Will the HVAC industry be transformed by technology?

This was a question… a legitimate question asked of a HVAC business owner we recently listened to.  The crazy part about the question is the tense in which it is asked.  Will technology change the HVAC industry?  It already has!  In so many ways, this industry has been impacted by the technological revolution.

• HVAC technicians aren’t racing home to listen to answering machine messages from panicked customers any longer. They have a phone at their hip on a regular basis.
• They aren’t just installing the average turn-dial thermostats any longer. They are installing and programming them, so the homeowner never has to adjust the temperature settings before going to bed, or when returning home after work each day.
• The temperature of the water running through a hot water system is not kept at the same set point all day, every day in the winter. Outdoor air temperature sensors, room temperature sensors, and specific HVAC controls are being used to adjust those set points in order to maximize the efficiency of the systems.  This cuts down on energy waste and saves the homeowner money on utility bills.

These are just a few examples. And, the impact that technology has had on this industry isn’t over.  There are still innovative minds at work.  Those who are making it possible for homeowners to control all of the systems in their home from a tablet.  In fact, in a recent article, there was talk of using community-based websites to allow homeowners to ask questions, vet technicians, and receive bids on new installs all in one place.  This industry will continue to grow and evolve with the times, and that is, in large part, possible because of the every-improving technology made accessible to the companies responsible for designing systems, installing them, or maintaining them.