Heat Pumps

Heat Pump Hype to Hands-On Reality: The HVAC Skills Gap Contractors Can’t Ignore

Sun, 21 Jun 2026 07:00:00 -0400

As heat pumps and other advanced systems become more common, the gap between what’s possible and what’s practical will depend largely on workforce readiness.

When All-Electric Homes Came With a Guarantee

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 07:00:00 -0400

A 1967 ACHR NEWS article shows how one utility promoted electric heat with a full-scale campaign aimed at homeowners, contractors, and commercial buildings.

Wastewater Heat Fuels Interest in Thermal Energy Networks

sloned@achrnews.com (Dana Slone) — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 07:00:00 -0400

Wastewater heat recovery and thermal energy networks are starting to push HVAC work outside the building and into district-scale systems

April HVAC Shipments Show Cooling Rebound Among Soft Market

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0400

The latest AHRI shipment data shows growth in cooling equipment like heat pumps and a/c in April, though the industry is still struggling with price increases.

The Commercial Niche: Where Heat Pumps Excelled in 1960

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 14:00:00 -0400

In 1960, a Phoenix factory used 140 tons of refrigeration to show how all-electric systems could make sense in the right commercial application.

Heat Pump Hype to Hands-On Reality: The HVAC Skills Gap Contractors Can’t Ignore

Sat, 06 Jun 2026 07:00:00 -0400

As heat pumps and other advanced systems become more common, the gap between what’s possible and what’s practical will depend largely on workforce readiness.

1960: The $11,950 Heat Pump Home

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0400

In 1960, a Clearwater, Florida, builder and HVAC contractor teamed up to offer a heat pump-equipped model home for $11,950 — and buyers responded quickly.

Trump Reduces Section 232 Tariffs on HVAC Equipment to 15%

chrisgray@achrnews.com (Chris Gray) — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 08:00:00 -0400

President Trump signed a proclamation that reduces the tariff rate on residential HVAC systems and components.

New Incentives for Heat Pump Installations Create HVAC Contractor Opportunities

sloned@achrnews.com (Dana Slone) — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 15:00:00 -0400

With the help of a heat pump installation savings program, becoming a qualified contractor opens up a marketing pipeline.

1950s: Heat Pump Growth Shapes Today’s HVAC Market

chrisgray@achrnews.com (Chris Gray) — Thu, 21 May 2026 15:00:00 -0400

Thanks to a push from manufacturers and utility companies, heat pump technology gained traction in the ‘50s, ultimately re-shaping the HVAC industry.

50 Percent of Americans Have Skipped HVAC Maintenance

sloned@achrnews.com (Dana Slone) — Thu, 21 May 2026 11:00:00 -0400

As HVAC prices soar, new homeowner data from DuraPlas suggests there is a growing “I’ll deal with it later” problem happening inside American homes.

Report Shows Heat Pumps Viable in Commercial and Industrial Markets

chrisgray@achrnews.com (Chris Gray) — Tue, 12 May 2026 07:00:00 -0400

Heat pumps can deliver two to four times the efficiency of fossil fuel systems, opening new opportunities in commercial and industrial applications.

Heat Pump Troubleshooting, Part 3: Stuck Sliders and Hidden Leaks

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 11:00:00 -0400

A magnet, a thermometer, and the right pressure readings can tell you everything about a failing reversing valve.

New Daikin Air-to-Water Heat Pump

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 16:28:00 -0400

Unlike boiler systems that burn fossil fuels, Daikin ALTHERMA 3 H HT is an all-electric air-to-water heat pump that can provide home heating and optional domestic hot water without burning fossil fuels directly by the system — and can also deliver cooling.

Colorado Heat Pump Program Launches After $200 Million EPA Grant

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 11:14:41 -0400

While heat pumps have been in use for decades, adoption of the energy-efficient technology is still emerging in Colorado.

Promising New Inverter Heat Pump Water Heaters Gaining Momentum in the U.S. Residential Market

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Heat pump water heaters are gaining attention as a high-efficiency alternative to conventional water heating technlogies

The Quiet Electric Shift: What 15 Years of AHRI Data Is Telling Us

Sat, 18 Apr 2026 07:00:00 -0400

The real question is whether this pace of change continues once incentives wind down — or whether the last few years of acceleration were partly a policy-and-refrigerant-transition moment that won’t repeat.

Hitachi air365 Max Offers Efficiency and Comfort, Simplifies A2L Compliance

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 13:07:09 -0400

In commercial buildings with zone-based heating and cooling needs, such as hotels, offices and mixed-use properties, VRF systems can provide as much as 30-45% energy savings compared to traditional ducted systems.

Eliminating Heat Pump Callbacks Before They Start

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 07:00:00 -0400

Most callbacks can be avoided when contractors treat heat pump design, installation, and commissioning as a full-system process.

Heat Pumps Grow by 16% in February 2026 Shipments

chrisgray@achrnews.com (Chris Gray) — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 13:00:00 -0400

February 2026 shipment data from AHRI shows how the HVAC market is reacting more to policy changes and less to seasonality.

Merino Energy Introduces $3,800 Heat Pump Installed in an Hour or Less

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 16:08:20 -0400

The Merino Mono is priced at a single, transparent flat rate of $3,800, hardware and professional installation included, with installs completed in under one hour.

Residential Cooling Showcase 2026

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 07:00:00 -0400

Each year, The ACHR NEWS highlights the latest cooling equipment heading into the summer season, giving contractors a side-by-side look at what manufacturers are bringing to market and how those offerings compare.

HVAC Trends: The Geothermal Market

bellolih@bnpmedia.com (Hannah Belloli-Oster) — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 17:00:00 -0400

Climate Control Group’s Dan Ellis discusses the commercial and residential geothermal market and how tax incentives (or lack thereof) have affected its adoption, new opportunities for geothermal installation and application, and solutions contractors can employ to offset geothermal cost.

1945: 'Heat Pump' Just Isn’t a Catchy Phrase

bellolih@bnpmedia.com (Hannah Belloli-Oster) — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 13:30:00 -0400

“Use of the terms ‘heat pump’ and ‘reverse cycle’ to describe heating by refrigeration equipment is confusing to the public and lacks sales appeal,” said Claude W. Kniffin, air conditioning application engineer for Westinghouse Electric Elevator Co., during a talk before the 1945 Baltimore-Washington Section of the American Society of Refrigerating Engineers.

LG Electronics Unveils Indoor Unit Lineup for Water Heating Solutions

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 14:16:59 -0400

All three indoor units share a consistent design language, creating a unified product family that received a 2026 iF Design Award.

HVAC Trends: Cold-Climate Heat Pumps

mariataylor@achrnews.com (Maria Taylor) — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 07:00:00 -0400

Heat pumps aren’t what they were 20 years ago — and contractors need to be ready to explain why. From proper load calculations to educating homeowners about cold-climate performance and cost savings, today’s sales conversation requires both technical precision and confidence at the kitchen table.

Customers Turning to HVAC Companies as Heating Costs Rise 11%

chrisgray@achrnews.com (Chris Gray) — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0400

With winter heating costs up about 11% and conflict in the Middle East raising heating oil prices, HVAC contractors can provide solutions to customers seeking ways to lower energy bills.

Digging Into Geothermal Innovation at AHR Expo

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 11:11:00 -0400

Manufacturers highlighted new geothermal systems designed to improve efficiency and simplify installation, while offering better comfort to occupants.

Bosch Expands Inverter Ducted Split Family of Heat Pump Products with IDS Edge

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 15:18:27 -0400

The Bosch IDS Edge is designed for maximum compatibility, installation ease and flexibility, and performance and reliability.

HVAC Price Increase List: March 2026

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 07:00:00 -0500

Several OEMs implemented multiple rounds of increases across equipment and parts, while copper-related components and select IAQ products saw higher movement.