“Our warmest region had sales growth near 20% for April while sales dipped by almost 5.5% in the region with below-normal temps," said Brian Loftus, senior market analyst at HARDI.
Heating, Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI) and the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors–National Association (PHCC) are urging the U.S. Supreme Court not to take up a case challenging the Environmental Protection Agency's rules on bulk HFC allocations.
"Double-digit sales growth could be a great sign for 2026 after more than a year with annual sales growth in the 2% to 4% range,” said Brian Loftus, senior market analyst at Heating, Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI).
The decision comes as New Yorkers express concern in a new survey about the affordability and operational impacts associated with the state’s refrigeration regulations.
HVAC prices have surged — and aren’t likely to fall. Behind the increase are sweeping regulations, new technology, and shifting market forces that are reshaping how homeowners decide whether to repair or replace their equipment.
The February growth “was a welcome sight after low-single digit sales declines during December and January,” said Brian Loftus, HARDI’s macroeconomic and residential market analyst.
Industry leaders say no new refrigerant transition is imminent, but state mandates and affordability pressures threaten the HVACR industry’s “hopeful calm.”
HARDI seeks preliminary injunction and a legislative fix
March 27, 2026
As part of the court’s decision, the enforcement discretion pertaining to R-404A and R-507A, which was set to expire on Tuesday, March 31, is extended, and the NYSDEC is barred from enforcing the prohibition pending a decision on HARDI’s request for a preliminary injunction.