5 Ventilation Trends for 2025

Attention toward healthier indoor air remains strong following the pandemic, as building owners recognize the potential impact on occupants. This is especially important as more and more companies require employees to return to the office in a full-time or hybrid capacity. In addition, the increase in wildfires and wildfire smoke across more regions is providing an annual reminder for building owners and homeowners alike about the importance of filtration and ventilation.

Similarly, the long-term benefits in both expense and durability are helping to drive ongoing demand for more energy-efficient buildings, including Passive House-certified projects. As of July 2024, there are more than 2 million square feet of Passive House-certified buildings in the U.S. Systemair itself recently earned Passivhaus certification for our Geniox Air Handling Units.

California and Massachusetts have both adopted stricter energy codes over the past few years. In Massachusetts, the 2023 revision of the Massachusetts Building Energy Code targets a substantial reduction in carbon emissions from buildings; one facet now requires higher energy recovery requirements from mechanical ventilation equipment used in commercial buildings. The California Energy Commission’s 2025 Energy Code strengthens ventilation standards in multifamily buildings, encourages electric heat pump technology, and creates electric-ready requirements for commercial kitchens and some multifamily projects to encourage use of electric cooking, among other changes. As is often the case, it is likely that other states will eventually follow California’s and Massachusetts’ leads. 

The Environmental Protection Agency is phasing out R-410A refrigerants for HVAC systems in favor of A2L (454B), which are more efficient and have lower greenhouse gas emissions/lower global warming potential. However, with A2L’s potential flammability, manufacturers have new safety requirements to follow, including arc protection for all electronics.

Along those lines, there is an overall shift around the country from gas-powered equipment to electric in an effort to reduce our carbon footprint. The U.S. has committed to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, and cities around the country have been enacting decarbonization regulations in an effort to phase out fossil fuels that contribute to carbon emissions, and many of those efforts include buildings. In the HVAC industry, this means moving away from gas-fired appliances to all-electric options. For example, Systemair’s Changeair is an ideal choice for schools shifting from gas-powered units, offering a decentralized option to eliminate the need for inefficient central boilers. Along with eliminating greenhouse gases, electrified classroom units allow teachers to control temperature and ventilation in their rooms, further reducing inefficiencies and waste, and Changeair systems can be equipped with occupancy sensors and/or carbon dioxide.