Looking at the future of HVAC

By Malco Tools. 

Check out seven trends in the HVAC industry from 2023 and what that means for 2024 and the larger future. 

As the heating, ventilation and cooling air conditioning (HVAC) industry grows, there are new challenges that emerge for contractors in the field. External factors such as extreme weather events and health pandemics mean that clients’ wants and needs for HVAC are shifting. It is crucial for contractors to understand and adapt to this to keep their competitive edge.  

The experts at Malco Tools have taken a look at the past year and noticed that indoor air quality, ventilation systems and energy efficiency have emerged high on clients’ lists of desires. In addition to external shifts, things within the industry are changing too with new regulations and incentives for contractors. Check out the top seven trends that have come out of 2023 to understand the kind of service clients are looking for in the future. 

1 - Demand in HVAC systems is rising 

Commercial HVAC systems are growing in demand faster than ever, at a rate of more than 7%. Already, more than 90% of U.S. households are using air cooling equipment, spending more than $10 billion a year on HVAC repair and maintenance. And it’s not just that. Homeowners and property managers across the country are looking to become more energy efficient, so homes and commercial buildings alike are starting to transition to new, higher efficiency systems that can reduce energy usage by as much as 50%. 

2 - Adoption of smart thermostats 

Making up a large portion of current HVAC projects is the installation and use of smart thermostats in homes, apartment buildings and commercial buildings. Building owners and utility payers love the energy-saving features that reduce costs, as well as the increased control over interior temperatures and comfort. 

3 - Demand for energy-efficient HVAC systems 

Naturally stemming from the growth of smart thermostats, is an increased demand for energy efficient HVAC systems. While not every smart thermostat requires a pro to install, new HVAC systems do. 

Innovations in furnace technologies reduce both energy consumption and the output of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions include: 

• High-efficiency propane furnaces 
• Condensing furnaces 
• Modulating furnaces 

Options like these allow building owners to prioritize clean indoor air and lower emissions, without sacrificing comfort or increasing cost. 

4 - Increase SEER ratings for AC units 

On the cooling side, there has been a marked spike in demand in SEER ratings, which indicate the efficiency of AC units, using less energy while kicking out more cold air and providing lower energy bills for building owners. This is especially critical as temperatures continue to break record highs across the country. 

Consumers use SEER ratings as a crucial factor in deciding which AC unit to install. Government regulations encourage the adoption of highly rated units with its incentive programs. 

5 - Ductless HVAC systems 

Homeowners have also embraced ductless systems, partly because of their energy efficiency but also because of their flexibility. Because they don’t require any ductwork for installation, it’s a less invasive process. This is particularly appealing for people in older homes, where traditional ductwork simply isn’t feasible. 

6 - Transition to low-GWP Refrigerants 

The HVAC industry is embracing low-GWP (Global Warming Potential) refrigerants, like freon. New systems adhere to updated standards and building owners are replacing outdated systems, like R-22, with new options, with less harmful effects for people and the planet. 

These new systems also have the added benefit of being more efficient and improving the overall performance of the HVAC system. 

7 - Labor shortages continue 

Across the trades, labor shortages continue to impact contracting businesses, with 546,000 projected net new jobs this year. Many companies are struggling to complete jobs and attract enough skilled workers, which means the next decade is going to have quite the labor gap, even as the job outlook for HVAC technicians is expected to increase by 5% by 2031. 

Malco is proud to support careers and education in the trades through programs like our Head of Class program and our Trade Pro of the Year Awards. 

How contractors are responding 

With consumer demand growing and contractors competing for fewer and fewer trade pros, businesses are looking for any way to get more bang for their buck, do things more efficiently and attract the best talent. All of that comes down to quality. To attract quality projects, they need quality people and quality tools. 

To keep their edge, HVAC contractors should stay on top of industry trends, including embracing smart thermostats, energy-efficient systems, SEER ratings for AC units, ductless systems and more. By learning about new advancements, continuing to provide high-quality service and using durable tools, contractors will continue to keep us all safe and comfortable. 

Original article source: Malco Tools