Technologies like artificial intelligence are entering every sector, with the HVAC industry being no exception. HVAC systems are becoming much more intelligent, helping to reduce energy consumption and improve convenience. As technology progresses, the end goal is to have fully-automated HVAC systems with advanced capabilities. In 2024, we are moving closer and closer to this goal. 

Keep reading further as we cover the latest HVAC technologies and the future of the HVAC industry. 

technicians talking

The importance of following the latest innovative HVAC technologies

As an HVAC professional, you must stay updated on the latest innovative HVAC trends. When customers hire an HVAC business, they trust it provides the optimal heating and cooling system for their property. As new trends enter the market, the definition of optimal HVAC systems changes accordingly.

If you stay updated on trends, you can install more cost-efficient and convenient HVAC systems by utilizing the newest technologies. However, if someone doesn’t follow HVAC trends, they could miss out on technologies that greatly benefit the customer. There are numerous places to discover the latest trends, with some of the most common sites being: 

  • Industry magazines
  • Conventions
  • Online publications
  • HVAC system manufacturers

When you know the latest trends, you can deliver a higher quality of service to customers. Customers are also more likely to work with you again when they receive better energy savings. Additionally, the new HVAC technologies will make life more convenient in the future for homeowners. Therefore, it will have higher demand even among late-adopters who wait to see how the new HVAC solution works for their next-door neighbors.

What’s the latest HVAC technology available?

The HVAC industry is growing rapidly, with new technologies popping up each year to improve the functionality of the units. One of the most critical technologies new in the industry is energy analysis software. The main goal of these technologies is to help homeowners reduce their monthly utility bills. 

Every room in a home requires different levels of HVAC to ensure it remains at a comfortable temperature. Kitchens tend to be hotter than bedrooms, so it’s vital that the heating and cooling adjust accordingly. Your HVAC system shouldn’t take a general approach to your home, which is why zoning technology is advancing. 

An HVAC zoning system will segment a home into individual sections that receive a thermostat. The homeowner can direct energy from empty rooms to rooms used with this custom HVAC zoning system. These zoning technologies can be installed in the following systems: 

  • Central Air-Conditioning Systems
  • Variable Refrigerant Flow Systems
  • Ductless Air-Conditioning Systems 

While the HVAC unit is operating, homeowners can check their bills and energy consumption each month. However, keeping track of these two data points is a hassle that most people don’t want to go through. Energy analysis software allows homeowners to receive only real-time updates that are relevant to them, improving convenience and reducing costs.

The final technology isn’t focused on the system itself but on the HVAC technicians responsible for its installation. Virtual Reality (VR) is becoming a hot topic in numerous industries, and it’s becoming a valuable tool in HVAC education. While training HVAC technicians, trade schools utilize virtual reality to train employees on new equipment. 

By putting on these virtual reality headsets, an employee can view a lifesize mockup of the HVAC equipment and its components. While training, they can learn repair and troubleshooting techniques for heating and cooling systems. Using virtual reality is also cost-effective for employers to train employees without purchasing materials. 

electric fan

3 innovative HVAC technologies trends every pro should know

There are innovations in all aspects of heating and cooling systems, from the control systems to the energy sources. If you want to construct the ideal HVAC system and improve the sustainability, comfort, and energy savings for customers, start with these three affordable solutions.

  • Increase in renewable energy sources

One of the biggest trends of this decade is the adjustment to renewable energy sources and taking a more eco-friendly approach. HVAC professionals are taking responsible methods to promote sustainability in the environment. To improve sustainability, HVAC contractors focus on the natural flow of air in a system. 

An excellent option for promoting sustainability and efficiency is using geothermal energy to power an HVAC system. In geothermal HVAC systems, the systems use earth temperature for heat exchange. The geothermal heat pumps can heat and cool a home while providing hot water in some cases. 

Along with geothermal power, solar energy is making its way into the HVAC industry. However, because HVAC systems are the biggest energy consumers in homes, this is no easy feat. Currently, a solar panel produces a maximum of 400 watts per hour, and most HVAC units use 3,500 watts per hour. 

In 2024, solar panels will play a supporting role in standard electricity from a utility company. However, a typical HVAC system will be powered solely with solar energy if current trends continue. While geothermal and solar are the most common, other renewable energy sources are wind and hydroelectric.

  • More homeowners using smart home technology 

This is one of the most exciting trends for customers in 2024. Smart home technology aims to increase comfort and convenience with automated devices that connect to the HVAC system. Two of the most common smart devices used in HVAC systems are

  • Smart thermostats
  • Smart vents

If you’re familiar with smart technology, you’ve likely heard of smart thermostats already. The purpose of smart thermostats is to activate the HVAC system at ideal times, helping to save money. For example, a homeowner can set the smart thermostat to turn off during a particular time on the weekdays while they are away at work. 

Smart thermostats also come with convenient features like routine maintenance notifications and mobile phone compatibility. Homeowners can turn on their A/C with a push of a button with their mobile phones using some high-tech smart thermostats. While using smart thermostats, homeowners will also experience lower energy bills. 

Along with smart thermostats, the popularity of smart vents is also rising. Traditional HVAC vents need to be manually adjusted to control the amount of air directed to a particular room. When you have smart vents installed, they can be adjusted remotely by individuals in the house to match their preferences.

  • Installing ductless HVAC systems 

As HVAC systems get smaller and more efficient, the popularity of ductless systems continues to grow. When you have a ductless HVAC system, it typically cools an individual room in a home. The systems are highly efficient and require no ducting or wall patchwork during installation. 

There are a few situations where a ductless HVAC system would be a better option than central air-conditioning. One case is adding a ductless system to an existing home and preserving its integrity with no added ducting. Many homeowners love these units due to their quiet operation and low-profile design. 

Additionally, new developments in ductless HVAC systems include designs for multiple rooms. Installing ductless systems will be an easier and more customizable option for homeowners. You can install endless system combinations for customers, helping them achieve their ideal home temperature. 

hvac factory guy

The future of the HVAC industry

The industry grows every year as demand increases for heating and cooling systems. Along with growth, there is a shift in how customers think about their home’s HVAC system along with growth. According to GlobalWebIndex, there is a significant shift in customers willing to pay extra for eco-friendly services. 

With this rising demand, many HVAC businesses are shifting to more sustainable heating and cooling systems. Instead of utilizing systems that require petroleum-based electricity, there are alternatives such as geothermal and solar. These eco-friendly systems are in both residential and commercial settings. 

Along with sustainability, the future of the HVAC industry will focus on automation and smart technology. Homeowners love convenience, and these technologies provide an easy way to optimize heating and cooling in a home. Devices like smart thermostats and vents can cut electricity bills and keep a home cool with less energy. 

Lastly, the HVAC industry will utilize more data analysis in the future to help homeowners cut costs on energy bills. The way consumers cut costs on their monthly utility bills will become more of a predictable method. Homeowners can check software tools that provide recommendations based on their home’s unique HVAC system activity. 

Final thoughts

Efficiency and convenience are the major trends of the HVAC industry as we look at future predictions. To achieve these goals, HVAC engineers turn to smart technology, sustainable energy sources, and data analysis programs. With these trends advancing, the HVAC industry is looking to make the lives of homeowners a little more comfortable. 

Another HVAC technology that makes work a bit more comfortable for you is field service management software. Apps like Workiz help you effectively manage your team while staying on top of operations and making sure no unanswered call goes missed. HVAC teams that use Workiz increase their revenue by 22% on average – without hiring more techs or working overtime. 

We invite you to see what wonders it can work for your business by activating a 7-day free trial, no credit card required. Get started by clicking here