Despite all the concerns surrounding tariffs last year, sales of HVAC equipment were fairly robust. In fact, according to Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI), the 2018 year-to-date combined U.S. shipments of central air conditioners and air-source heat pumps increased 6.9 percent over 2017, and shipments of gas warm-air furnaces increased 9 percent for the same time period.
While sales were strong last year, some economists predict that the economy may slow a bit in 2019, due to ongoing trade disputes, rising material costs, and increasing interest rates. Still, manufacturers believe demand for HVAC equipment will remain high.