It doesn’t matter if you’re enjoying a late evening on the homefront, dragging your feet to the office on Monday morning, or waiting in an airport terminal to go on vacation. Nearly everywhere we go, and everything we do involves climate-controlled spaces.

As we go through life, we may always want that temperature gauge to stay at a steady 70 degrees. But the specific ways we do so are constantly changing. Here are a few of the biggest HVAC installation trends you can expect to see across the industry this year.

Sustainability Remains in the Spotlight
Nearly a quarter into the century, energy efficiency remains the name of the game — and that urgency to stay efficient isn’t going anywhere soon, especially in a fuel-heavy industry like heating and cooling.

That means you can expect sustainability and efficiency investments to remain high on the priority list in 2023. As a result, things like smart thermostats and high-efficiency systems will be on everyone’s HVAC install checklist.

There is also a growing number of more innovative tools for HVAC installers at companies like Paraco HVAC. For instance, digital zoning is a new way to have smart systems redirect hot and cold air away from empty spaces to where it’s needed.

Even on the fuel end of things, change is taking place. Propane, for instance, continues to grow as a sustainable and efficient fuel option. Homeowners are using it to cut costs, manage inflation, and stay warm as the world looks for ways to become more energy efficient.

Trendy Units Continue to Draw Attention
Sustainability and accessibility also percolate in the kind of HVAC systems homeowners opt for.

Heat pumps, for instance, aren’t new. But they’re certainly trending in 2023. These units utilize electricity, which has plenty of long-term, sustainable upside, and can reduce heat-related electricity usage by as much as 50%.

Mini-split systems are also growing in popularity. These are excellent cooling options for awkward spaces or installing HVAC in old houses. They don’t require ductwork and can be installed and scaled with minimal effort. As a Ductless Pro, we happen to be in favor of this trend.

New Regulations, New Prices
2023 is also bringing a hefty amount of new regulations — some of which are good, and some aren’t so great for homeowners with HVAC installation concerns.

Regarding new hurdles to jump through, the U.S. Department of Energy has new energy efficiency minimums for HVAC equipment. These went into effect on January 1st of the new year to increase the federal minimum SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating for heating and cooling equipment.

There are other new standards, such as new AC refrigerant regulations. Together, these could spike the costs of new installations and repairs as manufacturers adjust.

If these new regulations have you sweating bullets — even with the heat turned off — don’t fret. There are also several financial positives for homeowners willing to invest in new systems.

The Inflation Reduction Act passed by the Biden administration includes significant rebates. New heat pumps, for instance, may qualify for tax credits as high as 30% of the installation and purchase costs. This even takes into account the need to adjust electrical systems in your home.

Staying on Top of the Trends in HVAC
The world is always changing. As a homeowner, it’s worth staying on top of the current trends. This will allow you to have the time to plan for upcoming changes so that they don’t catch you flat-footed the next time you go to make an important decision for your home’s environment.

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