Yes the economy continues to place pressure on the HVACR industry across the country to provide more cost-effective solutions and services to their customers. But as we move into the last days of Summer and with Fall right around the corner I’ve recently had several encouraging discussions with HVACR industry leaders (manufacturers media wholesalers and representatives) in which talk of the past 18 months of economic turbulence has quickly led into optimistic banter about 2010 and beyond.

John Iwanski Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of RSES Journal highlighted similar observations in his most recent Publisher’s Letter A ‘Rosy’ Outlook for 2010 (August 2009).  His rose-colored glasses comment seemed even more appropriate after reading other data that was trying to shine a bright light on an improving economy.

One item of data that grabbed my attention was from analysts with the Freedonia Group.  Their most recent study analyzed the $63.1 billion world HVAC equipment industry and its historical demand data for the years 1997 2002 and 2007 and forecasts for 2012 and 2017 by product; world region; and for 18 countries. Some highlights are:

• Global demand for HVAC equipment rising by 5.8% annually through 2012
• Demand in the Asia/Pacific region will outpace the world average led by China and India
• Cooling equipment will continue to outpace heating equipment

Another key finding was the August 2009 survey conducted by International Exposition Company which surveyed more than 1000 manufacturers and 70% of the respondents said that they expect the economy to be stronger in the first quarter of 2010.  In keeping with the optimistic outlook their findings concluded:

• 69% of the AHR Expo exhibitors believe their customers have been delaying purchases of new products and that this pent-up demand will result in more sales during the first quarter of 2010
• 24% of exhibitors expect sales to increase over 10%
• Nearly 30% expect sales increases of 5-10% in the first quarter of 2010
• Close to 25% of respondents expect a smaller first quarter increase of between 1-4%
• Less than 5% see a decline in sales

Read the full survey report release HERE

I’ll agree with John about the ‘Rosy’ outlook and hope others in the industry also see yesterday as history.