New year, new us. 2021, we’re coming in hot, what can we expect from you?
Though it’s been a challenging year, we all have learned that resilience it’s a must in times of crisis. 2020 has shaken us hard, and the search for new opportunities has become a pressing demand.
Once again, we need to reinvent the wheel; it’s clearly visible for companies now that they need to adapt to this new reality, where technology is fundamental not only to survive but to grow. The success of a project will follow those companies able to innovate and to make a stand out from the rest and speed at adapting it’s a must.
The new year brings some interesting opportunities that we want to explore and share with our community, and thus, we’ve written our 10 trends in the HVAC industry for 2021.
In the following list, you will find some predictions for 2021: from technology and the applications of AI in the HVAC industry to environmental consciousness and energy efficiency, and how the awareness of indoor air quality has changed the game forever.
The digital world will be also stepping hard. It is, without a doubt, one of the main challenges for the B2B HVAC industry. The change of paradigm in conventional offline communication with clients has pushed many businesses to update their online presence almost abruptly, and there are still many details to fix before it adjusts to the needs of each company. We also analyse the effects of the new normal, and how the HVAC industry will face an era in which the tendency in in-person relationships is to be limited and, in some cases, to disappear. What does the post-pandemic industry will look like?
How to reach your target clients?
We are positive about what’s to come. 2021 can be a breath of fresh air, and it is time for small to mid-sized companies to make the difference. With the right tools and the right strategy, this can be a year of success. On your way to designing your strategy, don’t forget to surround by the right partners and team members to walk together. How do you know if you are considering the right arguments to establish partnerships? We’ve written some tips on the issue here.
1 . The HVAC B2B industry gets digital
The digital transformation of the companies seemed far away from the HVAC industry practices and methodologies, and its implementation was evolving slowly in most cases.
However, 2020 was challenging enough to accelerate this process, since meeting with clients, closing sales, attending trade fairs, and all of the in-person activities have experienced a drastic change due to the pandemic.
Digital transformation will continue its development all over 2021. This new reality, however, can bring benefits for businesses able to adapt fast. Implementing new ways of keeping in touch with customers and potential new clients will bring equally new opportunities and resources during 2021.
On the other side, teams need to be up to date on digital trends and tools and learn how to implement them. Companies must find ways to approach digital tools in a friendly way to their teams and provide them with the right resources to help them feel comfortable. A good company adaptation to technology will be key to success.
2. Awareness in the relation of health problems and indoor air quality
The pandemic has put into the spotlight indoor air quality. Covid-19 has pushed awareness of air quality problems and its consequences, especially in big cities and crowded public spaces.
This issue has gained a repercussion never expected by the HVAC industry, in part due to the huge amount of information that the media has spread over the year.
Customers now see the problem with air quality and are more than ever willing to get educated on how the air they breathe inside buildings can affect their health. HVAC businesses have to be ready for providing insightful answers and highlight what’s needed for real quality improvement.
3. AI and air monitoring on the spotlight: automation systems
Monitoring technologies and AI in the HVAC industry will be taking a step forward to facilitate airflow control.
HVAC systems capable of regulating temperatures based on whether the room is occupied or empty and air monitoring will be two issues to consider in the construction of new buildings and remodeling of old buildings, as well as to provide energy-efficient indoor spaces.
Pioneering companies specializing in AI and indoor air quality measurement are daily improving their software in order to provide quality measurements of air quality in public and residential places, and its implementation over the coming months will help encourage the return to offices and other public places that today are potential infection points.
4. Air purifiers sell rise
As a direct consequence of the indoor air problems already confirmed and the interest generated around air quality, air purifiers will increment its demand in the next few months, and the prevision is a high of 70% in the next 5 years. Air purifiers can be used as a complement to natural and mechanical ventilation, especially in shared spaces. The latest studies have confirmed their utility and safety, and though HVAC systems usually present problems in providing a good mechanical air exchange, air purifiers, usually installed near the AHU, can give an extra push on providing fresh air that starts inside the air channels.
5. Questioning the old ventilation standards: cleaning and maintenance
During 2020 we’ve heard in countless occasions that natural ventilation is essential to prevent the proliferation of viruses and bacteria, but it certainly can’t be the only way to improve indoor air quality, considering the fact that outdoor air is usually highly polluted as well.
Crossed ventilation combining natural and mechanical ventilation and supporting with air purifiers is an alternative, and it can achieve better results for indoor air quality.
6. Environmental consciousness and energy efficiency
Energy efficiency and environmentally friendly products will continue to be issues of great importance in the HVAC industry. The companies most committed to using resources in the most efficient way and limiting environmental impact as much as possible can stand out notably. The customer seeks the balance between technology and nature, and this is a fact that cannot be ignored. Those companies that turn a blind eye to certain bad practices can pay the consequences in the medium term.
7. Ductwork industry rise
Global #HVAC Air Ducts Market 2020 – 2024 predicts for the next 4 years an incremental growth as #covid19 pandemic has triggered all the alarms, and investment in new indoor air quality systems is now a serious matter of concern. “The market is driven by the growing awareness of energy conservation. In addition, the rise in spending on green construction is anticipated to boost the growth of the HVAC air ducts market”, according to Technavio data.
8. Post pandemic growth in the HVAC industry
Following the events of covid19, awareness of indoor air quality has been and will continue to increase, and both private and public companies are looking for the best way to invest in their ventilation systems to offer better indoor air quality in their buildings. On the other hand, the resources that were previously dedicated to offline projects such as fairs can now be devoted almost entirely to improving the digital presence of the company, creating campaigns and approaching the customer target in a more intuitive way, offering exactly the right type of content, product or service you need.
9. How to get customers: starting, developing, and closing the buyer’s journey online
Educating before selling anything will be a priority for B2B HVAC companies. Providing solid information not only about the company or product but also about the industry, make the difference, and it contributes to generating trust in the business.
10. Evolution in the HVAC industry after COVID
This idea is strongly related to the rise of the importance of digital presence and how the new tendency will be to find support in the digital platforms to complement what used to be done offline. B2B businesses will continue breaking through digital media. Currently, around 75% of B2B buyers use social media to research vendors, and buyers will make their buying decisions based on those vendors whose concepts and road maps resonate more clearly.
What are your business predictions for 2021 in the HVAC industry?
If you feel like asking us how to reach your dream clients, we’re here to listen! team@exportinghub.net
Find our latest news on LinkedIn
Read more
