Voice of Contractor Highlight: HVACR Contractors Are Getting Younger

The 2024 HARDI Voice of Contractor survey, conducted in October 2024, gathered responses from nearly 1,100 contractors across the United States, providing a closer look into how contractors manage distributor relationships and make purchasing decisions. We found some interesting shifts in HVACR demographics that HARDI members will want to know.

The insights below offer just a summary of our findings. For the full survey results and in-depth analysis, get yourself a copy the 2025 State of the Channel Report.

HVACR Contractors are Getting Younger

Consistent with previous surveys, respondents of the 2024 survey continued to trend toward the older demographic, with 53 percent nearing retirement age. The largest share of respondents fell within the 55-64 age group (30 percent), followed closely by those over the age of 65 (23 percent). Additionally, those aged 45-54 represent another substantial group (25 percent) nearing retirement within the next 11-20 years. As with previous years, younger contractors remain underrepresented in this survey, with only 22 percent of respondents being under the age of 45.

This older demographic making up the majority of survey respondents contrasts with national data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Analysis of the broader HVACR workforce indicates a significantly younger demographic composition. Through the end of 2024, HVACR mechanics and installers were among the youngest skilled trade segments nationally, challenging the common perception within the industry that the HVACR contractor base is on the older side.

Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows a significant increase in younger workers in the HVACR installer and technician workforce. Specifically, the share of HVACR contractors under the age of 35 has grown from 34% to 44%, a 10-percentage-point increase. This demographic shift carries important implications for how manufacturers and distributors target and engage their market segments.

Contractor Purchasing Decisions

Along with a majority of the respondents in the survey tending toward the older age range, we also found that a majority (61%) of the respondents were owners or executives in their businesses. And, unsurprisingly, over half of the owners & executive respondents who are responsible for large purchasing decisions are aged 51+.

So, despite the increasing number of younger contractors in the broader HVACR workforce, the Voice of Contractor survey clearly indicates that the responsibility for major purchasing decisions, particularly concerning significant investments, predominantly resides with company owners—many of whom belong to the older demographic.

Get Answers from the Source—Your Contractors

Where and why contractors make their purchases have significant implications for our members. While the national survey reveals big-picture trends, custom surveys for your business can deliver targeted insights tailored to your unique market and customer base. HARDI’s Market Intelligence team offers custom solutions to the questions in your market.

If you are interested in a custom-built, customer feedback survey for your business, please contact Grace Helser.