U.S. shipments of residential HVAC equipment were up solidly in 2004 over 2003. Shipments in the Canadian market had mixed results. Meanwhile, manufacturers are keeping their eyes on several key issues, including competition from foreign manufacturers, raw material prices, and new efficiency standards.
HVACR distributor sales are on the upswing, but distributors do have concerns, including market conditions, foreign competition, contractor business practices, tort reform, and how to handle industry price increases.
A main concern of contractors has been finding qualified workers. Rising health care costs present another huge problem. Almost every industry organization is working to tackle these problems. Perhaps, by banding together, a solution can be found for these issues and other problems.
At the 2005 Top Gun Maytag Distributor Meeting, various speakers emphasized how attending distributors could develop their skills in order to build a first-class "squadron" of Maytag Top Gun dealers in their territories.
Nothing draws attention like a big piece of equipment sitting in a booth. That was definitely the case at this year's AHR Expo, where exhibitors set up their cooling towers, chillers, rooftop units, and other large mechanical systems to catch the eyes of attendees.
Every year the AHR Expo has a plethora of exhibitors showing their new duct products. This year was no different, as manufacturers proudly displayed their new ducts, duct liners, duct tapes, and various duct accessories.
Maybe it was the equipment that pulled hordes of attendees into the booths highlighting residential furnaces at the 2005 AHR Expo. Exhibitors had a whole lineup of new and exciting residential furnaces at the show.
The world of grilles, registers, and diffusers has changed remarkably in the last few years. This was evident at the AHR Expo, where manufacturers happily showed off their range of products in a variety of colors, styles, and finishes.
Among the exhibitors at the 2005 AHR Expo were a sizable number of manufacturers offering a wide range of new air movement products. Products ranging from quiet bathroom fans for the home to turbine ventilators for industrial applications were showcased.
Some of the most important relationships contractors can have are with their distributors. Both sides often grumble about the other. But like a good marriage, a successful contractor-distributor relationship is built over time and needs constant work and attention so that both parties are happy.