The HVAC sector is going through an intense period of transformations, propelled by new market demands and sensibilities as well as new technological possibilities. All of them are reflected in specific HVAC market trends that are expected to shape the market in the coming years. 

HVAC systems’ main goal is to provide thermal comfort and air quality in buildings and other confined spaces. Through these new HVAC market trends, this aim is more easily and efficiently achievable. Keep reading to find out what these trends are and how can companies be ready to respond to them.

HVAC market trends

The Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning market is experiencing extraordinary growth in recent years and is predicted to achieve a 13% growth by 2028, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

This growth will go hand in hand with at least the following 3 HVAC market trends:

1. Eco-friendly HVAC 

Developing eco-friendly solutions is an essential part of the present and future growth in the HVAC sector. “Going green” is now cost-effective, as more consumers are interested in such systems and are willing to invest more, while companies develop a social responsibility narrative that differentiates them from other less committed businesses in the HVAC sector. 

Among the chief sustainable elements that are increasingly incorporated into HVAC systems are: 

• Developing systems that enable less energy consumption for customers, minimizing heat loss or leaks
• Paying attention and choosing materials and technical parts that reduce the system’s overall carbon footprint

 

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2. Connectivity and IoT in the HVAC sector

The inclusion of connectivity and IoT technologies is among the most important HVAC market trends. This trend is also magnified by consumers’ growing trust in such systems: today, there are more than 14 million homes in the U.S. that use “smart technology”. 

In IoT and connected systems, sensors and HVAC software communicate in order to improve the systems’ efficiency, cost-effectivity, and sustainability. 

Some of the most important solutions here include: 

• Monitoring and controlling temperature, airflow, and humidity levels using IoT systems controlled from the users’ smartphone, tablet, or computer. 
• IoT systems allow users to set different temperatures in different parts of their homes, according to their actual needs and informed by data collected by sensors. Furthermore, this control can take place remotely. 

3. Automation technologies

Automation technologies go one step beyond the possibilities enabled by IoT and connectivity, as they use the systems’ own data collection and intelligence to manage HVAC systems without needing users to act. Some of the current applications include: 

• Provide preventive maintenance: data compilation can help determine past performance and current status, as well as usage trends, in order to generate a preventive maintenance system that stops errors before they happen. 
• Based on this data compilation, automated systems can also determine when and where heat and cold are more necessary or activate/deactivate smart blinds according to the position of the sun. 

All in all, the goal for these HVAC market trends is to improve the systems’ energy-saving capabilities and upgrade the users’ convenience.

How can technical parts help you to be eco-friendly?

Choosing the right materials for an HVAC system can make a significant difference: from cutting down costs to matching the HVAC market trends cited above, these are some of the ways companies can take action: 

Use recyclable materials and joining the circular economy

As both companies and consumers look for new, eco-friendly alternatives for HVAC technical parts, EPS materials stand among sustainable materials for multiple reasons.

One of the most important is that EPS is a 100% recyclable mono-material. As opposed to other plastic materials, EPS recycling is easy when the right programs are put into action.  

The Knauf Circular® program provides a great example of this and how companies can join a circular economy model. Through this system, we’re committed to giving a new life to expanded polystyrene waste, ensuring that EPS waste will be recycled into new products. As a consequence, we coordinate all parts of the EPS chain (wholesalers, construction contractors, industrial firms, supermarkets, and DIY superstores and recycling centers) in order to promote sustainable management of EPS and recycle this material’s waste into new products.

Low production carbon footprint

The EPS manufacturing process presents a small carbon footprint compared to other materials, as steam is used as a source of energy and there’s little consumption of water, which is also recycled. 

At the same time, during the manufacturing process, little waste is generated as every unused item can be incorporated back into the process. The fact that this material uses just 2% of polystyrene (98% of EPS is air) also minimizes its carbon footprint, as well as the need to use other materials.

Energy efficiency

EPS and EPP parts help minimize heat loss and improve Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) in HVAC systems, as they present exceptional insulation properties that altogether reduce heat loss while maintaining the optimal temperature for any HVAC system’s functionality.

Thus, heat loss is kept at a minimum, driving the users’ costs down.

 

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Energy-saving logistics

Optimizing logistics is not only essential for cutting down economic costs but also plays a great part in energy saving. 

Some of the proactive actions that companies can look into in order to improve this area include optimizing transportation space and weight so that less fuel is used. This can be achieved by picking lightweight materials for HVAC systems, such as EPS or EPP.  

At Knauf Appliances we provide the best EPS and EPP solutions for the HVAC sector

Our expanded foam solutions for the HVAC industry are exceptionally broad and are all geared towards promoting HVAC energy efficiency in every installation, helping companies match new HVAC market trends. 

Through plastic molding and injection processes, we design and manufacture plastic-based solutions, helping companies: 

• Optimizing energy use in HVAC systems
• Freedom in designing HVAC parts
• Comfort when handling HVAC equipment
• Aesthetic appeal of your HVAC parts

Want to learn more about HVAC market trends and how companies should meet consumer expectations today? Get in touch with our team and let’s talk about how we can help you improve your HVAC systems’ efficiency.