The commercial HVAC landscape is undergoing significant changes in how heating, cooling and refrigeration systems are designed, installed and maintained. As the sector adapts to evolving regulations, environmental goals and new building requirements, HVAC systems are becoming increasingly energy-efficient and responsive to occupant needs. The key trends that follow provide a snapshot of how those shifts are reshaping the future of commercial spaces.
Trend #1: Revitalization of commercial spaces
In the wake of the commercial real estate rebound from the pandemic, many vacant office buildings, malls and other commercial spaces are being repurposed for new uses, like multi-family units or flexible office spaces. This transformation presents both challenges and opportunities for the HVAC industry.
With the industry push toward more sustainable and energy-efficient buildings, electrification is becoming central to these renovations. Commercial all-electric heat pump retrofits are emerging as an ideal solution for revitalized spaces, offering significant energy savings by efficiently providing both heating and cooling through a single system.
The increasing adoption of variable refrigerant flow heat pump systems benefits environments that require precise temperature control across multiple zones, such as multi-family housing, offices, mixed-use developments, schools, hospitality and assisted living. These VRF systems offer a flexible and energy-efficient approach to managing diverse building layouts and changing occupancy levels.
Trend #2: Preparing for the refrigerant shift
Contractors are bracing for a major regulatory shift that will impact commercial refrigeration systems. Under the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act, all new commercial refrigeration equipment must use refrigerants with a low global warming potential by Jan. 1, 2026. This transition to low-GWP refrigerants aims to reduce the environmental impact of refrigerants.
David Archer, vice president of commercial business, Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US, notes the upcoming deadline for manufacturers to stop producing high-GWP refrigerants has led to an increased demand for heat pump technology as contractors prepare for the transition. “This uptick in demand reflects the industry’s proactive approach to the shift,” said Archer.
While manufacturers can continue to sell and install commercial systems with non-A2L refrigerants through 2025, the transition requires careful supply planning. “Any time there’s a transition of this scale, it is crucial to ensure a sufficient inventory of both older and newer models to cover market needs,” Archer said.
Trend #3: Rise of hybrid VRF and all-climate heat pump systems in commercial applications
As businesses and building owners seek more efficient ways to manage heating, cooling and ventilation, the commercial HVAC market is witnessing a surge in demand for hybrid VRF systems, traditional VRF systems and all-climate heat pump systems.
These technologies are particularly well-suited for schools, hotels, multi-family housing, assisted living centers, office buildings and even small data centers. The main difference between all-climate heat pumps or VRF systems is they use refrigerant to cool and heat different building zones. Hybrid VRF systems use water with the building’s zones instead.
As demand for efficient HVAC solutions grows, VRF, hybrid VRF systems and other cooling applications are pivotal in meeting diverse commercial needs.
“Now more than ever, we’re driven by the need for smarter, more sustainable solutions,” said Archer. “Hybrid VRF and other all-climate heat pump technologies are leading the way, offering businesses the flexibility to meet both performance and environmental goals.”
Editor’s Note: Article provided by Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US.
