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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

Mixed signals make it difficult to determine what to expect over the next year, although most manufacturers echo Gary Clark, senior vice president of marketing, Goodman Global Group Inc., who stated, “Overall, we see 2012 being very similar to 2011.”

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?

The economy has been tough for many HVAC contractors over the last few years, and the signals are mixed as to whether things will get better in 2012. On the positive side, construction employment rose in 28 states and the District of Columbia between December 2010 and December 2011. On the other hand, only 302,000 new homes were sold in 2011, which is 6.2 percent below the 2010 figure.

In a contracting unitary market, it’s worth taking a closer look at ductless, with its double-digit annual growth rates for the past two years and 12 percent annual growth rate for the past five years.