Statistics
HVAC statistics
Every figure traced to the federal file it came from, with the date we retrieved it, plus a note on the popular ones that cannot be traced anywhere.
The short answer
88.7% of American homes have air conditioning and 50.8% heat with natural gas, from EIA’s Residential Energy Consumption Survey (RECS 2020), which represents 123.53 million homes.
Every figure below is labeled as agency published, a HyreHVAC calculation from raw survey data, or a federal rule, and carries its retrieval date.
Many HVAC statistics online trace back to vendor estimates; we list the ones we will not repeat.
Where do these HVAC statistics come from?
From federal files, each labeled by what kind of claim it is. There is a specific problem with statistics in this industry.
A figure appears on a manufacturer’s page, a trade blog repeats it with a link, a second blog cites the first, and within a few years it is quoted as though a government agency had measured it.
Trace it back and the chain terminates in a marketing page with no method.
We have tried to make that impossible to do accidentally here. Every figure below carries one of three labels:
Agency published: the number as the federal agency published it. We are repeating, not computing.
HyreHVAC calculation: computed by us from the agency’s raw microdata, using a method published on the study page.
These are our claims and our responsibility.
Regulatory provision: a threshold or date read directly from a federal rule on the date stated.
Survey estimates also carry a standard error where one is meaningful. 88.7% of homes having air conditioning means 88.7 ± 0.31 percentage points, not exactly 88.7. State-level figures carry much wider intervals, because each rests on a few hundred respondents.
Which five HVAC statistics matter most?
How many US homes have air conditioning?
88.7% have cooling equipment of any kind. 14.0 million households have none. Climate explains only part of that; income tracks it closely.
| Statistic | Figure | Provenance | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| US homes with cooling equipment of any kind | 88.7% | Agency published | RECS 2020 |
| US homes with no cooling equipment | 11.3% (14.0 million households) | HyreHVAC calculation | RECS 2020 |
| US homes with central air conditioning | 67.3% | Agency published | RECS 2020 |
| US homes using a window or portable unit | 22.6% | HyreHVAC calculation | RECS 2020 |
| Highest share with no cooling, any state | Alaska, 93.1% | HyreHVAC calculation | RECS 2020 |
| Lowest share with no cooling, any state | New Jersey, 3.5% | HyreHVAC calculation | RECS 2020 |
| Households with no cooling in climates above 2,000 CDD | 1,862,684 (5.6% of homes there) | HyreHVAC calculation | RECS 2020 |
| No cooling, households under $20,000 income | 18.7% | HyreHVAC calculation | RECS 2020 |
| No cooling, households over $150,000 income | 7.1% | HyreHVAC calculation | RECS 2020 |
| No cooling, renters | 16.5% | HyreHVAC calculation | RECS 2020 |
| No cooling, owners | 8.8% | HyreHVAC calculation | RECS 2020 |
| Cooling degree days, homes with no cooling vs with | 1,137 vs 1,765 | HyreHVAC calculation | RECS 2020 |
Cooling statistics. Full method, standard errors and limitations on the study page.
How do American homes heat?
Mostly with natural gas (50.8% of homes), then electricity (34.5%).
| Statistic | Figure | Provenance | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| US homes heating with natural gas | 50.8% | Agency published | RECS 2020 |
| US homes heating with electricity | 34.5% | Agency published | RECS 2020 |
| US homes heating with propane | 4.2% | HyreHVAC calculation | RECS 2020 |
| US homes heating with fuel oil | 4.0% | HyreHVAC calculation | RECS 2020 |
| US homes heating with wood | 1.8% | HyreHVAC calculation | RECS 2020 |
| US homes with no heating at all | 4.7% | HyreHVAC calculation | RECS 2020 |
| US homes with ductwork | 82.0% | HyreHVAC calculation | RECS 2020 |
| US homes with a smart thermostat | 10.3% | HyreHVAC calculation | RECS 2020 |
| US homes with an attic fan | 8.7% | HyreHVAC calculation | RECS 2020 |
| US homes with a whole-house fan | 6.5% | HyreHVAC calculation | RECS 2020 |
Heating fuel and distribution. Shares are of all US households.
How many US homes heat with a heat pump?
13.9%, as of RECS 2020. Whether one saves money depends on local gas and electricity prices.
| Statistic | Figure | Provenance | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| US homes heating with a heat pump | 13.9% | HyreHVAC calculation | RECS 2020 |
| — of which central heat pumps | 13.1% | HyreHVAC calculation | RECS 2020 |
| — of which ductless mini-splits | 0.9% | HyreHVAC calculation | RECS 2020 |
| National breakeven seasonal COP vs a 95% gas furnace | 3.28 | HyreHVAC calculation | EIA 2024 |
| Jurisdictions where gas still beats a heat pump on running cost | 30 of 51 | HyreHVAC calculation | EIA 2024 |
| Jurisdictions where a heat pump beats fuel oil | 50 of 51 | HyreHVAC calculation | EIA 2024 |
| Jurisdictions where a heat pump beats propane | 49 of 51 | HyreHVAC calculation | EIA 2024 |
| Highest breakeven COP, any state | Alaska, 6.11 | HyreHVAC calculation | EIA 2024 |
| Most heat-pump-ready state (HyreHVAC index) | Florida, 97.3 | HyreHVAC calculation | RECS 2020 + EIA 2024 |
| Least heat-pump-ready state | Alaska, 38.7 | HyreHVAC calculation | RECS 2020 + EIA 2024 |
Heat pump adoption and the running-cost thresholds that govern it.
How well do certified heat pumps perform in the cold?
Cold-climate models keep a median 83.3% of their heat output at 5°F, but run at a median COP of 1.97 there.
| Statistic | Figure | Provenance | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Distinct certified heat pump outdoor units analyzed | 12,562 | HyreHVAC calculation | ENERGY STAR, September 4, 2026 |
| Share carrying the cold-climate designation | 73.8% | HyreHVAC calculation | ENERGY STAR, September 4, 2026 |
| Capacity retained at 5°F, cold-climate models (median) | 83.3% | HyreHVAC calculation | ENERGY STAR, September 4, 2026 |
| Capacity retained at 5°F, standard models (median) | 55.8% | HyreHVAC calculation | ENERGY STAR, September 4, 2026 |
| Capacity retained at 17°F, cold-climate models (median) | 80.4% | HyreHVAC calculation | ENERGY STAR, September 4, 2026 |
| COP at 5°F, cold-climate models (median) | 1.97 | HyreHVAC calculation | ENERGY STAR, September 4, 2026 |
| Cold-climate models reaching COP 2.5 at 5°F | 0.8% | HyreHVAC calculation | ENERGY STAR, September 4, 2026 |
| Cold-climate models reaching COP 3.0 at 5°F | 0.0% | HyreHVAC calculation | ENERGY STAR, September 4, 2026 |
| Median HSPF2, cold-climate models | 9.80 | HyreHVAC calculation | ENERGY STAR, September 4, 2026 |
| Median SEER2, cold-climate models | 20.00 | HyreHVAC calculation | ENERGY STAR, September 4, 2026 |
Measured performance across the ENERGY STAR certified catalog, computed over distinct outdoor units rather than certified combinations.
What do the refrigerant rules require?
New home systems must use a refrigerant with a GWP of 700 or less since January 1, 2025. There is no longer an installation deadline for older R-410A stock.
| Statistic | Figure | Provenance | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GWP limit, new residential AC and heat pumps | 700 | Regulatory provision | EPA, checked September 5, 2026 |
| In force for manufacture and import from | January 1, 2025 | Regulatory provision | EPA, checked September 5, 2026 |
| Installation deadline for pre-2025 R-410A stock | None: the 2026 date was removed | Regulatory provision | EPA, checked September 5, 2026 |
| R-410A global warming potential | 2,088 | Regulatory provision | EPA GWP reference table |
| R-454B global warming potential | 465 | Regulatory provision | EPA GWP reference table |
| R-32 global warming potential | 675 | Regulatory provision | EPA GWP reference table |
| R-454B share of certified outdoor units | 47.8% | HyreHVAC calculation | ENERGY STAR, September 4, 2026 |
| R-410A share of certified outdoor units | 35.3% | HyreHVAC calculation | ENERGY STAR, September 4, 2026 |
| R-32 share of certified outdoor units | 16.9% | HyreHVAC calculation | ENERGY STAR, September 4, 2026 |
| Variable refrigerant flow installation deadline | January 1, 2027 | Regulatory provision | EPA, checked September 5, 2026 |
The AIM Act Technology Transitions provisions for this subsector, and how far the certified catalog has moved.
What does a million Btu of heat cost, by fuel?
At 2024 national prices: $14.72 from a 95% gas furnace, $16.10 from a heat pump at a seasonal COP of 3.0, and $48.30 from electric resistance heat.
| Statistic | Figure | Provenance | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| US average residential electricity price | 16.48 ¢/kWh | Agency published | EIA-861, 2024 |
| US average residential natural gas price | $14.50 per Mcf | Agency published | EIA, 2024 |
| Electricity, cost per million Btu delivered | $48.30 | HyreHVAC calculation | EIA, 2024 |
| Natural gas, cost per million Btu delivered | $13.98 | HyreHVAC calculation | EIA, 2024 |
| Electricity-to-gas price ratio | 3.45 | HyreHVAC calculation | EIA, 2024 |
| Cost of a million Btu of heat from a 95% gas furnace | $14.72 | HyreHVAC calculation | EIA, 2024 |
| — from a heat pump at seasonal COP 3.0 | $16.10 | HyreHVAC calculation | EIA, 2024 |
| — from electric resistance heat | $48.30 | HyreHVAC calculation | EIA, 2024 |
| US residential heating oil price | $3.73 per gallon | Agency published | EIA, 2024 |
| US residential propane price | $2.50 per gallon | Agency published | EIA, 2024 |
Residential fuel prices converted to a common energy basis. Conversions use EIA’s own heat content factors.
How old is the cooling equipment in American homes?
9.6% of homes with cooling run equipment 20 years or older, and 38.4% run equipment at least 10 years old.
| Statistic | Figure | Provenance | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cooling equipment aged under 2 years | 14.3% | HyreHVAC calculation | RECS 2020 |
| Cooling equipment aged 2 to 4 years | 19.9% | HyreHVAC calculation | RECS 2020 |
| Cooling equipment aged 5 to 9 years | 27.5% | HyreHVAC calculation | RECS 2020 |
| Cooling equipment aged 10 to 14 years | 18.7% | HyreHVAC calculation | RECS 2020 |
| Cooling equipment aged 15 to 19 years | 10.1% | HyreHVAC calculation | RECS 2020 |
| Cooling equipment aged 20 years or more | 9.6% | HyreHVAC calculation | RECS 2020 |
| Cooling equipment 10 years or older | 38.4% | HyreHVAC calculation | RECS 2020 |
| Households that went without cooling because equipment was broken | 4.5% | HyreHVAC calculation | RECS 2020 |
| Households forgoing food or medicine to pay an energy bill | 19.9% | HyreHVAC calculation | RECS 2020 |
| — among households with no cooling | 25.7% | HyreHVAC calculation | RECS 2020 |
| Households keeping the home at an unhealthy temperature | 10.0% | HyreHVAC calculation | RECS 2020 |
| — among households with no cooling | 11.8% | HyreHVAC calculation | RECS 2020 |
Equipment age is among households that have cooling equipment. Household impact measures are of all households.
How many homes can filter wildfire smoke?
18.0% of US homes have no central forced-air system, so they have nowhere to put a whole-house filter.
| Statistic | Figure | Provenance | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| US homes with no central forced-air system | 18.0% | HyreHVAC calculation | RECS 2020 |
| California days above the unhealthy threshold, 2020 | 10.7% | HyreHVAC calculation | EPA AirData |
| Illinois days above the unhealthy threshold, 2023 | 4.7% | HyreHVAC calculation | EPA AirData |
| Illinois days above the unhealthy threshold, 2020 | 0.9% | HyreHVAC calculation | EPA AirData |
| Washington homes with ductwork | 58.8% | HyreHVAC calculation | RECS 2020 |
| Oregon homes with ductwork | 68.0% | HyreHVAC calculation | RECS 2020 |
| Washington homes with no cooling | 47.5% | HyreHVAC calculation | RECS 2020 |
Air quality exposure against the infrastructure needed to filter it. AQI does not attribute particulate to wildfire.
How many HVAC technicians are there in the US?
440,900 heating, air conditioning and refrigeration mechanics and installers, per BLS for 2025.
| Statistic | Figure | Provenance | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HVAC mechanics and installers employed in the US | 440,900 | Agency published | BLS OOH, 2025 |
| Median annual pay | $61,010 | Agency published | BLS OOH, 2025 |
| Median hourly pay | $29.33 | Agency published | BLS OOH, 2025 |
| Projected employment growth | 11% (2025-35) | Agency published | BLS OOH |
| Projected annual job openings | 40,600 | Agency published | BLS OOH |
US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, SOC 49-9021. Quoted as published.
BLS describes the projected growth as "much faster than average".
Which popular HVAC statistics cannot be sourced?
Widely quoted and rarely sourced. Equipment life depends on climate, run hours, installation quality and maintenance, and no federal dataset measures installed lifespan.
What RECS can say is what is installed now: 9.6% of homes with cooling are running equipment 20 years or older, which is a distribution rather than a lifespan.
Our equipment lifespan study fits survival curves to that distribution and shows how wide the honest range is.
Numbers in the range of "up to 30% savings" circulate constantly. They generally trace to a vendor page, and no national dataset links maintenance to either efficiency or equipment life: RECS carries no maintenance or servicing variable at all. We have not found a defensible national figure and are not going to invent one.
Widely published, entirely from paid market-research reports whose method is not public. We cannot check them, so we do not repeat them.
RECS does ask whether a household needs cooling for a medical reason. Among households with no cooling the estimate is 0.8%, with a relative standard error of 32%, above EIA’s 30% suppression threshold. It would have made a strong headline and the survey cannot support it.
How should you cite these HVAC statistics?
With a link to the study behind the figure. Journalists, researchers and analysts are welcome to cite and reproduce anything on this page, including the charts.
We ask for a link to the study the figure comes from rather than to this page, because the method, the standard errors and the limitations live there and several of these numbers carry conditions that change what they mean.
Where a figure is labeled HyreHVAC calculation, please attribute it to HyreHVAC and name the underlying source, for example "HyreHVAC analysis of EIA Residential Energy Consumption Survey 2020 microdata". Where it is labeled agency published, cite the agency directly; we are only repeating it.
Every figure is regenerated by script when the underlying file updates, so this page changes when the data does rather than when someone gets around to editing it. If you find an error, we would rather hear it than not; corrections are made on the page with a dated note under our editorial policy.
Questions
What percentage of US homes have air conditioning?
What is the most common heating fuel in the US?
How many US homes have heat pumps?
How many HVAC technicians are there in the US?
How old is the HVAC equipment in American homes?
Why do HVAC statistics vary so much between sources?
How accurate are these figures?
Written and audited by
HYRE HVAC Research Desk
Primary-source research, data analysis and fact checking
We are a research desk, not a sales floor. We read the federal microdata file, the statute or the manufacturer data sheet ourselves, and we publish the figure with the document it came from and the date we retrieved it.
Where a number cannot be traced to a primary source, we publish the shorter page and say what we could not verify.
The counts below are generated from the published pages themselves, last counted September 28, 2026, and they are what we have actually published rather than what we intend to.
- 13
- studies published
- 12
- federal sources read and cited
- 8
- studies published with their full dataset as CSV
- 51
- jurisdictions reproduced against EIA’s own tables
How this desk works
- Primary sources only. Federal data comes from the agency that collects it, in the file that agency publishes. We do not cite an article that cites a source; we download the source and compute the figure ourselves.
- We validate against the agency before we publish. First, we use each federal microdata file to reproduce the agency’s own published tables. Our cooling research reproduces EIA’s state estimates and standard errors for all 51 jurisdictions. That check caught a variance formula that was off by a factor of four.
- Every estimate carries its uncertainty. These are survey figures, not counts. Standard errors are computed from the replicate weights the federal file supplies and printed beside the estimate. An estimate too imprecise to publish is reported as such rather than printed.
- Nothing is typed by hand. Prose, tables and charts all read from one dataset built by script, so a number in a sentence and the same number in the table below it cannot disagree.
- We publish the data, not just the conclusion. 8 of our 13 studies offer the full computed table as a CSV download on the page, so you can check the analysis or disagree with it. A study without a row-level dataset gets no download link and claims none in its structured data.
- We correct in public. Where we have published a figure wrongly we fix the figure, rewrite any analysis that rested on it rather than patching the number underneath it, and leave a dated correction note on the page.
- We do not install or sell HVAC equipment, and we take no payment for placement, ranking or a favorable mention. Nobody buys a position on this site.
Data as of RECS 2020; EIA 2024 prices; ENERGY STAR and EPA rules September 4, 2026. Authorship on this site is organizational: the analysis belongs to the desk rather than to a named individual, and we do not publish credentials we do not hold.
Our editorial policy sets out how we source, date and correct what we publish.
Sources & retrieval dates
From national figures to your own house
Averages settle arguments. Your rates, your climate and your ductwork settle decisions.