Artificial Intelligence Approaches to Energy Management in HVAC Systems: A Systematic Review

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems contribute a considerable share of total global energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions, putting them at the heart of the issues of decarbonization and removing barriers to achieving net-zero emissions and sustainable development goals. Nevertheless, the effective implementation of artificial intelligence (AI)-based methods to optimize energy efficiency while ensuring occupant comfort in multifarious settings remains to be fully realized. This paper provides a systematic review of state-of-the-art practices (2018 and later) using AI algorithms like machine learning (ML), deep learning (DL), and other computation-based techniques that have been deployed to boost HVAC system performance. The review highlights that AI-driven control strategies can reduce energy consumption by up to 40% by dynamically adapting to environmental conditions and occupancy levels. Compared to other work that focuses on single aspects of HVAC management, this work deals with the methods of control and maintenance in a comprehensive manner. Rather than focusing on abstract applications of machine learning models, this study underlines their applicability in HVAC systems, bridging the science–practice gap. This study highlights the prospective role AI could play, on the one hand, by enhancing HVAC systems’ incorporation, energy consumption, and building technologies, while, on the other hand, also addressing the potential uses AI can have in practical applications in the future, bridging gaps and addressing challenges.