March 2 2026 Issue

This issue of The ACHR NEWS examines the DOJ’s suit against California cities over banning new natural gas hookups, how financing is reshaping HVAC sales, how AI can help contractors respond faster and win jobs, connected RTUs are making rooftops smarter, a look beyond incentives in geothermal, Energy Star securing $33 million in funding, six ways to more effectively field-train technicians, standardizing communications in the field, in-house trainers closing the skills gap, A2Ls offering a practical path forward in grocery refrigeration, making trade connections count, a look at new products, and the latest from Distribution Trends and SNIPS NEWS.

Check back throughout the week for additional content.

DOJ Sues California Cities Over Natural Gas Bans

Decision could shape how states regulate energy sources

Chris Gray

March 4, 2026

A lawsuit filed by the Department of Justice could have major implications for how other state and local governments regulate energy sources like natural gas.

From Perk to Expectation: How Financing Is Reshaping HVACR Sales

How the ways to offer financing affect close rates and more

Hannah Belloli-Oster

March 3, 2026

37% of HVAC contractors offer financing options on every job.

Using AI to Win the Digital Marketing Race

Let AI help you!

Hannah Belloli-Oster

January 22, 2026

Not sure where to start with AI? During a learning lab on the PHCC trade show floor, Andrew Adams, director of partnership marketing at Scorpion, outlined some AI must-dos to win the digital marketing race.

Smarter Rooftops: How Connected RTUs Are Changing HVAC

Real-time data, predictive diagnostics, and BAS integration are reshaping RTUs

Hannah Belloli-Oster

February 24, 2026

Once seen as a simple workhorse, rooftop units are becoming intelligent building assets — changing how contractors install, commission, and service commercial HVAC systems.

End of Section 25D Tax Credit Could Cut Residential Geothermal Shipments by 50%

The loss of a tax incentive will hurt the market, but experts see plenty of positives

Matt Jachman

February 25, 2026

Those in the geothermal business see plenty of opportunity, but say the expiration of a tax credit for residential projects is a setback.

Energy Star Receives $33M in Funding Through 2026

Chris Gray

March 4, 2026

The Energy Star program received a bump in funding for 2026, a reversal from the administration’s previous position of seeking to eliminate it.

6 Ways to More Effectively Provide In-Field Training for New HVAC Technicians

Mentors, fundamentals, and reinforcement are all key to a successful program

Dylan Kurt

February 23, 2026

Training HVAC technicians in the field does not have to come at the expense of productivity or day-to-day operations.

Closing the Skills Gap, One HVAC Technician at a Time

Dylan Kurt

March 6, 2026

As the HVAC labor shortage intensifies, contractors and manufacturers are investing in training programs to prepare technicians for the field.

FROSTlines

A2Ls Offer A Practical Path Forward in Refrigeration

These lower-GWP refrigerants offer system familiarity and serviceability for contractors

Joanna R. Turpin

February 27, 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.

Study: 31% of Contractors Expect Their Distributor to Have Same-Day Availability of Key Parts

A new ACCA study details what HVAC contractors want from distributors

Matt Jachman

March 2, 2026

Two contractors, while they generally agreed with the way priorities were ranked in a survey of their peers, had their own takes on what they want to see from distributors.

How Machine Learning Is Transforming Demand Forecasting for HVAC Distributors

HARDI conference presentation highlights how predictive analytics is reshaping inventory planning in HVAC distribution

Matt Jachman

February 17, 2026

The partners in Lantern, a machine learning software firm focused on product distribution, pitched the technology to HVACR distributors during the recent HARDI conference.

When Distributors Underperform, Contractors Move On

More than 70% of HVAC contractors said underperformance prompts them to buy from competitors

Zachary Perge

February 28, 2026

Trust, communication, and shared planning are the keys to good distributor-contractor relationships. Those relationships have been tested lately.

State of the SMACNA Chapters: Navigating Change with Tradition and Innovation

Skilled labor shortages, evolving labor laws, technological shifts, and legislative advocacy define the current landscape of SMACNA chapters

Austin Keating

February 26, 2026

SNIPS NEWS speaks with five chapter executives from across the country for a Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA) chapter checkup.

Breathing New Life into America’s Schools: The Fight for Cleaner Indoor Air

How outdated systems and materials harm health and learning, and what a new coalition intends to do about it

Austin Keating

March 3, 2026

A new coalition is working to upgrade HVAC systems and building materials in America’s schools, aiming to improve student health, equity, and learning by transforming indoor air quality.

Construction Job Growth Driven by Nonresidential Trades as Unions Expand Workforce

Nonresidential hiring and union apprenticeship growth drive strong job gains, but long-term outlook depends on federal infrastructure clarity

SNIPS NEWS Editorial Staff

February 12, 2026

Construction employment jumped in January, yet industry leaders warn that future growth relies on stable investment and policy support.

How Digital Tools Are Transforming HVAC, Sheet Metal Contracting

Digital tools and new approaches are changing how sheet metal work gets done, from the shop floor to the field

Austin Keating

March 3, 2026

Sheet metal contractors are rewriting the rules, as companies like Hermanson and shops around the world use real-time digital workflows, and automation to make fabrication faster and more collaborative.

Guest Column

What HVAC Owners Get Wrong About Employee Feedback

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

Julian Scadden

March 5, 2026

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

Guest Column

How Contractors Can Stop Losing Orders to Texts, Sticky Notes, and Guesswork

A field-tested communication path that standardizes requests, confirmations, changes, and proof-of-delivery so contractors stop losing time and margin

Jack Carrere

March 5, 2026

Tiny, everyday errors like missed texts or unconfirmed orders can lead to massive losses. Learn how to optimize your operations to keep those hard-earned profits.

A.O. Smith Buys Valve Manufacturer for $470 Million

January 8, 2026

The 115-year-old Leonard Valve designs and manufactures water temperature control valves, digital and thermostatic mixing systems, and related monitoring devices that are used in hospitals, schools, universities, industrial facilities, and other institutional and commercial settings.

Trane Technologies to Acquire LiquidStack

The ACHR NEWS Editorial Staff

February 11, 2026

The transaction is expected to close in early 2026, subject to closing conditions. Financial terms were not disclosed.

FYI: News Briefs in HVAC - March 2, 2026

March 2, 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.

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.

Veto Pro Pac Launches New Compact Utility Bags

The ACHR NEWS Editorial Staff

March 4, 2026

Emerson Introduces Hybrid Continuous Gas Analyzer

The ACHR NEWS Editorial Staff

March 7, 2026

This new analyzer provides precise monitoring of complex gas streams while delivering continuous, real-time data.

Uponor Prefabricated PEX Water Risers

The ACHR NEWS Editorial Staff

March 5, 2026

With labor inefficiencies and rework being two of the biggest issues affecting the industry, offsite construction continues to be the best solution.

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

2026 March 2

Cover Story

DOJ Sues California Cities Over Natural Gas Bans

From Perk to Expectation: How Financing Is Reshaping HVACR Sales

Feature Articles

Using AI to Win the Digital Marketing Race

Smarter Rooftops: How Connected RTUs Are Changing HVAC

End of Section 25D Tax Credit Could Cut Residential Geothermal Shipments by 50%

Energy Star Receives $33M in Funding Through 2026

6 Ways to More Effectively Provide In-Field Training for New HVAC Technicians

Closing the Skills Gap, One HVAC Technician at a Time

A2Ls Offer A Practical Path Forward in Refrigeration

Distribution Trends

Study: 31% of Contractors Expect Their Distributor to Have Same-Day Availability of Key Parts

How Machine Learning Is Transforming Demand Forecasting for HVAC Distributors

When Distributors Underperform, Contractors Move On

SNIPS NEWS

State of the SMACNA Chapters: Navigating Change with Tradition and Innovation

Breathing New Life into America’s Schools: The Fight for Cleaner Indoor Air

Construction Job Growth Driven by Nonresidential Trades as Unions Expand Workforce

How Digital Tools Are Transforming HVAC, Sheet Metal Contracting

Columns

What HVAC Owners Get Wrong About Employee Feedback

How Contractors Can Stop Losing Orders to Texts, Sticky Notes, and Guesswork

Newsline

A.O. Smith Buys Valve Manufacturer for $470 Million

Trane Technologies to Acquire LiquidStack

FYI

FYI: News Briefs in HVAC - March 2, 2026

New HVAC Products

TCL Introduces Heat Pump Platforms for U.S. Market

Veto Pro Pac Launches New Compact Utility Bags

Emerson Introduces Hybrid Continuous Gas Analyzer

Uponor Prefabricated PEX Water Risers

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