HVAC Year in Review: Reflecting on 2024’s Industry Trends and Key Insights
As 2024 wraps up, it’s been a big year for the HVAC industry. We’ve seen a lot of changes, from new energy efficiency standards to updates in refrigerant rules and a growing focus on indoor air quality. These shifts have significantly impacted how HVAC pros work and what customers seek.
Let’s reflect on this year’s major industry shifts and explore some of the most-read blog posts we shared with our contractor community. We’ll also highlight what HVAC professionals should prioritize as we look toward 2025.
Defining Trends in HVAC
This year marked a pivotal moment in the refrigerant phase-down, as global regulations significantly reduced the availability of high-GWP refrigerants like R-410A. Contractors quickly embraced eco-friendlier alternatives, such as A2L refrigerants, despite challenges like adapting to new handling protocols and fluctuating supply chain dynamics. The shift highlighted the industry’s commitment to sustainability, even as contractors worked to balance education, cost, and implementation for their clients.
With rising energy costs and new environmental rules kicking in, more customers wanted energy-efficient HVAC systems this year. Smart thermostats, zoning features, and advanced motor tech became go-to upgrades for homes and businesses. These tools didn’t just save energy—they helped contractors give clients better comfort while meeting sustainability goals.
Indoor air quality (IAQ) stayed a hot topic, too, thanks to post-pandemic awareness. Customers asked for healthier air, and contractors delivered options like whole-home ventilation and advanced filters. What used to be “nice-to-have” upgrades are now must-haves for anyone serious about long-term health and comfort indoors.
ECCO Supply’s most-read blog posts
Here’s a roundup of the blog posts that stood out and provided the most value to our readers.
5 HVAC Trends to Know for 2024 Our first blog post to kick off the year explored the rising adoption of heat pumps, advancements in building automation, and the implications of decarbonization efforts across North America.
Navigating the Shift to Eco-Friendly Refrigerants With the industry undergoing significant refrigerant changes, this post provided actionable advice for contractors to adapt and educate their clients.
Breathing Easy: Improving Indoor Air Quality During Winter Addressing seasonal challenges, this post provided contractors with strategies for promoting IAQ solutions to residential and commercial clients.
Leveraging VRF Systems: Best Practices for HVAC Contractors We explored how variable refrigerant flow systems are revolutionizing efficiency and versatility in HVAC design.
Maximizing Efficiency in DOAS: A Contractor’s Guide We looked at dedicated outdoor air systems and outlined ways to enhance energy efficiency in commercial applications.
What HVAC pros should think about in 2025
The trends of 2024 give clear indications of what contractors should focus on in the year ahead. As we move into 2025, sustainability will continue to drive the industry forward. Staying informed about regulatory changes, particularly in refrigerants, will be crucial for maintaining compliance and earning customer trust.
Beyond environmental impact, leveraging smart technology and predictive maintenance will become increasingly important. These innovations provide value to customers through improved performance and cost savings and position contractors as leaders in a competitive market.
If you’re looking to sharpen your skills and boost your HVAC business, bookmark our courses page. For over 60 years, ECCO Supply has supported contractors with practical, real-world training designed to improve productivity and ensure successful installations. Led by experienced instructors, our courses are tailored to match the needs of today’s job sites.
