The HVAC industry continued its recovery in the second quarter of 2026, with shipments of air conditioners and heat pumps showing strong growth compared with the same period last year. Combined A/C and heat pump shipments totaled 2.78 million units, an increase of 11.3% from Q2 2025. Heat pump shipments alone increased 6.3%, while central A/C shipments were up 15.3%.

Through the first half of 2026, air conditioner shipments are up 2.4% and heat pump shipments are up 3.8% compared with the same period in 2025. Heat pumps also continue to gain market share over the long term, with June 2026 shipments 42.7% higher than June 2016.

The data points to continued recovery in the residential HVAC market, with manufacturers also reporting increased replacement activity. As equipment trends continue to evolve, staying familiar with both traditional A/C systems and heat pump technology remains important for contractors. Click here to read more.