Although the HVAC industry has been around for more than a century, portable heating and cooling is a relative rookie to the scene. Having just made a mark in the U.S. beginning in the 1980s, the market has continued to grow and evolve into what we see today.
 

According to Rob Shortt, vice president, Cold Air Products, Norfolk, Va., the portable heating and cooling sector is widely driven by inclement weather and the impending need for comfort.

Customers looking to invest in more expensive heating and cooling systems have numerous options from which to choose, and most will result in better comfort and efficiency. But for that rare homeowner for whom money is no object, contractors may want to suggest manufacturer-recommended “dream” systems, all of which offer exceptional comfort, whisper-quiet operation, and super high efficiency.

Some worry the Ontario Building Code has gone too far and that the legislation may strip consumers of their options while decreasing profit margins for the HVAC contractors installing the equipment.

Industry figures are estimates that are derived from the best available figures supplied by a sample of AHRI member companies.

While contractors are admittedly embracing this temporary sense of certainty, they’re still left with more questions than answers.

Most people schedule a preseason tune-up for their air conditioning system before the hot weather starts. If they did the same for their furnaces before the heating season, this complaint could be prevented. 

Industry figures are estimates that are derived from the best available figures supplied by a sample of AHRI member companies.