the most ideal HVAC systems to use. As a technician, you should consider leaning more towards modern technology to keep up with the advances in technology.
13. Virtual reality HVAC training
One of the most important technologies and innovations in HVAC is virtual reality. This technology has many applications commercially as a training tool. Alternatively, virtual reality can be a useful technology in the field. Virtual reality HVAC training is where HVAC students and technicians receive instructions about advanced HVAC and construction technology using simulations.
This technology helps HVAC technicians grasp information easily. They get practical skills that help them handle both traditional and advanced HVAC systems.
Virtual reality was first witnessed in 1968 when Bob Sproull and Ivan Sutherland created a head-mounted display.
By using virtual components, HVAC students and technicians are more prepared to handle the real equipment which minimizes risks and reduces the cost of training. As a contractor, you can use virtual technology to illustrate how HVAC systems would look like once you install them for your customers.
14. Wearable technology
Before, few thought that we would be wearing technology as part of workplace culture. This innovation is making that a reality. Wearable technologies and innovations in HVAC, are shaping safety and performance standards. Wearable technologies are electronic devices that you can wear as an HVAC technician to help you perform your tasks effectively. These gadgets include:
- Smartwatches
- Eye-glasses
- Cameras
Wearable technologies can help you as an HVAC technician to effectively troubleshoot mechanical faults in an HVAC system. These technologies help in saving the time needed to identify and fix a problem. This is a new trend that the HVAC industry seems to be keen on adopting. Wearable technologies can take predictive maintenance or repairs to another level.
15. 3D-printed air conditioners
Generally, 3D technologies and innovations in HVAC have been a game changer. These are 3-dimensional air conditioners. You can make them from a computer-generated design. Haier developed the first 3D-printed air conditioner in 2015.
This type of air conditioner is yet to gain popularity in the HVAC industry. However, 3D-printed air conditioners could make a statement in future with the continual technological advancement. You can apply this technology in making air conditioner prototypes with minimal wastage of materials as a manufacturer.
3D printing can also enable the production of more complex and flexible air conditioners in the future. As a manufacturer, you can enhance the durability of AC units.
The HVAC industry can benefit from the numerous impressive technologies and innovations. Property owners, HVAC technicians, and manufacturers could potentially be steps away from making the industry greener and energy-efficient with the adoption of automated and sustainable HVAC systems. Contact us today to acquire more information regarding trends and innovations in the HVAC industry.
FAQs
What is the latest technology in air conditioning?
The latest technology in air conditioning makes use of renewable energy sources to reduce the negative impact HVAC has on the environment. The latest innovations involve using renewable energy to reduce carbon emissions and conserve energy. Some of the latest air-conditioning technologies include:
- Solar-powered air conditioners
- Smart thermostats
- Ice-powered air conditioners
What is the future for HVAC?
More energy-efficient HVAC systems are becoming popular and more homeowners leaning more towards eco-friendly technologies. HVAC systems in the future could be modern, eco-friendlier, and more energy-efficient.
Is the HVAC industry growing?
According to Grand View Research, the HVAC systems market is expected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5% from 2022 to 2030.