Shipments of air source heat pumps in the US rose 19% year on year to nearly 364,000 units in October as shipments of other types of air conditioning and heating equipment slowed.
According to the Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI), air conditioner shipments fell 19% over the same period to about 396,000 units.
The trade association said on Friday that lower air conditioner shipments contributed to a 4% drop in total sales to about 760,000 units. AHRI data is an indicator of economic conditions and trends for manufacturers of HVAC systems and equipment.
Shipments of heat pumps, versatile devices that heat and cool homes, are expected to pick up amid policy support from the government. The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, which President Biden signed into law in mid-August, offers billions in tax credits and federal tax breaks to encourage the purchase of energy-efficient equipment.
The data showed that domestic gas storage water heater shipments fell 28% year on year to about 321,000 units in October, while electric storage water heater shipments fell 19% to about 372,000 units.