The commercial HVAC industry is poised for significant transformations in 2024. Commercial property managers’ goals to reduce their carbon footprint, lower operating costs, and provide a healthier indoor environment will drive innovation and define the future of how modern commercial buildings are heated and cooled while meeting the ever-increasing need for energy efficiency.
Here are five key trends to watch out for in the commercial HVAC sector in 2024:
Adoption Of AI And Machine Learning Within Commercial HVAC Industry
Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning technology that improve HVAC performance and efficiency will become more common. These innovations help in predictive maintenance and fault detection, optimize energy consumption, and adapt HVAC settings to specific user preferences, ensuring that systems operate at peak efficiency while reducing downtime.
In addition to the benefits of AI, HVAC systems will feature machine learning algorithms that will continuously analyze data to improve system performance, saving energy and reducing operating costs. We expect this technology to only get better as we move through 2024.
Software Automation Using Smart HVAC Technology In Commercial HVAC Industry
The adoption of Smart technology in commercial HVAC systems and the commercial HVAC industry as a whole is another trend that will continue to gain momentum. Smart thermostats, sensors, and controls enable better system monitoring and management by allowing different parts of the system to “talk” to one another.
This means the Smart system will adjust temperature settings based on occupancy and outdoor weather conditions, optimizing energy usage and enhancing occupant comfort. For example, if a sensor detects that one side of your building isn’t facing direct sunlight, it will communicate to the system to blow less cool air to that zone during the summer. The system can also integrate other equipment, such as Smart blinds, which can be automatically raised or lowered depending on what the sensor is reporting.
In 2024, we expect to see more advanced and interconnected intelligent HVAC systems that offer predictive maintenance, remote monitoring, and data-driven insights.
Using Data To Improve System Control
There’s power in all forms of data, and software-enabled data about your HVAC system collected through Wi-Fi-connected software is no exception.
Intelligent HVAC systems can compile data about your system into robust reports that can help you identify usage trends, system status, and past performance. Your HVAC team can use these reports to plan preventative maintenance programs and diagnose the source of a malfunction to help facilitate repair and minimize downtime.
Expect to see further innovation in software-enabled HVAC systems next year, making equipment maintenance, repair, and replacement faster and more efficient than ever.
Ductless HVAC Systems
Decades ago, air conditioning wasn’t widespread in the commercial HVAC industry throughout Ontario. Retrofitting these older buildings with cooling systems can be an immense challenge, exacerbated if there’s insufficient space to install ductwork. The results are lower property values and potentially low occupancy rates.
Ductless heating and cooling systems offer the perfect solutions. These compact units can be installed almost anywhere and provide efficient operation without the expense of installing ducts. In addition, modern buildings with existing ducts that leak air can install ductless systems to save on replacing their old ductwork. We expect to see more this innovation being utilized in 2024.
Read More: Should You Retrofit Or Replace Your HVAC System
Increased Use Of Eco-Friendly Technology Among Commercial HVAC Industry
Reducing our carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) is on everyone’s mind. Commercial property managers have unique challenges when “going green” because of the sheer size of their buildings, but need cost-effective, environmentally responsible HVAC solutions to help future-proof their properties as we move toward a net-zero society.
2024 will see a rise in green HVAC technology that will help property managers reach their goals. For example, geothermal heating and cooling heat pumps use the ground and local water sources to generate energy to heat and cool buildings, eliminating the need to use petroleum-based electricity.
Energy-efficient HVAC chillers that use a combination of gas and solar panels are also gaining popularity due to their low maintenance costs. You can also expect to see more buildings installing systems that allow property owners to easily switch between gas and solar power to run their HVAC systems, reducing energy bills.
Energy recovery ventilation units (ERV), solar-powered evaporating cooling towers, and heat pumps are also proven technologies that allow your system to run more efficiently while reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Read More: 6 Tips On Reducing Energy Consumption In Commercial HVAC Systems
Explore New Innovations That Improve Commercial HVAC Energy From Springbank Mechanical Systems
Springbank specializes in using modern technology to maintain and service all commercial HVAC equipment brands, types, sizes, and configurations, delivered with a customer service experience that prioritizes your organizational goals.
Contact us anytime to discuss how Springbank can integrate new technology into your existing commercial HVAC system to help lower your energy bills, reduce system downtime, and improve system efficiency.
Gregg Little, Paul DeThomasis, and Hugo Lopes are co-owners of Springbank Mechanical Systems. You can reach them at 905-569-8990 or via email at gregg@springbank.com, paul@springbank.com, or hugo@springbank.com.