Hardware Retailing The Industry's Source for Insights and Information
When it comes to comfort, homeowners in the U.S. are willing to pay to stay cool. In 2020, 95.4 percent of new homes built had a central air conditioning system.
Some recent trends emerging in HVAC and air conditioning include zoning, where homeowners can choose different temperatures for different areas, making the home more energy efficient overall.
Smart thermostats that control central air conditioning units are becoming more commonplace. Window units are also getting smart, with newer units including connectivity with smartphones and voice-controlled assistants like Google and Alexa. Whether you carry basic or smart window units, be sure to order early to assure you have enough product in stock before the summer high season.
“We preorder in the late fall and then finalize our initial order to land usually in early April,” says Evan White, mechanical department supervisor for PaulB Hardware.
5 Cold Hard Facts on AC
Use these datapoints to help your customers better manage their HVAC and air conditioning systems and establish yourself as a helpful resource.
- The average lifespan of an air conditioner unit is 15 to 20 years.
- Filters should be changed every 3 months to avoid air quality issues.
- Switching to a high-efficiency unit reduces energy use by 20 to 50 percent.
- Performing annual maintenance can make an air conditioner last 40 percent longer.
- Programmable thermostats save homeowners up to $180 per year.
Sources: National Association of Home Builders, More New Homes Built with Air Conditioning; Census Bureau, Survey of Construction; Home Improvement Research Institute, Product Purchase Tracking Study 2020; and Energy.gov, Energy Saver
HVAC How-Tos
The Products DIYers Need
Installing or repairing an air conditioning unit is best left to the professionals, but your DIY customers can still take steps to keep their equipment in working order. Here are some of the products you can sell and tips you can share to encourage regular maintenance.
Filters. One size does not fit all when it comes to HVAC filters. Note each customer’s filter size in your customer management system so you can easily look up what they need when they come in for a replacement filter.
Cleaning products. A simple solution of warm water and dish soap keeps outdoor AC coils clean. Merchandise dish soap and spray bottles near your HVAC products with signage explaining this how-to.
Yard tools. Rakes and gloves can be an essential part of air conditioner maintenance. Educate homeowners on keeping the area around their outside condenser unit free from debris like leaves and dirt.
You can read about more products and services your HVAC DIY customers need here.
