2026 June 15

ACHR NEWS

This issue of The ACHR NEWS looks at the new era of ductless maintenance, how to prepare for the recession that’s four years away, California’s HVAC equipment sales reporting requirement, the Summer Product Showcase, portable a/c entering the era of connected HVAC, how retirement plans are becoming recruitment tools, electrification laws gaining momentum, commercial leak threshold drops to 15 pounds, and the future of HVAC recruiting.

Keeping Residential Ductless Systems Clean and Efficient

Advanced self-cleaning features reduce service needs, but routine cleaning is still required

Joanna R. Turpin

June 8, 2026

Self-cleaning ductless systems help reduce buildup, but regular manual cleaning remains essential to maintain efficiency, airflow, and IAQ over time.

Contractors Have Four Years to Prepare for Next Recession

Rising costs and structural risks point to a downturn in 2030, but the time to act is now

Joanna R. Turpin

June 2, 2026

An economist forecasts economic growth for the next four years but warns contractors will face sustained inflation-driven cost pressures before a projected downturn in 2030.

FROSTlines

California Revisits HVACR Sales Reporting

A failed bill laid the groundwork for the CEC to impose new reporting requirements

Joanna R. Turpin

May 27, 2026

California regulators are exploring HVACR equipment sales tracking to boost permit compliance, but industry groups warn the proposal could create costly, burdensome reporting requirements.

Portable A/C Units Enter the Smart HVAC Era

Wi-Fi, telematics, and smart controls are enhancing portable units

Chris Gray

June 8, 2026

A survey of homeowners shows portable a/c adoption on the rise, thanks in part to smart controls and modern innovations providing more connectivity and control.

Retirement Plans Are Today’s Top HVAC Recruitment and Retention Tool

Matching retirement mandates with growth goals creates a workforce that stays

Dana Slone

June 1, 2026

A strong benefits plan creates peace of mind and is an important aspect of employee well-being, allowing workers to focus on their careers and the business at hand.

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

Leak Rules Tighten as Threshold Drops to 15 Pounds

Federal changes and state rules are positioning contractors to take the lead in refrigerant management

Adam Dykstra

June 10, 2026

Federal leak rules now reach smaller systems, while state requirements add complexity — allowing contractors to turn refrigerant management into a revenue-generating service offering.

Trane Co-Founder Named to Inventors Hall of Fame

The ACHR NEWS Editorial Staff

May 30, 2026

With his father, James, who ran a plumbing company, and sister, Stella, Reuben Trane founded The Trane Co. in La Crosse, Wisconsin, in 1913.

Geothermal Veteran Honored for Service to Industry

The ACHR NEWS Editorial Staff

May 29, 2026

John Bailey, who has worked in the ground-source heat pump industry for more than 40 years, was recently presented with an Ambassador Award from the International Ground Source Heat Pump Association.

PHCC CEO to Retire; Educational Foundation Chief to Step Up

The ACHR NEWS Editorial Staff

May 28, 2026

CEO Cindy Sheridan plans to retire at the end of the year after 26 years with Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association (PHCC). Dan Quinonez, now executive director of the PHCC Educational Foundation, will take over her role.

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

2026 June 15

Cover Story

Keeping Residential Ductless Systems Clean and Efficient

Contractors Have Four Years to Prepare for Next Recession

Feature Articles

California Revisits HVACR Sales Reporting

Portable A/C Units Enter the Smart HVAC Era

Retirement Plans Are Today’s Top HVAC Recruitment and Retention Tool

Electrification Laws Gain Momentum, Forcing HVAC Contractors to Adapt

Leak Rules Tighten as Threshold Drops to 15 Pounds

Newsline

Trane Co-Founder Named to Inventors Hall of Fame

Geothermal Veteran Honored for Service to Industry

PHCC CEO to Retire; Educational Foundation Chief to Step Up

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