Do you know what your customers really want from their HVAC systems? In a survey that included 80,000 households, Contracting Business Magazine set out to answer that and other questions. The survey took four years and was completed in May of 1995. The results are good news for builders who make efficiency a priority.

Operating cost tops the list of factors people consider when choosing an HVAC system--not surprising, given the effort put into educating consumers about energy efficiency. Most people also want more features than they currently have. Air conditioning, winter humidification, air purification and control of temperature in individual rooms were features respondents wanted but found lacking in their present systems. These features may represent an untapped market for some contractors. Finally, nearly half the respondents complained that some parts of their home were uncomfortable in summer or winter, which could be the result of poor system design or poor construction detailing.

Contact: Contracting Business Magazine at 216-696-7000