HVAC Industry News

The transition away from hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) as refrigerants for HVAC systems is well underway, and the process is accelerating. A 10% reduction in HFC production was mandated last year, and an additional 30% reduction is pending in January 2024. Meanwhile, a January 2025 deadline looms for the elimination of the manufacture of HVAC equipment that uses refrigerants with high potential for global warming (GWP).  impact of regulatory shifts The production step-downs ensure a co...

HVAC systems perform an important function in healthcare facilities, ensuring an environment conducive to healing and optimum health. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: How can the industry address HVAC challenges in hospitals and healthcare facilities?  

President Biden’s plan to switch from burning fossil fuels to a reliance on more renewable sources, such as wind, solar, and geothermal, could bring the grid to 100% clean electricity (zero net greenhouse gas emissions) by 2035 and put the United States on a path to economywide, net-zero emissions by 2050.  In the built space, this includes replacing traditional, fossil fuel-burning sources of space and water heat with electrically powered alternatives, namely, high-efficiency heat p...

The HVAC market is a rapidly changing environment on a variety of fronts, from the introduction of new refrigerants to the increasing use of artificial intelligence to the embrace of interconnected systems in the Internet of Things (IoT) environment. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: How will the HVAC market change in the next five years?

Fire risks related to HVAC include factors such as overheating motors, faulty electrical wiring, and leaky fuel lines. Educating consumers on the fire risks of HVAC systems contributes to fire prevention. Proper installation and maintenance of HVAC systems can significantly reduce the dangers of factors such as gas leaks.  residential fire hazards Among residential fire hazards, an HVAC system is probably not at the top of the list. However, there are fire risk factors related to HVAC t...

Esthetics have historically not been a primary consideration when it comes to HVAC vents and grilles. Rather, HVAC vents have been typically concerned with performance and ease of production, manufactured from stamped metal or extruded. “There have been limited efforts to make HVAC components that are also interior design elements,” says Mark Mascarello, Head of Design and Production of InviAir. It’s a missed opportunity. “I’m not an interior designer, but I feel...

Data-driven control of centralized home and building HVAC systems is helping to minimize energy usage, lessen sustainability concerns, and provide greater levels of comfort for lower costs. However, room air conditioners are globally the fastest growing segment, each operating independently with the aid of a remote control. How can the lessons and capabilities of data-driven control systems be applied to the world of room air conditioners?  Sensibo is looking to do just that. Sensibo aims...

Like most industries, the future of the HVAC market is being driven by technology. In the world of HVAC as in life, technology touches nearly everything we do. Changes in technology can affect the demand for various products or even make products obsolete. Current technology shifts in HVAC are likely to have profound impacts and change the industry as we know it. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: What is the biggest technology change currently happening in the HVAC market?

Rising material prices and inflation, in general, are likely to continue to plague companies in trade services businesses, according to a new survey conducted by the business management software platform Simpro. In the survey, 20% of owners, CEOs, and business managers in trade service businesses say they are more likely to face inflation concerns this year. staff retention Another big concern across all trade service businesses is staff retention. Even higher percentages of survey responden...

The steps toward building decarbonization will accelerate organizations’ net-zero journey. Taking steps will also reduce operational costs and deliver better indoor environments. Improvements in heat pumps and digital solutions have enabled these opportunities and, as they continue to advance, deeper and deeper building decarbonization will become achievable. Optimal solutions Mark Lessans, Senior Director of Sustainability and Regulatory Affairs, Johnson Controls, for insights into how...

Selling maintenance agreements are a great way to build long-term relationships with customers, increase revenue, and improve customer satisfaction. Maintenance agreements can provide a steady stream of revenue, which can be especially important during slower months. Additionally, maintenance agreements can build customer loyalty and trust. Regular maintenance optimizes the performance and lifespan of HVAC systems, prevents breakdowns, and ensures efficient operation. HVAC installers Regular...

The HVAC market is in the midst of monumental change this year as trends such as electrification, refrigerant transition, and greater connectivity transform the technology building blocks central to our business. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable to weigh in on this question: What will be the biggest trends in the HVAC industry in 2023?

Excessive consumption of single-use plastics and other packaging materials is an emerging concern in the HVAC market. Use of plastic and non-recyclable materials in equipment packaging is contributing to HVAC’s environmental footprint. For an industry building its future on concepts of decarbonization and the environment, seeking to minimize packaging materials is a natural concern. More HVAC manufacturers need to transition towards a more sustainable future and implement organic packagi...

The American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act is among the environmental initiatives and regulations driving the phasedown in the use of hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants in the HVAC industry. The AIM Act’s schedule seeks to phase down HFCs by 85% by 2036. The first significant reduction in consumption and production under the AIM Act began on Jan. 1, 2022, representing a 10% reduction from a baseline value. The next major step begins Jan. 1, 2024, with an additional 30% reductio...

Data centers have been around as long as the Internet, although the introduction of the iPhone in 2007 significantly increased the demand for data centers. When the COVID pandemic required more people to work from home, the impact was to push digital demand to even higher levels. In short, as of 2023, it is a challenge to build data centers fast enough. environmental aspects Thousands of computer servers operating in a data center give off a lot of heat, so cooling is a critical need. A typi...

The 486,805 square feet of exhibit space at AHR Expo 2023 in Atlanta provided clear evidence of how technology innovation in HVAC has accelerated in the last decade. Change and progress were everywhere among the 1,779 exhibitors, including 425 international exhibits. HVAC systems on display New electronic tools, cloud-based solutions, higher efficiency ratings, mini-split systems, new regulations, and new control strategies are driving product development enabling HVAC systems to deliver new s...

In its simplest terms, artificial intelligence (AI) enables machines to mimic the operation of the human brain. Combined with the Internet of Things (IoT), AI currently has a higher profile than ever. In effect, AI is changing how we use information, analyzing massive amounts of data, and improving decision-making. The impact of AI is being felt in many industries and markets, from real-time monitoring of manufacturing processes to analyzing medical data trends to enable early detection of canc...

Some of the technologies in the HVAC market are mature, although the newest innovation is always just around the corner. Newer systems seek to be more sustainable and energy-efficient, and digital control technologies play a role in maximizing their performance. Trends such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart systems are the basis for the newest connectivity and control approaches. These innovations tie into the broader environment of smart buildings. Systems are also providing remote acce...

The building sector is a major player when it comes to lowering greenhouse gas emissions and increasing energy efficiency. High-performance buildings with very low energy consumption are key to addressing the climate and energy crisis. Passive House Standard The Passive House Standard ensures that buildings are designed to be healthy, comfortable, durable, and resilient with very low energy needs. The focus is on making use of “passive” concepts to save energy rather than needing...

From supply chain challenges to decarbonization, from data analytics to maintenance programs, the themes that ranked highest among visitors to HVACinformed.com in 2022 reflected the dominant topics of conversation throughout the industry. As demonstrated by the most-read articles on the site, technology trends and regulatory issues all converged and had a profound impact on the industry in 2022. Timely and important issues in the HVAC marketplace dominate HVACinformed.com‘s list of most-c...

The HVAC market is at an inflection point, in the throes of switching refrigerants to meet regulatory goals, improving energy efficiency to meet more stringent standards, and struggling with supply chain issues. What the industry needs is a new technology at the nexus of environmental issues and energy conservation, enabling the drive away from fossil fuels and toward zero-carbon emissions. Blue Frontier is working to bring such a system to market with a core air conditioning/energy storage tec...

The U.S. Department of Energy (DoE) has challenged manufacturers to accelerate the development of heat pumps that can perform well in colder climates. As part of its Initiative for Better Energy, Emissions, and Equity (E3 Initiative), the DoE’s Residential Cold Climate Heat Pump (CCHP) Technology Challenge seeks to demonstrate performance in the lab and at pilot sites before implementing new technologies in the market. Nominal capacity requirement To meet the DoE CCHP Challenge, a heat...

The looming deadline for HVAC compliance with new U.S. Department of Energy minimum performance requirements could cause disruptions in the construction trade as builders struggle to install existing stock and resolve other ‘logistical issues’ before time runs out. The new performance standards for all newly manufactured residential and commercial air conditioners, heat pumps and gas furnaces will take effect Jan. 1, 2023. Revised testing protocols will also apply. Supply chain di...

California is moving to ban the sale of natural gas furnaces, heaters and water heaters by 2030. It is the first US state to make the move, in order to meet federal ozone standards. In addition to California’s previous efforts to eliminate installation of gas-fueled equipment in new buildings, the new regulation will address the use of gas space heaters and water heaters in existing residential buildings. When it comes time to replace them, building owners will be required to transition...

New tax credits and rebates are poised to infuse billions of dollars into the HVAC marketplace in the United States, making a variety of high-efficiency technologies more affordable for consumers and generating additional revenue in the HVAC market for years to come. clean energy investments A new law provides Americans with access to $370 billion for clean energy investments in the form of tax credits, incentives, and rebates to improve energy efficiency. There is also a tax deduction for own...

Certification is a way to demonstrate professional knowledge, a specific skillset, and the ability to do a particular job. In the HVAC market, earning certifications provides benefits to contractors as well as technicians. Paying for certifications Historically, typically 70% of technicians paid for their certifications. Now the numbers have flipped, and about 70% of contractors currently pay for certifications because they see the value-add they can provide to keep employees with an organizat...

Before Brexit in 2020, regulations on product safety and performance in the United Kingdom had been aligned with the European Union since 1974. Emblematic of that alignment was use of the traditional CE mark on a variety of manufactured goods throughout the European Union, including the UK. Along with Brexit came the need to create a UK-only mark that served a similar purpose to the customary CE mark. Transitioning to the new mark Formation of the UKCA mark followed, indicating conformity wi...

Supply chain issues continue to plague the HVAC marketplace in 2022, causing longer waits for customers. Diesel fuel costs and shortages are the latest factors contributing to delays, alongside continuing manufacturer setbacks and transportation challenges. A decrease in demand for diesel during the height of the pandemic led to production cuts that are still contributing to the current shortage. In June 2022, diesel cost an average of 5.75 U.S. dollars per gallon, an increase of USD 2.50 per g...

High outdoor temperatures are a great indicator of demand for HVAC services, and HVAC companies are feeling the heat as they struggle to meet higher demand for services even as they face unprecedented supply-chain challenges and a critically tight labor market. HVAC contractors across the country agree that demand this summer is higher than ever. The phones are ringing off the hook, and HVAC employees are working long hours just to keep up. Some are working 12-hour days and on the weekend. The...

HVAC systems account for around 46% of the average U.S. home’s energy consumption. As big users of electricity, air conditioning (AC) systems this summer face continuing concerns about an adequate supply of electricity and the reliability of the U.S. electrical grid. According to a report from the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), large parts of the country are at either ‘high’ or ‘elevated’ risk of electricity shortfalls this summer. Notably,...