Electricity demand in the United States is projected to rise 16% in the next five years, fueled by the explosive growth of data centers and advanced manufacturing. That increase places enormous pressure on utilities, grids, and households. For the HVAC industry, it signals a turning point: comfort can no longer be separated from energy intelligence. Home Energy Management Systems (HEMS) are stepping into this moment, transforming the way homeowners consume, store, and share energy — and creating new opportunities for the HVAC contractors who install and maintain them.
What are Home Energy Management Systems (HEMS)?
HEMS integrate smart thermostats, connected appliances, solar panels, battery storage, and advanced software into one coordinated platform. These systems can give homeowners a better view of their energy use and the power to control it in real time. They also create a new class of “prosumers” — households that produce, store, consume, and actively manage their own energy. In this role, the household becomes more than a consumer of electricity; it becomes part of a resilient energy ecosystem.
Technology at work
Modern HEMS do not act as passive dashboards. They can use sensors, AI, and connected HVAC equipment to predict and adjust energy flows automatically. Carrier, for example, is field testing battery-enabled HVAC systems that store energy when it is typically cheaper, and discharge when the grid is experiencing higher demand. Smart thermostats fine-tune heating and cooling based on occupancy, weather, and utility rates. Together, these advancements and capabilities can allow homeowners to optimize energy use while maintaining comfort and helping relieve pressure on the grid.
Why homeowners care
For homeowners, the value lies in helping to contribute toward greater comfort, enhanced control, and potential savings. According to EnergyStar, smart thermostats alone can lower heating and cooling bills by up to 8%*. When paired with HEMS, that efficiency scales. When homeowners can track usage, like through intuitive apps, they can receive real-time alerts and automate when to use energy and when to conserve. The result is peace of mind, impact on their utility bills, and confidence that their homes are prepared for an energy future defined by volatility and higher demand.
Why contractors should care
For HVAC contractors, HEMS represent more than an add-on — they represent the future of the trade. By installing, servicing, and educating customers about HEMS, contractors can differentiate their business, deepen customer loyalty, and open new revenue streams. Partnerships with manufacturers and suppliers will help accelerate adoption and create a trusted ecosystem of solutions.
Looking ahead
Within the next decade, every HVAC system will be expected to do more than provide heating and cooling. It will act as a node in a smarter, cleaner, and more resilient grid. Contractors who embrace HEMS today are not just positioning themselves for growth — they are helping lead the industry toward a sustainable future.
*https://www.energystar.gov/products/heating_cooling/smart_thermostats/smart_thermostat_faq
This article was written by Tyler Oehlman, Associate Director, Residential Systems Solutions, at Carrier.
Carrier is an ACCA Premium Strategic Partner. To learn more about ACCA’s Strategic Partner Program, contact partners@acca.org or visit acca.org/partners.
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