February 10 2025 Issue

This issue of The ACHR NEWS takes a deep dive into the untapped heat pump market, sees what contractors are thinking 2025 will look like, what challenges regulations could mean for refrigerants in 2025, what distributors are looking for in the coming year, what trends manufacturers are forecasting, how educators are going to handle the A2L transition, an update on a grocer’s A2L refrigeration system, how to troubleshoot liquid line solenoids, predictions for 2025 from industry leaders, six steps to handle a CO alarm call, what Trump’s executive order means for the IRA, how to keeps systems resilient in fluctuating weather, a look at some new products, and the latest from SNIPS NEWS.

Check back throughout the week for additional content.

Contractor Pro Homeowner Series

The Untapped Heat Pump Market: Part 1

Homeowners have heard of heat pumps, but some not sure what they offer

Dylan Kurt

January 7, 2025

No Comments

In part one of a two-part series, The ACHR NEWS takes a look at the current state of heat pump knowledge and acceptance.

State of the Industry 2025: Contractors

Contractors Optimistic About Challenges Coming in 2025

Refrigerant transition, labor shortage, and shifting consumer behavior among issues to navigate

Dylan Kurt

February 6, 2025

No Comments

2025 is set to usher in a wave of refrigerant regulatory changes and contractors are bracing for what’s promising to be a transformative year.

FROSTlines

Ringing in 2025 with Big Changes and a Few Challenges

Regulations mean adapting to an evolving landscape of new refrigerants and technologies

Joanna R. Turpin

December 27, 2024

No Comments

The New Year is bringing significant changes to the HVACR industry. Manufacturers can no longer produce new R-410A systems, and states are enacting stricter HFC laws. Staying informed is key.

State of the Industry 2025: Distributors

Distribution: State of Play 2025

Though wary of headwinds, several distributors say their companies are poised for growth this year

Matt Jachman

February 6, 2025

No Comments

Conversations with several HVACR distribution professionals indicate a cautious optimism for growth in the sector in 2025, though they say the year will not be without its challenges.

State of the Industry 2025: Manufacturers

Manufacturers Forecast Trends and Opportunities in 2025

HVAC industry leaders weigh in on refrigerant regulations, the economy, and more

Joanna R. Turpin

February 7, 2025

No Comments

The HVAC industry faces a pivotal year in 2025, balancing challenges like inflation and the refrigerant transition with opportunities from IRA incentives and decarbonization efforts.

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State of the Industry 2025: Education

Education: Keeping Up With the Times in 2025

Educators are focusing on the A2L transition and the evolving industry

Hannah Belloli

February 7, 2025

No Comments

As technology and the industry as a whole continue to evolve at a rapid rate, the education surrounding it must as well. Educators must also work to ensure they are meeting industry demands, have enough training to go around, and that they are aiding in securing recruits.

FROSTlines

Troubleshooting Liquid Line Solenoids

There are three main reasons why these refrigeration system components fail

Joe Marchese

February 17, 2025

No Comments

Troubleshooting and replacing a liquid line solenoid is generally not a difficult task – if technicians understand their design and how they operate.

FROSTlines

Grocer Gives Glowing Update on A2L Refrigeration System

Store owner reports significant energy savings with new technology that utilizes R-454C

Joanna R. Turpin

February 10, 2025

No Comments

A new refrigeration technology using R-454C has been installed in a grocery store, cutting the owner’s energy bills by more than half.

Predictions for HVAC in 2025

Regulations, workforce, affordability remain top challenges

Maria Taylor

January 20, 2025

No Comments

From rulemaking to crypto, 4 industry leaders share their thoughts on what’s ahead.

Trump Pauses IRA Funding Via Executive Order

Inflation Reduction Act Included Incentives for High-Efficiency and Electric HVAC Equipment

Dylan Kurt

January 24, 2025

One Comment

During what's shaping up to be a monumental week for the industry, several HVAC-related executive orders from President Trump's desk could shake things up for contractors.

Veterans Find New Path in Sheet Metal Industry as PenFed Foundation Boosts Training Program

The grant will support the SMART Heroes Foundation's intensive seven-week sheet metal training program

Austin Keating

January 6, 2025

No Comments

Approximately 60% of graduates from SMART Heroes are actively working in the sheet metal trade nationwide.

Court Strikes Down PLA Requirements for Some Federal Projects

Ruling partially strikes down Jan. 2024 project labor agreement (PLA) requirement from Biden administration

Austin Keating

January 22, 2025

No Comments

A federal court has struck down President Biden's mandate requiring project labor agreements on large federal construction projects, but some cities continue to embrace PLAs.

How Commercial Buildings Can Deal with Wildfire Smoke

There are three key strategies to addressing smoke from wildfires and controlled burns

Austin Keating

January 13, 2025

No Comments

To combat wildfire smoke, you need to manage outdoor air intake, and create an economizer strategy and an overall smoke readiness plan that includes high filter inventory.

Sheet Metal Workers Union Pioneers Childcare Benefits Program, First Among Building Trades

Partnership will begin benefiting members on Feb. 1, when the program activates for participating sheet metal local unions.

Austin Keating

January 20, 2025

No Comments

Those with eligible locals will receive email instructions on how to claim their benefit, and a dedicated concierge team is available at (866) 943-5449.

States Race to Protect EV Manufacturing as Political Winds Shift

As California and Illinois defend clean vehicle initiatives, incoming administration targets federal support

Austin Keating

February 13, 2025

No Comments

Recent developments in the EV manufacturing sector show industrial transformation rarely follows a straight line for manufacturers, consumers – and contractors – alike.

The Power of the Plan-Design Niche in HVAC Business Plans

To pursue the mechanical infrastructure niche, a business plan is needed to establish the vision

Howard McKew, P.E., C.P.E.

February 13, 2025

No Comments

For sheet metal contractors and HVAC contractors, establishing a feasibility plan to create another profit center, that can be recession-proof, should be the first step in creating an infrastructure niche business.

6 Essential Steps to Handling a Carbon Monoxide Alarm Call

David Richardson

January 30, 2025

No Comments

Before responding to what can be one of HVAC's most dangerous calls, contractors need to have a plan in place for technicians who will be entering a building where CO could be present.

Ensuring HVACR System Resiliency, Regardless of the Weather

Communities face challenges of unusual and unpredictable changes in climate

Charles Allgood, Ph.D

January 30, 2025

No Comments

As recording-breaking winter heatwaves and unexpected freezes in the South become more common-place, HVAC equipment is experiencing more strain, and technicians need to be ready to address this additional weather-related stress.

Ice Air Donates Heat Pumps to NYC Trade School

January 27, 2025

No Comments

Apex Technical School, known for its strong legacy of training New Yorkers in the skilled trades, has long partnered with Ice Air to create pathways for students to enter the HVAC industry.

Copeland Survey Looks at Views on Smart Home Products

January 22, 2025

No Comments

While ownership of smart devices — including smart thermostats, TVs, and appliances — are significantly higher than when the study was first commissioned in 2022, homeowners were also more likely to be concerned about data privacy in 2024, the survey showed.

AHR Expo 2025 Show Schedule

February 10, 2025

No Comments

Exhibitors and organizers are excited to welcome thousands of HVAC contractors and other industry personnel to Orlando for the AHR Expo.

NIBCO: Press Manifold

January 31, 2025

No Comments

The Webstone Compact Press Manifold for near-boiler piping or secondary loops is a redesign of the Hydro-Core Double Ball Drain. It now features fully integrated press end connections for fewer potential leak paths and less brass.

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Sussman: Electric Hot Water Boiler

January 28, 2025

No Comments

The EWx Series features a compact design, enabling all models to fit through a standard 36-inch-wide doorway.

Sensaphone: Remote Monitoring System

February 3, 2025

No Comments

The Sensaphone Sentry system is a remote monitoring solution to track HVACR equipment performance and critical conditions 24-7.

WarmlyYours: Electric Floor Thermostat

February 6, 2025

No Comments

The WiFi-enabled thermostat can be used to operate electric floor heating systems or radiant heating panels.

Gastite: Refrigerant Piping

February 6, 2025

No Comments

The Python Line Set is crafted using patented technology to provide superior durability, flexibility, and ease of use for installers. Whether it’s for new construction, retrofits, or expansions, Python offers a solution for refrigerant piping needs that prioritizes long-lasting performance in demanding environments.

Discover how a software-based approach can help your HVACR teams, facility management, and compliance departments stay ahead of regulations and improve operations.

In this webinar we will share lessons from an HVAC contractor who made a few small adjustments which resulted in a 400% increase in funded loan totals in one year. We will also provide internal data on loan trends providing valuable insight into the loan options homeowners are seeking, and how contractors can leverage this knowledge to increase loan applications and boost sales.

ACHR NEWS

2025 February 10

Cover Story

The Untapped Heat Pump Market: Part 1

Contractors Optimistic About Challenges Coming in 2025

Feature Articles

Ringing in 2025 with Big Changes and a Few Challenges

Distribution: State of Play 2025

Manufacturers Forecast Trends and Opportunities in 2025

Education: Keeping Up With the Times in 2025

Troubleshooting Liquid Line Solenoids

Grocer Gives Glowing Update on A2L Refrigeration System

Predictions for HVAC in 2025

Trump Pauses IRA Funding Via Executive Order

SNIPS NEWS

Veterans Find New Path in Sheet Metal Industry as PenFed Foundation Boosts Training Program

Court Strikes Down PLA Requirements for Some Federal Projects

How Commercial Buildings Can Deal with Wildfire Smoke

Sheet Metal Workers Union Pioneers Childcare Benefits Program, First Among Building Trades

States Race to Protect EV Manufacturing as Political Winds Shift

The Power of the Plan-Design Niche in HVAC Business Plans

Columns

6 Essential Steps to Handling a Carbon Monoxide Alarm Call

Ensuring HVACR System Resiliency, Regardless of the Weather

Newsline

Ice Air Donates Heat Pumps to NYC Trade School

Copeland Survey Looks at Views on Smart Home Products

FYI

AHR Expo 2025 Show Schedule

New HVAC Products

NIBCO: Press Manifold

Sussman: Electric Hot Water Boiler

Sensaphone: Remote Monitoring System

WarmlyYours: Electric Floor Thermostat

Gastite: Refrigerant Piping

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