Last year ended on a disappointing note for many, including distributors. On the bright side, distributors in all U.S. regions ended 2011 in positive territory and also reported higher inventory levels than the same time in 2010. What’s ahead for 2012?
Despite lingering economic blight, a gridlocked political climate, and mild winter temperatures, Paul Stalknecht, president and CEO of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA), is beaming with optimism.
Danfoss Inc. senior leaders recently provided a 2012 market outlook on HVAC policy trends during their 17th annual press conference, held Jan. 24 at the AHR Expo in Chicago.
Technology can be a double-edged sword. On the one hand, trying to keep up with changing technology can be a never-ending battle that consumes your time and budget. On the other hand, not bothering to keep up with technology can hurt a business. So what do HVAC contractors see as tech trends in the next year?
Demand for energy will rise through 2040 as global economic output doubles and prosperity expands across a world where population will grow to nearly 9 billion people, Exxon Mobil Corp. states in The Outlook for Energy: A View to 2040.
Globally a mature product, its more recent adoption in the United States makes VRF something of a developing trend that more contractors are choosing for their businesses. The Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) brought further legitimacy to VRF products when it launched a new certification program.
It’s a tough crowd of consumers out there. According to distributors, consumer behavior is leading to a drop-off in the replacement market, as well as a drop-off in the high-end market. Yet despite these worrisome trends, distributors are still seeing areas of growth and employing smart tactics to keep their businesses in good shape.
As consumer awareness continues to grow regarding the performance of HVAC systems, more products and services are being presented to solve the most common ventilation problems.
Most small business owners around the country do not plan to hire due to the uncertain economic outlook. Parts of the HVAC industry seem to be trending in the opposite direction, however, as many contractors say they are planning to hire over the next 12 months.
What are the emerging building design trends in the HVAC industry? Carrier Corp. noted that it will address this question and more at its 11th Global Engineering Conference, scheduled for March 18-20, 2012, at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.