Top
Commercial HVAC Trends in 2022
The
commercial HVAC industry is undergoing many different changes due to
advancements in technology and regulatory changes. As a result, top commercial
HVAC trends in 2022 include a shift towards smarter and more efficient
technologies and solutions, including zoned systems, new refrigerants, and new
tax incentives.
Our
team of commercial HVAC experts shares these trends for you
to know about to help you keep your facility safe and comfortable all year
long.
Smart HVAC Technology
You've
heard of smartphones and smart homes, but what about smart HVAC? Yes, smart
HVAC technology is on the rise. Now, you can control the indoor comfort of your
building remotely with smart HVAC technology, including smart air-conditioners,
automation and controls, and programmable thermostats.
Smart HVAC Systems
New air-conditioner systems have WiFi capability that allows
for remote connectivity. As a result, a new commercial HVAC system can be an excellent step into smart
technology.
For example, Carrier Infinity Systems, which are considered some of the most
efficient and highest SEER units available, can be linked to the new Carrier Home app, which allows you to remotely
control and manage the temperature, humidity, and efficiency of the unit from
anywhere.
This is but one example of the connectivity available with
new smart HVAC systems. If you would like to take that connectivity a step
further, consider building automation systems (BAS) and controls.
Building Automation and Controls
The adoption of building automation system (BAS) and controls in commercial buildings will grow
increasingly popular. Such technologies help improve energy efficiency, indoor
comfort, and IAQ.
In fact, with BAS, you can manage and monitor your building
and its systems. Furthermore, HVAC controls can help you optimize system
efficiency and adjust it accordingly to your building occupancy rates. This can
be particularly useful if your building occupancies fluctuate in the day versus
the night, for instance.
Smart Thermostats
Smart thermostats are another smart HVAC technology
trend for buildings. In essence, a smart thermostat detects your building
occupant's habits and preferences via connected sensors.
Wherever
you and your facility are in the adoption of smart HVAC technology, our team of
commercial HVAC experts can help you select the best solutions for your unique
needs.
Energy Efficiency
Building
stakeholders, including in the facilities and sustainability departments, have
increased interest in achieving energy efficiency goals and targets. At the
same time, regulatory bodies have new standards and regulations on energy
efficiency that encourage the adoption of energy efficiency solutions.
Specifically,
there are a few trends in regard to energy efficiency that you and your team
should know about, including the 2023 HVAC minimum efficiency standards and the
Atlanta energy benchmarking program.
2023 HVAC Minimum Efficiency
Requirements
For instance, consider the 2023 HVAC minimum
efficiency requirements and testing requirements that are going into effect on
January 1, 2023. The new testing requirements are commonly referred to as
"SEER2."
Atlanta Commercial Building Energy
Efficiency Ordinance
There is even increased energy efficiency interest at the
Atlanta city level,
Additionally, at the city, certain commercial buildings in
Atlanta have to comply with the Atlanta Commercial Building Energy Efficiency
Ordinance.
This ordinance has benchmarking reporting and energy audit requirements that
could impact your building. Such energy reporting and audit requirements are on
the rise.
If
you have any questions in regards to improving your facility's energy
efficiency, please schedule a
consultation
with us today.
New Refrigerants
New
refrigerants that have no ozone-depleting potential (ODP) or have low-GWP are
also on the rise. This is largely due to environmental concerns. For example,
there is a national HFC phasedown in the United States, known as the AIM Act, which will gradually phase down
HFC refrigerants over time.
New Tax Incentives
Finally, there are also several tax
incentives that building owners and managers should be aware of, including
Section 179 and the Inflation Reduction Act.
Section 179 Deduction for 2022
Section
179 is a tax incentive for small businesses. Per Section 179 of the IRS
tax code,
businesses may deduct the full purchase price of qualifying HVAC equipment
purchased or financed during the tax year.
The
2022 Deduction Limit is $1,080,000 for qualifying equipment. In order to take
advantage of this deduction for 2022, you must finance or purchase the
equipment and put it into service by December 31, 2022.
Keep
in mind that the 2022 Spending Cap on equipment purchases is $2,700,000, which
shows that this tax incentive is indeed for small businesses. Thus, if you are
a small business and thinking of financing or purchasing a new commercial HVAC
system, BAS, ventilation, upgrades, or controls this year, you may want to
consider the Section 179 tax incentive and the deadlines.
Inflation Reduction Act
In
addition to Section 179, there is now the Inflation Reduction Act, which
includes tax credits and rebates for energy-efficiency improvements. While the
majority of the incentives for HVAC are for homeowners, there are still some
incentives for energy efficiency improvements that building owners and managers
should be aware of. For example, there is a tax credit for commercial electric
vehicles (EV) up to $7,5000 for vehicles under 14,000 pounds and up to $40,000
for vehicles over 14,000 pounds.
Choose Estes for Your Commercial
HVAC Needs
That
concludes the top commercial HVAC trends for 2022. Our experienced team of
commercial HVAC professionals is updated on the latest commercial HVAC trends.
In fact, we are here to help you and your facility choose the right solutions
and technologies for your building's unique needs.
Since
1949, Estes Services has been providing comfort solutions in the greater
Atlanta area. If you need help when considering new commercial HVAC trends or
upgrades, we will gladly provide you with a free consultation.
We
service the greater Atlanta area, including Alpharetta, Buckhead, Decatur, Druid Hills, Dunwoody, Fayetteville, Johns Creek, Kennesaw, Marietta, Midtown, Peachtree City, Roswell, Sandy Springs, and Virginia Highland.
Schedule
a free consultation with Estes Services today. It's
that Easy; It's Estes!
