You probably spent more time at home in the past year than you ever have before. And as you looked around your home, you might have noticed things that needed updates, fixes, and improvements. Especially if you worked from home, you might have discovered that the system that kept you warm or cool was critical to your comfort and productivity. You needed it to run efficiently, cleanly, and affordably. HVAC was one of the industries that got renewed attention during the pandemic because people not only needed those systems to work well, but they better understood the importance of air quality and filtration systems. The air we breathed suddenly seemed more precious than ever.

Growth of the HVAC Industry

Some industries, like retail and foodservice, took a hit during the pandemic. But heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration did the opposite. According to the Home Service Economic Report published by Jobber, the contracting segment of the economy, which includes HVAC, grew significantly. In June 2020, the industry saw record numbers and continued to grow steadily in the following months.

What Changed for the HVAC Industry?

A few factors contributed to demand for HVAC service:

• More Money Was Spent at Home: Because there were limits on what we could do and where we could go during the pandemic, many of us stayed home. And home improvement projects skyrocketed. Whether it was adapting to the new world order by building a new office or play space, or spending too much time looking at the same old walls and wanting new ones, lots of people looked for ways to make the discomfort of the pandemic a bit more comfortable.
• The Need for HVAC Services Increased: You probably didn’t think about your HVAC system much before the pandemic. But during the pandemic, you realized it was critical to your comfort and health. Maybe you had your ducts cleaned or had repairs done that were long overdue. Or maybe you had your entire unit replaced. Some homeowners upgraded to newer, energy-efficient systems to save money because they were home and using their systems more than before.
• Air Filtration Systems Were Upgraded: Proper ventilation, air cleaners, and filtration systems can reduce airborne contaminants including viruses. That’s why they quickly became the must-have renovation for homeowners. HEPA filters, which remove 99.7% of airborne particles from the air, were in demand. In fact, the global air filtration market grew by unprecedented numbers as a result. And as people returned to work and the real world, many businesses and schools upgraded their filtration systems to protect their employees and customers.

Do you want to make an impact in the HVAC industry? Porter and Chester Institute offers a Diploma in HVACR (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration) at campuses in Connecticut and Massachusetts. You can complete the program in as little as 12 months and be prepared for entry-level work in this important field. Fill out the form to request more information now.