ACHR News

I Touched AI — It Didn’t Bite

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 07:00:00 -0400

Brainbox, Trane execs say AI isn't replacing techs, it's replacing guesswork

HARDI Says Shipments Have Bottomed. Now Comes the Hard Part

Wed, 20 May 2026 13:00:00 -0400

HARDI’s data suggests the HVAC industry may be exiting the inventory correction phase — but it has not yet entered a demand-driven growth phase.

High HVAC Prices Are Inviting New Competition

Wed, 06 May 2026 11:00:00 -0400

New HVAC manufacturers are focusing on reducing installation time and costs through simpler systems, offering more affordable alternatives to traditional, labor-intensive equipment.

Are Data Centers the New Marijuana Industry for HVAC?

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 11:00:29 -0400

Data centers and the cannabis industry may have some interesting similarities, but contractors shouldn’t write off data centers as a niche market.

Using Pets as a Means to Sell More IAQ

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 11:00:00 -0400

A recent study set out to measure just exactly what our beloved four-legged doggy friends contribute to indoor air quality (IAQ). What researchers found was that in some cases, pets can rival — and even exceed — the impact of the humans living in the home. For HVACR contractors, the data is a way in.

High HVAC Prices Are Inviting New Competition

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 07:00:00 -0400

New HVAC manufacturers are focusing on reducing installation time and costs through simpler systems, offering more affordable alternatives to traditional, labor-intensive equipment.

Should Your HVAC Company Have a Mascot?

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 07:00:00 -0400

Mascots are popping up everywhere in the HVAC industry — on service trucks, across social media feeds, and at community events — as a way for contractors to stand out in an increasingly crowded marketplace and offer something traditional marketing can struggle to deliver: instant recognition and human connection.

Mentors, Memories, and the Moments We Miss

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 07:00:00 -0400

Social media reminders of loss show life moves quickly and time is limited — a reason to call or email mentors, friends, and colleagues while we still can.

ChatGPT Said It Was the Capacitor

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 13:00:00 -0400

If there’s one thing people trust more than AI search results, it’s their neighbors.

Is Space the Final Frontier for Data Centers?

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 07:00:00 -0500

With residential HVAC slumping, data centers are driving growth — but new chip designs, local resistance, and even space-based alternatives raise questions about whether that boom will last.

New Year, New Refrigerant Rules, No Grace Period

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 07:00:00 -0500

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.

Using AI to Win the Digital Marketing Race

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 07:00:00 -0500

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.

7 Predictions for HVAC in 2026

Fri, 02 Jan 2026 07:00:00 -0500

Will 2026 be the year of the refrigerant bounty?

The New HVAC Gold Rush

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 07:00:07 -0500

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

ChatGPT Is Forcing HVAC Contractors to Post Prices Online

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 13:00:00 -0500

It is important for HVAC contractors to post prices on their website so homeowners can find them when doing an AI search.

Butch Welsch and Company Celebrate 130 Years

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 13:00:00 -0500

St. Louis HVAC contracting company Welsch Heating and Cooling is celebrating 130 years as a company.

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

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 07:00:00 -0500

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

Refrigerant Roulette: Contractors Brace For More Change

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 07:00:00 -0400

Another refrigerant transition is inevitable, as innovation drives HVAC forward. But without clearer communication and coordination next time, contractors’ patience — and trust — may finally run out.

Could Better Forecasting Stop Another HVAC Supply Chain Problem?

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 07:00:00 -0400

Two crises in five years exposed the same gap: distributors and suppliers aren’t forecasting together.

HARDI on R-454B: “The Crisis Is Over”

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 13:00:00 -0400

The refrigerant shortage is over. Its aftershocks are still rippling through the industry.

Shortages and Sticker Shock Stall Summer HVAC Sales

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 07:00:00 -0400

Despite the summer heat, HVAC replacements are lagging as high prices, refrigerant shortages, and consumer caution weigh on the residential market.

Your Techs Are Posting — Are You Paying Attention?

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 07:00:00 -0400

A single Facebook post recently got a tech fired — but contractors say it doesn’t have to be that way. Learn how HVAC companies set social media expectations, protect their brand, and empower employees to share their work proudly.

Is Hanging Onto R-410A Like Carrying an Old iPhone?

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 07:00:00 -0400

With manufacturers retooled and 80%+ of installs already running on new refrigerants, will a deadline extension really change the math?

Why HVAC Technicians Leave — In Their Own Words

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 07:00:00 -0400

“I try to stay empathetic — but it’s getting harder.” Anonymous techs get real about the job.

Europe’s Aversion to Air Conditioning Is Proving Fatal

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 07:00:00 -0400

Europe’s resistance to air conditioning isn’t just cultural -- it’s become deadly. Tens of thousands of Europeans die from heat each year, and outdated policies aren’t helping.

Leasing Breakthrough Could Reshape Residential Geothermal

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 07:00:00 -0400

The geothermal tax credit is ending — but a new opportunity is just beginning.

Is it Time to Consider Privatizing Energy Star?

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 07:00:00 -0400

The Trump administration has its sights set on eliminating the popular Energy Star program — but could the private sector step in to keep it alive?

Hang In There, HVAC

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 07:00:00 -0400

It’s been a rough 6 months, but demand for HVAC isn’t going anywhere.

Next Stage of Private Equity Could Lead to Bigger Payouts

Wed, 21 May 2025 07:00:00 -0400

Private equity interest in HVAC contractors is evolving, with major firms now acquiring established platforms. This is leading to big payouts for contractors.

Don’t MacGyver a Solution to the R-454B Shortage

Mon, 12 May 2025 13:00:00 -0400

Mixing refrigerants in an R-454B system may seem harmless, but it can compromise system performance, void warranties, and create serious safety and reliability risks.