Energy efficiency goals hindered by shortage of HVAC specialists

The development and implementation of advanced HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems—capable of using AI to predict and respond to weather, building occupancy, and user preferences—continues to gain momentum across the real estate sector. However, the effectiveness of these innovations increasingly depends on a factor that technology cannot replace: skilled human expertise.

According to Marcin Kosieniak, MEP specialist and co-owner of the PM Projekt design office, the lack of qualified engineers and technicians is a major barrier to the adoption of smart HVAC solutions. While technological tools such as digital twins, IoT-based monitoring, and intelligent sensors are becoming standard in high-efficiency systems, their successful deployment still requires in-depth knowledge and experience. In practice, installation errors and mismatches—especially with heat pumps—remain common, often due to misapplied systems or inadequate training.

Kosieniak notes that many HVAC projects still fall short due to the assumption that a one-size-fits-all solution exists. He emphasises that each installation must be tailored to the specific needs and technical conditions of the property. Poor implementation not only results in inefficient systems but also leads to rising maintenance costs and user dissatisfaction.

The HVAC industry is also undergoing significant transformation as it responds to regulatory and environmental pressures. The phase-out of high-GWP refrigerants is pushing the sector toward alternatives such as CO₂, ammonia, and propane, all of which require new infrastructure and staff training. At the same time, HVAC systems are becoming active components in energy networks through mechanisms such as Demand Side Response (DSR), where they can help balance grid load by adjusting energy usage in real time.

Another critical area gaining attention is indoor air quality, especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. New ventilation standards require improved filtration and air exchange without compromising energy efficiency. This adds another layer of complexity to HVAC design and management, requiring highly specialised skills.

Despite the technical advancements available, the shortage of qualified workers continues to challenge the industry. As HVAC systems grow more complex, the skills gap is widening. Addressing this issue will require not only new educational pathways and training programmes but also long-term investment in workforce development.

Innovations such as decentralised HVAC units, radiant heating and cooling systems, thermal energy storage, and waste heat recovery from industrial sources or data centres are reshaping how buildings manage energy. These technologies offer notable improvements in comfort and energy savings but also demand precise execution.

Kosieniak concludes that the sector’s future success depends on its ability to integrate smart, low-carbon systems while overcoming the technological, financial, and human resource constraints that remain. Without a concerted focus on specialist training and infrastructure readiness, the full potential of energy-efficient HVAC systems may remain out of reach.