DEMAND in the US for hvac equipment is projected to increase by 5.1% annually to $16.8 billion in 2015 according to new research.
Research from the Freedonia Group, an industry market research firm has found that these advances will be stimulated by growth in both residential and non residential construction spending from a low 2010 base. Rising interest in more energy-efficient hvac systems, in part spurred by regulatory changes, will also support increased demand. This increase is expected particularly in value terms, given that more efficient systems and those using less environmentally harmful refrigerants are typically priced at a premium.

Public and private incentives will also encourage owners to upgrade to more energy-efficient models. These and other trends are presented in Freedonia's new study HVAC Equipment to 2015 (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning).

The research identifies that in the US unitary air conditioners are the largest segment of the cooling system market, accounting for nearly three-quarters of the total in 2010. In addition, demand for unitary systems will increase at an above-average pace, benefiting from the continuing development of higher-efficiency models.

Heat pumps accounted for the largest share of heating equipment value demand in 2010 and is expected to post the strongest gains of any heating equipment through to 2015.