Rheem

State of the Industry

Manufacturers Brace for a Slow Start — but See HVACR Growth Ahead in 2026

Promising growth projected ahead

December 22, 2025

Despite tariffs, shifting regulations, and a cooling residential market, leading OEMs say 2026 will bring modest growth driven by commercial demand, electrification, and higher-efficiency technologies.

Cold Climate Heat Pumps Up to the 'Challenge'

With field-testing over, OEMs work on bringing cold-climate heat pumps to market

Matt Jachman

January 23, 2025

Eight manufacturers are putting what they learned during the Residential Cold Climate Heat Pump Technology Challenge into new heat pumps, and two companies already have new models on the market.

California Heat Pump Partnership Aims to Scale Up Electrification of HVAC

Group plans coordinated ‘barrier-busting’ to reach 6 million electric heat pumps installed by 2030

Maria Taylor

August 5, 2024

This new private-public partnership wants to quadruple heat pump installation in California over the next 6 years.

A Little TLC Can Extend the Life of Condensing Units

Regular maintenance helps maximize equipment longevity and ensure optimal performance

Joanna R. Turpin

July 15, 2024

In today's economy, cost-conscious end users want to extend their HVAC equipment lifespan as long as possible. Regular maintenance on condensing units can help maximize their longevity and performance.

HVAC Q&A Episode 1: Common Heat Pump Installation Mistakes

Experts chime in what to do, what to avoid

Maria Taylor

July 12, 2024

What are the most common mistakes in heat pump installs, and how do you avoid them? Here’s what experts had to say about heat pump installation — a must-watch as electrification continues to gain momentum.

Air Handlers Still at the Heart of HVAC

From protecting presidential documents to keeping NASCAR fans cool, air handlers play an important role with HVAC systems

Dylan Kurt

May 21, 2024

New technology has made air handlers more efficient and much quieter, and when paired with heat pumps, a great all-electric and sustainable option.

HVAC Manufacturers Earn Spot on Efficiency Honor Roll

HVACR was well-represented in latest round of Energy Star Awards

Matt Jachman

May 12, 2024

A.O. Smith, Rheem, Hoshizaki, Copeland, and several other HVACR-related companies were on the list when the 2024 Energy Star awards were handed out in Washington, D.C., in April.

High-End HVAC Systems Offer High Value

With enhanced features and future-ready capabilities, high-end systems are a worthwhile investment

Dylan Kurt

May 6, 2024

Customers looking for increased value out of their HVAC systems will find high-end features like connectivity, greater efficiency, and more intuitive controls attractive.

Project Files: Episode 70 — Rooftop Replacement at Texas Motor Speedway

New Rheem RTUs boost overall equipment efficiency

Maria Taylor

April 6, 2024

The speedway’s original HVAC equipment, installed nearly 30 years ago, was outdated, and with one HVAC unit per suite, the cost to run and maintain the equipment was significant.

Heat Pump RTUs Taking Center Stage in Expanding Market

New standards are driving innovation, surpassing old technology

Dylan Kurt

April 3, 2024

As heat pump technology advances and begins its march into colder climates, industry experts are expecting rooftop units to continue to gain popularity in both new construction and retrofits.

What HVAC Needs to Know about the Decarbonization Movement

New products and consumer education will be at the core of this transition, according to industry leaders

Dylan Kurt

February 16, 2024

The decarbonization movement is seen by some as the greatest disruption to the HVAC industry in the last century and, as these pivotal changes continue to be implemented and technology continues to advance, everyone should be prepared to adapt.

State of the HVAC Industry 2024: Education

Trades Education Must Evolve to Keep Pace with Industry Changes

According to the National Student Clearinghouse, enrollment in trades courses increased 19.3% from 2021 to 2022

Herb Woerpel

February 3, 2024

As the industry continues to gray and the demand for HVAC services continues to rise, recruiting, training, and retaining young talent is crucial to the trade’s future.

Distributors Will Find Plenty to See, and Do, at the 2024 AHR Expo in the Windy City

On to Chicago

Matt Jachman

January 11, 2024

For distributors, the Expo is a place to meet peers in different facets of the industry, as well as contractor customers, and have a peek at new products and technology.

AHR Expo Innovation Awards Showcase the Evolution of HVAC Manufacturing

This year’s award winners represent 10 unique HVAC equipment categories

Herb Woerpel

January 10, 2024

The winners of the 2024 AHR Expo Innovation Awards will be celebrated at this year’s event, Jan. 22-24 in Chicago.

Embracing Sustainability in HVAC

Paving the path to greener efficiency, profitability, and business development

Kevin Ruppelt

December 24, 2023

Here are a few insights to help HVAC contractors make an impact within their community while also increasing their business’s bottom line.

Strong Demand for HVAC Rooftop Units

New energy standards, incentives, electrification push among forces shaping RTU market

Matt Jachman

October 11, 2023

Big-picture economic factors, such as inflation and rising interest rates, haven’t had much impact on RTU sales.

A.O. Smith University Heat Pump Water Heater Course

Proposed Water Heater Standards Draw Criticism, Praise

New standards would replace electric resistance water heaters with heat pump technology

Joanna R. Turpin

October 6, 2023

The Department of Energy recently proposed new higher energy efficiency standards for residential water heaters. Industry is split over whether the new standards will help or hurt consumers.

2023 Dealer Design Awards: HVAC Commercial Equipment

Joanna R. Turpin

July 25, 2023

The Gold award goes to a tube cleaner that takes high-speed tube cleaning to new levels and is designed for contractors and facility managers with large tube bundles.

Preparing the Next Generation of HVAC Technicians

Jose De La Portilla

June 16, 2023

As the industry ages and the demand for HVAC services continues to rise, recruiting, training, and retaining young talent is crucial.

Saving Energy With Air Handlers

Design, equipment, and the right control system can increase system energy efficiency

Matt Jachman

May 30, 2023

Engineers say that, designed properly, run strategically, and equipped with the right accessories, air-handling units can help save energy in a commercial HVAC system.

Energy Star Honors 19 HVACR Firms

Rheem, Delta Electronics, LG, Emerson, Bradford White among those recognized for commitment to energy efficiency

Matt Jachman

April 22, 2023

The companies were recognized for their contributions toward a transition to cleaner energy.

New Rooftops Meet DOE Energy Standards and More

Many recently launched units also achieve decarbonization, electrification, and IAQ goals

Joanna R. Turpin

March 16, 2023

Manufacturers were eager to show off their latest energy-efficient RTUs, many of which can also be used to meet building owners’ decarbonization and electrification goals.

Heat Pumps Dominate Residential Cooling Scene at AHR

Focus shifts from a/cs to heat pumps; new products align with IRA tax credits

Maria Taylor

February 28, 2023

In the realm of residential cooling, two trends popped out at the 2023 AHR Expo: the new federal tax credits and heat pumps.

New Year, New HVAC Efficiency Standards

2023 brings revised efficiency minimums, ratings system for some HVAC equipment

Matt Jachman

January 21, 2023

The new year brings new minimum energy-efficiency standards for single-phase residential air conditioners and heat pumps, as well as new methods of measuring efficiencies and new terms to describe those measurements.

What Distributors Will See at AHR 2023

With displays, breakout sessions, and new products, show offers plenty for distribution pros

Matt Jachman

January 17, 2023

With several product and technology presentations, educational sessions, and exhibits planned, the 2023 AHR Expo in Atlanta will offer plenty to keep HVACR distribution professionals engaged for three days next month.

Five Hot Topics in AHR Expo’s 2023 Industry Trend Report

Recurring topics were decarbonization, IAQ, supply chain, refrigerant regulations, and workforce development/labor shortage

Hannah Belloli-Oster

December 31, 2022

Top 2023 trends in the HVACR industry were decarbonization, IAQ, the supply chain, workforce development, and refrigerant regulations.

HVAC Contractors Navigate Inventory and Material Challenges

Manufacturers, suppliers weigh in on what 2023 has in store for contractors

Hannah Belloli-Oster

November 17, 2022

Price increases and inventory challenges are not going anywhere, so HVAC companies need to focus on transport, inventory, training, and communication as 2023 approaches.

Ron Vallan, executive vice president, Young Supply Co.

Meet The Wholesaler: Ron Vallan

Third-generation distributor says people, communication make the difference

Matt Jachman

May 11, 2022

Ron Vallan is part of the third generation of his family at Young Supply Co., a privately owned HVACR distributor serving Michigan and northern Ohio.

Smart Thermostats Keep Contractors Relevant

Demand for smart controls rises as consumers build their home ecosystems

Layan Dahhan

March 15, 2022

As people spend more time at home due to the lingering effects of the pandemic, the buzzwords that come to mind are comfort and convenience. The influx of smart controls and thermostats can help fulfill these desires.

Senior product manager of product management, Rosa Leal.

Rheem Focuses on Sustainability

Company highlights its innovative solutions that enable efficient products

Joanna R. Turpin

February 28, 2022

Sustainability is core to the thinking at Rheem and was a common theme throughout the AHR Expo.

Mike Branson, Rheem’s president of Global Air.

Rheem Executive Explains Strategy Behind Friedrich Acquisition

Contractors gain access to select products for single room air solutions

Ted Craig

October 13, 2021

Rheem recently acquired Friedrich Air Conditioning from Monomoy Capital Partners. Mike Branson answered our questions on how the deal developed.

Rheem is providing training and support.

How the U.S. Can Avoid Europe’s Problematic HFC Phasedown

The U.S. can learn from mistakes made overseas to ensure a smooth transition

Joanna R. Turpin

July 30, 2021

The U.S. will have a few steep production cuts — the first one coming in 2024 — but industry experts say that the country is in a better position to handle them.

HVAC Technology Prepares Hotel Industry for Getting Back to Normal

The right solutions and proper maintenance can help keep travelers safe

Gordon White

July 12, 2021

The HVAC industry serves a critical role in keeping hotel patrons and employees both safe and comfortable.

Manufacturers Expect Some Changes to Last for Residential HVAC

Indoor air quality, move to digital sped up by pandemic

Ted Craig

June 16, 2021

A panel of executives from three OEMs recently gathered online to discuss where the residential HVAC segment is at and where it’s headed.

HVAC Manufacturers Look Ahead to a Post-COVID World

Supply chain pressures will remain, but indoor air quality should continue to be a bright spot

Joanna R. Turpin

June 8, 2021

As it looks like life in the U.S. may finally be returning to normal, it’s time to consider what the post-COVID world could hold in store for the HVAC industry.