IoT Solutions for HVAC: Driving Efficiency, Convenience, and Reliability

These days, HVAC systems are everywhere, from our homes to commercial buildings, providing the comfort of effortless climate control. However, IoT-based smart HVAC systems — those that rely on the interconnected network of devices — are still not as widespread as they could be.

HVAC systems are one of those niches where entire companies still engage in 24/7 offline maintenance, even though many problems could be solved remotely. IoT allows businesses to reduce costs, use equipment more efficiently, and provide better service.

Kostiantyn Oliynyk

Head of IoT at Webbylab

In this article, we’re going to discuss how IoT can fuel HVAC systems and why it matters for everyone involved — both end users and businesses. We’ll also explain how IoT works in HVAC solutions and show how effective data sharing and quick decision-making can save you time and resources.

In this discussion, WebbyLab will draw on its experience creating IoT-enabled smart HVAC systems within projects like SmartHeat and an automated A/C drain line cleaner.

Monitoring the heat pump status through the 2Smart Cloud web-based application

Benefits of Using IoT in HVAC

Using IoT for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning benefits both end-users and businesses. Let’s review some of the most compelling advantages.

Advantages of IoT in HVAC for Consumers

The end-users of IoT HVAC systems benefit from the following:

• Energy efficiency. An IoT solution for HVAC saves resources and reduces utility costs since it automates heating, ventilation, and air conditioning tasks.
• Timely maintenance. IoT-enabled predictive maintenance will help you avoid costly breakdowns and repair your systems as necessary. You’ll maintain your HVAC through timely notifications and remote servicing from third-party vendors.
• Environmental quality control. HVAC systems create comfortable living conditions, which is especially useful for avoiding potential health issues.
• Device control. IoT in HVAC systems allows you to get alternative device management methods through mobile and web applications, voice assistants, and more or even eliminate manual control due to automation.
• Home automation systems. You can handle IoT home automation with KNX systems or integrate HVAC with other home systems like security, ACS, sensors, devices, and beyond to create a holistic smart home experience.
• Easier installation. IoT devices are typically easy to install since they leverage remote controllers.

Advantages of IoT in HVAC for Enterprises

Businesses and large-scale enterprises can use IoT solutions for HVAC to reap the following advantages:

• Scalability and large system management. Handling HVAC in large and multiple facilities can be complex. The Internet of Things brings centralized control and monitoring to the table and simplifies operations by reducing offline visits to locations.
• Large-scale energy management. Enterprises can implement IoT to optimize energy consumption and foster environmental responsibility.
• Data analytics and insights. Businesses that need detailed insights for making better decisions can leverage IoT data to track energy usage patterns, system performance, and areas for improvement.
• Business continuity. Enterprises may use predictive IoT maintenance to avoid disruptions and minimize downtime.
• Regulatory compliance. The Internet of Things helps adhere to regulatory requirements and the organization’s sustainability goals.

• Building management systems integration. Companies may integrate HVAC with other smart building management initiatives to improve safety and operational efficiency.
• Unique selling proposition. The Internet of Things is a distinctive feature of HVAC equipment, increasing buyer’s interest.
• Production automation. IoT-enabled HVAC solutions streamline device manufacturing, testing, calibration, and improvement.
• Environmental condition maintenance. The Internet of Things allows businesses to uphold proper conditions at their facilities, enhancing safety, convenience, and revenues. For example, IoT air conditioning in a greenhouse directly impacts the quality and quantity of the grown products.

How Does an IoT-Based Smart HVAC System Work?

Using IoT for HVAC involves the integration of IoT sensors and devices for data collection, transmission, processing, and subsequent system optimization based on the gathered insights. Here’s how such a system works:

Sensors and Data Collection

First of all, you place the IoT sensors throughout your facility. Then, these tiny devices collect large amounts of data on temperature, humidity, air quality, equipment performance, and more.

The hardware components of a smart HVAC system can include the following:

• Smart thermostats
• Temperature sensors
• Humidity sensors
• Air quality sensors
• Motion sensors
• Flood detection sensors
• Smart ventilation systems
• Smart air conditioners
• Automated air conditioning and ventilation cleaning systems
• Smart water shut-off valves
• Door and window opening sensors
• Smart humidifiers and dehumidifiers
• Wireless control buttons
• Smart heat pumps

You can merge those devices and sensors into the interconnected network that gathers the necessary real-time data.

Kostiantyn Oliynyk

Head of IoT at Webbylab

Helped dozens of startups create effective IOT products.

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Data Transmission

Once the sensors and devices collect the HVAC data, they transfer it using a wired or wireless connection. They can do this through Ethernet, Zigbee, LoRaWAN, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or other connectivity protocols. The central system then receives the data for further processing.

Data Processing and Analysis

Once received, the data goes through processing and analysis. Your system may use algorithms that filter the information, identify patterns and anomalies, provide insights into performance trends, and visualize the results in convenient charts and graphs. You can study that info to reconfigure your HVAC following your needs later.

Control and Optimization

With insights at your disposal, you’re ready to take action for optimized HVAC performance. You can set up automation scenarios to ensure energy efficiency, climate, and thermal comfort. For example, following occupancy patterns, you may schedule heating, A/C, and ventilation.

Integration with Other Systems

IoT-based smart HVAC systems can integrate with other smart building components. These include lighting, security, access control, and video surveillance. As a result, you get an all-encompassing, easy-to-manage ecosystem that boosts operational efficiency, sustainability, and resource usage.

How Does IoT Transform a Traditional HVAC System?

The IoT breathes new life into traditional HVAC systems and makes them even smarter. Here are just a few examples of the intelligence that the Internet of Things brings:

• Smart thermostats. IoT-powered thermostats offer more than just temperature control. These solutions adapt to user preferences and adjust settings following pre-configured automation scenarios.
• Air quality management. An HVAC IoT monitoring system tracks air quality in real time and adjusts ventilation to provide a healthier and cleaner indoor environment.
• Real-time alerts and notifications. HVAC systems become proactive with IoT, offering timely updates on performance, maintenance needs, and potential breakdowns.
• Remote asset management. With IoT, you can adjust settings, monitor performance, and troubleshoot issues within your HVAC system from anywhere through the mobile or web app.
• Modular design structure. The IoT divides your HVAC system into smaller parts, which are easier to monitor, maintain, and replace as necessary.
• Cloud-based commissioning. The IoT lets you set up and configure your HVAC system’s software part over the cloud. As a result, you speed up the installation process and simplify ongoing updates.

On top of that, IoT HVAC systems allow you to monitor and manage different parts of your building separately. Owing to that, you can ensure optimal climate conditions for each required area.

Top IoT Applications in HVAC

Now that you know about some transformative elements of IoT-enabled smart HVAC systems, let’s explore their real-world use cases. Here are some of the IoT applications for HVAC that improve energy efficiency, user comfort, and maintenance:

• Integration with building automation. Control the entire facility and its processes by embedding smart HVAC into the building automation system. You can adjust heating, ventilation, and A/C to ensure optimal climatic conditions within your area.
• HVAC equipment efficiency monitoring. Using IoT for HVAC allows you to watch your equipment status in real time. You can track performance metrics to improve efficiency, identify issues, and prolong your equipment’s lifespan.
• Integration with renewable energy sources. The IoT in energy management makes your HVAC eco-friendly. You can integrate your system with solar or wind energy as well as optimize resource usage to adhere to sustainability practices.

Challenges of Using IoT in HVAC

As you’ve probably figured from our post, implementing IoT in HVAC is highly beneficial. Yet, this process comes with certain limitations. Let’s review some of the most common challenges:

• Security concerns. Since IoT architecture comprises numerous components and deals with large amounts of data, ensuring proper protection is critical. Don’t neglect security and introduce encryption, access controls, and timely software updates.
• Device compatibility. IoT sensors and devices within the IoT HVAC systems often use different protocols for communication. Make sure that all gadgets are compatible and exchange data seamlessly.
• App interoperability. Opt for applications that you can use across different parts of your system to simplify HVAC configuration, monitoring, and management.
• Sensor placement. Data accuracy depends on the location you place your IoT sensors in. Install these gadgets in the areas where they’ll be able to capture as much useful data as necessary. 
• Latency. If you want your HVAC system to collect and transfer data swiftly, avoid latency by all means. Prioritize high-speed network infrastructure and select devices that support faster communication protocols.

Steps to Build IoT-Based Smart HVAC Systems

Building IoT-based smart HVAC systems isn’t easy, given the numerous components you should take care of. Here’s the development process in manageable steps:

1. Define Your Goals

Any project starts with identifying the objectives. Outline the goals your IoT HVAC system should fulfill — like energy efficiency, remote monitoring, or predictive maintenance. Determining this will shape the rest of the process.

2. Select the Right Hardware

Next, choose the hardware components for your HVAC system — things like sensors, controllers, actuators, and other devices. The exact pieces you pick will depend on your system’s needs.

3. Develop the IoT Platform

Once you’ve got your hardware, you’ll need a data management platform. Developing a cloud-based solution is a decent option for its ability to monitor and control the HVAC system in real time. Besides that, the platform should feature:

• Event logging
• Alerts and notifications
• Visualization tools
• Data analysis tools
• Remote control
• Task automation

4. Set Up the Communication Framework

For your HVAC system to be smart, it needs to communicate effectively. Ensure server-to-server networking and machine-to-machine connectivity through MQTT, Modbus, or other protocols, following your specific needs.

5. Test, Optimize, and Deploy

After everything is set up, test your HVAC system to make sure all components work properly. Fix any discovered issues and deploy your solution.

Cost of IoT-Based HVAC Systems

The price of IoT-enabled smart HVAC systems largely depends on several factors. Let’s discuss them.

• Connectivity and integration. Using IoT in HVAC systems requires choosing the right connectivity protocols — like MQTT, Zigbee, WiFi, or Bluetooth — each of which impacts compatibility and cost. Advanced features, such as real-time monitoring or cloud support, can also push up the price.
• Firmware development. For the smooth operation of sensors and controllers, you’ll have to handle firmware development. The price usually depends on the device management capabilities and the customization needed.
• Software development. The software development process involves creating apps that manage system functionality, user interfaces, and data. Either an in-house or outsourced developer team will require compensation for building, installing, and maintaining the system.

On average, developing an IoT solution for HVAC starts at around $10,000. However, every project is unique, and pricing can vary. 

WebbyLab Experience in IoT-Based HVAC Systems

The WebbyLab team has successfully delivered plenty of IoT-based smart HVAC systems. Our five-year expertise lets us provide our clients with automation solutions in smart home, industrial, and enterprise sectors. Here are several examples of what we’ve accomplished:

Automated A/C Drain Line Cleaning Solution

We’ve created an IoT solution that accurately doses and automatically preserves cleanliness in drainage lines, preventing clogs and the growth of microorganisms that hasten wear and blockages. As part of our work, we developed firmware, mobile, and web applications for end users to pair and leverage their devices, an admin panel for the client to service and monitor their system, and participated in the device production.

The features of a smart HVAC cleaning system we delivered include: 

• A user-facing mobile and web app for installing and monitoring the A/C cleaning solution
• An admin panel for owners of the solution for administration
• A tool for professional A/C installers to simplify installation and configuration processes
• HVAC maintenance scheduling
• Over-the-air firmware updates
• Internet connectivity
• Offline mode for independent device operation
• Event tracking and logging
• Up to seven triggers for device activation

We not only provided IoT solutions for end users. We also developed a system for load testing and calibration of devices based on our 2Smart Standalone framework. The implementation of IoT automation and monitoring, in this case, greatly facilitated the process of conducting frequent and similar tests and made it possible to emulate different usage scenarios.

Kostiantyn Oliynyk

Head of IoT at Webbylab

SmartHeat Heat Pump Testing and Management

Our team suggested several IoT in HVAC industry solutions for our client SmartHeat, an industrial heat pump manufacturer.

We leveraged our 2Smart Standalone platform to test the heat pumps through various automation scenarios and ultimately optimized and calibrated the devices for excellent performance. We also monitored the heat pumps remotely.

We not only provided IoT solutions for end users. We also developed a system for load testing and calibration of devices based on our 2Smart Standalone framework. The implementation of IoT automation and monitoring, in this case, greatly facilitated the process of conducting frequent and similar tests and made it possible to emulate different usage scenarios.

Yehor Fedorov

IoT Project Team Lead at WebbyLab