Trends are not limited just to the fashion industry alone! Trends affect even the HVAC industry and this can be seen very clearly in the way:
- Most manufacturers are investing in smart technology.
- Green technologies are coming to the fore in a big way.
- HVAC related jobs are also changing the way installers and technicians approach their projects and so on.
It is rather interesting to delve into the top HVAC trends in 2016.
Changing standards
There is a significant rise in the various efficiency standards as far as HVAC Systems are concerned. It places a huge responsibility on a manufacturer to create energy efficient systems which in turn result not just in better or optimum power usage but also lower power bills for the consumer or the user of the HVAC System. Each state may have a specific efficiency standard but most of them have seen an increase in the minimum SEER or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio rating.
There has also been an increase in the EER or Energy Efficiency Ratio rating which has all led to the production of better systems. They are also indicators to an ever increasing attention on efficiency standards so that manufacturers of HVAC Systems will implement better processes everywhere.
Allied spaces
The HVAC industry will also have to deal with major changes in:
- The way buildings are constructed,
- improvement of many mechanical and electrical systems and
- Changes in electrical utilities to name just a few.
For instance, smart building solutions are catching the fancy of people everywhere. Such a building is intelligent about the way it consumes or manages energy. In most cases HVAC Systems have then got to be integrated into such smart buildings. A failure to do so will mean that a particular HVAC System can no longer be installed in such a smart building.
Integration with utilities therefore becomes extremely critical because otherwise an HVAC system can be left adrift, so to speak.
Smart technology
The Internet of Things or IoT is creating very different ecosystems. Smarter technology allows an individual to control virtually every gadget in his or her house. An HVAC system will also be controlled with smart phone or mobile applications and other WiFi based controls.
This will allow an individual to:
- Control either the heating or cooling even from remote areas.
- Switch on and switch off the system or adjust the settings too.
- Get alerts on any problem areas so that a solution can be implemented in the quickest time frame possible.
The rise of mobile technology also enables contractors and homeowners to maintain and service the HVAC System and prevent bigger problems from occurring with preventive and timely care.
More emphasis on geothermal technology
More and more manufacturers of HVAC Systems are also turning to geothermal cooling and heating technology. Homeowners themselves are becoming more aware of this technology and its low carbon footprint. It is as simple as installing a geothermal heat pump which allows many benefits to be delivered to everybody concerned. Some of these benefits are:
- Decrease in utility bills.
- Increased life span of the system.
- Lower impact on the usage of natural resources.
- More energy efficient solutions.
Competition from alternative systems
The HVAC Industry will also have to cater to a lot of competition from alternative systems of heating and cooling. Geothermal technology is certainly one of them but there is also radiant floor heating. This simply means that a home or office invests in tubing underneath the floor that carries warm water all around the house and keeps it warm. People are using the system as a supplement to the traditional HVAC System so that they can lower their utility bills considerably.
Changes and components
Almost every component of an HVAC system is also undergoing small or significant changes. For instance, manufacturers are using recycled material to create duct tapes for their systems. Some of the other components and changes are:
- More efficient electronic air cleaners.
- The rise and popularity of variable speed heat pumps.
- The advent of ductless HVAC Systems as well.
- Components that need not be kept in a standby position because even then they draw power.
For instance, ductless split heat pumps are pretty popular in Asia and Europe and have slowly gaining major traction in America as well. Considering the fact that they deliver benefits such as easy installation and flexibility and minimize energy loss, HVAC manufacturers certainly have to pay a lot of attention to such components.
More emphasis on energy efficiency
Finally, the HVAC industry will also see a lot of challenges coming from the fact that more and more people are placing a lot of emphasis on going as green as possible. Lowering carbon footprint is a priority for individuals everywhere and this in turn can impact the way companies in the HVAC Industry operate.
Author Bio: Raymond Kishk is an HVAC expert at http://www.interstateair.com/service-area/staten-island/ a leading HVAC repair, maintenance, service, and installation company in New York City, Manhattan and Staten Island.