Subscribe to The NEWS's RSS Feed

1973: Arab Oil Embargo Popularizes Programmable Thermostats

mariataylor@achrnews.com (Maria Taylor) — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 17:16:34 -0400

When the oil shock quadrupled petroleum prices, President Nixon asked Americans to lower their thermostats by 6°F.

EPA Faces New Lawsuits Over HFC Refrigerant Rule Rollback

chrisgray@achrnews.com (Chris Gray) — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 12:00:00 -0400

Attorneys general from multiple states and the Natural Resources Defense Council filed lawsuits challenging the EPA’s Technology Transitions Reconsideration Rule issued last May.

Nominations for Annual Women in HVACR Awards

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0400

Nominations for the Women in HVACR Pillar and Women to Watch awards are open through Monday, Aug. 10. Nominees must be active members of WHVACR.

Could Your Next HVAC Technician Come From Prison?

bellolih@bnpmedia.com (Hannah Belloli-Oster) — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 07:00:00 -0400

As contractors struggle to find skilled labor, one prison-based HVACR program is turning inmates into technicians. The results include industry credentials, college degrees, and success stories that continue long after release.

Georgia Law a ‘Huge Win’ for Licensed Trades Workers

mattjachman@achrnews.com (Matt Jachman) — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 14:30:00 -0400

Georgia contractors were already required to be licensed, but unlicensed people in the trades have recently been using cheap, duplicitous advertising.

4 Major Companies Launch Skilled Trades Training Initiative

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0400

BlackRock, Carhartt, Ford Motor Co., and Google have come together to launch the Alliance for America’s Skilled Trades, an initiative focused on expanding access to skilled trades training in order to meet the nation’s growing workforce needs.

Beyond Technical Know-How, Dual Fuel Starts with the Customer

sloned@achrnews.com (Dana Slone) — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 07:00:00 -0400

Dual-fuel systems can deliver comfort, efficiency, and lower operating costs—but only if they're installed correctly. Contractors explain why sizing, controls, commissioning, and homeowner education determine long-term success.

New Pennsylvania Program Offers Free Heat Pump Training

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 12:30:00 -0400

Penn Heat Pump Pathways provides free training in heat pumps, plus financial assistance and career development opportunities.

Report: Only 6 Hours in an HVAC Tech’s Day are Billable

chrisgray@achrnews.com (Chris Gray) — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 08:30:00 -0400

According to a new report from Field Promax, only 65% of a technician’s 8.8-hour day is billable. Find out more about the report’s findings and what HVAC contractors can do to optimize operations to increase those billable hours.

What HVAC Contractors Need to Know About the Future of Technician Training

chrisgray@achrnews.com (Chris Gray) — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 07:00:00 -0400

Trane Technologies' leadership discusses how training has evolved for HVAC technicians and how the industry can address the workforce shortage and skills gaps.

Anti-Bacterial PVC Now Available for Commercial Use

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0400

ClearDrain PVC Commercial, like its residential counterpart, incorporates zinc in its manufacturing process. This results in a smooth, slippery inner wall that helps prevent the growth of bacteria and algae.

HVAC Technician Threatened by Armed Customer: Safety Lessons for Contractors

chrisgray@achrnews.com (Chris Gray) — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 07:00:00 -0400

Recent reports of gun violence against home service technicians are a stark reminder to train employees on safety and de-escalation.

When AI Recommends Your HVAC Business

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 07:00:00 -0400

Discover how zero-click searches are reshaping the way homeowners find HVAC contractors—and why traditional marketing metrics may no longer tell the whole story.

Bosch Introduces Line of Portable Home Dehumidifiers

Sat, 18 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0400

Designed for use in basements, bedrooms, living areas, and other indoor spaces, the Bosch Dry Series of dehumidifiers helps homeowners manage excess indoor moisture.

Stop Fishing in the Same Pond: Cross-State Hiring for HVAC Contractors

Sat, 18 Jul 2026 07:00:00 -0400

As the labor shortage persists, HVAC companies are finding new ways to recruit techs

1976: Legionella Rears Its Ugly Head

mariataylor@achrnews.com (Maria Taylor) — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 13:00:00 -0400

Americans panicked as American Legion members fell ill and died from a mysterious new disease they caught at the Bellevue-Stratford hotel in Philadelphia.

A New Commercial VRF Platform From GE Appliances

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 11:30:00 -0400

The new GE R-32 Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) platform is an expansion of the GE Appliances Air & Water Solutions commercial HVAC portfolio.

Amended Complaint Filed in HVAC Price-Fixing Lawsuit

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 09:00:00 -0400

A consolidated amended complaint to the HVAC price-fixing lawsuit adds new allegations as plaintiffs continue challenging manufacturers' equipment pricing practices.

HVAC Trade Groups Back Bill to Change Regional Efficiency Compliance

sloned@achrnews.com (Dana Slone) — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 07:00:00 -0400

Trade groups said the legislation would reduce confusion and ease compliance burdens for manufacturers, distributors, and contractors.

Mike Rowe Awards $3 Million in Skilled Trades Scholarships as HVAC Labor Shortage Continues

chrisgray@achrnews.com (Chris Gray) — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 13:00:00 -0400

Television host Mike Rowe of “Dirty Jobs” announced $3 million in skilled-trades scholarships as the Department of War donates $10 million to the effort.

New Vertical Stack Fan Coils for Hospitality and High Rises

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 12:30:00 -0400

Models in Systemair's new VStak Series are 86 inches high and available in exposed and concealed configurations. They have electronically commutated motors, heating and cooling operation, and built-in control to simplify design, installation, and long-term maintenance across large multi-unit buildings.

Refrigerant Leaks at Startup: Identifying and Preventing Common Issues

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 07:00:00 -0400

Leaks may not cause sudden failure in a system, but they can lead to poor system performance and damage. HVACR experts share what you need to know.

Electric Heating Gains Momentum in New Homes

mattjachman@achrnews.com (Matt Jachman) — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 15:00:00 -0400

Electric heating reached its highest-ever share of the U.S. new housing market in 2024, the Building Decarbonization Coalition report said, as 61% of the units completed that year were outfitted with some type of electric system, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

How DOE's $8.8B Rebate Programs Help HVAC

chrisgray@achrnews.com (Chris Gray) — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 14:00:00 -0400

The Department of Energy’s HOMES and HEEHR programs offer rebates for HVAC equipment upgrades and installs. Find out more about how these programs can boost business for HVAC contractors.

Commercial Water Heater Platform Marks 30 Years

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 12:00:00 -0400

The latest enhancements to A.O. Smith's Cyclone Flex high-efficiency commercial water heater include improved usability features that simplify installation, operation, and service.

Silicon Valley’s Bet on the Trades Could Be Good for HVACR

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 07:00:00 -0400

HVACR offers solid pay and growing interest, but attracting and retaining younger techs may require higher compensation that reflects the technical, regulatory, and problem-solving demands of the job.

How to Extend the Life of AC Equipment: A Guide for HVAC Technicians

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Learn the steps HVAC techs can take during routine service calls to extend the life of AC equipment, protect compressors and prevent costly failures.

Why Deep Evacuation Is Not a Checkbox. It is System Protection

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 13:00:14 -0400

In an industry focused on smarter controls, higher efficiency ratings, and ever-evolving refrigerants, one of the most critical steps in system installation has not changed: evacuation.

Seven Business Trends Reshaping Home Service Contractors

sloned@achrnews.com (Dana Slone) — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 07:00:00 -0400

The report suggests the biggest competitive advantages in 2026 will come from operational discipline, recurring revenue strategies, and company culture.

Residential Tax Credits Are Ending, But Demand Continues

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Residential geothermal contractors have relied on tax credits since 2005, but the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act will end the 30% credit in 2025. A previous credit removal in 2016 caused a 45% sales drop, leading to pessimism for 2026. However, demand for geothermal remains strong.