Emerson Survey Gauges Industry's Readiness For 2010 Transition
Emerson Climate Technologies, a business of Emerson recently announced results from the company’s third contractor and distributor survey designed to measure readiness for the 2010 transition away from R-22 equipment.
Emerson Climate Technologies, we are working with all of our partners to more effectively manage through the R-22 phase-out and ensure that the customer gets the best long-term solution that meets his needs.”
Although there are some similarities between the 13 SEER transition and the upcoming phase-out of R-22, there are also vast differences. Stocking up on 10 SEER equipment was either necessary or beneficial from a business perspective in some cases. Stockpiling R-22 equipment may be much less ideal because of the expected increase in refrigerant price as the supply of this diminishes over the next several years. In fact, the latest survey results show that contractors and distributors are definitely noticing that R-22 refrigerant is getting more expensive, collectively reporting an increase of 59 percent over the past one to two years. Whereas, according to those surveyed, R-410A refrigerant has only increased an average of 4 percent over the past year.
“Due to rapidly increasing R-22 refrigerant prices and issues with slowing inventory, the sooner our industry converts to R-410A, the better off contractors and distributors will be in the long run,” said Karl Zellmer, vice president of sales, Emerson Climate Technologies, Air Conditioning Division. “Although we are a bit concerned by the latest results showing the timeline push closer to a 2010 conversion, we are confident that if we come together as an industry and direct our focus we can ensure a smooth and successful transition for the industry as a whole.”
Despite the showing of a potential delay trend, many contractors are already working aggressively toward this transition goal, the results of which are apparent through customer readiness. According to this latest survey, an average of 16 percent of the contractor and distributors’ customers are requesting R-410A equipment. This trend seems to be linked to a positive and expanded evolution of benefits and selling points. Although contractors are still using the economics of R-22 as a selling point when talking to their customers, they are now also speaking to the environmental benefits of R-410A, new technology and the improved comfort level.
For more information on R-410A readiness, including Emerson Climate Technologies technical white papers, contractor checklists and more, visit www.EmersonClimate.com/refrigerant/ac.
Emerson Climate Technologies, we are working with all of our partners to more effectively manage through the R-22 phase-out and ensure that the customer gets the best long-term solution that meets his needs.”
Although there are some similarities between the 13 SEER transition and the upcoming phase-out of R-22, there are also vast differences. Stocking up on 10 SEER equipment was either necessary or beneficial from a business perspective in some cases. Stockpiling R-22 equipment may be much less ideal because of the expected increase in refrigerant price as the supply of this diminishes over the next several years. In fact, the latest survey results show that contractors and distributors are definitely noticing that R-22 refrigerant is getting more expensive, collectively reporting an increase of 59 percent over the past one to two years. Whereas, according to those surveyed, R-410A refrigerant has only increased an average of 4 percent over the past year.
“Due to rapidly increasing R-22 refrigerant prices and issues with slowing inventory, the sooner our industry converts to R-410A, the better off contractors and distributors will be in the long run,” said Karl Zellmer, vice president of sales, Emerson Climate Technologies, Air Conditioning Division. “Although we are a bit concerned by the latest results showing the timeline push closer to a 2010 conversion, we are confident that if we come together as an industry and direct our focus we can ensure a smooth and successful transition for the industry as a whole.”
Despite the showing of a potential delay trend, many contractors are already working aggressively toward this transition goal, the results of which are apparent through customer readiness. According to this latest survey, an average of 16 percent of the contractor and distributors’ customers are requesting R-410A equipment. This trend seems to be linked to a positive and expanded evolution of benefits and selling points. Although contractors are still using the economics of R-22 as a selling point when talking to their customers, they are now also speaking to the environmental benefits of R-410A, new technology and the improved comfort level.
For more information on R-410A readiness, including Emerson Climate Technologies technical white papers, contractor checklists and more, visit www.EmersonClimate.com/refrigerant/ac.
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