We’ve done our research from the top minds in the HVAC field and have compiled a list of what they believe to be the top trends in the HVAC world for 2020. We know you can’t wait to see what they are, so we won’t waste anymore of your time. Let’s get going!
Market Segments
The growing market segments for 2020 seem to be in the multifamily, higher efficiency units, replacements, and education and healthcare. Multifamily market includes highly populated areas, such as downtowns and even colleges. The general population is staying closer to cities and the dormitory market is growing as well. As with these changes, higher efficiency units are on the rise. We are expecting to see increased efficiency in units, while making them smaller and more compact to fit into the smaller apartments and dorms where the population is living.
With the expansion of higher efficiency units, the replacement market will be expanding as well. More and more people will be wanting to spend less on their utility bills in a month and will be opting to replace their current systems.
The education and healthcare markets are on the rise. Last year alone we found spending in educational construction to rise almost 11%, which is huge. Healthcare is also on the rise, mainly due to the aging population. Additionally, these two markets are starting to take a more holistic approach to their buildings and will need more assistance in managing these growing and developing needs.
Trade Policy
There is agreement among the experts that the trade policy will have an impact on the HVAC industry in 2020. Since we operate in a global market, tariffs have been, and will continue to be, an issue. The best thing that can be done to mitigate the tariff risks is to focus on predictability, certainty and fairness with our partners in different countries.
Market Disruptors
As we’ve seen in the last few years, the biggest market disruptors for the HVAC world are the growing impact of climate regulations and refrigerant practices. We are all focused on providing more energy and cost efficient units to our customers, but that can cause some bumps in the road as we try to decide how to make their desires into reality.
Most states are now governed by low carbon emissions or regulating the phasedowns of HFCs. The HVAC industry as a whole will just need more time and resources to decide how to make safe transitions when it comes to potentially dangerous and flammable refrigerants.
Biggest Challenge
The experts have two distinct ideas of what the challenges will be for 2020: dealing with the new refrigerant changes and obtaining quality technicians. Right now, the United States does not have a policy or steps in place to manage the phasedown of HFCs. As such, some states are taking it upon themselves to create their own policies. Large suppliers, on the other hand, are hoping to pass the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act (AIM) which would give guidance on the transition to new refrigerants in the US in a controlled manner. This would require new manufacturing jobs in the US and strengthen our economic competitiveness.
Likewise, if the AIM Act were to be passed, quality technicians would be in high demand. Therefore, the challenge of finding qualified and worthy technicians would be gone instantly.
Technology Growth
The experts agree that the largest area of technology growth in the HVAC industry for 2020 would be to make everything ‘variable.’ With the advancement of AI and smart technology, customers are now more than ever expecting to have all of their individual needs catered to them at all times – HVAC needs included.
What do you think of the projected 2020 HVAC trends? We are excited to see how closely the expert’s ideas play out!