HVAC Contracting

Get it in Writing: How HVAC Contractors Can Avoid Lawsuits

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

As lawsuits against HVAC contractors increase due to faulty systems or poor installations, better documentation will help protect them against litigation.

Talk to My Agent: How AI Is Changing the HVAC Sales Conversation

sloned@achrnews.com (Dana Slone) — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 13:00:00 -0400

AI is reshaping the customer journey as homeowners research HVAC systems, well before ever making the first contractor call.

The Future of the Trades Starts With Today’s Decisions

Sun, 05 Jul 2026 07:00:00 -0400

The trades offer an incredible career path. But we’re not the ones who need convincing: It’s future employees.

The Competitive Advantage Isn’t Just HVAC Technical Expertise

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 07:00:00 -0400

Technical expertise matters, but trust is what builds loyal customers. Here’s why communication and empathy should be part of every technician's training.

HVAC Contractor Agrees to $300K Settlement Over Alleged Deceptive Sales Practices

sloned@achrnews.com (Dana Slone) — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 07:00:12 -0400

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 1970s: From Energy Crisis to HVAC Boom

mariataylor@achrnews.com (Maria Taylor) — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0400

The saturation of homes with some type of air conditioning, central or room unit, grew from 45% in 6 years.

July Weather Outlook Signals High Heat Pressure Across U.S.

sloned@achrnews.com (Dana Slone) — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0400

Above-normal temperatures across much of the United States could push cooling equipment harder.

HVAC Price Increase List: July 2026

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 07:00:00 -0400

Several HVACR manufacturers announced price increases taking effect in July, with adjustments ranging from item-specific changes to increases as high as 10%.

HVAC Enrollment Is Outperforming Broader Vocational Education

sloned@achrnews.com (Dana Slone) — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 07:00:00 -0400

HVAC trade enrollment growth coincides with increased industry efforts to promote skilled trades careers and highlight the job security and earning potential available.

Predictive Maintenance's Value Isn't the Software — It's the Outcome

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 07:00:00 -0400

Predictive maintenance succeeds not through software alone, but by combining analytics with expert execution to deliver uptime, lower costs, and measurable customer savings.

Beyond Cash Flow: Financing Strategies for HVAC Owners

Sun, 28 Jun 2026 07:00:00 -0400

The HVAC industry has its own distinct characteristics compared to other trades, and this is especially evident in the financing landscape.

Customer Service Is Not Dead: How an R.E. Michel Sales Representative Saved the Day

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 07:00:00 -0400

With drywall crews scheduled and a tight deadline looming, a missing 200 feet of PEX tubing could have derailed a major project.

How the Bipartisan Housing Affordability Bill Impacts the HVAC Industry

chrisgray@achrnews.com (Chris Gray) — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:00:00 -0400

The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act has nearly 50 provisions aimed at making housing more affordable and available, which could boost HVAC business.

DOE Updates $8.8B Home Energy Rebate Program Guidance

chrisgray@achrnews.com (Chris Gray) — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0400

The HOMES and HEEHR rebate programs open opportunities for HVAC contractors to provide energy efficiency upgrades to homeowners.

When Refrigerants Change, So Do the Contactors

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 07:00:00 -0400

Refrigerant choice and electrical design are no longer separate decisions, as A2L systems bring new requirements for ignition protection and compliance.

A2L Refrigerant Transition Raises New Compliance Questions

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 07:00:04 -0400

With the A2L transition underway, the ICC explains what contractors need to know about codes, labeling, and refrigerant issues.

4 Myths About Getting Into HVAC

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 07:00:00 -0400

The biggest challenges in HVAC aren't always technical. Here's a look at 4 myths that can affect confidence, career decisions, and day-to-day life in the trade.

The Hidden Cost of Skipping Commissioning

Sat, 20 Jun 2026 07:00:00 -0400

The real cost of skipping commissioning isn't the price of a service call — it's the cumulative drag on building performance over the years.

A2L Mitigation for Refrigeration Systems

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 07:00:00 -0400

As A2L refrigerants enter commercial refrigeration, charge limits are driving new requirements for leak detection, system isolation, and ventilation in confined spaces.

SCOTUS Declines To Hear Chinese Tariffs Case

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 10:30:00 -0400

The Supreme Court’s refusal to hear a challenge to Section 301 tariffs leaves Chinese import duties in place and HVACR supply-chain costs under continued pressure.

Report: Only 65% of HVAC Technician Time is Billable Hours

chrisgray@achrnews.com (Chris Gray) — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 07:00:00 -0400

A new report from Field Promax indicates that about three hours per day of a technician’s paid time aren’t being optimized.

EPA Final Rule’s Impact on R-410A Deadlines

chrisgray@achrnews.com (Chris Gray) — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 15:20:00 -0400

EPA officials say changes to the 2023 Technology Transition Rule help unburden businesses, but HVAC industry associations say the rule will impact refrigerant demand and food retailer transitions to lower-GWP refrigeration systems.

Predicting the Next Service Call

sloned@achrnews.com (Dana Slone) — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 07:00:00 -0400

Connected HVAC systems and AI-driven diagnostics are helping contractors shift from reactive repairs to predictive maintenance.

Scaling Service in a Technician Shortage

Sun, 14 Jun 2026 07:00:00 -0400

Only about 20% of homeowners enroll in maintenance plans, but contractors who scale memberships with connected systems are turning retention into higher productivity and stronger valuations.

The Hidden Threat to Your HVAC Business: Is Your Subcontractor Supply Chain Safe?

Sat, 13 Jun 2026 07:00:00 -0400

With strict new EPA rules around the low-GWP transition, a single subcontractor’s expired certification or missing insurance form can trigger heavy fines or halt a job entirely.

Google Announces $50M Commitment to Supporting Skilled Trades

chrisgray@achrnews.com (Chris Gray) — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0400

Google is committing $50 million to help develop training programs across the country to meet the demand for skilled trades workers in HVAC and other sectors.

HVAC Industry Warns of Counterfeit Refrigerants Entering U.S. Supply Chain

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

HVAC contractors and distributors need to be wary of refrigerants that are packaged to imitate trusted brands but contain illegal contents.

HVAC Manufacturers Respond to Growing Data Center Backlash

chrisgray@achrnews.com (Chris Gray) — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 07:00:00 -0400

As communities push back against data center development, HVAC is positioning itself as part of the solution, not the problem.

Report: 50% of Homeowners Avoiding HVAC Maintenance

chrisgray@achrnews.com (Chris Gray) — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 15:00:00 -0400

The 2026 Summer Cooling Report shows 99% of respondents across all income brackets, regions, and generations are altering their cooling and spending habits.

I Touched AI — It Didn’t Bite

mariataylor@achrnews.com (Maria Taylor) — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 07:00:00 -0400

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