2025 continues to be the year of technological evolution for the HVAC industry. As we continue to welcome new technologies, eco-friendly upgrades and AI-powered efficiency, more commercial contractors than ever before are investing in smart HVAC solutions.
Heating and cooling account for around 42% of energy use in US commercial buildings. To reduce consumption and lower energy costs, many developers are now opting for smart HVAC systems to enhance efficiency.
With this in mind, let’s take a closer look at ten tech trends improving the HVAC industry in 2025 for a smarter approach to temperature control in the US.
One of the most significant developments in the HVAC industry is predictive maintenance. On the back of the introduction of AI, smart HVAC systems can now monitor their own health, predicting energy-consuming failures before they even surface.
From cost savings to extending the life of the HVAC, AI-powered predictive maintenance offers several benefits.
Better still, IoT-enabled systems can also be integrated with HVAC software that allows for remote diagnostics and real-time maintenance alerts, directly from a mobile device or centralized platform.
While we’ve already touched on them, IoT-enabled HVAC systems deserve their own mention. IoT integration streamlines remote monitoring and control, allowing for a more efficient approach to managing temperature control.
IoT-enabled HVAC systems integrate all sensors, actuators, and communication technologies into one connected network, allowing for easy access to all data from one centralized platform. This makes it easy for building managers to track occupancy trends, performance, and weather forecasts in real-time and adjust accordingly to enhance energy efficiency.
Another tech advancement taking the HVAC industry by storm is the introduction of solar-powered HVAC technology.
With the ability to harness energy from the sun, solar panels are now being used to power modern HVAC systems. The energy collected can be used immediately to power a building’s air conditioning or be stored in a clever battery system for use when needed.
Solar-powered HVAC systems reduce dependency on the energy grid, allowing businesses to have more control over their energy consumption.
On the topic of green HVAC solutions, another emerging trend to watch out for is low-GWP refrigerants.
Due to their environmental impact, traditional refrigerants are no longer sustainable. HVAC manufacturers are combating this by switching to low-GWP (global warming potential) refrigerants.
Hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) are currently the most popular solution thanks to their ability to provide efficient cooling while minimizing the production of greenhouse gas emissions.
Geothermal HVAC systems are also revolutionizing the industry. With the ability to utilise the natural temperature of the earth to provide efficient heating and cooling, this system of buried underground pipes can reduce energy consumption by up to 70% compared to traditional HVAC systems.
Geothermal HVAC systems operate by using a loop of pipes buried beneath the building's surface, which constantly circulates a fluid. In the summer, the fluid absorbs heat from the building and returns it to the earth, naturally cooling the inside temperature. In the winter, this process is reversed, and the fluid absorbs heat from the earth before carrying it via a heat pump to the building.
There’s no doubt that the process is highly efficient, but did you know that it comes with enormous environmental benefits? By utilizing the Earth's natural temperature for heating and cooling, geothermal HVAC systems require much less energy and reduce carbon emissions.
Insulation technology is also expected to evolve in 2025. From vacuum paneling to reflective insulation, innovation in insulation material manufacturing is contributing to improved indoor air quality.
For example, reflective insulation technology is a brilliant addition to a smart HVAC system, as it reflects radiant heat rather than absorbing it. This reduces heat gain in buildings, reducing the need for long periods of air conditioning.
Zoned control is another emerging trend redefining smart HVAC management in 2025.
Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) Systems offer building managers the chance to divide a building into multiple zones that can be heated or cooled independently. Using Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) Systems, controllers can set precise temperatures in each and every room, only cooling or heating spaces as needed.
This is ideal for multi-zone buildings such as office blocks and hotels, where occupancy can vary from room to room. With the ability to target specific zones, VRF reduces energy consumption while still improving occupant comfort.
153 million adults in the US own a smart speaker in 2025. As voice-controlled devices become increasingly popular, the introduction of voice-powered HVAC systems will gain even more traction in the coming years.
These systems connect seamlessly with top-performing smart speakers, including Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
Voice control allows users to adjust the temperature easily, fan speed, and even schedule heating or air conditioning to come on at a certain time.
Another efficiency-driven invention changing the game for HVAC developers is advanced heat recovery ventilation (HRV).
HRV systems aim to improve and maintain indoor air quality. For green and airtight buildings, especially those in the medical industry, maintaining powerful air quality is crucial.
HRV systems contribute to this by allowing fresh outdoor air in, while recovering heat from the air that has already been exhausted. This makes it much easier for a building to remain well-ventilated without sacrificing energy efficiency.
On the back of an influx of respiratory viruses, such as COVID-19, HRV systems are proving to be one of the most critical developments in the HVAC industry. With the ability to circulate fresh, clean air at all times, germs, bacteria, and pollutants remain well diluted, making commercial spaces twice as safe for the public.
The noise from HVAC systems has historically been cited as a key distraction in the workplace.
To combat this, HVAC manufacturers are beginning to design HVAC machines with noise reduction in mind.
Leveraging variable-speed fans and using vibration-dampening components, HVAC systems in 2025 are quieter than ever before. These have become especially popular in schools, hotels, and residential blocks where the demand for low-noise heating and cooling systems is on the rise.
If we embrace new technologies, HVAC development will continue to improve. In an era where smart solutions are key to improving energy efficiency, the HVAC industry is ahead of other industries in reducing emissions and streamlining design.
The question is, where will the industry go next? Only time will tell.