Despite supply chain issues making it difficult to obtain some types of HVAC equipment and components last year, sales appeared to be fairly robust. According to the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI), the 2021 year-to-date combined U.S. shipments of central air conditioners and air-source heat pumps increased 9.3% over 2020, and shipments of gas warm air furnaces were up 19.6% for the same time period.
Heating, Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI) also reported strong increases, with average annual sales growth for the 12 months through December 2021 clocking in at 23.6%. That was a very healthy showing, especially when compared to the strong sales from the prior year, said Brian Loftus, market research and benchmarking analyst at HARDI.