April 2012 was a good month for distributors, according to HARDI. The Heating, Air-conditioning and Refrigeration Distributors International reported that average HVACR distributor sales in the United States were up 8.3 percent for the month. HARDI’s Monthly Targeted and Regional Economic News for Distribution Strategies (TRENDS) report showed growth in six of seven U.S. regions; three in double-digits.

“April marked the fourth consecutive month of an improving annual growth rate,” said HARDI economist Andrew Duguay. “The 3.5 percent average annual growth reported by members was the highest since November 2011. The 8.3 percent average improvement in sales over April 2011 was also a promising sign for the industry, suggesting that the modestly improving consumer spending and commercial and residential construction trends are having a positive impact on equipment and parts sales. Notably, this is the first spring season that all three of these sectors have been expanding since 2006.”