With continual technological advancements, laws are changing, making the call for sustainability and energy efficiency ever louder. In this blog post, MHC Air Services will cover the latest HVAC design trends that directly impact the future of HVAC in new commercial construction, including demands for advanced climate control and energy efficiency.
Energy-Efficient Systems
With the call for energy-efficient systems on the rise, these cost-saving, eco-friendly options are becoming more readily available. High-efficiency AC and furnaces are becoming standard in commercial buildings, while VRF heat pumps and mini-splits are becoming more popular options for businesses that may benefit from zoned climate control. On the horizon, renewable energy sources such as solar and geothermal will not be uncommon to see replacing traditional fuel sources like gas and oil.
Geothermal HVAC Systems
Geothermal HVAC units, also known as ground-source heat pumps, harness the reliable warmth found below the Earth’s surface to provide reliable heating and hot water.
These systems have three main components:
- Ground loop system: A ground loop is a network of pipes buried beneath the ground in vertical bore holes or horizontal trenches. These loops circulate a liquid that absorbs or releases heat as it travels.
- Heat pump: This unit contains the compressor, controls, and heat exchanger. It works similarly to a typical heat pump but interacts with the reliable ground temperature instead of drawing its heat from the air.
- Distribution system: Once the heat is captured or released, this component distributes the desired temperature throughout your home using a network of either radiant floor heating or ducts.
Improved Indoor Air Quality
With the call for improved sustainability comes improved indoor air quality. Systems that reduce or eliminate the use of fossil fuels not only reduce your carbon footprint but also make your indoor air healthier and cleaner because they don’t put off harmful emissions like CO2. When the pandemic hit, and so many of us were trapped inside continually, we realized just how critical the health of our indoor air truly was. This was and continues to be the catalyst for this movement.
Smart HVAC Systems and IoT Integration
Smart HVAC systems connect to your business’s Wi-Fi, and they can be controlled and monitored with smartphone apps or IoT integrations like Amazon Alexa or Google Nest. Not only can these integrations allow you to control the climate in a commercial building, but they can also be optimized to save energy and alert when your system needs maintenance.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Materials
Refrigerant laws are changing in 2025. Refrigerants of the past will no longer be available, although current systems will be able to be maintained through a current stockpile. Going forward, more environmentally friendly refrigerants like R-454B and R-32 will be used. These new refrigerants are less harmful to the Earth’s ozone layer, which makes them healthier for the environment and allows them to lend themselves to healthier indoor air quality.
Decentralized HVAC Systems
Decentralized HVAC systems can provide ventilation, heating, and air conditioning to specific zones within a building instead of relying on a centralized system. These systems offer increased flexibility and energy efficiency while also coming with reduced installation costs. Because decentralized systems don’t require extensive ductwork, their installation costs are often lower than traditional systems. Because of the improved comfort they offer and the minimal downtime they cause because of being able to repair them zone by zone, they are increasingly becoming more popular.
Call MHC Air Services for New Building HVAC Installation
With over 45 years of experience, MHC Air Services technicians are continuously trained to provide the latest in HVAC technology to your business. We’ve been here and will continue to be here to help you navigate the ebbs and flows of the HVAC landscape. Our competitive pricing and 100% satisfaction guarantee will help you meet each trend as it comes with minimal downtime and the cleanest indoor air possible.
Need new construction HVAC installation? Contact MHC Air Services to schedule services.