Like the rest of the world, the multifamily real estate market has experienced a transformation in the past two years as competition and consumer demand responded to a once-in-a-lifetime global pandemic. Apartment rents plummeted in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, but fortunately, they rebounded in 2021, having since experienced continuous growth. As a result, national asking rents were up 13.5% in 2021, although that rise is expected to level to about 5% in 2022.

While innovative home technology and improved indoor air quality functioned as selling points and premium amenities before the pandemic, consumers now demand the technologies, creating losses for property owners who fail to upgrade their buildings.

With stiff competition nationwide, multifamily real-estate companies must continue to adapt to market demands and consumer trends. HVAC is no exception, as tenants require more convenience, improved comfort, and a lower carbon footprint.

To stay ahead of the competition, multifamily property managers should be aware of the multifamily HVAC technology trends 2022.

Smart Apartment Homes

The property sector will continue to be dominated by the Internet of Things in 2022 as technology connects everyday items to the internet. For example, multifamily intelligent devices like thermostats allow residents to control their indoor climates remotely. This lowers utility bills and conserves energy while helping them monitor indoor air quality.

Many modern apartment homes now boast bright lighting, heating, and air conditioning that can be controlled with a smartphone or a tablet. As a result, the smart home market is expected to reach almost $139 billion by 2026.

Innovative apartment home options are more expansive than those residents renting newly constructed properties. Innovative technology can be added to all sorts of properties without the need to replace an entire HVAC system. Devices such as smart air quality monitors, smart air purifiers, and smart thermostats can be installed into practically any multi family residence, adding a critical competitive edge to an existing property.

Multifamily Building Automation

In 2022, multifamily management companies frequently automate their building systems, including their HVAC operations. Automating the operation and control of an HVAC system improves efficiencies. In addition, remotely controlling HVAC systems can save property managers time while extending the equipment’s life cycle.

While most multifamily residents prefer to control the HVAC in their environments, property managers are still obliged to monitor the settings in common areas and vacant apartments. Innovative technology adds convenience to this process, particularly for companies primarily operating remotely. Plus, by placing the heating and cooling operations in vacant apartments on a schedule, property managers can significantly decrease the energy usage and costs associated with the units.

Data-driven Decisions

HVAC preventative maintenance remains a vital component of multifamily property management. But regularly changing filters, cleaning, and sealing HVAC systems has its limits. What happens when a malfunction occurs in between seasonal checks? And as any seasoned apartment manager can attest… Reactive maintenance doesn’t come cheap.

To overcome the limitations of seasonal maintenance, property management companies are turning toward data-driven predictive maintenance strategies. While some tasks, like changing filters, should still be performed at set intervals, others can be conducted only at the precise times needed. Predictive maintenance not only boosts energy efficiency, but the strategic use of data generated by HVAC systems can eliminate the need for emergency maintenance calls.

Motili’s technology supports this 2022 HVAC trend by monitoring building systems that generate data, which is used to provide advanced insight into HVAC operations and optimize energy savings. In addition, Motili’s proprietary Asset Condition Index can predict equipment failure for Motili customers before they experience any loss of service.

Focus on IAQ

In the wake of a devastating virus, indoor air quality continues to be a top concern among multifamily housing communities. According to an AirAdvice survey of 50,000 American homes, almost 97% of all homes complained of at least one of six common IAQ issues, including problems with humidity, temperature, chemicals, allergens, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide.

Multifamily properties can gain a competitive edge by improving the IAQ in their apartment homes. Various methods are available for better indoor air quality, including removing the source of pollutants, boosting ventilation, and sealing leaks. Property managers can also make an effort to test the IAQ. If other problems are discovered, they can even install air cleaners. Of course, properly maintaining HVAC equipment is vital to achieving optimal IAQ in any multifamily environment.

Carbon Concerns

Energy efficiency remains a primary goal of regulators, businesses, and consumers in 2022. As a result, a reduced carbon footprint continues to be a priority in the HVAC industry, and for a good reason. HVAC accounted for about 35% of the carbon emissions from a typical building, according to 2014 data.

One trend that goes hand in hand with decarbonization in HVAC is electrification. By replacing technologies that use fossil fuels like gas with alternatives that rely on electricity, property managers can increase the efficiency of their buildings, reduce their carbon emissions, and decrease their residents’ energy costs.

Motili HVAC Multi-Family Technology Solutions

Motili’s platform is one of the latest innovative solutions that allows property owners and managers to efficiently manage HVAC multi-family technology projects for multiple property types like apartment communities and commercial buildings.

Sustainability, automation, and data management are core values upheld throughout the HVAC process.

The Motili solution includes a web platform that provides detailed work status and reporting, automated scheduling and contractor dispatching, text and email notifications, and a mobile app for contractors. It can easily integrate with existing client systems. Our finely-tuned process boosts efficiency, reduces cost, and can ultimately improve customer satisfaction.

Motili’s cutting-edge technology will help property owners manage their HVAC and hot water systems through technology, proactive and reactive repair, and replacement projects.

The experts at Motili possess the knowledge and tools to properly guide you through all types of HVAC projects.