Service and Maintenance .taxonomy-header__description{ width: 675px !important; max-width: 100% !important; }

Courtesy sturti (E+)

Essential skills for HVACR technicians, including system diagnostics, service call challenges, troubleshooting, and routine maintenance practices.

]]> https://www.achrnews.com/rss/2238-service-and-maintenance en-us Report: 50% of Homeowners Avoiding HVAC Maintenance chrisgray@achrnews.com (Chris Gray) The 2026 Summer Cooling Report shows 99% of respondents across all income brackets, regions, and generations are altering their cooling and spending habits.

]]> http://www.achrnews.com/articles/166301 Tue, 09 Jun 2026 15:00:00 -0400 https://www.achrnews.com/articles/166301-report-50-of-homeowners-avoiding-hvac-maintenance Keeping Residential Ductless Systems Clean and Efficient Self-cleaning ductless systems help reduce buildup, but regular manual cleaning remains essential to maintain efficiency, airflow, and IAQ over time. 

]]> http://www.achrnews.com/articles/166291 Mon, 08 Jun 2026 13:00:00 -0400 https://www.achrnews.com/articles/166291-keeping-residential-ductless-systems-clean-and-efficient 10 Takeaways from Housecall Pro’s Latest Survey With homeowners delaying big-ticket projects but still spending on urgent repairs, HVAC contractors that respond quickly and offer clear options may be best positioned to win. 

]]> http://www.achrnews.com/articles/166259 Fri, 29 May 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.achrnews.com/articles/166259-10-takeaways-from-housecall-pros-latest-survey Common Installation Mistakes That Harm HVAC Performance chrisgray@achrnews.com (Chris Gray) HVAC experts weigh in on the most common installation mistakes that can kill system performance.

]]> http://www.achrnews.com/articles/166255 Thu, 28 May 2026 15:25:00 -0400 https://www.achrnews.com/articles/166255-common-installation-mistakes-that-harm-hvac-performance Modern Coils, New Risks: Rethinking HVAC Cleaning Practices Dirty coils still hurt performance, raise operating pressures, and contribute to costly failures, but cleaning them improperly can create a whole new set of problems. 

]]> http://www.achrnews.com/articles/166195 Wed, 13 May 2026 07:00:00 -0400 https://www.achrnews.com/articles/166195-modern-coils-new-risks-rethinking-hvac-cleaning-practices The NEWSMakers Podcast: How Sensor Technology Is Changing Condensate Management http://www.achrnews.com/articles/166191 Tue, 12 May 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.achrnews.com/articles/166191-the-newsmakers-podcast-how-sensor-technology-is-changing-condensate-management Heat Pump Troubleshooting, Part 3: Stuck Sliders and Hidden Leaks A magnet, a thermometer, and the right pressure readings can tell you everything about a failing reversing valve. 

]]> http://www.achrnews.com/articles/166134 Tue, 28 Apr 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.achrnews.com/articles/166134-heat-pump-troubleshooting-part-3-stuck-sliders-and-hidden-leaks 6 of the Most Common HVAC Installation Mistakes Killing System Performance bellolih@bnpmedia.com (Hannah Belloli-Oster) Across the industry, gaps in system design, commissioning, airflow, and more are still rearing their ugly head, impacting contractor credibility, homeowner satisfaction, and the carefully manufactured HVAC system itself.

]]> http://www.achrnews.com/articles/166129 Mon, 27 Apr 2026 07:00:00 -0400 https://www.achrnews.com/articles/166129-6-of-the-most-common-hvac-installation-mistakes-killing-system-performance Why Summer HVAC Failures Start in Spring — and How Contractors Can Help Customers Get Ahead of Them Emergency calls may spike in summer, but the causes often trace back to spring. Proactive inspections and early planning can make the difference between disruption and control.

]]> http://www.achrnews.com/articles/166076 Wed, 15 Apr 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.achrnews.com/articles/166076-why-summer-hvac-failures-start-in-spring-and-how-contractors-can-help-customers-get-ahead-of-them Service Tips for R-290 Refrigeration Equipment R-290 isn’t hard to handle — but it does require a different mindset. The key to working safely? Understanding what’s different and adjusting accordingly.  

]]> http://www.achrnews.com/articles/166073 Tue, 14 Apr 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.achrnews.com/articles/166073-service-tips-for-r-290-refrigeration-equipment Eliminating Heat Pump Callbacks Before They Start Most callbacks can be avoided when contractors treat heat pump design, installation, and commissioning as a full-system process.  

]]> http://www.achrnews.com/articles/166072 Tue, 14 Apr 2026 07:00:00 -0400 https://www.achrnews.com/articles/166072-eliminating-heat-pump-callbacks-before-they-start The Pros and Cons of Electric Work Vans for HVAC Contractors chrisgray@achrnews.com (Chris Gray) Contractors debating whether to go electric for their work trucks have more than higher electric bills and reduced maintenance to consider.   

]]> http://www.achrnews.com/articles/166069 Mon, 13 Apr 2026 07:00:00 -0400 https://www.achrnews.com/articles/166069-the-pros-and-cons-of-electric-work-vans-for-hvac-contractors AI and HVAC: Techs are Safe, but Office Roles Face High Risk chrisgray@achrnews.com (Chris Gray) HVAC installation and repair work remain largely safe from AI, but the technology could reshape office roles inside HVAC businesses. 

]]> http://www.achrnews.com/articles/165979 Fri, 20 Mar 2026 13:00:00 -0400 https://www.achrnews.com/articles/165979-ai-and-hvac-techs-are-safe-but-office-roles-face-high-risk The NEWSMakers Podcast: Stop Blaming the Market - The Real Fix for HVAC Labor and Margin Pressure http://www.achrnews.com/articles/165880 Sun, 01 Mar 2026 13:01:00 -0500 https://www.achrnews.com/articles/165880-the-newsmakers-podcast-stop-blaming-the-market-the-real-fix-for-hvac-labor-and-margin-pressure When Heating Systems Fail Midwinter, Everyone Notices An HVAC system failure during peak heating season can lead to lost revenue for businesses. 

]]> http://www.achrnews.com/articles/165882 Sun, 01 Mar 2026 07:00:00 -0500 https://www.achrnews.com/articles/165882-when-heating-systems-fail-midwinter-everyone-notices The NEWSMakers Podcast: When Winter Hits Hard http://www.achrnews.com/articles/165748 Sun, 22 Feb 2026 07:00:00 -0500 https://www.achrnews.com/articles/165748-the-newsmakers-podcast-when-winter-hits-hard  Ensuring Proper Oil Return to the Compressor Ensuring proper oil return is not just a maintenance consideration; it is a fundamental design requirement for every refrigeration system. 

]]> http://www.achrnews.com/articles/165835 Thu, 19 Feb 2026 13:00:00 -0500 https://www.achrnews.com/articles/165835-ensuring-proper-oil-return-to-the-compressor Gas Furnace Installation: What Every HVAC Technician Must Get Right Venting rules change with efficiency — and mixing them up can lead to moisture buildup, heat exchanger damage, and dangerous combustion issues. 

]]> http://www.achrnews.com/articles/165804 Wed, 11 Feb 2026 07:00:00 -0500 https://www.achrnews.com/articles/165804-gas-furnace-installation-what-every-hvac-technician-must-get-right How Tankless Water Heaters Work Tankless systems eliminate storage tanks, but demand proper sequencing, balanced piping, and regular flushing to perform as intended. 

]]> http://www.achrnews.com/articles/165754 Mon, 02 Feb 2026 07:00:00 -0500 https://www.achrnews.com/articles/165754-how-tankless-water-heaters-work Best Practices for Working with A2L Refrigerants The shift to A2L refrigerants may seem daunting, but with proper tools, training, and safety know-how, contractors can handle the change with confidence.  

]]> http://www.achrnews.com/articles/165738 Mon, 26 Jan 2026 13:00:00 -0500 https://www.achrnews.com/articles/165738-best-practices-for-working-with-a2l-refrigerants Troubleshooting Heat Pumps Stuck in One Mode A reversing valve can fail 3 ways: stuck in position, defective/displaced, or internal leak. 

]]> http://www.achrnews.com/articles/165729 Fri, 23 Jan 2026 07:00:00 -0500 https://www.achrnews.com/articles/165729-troubleshooting-heat-pumps-stuck-in-one-mode Understanding a Defrost Board on a Heat Pump This technical primer breaks down defrost control board operation, key components, and practical troubleshooting steps every HVACR technician should know. 

]]> http://www.achrnews.com/articles/165721 Wed, 21 Jan 2026 07:00:00 -0500 https://www.achrnews.com/articles/165721-understanding-a-defrost-board-on-a-heat-pump Dual Fuel Done Right: It Starts Before the Thermostat  Heat pumps may be leading sales, but dual fuel systems are winning on trust, redundancy, and real-world reliability. 

]]> http://www.achrnews.com/articles/165716 Tue, 20 Jan 2026 07:00:00 -0500 https://www.achrnews.com/articles/165716-dual-fuel-done-right-it-starts-before-the-thermostat How HVAC Systems Impact Building Energy Costs Individual energy-saving habits help, but buildings consume far more energy. Here’s what really drives efficiency.

]]> http://www.achrnews.com/articles/165685 Sun, 18 Jan 2026 07:00:00 -0500 https://www.achrnews.com/articles/165685-how-hvac-systems-impact-building-energy-costs Solid Versus Stranded Wire in Refrigeration Systems When replacing refrigeration components, wiring may also need updating. Techs must choose the correct wire gauge for the amperage, as well as decide between solid or stranded wire. 

]]> http://www.achrnews.com/articles/165692 Tue, 13 Jan 2026 13:00:00 -0500 https://www.achrnews.com/articles/165692-solid-versus-stranded-wire-in-refrigeration-systems Cold Climate Heat Pumps: What Contractors Need to Know About Performance, Incentives, and Selling the Benefits Modern heat pumps are engineered for extreme cold, yet misconceptions persist. Field data and proper system design are changing how contractors approach winter heating solutions.

]]> http://www.achrnews.com/articles/165686 Sun, 11 Jan 2026 07:00:00 -0500 https://www.achrnews.com/articles/165686-cold-climate-heat-pumps-what-contractors-need-to-know-about-performance-incentives-and-selling-the-benefits The Smarter Path to Reliable HVAC in Older Buildings Many commercial buildings still rely on aging HVAC systems. A data-driven approach to audits, maintenance, and capital planning can unlock efficiency gains without a full overhaul.

]]> http://www.achrnews.com/articles/165684 Sat, 10 Jan 2026 07:00:00 -0500 https://www.achrnews.com/articles/165684-the-smarter-path-to-reliable-hvac-in-older-buildings Troubleshooting the Heat Pump Defrost Cycle: A Step-By-Step Guide If defrost isn’t working, something in the chain is broken. This step-by-step approach shows you exactly where to look and what to test.

]]> http://www.achrnews.com/articles/165673 Thu, 08 Jan 2026 07:00:00 -0500 https://www.achrnews.com/articles/165673-troubleshooting-the-heat-pump-defrost-cycle-a-step-by-step-guide 5 Smart Strategies for Servicing Refrigeration Equipment Proactive maintenance, smart scheduling, and open communication let technicians service busy commercial kitchens efficiently, minimizing disruption and keeping customers satisfied.

]]> http://www.achrnews.com/articles/165639 Fri, 26 Dec 2025 07:00:00 -0500 https://www.achrnews.com/articles/165639-5-smart-strategies-for-servicing-refrigeration-equipment Safer RTU Service: Field-Tested Ways to Use Sensors and Smart Practices to Cut Ladder Climbs Rooftop service will never be risk-free, but new tools are helping to make unnecessary climbs a thing of the past. 

]]> http://www.achrnews.com/articles/165607 Mon, 15 Dec 2025 07:00:00 -0500 https://www.achrnews.com/articles/165607-safer-rtu-service-field-tested-ways-to-use-sensors-and-smart-practices-to-cut-ladder-climbs