February 2 2026 Issue

This issue of The ACHR NEWS looks at the need-to-knows for working with A2Ls, Gen Z and the HVAC influencer, the new HVAC gold rush, dual-fuel done right, turning training into a game, building an elite team, how tankless water heaters work, best time to review pricing, why companies fail to sell, residential shift away from replacement, five political takeaways from the HARDI conference, correct gas furnace installation, steps to troubleshoot heat pumps stuck in one mode, how to take employee feedback, struggles to hit 10% net profit, origins of A/C, Nvidia and data center chillers, challenges in commercial refrigeration, handling an ICE raid, new products, and the latest from SNIPS NEWS.

Check back throughout the week for additional content.

Best Practices for Working with A2L Refrigerants

Contractors must adjust their approach to installation and service

Joanna R. Turpin

January 26, 2026

The shift to A2L refrigerants may seem daunting, but with proper tools, training, and safety know-how, contractors can handle the change with confidence.

From Jobsite to Instagram: How HVACR Influencers Are Recruiting Gen Z

Creating social media buzz to attract a new generation to hands-on HVACR work

Matt Jachman

January 28, 2026

Three young HVACR influencers talk about what they do on social media platforms to interest young people in HVACR.

The New HVAC Gold Rush

When Silicon Valley wants a chiller, the whole industry feels it.

Maria Taylor

December 29, 2025

Contractor consolidation dominated the early 2020s. Now the money is flowing into equipment — pushed by the rise of data-center cooling.

Dual Fuel Done Right: It Starts Before the Thermostat

Modern dual-fuel systems offer redundancy and energy flexibility, but success hinges on proper sizing, controls, and installation

Dylan Kurt

January 20, 2026

Heat pumps may be leading sales, but dual fuel systems are winning on trust, redundancy, and real-world reliability.

Beyond PowerPoint: Smarter, Gamified Ways to Train HVACR Technicians

Designing training that techs engage with

Hannah Belloli-Oster

February 6, 2026

Not every technician learns the same way, so why are they still being trained as if they do? By combining all types of learning styles, meeting techs where they are at, and gamifying activities, technicians retain more, apply more in the field, and feel more confident in their skills.

Guest Column

How Atticman Raised the Bar, Not Their Headcount, to Build an Elite HVAC Team

Why disciplining talent, monitoring install quality, and shifting from ‘revenue first’ to ‘profit first’ unlocked sustainable growth

Chris Lollini Mario Lopez

February 8, 2026

Atticman shows how a focus on people, processes, and financial clarity transforms an HVAC company into a standard-bearer.

Guest Column

How Tankless Water Heaters Work

What makes tankless systems different from traditional heaters?

Lianna Schwalenberg

February 2, 2026

Tankless systems eliminate storage tanks, but demand proper sequencing, balanced piping, and regular flushing to perform as intended.

Guest Column

The Best Time For HVAC Contractors to Review Pricing

Reviewing financial records every year creates opportunities for improved efficiency and profitability

Patrick Lange

January 29, 2026

Keeping an eye on financial records is important, but one certain time of the year allows HVAC business owners to view the big picture about profits and price hikes.

Guest Column

Why Commercial HVAC Companies Fail To Sell And Tips To Craft A Proper Exit Plan

John Franklin

January 25, 2026

From messy books to owner dependency, common exit mistakes can erase company value long before retirement.

Gas Furnace Installation: What Every HVAC Technician Must Get Right

Improper venting, missing drip legs, and restricted airflow are behind most premature furnace failures — here’s how to avoid them on every install.

ACCA (Air Conditioning Contractors of America)

February 11, 2026

Venting rules change with efficiency — and mixing them up can lead to moisture buildup, heat exchanger damage, and dangerous combustion issues.

Residential HVAC Sales Slowdown Signals Shift Away From Replacements

Industry data suggests the slowdown is structural, not seasonal

Dylan Kurt

January 26, 2026

What looked like a temporary dip in residential HVAC sales is increasingly appearing to be a longer-term shift toward repairs, driven by rising costs and regulatory changes.

Political Insights at HARDI Conference

Government affairs officials from OEMs talk refrigerants, energy policy reform, tariffs, and what’s ahead

Matt Jachman

January 13, 2026

A panel representing four major manufacturers discussed political and regulatory issues in front of HVACR distributors during the recent HARDI conference in Las Vegas.

Troubleshooting Heat Pumps Stuck in One Mode

System won’t switch from heating to cooling? The reversing valve is probably to blame.

ACCA (Air Conditioning Contractors of America)

January 23, 2026

A reversing valve can fail 3 ways: stuck in position, defective/displaced, or internal leak.

Guest Column

What HVAC Owners Get Wrong About Employee Feedback

Feedback isn’t about giving up authority; it’s about leading better

Julian Scadden

February 1, 2026

HVAC leaders can use these three steps to turn feedback into better decisions.

Survey Reveals Strategies to Boost HVAC Close Rates by Double Digits

Only 10% of contractors are using a proven tactic to boost sales

Chris Gray

February 10, 2026

New survey data shows that something as simple as always offering financing to customers can improve close rates on installs by 11%.

Origins of HVAC Were In Humidity Control

The old adage “It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity” actually gave us modern air conditioning

Maria Taylor

January 15, 2026

Heating, cooling, and humidifying air wasn’t new when Willis Carrier came on the scene. What was groundbreaking was the attempt at precise air control in a manufacturing environment.

Nvidia’s Vera Rubin Has Chilling Effect on HVAC Industry

Rapid development of AI technology could impact HVAC’s role in data centers

Chris Gray

January 9, 2026

When Nvidia’s CEO said the company’s latest AI system could be cooled with hot water and no chillers, investors reacted quickly. Shares of several HVAC manufacturers fell sharply, underscoring how closely tied the industry’s growth has become to data center cooling assumptions.

FROSTlines

Refrigerant Choices and Challenges in Commercial Refrigeration

Today’s low-GWP solutions move the industry forward, but each comes with trade-offs

Joanna R. Turpin

January 28, 2026

Regulations are accelerating low-GWP refrigeration adoption. While CO₂, A2Ls, and propane offer viable paths, each has unique challenges for end users.

Data Center Demand, Immigration Crackdowns, and AI Shape a Mixed Outlook for Construction in 2026

Subcontractors remain resilient in AGC report recap

Austin Keating

January 8, 2026

While margins are compressed and contractors are still chasing fewer projects, there’s hope that long-stalled developments are finally moving forward.

Tom Martin Reflects on a Year of Challenge and Change as SMACNA Welcomes New Leadership

Outgoing president Tom Martin looks back on labor shortages, innovation, and the power of partnership – while new president Todd Hill sets a tone of gratitude and opportunity

Austin Keating

January 22, 2026

As SMACNA turns the page, new president Todd Hill brings his own story, optimism, and deep sense of gratitude to the role.

SMACNA Names Frank Wall as New CEO

Following four years, SMACNA Chief Executive Officer Aaron Hilger steps down, with SMACNA leadership appointing Frank Wall to the roll

SNIPS NEWS Editorial Staff

January 16, 2026

SMACNA's statement declared Wall "a dedicated executive," with even more extensive experience outside of his prior COO role with MCAA.

Mike Kelly on Duct Leakage, Craftsmanship, and the Invisible Costs of Air

Why 1% matters: Mike Kelly’s crusade for going beyond the standard for duct leakage

Austin Keating

January 8, 2026

A veteran HVAC expert argues that invisible duct leaks cost owners far more than they realize – and that better craftsmanship and stricter standards can pay off for decades.

Boston’s Otis Elementary Now Meets ASHRAE 241 Benchmark – But Who Pays for the Next 1,000 Upgrades?

Boston’s bold air quality experiment could set a new national standard – if districts find funding for healthier classrooms

Austin Keating

February 2, 2026

Boston’s Otis Elementary has become the first school nationwide to exceed ASHRAE 241’s tough new air quality benchmarks, spotlighting both the promise of innovative funding models and the persistent challenges districts face in bringing safer air to every student.

How Energy Monetization and AI Are Reshaping America’s Service Industry

Smart technologies and full-service energy management are transforming how gyms and restaurants handle comfort, efficiency, and maintenance

Austin Keating

February 2, 2026

Walking into your favorite gym or restaurant feels effortless, but behind that comfort, a quiet tech revolution is reshaping how America keeps the lights on and the air cool – saving owners money without you ever noticing a thing.

Guest Column

How Should HVAC Contractors Handle an ICE Raid?

Trent Cotney

January 16, 2026

ICE enforcement creates legal, operational, and reputational risk for HVAC employers. Preparation and disciplined response can mean the difference between containment and escalation.

Copeland Launches KF Variable-Speed Scroll Compressor with EV4 Variable Frequency Drive Platform

Copeland Launches KF Variable-Speed Scroll Compressor with Variable Frequency Drive Platform

The ACHR NEWS Editorial Staff

January 13, 2026

The KF is Copeland’s variable-speed scroll compressor for the 1.5- to 5-ton North American residential market, designed for comfort — especially in cold climates.

AHR Expo 2026 Show Schedule

February 2, 2026

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

RectorSeal Launches Line of Pumps for Mini-Splits

January 2, 2026

The Ghost Mini Pump series represents the next generation of condensate management for mini-splits, a press release from RectorSeal said.

Greenheck Redesigns HVLS Overhead Fans

The ACHR NEWS Editorial Staff

January 20, 2026

The redesigned DS Series fans provide higher air performance up to 281,700 cfm, larger coverage areas, and increased cooling effects up to 15°F, helping to improve comfort and reduce energy costs.

NIBCO Announces New Webstone E-X-P Enhancements

January 23, 2026

The line now exclusively features lead-free hot-water and boiler-service pressure relief valves, with redesigned forged brass construction that provides a compact, space-saving body.

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 will detail what HVAC material buyers and technicians need to know when selecting duct mastics, including matching mastic to substrate, alternatives to liquid mastic, and where UL 181 Listings fit into real world installations.

ACHR NEWS

2026 February 2

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