Appropriate technology and the future of HVAC
A new report examines how cooling technology and energy management may evolve in coming decades, questioning whether AI integration in household equipment is always the right approach.
Does the future of HVAC really need AI, or just smarter energy management?
HVAC technicians should watch this space as shifts in cooling tech and energy management could change installation and servicing requirements.
Key takeaways
- A new report questions whether adding AI to household equipment is the right path forward for HVAC.
- Smarter cooling technology and energy management are flagged as priorities over new tech for its own sake.
- The Scenarios for Future Living report looks at emerging tech trends over the coming decades.
- HVAC tradies may need to upskill in energy management systems as the industry evolves.
Related
Innovation for HVAC decarbonisation
Temperzone has launched the Econex HWP, a water-cooled packaged HVAC range claiming 71–80% reduction in Global Warming Potential per kW of cooling or heating versus older systems.
Why it matters: HVAC technicians and installers should note this new low-GWP product range, which may influence equipment choices on commercial and residential decarbonisation projects.
New AI standards set to reshape data centre construction
The federal government has launched a national AI framework, creating an Office of AI and flagging mandatory standards that will change how data centres are built across Australia.
Why it matters: Builders and electricians involved in data centre construction may face new compliance requirements as mandatory AI infrastructure standards take shape.
Australia's data centres will need to underwrite power supply and reduce water use
Australia will develop a national framework requiring data centres to secure their own power supply and cut water usage. The policy is part of broader AI regulation announced by the Prime Minister.
Why it matters: Electricians and plumbers may see increased work building and retrofitting data centres to meet new power and water efficiency standards.