September 22 2025 Issue

This issue of The ACHR NEWS takes a look at the popularity of VRF in the commercial heat recovery space, Walmart’s new A2T program pumping out skilled technicians, the dangers of Europe's aversion to a/c, heat pumps for multifamily, predictive software helping contractors do more with less, commercial contracting outlook, why substituting R-410A for R-454B is a bad idea, heat pump reversing valves 101, fixing leaks in cooler drains, misconceptions about A2L handling, rethinking maintenance agreements, a look at new HVAC products, and the latest from Distribution Trends.

Check back throughout the week for additional content.

Contractor Pro Ductless Series

Heat Recovery VRF Systems Remain A Popular Choice

According to manufacturers, the technology boosts occupant comfort while reducing energy use

Joanna R. Turpin

September 22, 2025

Heat recovery VRF systems are a proven solution that can deliver significant energy savings and improved occupant comfort when applied correctly.

Walmart’s A2T Program Turns Associates Into Skilled Technicians — and Leaders

Program blends hands-on HVAC training with opportunity and growth

Hannah Belloli-Oster

September 3, 2025

Walmart program plans to create 4,000 new technicians by 2030, tackling skilled labor shortage head-on.

FROSTlines

Europe’s Aversion to Air Conditioning Is Proving Fatal

A lack of a/c is contributing to tens of thousands of heat-related deaths each year

Joanna R. Turpin

September 2, 2025

Europe’s resistance to air conditioning isn’t just cultural -- it’s become deadly. Tens of thousands of Europeans die from heat each year, and outdated policies aren’t helping.

Heat Pumps Gain Ground in Multifamily Housing Market

Only 25% of heat pump installs are in multifamily — but incentives and new technology are closing the gap.

Matt Jachman

September 17, 2025

With technological improvements and flexible installation options, it’s becoming easier to find heat pumps that can be used in multifamily buildings. We asked several manufacturers about their models.

Predictive Software and Smart Dispatch Help Contractors Do More With Less

Reduce truck rolls and always send the right tech to the job

Dylan Kurt

September 15, 2025

Facing a labor crunch, HVAC contractors are leaning on predictive software and smart dispatching to cut costs and boost efficiency.

ServiceTitan Report Shows Revenue Gains but Rising Costs for HVAC Contractors

More than half of commercial contractors, including HVAC, optimistic about market’s future, survey finds

Matt Jachman

August 26, 2025

Almost two-thirds of commercial contracting executives reported stable or growing revenue at their companies, and 53% said they were optimistic about the market going forward. The survey also looked at market headwinds.

Why Substituting R-410A for R-454B Is a Bad Idea

Don Gillis

August 26, 2025

A supply shortage led one tech to charge an R-454B unit with R-410A. The result: no cooling, high pressures, and an expensive mistake in the making.

Troubleshooting Tips for Heat Pump Reversing Valves

Matthew Akins

September 18, 2025

Heat pump not performing? Before swapping parts, here’s how to use simple techniques — like the touch test — to confirm a reversing valve issue.

FROSTlines

Drip Happens: Fixing Reach-In Cooler Drain Issues

Condensate leaks are often easy to repair, but some jobs can be more time-consuming

Joe Marchese

October 2, 2025

Fixing condensate issues may not be the hardest repair on a reach-in cooler, but it can certainly be time-consuming.

FROSTlines

Clearing Up Misconceptions About A2L Refrigerants

Understanding how these new alternatives work is essential for technicians and contractors

Justin Bailey

September 16, 2025

Becoming educated about A2Ls can eliminate any fear or apprehension that techs may have when using these refrigerants.

Outside Sales Associate Frank Edgar at the booth of B. J. Terroni, Taco’s manufacturer representative, at the 2025 APR buying shoe

APR Supply Buying Show 'a Win-Win for All Participants'

John Vastyan

August 21, 2025

APR Supply Co., now in its 103rd year, hosts one of the biggest annual plumbing and mechanical and HVACR wholesale buying shows in the U.S.

HARDI Adds to Communications Staff

August 25, 2025

Madison Romero, HARDI's new public affairs associate, will help HARDI engage a broader and more complex audience as the association advances policies that affect HVACR distributors and contractor businesses nationwide.

New CGNA President Brings 'Strategic Mindset'

August 21, 2025

David Suskie brings to his new role at Controls Group North America more than 35 years of experience in the HVACR wholesale supply, temperature controls, and building management systems industries.

Partnership Boosts Samsung's Presence in Eastern Canada

August 29, 2025

With more than 80 years of experience, Powrmatic is a distributor of residential, commercial, and industrial equipment in the HVAC, electrical, and hearth sectors.

Distributors’ Education Foundation Scholarships Announced

September 8, 2025

Since its inception in 1981, the Distributors’ Education Foundation — established to honor the late William A. Blees and his many years of service as an advisor to Carrier and Bryant distributors — has provided more than $500,000 in assistance to more than 400 students working toward undergraduate or vocational degrees.

Winsupply Opens New Texas Location

August 28, 2025

Roger Lewis, a Winsupply area leader, said Winsupply continues to open new local companies in Texas because of the state's consistent economic growth.

Guest Column

Think Maintenance Agreements Are Always a Win? Think Again.

What every HVAC owner needs to know before locking in long-term deals

Patrick Lange

September 6, 2025

Multi-year service agreements can boost revenue — or gut your sale price. Here’s how to keep them working for you.

Arkema Plant Will Onshore Refrigerant's Production

The ACHR NEWS Editorial Staff

September 1, 2025

The $60 million unit at the Calvert City, Kentucky, plant is for the production of Arkema’s Forane 1233zd refrigerant and will be one of only two sites in the U.S. where that refrigerant is made.

Company Officially Launches Smart-Home Heat Pump System

September 9, 2025

Jetson Air integrates seamlessly with existing ductwork, delivering quiet operation and performing reliably in cold climates down to -22°F, a press release from Jetson said.

NexCore Buys 2 Commercial Contractors in the Northeast

August 28, 2025

“As NexCore eclipses its two-year anniversary, we’re thrilled to welcome the Action Air and Accutemp teams to the platform, whose commitment to their customers and employees alike aligns exactly with what we’re building,” said Steve Knowles, NexCore CEO.

FYI: News Briefs in HVAC - September 22, 2025

September 22, 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 issue.

Emerson Rosemount Temperature Transmitter

Emerson: Temperature Transmitter

August 28, 2025

Offering measurement accuracy within 0.05°C (0.09°F), the transmitter is well-suited for industries where precision is essential.

Siterwell: Smart Thermostat

August 29, 2025

The thermostat features a refined design and enhanced functionality, offering energy savings, smarter connectivity, and broader ecosystem compatibility.

MicroPure Filtration: Air and Gas Purifier

September 14, 2025

Sulfur Guard purifies compressed air and gas streams by removing sulfur compounds, aromatic hydrocarbons, and aldehydes plus other potential contaminants through chemical adsorption.

Big Money Quotes: Software Tool

August 31, 2025

Designed specifically for the HVAC industry, Big Money Quotes is a quick and easily embeddable tool that transforms how contractors engage with potential customers.

Kleenex: Elite Allergen Air Filter MERV 13

September 10, 2025

The MERV 13 Elite is suitable for homes where occupants are concerned with finer airborne particles or where additional filtration is desired due to asthma, allergies, pets, or poor air quality.

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 session, we will cover how to design VRF systems for the U.S. market using new A2L refrigerants. These systems provide an advanced zoning solution by using inverter technology to deliver precise heating and cooling control across multiple zones and spaces.

ACHR NEWS

2025 September 22

Cover Story

Heat Recovery VRF Systems Remain A Popular Choice

Walmart’s A2T Program Turns Associates Into Skilled Technicians — and Leaders

Feature Articles

Europe’s Aversion to Air Conditioning Is Proving Fatal

Heat Pumps Gain Ground in Multifamily Housing Market

Predictive Software and Smart Dispatch Help Contractors Do More With Less

ServiceTitan Report Shows Revenue Gains but Rising Costs for HVAC Contractors

Why Substituting R-410A for R-454B Is a Bad Idea

Troubleshooting Tips for Heat Pump Reversing Valves

Drip Happens: Fixing Reach-In Cooler Drain Issues

Clearing Up Misconceptions About A2L Refrigerants

Distribution Trends

APR Supply Buying Show 'a Win-Win for All Participants'

HARDI Adds to Communications Staff

New CGNA President Brings 'Strategic Mindset'

Partnership Boosts Samsung's Presence in Eastern Canada

Distributors’ Education Foundation Scholarships Announced

Winsupply Opens New Texas Location

Columns

Think Maintenance Agreements Are Always a Win? Think Again.

Newsline

Arkema Plant Will Onshore Refrigerant's Production

Company Officially Launches Smart-Home Heat Pump System

NexCore Buys 2 Commercial Contractors in the Northeast

FYI

FYI: News Briefs in HVAC - September 22, 2025

New HVAC Products

Emerson: Temperature Transmitter

Siterwell: Smart Thermostat

MicroPure Filtration: Air and Gas Purifier

Big Money Quotes: Software Tool

Kleenex: Elite Allergen Air Filter MERV 13

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