Survey: 8 in 10 New Yorkers Say State Should Slow or Adjust HVAC Regulations That Drive Up Costs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Madison Romero, Public Affairs Associate
Email: mromero@hardinet.org
Direct: 614.345.4328

Survey: 8 in 10 New Yorkers Say State Should Slow or Adjust HVAC Regulations That Drive Up Costs

Columbus, OH — May 12, 2026 — As New York State pushes forward with sweeping HVAC and refrigerant regulations under Part 494, a new statewide survey commissioned by the Heating, Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI) finds that New York homeowners are highly concerned the regulations will increase costs and reduce affordable heating and cooling options.

The survey of New York homeowners found that 80% of respondents believe New York should slow down or adjust regulations if they increase costs for homeowners and everyday consumers. Just 20% said the state should continue moving forward even if costs rise.

Despite the broad scope of New York’s Part 494 regulation, nearly three-quarters (71%) of homeowners say they are unfamiliar with state policies affecting the types of heating and cooling systems they can install in their homes.

Even without prior awareness of the regulations, homeowners expressed strong worry about their financial impact. Sixty percent of respondents said they expect HVAC regulations to increase the cost of replacing their home’s heating or cooling system, while 66% said they are concerned about the availability of affordable HVAC replacement options over the next five to ten years.

The survey also found broad support for balancing climate policy with consumer affordability. While only 10% of respondents said climate goals should take priority over affordability concerns, 85% said affordability should either be prioritized or balanced equally with climate objectives.

The political implications are significant as well. Forty-six percent of homeowners said regulations that increase home energy or equipment costs would make them less likely to support state leaders. Additionally, 66% said that if the Governor’s office were granted authority to delay major climate programs because of affordability concerns, it should reconsider regulations affecting home heating and cooling costs.

“This survey shows that New York’s current approach to HVAC and refrigerant regulation is out of step with what homeowners can afford,” said Alex Ayers, HARDI’s Vice President of Government Affairs. “Policymakers have to press pause before moving forward with policies that could make heating and cooling systems more expensive.”

The survey was conducted by YouGov and polled 500 New York state homeowners who are U.S. citizens, conducted April 23 – May 4, 2026, with a margin of error of ±5.4%.

###

About HARDI

HARDI (Heating, Air-conditioning, and Refrigeration Distributors International) is the single voice of wholesale distribution within the North American and Latin American HVACR markets.

A non-profit association, HARDI serves its members through government affairs and advocacy efforts, market intelligence and benchmarking, training programs, and world-class events. HARDI proudly represents more than 570 distributor members and their 5,000+ branch locations, and close to 600 suppliers, manufacturer representatives, and service vendors. HARDI Distributor members serve installation and service/replacement contractors in residential and commercial markets, as well as commercial/industrial and institutional maintenance staff. HARDI Affiliate members market, distribute, and support heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration equipment, parts, and supplies.

Do you want to receive HVACR news like this?