June 16 2025 Issue

ACHR NEWS

2025 June 16

This issue of The ACHR NEWS examines how bad installs are fueling a wave of lawsuits, a look at the DOE’s effort to slash regulations, what’s in store for private equity’s next stage, how AI and IoT are filling the technician gap, how next-gen heat pumps are thriving in cold climates, what to do about the attic heat trap, a new study showing homeowners demanding payment terms, what’s driving geothermal interest, optimizing refrigeration efficiency, what to do when low on R-454B, and the summer product showcase.

Check back throughout the week for additional content.

How Improper HVAC Installation Is Fueling a Wave of Lawsuits

Lawsuits and lax standards are exposing cracks in the HVAC industry.

Hannah Belloli-Oster

May 29, 2025

With studies revealing that up to 90% of systems are installed with critical faults, the HVAC industry is facing a legal reckoning.

DOE Puts 47 Regulations On The Chopping Block

Effort touted as ‘largest deregulatory effort in history’

Dylan Kurt

June 5, 2025

If successful, the DOE’s effort to roll back dozens of regulations on HVAC equipment could have significant consequences on costs, efficiency.

Next Stage of Private Equity Could Lead to Bigger Payouts

Mid-level private equity firms set to sell off HVAC companies

Kyle Gargaro

May 21, 2025

Private equity interest in HVAC contractors is evolving, with major firms now acquiring established platforms. This is leading to big payouts for contractors.

How AI and IoT Help Fill the HVAC Technician Gap

HVAC techs work smarter, faster, and stay focused on skilled service

Hannah Belloli-Oster

June 10, 2025

With real-time diagnostics, predictive maintenance, and streamlined workflows, these innovations are helping technicians solve problems faster, reduce emergency calls, and focus on what they do best: skilled, hands-on service.

Ductless Heat Pumps Thrive in Cold Climates

Next-generation mini splits are proving they can easily handle harsh winters

Joanna R. Turpin

June 9, 2025

Ductless heat pumps are emerging as a highly efficient and dependable heating solution -- even in the coldest climates.

The Heat Trap No One Talks About

Plug-and-play attic/garage ventilation can help HVAC systems run cheaper, improve indoor air quality

Maria Taylor

May 9, 2025

Garage fans can make big impacts on cooling bills. But one HVAC contractor says it’s still a blind spot industry-wide.

Contractor Pro Homeowner Series

Study: Two-Thirds of Homeowners Want to Be Offered Payment Terms

Dylan Kurt

March 18, 2025

With homeowners looking for more ways to get a discount, contractors could corner more of the market by offering payment terms.

Contractor Pro Geothermal Series

Survey: Cost Savings, Not Climate Concerns, Fuel Geothermal Decisions

Dollars to be spent, and saved, critical for homeowners when they think about geothermal

Matt Jachman

June 11, 2025

Homeowners put savings ahead of any other factor when it comes to considering whether to go geothermal. But they also put the initial cost of a system at the top of a list of concerns.

FROSTlines

Optimizing Refrigeration Efficiency and Cost with A2L Controls

Advanced controls can help increase savings and streamline operations

Keith Gifford

Bill Merritt

June 9, 2025

Today’s advanced electronic control solutions provide A2L compliance, as well as a simplified, continuously monitored solution for operators and technicians.

Guest Column

Running Low on R-454B? Dig Deeper

Joe "Geo Joe" Parsons

June 28, 2025

R-454B prices have skyrocketed 700% — and for contractors struggling to find supply, geothermal systems are beginning to stand out.

Contractors and Transparent Online Pricing

Contractor Pro Homeowner Series

Contractors Reap the Benefits of Transparent Online Pricing

The decision to publish pricing online is a complex one for HVAC contractors that unearths numerous questions

Herb Woerpel

October 3, 2023

A recent survey conducted by ClearSeas Research and The ACHR NEWS revealed that 71% of homeowners are more likely to call an HVAC contractor that includes pricing on its website.

Tools for Success: Women in HVACR Sets 2025 Conference

June 2, 2025

“If you’re ready to grow in your field, connect with other women in the industry, and celebrate our successes, this convention is for you," said Women in HVACR president Kristin Gallup.

Munters Opens Manufacturing, Service Facility

May 27, 2025

The 430,000-square-foot site is also home to the Munters service business and will produce a range of climate-control products for the North American market, a press release from Munters said. Munters is a 70-year-old company based in Sweden.

Arkema to Offer R-454B and Other Low-GWP Refrigerants

May 23, 2025

Arkema will sell HFO blends under its Forane brand. These refrigerants — many of which are already preferred by leading equipment manufacturers — meet HVACR industry regulations and improve energy efficiency for businesses and homeowners.

FYI: News Briefs in HVAC - June 16, 2025

June 16, 2025

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 week.

On Demand As AI workloads and high-density computing push traditional cooling methods to their limits, the data center industry is accelerating the adoption of next-generation HVAC technologies.

In this webinar, we'll outline how top contractors are turning every conversation into predictable revenue by coaching every comfort advisor visit, not just the ones a manager rides along on.