December 1 2025 Issue

This issue of The ACHR NEWS looks at the rising threat of noncompliant disposable refrigerant cylinders, the new “Energy Choice Act” that looks to block local and state gas bans, the new demand for clean air data, one coil that offers twice the flexibility, the power grid of the future, ten-state heat pump push, the season of smart thermostats, purchasing decision drivers, EPA hearing feedback on proposed refrigerant rule revisions, how to spot red flags in buyers, a look at new HVAC products, and the latest from SNIPS NEWS.

Check back throughout the week for additional content.

FROSTlines

The Rising Threat of Noncompliant Refrigerant Cylinders

Primarily used for A2Ls, these cylinders pose serious risks to HVACR professionals

Joanna R. Turpin

September 26, 2025

Non-compliant A2L cylinders are entering the U.S. supply chain, creating safety risks for contractors, distributors, and the public.

'Energy Choice Act' Seeks to Block Local Gas Bans

HVAC groups rally behind legislation, arguing it preserves competition, contractor certainty

Maria Taylor

November 12, 2025

Cities, states have pushed electrification at the expense of natural gas — now Congress is pushing back.

It’s Not Just Clean Air — It’s Proof of Clean Air

The next generation of workers is obsessed with indoor air quality — and they expect real-time data to back it up

Maria Taylor

November 26, 2025

Half of Gen Z respondents and 44% of Millennials said poor air quality at work would be grounds for quitting their job.

One Coil, Twice the Flexibility

Dual-refrigerant technology eases the transition to low-GWP solutions

Joanna R. Turpin

November 24, 2025

In response to the shift toward low-GWP refrigerants, several manufacturers have introduced convertible coils that are designed to operate with multiple refrigerants.

HVAC and the Grid of the Future

Experts: Smart technology, renewables, flexibility will contribute to a stronger grid

Matt Jachman

November 20, 2025

Data centers and building electrification are increasing the demands on the electrical grid, but new technology, innovation, grid flexibility, and renewables each have a role to play in meeting that demand.

The Heat Pump Push: 10 States Team Up to Electrify America’s Homes

Multistate plan targets 90% heat pump sales by 2040

Matt Jachman

November 18, 2025

Member states double down on heat pump support — aiming to grow economies, create local jobs, and reduce energy costs.

The Smart Thermostats Heating the Season

Smart, connected thermostats are redefining comfort and control this heating season

Hannah Belloli-Oster

November 25, 2025

As homeowners look to stay comfortable and control costs this winter, a new generation of smart thermostats is stepping up. These devices don’t just manage temperature — they use AI, advanced sensors, and contractor-focused tools to simplify installs, prevent callbacks, and keep systems running efficiently.

Contractor Pro Homeowner Series

Brand Importance in the HVAC Industry

Experience tells contractors that many homeowners put the contractor’s brand first

Matt Jachman

April 15, 2025

An overwhelming majority of contractors in a recent survey said homeowners rely on them to pick equipment brands, though the homeowners perceived things somewhat differently.

EPA Hears Industry Feedback on Proposed Refrigerant Rule Revisions

Joanna R. Turpin

November 3, 2025

EPA’s proposed refrigerant rule revisions would extend compliance deadlines and raise GWP limits. Industry groups are divided between supporting flexibility and warning of confusion and delayed transitions.

Fed Rate Cut and End of Tightening Signal New Era for HVAC Contractors and Sheet Metal Fabricators

Central bank pivots as economy slows; Tariffs, labor, and volatile materials leave HVAC and sheet metal firms bracing for uncertainty

Austin Keating

October 30, 2025

The Federal Reserve’s rate cut and new policy stance bring both relief and fresh challenges for HVAC and sheet metal firms navigating surging tariffs, shifting demand, and economic uncertainty.

Modular Data Centers and AI: Essential Insights for MEP Professionals

AI is raising the stakes for data center cooling, construction, and design

Austin Keating

November 28, 2025

The explosive growth of AI is driving a fundamental overhaul of data center design, pushing MEP professionals to shift design strategies for clients.

Leadership, Innovation, and Compassion Take Center Stage at 2025 SMACNA Awards

Holaday-Parks’ B.J. Giri honored as Contractor of the Year; P1 Construction recognized for safety and mental health innovation

Austin Keating

November 13, 2025

Seattle’s B.J. Giri and Kansas-based P1 Construction both earn national distinction from SMACNA, highlighting remarkable contributions in leadership, workforce development, and jobsite safety.

Data Centers vs. the Grid: Power, Private Investment, and Where Sheet Metal Fits

Megaprojects are bringing record demand for complex systems – but volatility in tariffs, commodity costs, and energy markets means only the nimble thrive.

Austin Keating

November 28, 2025

A look at how soaring private-sector investment in data centers is both fueling opportunity and compounding risk, as contractors battle international trade shocks, rising energy prices, and supply chain chaos.

Tax Credits: Sheet Metal’s Double-Edged Sword

Unpredictable incentives, shifting federal priorities, and the endless cycle of “extender” brinkmanship are leaving contractors in limbo – even as billions ride on the outcome

Austin Keating

November 6, 2025

This story unpacks how pivotal tax credits – and their political uncertainty – are upending project planning, investment, and contracting for sheet metal and HVAC professionals, with commentary from SMACNA leaders on what needs to change.

Guest Column

How To Be Taken Seriously as a Buyer

Patrick Lange

November 19, 2025

In a market flooded with capital and short on opportunities, a broker breaks down the traits that separate well-prepared HVAC buyers from those who are simply shopping for “any business.”

ESCO Institute Takes Podcast on the Road

ESCO Institute Hits the Road With Mobile Recording Studio

The ACHR NEWS Editorial Staff

November 10, 2025

The ESCO Institute is taking Did You Know? HVACR Show has launched a fully equipped mobile recording studio — to bring authentic industry conversations directly to training centers, manufacturers, and live events across the country.

FYI: News Briefs in HVAC - December 1, 2025

December 1, 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.

Johnson Controls Releases Metasys 15.0 BAS

The ACHR NEWS Editorial Staff

November 20, 2025

Metasys 15.0 can be scaled across multiple buildings and sites, bringing advantages to industries such as healthcare systems, data centers and large campuses, while enhancing uptime and efficiency.

Housecall Pro Brings AI-Powered, Voice-Activated Invoicing to the Trades

The ACHR NEWS Editorial Staff

November 19, 2025

th simple voice commands, field technicians in plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and other skilled trades can now generate and send invoices — eliminating manual entry and accelerating payments.

ConnectM's KEEN Heat Pump Line

The ACHR NEWS Editorial Staff

November 18, 2025

The KEEN line’s flagship models — KEENHYMHP06AA, KEENHYMHP09AA, and KEENHYMHP12AA — deliver performance with SEER2 ratings up to 35 and HSPF2 ratings of 30 (Region IV).

NIBCO Announces PressACR Line Extension for HVACR Applications

The ACHR NEWS Editorial Staff

November 13, 2025

Featuring a professional appearance and delivering consistent joint quality, PressACR fittings meet certification and compliance standards that support applications rated up to 700 psi.

Bosch Home Comfort Unveils Electric Replacement to Gas Furnace

The ACHR NEWS Editorial Staff

November 5, 2025

The Bosch 115V Modular Blower is available in cabinet sizes A through D, able to assume any space previously occupied with an industry standard-sized furnace with ease.

Airedale by Modine Unveils Skid-Based CDU

The ACHR NEWS Editorial Staff

October 31, 2025

Engineered for longevity and performance, each unit features components including stainless steel pipework, 25-micron filtration, and active harmonic filtration, delivering a sustainable liquid cooling solution with an expected lifecycle that could exceed 15 years.

Resideo Honeywell Home ElitePRO smart thermostat - powered by Pro-IQ services

Resideo Announces Honeywell Home ElitePRO Smart Thermostat

The ACHR NEWS Editorial Staff

October 30, 2025

Resideo Technologies announced the Honeywell Home ElitePRO smart thermostat, powered by Pro-IQ services.

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.

ACHR NEWS

2025 December 1

Cover Story

The Rising Threat of Noncompliant Refrigerant Cylinders

'Energy Choice Act' Seeks to Block Local Gas Bans

Feature Articles

It’s Not Just Clean Air — It’s Proof of Clean Air

One Coil, Twice the Flexibility

HVAC and the Grid of the Future

The Heat Pump Push: 10 States Team Up to Electrify America’s Homes

The Smart Thermostats Heating the Season

Brand Importance in the HVAC Industry

EPA Hears Industry Feedback on Proposed Refrigerant Rule Revisions

SNIPS NEWS

Fed Rate Cut and End of Tightening Signal New Era for HVAC Contractors and Sheet Metal Fabricators

Modular Data Centers and AI: Essential Insights for MEP Professionals

Leadership, Innovation, and Compassion Take Center Stage at 2025 SMACNA Awards

Data Centers vs. the Grid: Power, Private Investment, and Where Sheet Metal Fits

Tax Credits: Sheet Metal’s Double-Edged Sword

Columns

How To Be Taken Seriously as a Buyer

Newsline

ESCO Institute Hits the Road With Mobile Recording Studio

FYI

FYI: News Briefs in HVAC - December 1, 2025

New HVAC Products

Johnson Controls Releases Metasys 15.0 BAS

Housecall Pro Brings AI-Powered, Voice-Activated Invoicing to the Trades

ConnectM's KEEN Heat Pump Line

NIBCO Announces PressACR Line Extension for HVACR Applications

Bosch Home Comfort Unveils Electric Replacement to Gas Furnace

Airedale by Modine Unveils Skid-Based CDU

Resideo Announces Honeywell Home ElitePRO Smart Thermostat

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