In the last couple of years, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has made a big jump from myth to reality. Slowly, it is becoming an integral part of our day to day lives. From retail stores using AI technology to showcase a specific collection before it is physically available in-stores and now, AC units that can predict issues before they happen, as well as analyze a space to provide top in-home comfort. Higher indoor comfort, improved energy efficiency, and lower energy bills are three key improvements AI is making in the HVAC industry.

Higher Indoor Comfort Without Any Effort

AI technologies allow air conditioning units to optimize indoor temperature based on users’ preferences by taking into consideration a multitude of factors traditional ACs failed to analyze. These include weather, humidity, sunlight, time of day, and even a homeowner’s schedule. How does it really work?

At first, the Artificial Intelligence technology will take some time to understand the needs of a particular home. All a user needs to do is communicate to the system when the home is too cold, too hot and when it’s comfortable. This will eventually create a personalized profile that will allow the AC system to regulate a home’s indoor temperature and optimize it to the homeowner’s personal preferences. Mitsubishi’s 3D i-See Sensor, for example, can go as far as detecting the exact location of a room’s occupant and understand whether air should be directed towards the person or away from him/her according to the user’s comfort preferences.

Outdoor elements are also taken into consideration by advanced AI systems. These technologies will analyze the weather’s impact and make constant adjustments to the temperature indoors for maximum home comfort without the need of any human input.

A Cost-Effective Solution for Improved Energy Efficiency

AI systems that can analyze the environment for higher comfort can also help improve energy efficiency. By understanding when there is someone home or not, the AC unit can adjust its temperature accordingly so that there is no wasted energy. Hence, lowering your energy bills.

Controlling temperature is not the only way AI-enabled systems can improve energy efficiency. They can also use predictive modeling to advise the homeowner when a breakdown may occur. This allows technicians to prevent or fix a small issue before it becomes a bigger and more expensive, one to repair.

What Does the Future of AI-Enabled AC Units Look Like

Machine-to-machine (M2M) learning is a big step into the future of AI-enabled systems. Daikin has taken an interest in examining this technology and how it can assist technicians and mechanical contractors in providing top-notch, cost-effective service to customers.

M2M technology can potentially create an in-depth analysis of equipment performance, energy usage, and indoor air quality. This analysis can then be provided to technicians with recommendations of actions to take for maximum comfort, higher indoor air quality, and improved equipment performance.

Homeowner expectations are changing when it comes to Artificial Intelligence and the ease it provides in all realms of life. HVAC units are not one to stay behind, and this is just the beginning.