HVAC systems have changed dramatically since their inception. The first furnaces were built in the 1700s and the room-sized cooling units of the early 1900s pale in comparison to the residential and commercial units used today. And now, HVAC technologies are poised to make another sizable leap by integrating artificial intelligence.
AI will be integral to optimizing future heating and cooling systems by creating comfortable and sustainable living spaces while minimizing environmental impact and energy consumption. Models already in use by companies like KOVA can predict users’ heating and cooling needs and optimize output to save up to 30 percent more energy than traditional systems. The ability to predict past patterns and learn over time makes controlling temperatures simpler than ever while allowing for financial savings in the long term.
One sector that could benefit enormously from using AI-integrated HVAC systems is the hospitality industry. For years, hotels have depended on PTAC, VTAC or Split systems that are based on fixed set-point resets. Due to the lack of real-time adaptability, these systems often don’t respond as efficiently to unexpected changes in occupancy or outdoor weather conditions. These shortcomings could lead to potential discomfort and energy waste if the fixed schedule does not align well with actual occupancy use patterns. AI-enabled systems enhance our understanding of the intricate interplay between environmental, seasonal, and occupant preferences. They minimize energy consumption and operating costs through predictive controls that optimize occupancy variables. Additionally, these systems create algorithms that help them learn and adapt to changing conditions, creating a tech-centric approach for comfortable and eco-friendly indoor environments for guests while contributing to significant savings for hotels.
In addition to on-site energy savings, hotels that adopt sustainable technologies can enjoy certain government tax breaks and financial support. As of 2023, building owners adopting energy-efficient systems, like an AI-driven HVAC system, can claim a tax deduction based on the property’s cost or square footage through the Inflation Reduction Act. Hotels can also still take advantage of billions in funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which rewards improving building energy efficiency, ventilation, and indoor air quality.
Hotel managers who want to gauge system efficiency will also appreciate one of the biggest advantages of an AI-integrated HVAC system: the ability to monitor performance. Unlike traditional HVAC systems, AI-integrated systems deliver a higher level of reporting and can run automated system diagnostics that identify issues before they become problems. Through monitoring, these predictive analytics can help managers understand guest usage patterns and plan for greater comfort throughout the day while avoiding power bouncing.
While the HVAC industry is exploring how to use AI to enable better systems and processes, there has been an overall net positive impact due to more diverse machine learning products and services becoming available. Some notable positive outcomes of AI integration with HVAC systems that have already been established include:
- BrainBox AI and its AI-driven, cloud-based HVAC optimization solution, which can connect existing HVAC systems.
- Recognizer and its self-learning building solutions are reducing the carbon footprint of hotels.
- Comfort Intelligent HVAC is the only residential solution leveraging machine learning and advanced AI to lower energy use and create greater comfort.
The advantages of AI-integrated HVAC systems aren’t hypothetical. Companies in the hospitality industry are already realizing them, and the adoption of AI-enabled systems is growing steadily. In its Sustainability & Social Impact Report, Marriott International emphasized its commitment to embedding sustainability into its business strategy by continuously improving building design standards for energy efficiency. As part of this initiative, the Halifax Marriott Harbourfront in Nova Scotia implemented an artificial intelligence solution for HVAC energy management, using AI for carbon reduction. Five months after installation, the hotel reported a 24.5 percent reduction in natural gas consumption and a 3 percent decrease in electricity usage.
AI-driven HVAC systems hold many exciting possibilities for the hospitality industry. The benefits go beyond enhancing guest comfort and outcomes; they could also be the key to ushering in a new age of sustainable and eco-conscious business practices. While some companies have already begun embracing these solutions, it’s not too late for the rest of the industry to catch up and position themselves as leaders that customers and investors can trust to make the right decisions.
About the Author
Brent Sturgell is the Head of HVAC at KOVA, where he is responsible for leading a highly creative team of HVAC product designers, marketers, and software developers to usher in the next wave of cutting-edge products. Sturgell brings over 30 years of experience in the HVAC industry to his role at KOVA. He possesses extensive knowledge in establishing infrastructure for expanded offerings and meeting evolving customer needs, and his passion for the intersection of HVAC innovation and AI allows him to bring a unique perspective to AI-driven HVAC solutions that redefine efficiency, air quality, and overall wellness in built environments. Prior to his role at KOVA, Sturgell served as the CEO of Leading Shelby Business Holdings, Inc. where he oversaw the rapid growth of revenues and employees.
