Apps & Software

Five Tips For HVAC Contractors Thinking about Adding Chatbots

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 07:00:00 -0400

One of AI's biggest benefits? Answering the simple questions from customers. But there are a few caveats contractors should consider before launching something like this.

Software Rules in HVAC Load Calculations

mattjachman@achrnews.com (Matt Jachman) — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 11:00:00 -0400

Load calculations, and using software to do them, are key traits of the contractor of the future, according to a new ACCA report.

Crawl, Walk, Run: How HVAC Contractors Are Successfully Adopting AI in 2026

chrisgray@achrnews.com (Chris Gray) — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 13:00:00 -0400

With so many AI platforms on the market, knowing where to start and what delivers ROI can be overwhelming. Industry experts share how contractors are cutting through the noise and seeing measurable gains.

AI and Automation Take Center Stage at AHR 2026

bellolih@bnpmedia.com (Hannah Belloli-Oster) — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 13:00:00 -0400

From AI-powered voice agents and conversational assistants to cloud platforms and digital sales tools, this year’s software innovations focused on helping contractors save time, improve customer communication, and make faster, more informed decisions in the field.

The NEWSMakers Podcast: Report - Contractors Face New Digital Reality as AI Search Grows

Sun, 22 Mar 2026 13:00:00 -0400

Jamie Adams, CRO at Scorpion, explains how homeowners are now frequently turning to AI tools, and prioritizing the online reputation of HVAC contractors before booking.

The NEWSMakers Podcast: Aaron Services Launches AI Assistant to Help Troubleshoot Plumbing Problems

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 16:00:00 -0400

New AI chatbot and Alexa tool from Aaron Services gives customers quick answers — and helps contractors capture more service calls.

How Contractors Can Stop Losing Orders to Texts, Sticky Notes, and Guesswork

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 13:00:00 -0500

Tiny, everyday errors like missed texts or unconfirmed orders can lead to massive losses. Learn how to optimize your operations to keep those hard-earned profits.

HVAC Trends: Artificial Intelligence and HVACR

bellolih@bnpmedia.com (Hannah Belloli-Oster) — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 17:00:00 -0500

Jimmy Thompson, senior sales manager, HVAC, at Podium, talked with us about how AI helps contractors communicate with homeowners, how contractors can take the first step toward implementing AI, how AI can help build authentic connections, and the biggest AI barrier’s he’s seeing from techs in the field.

The NEWSMakers Podcast: HVAC Software’s Next Phase - Fewer Apps, Tighter Workflows

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 13:00:00 -0500

On this episode of the NEWSMakers Podcast, Bluon CEO Peter Capuciati breaks down why embedding functionality directly into platforms like ServiceTitan may be the key to real technician buy-in.

NAVAC Introduces Smartphone-Style Manifolds to Speed HVAC Diagnostics

chrisgray@achrnews.com (Chris Gray) — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 17:00:00 -0500

During the 2026 AHR Expo, NAVAC pushed HVAC tool innovation forward with 18 new product launches, including digital manifold gauges that adopt smartphone-style touchscreen technology to make diagnostics faster and intuitive.

Using AI to Win the Digital Marketing Race

bellolih@bnpmedia.com (Hannah Belloli-Oster) — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 07:00:00 -0500

Not sure where to start with AI? During a learning lab on the PHCC trade show floor, Andrew Adams, director of partnership marketing at Scorpion, outlined some AI must-dos to win the digital marketing race.

How Southern Home Services is Using AI Automation to Transform HVAC Operations

chrisgray@achrnews.com (Chris Gray) — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 17:30:00 -0500

By adopting ServiceTitan’s AI-powered Max Program across 27 businesses, Southern Home Services is betting automation will define the future of HVAC operations.

AI for HVAC Contractors: Where to Start, What to Avoid, and What Works

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 07:00:00 -0500

AI is already influencing HVAC pricing, coaching, and operations. Jackie Sponsler explains how contractors can use it without triggering fear or confusion.

5 Realistic Ways AI Can Empower Your HVAC Business in 2026

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 07:00:00 -0500

HVAC companies are discovering that AI can handle the administrative grind, freeing up people to focus on skilled labor, customer relationships, and growth.

Smart Thermostats, Smarter Installs: Commissioning Steps That Cut Callbacks

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 07:00:00 -0500

Pro Setup, Wi-Fi verification, and on-site homeowner training keep smart controls from turning into service headaches

ACCA Launches New AI App

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 07:00:00 -0500

The only app being powered by ACCA’s extensive manuals has just hit the market — and this is only the beginning.

ChatGPT Is Forcing HVAC Contractors to Post Prices Online

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 13:00:00 -0500

It is important for HVAC contractors to post prices on their website so homeowners can find them when doing an AI search.

HVAC Operations Playbook: From Software Sprawl to Measurable ROI

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 07:00:00 -0400

Prices are up and tech is evolving fast. Powerhouse Consulting’s Jenny Benbrook outlines where ROI is left on the table, how to phase improvements, and why “the way it’s always been done” is dragging margins.

How AI Helps Streamline HVAC Diagnostics and Customer Communication

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Perhaps the greatest advantage AI can provide is dramatically accelerating how quickly dealers can diagnose and resolve customer issues. By instantly accessing comprehensive data about each homeowner's HVAC system, dealers can identify problems in minutes rather than hours.

Predictive Software and Smart Dispatch Help Contractors Do More With Less

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 07:00:00 -0400

Facing a labor crunch, HVAC contractors are leaning on predictive software and smart dispatching to cut costs and boost efficiency.

The NEWSMakers Podcast: AI, Google Search, and HVAC

bellolih@bnpmedia.com (Hannah Belloli-Oster) — Wed, 11 Jun 2025 14:00:00 -0400

On this episode, Nathaniel “Than” Hancock, chief operating officer at Podium, and Keith Massey, strategic partner manager, Podium, join us to explore how AI is transforming customer communication in the HVAC industry.

AI and the HVAC Contractor

Tue, 20 May 2025 01:00:00 -0400

Whether it’s smart alerts that catch issues early or AI that handles customer calls and messages 24/7, this tech helps your team focus on what matters most

Flip the Script — and the Manual: HVAC Training Goes AI

bellolih@bnpmedia.com (Hannah Belloli-Oster) — Thu, 08 May 2025 07:00:00 -0400

I often dream of a world where the only technology is a rotary phone. But in reality, today’s software can have a massive positive impact — and it starts with a smartphone.

AI Transforms the Daily Grind for HVAC Contractors

bellolih@bnpmedia.com (Hannah Belloli-Oster) — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 13:00:00 -0400

Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing HVAC contractor’s day-to-day jobs.

HVAC Q&A Episode 8: AI & HVAC Lead Management

mariataylor@achrnews.com (Maria Taylor) — Sat, 08 Feb 2025 07:00:00 -0500

Can AI help HVAC contractors run their business better? In this video, three software companies explain how contractors can use AI for lead management.

Achieve Building Decarbonization with Modern Controls

Thu, 06 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500

With the right controls, HVAC systems can do more than ever. Buildings can be more sustainable. Learn more about what modern controls can do for your buildings.

Symbio® 700 Equipment Controllers: Servicing & Troubleshooting with the Symbio® Mobile App

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500

From diagnostic codes to alarms, the Symbio^® Mobile App’ s features, navigation, and easy access change today’s approach for technician servicing and troubleshooting of Symbio^® 700.

AI Can Be a Help and a Headache

Fri, 08 Nov 2024 07:00:00 -0500

If used correctly, AI can potentially enhance efficiency and accuracy across multiple industries, including HVACR.

HVAC Contractor Ditches Paper, Pen, and Binder for App and Scannable Labels

Sat, 19 Oct 2024 07:00:00 -0400

With modern technology, HVAC contractors can leave paperwork behind, and instead share information in real-time.

AI and 'Ask A2L'

mattjachman@achrnews.com (Matt Jachman) — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 07:00:00 -0400

Artificial intelligence and HARDI’s new AI tool were big topics during the group’s recent Focus conference in Dallas, Texas.