ACHR NEWS

The ACHR News - May 18, 2026

2026 May 18

This issue of The ACHR NEWS features the comprehensive 2026 Commercial Cooling Showcase, giving a side-by-side look at all the latest cooling equipment, how instructors can get more training, the disappearance of the mid-sized contractor, HARDI data shows shipments have bottomed-out, how to clean modern coils, Lennox Q1 earnings call, energy rebate money to start flowing after pause, booking jobs on Yelp’s platform, heat pumps in commercial and industrial markets, Carrier residential sales down 12%, understanding discharge line mufflers, CO2 best practices, finding financial clarity, and the latest from Distribution Trends.

Check back throughout the week for additional content.

Cover Story

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Is HVAC’s Middle Class Disappearing?

Growth is exposing new challenges for contractors caught between small and large
Hannah Belloli
Hannah Belloli-Oster
May 1, 2026

Contractors in the $3–10 million range are facing increasing pressure from consolidation, rising costs, and operational complexity. While smaller companies stay lean and larger firms scale with resources, the middle is being forced to adapt. The question isn’t just whether it’s shrinking — but whether contractors can successfully navigate the transition. 


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Feature Articles

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Commercial Cooling Showcase 2026

Commercial Cooling Showcase 2026

New systems introduced just in time for summer
Joanna Turpin
Joanna R. Turpin
May 18, 2026
The ACHR NEWS highlights the latest cooling equipment heading into the summer season, giving contractors a side-by-side look at what manufacturers are bringing to market and how those offerings compare.
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Modern Coils, New Risks: Rethinking HVAC Cleaning Practices

Experts say modern HVAC equipment demands more careful cleaning methods, better chemical discipline, and closer attention to coil type and operating environment.
Dylan Kurt
Dylan Kurt
May 13, 2026

Dirty coils still hurt performance, raise operating pressures, and contribute to costly failures, but cleaning them improperly can create a whole new set of problems. 


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DOE Chief: Efficiency Rebate Money on the Way

The Home Energy Rebates program was under review by the Trump administration
Matt Jachman
Matt Jachman
April 17, 2026

Speaking before the House Appropriations Committee on April 15, Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the rebate funds, including for home electrification, would be released in a “few weeks.”



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Columns

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Guest Column

Love Your Numbers

Clean numbers are not just accounting — they are the foundation for smarter leadership, stronger growth, and better business decisions.
Julian Scadden
Julian Scadden
May 17, 2026

Your numbers reveal problems long before they show up in your bank account, and they give you the confidence to make tough business decisions with clarity. 


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Newsline

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FYI

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FYI - HVAC Briefs

FYI: News Briefs in HVAC - May 18, 2026

May 18, 2026
For your information news briefs from a wide variety of categories within the HVAC industry. Price increases, mergers and acquisitions, award winners, and more are highlighted here each issue.
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