BUSINESS RESOURCES
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phc December 2021 www.phcppros.com
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hile the basic plumbing and heating needs of consumers haven't changed drastically over the past several years, the approach to meeting those needs has continually evolved. As customers look to save on energy costs, improve air quality and customize their heating and cooling needs in 2022, PHCPPros can be ready to assist them with these growing trends. Geothermal energy: Energy efficiency has always been on trend, but the ways to get there are continually growing. Solar power may be the most well- known eco-friendly energy source available to homes and businesses today, but that could be changing. A recent tax credit has brought geothermal energy into the spotlight, and for good reason. Geothermal energy is quiet, safe, and, though it's more expensive to install than traditional heating systems, it's affordable to operate. A series of fluid-filled pipes are buried underground, and they work with a geothermal heat pump above ground to heat and cool a space using thermodynamics. Currently, only about 1 percent of buildings in the United States are utilizing geothermal energy, but that number is increasing daily, and heating professionals are reporting increased interest from home and business owners. This trend is expected to continue well beyond 2022. Improved air quality: Indoor air quality has always been important to home and business owners. The focus, however, has shifted from concerns about dust, allergens and pollution to bacteria and viruses as well. Throughout next year and into the future, expect manufacturers to fill this need with more effective filtration products. Customers are already familiar with the air filters they change out routinely, and now they have more options, including different sizes and grades to remove a range of contaminants and HEPA filtration technology. Some may seek additional protection from pollution and pathogens in the air, especially in homes with at-risk family members or in medical facilities. In these environments, air purifiers may be the best solution. Rather than filtering out the air as it passes through, purifiers disperse particles to attack the contaminants suspended in the air. Most people associate air purifiers with stand-alone systems, but many don't know that they can also be installed in their existing heating systems. In addition to filtration and purification, customers are also seeking system and duct cleanings to ensure that the air circulating through the building is as possible. Smart home integration: Smart thermostats have been around for years, but many customers didn't see the value in automating their heating and cooling needs until recently. Now, people are automating everything from the coffee machine to the vacuum cleaner, so it makes sense to integrate a smart heating system into existing home automation. The prevalence of WiFi- enabled products such as meters, thermostats and sensors allows users to not only customize their heating and cooling needs, but save money in the process. In fact, smart thermostats can reduce energy output by up to 35 percent, saving money and the environment in the long run. Home and business owners will appreciate the professional assistance of a licensed heating technician who can address their needs and customize a unique heating and cooling solution. Regular maintenance: Smart heating systems provide another benefit that helps not only the homeowner, but the plumbing and heating professional as well. Most smart systems have embedded sensors that can relay real-time monitoring to customers and technicians. They can sense leaks, detect changes in air flow, and more, triggering an automatic work order when potential problems arise. Some systems even self- diagnose problems, helping techs to prepare for the repair with the proper tools and parts before they even set foot on the property. Through remote monitoring, small issues can be fixed before they become major repairs. Plus, techs can also use data generating from smart systems to identify trends and diagnose issues. This is especially helpful in businesses where multiple heating systems are in use, particularly in the hospitality
Six Plumbing and Heating Trends to Keep in Mind
BY ALLEN SMITH
Customers will look to save on energy, improve air quality and customize heating and cooling needs in 2022. People are automating everything from the coffee machine to the vacuum cleaner, so it makes sense to integrate a smart heating system.
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