Clear Seas Research

In the second quarter of 2009, Clear Seas Research conducted their semi-annual Residential and Light Commercial Unitary CLEAReport. The study surveyed a total of 704* active, qualified The ACHR NEWS subscribers and AHR attendees who are contractors of residential and light commercial heating/cooling equipment. Residential contractors attributed to 466 respondents, while Light Commercial contractors made up 246 of the total.

 

When asked which factors are the most important in the purchase decision, both residential and light commercial contractors agree that Quality, Reliability and Durability are the top three most important factors.

 

Light Commercial respondents (33%) are more likely to consider switching their primary brand of heating/cooling equipment when compared to Residential contractors (22%). Each would consider switching if a better price or superior equipment was available.

 

When asked what percentage of their brands carried is currently imported and how they expect that percentage to change in the next five years, both residential and light commercial contractors anticipate the percentage of domestic brands will decrease by at least 10% in the next five years.