COLUMBUS, Ohio — Heating, Air-conditioning and Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI) announced average U.S. HVACR distributor sales were up 17.9 percent in May 2012. This is the highest month-over-month growth since November 2010, when the looming $1,500 federal tax credit expiration pulled sales forward. HARDI’s Monthly Targeted and Regional Economic News for Distribution Strategies (TRENDS) Report showed growth in all seven U.S. regions; with six regions showing more than 10 percent increases.
“May was a particularly strong month with even the lowest quartile showing year-over-year growth, which is a rare occurrence,” said Andrew Duguay, economist, HARDI. “84 percent of members reported a positive May 2012 versus May 2011, suggesting the recovery among distributors is broadening. Business cycle momentum is clearly positive at this point.”