Matt Jachman

A panel representing four major manufacturers discussed political and regulatory issues in front of HVACR distributors during the recent HARDI conference in Las Vegas. 

The Air-Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Institute data show that heat pump, a/c, furnace. and water heater shipments all fell in October in comparison to the same month last year.

Distributors report success in reducing R-410 equipment inventory, but some say repealing the deadline for installing the systems would help.

The R-454B crisis dominated HVACR news this year, but other issues impacted the industry as well. They all set the stage for the year ahead.  

Data centers and building electrification are increasing the demands on the electrical grid, but new technology, innovation, grid flexibility, and renewables each have a role to play in meeting that demand.  

Member states double down on heat pump support — aiming to grow economies, create local jobs, and reduce energy costs. 

Nearly 1.1 million fewer air-source heat pumps and central a/c units were shipped in the U.S. this year, through September, than were shipped during the first nine months of 2024.

Manufacturers say the “next wave” of growth will be retrofit-friendly systems that drop into existing homes with minimal electrical work.

The arrival of the second Trump administration in Washington, D.C., this year brought talk of canceling the Energy Star program, though the HVAC industry and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have expressed support for it.