According to recent findings from ABI Research, smart HVAC adoption will continue to rise globally thanks to its many proven benefits that include significant energy and cost savings. HVAC equipment is estimated to account for between 38 and 70 per cent of a conventional building’s energy consumption, due to its limited abilities beyond the binary function of ‘On & Off’. Smart HVAC systems, on the other hand, offer several different modes to condition the air based on factors such as ambient temperature, occupancy, equipment scheduling, and energy consumption.

“Smart HVAC systems go beyond basic cooling and heating functions by bridging the connected and unconnected through intelligent climate control (temperature, air quality, and humidity tracking), remote management, proactive, predictive maintenance, and energy optimization,” explains Rithika Thomas, Senior Analyst for Sustainable Technologies at ABI Research. “Currently, over 75 per cent of the HVAC systems are hard-wired, but as awareness grows over the forecast period by 2030, adoption of wireless connected Smart HVAC systems will reach over 55 per cent.”

Meanwhile, building codes and energy regulations are changing worldwide, stressing the need for the efficient use of HVAC equipment, low impact/sustainable refrigerant, and optimal set points to reduce energy costs. These changes are shaping the HVAC landscape and putting a focus on refrigerant type and use, maintenance, environmental impact, and healthy indoor air quality.

“Maximizing energy efficiency in HVAC systems for commercial buildings is crucial to creating energy-efficient, sustainable, and comfortable built environments,” Thomas says. “Smart HVAC empowers occupants to control the temperature of a space on a granular level from dedicated devices, such as a digital dashboard or phone, to achieve thermal comfort.

Thomas adds that the upskilling of building operators, technicians, and installers on new digital and smart HVAC capabilities is critical to the success and implementation of connected HVAC systems. Once these skills are learned, however, the benefits will continue to unfold, with comfort, convenience, efficiency, and savings topping the list of reasons to adopt this budding new technology.

And the technology keeps getting better. According to the report, leading manufacturers of high efficiency HVAC systems are currently strengthening their offerings with Artificial Intelligence (AI), bringing low-frequency noise, efficient water use, smart control features, and enhanced cooling capabilities to their equipment. Meanwhile, small and medium enterprises digitizing building operations and Building Automation System (BAS) providers are partnering with established market players and commercial developers to prototype, manufacture, test, and deploy smart HVAC solutions in commercial buildings.

ABI Research’s HVAC Systems & Hardware in Commercial Buildings market data report is part of the company’s Smart Buildings research service.

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