February 16 2026 Issue

This issue of The ACHR NEWS dives into a study revealing strategies to boost close rates by double digits, the momentum of electrification laws, breaking down the EPA’s Emissions Reduction and Reclamation (ER&R) rule, how to tell if a marketing campaign is actually working, choosing the right whole-house humidifier, Washington Supreme Court weighing the future of natural gas access, Lennox’s optimism toward 2026, how OTA updates cam make HVAC smarter, Trane’s record $7.8 billion backlog, distributed refrigeration gets a natural boost with CO₂ systems, proper piping practices to ensure oil returns to the compressor, best practices to train for AI readiness, and a look at new products.

Check back throughout the week for additional content.

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%.

Electrification Laws Gain Momentum, Forcing HVAC Contractors to Adapt

Colorado’s new gas equipment rules may signal what’s next for the industry

Chris Gray

February 16, 2026

From equipment restrictions to incentive-driven transitions, state electrification efforts are influencing how contractors sell, install, and plan for the future.

FROSTlines

New Year, New Refrigerant Rules, No Grace Period

Breaking down EPA’s Emissions Reduction and Reclamation (ER&R) rule

Joanna R. Turpin

February 4, 2026

As industry debates the Technology Transitions rule, EPA’s ER&R rule is already in effect, imposing new leak repair, reclamation, reporting, and automatic leak detection requirements under the AIM Act.

How HVAC Contractors Can Tell If Their Marketing Is Actually Working

Partnership expectations, ROI, and when to walk away

Dylan Kurt

January 29, 2026

Industry experts explain which metrics matter, how long ROI should take, and when contractors should reconsider a campaign

aprilaire-620-series-humidifier-installation-photo-V2b-5741.jpg

Choosing the Right Whole-House Humidifier

Understanding the technology is key to helping homeowners achieve the best results

Joanna R. Turpin

February 18, 2026

 Dry indoor air affects comfort, health, and homes during heating season. Knowing how whole-house humidifiers work helps contractors match homeowners with the right solution.

Washington Supreme Court Weighs Future of Natural Gas Access

Voter-approved Initiative 2066 prevents restrictions on natural gas options

Chris Gray

January 27, 2026

The Washington Supreme Court is reviewing Initiative 2066, a voter-approved measure that could shape natural gas access, electrification policy, and HVAC contractor options.

 Lennox Is Cautiously Optimistic About 2026

 The company expects a tough first quarter, followed by growth in second half of year

Joanna R. Turpin

January 30, 2026

Despite fourth-quarter revenue declines, Lennox expects inventory normalization, pricing discipline, and a stabilization of repair-versus-replacement trends to support a return to growth in 2026.

How OTA Updates Can Make HVAC Smarter, After Installation

System improvements incorporated remotely

Hannah Belloli-Oster

February 16, 2026

In the HVACR industry, the potential for equipment to become smarter after its installation is still relatively new. But as manufacturers explore how connectivity and software can improve performance, reliability, and customer service, OTA updates are emerging as promising possibilities.

Commercial HVAC Strength Drives Trane’s Record Backlog

Fourth-quarter bookings surged as residential sales remained soft

Joanna R. Turpin

February 2, 2026

Trane expects commercial HVAC sales to remain strong in 2026, while residential sales are projected to be soft in the first quarter before improving in the second half of the year.

FROSTlines

Distributed Refrigeration Gets a Natural Boost with CO₂

New compression technology paves the way for ultra-low-GWP refrigeration flexibility

Andre Patenaude

February 18, 2026

 CO₂ refrigeration is moving beyond larger systems as improved CO₂ scroll compressors make smaller, distributed R-744 units increasingly practical and appealing.

FROSTlines

 Ensuring Proper Oil Return to the Compressor

Good piping practice is the foundation of reliable oil return

Joe Marchese

February 19, 2026

Ensuring proper oil return is not just a maintenance consideration; it is a fundamental design requirement for every refrigeration system.

Guest Column

What Are the Best Practices for Training Teams on AI Readiness in HVAC?

Scott Merritt

February 20, 2026

Introducing AI can cause anxiety amongst team members, but it's up to leadership to show how beneficial it can be.

Women in HVACR Unveils New Leadership for 2026

The ACHR NEWS Editorial Staff

January 23, 2026

Together, the executive board and board of directors guide WHVACR's strategic direction, oversee financial stewardship and ensure strong governance in support of the organization's mission.

Refrigerant Firm Hudson Acquires Longtime Partner

December 30, 2025

Refrigerants Inc., a longtime Hudson Technologies Inc. partner, was acquired by Hudson for $2.5 million.

FYI: News Briefs in HVAC - February 16, 2026

February 16, 2026

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.

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.

Sensirion Announces CO₂ sensor

February 21, 2026

Many sensors in use today successfully apply automatic baseline calibration algorithms (i.e., “ABC” or “ASC”) to maintain their accuracy over time.

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.

ABB Introduces New UL Type 12 and Type 4X Vertical Bypass Drives

The ACHR NEWS Editorial Staff

February 17, 2026

ACH580 drives deliver motor control, energy efficiency, and intuitive operation for a wide range of HVACR equipment, including fans, pumps, and compressors.

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.

AAF International Unveils Scannable, High-Performance, High-Flow HEPA Air Filter

The ACHR NEWS Editorial Staff

February 19, 2026

MEGACel I HF also works well in aftermarket applications and can easily replace glass media box filters for greater air flow and lower pressure drop, and traditional V Bank filters where periodic testing is required.

TCL Introduces Heat Pump Platforms for U.S. Market

February 6, 2026

TCL’s comfort and HVAC division has a portfolio of inverter-driven ducted heat pump systems that are scalable, efficient, high-performing, and quiet, the company said in a press release.

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.

ACHR NEWS

2026 February 16

Cover Story

Survey Reveals Strategies to Boost HVAC Close Rates by Double Digits

Electrification Laws Gain Momentum, Forcing HVAC Contractors to Adapt

Feature Articles

New Year, New Refrigerant Rules, No Grace Period

How HVAC Contractors Can Tell If Their Marketing Is Actually Working

Choosing the Right Whole-House Humidifier

Washington Supreme Court Weighs Future of Natural Gas Access

Lennox Is Cautiously Optimistic About 2026

How OTA Updates Can Make HVAC Smarter, After Installation

Commercial HVAC Strength Drives Trane’s Record Backlog

Distributed Refrigeration Gets a Natural Boost with CO₂

Ensuring Proper Oil Return to the Compressor

Columns

What Are the Best Practices for Training Teams on AI Readiness in HVAC?

Newsline

Women in HVACR Unveils New Leadership for 2026

Refrigerant Firm Hudson Acquires Longtime Partner

FYI

FYI: News Briefs in HVAC - February 16, 2026

New HVAC Products

NIBCO Announces New Webstone E-X-P Enhancements

Sensirion Announces CO₂ sensor

Greenheck Redesigns HVLS Overhead Fans

ABB Introduces New UL Type 12 and Type 4X Vertical Bypass Drives

RectorSeal Launches Line of Pumps for Mini-Splits

AAF International Unveils Scannable, High-Performance, High-Flow HEPA Air Filter

TCL Introduces Heat Pump Platforms for U.S. Market

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