2026 Trends in HVAC: Innovative HVAC Home Technology

Connections are a part of contemporary life. Devices are being continually connected to other devices or to the Internet. Home coffee makers are connected to alarm clocks so that the morning brew is ready the instant the homeowner hops out of bed. Office equipment not only notifies managers when supplies are running low, but also automatically orders replacement supplies. Essentially, there is no device that cannot be connected to one or more other devices.

All these connections are known as the Internet of Things (IoT). The IoT connections is in the billions, and include people as well as devices and appliances. Mechanical things require WiFi capability and implanted sensors. Humans only need Internet access, and most have that 24/7 via their smartphones.

Sensors within devices and equipment control the connectivity. That means components can be connected individually, in addition to (or in place of) the device itself. For example, a motor can have sensors that report its condition even though the equipment it operates isn’t connected.

Discover how HVAC technology is evolving to be smarter, more efficient, and self-monitoring.

Thermostats Got Smart

Heating, venting, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and equipment are part of the IoT. The first thermostats were completely manual and merely turned systems on or off. Those were followed by programmable thermostats that allowed users to set a schedule and temperature range that allowed HVAC systems to operate automatically.

Smart thermostats, also called WiFi thermostats, were the next step and have been around for several years. The earliest ones allowed owners to adjust climate control settings using their cell phones or other Internet devices. Later, thermostats “learned” preferred temperatures and automatically made the necessary adjustments to achieve those temperatures. Rooms can be individually controlled. Hot or cold spots are eliminated.

Today, smart thermostats help diagnose issues in the HVAC system. For example, they can notify owners if there’s a problem with the ducts. They also send reminders when it’s time for system maintenance. Some provide details of energy consumption. Others can monitor indoor humidity and air quality. Because smart thermostats are connected to the internet, they can adjust temperatures according to the weather forecast.

For example, the newer Nest thermostat is reported to save an average of 10 to 12 percent on heating bills, and 15 percent on cooling bills. The Ecobee smart thermostat is said to “reduce annual heating and cooling costs by 23 percent.” It allows up to 32 sensors in a home.

The big advantage of smart thermostats is reducing energy costs. HVAC equipment operates only when needed and only for as long as necessary. Adjustments are made remotely when conditions justify changes. The energy savings helps to offset the cost of installing smart thermostats.

Sensors Are The Future

While smart thermostats are able to do an excellent job of turning HVAC equipment on or off, more was needed to keep systems operating efficiently. The newest thermostats are now just one part of smart HVAC systems. All the components of smart HVAC equipment have sensors designed to alert homeowners or building maintenance personnel to anything unusual or abnormal in the way the equipment or system is functioning.

The sensors also send alerts when routine maintenance, such as replacing dirty filters, is due. Building maintenance teams usually have schedules for completing routine chores. Homeowners often overlook routine maintenance, and alerts can help them avoid emergency downtime or costly repairs. Users are alerted when it’s time to have their equipment serviced and when there are potential breakdowns. The alerts can be sent not only to the homeowner but also to the HVAC company with which the homeowner has a contract. The company can then arrange the service in a timely manner.

Receiving an alert about a potential problem can mean that an early small repair can prevent an expensive, big repair later. Alerts also mean that downtime for repairs can be planned, reducing emergencies caused by equipment malfunctions. Alerts also serve to keep owners aware of service needs. That can generate work for HVAC technicians, especially those specializing in residential services. It presents an opportunity to upgrade on-call services to periodic maintenance plans.

As an additional benefit, technicians can plan their schedules more efficiently.

HVAC IoT Can Save Money By Calling For Help

When authorized, the smart system contacts the specified HVAC technicians for servicing or repairs. The systems provide details of malfunctions or abnormal operations, allowing technicians to potentially diagnose the problem in advance. They arrive on scene with any necessary parts, saving expensive trips back to the shop and inconvenient delays in ordering parts. Because technicians receive complete historical and operating data, some repairs can be made remotely, saving owners the expense of a service call.

Smart HVAC systems are beneficial for shops as well. Sending out a technician with accurate diagnostic information and the correct parts usually eliminates callbacks. Combining that with preventative maintenance plans allows technicians to be scheduled more efficiently, which cuts costs and potentially increases income for the shop owner. It’s a win/win situation for technicians and homeowners.

Smart thermostats also offer cost savings for new installations. At least one smart thermostat will provide “in-depth systems diagnostics and automatic system configuration” as part of the installation and setup process.

What Else Can A Smart Thermostat Do?

All smart thermostats are WiFi compatible. Many are also compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri. The “smart setback” feature in some thermostats understands the needs of room occupants and adjusts programmed settings to improve energy savings without sacrificing comfort. Most of the smart thermostats provide energy reports. Some reports appear on the thermostat itself and are usually real-time. Others are generated monthly. Some allow homeowners to program energy unit costs so they receive real-time reports on exactly how much climate control costs over a specified period.

Smart thermostats can also monitor air quality and control other devices, such as humidifiers and add-ons. Because climate-control requirements differ from room to room, many smart thermostats offer “zone” capability. Each room is a zone with its own unique settings. Geofencing is a feature that knows when homeowners leave or return, based on a predetermined “electronic boundary” they’ve set. When they are outside the boundary, the thermostat sets the system in “away mode” to save energy. When they are back within the boundary, the system returns to the “at-home” mode.

The smart thermostats that have a touchscreen rather than buttons or dials can display additional information such as weather reports. Others inform users of the actual outside temperatures. Some thermostats can control other functions, such as lighting. All smart thermostats should allow for software updates.

Who Makes Smart Thermostats?

Nearly every HVAC equipment manufacturer offers smart thermostats and systems. A sampling includes:

Carrier Infinity System Control – Homeowners can manually program the Infinity smart thermostat, or they can use the “autopilot” function to make adjustments that maximize comfort and efficiency automatically. All functions can be monitored or changed remotely, and energy use is tracked in real-time. When authorized by the user, the system communicates with a Carrier technician to monitor performance and install updates. The Infinity System is compatible with Alexa.
Emerson Sensi Predict – Sensors installed on the HVAC system monitor performance and report monthly to the user and (optional) Smart Monitoring Service. Reports include information such as energy usage and maintenance alerts. An urgent alert containing diagnostic information is sent when a problem is detected. The urgent alert includes information for contacting a repair technician. The sensors work with existing equipment and thermostats, as well as the Sensi Smart Thermostat
Google Nest – The Nest Home Report is emailed monthly to users. It summarizes the energy use of all Nest products in a residence, as well as notifying homeowners of safety issues. Nest’s new smart thermostat notices if anything unusual is going on with the system, and sends an alert via the Home Report. It includes links to the technician who installed the thermostat or to another technician through the Handy service.
Rheem EcoNet Smart Thermostat – The thermostat monitors energy usage thanks to a variety of settings. The touchscreen display includes comprehensive data. Audible alerts remind users when service is due. It does not detect potential equipment problems or have diagnostic capability. The thermometer can be controlled remotely or via Alexa. It is compatible with a variety of HVAC systems.
Trane XL824 Smart Thermostat – Trane made Nexia Bridge an integral part of the XL thermostat to enable seamless remote control and system monitoring. Trane installers receive real-time information on system performance. Nexia diagnostics sends an alert when an issue is detected. The thermostat works with most HVAC systems.

HVAC technicians need to know which equipment and system brands require coordinating smart thermostats. Although generic smart thermostats are readily available, they aren’t always compatible with older HVAC equipment. Technological innovations in newer equipment typically allow the owner to install their choice of thermostats rather than a specific, matched model.

Why Doesn’t Everyone Want A Smart Thermostat?

Incompatibility between devices has slowed the public’s acceptance of some of the technological advances in smart thermostats. Smart devices can also be expensive. Technology baffles or intimidates some individuals.

Perhaps the most significant concern is security. By definition, smart thermostats are connected. There’s concern that personal information can be stolen from any device or appliance in the IoT, including smart thermostats. For example, hackers can determine from thermostat settings when individuals are home or asleep. That tells them the best time for a home invasion.

Automotive Climate Control Is Also Fully Automated

Although automotive climate control systems aren’t managed in quite the same way as building systems are, they are still smart systems. Passengers in newer cars can automatically monitor and control temperature and airflow. Sensors placed throughout the vehicle’s interior feed data to the computer system, which then makes any needed adjustments to maintain the air quality specified by each passenger. Any malfunctions in the climate control components are not monitored by the system itself. Instead, the components are monitored by the vehicle’s on-board diagnostics system.

The Future of Smart HVAC Controls

The smart thermostats that monitor energy consumption can report excessive usage without a corresponding diagnosis of equipment malfunction. However, HVAC systems can operate inefficiently for a variety of reasons. For example, there may be an air leak in a duct. As more and more smart technology is incorporated into buildings, sensors in HVAC systems will be an integral part of detecting issues that affect energy usage. That can include problems such as air leaks in ducts, poorly sealed areas, and inadequate insulation, among others that are not due to the HVAC equipment itself.

Whether installing, servicing, or repairing automotive, commercial, industrial, or residential HVAC thermostats and systems, technicians must understand sophisticated electronics to be successful in today’s market. Their toolboxes must also include specialized diagnostic tools for troubleshooting “smart” parts and equipment. The Internet of Things is here to stay, and the kinds of compatible HVAC devices are only going to increase.

But What About Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Smart HVAC?

AI will continue to be incorporated in smart homes, including HVAC systems. While AI abilities are changing almost daily, in general, it will use inputs to enable the system to automatically adjust: “HVAC control to provide peak comfort at optimal energy usage.” The inputs are basically the same as noted above for smart thermostats: user preferences, sensors, weather data, and integration with Alexa, Siri, and similar devices. The overall result is fewer manual adjustments by users, due to “AI’s continuous learning and decision-making capabilities.”

Although AI can lower energy costs in the long-term, the initial costs can be a deterrent for some owners. That can be a major issue if all the components of a system are not compatible. And as noted above, security is a concern, and AI’s ability to make decisions without human input alarms some owners. Finally, smart technology is presently dependent on the internet.

What are some of the future human-based inputs? Start with virtual twins of homes in which HVAC systems achieve optimal performance in real time. Then there’s a technique known as “federated learning,” in which multiple homes are used to teach AI, while protecting the privacy of individual homes. More processing will be done on smart devices rather than in the cloud.

There will also be “emotion-aware” HVAC systems. These will make use of wearables or smart cameras “to monitor human feelings and adjust indoor spaces based on these.” And finally, during installation, new systems will be able to self-configure, making setup simpler.

Sandra Smith

Sandra Smith was introduced to the HVAC industry when she worked as a bookkeeper and secretary for a small air-conditioning contractor. She eventually became a CPA and started her own practice specializing in small business taxes and accounting. After retiring from business, she began writing articles for newspapers, magazines, and websites. She also authored four books. Sandra makes her home in the mountains with a rescue dog that naps on her lap as she writes.