How HVAC Coatings Align with ASID’s 2026 Trends Outlook

The interior design and building management industries are at a pivotal crossroads. Recently, the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) released its 2026 Trends Outlook Report, titled "Designing for Resilience, Dignity, and Long-Term Impact." The report serves as a roadmap for the coming years, emphasizing that the built environment must do more than just look good—it must perform with purpose.

Two themes stand out as critical for facility managers, architects, and business owners: Resilient Sustainability and Health-Centric Environments (IAQ).

Here is how the latest industry trends are shaping the future of building maintenance and how our HVAC coating solutions provide a direct path to meeting these 2026 standards.

1. Sustainability: Moving Toward Long-Term Resilience

According to the ASID 2026 Trends Outlook, there is a significant shift away from "disposable" design. The industry is moving toward "resilience," which focuses on the longevity of materials and on reducing carbon footprints by preserving existing assets.

One of the most effective ways to champion sustainability is by prolonging the life of HVAC equipment. Replacing an entire HVAC system is a resource-heavy process that contributes significantly to landfill waste and industrial carbon emissions.

The EPS Solution: Specialized HVAC coatings installed by our professionals protect coils and cabinets from corrosion and environmental degradation. By applying these high-performance coatings, we can extend the operational life of your units by years, if not a decade. This aligns perfectly with the ASID trend of "designing for long-term impact"—reducing the need for premature replacements and keeping heavy machinery out of the waste stream.

2. Indoor Air Quality (IAQ): The Heart of Occupant Health

The ASID report highlights that dignity and health are now non-negotiable elements of design. As noted in i+s Design, designers are increasingly tasked with creating spaces that support occupants' holistic well-being. Central to this mission is Indoor Air Quality.

HVAC systems are often the "lungs" of a building. However, without protection, organic growth, mold, and pollutants can accumulate on damp cooling coils, circulating harmful particulates throughout the workspace.

The EPS Solution: We offer antimicrobial coatings, CoilSafe and CoilSafe Plus, that are engineered to significantly improve IAQ. By creating a smooth, hydrophobic surface, CoilSafe and CoilSafe Plus:

• Inhibit Mold and Bacteria Growth: Preventing the "dirty sock syndrome" and the entry of biological contaminants into the airstream.

• Simplify Maintenance: Coated coils are easier to clean, helping prevent dust and allergens from becoming trapped in the system.

• Enhance Airflow: Better airflow means more consistent temperature control and a more comfortable, "dignified" environment for everyone inside.

3. Energy Efficiency: The Bridge Between Health and Profit

The 2026 outlook suggests that economic efficiency and environmental stewardship are becoming inextricably linked. Systems that run harder due to corrosion or dirt buildup consume more energy, driving up costs and carbon output.

Energy Performance Solutions offers a double win: our coatings maintain the heat transfer efficiency of your HVAC coils. When your system doesn't have to work overtime to push air through clogged or corroded fins, it uses less electricity. This supports the ASID goal of "Resilience" by ensuring the building remains operational and efficient even as energy costs and climate demands rise.

Preparing for 2026 Trends Today

The ASID 2026 Trends Outlook Report makes it clear: the future belongs to those who invest in the health of their people and the longevity of their assets. At Energy Performance Solutions, we are proud to provide the solutions that help your facility meet these upcoming standards. Whether you are looking to lower your carbon footprint or ensure the highest air quality for your tenants, our HVAC coatings are the bridge to a more resilient future. Contact Energy Performance Solutions today to learn how we can protect your equipment and your environment.

Sources:

• ASID (2024). "ASID Releases 2026 Trends Outlook Report."

• i+s Design (2024). "ASID’s 2026 Trends Outlook: Designing for Resilience, Dignity, and Long-term Impact."