HARDI Study Finds HVACR Distribution Adds $17.8 Billion to U.S. Economy
Why It Matters
- The study quantifies the scale of the HVACR distribution channel: HARDI estimates that wholesale distribution generates $32.9 billion in annual economic output and directly supports 101,817 jobs nationwide.
- Distributor strength directly affects contractor operations: The size of the distribution channel underscores the important role wholesalers play in moving HVACR equipment, parts and products through the supply chain.
- State-level data can provide useful market context: The study includes economic impact figures for all 50 states and the District of Columbia, giving contractors a clearer view of distribution activity in their markets.
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Heating, Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI) released a study measuring the economic impact of HVACR wholesale distribution across the United States.
The study, Keeping America Comfortable: A Baseline Economic Impact Analysis of HVACR Wholesale Distribution Across All 50 States, found that HVACR wholesale distribution directly supports 101,817 jobs and generates $32.9 billion in annual economic output.
The industry also contributes $17.8 billion in value added to the U.S. economy and provides $8.7 billion in employee compensation, according to the study.
HARDI conducted the analysis using IMPLAN, an economic modeling platform, and data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2022 Economic Census.
Because HVACR distribution is not identified as a standalone sector in conventional economic models, HARDI developed a methodology to separate its contribution from the broader durable-goods wholesale trade sector.
The resulting analysis provides national estimates for employment, economic output, value added and employee compensation. It also includes individual results for all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
The methodology can be updated as new economic data becomes available. HARDI said this creates a baseline for tracking the economic footprint of HVACR wholesale distribution over time.
“HARDI understands both the numbers and the industry behind them,” said Tim Fisher, HARDI’s director of research. “This project required us to isolate HVACR wholesale distribution from a much larger economic category and build a methodology for results nationally and for every state. That combination of analytical capability and industry knowledge is what allows us to deliver useful and quality research.”
An interactive StoryMap accompanying the study allows users to examine employment, output, value added, and compensation figures by state.
The study provides data on the economic role of HVACR wholesale distribution within the broader supply chain, including the businesses and workers involved in moving heating, cooling, and refrigeration products across the country.
HARDI released the study as part of its broader investment in market intelligence and research on the HVACR distribution channel.
The full whitepaper is available here.