Articles to help you run your business, from service skills to management strategy. https://www.achrnews.com/rss/2237-hvac-contracting en-us This program honors standouts in categories ranging from innovative tools and technology to outstanding business leadership, workforce development, and industry influence. Winners were selected through peer nomination and voted on by ACHR NEWS readers. ACHR NEWS readers.]]> http://www.achrnews.com/articles/166453 Mon, 27 Jul 2026 10:00:00 -0400 https://www.achrnews.com/articles/166453-all-star-awards-2026-winners sloned@achrnews.com (Dana Slone) What does it take to thrive for more than a century? Tate Engineering’s answer starts with people — not equipment. What does it take to thrive for more than a century? Tate Engineering’s answer starts with people — not equipment. 

]]> http://www.achrnews.com/articles/166454 Mon, 27 Jul 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.achrnews.com/articles/166454-from-marine-boilers-to-mission-critical-service More than 200 episodes after its debut, "From the Yellow Chair" has earned the HVAC All-Stars Podcast Award by putting the industry's people and leadership stories center stage. More than 200 episodes after its debut, "From the Yellow Chair" has earned the HVAC All-Stars Podcast Award by putting the industry's people and leadership stories center stage. 

]]> http://www.achrnews.com/articles/166466 Mon, 27 Jul 2026 07:00:00 -0400 https://www.achrnews.com/articles/166466-from-the-yellow-chair-wins-hvac-all-stars-podcast-award chrisgray@achrnews.com (Chris Gray) Jen McKee, founder of Kee Hart Marketing, is modernizing the HVAC industry’s voice through authenticity and by leading by example. Jen McKee, founder of Kee Hart Marketing, is modernizing the HVAC industry’s voice through authenticity and by leading by example.

]]> http://www.achrnews.com/articles/166465 Mon, 27 Jul 2026 07:00:00 -0400 https://www.achrnews.com/articles/166465-shine-on-jen-mckees-influence-on-the-hvacr-industry mariataylor@achrnews.com (Maria Taylor) A backed-up training schedule. One donated furnace. A simple question no one else was asking. Time and again, Dave Chatmon turned everyday challenges into industry-wide movements. A backed-up training schedule. One donated furnace. A simple question no one else was asking. Time and again, Dave Chatmon turned everyday challenges into industry-wide movements.

]]> http://www.achrnews.com/articles/166458 Mon, 27 Jul 2026 07:00:00 -0400 https://www.achrnews.com/articles/166458-the-industry-builder mattjachman@achrnews.com (Matt Jachman) Named for a well-known beltway in the Boston area, 128 Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Electric has grown substantially since its founding 34 years ago. The company is one of this year’s HVAC All-Stars. Named for a well-known beltway in the Boston area, 128 Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Electric has grown substantially since its founding 34 years ago. The company is one of this year’s HVAC All-Stars.

]]> http://www.achrnews.com/articles/166457 Mon, 27 Jul 2026 07:00:00 -0400 https://www.achrnews.com/articles/166457-family-owned-128-plumbing-earns-hvac-all-star-honors ACCA's new training program, Legacy Builders, is designed to help the owners of HVACR businesses move from owner-operator to CEO and help them prepare their companies for long-term growth and the owners' eventual exit from the business. ACCA's new training program, Legacy Builders, is designed to help the owners of HVACR businesses move from owner-operator to CEO and help them prepare their companies for long-term growth and the owners' eventual exit from the business.

]]> http://www.achrnews.com/articles/166482 Fri, 24 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.achrnews.com/articles/166482-a-new-leadership-program-for-hvacr-business-owners From refrigerant compliance to AI and energy resilience, FMI's E+SD Conference will help grocery retailers navigate today's biggest store development challenges. From refrigerant compliance to AI and energy resilience, FMI's E+SD Conference will help grocery retailers navigate today's biggest store development challenges.

]]> http://www.achrnews.com/articles/166477 Fri, 24 Jul 2026 07:00:00 -0400 https://www.achrnews.com/articles/166477-food-retails-next-build-smarter-energy-sharper-compliance bellolih@bnpmedia.com (Hannah Belloli-Oster) As contractors struggle to find skilled labor, one prison-based HVACR program is turning inmates into technicians. The results include industry credentials, college degrees, and success stories that continue long after release. As contractors struggle to find skilled labor, one prison-based HVACR program is turning inmates into technicians. The results include industry credentials, college degrees, and success stories that continue long after release. 

]]> http://www.achrnews.com/articles/166463 Thu, 23 Jul 2026 07:00:00 -0400 https://www.achrnews.com/articles/166463-could-your-next-hvac-technician-come-from-prison mattjachman@achrnews.com (Matt Jachman) Georgia contractors were already required to be licensed, but unlicensed people in the trades have recently been using cheap, duplicitous advertising. Georgia contractors were already required to be licensed, but unlicensed people in the trades have recently been using cheap, duplicitous advertising.

]]> http://www.achrnews.com/articles/166460 Wed, 22 Jul 2026 14:30:00 -0400 https://www.achrnews.com/articles/166460-georgia-law-a-huge-win-for-licensed-trades-workers chrisgray@achrnews.com (Chris Gray) Recent reports of gun violence against home service technicians are a stark reminder to train employees on safety and de-escalation. Recent reports of gun violence against home service technicians are a stark reminder to train employees on safety and de-escalation. 

]]> http://www.achrnews.com/articles/166442 Mon, 20 Jul 2026 07:00:00 -0400 https://www.achrnews.com/articles/166442-hvac-technician-threatened-by-armed-customer-safety-lessons-for-contractors Discover how zero-click searches are reshaping the way homeowners find HVAC contractors—and why traditional marketing metrics may no longer tell the whole story. Discover how zero-click searches are reshaping the way homeowners find HVAC contractors—and why traditional marketing metrics may no longer tell the whole story. 

]]> http://www.achrnews.com/articles/166446 Sun, 19 Jul 2026 07:00:00 -0400 https://www.achrnews.com/articles/166446-when-ai-recommends-your-hvac-business As the labor shortage persists, HVAC companies are finding new ways to recruit techs As the labor shortage persists, HVAC companies are finding new ways to recruit techs 

]]> http://www.achrnews.com/articles/166444 Sat, 18 Jul 2026 07:00:00 -0400 https://www.achrnews.com/articles/166444-stop-fishing-in-the-same-pond-cross-state-hiring-for-hvac-contractors chrisgray@achrnews.com (Chris Gray) Television host Mike Rowe of “Dirty Jobs” announced $3 million in skilled-trades scholarships as the Department of War donates $10 million to the effort. Television host Mike Rowe of “Dirty Jobs” announced $3 million in skilled-trades scholarships as the Department of War donates $10 million to the effort. 

]]> http://www.achrnews.com/articles/166439 Thu, 16 Jul 2026 13:00:00 -0400 https://www.achrnews.com/articles/166439-mike-rowe-awards-3-million-in-skilled-trades-scholarships-as-hvac-labor-shortage-continues Leaks may not cause sudden failure in a system, but they can lead to poor system performance and damage. HVACR experts share what you need to know. Leaks may not cause sudden failure in a system, but they can lead to poor system performance and damage. HVACR experts share what you need to know. 

]]> http://www.achrnews.com/articles/166434 Thu, 16 Jul 2026 07:00:00 -0400 https://www.achrnews.com/articles/166434-refrigerant-leaks-at-startup-identifying-and-preventing-common-issues HVACR offers solid pay and growing interest, but attracting and retaining younger techs may require higher compensation that reflects the technical, regulatory, and problem-solving demands of the job. HVACR offers solid pay and growing interest, but attracting and retaining younger techs may require higher compensation that reflects the technical, regulatory, and problem-solving demands of the job. 

]]> http://www.achrnews.com/blogs/17/post/166433 Wed, 15 Jul 2026 07:00:00 -0400 https://www.achrnews.com/blogs/17-opinions/post/166433-silicon-valleys-bet-on-the-trades-could-be-good-for-hvacr sloned@achrnews.com (Dana Slone) The report suggests the biggest competitive advantages in 2026 will come from operational discipline, recurring revenue strategies, and company culture. The report suggests the biggest competitive advantages in 2026 will come from operational discipline, recurring revenue strategies, and company culture. 

]]> http://www.achrnews.com/articles/166429 Tue, 14 Jul 2026 07:00:00 -0400 https://www.achrnews.com/articles/166429-seven-business-trends-reshaping-home-service-contractors sloned@achrnews.com (Dana Slone) HVAC experts say addressing performance drift can be tricky since it isn’t apparent. Learn the signs and how to stop small issues from becoming larger ones. HVAC experts say addressing performance drift can be tricky since it isn’t apparent. Learn the signs and how to stop small issues from becoming larger ones.  

]]> http://www.achrnews.com/articles/166422 Mon, 13 Jul 2026 07:00:00 -0400 https://www.achrnews.com/articles/166422-performance-drift-the-hidden-efficiency-problem-raising-hvacr-costs With TV Advertising, here's how to measure what matters and determine whether a campaign is driving real business results. With TV Advertising, here's how to measure what matters and determine whether a campaign is driving real business results. 

]]> http://www.achrnews.com/articles/166421 Sun, 12 Jul 2026 07:00:00 -0400 https://www.achrnews.com/articles/166421-is-tv-advertising-finally-worth-it-for-hvac-contractors mattjachman@achrnews.com (Matt Jachman) Every HVAC business is generating valuable data. Experts explain which numbers matter most, and how contractors can use them to boost efficiency, profitability, and growth. Every HVAC business is generating valuable data. Experts explain which numbers matter most, and how contractors can use them to boost efficiency, profitability, and growth. 

]]> http://www.achrnews.com/articles/166413 Fri, 10 Jul 2026 07:00:00 -0400 https://www.achrnews.com/articles/166413-how-smart-contractors-turn-data-into-dollars mariataylor@achrnews.com (Maria Taylor) Stan Johnson remembers when engineers sought out his family's company because they had something few HVAC contractors did: a homemade vacuum pump. Stan Johnson remembers when engineers sought out his family's company because they had something few HVAC contractors did: a homemade vacuum pump. 

]]> http://www.achrnews.com/articles/166418 Thu, 09 Jul 2026 17:00:00 -0400 https://www.achrnews.com/articles/166418-it-doesnt-seem-like-much-is-the-same-except-that-its-still-hvac chrisgray@achrnews.com (Chris Gray) Geothermal technology could become an important tool for reducing data center energy use, but HVAC contractors need more than enthusiasm to take advantage of this opportunity. Geothermal technology could become an important tool for reducing data center energy use, but HVAC contractors need more than enthusiasm to take advantage of this opportunity. 

]]> http://www.achrnews.com/articles/166407 Thu, 09 Jul 2026 07:00:00 -0400 https://www.achrnews.com/articles/166407-can-geothermal-technology-decarbonize-data-centers In a volatile HVAC market, contractors are learning that pricing cannot be left to gut instinct, old schedules, or last month’s costs. In a volatile HVAC market, contractors are learning that pricing cannot be left to gut instinct, old schedules, or last month’s costs. 

]]> http://www.achrnews.com/articles/166402 Wed, 08 Jul 2026 07:00:00 -0400 https://www.achrnews.com/articles/166402-rising-costs-force-contractors-to-take-a-harder-look-at-pricing The skilled trades may offer a new path and second opportunities for inmates preparing to re-enter the workforce in Indiana. The skilled trades may offer a new path and second opportunities for inmates preparing to re-enter the workforce in Indiana.

]]> http://www.achrnews.com/articles/166405 Wed, 08 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.achrnews.com/articles/166405-the-newsmakers-podcast-phcc-indiana-brings-pre-apprentice-hvac-training-to-hamilton-county-jail chrisgray@achrnews.com (Chris Gray) As lawsuits against HVAC contractors increase due to faulty systems or poor installations, better documentation will help protect them against litigation. As lawsuits against HVAC contractors increase due to faulty systems or poor installations, better documentation will help protect them against litigation. 

]]> http://www.achrnews.com/articles/166397 Tue, 07 Jul 2026 07:00:00 -0400 https://www.achrnews.com/articles/166397-get-it-in-writing-how-hvac-contractors-can-avoid-lawsuits sloned@achrnews.com (Dana Slone) AI is reshaping the customer journey as homeowners research HVAC systems, well before ever making the first contractor call. AI is reshaping the customer journey as homeowners research HVAC systems, well before ever making the first contractor call. 

]]> http://www.achrnews.com/articles/166395 Mon, 06 Jul 2026 13:00:00 -0400 https://www.achrnews.com/articles/166395-talk-to-my-agent-how-ai-is-changing-the-hvac-sales-conversation The trades offer an incredible career path. But we’re not the ones who need convincing: It’s future employees. The trades offer an incredible career path. But we’re not the ones who need convincing: It’s future employees. 

]]> http://www.achrnews.com/articles/166388 Sun, 05 Jul 2026 07:00:00 -0400 https://www.achrnews.com/articles/166388-the-future-of-the-trades-starts-with-todays-decisions Technical expertise matters, but trust is what builds loyal customers. Here’s why communication and empathy should be part of every technician's training. Technical expertise matters, but trust is what builds loyal customers. Here’s why communication and empathy should be part of every technician's training. 

]]> http://www.achrnews.com/articles/166390 Sat, 04 Jul 2026 07:00:00 -0400 https://www.achrnews.com/articles/166390-the-competitive-advantage-isnt-just-hvac-technical-expertise sloned@achrnews.com (Dana Slone) The case is a reminder for contractors across the industry: emergency calls may present sales opportunities, but misrepresentation and pressure carry real legal risk. The case is a reminder for contractors across the industry: emergency calls may present sales opportunities, but misrepresentation and pressure carry real legal risk. 

]]> http://www.achrnews.com/articles/166384 Fri, 03 Jul 2026 07:00:12 -0400 https://www.achrnews.com/articles/166384-hvac-contractor-agrees-to-300k-settlement-over-alleged-deceptive-sales-practices mariataylor@achrnews.com (Maria Taylor) The saturation of homes with some type of air conditioning, central or room unit, grew from 45% in 6 years. The saturation of homes with some type of air conditioning, central or room unit, grew from 45% in 6 years. 

]]> http://www.achrnews.com/articles/166386 Thu, 02 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.achrnews.com/articles/166386-the-1970s-from-energy-crisis-to-hvac-boom