Heating, Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI) has released a first-of-its-kind economic impact study measuring the direct contribution of HVACR wholesale distribution across the United States.
The new study, Keeping America Comfortable: A Baseline Economic Impact Analysis of HVACR Wholesale Distribution Across All 50 States, finds that the industry directly supports 101,817 jobs and generates $32.9 billion in annual economic output. HVACR wholesale distribution also contributes $17.8 billion in value added to the U.S. economy and provides $8.7 billion in employee compensation.
In addition to documenting the scale of an often-overlooked segment of the HVACR supply chain, the study demonstrates HARDI’s ability to combine government data, economic modeling, proprietary industry information, and channel expertise to answer complex market questions.
“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.”
HARDI conducted the analysis using IMPLAN, an industry-standard economic modeling platform, together with detailed data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2022 Economic Census. Because HVACR distribution is not represented as a standalone sector within conventional economic models, HARDI developed a transparent allocation methodology to separate its contribution from the broader durable-goods wholesale trade sector.
The resulting framework produced national estimates for employment, output, value added, and compensation, as well as individual results for all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The methodology can also be updated as new economic data become available, establishing a baseline for tracking the industry’s economic footprint over time.
An interactive StoryMap complements the white paper and allows users to explore the industry’s employment, output, value added, and compensation figures in each state.
“This research gives policymakers and industry leaders a clearer picture of the businesses and workers that keep heating, cooling, and refrigeration products moving across the country,” Fisher added. “It's the kind of market intelligence our members, and the broader industry, can count on us for.”
The economic impact study is the latest example of HARDI’s expanding investment in original market intelligence, joining existing research products such as the State of the Channel Report and the Compensation & Benefits Survey. Together, these resources position HARDI as a source of primary data and analysis on the HVACR distribution channel. The association also makes these capabilities available to manufacturers, policymakers, and other organizations through its market intelligence and research services.
Organizations seeking research tailored to a specific market, business question, investment decision, or strategic initiative can learn more about HARDI Market Intelligence offerings.
