HVAC manufacturing is pivotal to providing comfort to people inside their homes, workplaces, and other indoor environments. But how often do heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) manufacturers consider their impact on the outdoor environment? According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, more than half of the energy homes use is for heating or air conditioning. That’s a lot of energy! Such a big impact means HVAC manufacturers also have a big responsibility to evaluate and improve their environmental impact.
How HVAC Manufacturing Impacts the Environment
Like other production lifecycles, HVAC manufacturing can have a significant impact on the environment. Primary concerns are related to energy use, the types of refrigerants used in production, and related waste.
- Energy consumption. Over half the energy that homes use is related to cooling or heating. What’s more, manufacturing HVAC units also requires a lot of energy.
- Refrigerants. Many HVAC products use refrigerants with high global warming potential (GWP), meaning they contribute significantly to air pollution—some are even ozone-depleting.
- Waste. Many HVAC manufacturers don’t have an end-of-life process in place for their machines, leading to waste when old systems are disposed of.
- Safety. Using potentially polluting materials can be dangerous to the safety of workers and the community surrounding a plant at large.
Reducing HVAC Manufacturing Carbon Footprint
While the environmental impacts of HVAC manufacturing may seem imposing, there are many steps an HVAC manufacturer or production engineer can take to reduce their company’s carbon footprint.
1. Use “Green” Materials
In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency is imposing laws on HVAC manufacturers beginning in January 2025. The new laws mandate that all new refrigeration systems must use flammable refrigerants. These flammable refrigerants, also called A2L refrigerants, are characterized by their low flammability and low toxicity, making them a safer and more environmentally friendly option. A2L refrigerants also have an extremely low global warming potential (GWP).
HVAC manufacturers may consider an A2L system installation to reduce their carbon footprint—or, in the case of the United States, to comply with the new laws.
2. Create More Energy Efficient Products
Because the majority of energy costs inside a home are related to heating and cooling, making HVAC products more energy efficient can have a huge impact on overall energy consumption. Research has shown time and again that consumers are willing to pay more for environmentally friendly products. That includes HVAC systems!
If HVAC manufacturers focus on creating more energy-efficient products, they’ll reduce waste, reduce overall energy use, and maintain a loyal and happy customer base.
3. Reduce Waste
There are innumerable ways to reduce waste in HVAC manufacturing. For example, creating and implementing an “end-of-life” process can lead to less wasteful, full-loop manufacturing. HVAC manufacturers can also consider using recycled materials, producing HVAC systems that can run off renewable energy sources, and creating products that last longer.
4. Educate
As with any movement, education is a critical step to addressing the environmental impact of any system. By educating others on the importance of recognizing the environmental impacts of HVAC systems, HVAC manufacturers can do their part. Examples here include training technicians, employees, and clients on the benefits of sustainable practices and how they can implement them.
