Subscribe to The NEWS's RSS Feed

Rheem Expands Commercial Packaged Heat Pump Lineup

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 12:15:00 -0400

The new models are engineered to balance ease of installation, serviceability, and reliability to drive comfort and a strong return on investment, a Rheem press release said.

HVAC Industry Warns of Counterfeit Refrigerants Entering U.S. Supply Chain

chrisgray@achrnews.com (Chris Gray) — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 07:00:00 -0400

HVAC contractors and distributors need to be wary of refrigerants that are packaged to imitate trusted brands but contain illegal contents.

The Commercial Niche: Where Heat Pumps Excelled in 1960

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 14:00:00 -0400

In 1960, a Phoenix factory used 140 tons of refrigeration to show how all-electric systems could make sense in the right commercial application.

Jetson Bringing Home Electrification Service to California

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 11:20:00 -0400

Jetson’ expansion into California follows the company’s recent launch in New York and builds on its presence in Colorado; Vancouver, British Columbia; and Massachusetts.

HVAC Manufacturers Respond to Growing Data Center Backlash

chrisgray@achrnews.com (Chris Gray) — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 07:00:00 -0400

As communities push back against data center development, HVAC is positioning itself as part of the solution, not the problem.

Leadership Expert to Speak at Annual PHCC Conference

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 12:00:00 -0400

Dr. Rick Goodman has spent more than 30 years helping organizations strengthen workplace culture, improve communication, and inspire teams to achieve greater success.

Leak Rules Tighten as Threshold Drops to 15 Pounds

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 07:00:00 -0400

Federal leak rules now reach smaller systems, while state requirements add complexity — allowing contractors to turn refrigerant management into a revenue-generating service offering.

Report: 50% of Homeowners Avoiding HVAC Maintenance

chrisgray@achrnews.com (Chris Gray) — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 15:00:00 -0400

The 2026 Summer Cooling Report shows 99% of respondents across all income brackets, regions, and generations are altering their cooling and spending habits.

95% Furnace Efficiency Rule to Get New Hearing

mattjachman@achrnews.com (Matt Jachman) — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 15:00:00 -0400

HVACR industry groups are pleased with a new Supreme Court decision that requires a lower court to reconsider its decision to uphold mandates that require certain furnaces and water heaters to be at least 95% efficient.

A BAS Designed for Small and Medium-Sized Buildings

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0400

SkyQ offers advanced, system-wide HVAC control without the complexities and costs of traditional building automation systems.

I Touched AI — It Didn’t Bite

mariataylor@achrnews.com (Maria Taylor) — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 07:00:00 -0400

Brainbox, Trane execs say AI isn't replacing techs, it's replacing guesswork

HVAC Workforce Crisis Expands Beyond Technicians to Instructor Shortages

chrisgray@achrnews.com (Chris Gray) — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 07:00:00 -0400

A lack of qualified instructors is hindering the HVACR industry’s ability to fill the 40,000 job openings projected annually over the next decade.

Keeping Residential Ductless Systems Clean and Efficient

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 13:00:00 -0400

Self-cleaning ductless systems help reduce buildup, but regular manual cleaning remains essential to maintain efficiency, airflow, and IAQ over time.

Baltimore Aircoil Opens Factory in Mexico

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 11:50:00 -0400

The new facility, near Monterrey, strengthens BAC’s regional manufacturing footprint and expands support for customers in Latin America.

Portable A/C Units Enter the Smart HVAC Era

chrisgray@achrnews.com (Chris Gray) — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 07:00:00 -0400

A survey of homeowners shows portable a/c adoption on the rise, thanks in part to smart controls and modern innovations providing more connectivity and control.

Panasonic Debuts New BalancedHome ERV Model

Sun, 07 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0400

The Panasonic BalancedHome 210 has the same premium performance, smart features, quiet operation, and easy installation the BalancedHome line is known for, with a more compact design, the company said.

Missed Calls, Lost Jobs: Why HVAC Companies Are Adopting Voice AI Agents

Sun, 07 Jun 2026 07:00:00 -0400

Here’s how to get started with Voice AI, helping your business capture work that could otherwise go to competitors

Watsco Completes Acquisition of Jackson Supply Co.

Sat, 06 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0400

Watsco Inc.'s acquisition of Jackon Supply Co. adds 25 locations across seven states to its HVAC distribution lineup.

Heat Pump Hype to Hands-On Reality: The HVAC Skills Gap Contractors Can’t Ignore

Sat, 06 Jun 2026 07:00:00 -0400

As heat pumps and other advanced systems become more common, the gap between what’s possible and what’s practical will depend largely on workforce readiness.

Lovato Electric Contactors Have A2L Certification

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 12:00:00 -0400

Certification of Lovato's electromechanical contactors for use with A2L equipment gives HVAC and refrigeration OEMs a complete, drop-in, compliant switching solution as the industry transitions from R-410A refrigerant.

Survey: HVAC Smart Tech Adoption at 76% with Homeowners

chrisgray@achrnews.com (Chris Gray) — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 07:00:00 -0400

HVAC buyers are increasingly favoring heat pumps, smart tech, and IAQ, according to the 2025 American Home Comfort Study.

Manufacturer Leverages Refrigeration Expertise for Public Good

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 14:00:00 -0400

Recognizing the wide-ranging cold storage needs of organizations that serve the public good, Barr is leveraging its expertise and the largest commercial refrigeration inventory in the world to help community institutions operate more effectively and serve more people.

'Transformational' AHRI Chief Yurek to Retire Next Year

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 11:20:00 -0400

During Stephen Yurek's tenure, AHRI became a truly global association, establishing offices around the world, advocating for the industry, and promoting and strengthening AHRI's global standards and equipment certification programs.

1960: The $11,950 Heat Pump Home

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0400

In 1960, a Clearwater, Florida, builder and HVAC contractor teamed up to offer a heat pump-equipped model home for $11,950 — and buyers responded quickly.

Humidity, Not Heat, Is Driving Transaera’s New Approach to Commercial HVAC

sloned@achrnews.com (Dana Slone) — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 07:00:00 -0400

Newly deployed technology rethinks how commercial air conditioning systems handle humidity — and uses novel materials to develop advanced heat pump systems that dehumidify, cool or heat air.

Comprehensive Thermal and Power Solutions from LG Aim to Meet Critical Energy Demand in the AI Data Center Era

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

LG’s thermal and power solutions support AI data centers with advanced air cooling, liquid cooling, immersion cooling, intelligent energy management and high-efficiency power infrastructure.

Beyond the Wrench: Building Enterprise Value in Home Services

mailto:chris@reputationigniter.com (Chris Lollini) — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 15:45:00 -0400

In this episode of Beyond the Wrench, Branden Dickey of Conejo Services shares how the company moved from instinct-driven operations to a more disciplined, structured business model.

HVAC Price Increase List: June 2026

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0400

Manufacturers announced June HVACR price increases ranging from modest adjustments to double-digit hikes, with flexible duct, insulation, valves, filtration products, motors, and water heaters among the affected categories.

HARDI Members Report April Sales Increase

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0400

“Our warmest region had sales growth near 20% for April while sales dipped by almost 5.5% in the region with below-normal temps," said Brian Loftus, senior market analyst at HARDI.

Trump Reduces Section 232 Tariffs on HVAC Equipment to 15%

chrisgray@achrnews.com (Chris Gray) — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 08:00:00 -0400

President Trump signed a proclamation that reduces the tariff rate on residential HVAC systems and components.