One significant shift is the broader adoption of renewable energy sources to power heating and cooling systems. Solar thermal and geothermal heat pumps are two technologies expected to gain momentum in 2024. Solar thermal systems use solar collectors to harvest heat from the sun, which then provides hot air or water.
Customization is a leading HVAC trend in 2024. Systems are becoming more adaptive to specific needs and requirements. Case in point, with solutions like ductless mini-splits and zoning, homeowners can tailor HVAC solutions to their specific home layouts, climate conditions and lifestyle requirements.
Gas central heating is installed in the vast majority of properties but burning gas emits carbon into the atmosphere. As a result, low carbon heating systems, such as heat pumps and solar thermal panels will have to be part of the future of heating.
Heat pumps effectively represent a new phase in the category of innovative home heating systems. However, condensing boilers remain highly reliable at present. They currently achieve good levels of energy efficiency, resulting in cost savings.
What will replace gas boilers in 2025? Starting in 2025, low-carbon heating systems will be installed in all new build homes as alternatives to gas boilers. It's anticipated that the systems in these new developments will include heat pumps, heat networks and direct electric heating.
Infrared panels are a highly efficient heating solution, ideal for use over long periods. Using 100% radiant heat to warm people and surfaces directly, infrared panels include a wide range of programming options and energy-saving features.
For homeowners who want the most efficient heating system available, heat pumps are the best candidate. They work by capturing heat and moving it from place to place, removing it from your home to provide cooling in summer, and bringing in heat from the outdoors for warming in winter.
Instead of utilizing systems that require petroleum-based electricity, there are alternatives such as geothermal and solar. These eco-friendly systems are in both residential and commercial settings. Along with sustainability, the future of the HVAC industry will focus on automation and smart technology.
It's expensive to install a heat pump
They cost considerably more than a gas installation. Nevertheless, grants are available to reduce the purchasing cost, which is not the case with gas installations. However, even with such grants, the heat pump is still at least 20% more expensive.
New build developers currently have a choice of heating systems, including modern gas boilers, electric heating, and biomass boilers. From 2025, the new building regulations state that heating systems which burn fossil fuels, i.e. oil, LPG and natural gas boilers, will be banned from new builds.
The average cost to install a geothermal heat pump typically ranges from $10,000 to $30,000, depending on factors like the size of the system, property location, and installation complexity. Horizontal loop systems tend to be less expensive, while vertical systems, which require deep drilling, are on the higher end.
Should I wait until 2024 to buy a heat pump? It's not necessary to wait until 2024 to buy a heat pump. The California heat pump rebate program is currently available, offering financial incentives for homeowners who install energy-efficient heat pump systems.
Installing Your New HVAC Unit Replacement
The components installed may include the inside air handler or evaporator, outside compressor or condensing unit, new refrigerant supply lines, thermostat, condensate drain lines, and the condensate pump when applicable.
Several HVAC manufacturers have officially declared upcoming price hikes for 2024, garnering attention as a new wave of increases takes effect. There is a noticeable industry-wide trend of manufacturers elevating the prices of equipment, parts, and supplies.
The newest home heating (and cooling) technology is the heat pump, which uses a system similar to air conditioners to extract heat from the air and deliver it to the home via an indoor air handler. Standard home systems are air-source heat pumps that draw heat from the outdoor air.
The HVAC industry in 2024 is evolving with trends like smart systems, solar-powered and geothermal technology, DeVAP HVAC, eco-friendly refrigerants, improved indoor air quality, and electrification.
This shows natural gas is the cheapest type of heating to run and heating oil is the most expensive way to heat a home.
Combining the best of both heat pumps and gas furnaces, dual-fuel systems are one of the best options for cold climates. These systems run primarily on the heat pump while the temperatures are mild. However, once the temperature outside drops far enough, a gas furnace takes over while the heat pump turns off.
From 2025, under the Future Homes Standard, the installation of natural gas boilers by house builders will be banned. Instead, the norm for new homes is likely to be heat pumps. These absorb heat from the air outside of a home or extract it from the ground.
Fossil gas power generation needs to be almost completely phased out by 2040. This phase-out needs to be front-loaded. In 1.5°C compatible pathways, fossil gas use falls to 5-7% of total global electricity generation by 2030.
You can still install a new gas boiler after 2025
A brand-new boiler will be less expensive to run than an older one that needs replacing. The energy efficiency of the new boiler will allow it to heat up faster and use less energy than an older model.