Courtesy Bet_Noire (iStock / Getty Images Plus) SNIPS NEWS has covered sheet metal HVAC, as well as architectural sheet metal, for 80-plus years – following the industry as it’s trended towards more prefabrication in the shop as opposed to the field. https://www.achrnews.com/rss/14720-snips-news en-us keatinga@bnpmedia.com (Austin Keating) The Commerce Department is preparing to expand Section 232 copper tariffs to more downstream products. The Commerce Department is preparing to expand Section 232 copper tariffs to more downstream products.

]]> http://www.achrnews.com/articles/166414 Thu, 09 Jul 2026 12:49:35 -0400 https://www.achrnews.com/articles/166414-commerce-moves-toward-broader-copper-tariffs-as-trade-deficit-jumps keatinga@bnpmedia.com (Austin Keating) The U.S. decision not to renew the USMCA in its current form throws North American trade into annual uncertainty. Here's what it means for contractors. The U.S. decision not to renew the USMCA in its current form throws North American trade into annual uncertainty. Here's what it means for contractors.

]]> http://www.achrnews.com/articles/166416 Thu, 09 Jul 2026 12:43:55 -0400 https://www.achrnews.com/articles/166416-usmcas-future-in-doubt-as-us-declines-to-renew-pact A practical 2026 guide for sheet metal shops considering bringing duct fabrication in-house, covering equipment choices, costs, and key decision points. A practical 2026 guide for sheet metal shops considering bringing duct fabrication in-house, covering equipment choices, costs, and key decision points.

]]> http://www.achrnews.com/articles/166396 Mon, 06 Jul 2026 12:50:42 -0400 https://www.achrnews.com/articles/166396-bringing-duct-fabrication-in-house-a-2026-equipment-guide-for-sheet-metal-shops keatinga@bnpmedia.com (Austin Keating) President Trump has nominated acting Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling to the full-time post, as the Labor Department faces budget cuts, workforce challenges, and heightened scrutiny in the Senate. President Trump has nominated acting Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling to the full-time post, as the Labor Department faces budget cuts, workforce challenges, and heightened scrutiny in the Senate.

]]> http://www.achrnews.com/articles/166382 Wed, 01 Jul 2026 13:16:59 -0400 https://www.achrnews.com/articles/166382-trump-taps-keith-sonderling-as-labor-secretary-signaling-shift-on-workforce-priorities keatinga@bnpmedia.com (Austin Keating) National sales manager Ryne Sullivan shares practical strategies for overcoming common obstacles in commercial HVAC retrofit projects, from duct leakage to tight construction schedules. National sales manager Ryne Sullivan shares practical strategies for overcoming common obstacles in commercial HVAC retrofit projects, from duct leakage to tight construction schedules.

]]> http://www.achrnews.com/articles/166372 Fri, 26 Jun 2026 13:09:15 -0400 https://www.achrnews.com/articles/166372-how-to-solve-the-toughest-challenges-in-commercial-hvac-retrofits keatinga@bnpmedia.com (Austin Keating) The Spiral Duct Manufacturers Association gathered in Boston this spring to wrestle with the future of construction workflows, from a safety and artificial intelligence standpoint. The Spiral Duct Manufacturers Association gathered in Boston this spring to wrestle with the future of construction workflows, from a safety and artificial intelligence standpoint. 

]]> http://www.achrnews.com/articles/166366 Thu, 25 Jun 2026 12:49:47 -0400 https://www.achrnews.com/articles/166366-ai-as-your-intern-not-your-boss-lessons-from-spida-boston keatinga@bnpmedia.com (Austin Keating) A June 2026 federal ruling struck down parts of the Labor Department’s 2023 Davis‑Bacon overhaul, limiting wage protections to traditional construction roles and excluding broader supply chain workers. A June 2026 federal ruling struck down parts of the Labor Department’s 2023 Davis‑Bacon overhaul, limiting wage protections to traditional construction roles and excluding broader supply chain workers.

]]> http://www.achrnews.com/articles/166365 Thu, 25 Jun 2026 12:48:23 -0400 https://www.achrnews.com/articles/166365-federal-court-rolls-back-key-davisbacon-expansion-drawing-new-lines-around-construction-work keatinga@bnpmedia.com (Austin Keating) Tarang Patel is redefining high‑rise HVAC design by replacing complex centralized systems with simpler, decentralized and passive solutions. Tarang Patel is redefining high‑rise HVAC design by replacing complex centralized systems with simpler, decentralized and passive solutions.

]]> http://www.achrnews.com/articles/166363 Thu, 25 Jun 2026 11:45:34 -0400 https://www.achrnews.com/articles/166363-decentralized-ventilation-and-the-hard-truths-of-office-to-residential-hvac-conversions keatinga@bnpmedia.com (Austin Keating) Heather Rodehaver is the director of sales and marketing at The Cincinnatus Group, where her leadership, work ethic, and commitment to service have made her an indispensable part of the sheet metal industry. Heather Rodehaver is the director of sales and marketing at The Cincinnatus Group, where her leadership, work ethic, and commitment to service have made her an indispensable part of the sheet metal industry.

]]> http://www.achrnews.com/articles/166330 Wed, 17 Jun 2026 14:22:40 -0400 https://www.achrnews.com/articles/166330-heather-rodehaver-receives-bill-bradford-jr-service-award-at-spida-annual-meeting keatinga@bnpmedia.com (Austin Keating) Davis-Houk Mechanical, a union shop rooted in Coles County, has landed the full design-build contract for the retailer’s new three-building Store Support Center, now under construction and slated for completion by 2028. Davis-Houk Mechanical, a union shop rooted in Coles County, has landed the full design-build contract for the retailer’s new three-building Store Support Center, now under construction and slated for completion by 2028.

]]> http://www.achrnews.com/articles/166323 Tue, 16 Jun 2026 13:00:00 -0400 https://www.achrnews.com/articles/166323-contractor-bets-on-a-tertiary-market-wins-big-with-new-mattoon-rural-king-hq keatinga@bnpmedia.com (Austin Keating) A new PHCC-backed program inside Hamilton County Jail is equipping inmates with hands-on HVAC and plumbing skills. A new PHCC-backed program inside Hamilton County Jail is equipping inmates with hands-on HVAC and plumbing skills.

]]> http://www.achrnews.com/articles/166309 Thu, 11 Jun 2026 07:00:26 -0400 https://www.achrnews.com/articles/166309-how-a-new-phcc-program-is-turning-inmates-into-tomorrows-plumbers-and-hvac-techs keatinga@bnpmedia.com (Austin Keating) A new Trump administration policy lowers tariffs on some HVAC equipment, but leaves contractors confused as complicated new rules and eligibility requirements take effect. A new Trump administration policy lowers tariffs on some HVAC equipment, but leaves contractors confused as complicated new rules and eligibility requirements take effect.

]]> http://www.achrnews.com/articles/166308 Wed, 10 Jun 2026 13:46:58 -0400 https://www.achrnews.com/articles/166308-tariff-relief-for-hvac-contractors-still-waiting-for-the-rulebook keatinga@bnpmedia.com (Austin Keating) U.S. construction employment rose by 17,000 jobs in May, driven by demand for nonresidential projects such as data centers, though economists say future gains could be hampered by policy risks and economic headwinds. U.S. construction employment rose by 17,000 jobs in May, driven by demand for nonresidential projects such as data centers, though economists say future gains could be hampered by policy risks and economic headwinds.

]]> http://www.achrnews.com/articles/166307 Wed, 10 Jun 2026 13:16:05 -0400 https://www.achrnews.com/articles/166307-construction-jobs-grow-in-may-driven-by-data-center-boom-but-facing-potential-headwinds While hospitals race to adopt clinical technology, most still rely on mechanical infrastructure – like boilers and HVAC systems – that’s decades past its prime, quietly threatening patient safety and infection control. While hospitals race to adopt clinical technology, most still rely on mechanical infrastructure – like boilers and HVAC systems – that’s decades past its prime, quietly threatening patient safety and infection control.

]]> http://www.achrnews.com/articles/166306 Wed, 10 Jun 2026 12:35:11 -0400 https://www.achrnews.com/articles/166306-mechanical-matters-why-the-machines-keeping-patients-safe-are-being-left-behind A personal story about an unexpected accident sparks a call for urgency, self-care, and greater support for skilled tradespeople facing physical and mental health risks. A personal story about an unexpected accident sparks a call for urgency, self-care, and greater support for skilled tradespeople facing physical and mental health risks.

]]> http://www.achrnews.com/articles/166305 Wed, 10 Jun 2026 12:04:44 -0400 https://www.achrnews.com/articles/166305-in-the-blink-of-an-eye-rethinking-safety-and-priorities-in-the-trades keatinga@bnpmedia.com (Austin Keating) An investment by Nippon Steel is reviving U.S. Steel’s Mon Valley Works: tighter tolerances and higher-value steel grades will mean less waste, better formability, and more durable end products for contractors. An investment by Nippon Steel is reviving U.S. Steel’s Mon Valley Works: tighter tolerances and higher-value steel grades will mean less waste, better formability, and more durable end products for contractors.

]]> http://www.achrnews.com/articles/166303 Tue, 09 Jun 2026 16:39:56 -0400 https://www.achrnews.com/articles/166303-nippon-steels-25-billion-gamble-on-mon-valley-resetting-the-sheet-metal-supply-chain keatinga@bnpmedia.com (Austin Keating) A federal judge dismissed all criminal charges against deported sheet metal worker Kilmar Abrego Garcia, but despite his courtroom victory, Abrego Garcia’s status remains unresolved. A federal judge dismissed all criminal charges against deported sheet metal worker Kilmar Abrego Garcia, but despite his courtroom victory, Abrego Garcia’s status remains unresolved. 

]]> http://www.achrnews.com/articles/166292 Mon, 08 Jun 2026 09:56:49 -0400 https://www.achrnews.com/articles/166292-judge-dismisses-federal-charges-against-deported-sheet-metal-worker Airoverse and Lowder Brothers partnered to bring scalable, accessible building automation to Fort Smith School District, helping the district manage HVAC across 33 campuses and roughly 100 buildings. Airoverse and Lowder Brothers partnered to bring scalable, accessible building automation to Fort Smith School District, helping the district manage HVAC across 33 campuses and roughly 100 buildings.

]]> http://www.achrnews.com/articles/166257 Fri, 29 May 2026 09:48:51 -0400 https://www.achrnews.com/articles/166257-airoverse-lowder-brothers-bring-scalable-building-automation-to-fort-smith-school-district keatinga@bnpmedia.com (Austin Keating) Sheet metal contractors hoping for relief from the recent Supreme Court-mandated tariff refunds are likely to be disappointed: Unless you are the importer of record, you will not see a direct payout or price break. Sheet metal contractors hoping for relief from the recent Supreme Court-mandated tariff refunds are likely to be disappointed: Unless you are the importer of record, you will not see a direct payout or price break.

]]> http://www.achrnews.com/articles/166253 Thu, 28 May 2026 12:58:00 -0400 https://www.achrnews.com/articles/166253-chamber-clears-up-tariff-refunds-and-more-at-smacna-conference keatinga@bnpmedia.com (Austin Keating) Democrats and Republicans deliver contrasting strategies for winning midterms, while Rep. Don Bacon’s delivers a fond farewell to the sheet metal industry as he prepares to enter retirement. Democrats and Republicans deliver contrasting strategies for winning midterms, while Rep. Don Bacon’s delivers a fond farewell to the sheet metal industry as he prepares to enter retirement.

]]> http://www.achrnews.com/articles/166254 Thu, 28 May 2026 12:56:15 -0400 https://www.achrnews.com/articles/166254-competing-political-pitches-to-the-hvac-industry keatinga@bnpmedia.com (Austin Keating) Construction input costs are rising at the fastest pace in years – fueled by a global energy shock, metal tariffs, and escalating transportation expenses – putting contractors under pressure. Construction input costs are rising at the fastest pace in years – fueled by a global energy shock, metal tariffs, and escalating transportation expenses – putting contractors under pressure.

]]> http://www.achrnews.com/articles/166208 Fri, 15 May 2026 13:22:55 -0400 https://www.achrnews.com/articles/166208-construction-cost-surge-accelerates-nationwide-squeezing-hvac-contractors keatinga@bnpmedia.com (Austin Keating) A clash over trade policy underscores a broader shift as new mills, migration, and infrastructure investment redraw the map of U.S. steel production. A clash over trade policy underscores a broader shift as new mills, migration, and infrastructure investment redraw the map of U.S. steel production.

]]> http://www.achrnews.com/articles/166200 Wed, 13 May 2026 12:18:28 -0400 https://www.achrnews.com/articles/166200-americas-steel-boom-moves-below-the-mason-dixon Majestic Steel is investing in modular homes to leverage its steel expertise and meet surging demand for resilient, affordable housing in the rapidly growing South. Majestic Steel is investing in modular homes to leverage its steel expertise and meet surging demand for resilient, affordable housing in the rapidly growing South.

]]> http://www.achrnews.com/articles/166194 Tue, 12 May 2026 11:36:32 -0400 https://www.achrnews.com/articles/166194-why-majestic-steel-is-investing-in-modular-homes keatinga@bnpmedia.com (Austin Keating) A behind-the-scenes look at how the looming collapse of union pensions, amplified by the COVID-19 crisis, forced Congress to deliver sweeping rescue legislation after years of gridlock. A behind-the-scenes look at how the looming collapse of union pensions, amplified by the COVID-19 crisis, forced Congress to deliver sweeping rescue legislation after years of gridlock.

]]> http://www.achrnews.com/articles/166189 Mon, 11 May 2026 15:14:11 -0400 https://www.achrnews.com/articles/166189-how-a-pension-crisis-sparked-congressional-action-lessons-from-the-experts keatinga@bnpmedia.com (Austin Keating) Kingspan’s new Florida headquarters redefines high-performance building with all-electric HVAC systems, advanced envelope technologies, and a focus on circularity. Kingspan’s new Florida headquarters redefines high-performance building with all-electric HVAC systems, advanced envelope technologies, and a focus on circularity.

]]> http://www.achrnews.com/articles/166179 Fri, 08 May 2026 08:43:18 -0400 https://www.achrnews.com/articles/166179-inside-kingspans-all-electric-hq-how-innovation-drives-sustainability-in-commercial-construction keatinga@bnpmedia.com (Austin Keating) The Tennessee Titans’ stadium features oversized HVAC systems, extensive grease ductwork, and unique framing challenges to support continuous operation of kitchens, bars, and outdoor terraces throughout the year. The Tennessee Titans’ stadium features oversized HVAC systems, extensive grease ductwork, and unique framing challenges to support continuous operation of kitchens, bars, and outdoor terraces throughout the year.

]]> http://www.achrnews.com/articles/166145 Thu, 30 Apr 2026 08:56:31 -0400 https://www.achrnews.com/articles/166145-from-prefab-to-hvac-the-tennessee-titans-stadium keatinga@bnpmedia.com (Austin Keating) A new bipartisan bill in Congress could restore and extend critical energy efficiency tax credits, including the 179D, 45L, and key clean energy credits. A new bipartisan bill in Congress could restore and extend critical energy efficiency tax credits, including the 179D, 45L, and key clean energy credits.

]]> http://www.achrnews.com/articles/166127 Mon, 27 Apr 2026 13:03:11 -0400 https://www.achrnews.com/articles/166127-american-energy-dominance-act-what-it-means-for-hvac Coil straighteners tackle coil set and crossbow, but only levelers can deliver premium flatness by correcting length variations like edge wave and center buckle. Coil straighteners tackle coil set and crossbow, but only levelers can deliver premium flatness by correcting length variations like edge wave and center buckle.

]]> http://www.achrnews.com/articles/166117 Thu, 23 Apr 2026 12:38:33 -0400 https://www.achrnews.com/articles/166117-levelers-vs-straighteners-what-sheet-metal-contractors-need-to-know keatinga@bnpmedia.com (Austin Keating) Once hailed as a bridge-builder for skilled trades, Chavez-DeRemer’s tenure ended amid misconduct investigations and leadership upheaval, leaving HVAC and sheet metal contractors wondering what’s next. Once hailed as a bridge-builder for skilled trades, Chavez-DeRemer’s tenure ended amid misconduct investigations and leadership upheaval, leaving HVAC and sheet metal contractors wondering what’s next.

]]> http://www.achrnews.com/articles/166114 Thu, 23 Apr 2026 12:27:13 -0400 https://www.achrnews.com/articles/166114-lori-chavez-deremers-tenure-as-labor-secretary-ends-amid-scandals-and-political-turmoil keatinga@bnpmedia.com (Austin Keating) Forget what you’ve heard about prefab being the silver bullet: Tom Santos argues the real gains in construction efficiency come from rethinking the messy, human processes upstream. Forget what you’ve heard about prefab being the silver bullet: Tom Santos argues the real gains in construction efficiency come from rethinking the messy, human processes upstream.

]]> http://www.achrnews.com/articles/166113 Thu, 23 Apr 2026 12:25:27 -0400 https://www.achrnews.com/articles/166113-rethinking-prefab-why-90-efficiency-isnt-good-enough