2022 Efficiency and Workforce Trends

We’ve got the scoop on the ever-changing business landscape that will impact residential and commercial contractor members within the next year and beyond. On deck: New efficiency requirements, decarbonization and diversity initiatives are current trends or are coming in the near future.

Movement toward Clean Energy

According to ASHRAE, U.S. buildings account for 40% of carbon emissions. Currently, 160 cities in 12 states are working to move toward more sustainable, clean energy sources. For the HVAC industry, that means reducing or removing natural gas for heating and replacing it with solar PV systems, electric heat pumps and other solutions.

Heat pump water heaters are two to four times more efficient than standard gas burning or electric resistance units. Studies have also shown building electrification helps meet modern air quality standards, creating a healthier overall environment. However, contractors are certain to run into challenges, including space constraints, building age and overall cost. Regardless, decarbonizing and electrifying buildings are on the menu for the future and should be considered as viable solutions in new and retrofit projects.

New energy efficiency regulations

Beginning January 1, 2023, the new minimum energy efficiency requirement of one SEER point — a roughly 7% increase — will take effect for new residential central air conditioning and air-source heat pumps. When the Department of Energy last calculated the effects of the new standards, it projected a savings of $2.5 to $12.2 billion on energy during the 30-year period after implementation on homes using central air or heat pumps.

To help you prepare for the transition, consult reliable industry resources. An AHRI directory can help determine the right products for our region, and Seer2.com provides details on the upcoming changes, plus an interactive map with region-specific requirements.

Attracting a more diverse workforce

With an older generation transitioning out, our industry has struggled to find enough younger professionals eager and ready to take their place. On top of that, American workers across every industry reevaluated their priorities during the pandemic and created the wave of what has been coined the “great resignation.”

Now is the time to bolster engagement and retention strategies, while also focusing on recruiting, training and retaining a more diverse workforce. Representation that includes racial and gender diversity, as well as different backgrounds, experiences and education, leads to higher revenues for companies due to innovation, according to a Boston Consulting Group study. Start (or continue) aligning yourself with a more diverse, equitable and inclusive culture and you’ll be ahead of the curve.