HVAC Residential Market

Rising Costs Force Contractors to Take a Harder Look at Pricing

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 07:00:00 -0400

In a volatile HVAC market, contractors are learning that pricing cannot be left to gut instinct, old schedules, or last month’s costs.

Bipartisan Housing Bill and the HVAC Industry

chrisgray@achrnews.com (Chris Gray) — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 13:35:00 -0400

Find out how the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act could impact the HVAC industry, from streamlining projects to smart tech adoption.

HVAC Groups Support DOE’s Rulemaking to Cut Energy Efficiency Mandates

chrisgray@achrnews.com (Chris Gray) — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 11:30:00 -0400

DOE claims it will permanently end appliance and equipment mandates that raise prices with its latest proposed rulemaking.

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.

Survey: Homeowners are Ready To Skip Dining Out To Pay for Summer A/C Bills

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

A new survey of 1,000 homeowners by SupplyHouse shows more are avoiding calling an HVAC pro because they’re afraid of the costs

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.

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%.

Would You Pay More For A House With A Heat Pump? Some Americans Would

mariataylor@achrnews.com (Maria Taylor) — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 13:00:00 -0400

HVAC might finally be getting the attention it deserves from homebuyers. But the value of a high-efficiency system disappears if it’s not pointed out.

1950s: Texas’ Air-Conditioned Village Sets the Standard

chrisgray@achrnews.com (Chris Gray) — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 09:00:00 -0400

In the early 1950s, manufacturers and home builders came together to create the Air Conditioned Village in Austin, Texas.

Have Heat Pumps Had It? 1960s Series Questioned the Equipment’s Future

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 10:00:00 -0400

In the 1960s, engineers and contractors clashed over the role heat pumps played in the HVAC industry, lending credence to the saying that history doesn’t repeat itself, but it often rhymes.

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.

Section 232 Tariffs Lowered for HVAC Components

chrisgray@achrnews.com (Chris Gray) — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 10:00:00 -0400

President Trump lowered Section 232 tariff rates for certain HVAC components, providing what some estimates show as billions of dollars in savings for consumers.

Platinum Equity to Sell Heat Controller to Lennox

sloned@achrnews.com (Dana Slone) — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 11:30:25 -0400

The transaction brings two established brands under the Lennox umbrella and continues the manufacturer’s effort to expand its equipment, parts, and supply offerings.

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.

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.

April HVAC Shipments Show Cooling Rebound Among Soft Market

chrisgray@achrnews.com (Chris Gray) — 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.

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.

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.

Keeping Residential Ductless Systems Clean and Efficient

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 13:00:00 -0400

Self-cleaning ductless systems help reduce buildup, but regular manual cleaning remains essential to maintain efficiency, airflow, and IAQ over time.

Portable A/C Units Enter the Smart HVAC Era

chrisgray@achrnews.com (Chris Gray) — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 07:00:00 -0400

A survey of homeowners shows portable a/c adoption on the rise, thanks in part to smart controls and modern innovations providing more connectivity and control.

Survey: HVAC Smart Tech Adoption at 76% with Homeowners

chrisgray@achrnews.com (Chris Gray) — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 07:00:00 -0400

HVAC buyers are increasingly favoring heat pumps, smart tech, and IAQ, according to the 2025 American Home Comfort Study.

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.

HVAC Price Increase List: June 2026

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0400

Manufacturers announced June HVACR price increases ranging from modest adjustments to double-digit hikes, with flexible duct, insulation, valves, filtration products, motors, and water heaters among the affected categories.

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.

Contractors Have Four Years to Prepare for Next Recession

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 07:00:00 -0400

An economist forecasts economic growth for the next four years but warns contractors will face sustained inflation-driven cost pressures before a projected downturn in 2030.

10 Takeaways from Housecall Pro’s Latest Survey

Fri, 29 May 2026 11:00:00 -0400

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.

Going High Tech with HVACR Tools

mattjachman@achrnews.com (Matt Jachman) — Fri, 29 May 2026 07:00:00 -0400

Battery power, wireless connectivity, and integration with smartphone apps are some of the common features of newer smart tools for HVACR professionals.

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.

HARDI Says Shipments Have Bottomed. Now Comes the Hard Part

mariataylor@achrnews.com (Maria Taylor) — Wed, 20 May 2026 13:00:00 -0400

HARDI’s data suggests the HVAC industry may be exiting the inventory correction phase — but it has not yet entered a demand-driven growth phase.