What New Tech Trends Should HVAC Students Learn?

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HVAC students need to learn new tech trends from eco-friendly refrigerants and upgraded energy-efficiency systems to smart thermostats and AI technologies. Technology has transformed the HVAC industry and improved indoor comfort and efficiency, while reducing environmental impact. The tools and technology you learn in school—and use on the job—help you build, deliver, and service systems that are smarter and more efficient and eco-friendlier than those from the past. You still need to be deft with your hands to be an HVAC Tech, but now you also need to learn tech that is rapidly evolving.

How HVAC Systems Have Evolved

Old HVAC systems were bulky and inefficient, but they had standardized parts, manual controls, and fewer electronic components than today’s modern units, making them easier to repair. To be an HVAC Tech a decade ago, you might work on switches, relays, and analog thermostats. Some knowledge, experience, and the right tools, and you were good to troubleshoot most any HVAC system. But today’s systems have complex circuitry, computers, and intricate integration capabilities. You may need to access circuit boards, sensors, and variable-speed drives that require software to diagnose. And many systems use Wi-Fi connectivity, meaning you need to understand networking, apps, and cybersecurity. Even the refrigerants require new knowledge. To be an HVAC Technician today, you need advanced skills—and you need to keep up! Check out the new tech trends you need to learn as an HVAC student so you can become a professional HVAC Technician.

HVAC Students Need to Understand Energy-Efficient Systems

The Department of Energy has changed how HVAC systems are tested and students need to learn about new M1 testing procedures that demand a lower SEER2 equipment rating. Manufacturers have redesigned system components such as furnaces and air handlers to meet changes in the airflow setpoint. The new standards raise the bar for energy efficiency, providing a more accurate measure of cooling capacity in real-world conditions. To reach the DoE goals, you need to know about new manufacturer systems and components and energy efficiency features like variable speed compressors, which automatically modulate speed and capacity based on your home’s heating or cooling needs.

Learning About Renewable Refrigerants

All refrigerants must be handled with caution and care because they can be harmful to your health and the environment. Freon (R-22), a chemical that contributes to ozone depletion and global warming, was once standard for air conditioner and refrigeration units. But the chemical went out of production in 2020, and the industry has shifted to more eco-friendly refrigerants that don’t contain R-22. Now, low Global Warming Potential refrigerants are used, such as R407C, R438A, and R453A. These replacement refrigerants comply with modern ozone standards and are less toxic to humans.

HVAC Students Need to Understand Smart Technologies

With millions of homeowners now using remote and programmable thermostats and other smart technologies, you need to know how they work and how they might break. Smart thermostats allow you to link your phone to your HVAC system, so you can set the temperature remotely or set temperatures to raise during the day and lower during the night. You can also use smart thermostats to zone parts of your home and heat and cool each section separately. With the aid of an app, you can even keep track of your system’s energy usage and run a data report on peak energy consumption. Over time, your system will learn your habits and automatically adjust the temperature accordingly. These technologies are fantastic—when they work.

Many of the issues you might find with smart devices have more to do with wiring and connectivity and the human factor. For example, you might discover:

  • Wi-Fi Connectivity Problems
  • Power Supply or Wiring Errors
  • Compatibility Issues
  • Sensor Malfunctions
  • Software Glitches
  • App or Cloud Outages
  • Short Cycling and Communication Errors
  • User Errors

Learning About HVAC Technology and Cybersecurity

As HVAC systems become “smarter,” they’re increasingly linked to the internet, cloud platforms, and building-automation networks. That means you don’t just work with compressors, furnaces, and refrigerants anymore. You also need to learn about software, sensors, and data. Understanding cybersecurity is now part of keeping homes and commercial buildings comfortable and secure.

You need to learn how all the digital components of an HVAC system communicate and how to protect them. Following some basic cybersecurity rules is a good start:

  • Abide by manufacturer security protocols
  • Use strong, unique passwords for control interfaces
  • Change manufacturer default credentials during installation
  • Keep software updated
  • Secure routers and avoid public networks during setup

AI-Powered Maintenance

The age of AI has made HVAC maintenance easier than ever. With sensors installed in the system, temperature, air flow, humidity, and energy usage can all be tracked in real time. Machine learning algorithms can take that data and analyze the information for potential problems, flagging breakdowns before they occur. By forecasting the failure of a component and alerting your team in advance, you can preserve the life of the system and prevent major disruptions.

Are you interested in becoming an HVAC tech? It’s a hands-on career where you also get to use your brain to solve problems and learn new technologies. Charter College offers a Certificate in HVAC that can prepare you for an entry-level job in as few as 10 months, potentially helping you launch a new career within a year. Call 888-200-9942 or fill out the form to learn more.