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
Seeing all-electric stars in the NABERS Annual Report
The NABERS 2025/26 Annual Report shows progress in energy efficiency, electrification, indoor environment, energy management innovation and embodied carbon. The report highlights all-electric buildings among the standouts.
Why it matters: Electricians, HVAC technicians and builders may see more demand for all-electric building work as NABERS ratings reward electrification. Plumbers working on gas hot water and appliances may be affected too.
Building ministers pledge NCC modernisation
State, Territory and Commonwealth ministers responsible for housing, homelessness, planning and building met in Canberra on October 16, 2026. Reform of the National Construction Code (NCC) was on the agenda. The article gives no further detail.
Why it matters: Builders and other trades working to the NCC may eventually face changed construction requirements. No specific changes are confirmed yet, so there is no immediate impact on day-to-day work.
NZ announces refrigerant stewardship scheme
New Zealand will bring synthetic F-gas refrigerants under a regulated product stewardship scheme from April 1, 2027. The article gives no further detail on how the scheme will work.
Why it matters: Australian HVAC and refrigeration businesses working across the Tasman, or watching trends here, may face similar refrigerant handling rules. The NZ details are not yet clear.