The global air handling unit (AHU) market size reached USD 10.6 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 16.0 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 4.7% during 2025-2033. Extreme weather conditions, such as heatwaves or cold spells, in several regions, global boom in residential and commercial construction activities, and the rising awareness of the health effects associated with indoor air pollution are some of the major factors propelling the market.
Report Attribute
|
Key Statistics
|
---|---|
Base Year
|
2024 |
Forecast Years
|
2025-2033
|
Historical Years
|
2019-2024
|
Market Size in 2024 | USD 10.6 Billion |
Market Forecast in 2033 | USD 16.0 Billion |
Market Growth Rate (2025-2033) | 4.7% |
Rising Infrastructure Development
The rising infrastructure development is significantly driving the market's growth. As cities expand and populations grow, new residential, commercial, and industrial buildings are constructed. For instance, according to Statista, overall spending on new private residential buildings has increased dramatically over the last decade, rising from US $247 billion in 2011 to US $918 billion by 2022. Each of these new buildings requires efficient HVAC systems, including AHUs, to ensure proper ventilation, heating, and cooling. These factors are expected to propel the air handling unit market share in the coming years.
Green Building Initiatives
The trend towards green and sustainable building practices promotes the use of energy-efficient and environmentally friendly HVAC systems, including AHUs. Building certifications like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) often require or recommend the use of such systems. For instance, in August 2024, the Haryana Police Housing Corporation (HPHC) set a new standard in sustainable construction with its ambitious initiative to mainstream green building practices and achieve net zero energy buildings across the state's police infrastructure. These factors further positively influence the air handling unit market forecast.
Technological Advancements
Innovations in AHU technology, such as the integration of smart controls, IoT capabilities, and advanced filtration systems, are enhancing their efficiency and functionality. These advancements attract both new installations and upgrades of existing systems. For instance, in May 2023, Edgetech Air Systems Pvt. Ltd., a manufacturer of innovative air handling systems for central air conditioning, installed Smart Air Handling Units in India's Central Vista Project, thereby boosting the air handling unit market price.
IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the global air handling unit market report, along with forecasts at the global, regional, and country levels for 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on type, capacity, and end user.
Breakup by Type:
Packaged represents the largest market segment
The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the type. This includes packaged, modular, custom, DX integrated, low profile (ceiling), rooftop mounted and others. According to the report, packaged represented the largest segment.
According to the air handling unit market outlook, packaged Air Handling Units (AHUs) are factory-assembled, all-in-one systems designed for ease of installation and operation. Often used in smaller commercial spaces, residential buildings, or as departmental solutions in larger facilities, these units offer the convenience of plug-and-play functionality. Packaged AHUs typically integrate fans, cooling coils, and air filters within a single unit. Their demand is primarily driven by their ease of installation and comparatively lower upfront costs, making them a popular choice for small to mid-sized projects. Despite these advantages, they usually lack the customization options that other types of AHUs can offer, which might limit their application in specialized environments.
Breakup by Capacity:
≤ 5000 m3/h represents the largest market segment
The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the capacity. This includes ≤ 5000 m3/h, 5001–15000 m3/h, 15001–30000 m3/h, 30001–50000 m3/h, and ≥ 50001 m3/h. According to the report, ≤ 5000 m3/h represented the largest segment.
According to the air handling unit market overview, the market segment for Air Handling Units (AHUs) with a capacity of ≤ 5000 m3/h typically caters to smaller spaces such as residential properties, small retail establishments, and boutique offices. These units are cost-effective, easy to install, and require minimal maintenance. Due to their compact size and lower capacity, they are often used for climate control in isolated spaces. Despite their lower capacity, advancements in technology have made these units increasingly efficient, ensuring optimal air quality and energy usage. This segment appeals to customers looking for affordability without compromising basic functionality.
Breakup by End-User:
Non-residential represents the largest market segment
The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the end-user. This includes non-residential and residential. According to the report, non-residential represented the largest segment.
The market for Air Handling Units (AHUs) in the non-residential sector encompasses a broad range of applications, including commercial, industrial, and institutional settings. In commercial spaces like offices, shopping malls, and hotels, AHUs play a vital role in providing a comfortable indoor environment to enhance productivity and customer satisfaction. Industrial applications often have specialized requirements, such as stringent air quality standards for clean rooms in pharmaceutical manufacturing or high ventilation rates in chemical plants. Institutional settings like hospitals and schools also rely on AHUs to ensure optimal air quality, temperature, and humidity levels. These diverse needs make the non-residential sector a dynamic and expansive market, with customers prioritizing factors such as efficiency, customizability, and advanced features in their purchase decisions.
Breakup by Region:
Europe exhibits a clear dominance, accounting for the largest Air handling unit market share
The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include North America (the United States and Canada); Europe (Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia, and others); Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, and others); Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and others); and the Middle East and Africa. According to the report, Europe accounted for the largest market share.
According to the air handling unit market statistics, Europe presents a robust market for AHUs, influenced by strong environmental regulations and a focus on energy-efficient technologies. The European Union's directives on energy performance of buildings provide a framework that encourages the adoption of high-efficiency AHUs. Commercial applications dominate the European market, but residential demand is also increasing, particularly in Northern Europe where climate control is essential. Countries like Germany, the United Kingdom, and France are significant players in the region, contributing to both demand and innovation.
Top key players in the Air Handling Unit (AHU) market are focusing on innovation and sustainability as core strategies to maintain competitive advantage. Companies are investing heavily in research and development to produce energy-efficient and smart units that integrate seamlessly with modern building management systems. Many are also offering customization services to meet the specialized needs of various industrial applications. Additionally, these market leaders are expanding their global footprint through strategic acquisitions and partnerships, targeting emerging markets in regions like Asia Pacific and Latin America. Sustainability initiatives, such as employing eco-friendly refrigerants and recyclable materials, are becoming increasingly important as companies aim to comply with stringent environmental regulations.
The market research report has provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the market. Detailed profiles of all major companies have also been provided. Some of the key players in the market include:
(Please note that this is only a partial list of the key players, and the complete list is provided in the report.)
Report Features | Details |
---|---|
Base Year of the Analysis | 2024 |
Historical Period | 2019-2024 |
Forecast Period | 2025-2033 |
Units | Billion USD |
Scope of the Report | Exploration of Historical Trends and Market Outlook, Industry Catalysts and Challenges, Segment-Wise Historical and Predictive Market Assessment:
|
Types Covered | Packaged, Modular, Custom, DX Integrated, Low Profile (Ceiling), Rooftop Mounted, Others |
Capacities Covered | ≤ 5000 M3/h, 5001–15000 M3/h, 15001–30000 M3/h, 30001–50000 M3/h, ≥ 50001 M3/h |
End Users Covered | Non-Residential, Residential |
Regions Covered | Asia Pacific, Europe, North America, Latin America, Middle East and Africa |
Countries Covered | United States, Canada, Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia, China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, Brazil, Mexico |
Companies Covered | Systemair AB, Carrier Global Corporation, CIAT Group, Daikin Industries, Ltd., FläktGroup Holding GmbH, GEA Group Aktiengesellschaft, VTS Polska Sp., Johnson Controls, Inc., Lennox International Inc., Sabiana S.p.A., Swegon Group AB, Trane Technologies Company, LLC, TROX GROUP etc. |
Customization Scope | 10% Free Customization |
Post-Sale Analyst Support | 10-12 Weeks |
Delivery Format | PDF and Excel through Email (We can also provide the editable version of the report in PPT/Word format on special request) |
The global Air Handling Unit (AHU) market was valued at USD 10.6 Billion in 2024.
We expect the global Air Handling Unit (AHU) market to exhibit a CAGR of 4.7% during 2025-2033.
The rising integration of smart controls and sensors with AHUs to enhance real-time monitoring and efficiency for environmentally friendly refrigerants and materials is primarily driving the global Air Handling Unit (AHU) market.
The sudden outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic had led to the implementation of stringent lockdown regulations across several nations, resulting in the temporary closure of numerous manufacturing units for Air Handling Unit (AHU).
Based on the type, the global Air Handling Unit (AHU) market can be segmented into packaged, modular, custom, DX integrated, low profile (ceiling), rooftop mounted, and others. Currently, packaged accounts for the majority of the total market share.
Based on the capacity, the global Air Handling Unit (AHU) market has been divided into ≤ 5000 m3/h, 5001–15000 m3/h, 15001–30000 m3/h, 30001–50000 m3/h, and ≥ 50001 m3/h. Among these, ≤ 5000 m3/h currently holds the largest market share.
Based on the end-user, the global Air Handling Unit (AHU) market can be bifurcated into non-residential and residential. Currently, non-residential exhibits a clear dominance in the market.
On a regional level, the market has been classified into North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, and Middle East and Africa, where Europe currently dominates the global market.
Some of the major players in the global Air Handling Unit (AHU) market include Systemair AB, Carrier Global Corporation, CIAT Group, Daikin Industries, Ltd., FläktGroup Holding GmbH, GEA Group Aktiengesellschaft, VTS Polska Sp., Johnson Controls, Inc., Lennox International Inc., Sabiana S.p.A., Swegon Group AB, Trane Technologies Company, LLC, and TROX GROUP.