AHR Trending Topic
Plumbing & Mechanical

Enhancing performance and Reducing Energy Consumption

Plumbing and mechanical innovations are poised to contribute to growing trends in the HVACR as the industry moves toward greater decarbonization and energy efficiency. The integration of AI and other applied smart technologies is a driving factor for improvements in system efficiency and reliability. Real-time monitoring, along with more precise predictive maintenance capabilities, is also enhancing performance and reducing overall energy consumption. As these technologies become more widespread, it is expected that new opportunities for sustainable solutions will be realized.

 

Highlights from the AHR Education Program that address Plumbing & Mechanical

 

 

What industry leaders are saying about Plumbing & Mechanical

(Excerpts from the 2025 AHR Expo Trend report)

“We must recognize water as a tool of thermal energy transfer, utilizing its unique properties to create efficient and sustainable building systems.”

“We are seeing a strong push towards decarbonization and energy efficiency, which is reshaping how we approach mechanical solutions. As I often say, 'Water is energy,' and harnessing this natural resource through advanced hydronic systems can lead to remarkable sustainability and efficiency gains.”

— John Mullen, IAPMO/RPA

“Energy efficiency will be key to the future with numerous federal and state programs emerging to help fund these transitions. In the near term, getting technicians comfortable with new products will be important. However, the long-term plan should be to develop a consistent, consensus-driven and realistic vision of regulatory requirements ensuring products and installations can meet consumer needs in a practical and economically viable form without eliminating certain consumers from the market.”

— Cindy Sheridan, PHCC

Trending Discussions

Thermal Energy Networks (TENs) - Efficient and financial incentives provided by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). linking multiple buildings through a network of pipes, excess heat from one building can be used to meet the heating needs of another, while cooling requirements can be similarly balanced. This creates a symbiotic relationship that maximizes energy use and minimizes waste. (Source: IAPMO)

Decarbonization Policies - Certain states, specifically New York, California, and Massachusetts continue to take a more aggressive posture toward energy decarbonization policies. (Source: PHCC)

Predictive Analytics - AI in Plumbing systems changing how systems are managed and maintained. Predictive analytics and machine learning paired with smart controls make it possible to preempt issues. 

Renewable Energy Integration - Geothermal, TENs, and other modern renewable technologies reduce reliance on fossil fuels. (Source: IAPMO)

Private Equity & Acquisitions - The acquisition and consolidation of plumbing and HVAC contracting businesses by private equity groups continues to be a notable trend. (Source: PHCC)

Data Centers - As data centers continue to support the growing needs of high-energy computing and emerging technologies like quantum computing, the industry must address the immense energy consumption and heat generation associated with these facilities. Water-based cooling systems are emerging as a highly effective solution for data center cooling. By leveraging the superior thermal properties of water, these systems can dissipate heat more efficiently than air-based cooling methods. Water's ability to absorb and transfer heat makes it an ideal medium for cooling high-energy computing environments.

 

Workforce Development for Plumbing  

Properly trained HVACR and plumbing professionals will have a unique opportunity to work on hybrid water heating solutions, such as heat pump water heaters, across residential, commercial, and industrial applications. (Source: ESCO Group)

As plumbing and HVAC products become more complex, contractors will depend on manufacturers and distributors to provide training and technical support specific to their products to facilitate professional installations, operations, and maintenance. In turn, that promotes the consumer/contractor relationship allowing for continued service of a system throughout the lifecycle of that product. (Source: PHCC)

Plumbing | 2025 Innovation Award Winner

Grundfos
Grundfos ALPHA HWR

Join the discussion on Plumbing & Mechanical and other essential topics impacting HVACR at the 2025 AHR Expo, Feb 10-12, Orlando.