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At the 2016 AHR Expo in Orlando, Florida, zoning manufacturers showcased next-generation equipment that harnessed the Internet of Things and interconnectivity, granting homeowners full control over each area of their homes.

Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI), according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, is an established means of disinfection and can be used to prevent the spread of certain infectious diseases. UV-C radiation kills or inactivates microbes by damaging their DNA.

As more states across the U.S. adopt stricter, tighter building codes, fresh air is becoming a commodity. Building professionals and consumers are aware of this and the HVAC industry is offering solutions that focus on the addition and subtraction of air into sealed spaces.

Numerous types of radiant products were on display at the AHR Expo, including heating, cooling, and snow melt systems. And, exhibiting manufacturers were all focused on touting the energy efficiency, sustainability, and safety benefits of their products.

While some consumers want geofencing to control their thermostat, others want to simply set it and forget it. Thermostat manufacturers are learning that they need to be all things to all people.

Reducing energy consumption is a goal of commercial building owners and managers, and the way to do that is to take an overall systems approach when designing HVAC systems.

Due to volatility in the energy market, ducted air-source heat pumps remain a hot commodity with sales hitting a peak of almost 2.4 million units in 2014. 

More than half of U.S. commercial building space is cooled by packaged HVAC equipment, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Additionally, existing rooftop units consume more than 1.3 percent of the country’s annual energy usage. It’s no surprise the biggest trend driving the rooftop market is efficiency.

Technology has come a long way in the HVAC industry, and not just in terms of the heating and cooling equipment. A number of software and data solutions designed to simplify HVAC contracting procedures were on display at the AHR Expo.

Perhaps the biggest work-vehicle trend at this year’s Expo was the somewhat sudden and notable presence of European-style vans. More maneuverable and economical than previous van styles, these vehicles are built with tradesmen in mind.