The HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) industry is experiencing sustained growth, not just in demand for units but for smarter, more efficient, and reliable solutions.
This is particularly evident in mission critical sectors such as data centers, where demand is surging. Some projections estimate that the global HVAC market, valued at $241b in 2024, will nearly double to $445b by 2033.
These systems, and the environments they’re deployed in, are inherently complex, as they’re often densely packed with mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) components.
Failing to approach HVAC planning with foresight and precision can result in serious downstream consequences, disrupting wider project timelines and budgets.
There is a solution, though.
Problems with traditional HVAC installations
Most in the industry understand that HVAC systems are difficult to install. In complex construction projects, rework can account for up to 11% of total costs, and HVAC is often a key contributor. These systems must also be integrated into constrained physical spaces, coexisting with other critical infrastructure elements. Any error, however small, can result in rework, schedule slippage, or added costs. And these are risks no mission critical project can afford.
In mission critical projects like data centers, the systems that matter most –
HVAC, cable trays, conduits, and cooling lines—are often the ones you can’t see. Industry insights suggest that up to 75% of the scope is tied up in these vital but hidden elements, installed early and concealed behind walls, ceilings, or raised floors. Their invisibility makes them easy to overlook, but costly to get wrong. Poor planning or coordination means issues might only surface during commissioning, at which point they would be far more expensive and time-consuming to fix. With power and cooling being non-negotiable, success hinges on getting these systems right the first time.
The current labor shortage we’re seeing in the construction industry only compounds the issue. Finding skilled personnel who can interpret models accurately and anticipate common pitfalls is increasingly difficult.
Traditional planning tools, such as 2D drawings or 3D models on screens, can help. But in practice, these representations often don’t translate clearly to the physical environment. Misinterpretation can lead to issues like misaligned ductwork or routing conflicts, which may only be discovered once time and resources have already been spent.
Put simply, every site is unique. Every build has constraints that can’t always be fully captured on a monitor. What if there were a tool that could vastly increase the likelihood of getting an HVAC installation right, the first time?
Augmented Reality as a Solution
Augmented Reality, often referred to as AR, overlays digital models directly onto the physical world, enabling real-time visualization of equipment and infrastructure in the context of the actual build environment.
Harnessed correctly, AR is transformative. It brings precision and clarity to on-site work that traditional modeling simply can’t. Teams can visualize HVAC units and duct runs exactly where they will be installed, down to the millimeter, and identify potential issues before a single part is fitted.
During a hyperscale data center project, a site engineer spotted deviations from the design, including an HVAC diffuser slightly out of tolerance. Because the deviation was detected early using AR, the general contractor (GC) was able to address it immediately, before ceiling works concealed the issue. That kind of early intervention prevents rework and preserves build momentum.
And while integrating AR from the start of a project is optimal, the technology adds value at every stage of the build lifecycle, during planning, installation, QA/QC, and commissioning.
Driving Performance on Mission Critical Projects
In data center builds, where HVAC systems are essential to uptime and thermal efficiency, the benefits of AR extend far beyond visualization. It becomes a tool for real-time quality assurance, coordination, and progress tracking. It reduces uncertainty, streamlines communication among stakeholders, and limits the risk of missed tolerances or clashes.
AR also complements existing technologies, such as project control systems. When combined, teams gain an advanced layer of real-time oversight, a more actionable and precise version of traditional reality capture.
Demand for this capability is growing rapidly, not just in data centers, but across all mission critical infrastructure, from airports to pharmaceutical facilities. These are environments where delays are costly, and failure isn’t an option. In such high-stakes contexts, precision matters.
The future of HVAC installations
HVAC systems may not always receive the same visibility as other aspects of a build, but their importance to operational readiness is a foundational requirement, not a luxury.
Data centers demand absolute precision, yet some of the most critical risks are hidden in plain sight. HVAC errors like misalignment, poor balancing, and duct leakage rarely show themselves during installation but end up emerging later, often during commissioning or operation, when they’re harder and more expensive to fix.
These aren’t minor issues: inefficiencies in HVAC systems can lead to overheating, system failures, and costly downtime. That’s why a proactive, real-time approach to detection is essential. Catching hidden flaws during the build means fewer surprises, lower risk, and more control over project outcomes. For mission critical environments, where failure isn’t an option, visibility into the invisible is everything.
Augmented reality is no longer a speculative technology. It’s a proven method for enhancing delivery, reducing risk, and ensuring quality from day one. As complexity in mission critical construction continues to increase, the role of AR will only expand.