The demand for unitary air conditioners is forecast to expand at a 4.9 percent yearly rate through 2021 reaching $11.0 billion and continuing to outperform air conditioning equipment sales as a whole.  The replacement of units that have reached the end of their operational lives will remain the primary driver of sales.  In unit terms, unitary air conditioner sales are projected to increase 2.7 percent per year through 2021 to 5.9 million units. These and other trends are presented in Air Conditioning Equipment Market in the U.S., a new study from The Freedonia Group, a Cleveland-based industry research firm.

Split unitary air conditioners will remain significantly more popular in the U.S. due to the widespread use of warm air furnaces. Split systems utilize the furnace’s blower and ductwork to cycle and distribute air. Split units locate the compressor and condensing coils outside the building, while utilizing an evaporating coil and air handler inside the building to distribute cooled air.