“The global HVAC systems market size was valued at USD 136.3 billion in 2021 and is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 6.3% from 2022 to 2030” (Grand View Research, 2022). Per this statistic, it becomes obvious that the HVAC industry is growing rapidly, and it shows no sign of stopping. If you’re an HVAC technician, there’s big changes on the way to your industry. Ideas that have been on the rise for quite some time now are finally becoming mainstream, including smart HVAC parts and ductless systems. In this blog post, four HVAC trends you should stay on top of will be explored so that you can stay ahead of the curve.
Smart HVAC Parts
Smartphones, smart cars, and smart locks have all been bonded with the Internet, and gaining popularity rather quickly is the smart HVAC system. People are turning to smart air conditioners, vents, and thermostats because of the convenience they provide and the money that can be saved with them in the long term. These devices can be turned on and off with the touch of a button on your phone. Accidentally leaving your heat or AC on after you’ve left your house? A thing of the past. Beyond that, “Smart HVAC Systems can pick up on changes in the weather, temperature and humidity in different rooms of your home, and even personal preferences and locations of individual household members” (Smarter Home Guide, 2021). Ensure that your shop is either educated on these products to discuss them with your customers or prepared to compete with them!
Eco-Friendly HVAC Devices
Along with smart HVAC systems, environmentally friendly HVAC products are also rising in popularity. While smart HVAC systems do somewhat fall into the “greener” category (because they’re able to recognize climate changes and immediately switch on and off), they certainly aren’t the end-all be-all eco-friendly HVAC technology. For example, Elemental Green points out thermally-driven air conditioning, quiet duct wrap (made from recycled denim fabric), geothermal heat pumps, and “on command” hot water recirculators as a few technologies that are ”changing HVAC sustainability” (2022). As we move more and more towards a society that is less reliant on fossil fuels, we will see more and more changes to HVAC products in the effort to make them more “green.”
Ductless Systems
For quite some time now, providing older structures with new HVAC equipment was a “no can do” if they didn’t have the space for ductwork. Not anymore! Ductless HVAC units are gaining momentum because, like smart HVAC gadgets, they save money in the long run. Fixing duct leaks and making space for air ducts become impractical expenses in the face of ductless HVAC systems. As more and more businesses and homeowners catch on to the effectiveness of these units, it will be necessary for your shop to understand how they work and how to service them.
Surges and Gaps in HVAC Employment
ServiceTitan, a top-performing home service software, makes some important points about HVAC employment that shouldn’t be ignored: “The most recent employment numbers for the HVAC industry are record-breaking. In 2018, 1.2 million people in the U.S. were employed by HVAC companies, a more than 5 percent boost over 2017… [however] while the HVAC industry outlook for jobs remains strong, the lack of interest in the trades as a career among young people continues to cause concern” (2021). Surely, the HVAC industry is expanding at a record-breaking rate, but it’s necessary that you’re able to keep up with its growth. Are you making the necessary changes to your business to evolve with the times? Is your shop an enticing option for those interested in joining in the HVAC industry?
In summary, the HVAC industry will look remarkably different ten years from now than it does today, and it’s in your hands whether you grow with the changes to your field or not. Start making decisions that will benefit your company in the long run. Do plentiful research on blossoming HVAC technologies and begin brainstorming ways to grow and teach your staff. To learn more about upcoming twists and turns in HVAC, check out this article!
