International. AHR presented its 2025 Trends Report, which aims to offer reflective connection points on the current state of the HVAC-R industry.
According to AHR, its sponsoring associations provide a comprehensive view of the various roles within the industry and highlight relevant topics of discussion, such as a knowledge generation exercise prior to the fair in Orlando.
"We asked our associations, manufacturers, engineers, contractors, distributors, and thought leaders to weigh in on the most impactful issues facing the HVACR industry. We appreciate the contributions of all those who participated in this report, as their contribution is vital to understanding the challenges and opportunities of the industry from multiple perspectives," said the entity.
Below are some of the trends and incidence factors for the coming year, identified by the institutions participating in the preparation of the AHR 2025 Trends Report.
Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI)
- The transition from HFC refrigerants to their successors that began in 2011 is nearing completion and the industry is now working with regulators and NGOs to explore the feasibility and safety of moving to refrigerants with an even lower GWP for some applications in the future.
- The only major change will likely be the debate over A3 refrigerants in residential applications.
ASHRAE
- Building decarbonization: ASHRAE's goal is to achieve net-zero GHG emissions in all new buildings by 2030. The CEBD is developing 14 guidelines and a Standard that will allow for consistent quantification, accounting and reporting of carbon emissions from buildings around the world.
- Workforce Development: ASHRAE members are collaborating on a grassroots campaign to educate others about the industry's role and contributions.
Heating Air-conditioning Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI)
- As state regulations around environmental and energy standards evolve, there is a growing need for distributors to stay ahead of the various compliance requirements. Staying informed and adapting to these changes is crucial to long-term success.
- Excelling in workforce development means attracting, onboarding, and training people with no experience in HVAC/R or wholesale distribution and helping them thrive within the industry. The incorporation sets the tone for permanence and longevity.
- Supply Chain Forecasting: The transition from A2L refrigerant continues to add complexity to market forecasts and product availability.
- Refrigeration and regulation: The transition to A2L presents particular challenges for HVACR distributors. Your focus should be on condensing the flow of regulatory updates into simple, actionable steps.
"We are aware that, despite our varied approaches, aligning our goals is essential to the path of continued growth and success of the HVACR industry, a sentiment that gains importance with each passing year," AHR said. The full 2025 Trends Report document is available for online consultation.
